Our Therapists

Dianna is a graduate from the Vancouver College of Massage Therapy, she’s energetic and ready to help those in need. Her love for massage continues to grow through her studies and practice, she is thankful for all her patients and the bond they’ve developed on their journey to recovery. Dianna enjoys providing a combination of relaxation and therapeutic techniques involving Myofascial work, Neuromuscular techniques, Trigger point and Active releases, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation and good ol’ Swedish massage but is eager to learn Craniosacral and Infant massage. As a former pastry chef her dream was to put a smile on everyone’s faces through the art of baking and pastry but she has since then hung up the apron and has picked up an oil bottle and holster. She loves to explore all things outdoors from hiking a mountain to outback camping. However she never says no to a cozy stay at home kind of day. One of her aspiring goals is to help and educate pastry cooks/chefs about their biomechanics and self care to prolong their career and maintain a healthier lifestyle. Being in the industry prior, it is so easy for chefs to put their work first, mental health and self care/love last, hence she feels strongly that with a little bit of an adjustment they can extend their shelf life. She looks forward in seeing you in the treatment room.

With over two decades of experience in massage therapy, Evangeline brings variety and a depth of knowledge to her practice. She received her Diploma of Massage Therapy in 1997 at Vancouver's own West Coast College of Massage Therapy. Evangeline's education has continued over the course of her career and includes studies in myofascial, craniosacral, sports and pre/postnatal massage therapy. In her practice, she works with each client to customize each treatment to fit their unique needs, whether it's recovering from an acute or chronic condition or simply to optimize one's wellbeing. In 2014 Evangeline moved to California with her growing family and established a thriving practice as a licensed CMT in Los Angeles. Now back in Vancouver, Evangeline is excited to once again share her massage therapy expertise where her career began over twenty years ago.

Micah Cabelin is a graduate from West Coast College of Massage Therapy. She makes it her goal to help and support her patients by restoring flexibility, strength and balance to areas of pain and injury . She can empower her clients and help them get back to doing the things they love. Micah enjoys treating a wide variety of acute and chronic conditions using the following techniques: Swedish, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, joint mobilizations, neuromuscular techniques and active/passive fascial stretching. Micah is fluent in Tagalog and English.

Healing through massage is Lori’s lifework. In addition to having more than 20 years of experience as a massage therapist, she co-founded her first massage therapy studio in 1993 and opened Soma Studio on her own in 1999. Lori’s original focus was helping pregnant women, their partners and babies adjust to the changes that happen during the childbearing year. She has now expanded the practice to include clients who suffer from stress-induced pain and overuse conditions, or who are interested in preventative massage. Lori helps her clients to find ease in their bodies through deep tissue massage, therapeutic exercise, and yoga therapy. In addition to founding three successful massage therapy studios, she has continued her education into alternative techniques that will help her serve her clients. Besides practicing yoga, she loves cooking slow-food style, spending time outdoors and traveling. A movie buff – especially of foreign films – she has been a faithful Vancouver International Film Festival goer for years. Lori graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in 1989.

Lori works at Soma Studio Salt Spring Island.

Brittany grew up in the Lower Mainland and graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in 2013.  Believing that all bodies are good bodies, Brittany strives to create a safe and anti-oppressive space for patients of all ages, shapes, sizes, racial identities, gender identities, sexualities, and abilities.  To promote healing, Brittany combines the techniques of trigger point, fascial deep tissue, visceral, craniosacral & lymphatics.  Most interested in pediatrics care, inflammation, chronic pain & fatigue, scar tissue reduction, respiratory pathologies & head trauma.  As a strong believer in holistic and preventative medicine, she encourages her patients to treat their body, mind, and soul beyond the contexts of injury and illness.  Brittany loves the outdoors and wildlife, taking hot baths, spending quality time with her miniature daschund, and connecting with others over art and music.  Brittany is currently amplifying her touch in the Biodynamic Craniosacral program.

