a vital part of your health care
Therapists
Vitality Treatment Centre has several therapists on staff. In accordance with provincial regulation, all of our therapists are licensed and in good standing with their respective licensing organizations, the College of Massage Therapists of BC, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of BC, and/or Certified Athletic Therapist Association.
Your appointment time will consist of a consultation of your medical history, a physical assessment of your current condition or injury, the manual treatment, and payment.
Announcing our newest practitioners:
Marie Ingouf, RMT
MODALITIES: Massage Therapy, Myofascial Release
Marie has worked full time since graduating from the Vancouver College of Massage Therapy in 2019. Her interest in everything somatic (from the body) started with her own healing journey from mental and physical discomforts and mishaps as a growing, evolving human.
Marie enjoys treating conditions such as headaches and migraines, impingement syndromes, internal and external TMJ work (jaw pain, bruxism), chronic pain and stress, improving mobility with assisted stretching, mobilizing scars, and the ever-so-elusive fascial work. She is currently doing additional training in Craniosacral therapy and visceral manipulation.
As a yoga and fitness enthusiast, one of Marie's big emphases during treatment is breathing. Breathing allows for presence, oxygenation and bridges the nervous system to the musculoskeletal system in a positive way. It also leads to the therapeutic and meditative aspect of treatment with witnessing, noticing and softening.
Marie loves continuous learning from her peers, cross-disciplinary mentors and her patients and looks forward to treating you at Vitality.
Yink Chutarrat, R.Ac., R.TCM.P, B.Sc.
MODALITIES: Acupuncture, Acupressure/Cupping
Chutarrat (Yink) graduated from the 5 year of Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) program at Oshio College of Acupuncture and Herbology. She is a Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCM.P) and Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac). Prior to her TCM career, Yink obtained her B.Sc. in Nursing and worked 13 years as a surgical nurse in a hospital in Thailand.
In 2015, she decided to change her career and enrolled into the TCM program in Xiamen University in China. During her study period, she spent her time observing cases and doing volunteer work in the hospital clinics for two years. She observed 45-60 patients per 6-hour shift. Through this experience, she developed a deep impression about how TCM treatment approaches various diseases.
Later, during her five college years at Oshio College in Canada, she shadowed Dr. Gang Lin Yin, who is a highly regarded TCM doctor in the region. Dr. Yin has always been very generous in sharing his knowledge with his students, with a lot of attention being given to the difficult cases.
Yink treats a wide variety of ailments, including:
- Musculoskeletal pains such as injury, arthritis pain, fibromyalgia
- Neurological disorders such as tension headache, ADHA migraine, bladder dysfunction
- Respiratory problems such as allergic rhinitis, sinusitis
- Digestive problems such as IBS, gastritis, Chrone's disease
- Gynecological problems such as dysmenorrhea, PMS, PCOS
- Emotional problems such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, nervousness
- Ekin problems such as eczema, psoriasis
Her treatment modalities are acupuncture, cupping, herbal tea prescription, diet- lifestyle modifications, and exercise therapy. All modalities are tailored according to patients' conditions.
Fluent in English, Chinese and Thai, Yink is comfortable working with people of different ages, cultural backgrounds and gender-preferences.
Yink is an active person and practices yoga and meditation. During summer months, she also loves to be outside hiking, cycling or paddle boarding. She also loves to cook and see the smiling faces as people try her Thai delicacy dishes!
Yink offers direct billing to Pacific Blue Cross, Greenshield and the extended health plan companies that use the Telus Health Portal. (* See Direct Billing Info)
The Vitality Team:
Allison Heath, RMT
MODALITIES: Massage Therapy, Myofascial Release, Craniosacral Therapy, Visceral Manipulation
Allison graduated in 2011 from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy 3000 hour program. As a registered massage therapist, Allison has a passion for treating the whole body. She has a blended and integrative style of massage therapy for fostering a healthy mind-body connection.