Victoria is a Registered Massage Therapist who graduated form Vancouver College of Massage Therapy. She believes massage therapy is a powerful tool in preventative physical and mental healthcare. She understands no two bodies are the same and tailors each treatment to meet your needs. Victoria encourages you to listen to your body and acknowledges that pain and stress affects everyone differently. She considers both the mind and body to help restore balance. She integrates an intuitive approach while using therapeutic and relaxation techniques to help you become present and release stress and tension. Victoria uses a variety of techniques depending on your comfort and treatment goals including Swedish massage, joint mobilizations, and myofascial release. Victoria has taken continuing education in pregnancy and infant massage, modern management for low back pain, and trauma informed yoga practice. She is a student of the world and eager to continue her journey of learning. When not at work Victoria loves travelling, hiking, and exploring delicious eats around the city.

Pamela states that “movement and sport will forever be my zen, my teacher, and my passion”. She learned confidence through big mountain skiing, mindfulness through yoga, perseverance through hiking, humility through surfing and invigoration through running. In summary, she states that it is her joie de vivre, and believes pain-free movement to be a crucial element of mental wellbeing. After enduring multiple sport related injuries, her trust in manual therapy as a sustainable, natural, and educating healing process/maintenance program began to evolve substantially and continues to grow. This curiosity led her to the study and practice of Massage Therapy. She has successfully completed her training at the Vancouver College of Massage Therapy and is now working as part of an integrative health model that aims to enrich wellbeing through holistic health practices. Her curiosity continues to fuel her practice and self-education in regards to pain science, neuromuscular connection, and the need to honour each individual’s unique presentation. Pamela’s treatment style aims to pair orthopaedic knowledge with the artistry of manual therapy. It is her goal to deliver an effective treatment that empowers individuals with knowledge about their body and how they can maintain a state of play!

Emily grew up in Coquitlam and is a graduate of Vancouver College of Massage Therapy. Currently trained in a broad range of techniques, including but not limited to: Myofascial, Deep Tissue, Neuromuscular, Joint mobilization, Trigger point release, and classic Swedish massage techniques. Emily strives to provide personalized and effective treatments to each patient that comes her way. In addition to massage therapy, she has a background of classical ballet and extensive training in other dance forms. In her spare time, Emily is a professional dancer and dance instructor who continues to train and teach children, youth, and adults in cohesion to her work as a massage practitioner. She strives to create a welcoming and safe environment to encourage patients to reach whatever goals they are striving for.

Delina graduated from WCCMT in 2001. Her practice is primarily focused on treating chronic pain, rehabilitation and stress reduction. Delina has a special interest in the healing benefits of yoga which lead her to complete a yoga instructor certification through Prana Yoga College in 2007. Delina works together with patients to come up with individualized treatment plans and goals. She uses a variety of techniques and modalities including neuromuscular techniques, Swedish massage, myofascial release, frictions, joint mobilization, trigger-point release, facilitated stretches and home care exercise. Delina also practices affective touch therapy. When her children were born she marveled at the sedative affects of this type of slow gentle massage. Affective touch therapy optimally stimulates c-tactile afferent nerves through effleurage and nerve stroking techniques. C-tactile afferent nerve stimulation has been shown to lower anxiety, decrease heart rate, increase pain thresholds, and release oxytocin and serotonin. Affective touch massage therapy is most beneficial for patients whose primary goal is relaxation and stress reduction.

Dianna is a graduate from the Vancouver College of Massage Therapy, she’s energetic and ready to help those in need. Her love for massage continues to grow through her studies and practice, she is thankful for all her patients and the bond they’ve developed on their journey to recovery. Dianna enjoys providing a combination of relaxation and therapeutic techniques involving Myofascial work, Neuromuscular techniques, Trigger point and Active releases, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation and good ol’ Swedish massage but is eager to learn Craniosacral and Infant massage. As a former pastry chef her dream was to put a smile on everyone’s faces through the art of baking and pastry but she has since then hung up the apron and has picked up an oil bottle and holster. She loves to explore all things outdoors from hiking a mountain to outback camping. However she never says no to a cozy stay at home kind of day. One of her aspiring goals is to help and educate pastry cooks/chefs about their biomechanics and self care to prolong their career and maintain a healthier lifestyle. Being in the industry prior, it is so easy for chefs to put their work first, mental health and self care/love last, hence she feels strongly that with a little bit of an adjustment they can extend their shelf life. She looks forward in seeing you in the treatment room.

Julia was born and raised in Kitsilano and graduated from the Registered Massage Therapy program at Langara College. Growing up she did gymnastics for 14 years followed by other sports such as softball, soccer, fieldhockey, and track & field. Injuries started to accumulate, which sparked her interest in discovering massage therapy where she quickly found benefits to improving her functionality and wellbeing. Julia studied psychology, sociology, and human geography but she feels most fitted for massage therapy. She enjoys being able to continue learning new techniques and has a special interest in topics such as chronic pain syndromes, arthritis, fibromyalgia, orthopedic conditions, anxiety and stress, as well as headaches. Her goal for clients is to provide a calm and safe space with a mindful and attentive approach along with building new and positive relationships with their own bodies. Outside of the clinic, Julia loves cooking, staying active, painting and is a big self care advocate.To book in at the clinic call 604 738 1502 or click the link.Techniques incorporated in treatment: Swedish Massage Myofascial Release Active Release Joint Mobilizations Trigger Point

After graduating from UBC in 2004 with a degree in classical piano, Carla's passion was healing through music. As she was introduced to massage, she realized just as music provided a medium for others to heal, massage too allowed her to use her intuitive nature to help others on their healing journey. Carla graduated from The Vancouver College of Massage Therapy in 2012. Through a variety of techniques including Swedish massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, joint mobilization, stretching and hydrotherapy, Carla treats a variety of conditions which include repetitive strain injuries, headaches, stress & anxiety related conditions and postural dysfunction. Carla's philosophy towards massage is dedicated towards providing a unique experience for each guest. By taking a full body approach, Carla's goal through her treatments is to guide her clients as active participants in their unique healing journey as well as provide an environment in which her clients can find comfort and safety. Note from therapist: Pressure is subjective and unique for everyone and the concept of what one may consider deep tissue massage varies from one person to another. With this in mind, I would like to make note that I don't consider my practice to be a deep tissue style. If you find you are looking for a more traditional deep tissue treatment, I will be happy to help find a good fit for your specific goals and needs with a better fitting therapist at Soma. Carla is available at the Soma West location for treatment.

Catalina Ip earned a degree in kinesiology at Simon Fraser University in 1999. She graduated from West Coast College of Massage Therapy in 2002. She worked with medical doctors in Edmonton for the first year of her practice, and focused on patients who were involved in Motor Vehicle Accidents. Upon her return to Vancouver, Catalina had the opportunity to work in the North Shore and Kerrisdale. Many of these clients have a very active lifestyle, so she was able apply her knowledge in kinesiology and massage to aid in their recovery. Joining the family at Soma Studio, she was able to learn and apply her skills with pre and postnatal women. Returning now after a year’s maternity leave, as a mother of a precious little boy, she has a better comprehension and appreciation of the human condition during pregnancy and post-pregnancy. Catalina predominantly uses Swedish massage techniques, Myofascial Release, Trigger Point Therapy, Joint Mobilization and Active Release -like techniques in her practice. She believes that as massage therapists, we can guide the body reach its full potential. Catalina enjoys working with other health care professionals and strongly believes that we can all work together to optimize the health of each individual.