Allison treats with traditional massage techniques, as well as with craniosacral therapy. Enhancing quality of life, felt sense of well-being, relaxation, decreased muscle pain and increased mobility are just some of the benefits of this approach.
Allison has a Therapeutic Relaxation style of massage treatment. It is both gently therapeutic, while deeply relaxing and releasing. She uses myofascial release, trigger point therapy, muscle energy technique (MET), and joint mobilization and visceral manipulation.
Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a light hands-on modality, which works with the craniosacral system. It helps to balance the fluid environment within the central nervous system, bringing about improvements with motor, sensory and neurological conditions.
Repetitive strain injury (RSI), whiplash, tension headaches, jaw pain (TMJD), migraines, low/back hip pain, and sciatica are commonly treated by massage techniques and CST.
Allison offers direct billing to Pacific Blue Cross, Greenshield and the extended health plan companies that use the Telus Health Portal. (* See Direct Billing Info)
Christina (Barker) Duncan, RMT
MODALITIES: Massage, Manual Lymph Drainage, Swedish Massage
ON MATERNITY LEAVE UNTIL APRIL 2023
Christina graduated from Victoria's West Coast College of Massage Therapy in 2013. She has since taken foot massage classes in Thailand and worked at a summer resort fishing lodge on Haida Gwaii. Christina is passionate about bringing her therapeutic knowledge to the table, creating individualized treatment plans and home exercises based on client wellness goals — assisting in the shift from pain and stress to mindful breathing and movement. Christina joined Vitality's dynamic team of therapists in 2014.
Corinne Compton, RMT
MODALITIES: Massage Therapy, Scar Tissue Release
Corinne graduated from Okanagan College of Massage Therapy in 1997. She joined Vitality in 2010. Her interests are deep tissue release (trigger points), sports injury prevention/maintenance and overuse injuries but welcomes a variety of clients in the pursuit of achieving or increasing health and well-being.
Corinne offers direct billing to Pacific Blue Cross, Greenshield and the extended health plan companies that use the Telus Health Portal. (* See Direct Billing Info)
Elvina Meret, RMT
Modalities: Craniosacral Therapy, Visceral Manipulation, Scar Tissue Release
Elvina graduated from the 3000 hour program at the West Coast College of Massage Therapy (WCCMT) in New Westminster in 2009 and spent the first 4 years of her career working in Vancouver. Having grown up in Victoria, Elvina was happy to be back with family and working at the Vitality Treatment Centre since 2013.
Although her approach to massage therapy is multi-faceted, her practice focuses on craniosacral therapy, visceral (organ) manipulation, scar tissue release and myofascial release. Elvina believes in supporting the body's innate ability to restore balance by assisting the body in reconnecting to areas of adhesions and facial restriction that may be related to pain. Elvina is very passionate about education and these styles of treatment and thus continues to attend courses in these modalities on an ongoing basis. From to 2013 to 2014, Elvina worked at the Victoria campus of WCCMT as an intern clinic supervisor.
Elvina offers direct billing to ICBC, Pacific Blue Cross, Greenshield and the extended health plan companies that use the Telus Health Portal. (* See Direct Billing Info)
Gayle Morrell, RMT
MODALITIES: Massage Therapy, Craniosacral Therapy
Gayle’s journey to becoming a skilled massage therapist began in 2006 with a 200 hour yoga teacher training. After many years of teaching yoga and being a nature/multi-sport guide, Gayle discovered biodynamic craniosacral therapy (BCST). She was captivated by how listening to the body through touch enabled access to the body’s inherent flow of health which makes changes by releasing held tensions and charges. She completed a 2 year BCST diploma in 2012 and enjoyed setting up a successful practice on Salt Spring Island.
Inspired to learn more about our bodies and expand her scope of practice, Gayle went onto massage therapy school, where she graduated in May 2019 and became registered shortly after. She now uses a combination of skills to address issues in the muscular, nervous and cardiovascular systems. Her treatments usually include assessing for the source of discomfort, developing a treatment plan and using a skillful, knowledgeable and intuitive touch to help make authentic and lasting change.