Jean-Luc entered the field of massage therapy in 2007 when he graduated from the Spa Therapy program at the Vancouver School of Bodywork and Massage. It wasn’t long before his passion for massage and holistic wellness led him to complete his training as a Registered Massage Therapist. He is also trained in pregnancy massage, Shiatsu, and Cranial-Sacral therapy. Drawing on a variety of Swedish and deep-tissue techniques, including myofascial release, joint mobilizations, muscle energy and trigger-point therapy, his treatments are particularly effective for the relief of various postural and stress-related conditions, including tension headaches, low-back pain, Piriformis syndrome, plantar fasciitis and TMJ dysfunction. Whether you are recovering from surgery or an injury, coping with the physical changes of pregnancy, or simply looking for relief from the stress of your busy life, Jean-Luc is able to adapt his technique and depth of pressure in order to address your specific needs. His holistic approach balances strength with softness, and his thorough knowledge of human anatomy combined with his intuitive ability to understand your needs result in a deeply personalized experience. In his spare time, Jean-Luc enjoys practicing yoga, hiking and playing music. A native of France, Jean-Luc has travelled extensively and speaks English, French, Spanish and Dutch fluently.

Lesley brings 15 years of dedicated study and practice to support her clients towards greater wellness. Her work is inspired by the use of Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine and Yoga. The treatments she offers aim to address the complexity of each person’s health challenges so as to effect change at the root of physical, mental and emotional imbalances. In 2009, she completed a 5 year Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine Program in Victoria, BC, which included a 6 month hospital internship in Sichuan Province, China.  She has led Yoga classes and workshops for the past 13 years and was on the teaching staff of the Salt Spring Centre of Yoga’s Annual Yoga Teacher Training Program for a decade. In her practice, Lesley uses all of her skills to support the varied needs of her clients.  She welcomes individuals of all ages and addresses a wide range of issues including: pre and post natal health, gynecology, digestive imbalances, pain and injury, chronic conditions, depression, anxiety and psychosomatic related issues. Lesley’s empathic approach to care fosters trust from those with whom she works and cultivates a deep possibility for change. In her spare time she enjoys playing outdoors with her family, practicing Yoga and traveling. You can find more information about Lesley's work here.

Tess Halldorson is an RMT who graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy, where she learned to effectively address a variety of conditions. Tess is proficient in several modalities, including Swedish massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and joint mobilizations. Tess believes in keeping up to date on the latest treatment techniques, and obtaining measurable outcomes with thorough before and after treatment assessment. She is passionate about helping her patients reach their therapeutic goals, whether it be injury recovery, stress related, or maintaining general wellness. Tess looks forward to meeting you.

Paige graduated from West Coast College of Massage Therapy in 2017. She grew up around the medical profession with both of her parents being chiropractors as well as her older brother. She naturally developed a passion for patient centred care as well as being apart of a healthcare team. She has a wide knowledge of orthopaedic conditions, having worked with the UBC varsity team, pre and postnatal mothers, and patients in GF strong- the largest rehab hospital in British Columbia. In her treatments, Paige uses a variety of techniques including Swedish massage, deep tissue, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, joint mobilization, stretching and hydrotherapy. Paige treats a variety of conditions some including pre and post pregnancy, whiplash, headaches, strains and jaw pain. Paige is passionate about treating patients with temporal mandibular dysfunctions (TMJD), also known as jaw pain. After she conducted a large case study centered around jaw re-alignment and pain, she continues to strive for more knowledge and solutions for patients. In her spare time, Paige enjoys being outdoors- hiking the local mountains, snowshoeing and camping. She has a huge passion for traveling and being with family. Paige is passionate about patient centered care and helping you achieve your rehab and therapeutic goals. She is excited to be apart of the soma team!

Nadine’s approach to massage therapy uses open conversation, critical thinking and a diverse range of treatment techniques to find the root cause of your complaint. She uses a variety of techniques for both acute and chronic conditions including myofascial release, muscle energy technique, Swedish relaxation massage and integrated breath-work. Incorporating stress reduction and decreasing sympathetic nervous system stimulation are also important to her and therefore common treatment integrations. As a clinician, she welcomes anyone into her treatment space and is excited by working with a wide range of patients but some more specific areas of interest include headaches, post-surgical scar tissue mobilization and patterns associated with chronic strain and postural imbalances. Nadine has a deep acknowledgement of the ancient practice of massage while also keeping up to date on modern therapeutic treatment practices and current clinical studies.