Gayle is passionate about helping people find more ease and connection to their bodies. She has a deep respect for the intelligence and inherent healing ability of our systems and works to help empower people on their healing journeys.
Gayle offers direct billing to ICBC, Pacific Blue Cross, Greenshield and the extended health plan companies that use the Telus Health Portal. (* See Direct Billing Info)
Learn more at Gayle Morrell's website
Jacqueline Golsby, RMT
Modalities: Trigger Point Release, Myofascial Release, Swedish Joint Mobilizations, Neuro Muscular Technique (NMT), passive and active stretching, muscle energy technique
Jacqueline is perceptive, energetic and knowledgeable, bringing these qualities to each treatment. She really enjoys people and was drawn to massage therapy as a way to give others the ability to continue to enjoy the activities they love to do.
As an RMT, Jacqueline's goal is to get you out of pain as quickly as possible so you can move freely. In each treatment, you will work together to calm your nervous system first. Using a variety of massage techniques, Jacqueline will work to build back up the areas of your body where you have restricted movement and then work together with you to increase the mobility and function of your joints and muscles. This process will all blend together into a wonderful and enjoyable soothing massage! Each treatment will be tailored to your unique needs, welcoming your feedback in creating a feeling of safety and relaxation. Jacqueline will then offer movement exercises to incorporate into your everyday life to help you with your recovery.
Jacqueline graduated from Utopia Academy (now VCMT) in 2012 after working for 15 years as a professional sea kayak guide ranging from Haida Gwaii to Belize. She strongly believes therapeutic massage helps reconnect our bodies with our minds and she welcomes your feedback on that during treatments. Jacqueline is very excited to be moving from her long time practice in Vancouver over to the beautiful, ocean-surrounded city of Victoria!
Jacqueline offers direct billing to Pacific Blue Cross, Greenshield and the extended health plan companies that use the Telus Health Portal. (* See Direct Billing Info)
Kathy Pantalon RMT
MODALITIES: Massage Therapy, Myofascial Release, Sports Massage, Hydrotherapy
Kathy is a Registered Massage Therapist who graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in Victoria, B.C.. She brings a broad range of knowledge and interests to her practice. Her interest in health, human anatomy and physiology started with a Diploma in Recreation Leadership, Personal Training and the birth of her children. Kathy was a competitive swimmer in her youth and over the years has been engaged in a variety of athletic pursuits such as hockey, triathlons and running.
Massage therapy is an effective approach to pain management and rehabilitation. Treatments include a full assessment, hands on treatment as well as advice for home care. Kathy uses a wide range of techniques including deep tissue massage, muscle energy, myofascial techniques, joint mobilizations, trigger point therapy, hydrotherapy, and therapeutic exercises. Helping people stay active and pain free is what Kathy tries to help accomplish within her treatments. She is excited to be working as a part of a diverse team of professionals at Vitality to promote health, support people in pain management, rehabilitation, achieving goals, and encourages a well-balanced lifestyle to all clients.
Some areas of Massage Therapy that interest Kathy are Sports and Exercise Massage, Rehabilitation Massage and women’s health. Through the National Academy of Sport Medicine (NASM), Kathy is currently working towards Certification as a Corrective Exercise Specialist, which is a comprehensive injury prevention training program based on evidence based research.
Kathy is certified in Level 1 and 2 for kinesiology taping. This tape is extremely versatile in its ability to facilitate healing and prevent injuries. Kinesiology taping gives support and stability to your joints and muscles without affecting circulation and range of motion. It is also used for Preventive Maintenance, Edema, and to treat pain. The Kinesio Taping Method is applied over muscles to reduce pain and inflammation, relax overused tired muscles, and to support muscles in movement on a 24hr/day basis. It is non-restrictive type of taping which allows for full range of motion. In contrast, traditional sports' taping is wrapped around a joint strictly for stabilization and support during a sporting event obstructing the flow of bodily fluids as an UNDESIRABLE side-effect. To find out more please click kinesio taping.