Sarah loves what she does. After completing the program at Vancouver College of Massage Therapy in 2010, Sarah has worked in a variety of clinical settings from Naturopathic Integrated Health Centres to luxury Five Star Spas. From trigger point therapy, muscle energy technique and myofascial release, Sarah seamlessly combines her clinical reasoning and technical skills with an intuitive, holistic and relaxing approach. Her curiosity to understand the root cause of pain and dysfunction in the body keeps her practice ever-evolving. Sarah looks at the body globally and combines her interest in eastern modalities with western evidence-based techniques for a therapeutic and relaxing experience. Sarah is passionate about working with chronic pain issues, empowering clients through education by bringing to light subconscious holding patterns in the body and how they are inherently interconnected.

Kirsten is a self-care advocate and massage connoisseur who views massage therapy as the most valuable tool in her own healthcare toolbox. With over 20 years combined experience in therapeutic and registered massage therapy, she is dedicated to service and passionate about holistic healthcare and the healing arts. She believes the treatment room is a sanctuary for compassion, healing, rest and wellbeing and she strives to create a light-hearted, soothing atmosphere. Her own life experience, professionalism, empathy and positive spirit are her most compelling traits as a therapist. Kirsten uses the core principles of massage in addition to a wide range of traditional techniques to achieve positive results for her patients. By connecting the science of anatomy with her intimate knowledge of the body, she has achieved a deep understanding and delivery of her craft. Her clients comment on her calming energy and ‘magic hands’. She is not only an intuitive therapist but also a thoughtful communicator. She fosters an informed massage experience by holding space for others, working to understand the root of their concerns, and articulating how and why certain techniques are helpful. Kirsten has roots in Northwest BC, on Vancouver Island and in Vancouver where she now lives and practices. She is a graduate of the 3000 hour program at Vancouver College of Massage Therapy. Her professional interests are in the art and science of stress relief, recovery, deep relaxation, nervous system regulation, pregnancy and women's health. Kirsten’s ultimate goal is to help others rest, recover, and find peace on their life's journey.

Natalie began her pursuit in healing through yoga in 2006. After discovering how the basic principles of movement and meditation brought her body back into balance, she became a Yoga Teacher by spring 2007, through the Original Hot Yoga Method (26+2). In 2009, she explored partner yoga coupled with Thai Massage, which peaked her interest in a more hands-on approach. By 2012, Natalie completed a 200-hour YTT through Semperviva Yoga and unravelled her passion for a more fluid yoga practice. As a recent graduate from the Vancouver College of Massage Therapy program, Natalie takes her fascination with the way the body moves and works, and incorporates it into how she treats her clients. Knowing that no two bodies have experienced the same path, her approach to treatment takes on the same understanding. Integrating both a holistic and intuitive approach, with orthopaedic techniques, she listens to the body and encourages communication to empower her clients. Her treatment approaches may include the following: diaphragmatic breathing, myofascial release, trigger point release, dynamic release, active and/or passive stretching infused with Swedish relaxation. Natalie believes that when we are able to connect to and understand our bodies, we feel more empowered. Through education and remedial exercises, she aspires to assist her clients to achieve their health goals and become the best version of themselves. Book a session with Natalie so you can start feeling and moving to your full potential.

www.sophiehobruecker.com

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My approach to massage is positively client-centered. I strive to create a safe, collaborative treatment space where you can reconnect with yourself: your involvement in some techniques encourages you to uncover, question, and challenge your functional or psychological limitations.

My treatments are often slow, strong and sporty, your massage will be tailored to your current needs and mood. It can range from a focused, dynamic session with informative dialogue to a soothing reset for your nervous system. I integrate a variety of modalities including deep tissue and Swedish massage therapy, trigger point therapy, passive and active stretching, myofascial release therapy, dynamic release, breathwork and body awareness cues, as well as joint mobilizations into fundamentally relaxing treatments.

Outside of the treatment room, I like to read, get eight hours of sleep, write postcards, and eat pastries from Livia. I love to move: yoga brings me community, breath and space; hiking supports my perseverance, my wide-eyed wonder, and a responsible relationship to both safety and risk; and decades of soccer have developed in me a sweet sense of teamwork, the hunger for success, and the patience and curiosity bound in injury and recovery. Every day, I endeavor to strengthen my relationship with rest.

I am a Registered Massage Therapist in good standing with the College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia. I graduated from the 3,000-hour massage therapy program at Vancouver College of Massage Therapy where my academic distinction was recognized with the Dean’s list honours. I was awarded with the college’s Heart Award for my integrity, compassion, and dedication to the profession’s community.

Born and raised in Vancouver, Sadira has utilized her beautiful province as a space to learn about coexisting with nature through meditative practices as well as used her environment in her fitness routines, such as hiking, cycling and bouldering. Sadira found massage in 2013 by exploring career options and came across a weekend workshop at a massage school, which would be her first exposure to massage. She immediately felt that the time and space to focus on the body and breath provided by a massage treatment was unique and the act of giving massage felt natural to her hands. Sadira spent a summer in 2016 tree planting in interior British Columbia which was when she suffered a back injury which brought her into a deeply intimate place with her body. By the end of that Summer, she made the decision to start taking steps towards a career in wellness and pursued her yoga teacher training in 2016. She has spent many years volunteering at studios and clinics, and has practiced yoga for over a decade. Through recovering from her own injury, she gained belief and understanding that touch is a very natural and instinctual way of regenerating and connecting that has been somewhat lost.  Sadira graduated the 2200-hour program at Vancouver College of Massage Therapy in December 2019. She looks forward to meeting you and facilitating your health journey.

Originally from St. Johns Newfoundland, Phil graduated from the ICT Massage Therapy program in Halifax in 2006 and has spent his career in both Canada and Grand Cayman. Phil has a unique variety of professional experience including spas at the Ritz Carlton and multidisciplinary clinics. This diversity has influenced his treatment approach to combine the relaxing benefits of a spa with the therapeutics of clinical practice. Phil is known for deeper pressure but prefers to provide a blend of both deep-tissue and relaxation techniques encouraging the maximum benefits for both the mind and body. Some techniques Phil likes to incorporate into his services are:

• Deep tissue
• Myofascial release
• Trigger point therapy
• Swedish techniques
• Pregnancy Massage

When Phil is not massaging you can find him enjoying the best this beautiful city has to offer while riding his bike around Stanley Park or at a hot yoga studio.

Hanna graduated from the Vancouver College of Massage Therapy with Dean’s List Honours. One of her favourite topics in school was pain science. Having acquired her own discogenic back injury during the most rigorous of semesters, she’s fully aware how stressful and debilitating this new and anxiety-inducing pain can be. Working through this situation with the support of a compassionate health care professional really made all the difference for her, and she strives to be this support for those who find themselves in similar situations. Hanna actively listens to each client’s particular goal and reason for treatment, and works with them to explore the best possible approach to achieve their desired outcome. She integrates several different techniques into her treatment style, using a multifaceted approach that fluidly adapts to the client’s specific needs and goals. She is a huge advocate of a hybrid of relaxation and orthopaedic style treatment, fully believing that when we allow the nervous system the opportunity to relax it facilitates the body’s ability to heal itself. Some of her favourite modalities include myofascial release, dynamic release, neuromuscular techniques, Swedish massage, trigger point release, and joint mobilizations. When she’s not in the clinic, you can find Hanna dreaming up her next big adventure and soaking up all of the natural beauty this province has to offer.