Kathy Pantalon is a Massage Therapy Instructor at the student intern clinic at the West Coast College of Massage in Victoria.
Note: Kathy does not yet provide direct billing services.
Maegan Chase, RMT
MODALITIES: Massage Therapy, Visceral Manipulation, Myofascial Release, Scar Tissue Release, Craniosacral Therapy
Maegan graduated from the 3000 hour program at the Vancouver West Coast College of Massage Therapy in 2006 and moved to Victoria in 2016. She has a broad skill set — including visceral (organ) manipulation, fascia and myofascial therapy, craniosacral therapy and joint mobilizations — but is particularly passionate about visceral manipulation and scar tissue treatment. Maegan treats from a holistic perspective. With a detailed interview and assessment, she works with clients to determine and treat the cause of pain and physical challenges. On a bi-annual basis, Maegan returns to Vancouver to instruct students in advanced fascia techniques. She also shares her love for her work with the students in Victoria where she works as a clinic supervisor once a week.
Note: Maegan does not use oil or offer full body massage.
Organ restrictions or adhesions can contribute to, or be the cause of, musculoskeletal pain. This type of limitation can restrict ranges of motion, and can cause problems with organ function. Maegan uses her training in visceral manipulation to release the adhesions and therefore aid the body to return to normal function.
Maegan addresses scar tissue issues by using a combination of fascial modalities, movement, and visceral manipulations. These treatments can help to decrease pain, feelings of pulls, itchiness or tightness from the scar, and issues with restrictions to ranges of motion. All of these can occur from surgery, injuries, abdominal adhesions, or car accidents.
Maegan offers direct billing to Pacific Blue Cross, Greenshield and the extended health plan companies that use the Telus Health Portal. (* See Direct Billing Info)
You can read more about Maegan's massage practice on her website,
Natasha Leclair, RMT
MODALITIES: Massage Therapy, Myofascial Release
Natasha graduated from Victoria's West Coast College of Massage Therapy's 3000 hour program in 2008. Over the past decade, Natasha has had the honour of treating people with a wide range of health concerns including, but not limited to, motor vehicle accidents, repetitive strain, chronic headaches and stress. She has a particular interest in working with chronic pain, PTSD and pain management. She also is happy treating a wide range of ages from young athletes to seniors. The value of therapeutic touch is at times understated. Natasha takes pride in being a part of profession that can have a profound impact on a person's health and wellbeing.
Creating a safe and calm space in which to address her patients' health goals is Natasha's primary focus. As an RMT, she will assess and treat the body with techniques that include: Swedish massage, myofascial release, joint mobilizations, and deep tissue massage. She enjoys forming a plan with her patients and working together towards improved health and vitality.
Natasha looks forward to working with her patients again while observing newly enhanced health and safety measures.
Natasha offers direct billing to Pacific Blue Cross, Greenshield and the extended health plan companies that use the Telus Health Portal. (* See Direct Billing Info)
Sabrina Lundquist, RAc, BSc
MODALITIES: Acupuncture, Cosmetic Acupuncture, Acupressure/Cupping
As a registered acupuncturist, Sabrina wants to help you relax and feel less pain. Practicing since 2015, she has helped people manage:
- headaches/migraines-stress, anxiety and depression
- hormone changes like recurring hot flashes
- sore muscles from carrying small children, home renovations & poor desk positions
- secondary stress of supporting others in crisis or simply watching the news
- injuries, including ICBC claims
Sabrina earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Victoria, then continued her education earning a Diploma of Acupuncture from Pacific Rim College. She assesses clients from both Western and Eastern medical perspectives.
Sabrina offered multiple types of relaxation massage at the Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe for 13 years, incorporating Swedish Massage, Lomi Lomi, Hot Stone and Aromatherapy in her hands-on assessments and treatments.
Recent training includes:
- nerve issues (Neurodynamic Solutions, Neuromeridian Acupuncture)
- therapeutic moment (Dynamic Neurostabilization, Feldenkrais)
- mental health
- myofascial acupuncture
Clients are offered advice for reducing pain and stress, but not pressured to adopt habits that don't fit their lives. Please book a 20 minute free consultation if you are feeling curious.
More info: Sabrina Lundquist Acupuncture »
Sabrina offers direct billing to ICBC (*), Pacific Blue Cross, Greenshield and the extended health plan companies that use the Telus Health Portal. (* See Direct Billing Info)
(*) Pre-approved within 12 weeks of a collision, with permission of your case manager after that.
Sam Weller, RMT
MODALITIES: Massage Therapy, Myofascial Release, Swedish Massage
Sam graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in April 2022 and is excited to begin her career with us.
Originally from Kamloops, Sam moved to Victoria in 2005 to attend the University of Victoria. She fell in love with the island and now proudly calls herself a Victorian. She has played every sport, but soccer is her main love. Because of her athletic background, Sam has an interest in working with athletes to aid in getting them back to their sport. She also enjoys providing relaxation treatments as a way to ground the mind and body.
Sam uses techniques such as General Swedish Massage, Myofascial Release, and Active Release. She looks forward to continue learning new modalities in the future.
Sam offers direct billing to Pacific Blue Cross, Greenshield, Sunlife and the extended health plan companies that use the Telus Health Portal. (* See Direct Billing Info)
Sanae Komuro, RMT
MODALITIES: Massage Therapy, Scar Tissue Release
Sanae is a registered massage therapist, graduated from West Coast College of Massage Therapy. Originally, she moved to Victoria from Japan in 1994 to study English. Sanae is a calm, dedicated and caring therapist, focused on treating a body as a whole with gentle yet specific techniques. Sanae feels privileged to join the team at Vitality.
"Touch is the essential ingredient of massage therapy. Touch is known to communicate a sense of caring. I see magic — almost a miracle — in having a goal to help the body heal itself and to increase health and well-being integrated with the academics of anatomy and body function. If, in a small way, I can assist in someone's personal life style choices that will lead to a better balanced life style, it will make my life-time choice worthwhile."
Sanae offers direct billing to ICBC, Pacific Blue Cross, Greenshield and the extended health plan companies that use the Telus Health Portal. (* See Direct Billing Info)
Sandra Pol, RMT, BSc
MODALITIES: Massage Therapy, Myofascial Release, Craniosacral Therapy
Originally from the Netherlands, Sandra spent most of her childhood in Northern British Columbia, before moving to Victoria in 1989. Before becoming a Registered Massage Therapist, she graduated from the University of Victoria with a Bachelor of Science double major in Biology and Psychology. Sandra completed the 3-Year 3000-hour program at the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in 2000 and joined Vitality in 2003.
After more than 20 years' experience working as an RMT, it is Sandra's life experience that has led her to begin focusing her practice on post-mastectomy treatment and support. As a five-time cancer survivor, she has recently completed a course on post-mastectomy scar tissue treatment while recovering from cancer surgery last year. Sandra offers a unique combination of professional knowledge, practical skills, deep personal understanding and sensitivity to help promote healing in this area.
Sandra offers direct billing to Pacific Blue Cross only.
Stephanie Dempsey Kruger, CAT(C)
MODALITIES: Athletic Therapy, Craniosacral Therapy, Myofascial Release, Scar Tissue Release, Visceral Manipulation
Stephanie is the Athletic Therapist here at Vitality Treatment Centre. Her practice focuses exclusively on manual therapies (i.e. hands-on assessment and treatment) rather than the use of electrical modalities or the creation of reconditioning programs. If you require exercise prescription and supervision, or reconditioning specific to your injury or condition, please ask and Stephanie will be happy to recommend a colleague to you.