Kayla strives to help patients find comfort and ease in movement with every stage in life. She believes that massage can be an effective support to the body’s innate ability to find balance and healing, be that in the context of self-care, relaxation, recovery from activity or rehabilitation from injury. Her treatments are tailored to help patients reach their therapeutic goals. She treats the whole person, taking into considerations the nervous system response as well as soft tissue. Her style is fluid and balances deep flowing pressure with calming relaxation, guided breath, body awareness, and specific techniques to address areas of concern. She draws from a variety of Swedish and deep-tissue techniques, including myofascial release, joint mobilizations, muscle energy and trigger-point therapy. Kayla has always been amazed by the human body and everything that the body allows us to achieve in life. She was drawn to massage as a form of self-care and nervous system support through many years in a high-intensity corporate environment. In 2014 after being hit by a car, massage became the primary modality that supported her recovery. This experience reignited a long-standing interest in the human body and became the catalyst for pursuing a career as an RMT. She began studying anatomy and movement in 2017 when she entered her first yoga teacher training program and continuously built on this knowledge through additional yoga training in pain science, anatomy and physiology before completing her diploma in massage therapy at Vancouver College of Massage Therapy in 2021. When not at work Kayla keeps busy with yoga, kickboxing, and strength and mobility training. She enjoys travelling, music, cooking vegetarian food while singing, making up flowy yoga sequences to random playlists, and spending time with family and friends. Kayla is available at the Soma West location for treatment. Book your appointment today.

After moving to Canada, Camila decided to change careers and graduated from Vancouver College of Massage Therapy. During her 3000-hour program, she was able to find herself professionally through the ability to help others. She likes to use diverse techniques to adjust to different needs, but some of her favourites are deep tissue massage, relaxation techniques, joint mobilizations, dynamic release, trigger point release and myofascial release. In her continued studies, Camila has now the chance to focus on women's health, one of her main areas of interest. Some of the courses she took include prenatal massage, post c-section massage and infant massage. Her ultimate goal with her treatments and prescribed home care is to improve quality of life by helping bodies to unlearn the pain-cycle that comes with persistent pain.

Valentina, born and raised in Russia, was originally exposed to alternative medicine through her grandmother and mother who practiced chiropractic, massage, and herbal therapies. After moving to Canada, she spent her teen and young adult years involved in sports, where her passion for health and wellbeing became more evident. She completed a personal fitness trainer diploma, which was a field that she stayed in for over 10 years. During this time, she met an acupuncturist who helped her resolve her own health issues, and open her eyes to the beautiful world of Traditional Chinese Medicine. This experience brought on a desire to expand her knowledge, and she enrolled at the Tzu Chi International College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, where she completed both the Acupuncturist and Herbalist programs. Valentina uses an empathetic and caring approach where she utilizes acupuncture, cupping, tuina, gua sha, moxibustion, as well as food and herbal therapy as a part of her well rounded practice. Conditions she treats include but are not limited to acute and chronic musculoskeletal, neurological, gastro-intestinal, mental-emotional, gynecological, and respiratory issues. In her free time, Valentina enjoys lifting weights, exploring foodie and coffee establishments, traveling with her family, and spending time by the ocean.

Melissa started in the field of holistic health and massage by working at an Ayurvedic massage center in India. This training and experience solidified her belief in treating a person as a whole and paying attention to all the contributing factors in a client’s life. Back in Canada she completed the spa therapist program at Vancouver School of Bodywork and Massage. Years later she decided to become a registered massage therapist which she completed at Vancouver College of Massage Therapy, graduating in 2011. She now continues her education primarily  in myofascial technique trainings that she attends in Sedona, Arizona under John F Barnes. During treatment Melissa aims to calm the nervous system to help identify subconscious holding patterns and chronic pain areas so that clients can gain an understanding into the roots of their discomfort. Techniques such as guided breathing, joint mobilization,deep tissue, myofascial work and postural education of daily movements helps each client to create a deeper understanding of their mind-body patterns.   Her goal is to be of service whether a client is looking for relief from everyday stress, a specific ailment or in need of a session to connect with oneself.  

Serene is a student expanding her knowledge on treatment at Vancouver College of Massage Therapy. She is dedicated in providing welcoming, client-focused therapy and tailoring each treatment with her clients’ needs in mind. Whether clients are looking for relaxation massage or a therapeutic touch, Serene always looks forward to meeting each one of her clients, to listen to their care needs and to take part in empowering each unique health journey.