Stephanie is a Certified Athletic Therapist with 17 years of experience in her field. She's a member of the Athletic Therapists Association of BC and the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association, as well as a student member of Osteopathy BC. Stephanie has worked in a wide variety of settings and in several roles including private practice for Sport Med BC, at West Coast College of Massage Therapy, and at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt, with several ventures nationally and overseas in support of military athletes.
As a result of Stephanie's formal education she has a somewhat unique approach to assessing and treating each individual. As an Athletic Therapist she was taught to prevent, assess and rehabilitate injuries to the "container" (the body's structure including bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and connective tissues) while also recognizing injury or trauma to the internal organs. Now with extensive manual therapy training, Stephanie approaches the "container," including the cranium, in much greater detail AND assesses the positioning of the "contents", such as the internal organs, viscera, nerves and blood vessels, albeit externally. As the human body is so comprehensive, Stephanie believes that addressing your symptom(s) necessitates assessment of the container and the contents in order for the cause of your grievance(s) to possibly be identified and corrected, thereby improving bio-mechanical and physiological function of the body as a whole. The relationship between the container and its contents is always reciprocal.
Stephanie has completed the five-year-long curriculum at the Canadian School of Osteopathy, Manual Practice, in Vancouver, but needs to complete her formal research and defend her thesis prior to earning the designation of "Manual Osteopathic Practitioner". As such, she continues to practice with the designation of Certified Athletic Therapist. Athletic Therapy is covered by a number of insurance companies, but each policy varies. If you're relying on your extended health plan to pay a portion of your visit with Stephanie, please ensure that you have coverage for ATHLETIC THERAPY in your policy. Read more about insurance coverage of Athletic Therapy in BC.
Susan Duckworth, RMT, Owner
MODALITIES: Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), Massage Therapy, Craniosacral Therapy, Myofascial Release
Susan's primary focus of practice is to help patients prepare for and recover from surgeries such as joint replacements, mastectomies, lumpectomies, C-sections and melanoma excisions or other conditions that cause swelling, scar tissue and dysfunction.
Susan takes a holistic approach to treatments, looking at the whole body, not just the compromised area. In her treatments, she integrates modalities such as Fascial Techniques, General Swedish Techniques, Craniosacral Therapy and Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). For areas with considerable swelling, a combined decongestive approach that includes specialized sleeves or stockings will be suggested.
Susan graduated from the 3000-hour program at West Coast College of Massage Therapy (WCCMT) in Victoria in 2007 and started working at Vitality Treatment Centre that same year. In 2009, Susan furthered her skillset, becoming certified as an MLD therapist at the Dr. Vodder School International.
From 2010 to 2014, Susan returned to her alma mater to work as a Clinic Supervisor and Teaching Assistant. In 2014, she took over ownership of Vitality Treatment Centre and considers it her home away from home, feeling honoured to work with such amazing colleagues. She is currently enrolled in the Biodynamic Fascial Integration (BFI) series to add more tools to her tool kit.
Please note: Susan does not offer deep tissue massage.
Susan offers direct billing to Pacific Blue Cross, Greenshield and the extended health plan companies that use the Telus Health Portal. (* See Direct Billing Info)
Susanne (Hrynuik) Young, RMT, BSc
MODALITIES: Massage Therapy, Myofascial Release, Scar Tissue Release, Muscle Energy Technique
After completing her Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Victoria, Susanne pursued a career as a research technician. She quickly realized that she wanted to be more involved in the personal aspect of healthcare. She attended the West Coast College of Massage Therapy and graduated in 2012 as a Registered Massage Therapist. Susanne believes that massage therapy is an integral part of healthcare and enjoys working with a wide variety of patients to help them reach their treatment goals. Susanne enjoys hiking, cycling and gardening in her spare time.
Susanne offers direct billing to Pacific Blue Cross, Greenshield and the extended health plan companies that use the Telus Health Portal, which includes Great West Life.
Vitality Treatment Centre
302-1842 Oak Bay Avenue • Victoria, BC, Canada V8R 1C2
Phone: 250.370.1020 • info@vitalitytreatment.ca
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