In order to become an RMT I completed comprehensive academic studies in anatomy, physiology, pathology, kinesiology and neurology, as well as extensive training in manual skills, hydrotherapy, orthopaedics and remedial exercise. I graduated from Vancouver College of Massage Therapy with the highest honours, on the Dean’s List and, in order to become certified, I underwent a rigorous examination process. I am also committed to continuing to take courses, listening to lectures, reading current research, and exploring somatic paradigms. While I’ve learned a lot of information and have been developing clinical expertise, I also acknowledge that I am not an authority on your body. You are. Many of us have experiences that do not fit within the norm and have been let down by assumptions and biases in health care. I learn a great deal from my clients and my own experience of injury and recovery. My commitment to you is that I will take your experience just as seriously as theoretical information and, if I don’t know about your condition, I will listen to you and learn more between sessions so that I can responsibly provide care.
Continuing Education
Touch Training for Trauma (3 Module Certification, Somatic Practice, Kathy L. Kain, SEP)
Introduction to Gender Diversity-Expanded (Trans Care BC, online course)
Indigenous Gender Diversity (Trans Care, BC, online course)
Somatic Experiencing Professional Training (Advanced I & II) (Linda Stelte & Berns Galloway, MEd, CCC, Somatic Experiencing International) *for information about my Somatic Therapy practice click here
Like a Pro: Betty Martin's Wheel of Consent Training for Touch Professionals (online with Robyn Dalzen, Michael Dresser & Max Pearl)
Somatic Experiencing Professional Training (Beginning & Intermediate I-III) (Dea Parsanishi, ME, CCC, Somatic Experiencing International))
Focusing Basics, Intermediate & Advanced (Ruth Hirsch, MSW, online program)
Exploring Body and Self Through Somatic Narrative (Kathy Kain, SEP, CIIS Webinar)
Biodynamic Myofascial Mobilization: The Cervical Spine (neck) (Heather Gittens, RMT & Natalie Rao, RMT, Bodhi Tree teaching Center)
Relational Somatic Therapy 200 hr Certification (Mariah Moser, MA, RCC, Opening To Grace)
Integrating a trauma-informed approach into routine physical therapy practice [3-part Webinar] (Candice L Schacter, PT, PhD, CPTBC)
Chronic Pain Management for Registered Massage Therapists (Eric Purves, RMT, Pain BC)
Biodynamic Myofascial Mobilization: The Thorax (Heather Gittens, RMT & Natalie Rao, RMT, Bodhi Tree teaching Center)
Talking Body, Listening Hands: A Guide to Professionalism, Communication & the Therapeutic Relationship. Pamela Fitch (Book Club)
Down to Earth Dharma 5 day retreat (Bradshaw, Dault, Graf, Insight Meditation Society)
Shelter for the Heart & Mind 5 day Meditation Retreat (Salzburg & Goldstein, Insight Meditation Society)
Somatic Study & Play Workshop: Introduction to Relational Somatic Therapy (Opening to Grace, Mariah Moser, MA RCC)
Movement for Trauma Certification Level 1 (Jane Clapp, Mindful Strength and Movement Coach)
Pain Foundations Course Series: Lived Experience, Physiology, Biopsychosocial Pain Assessment, Collaborative Pain Management Plan & Team, Pain Self-Management & Patient Support (Pain BC)
Mat Pilates & Standing Pilates Teacher Certification (Marta Hernandez Studio, PhysicalMind Institute)
Female Pelvis, Female Problems (Heather Gittens, RMT, Bodhi Tree Teaching Center)
Gentle Movement and Relaxation Program (Pain BC)
Simply TMJ [Jaw Treatment] (Robert Hackwood, RMT, Dynamic Therapies)
Modified and Prenatal Pilates Intensive Mat Course (Marta Hernandez, Physicalmind Institute)
Introduction to Bartenieff Fundamentals (Donna Redlick, CMA, RSME)
Movement Patterning (Helen Walkley, LMA, SME)
Massage Therapy During the Childbearing Year: Pregnancy (Paula Jaspar, RMT, ME)
Visceral Manipulation: Abdomen (VM1) (Annabel Mackenzie, Barral Institute)
Human Anatomy Dissection: Abdomen & Thorax, Upper Extremity, Lower Extremity, Head & Neck (Somatic Explorations)
10 day Vipassana Meditation courses (Indonesia & Canada, S. N. Goenka)
CranioSacral Therapy (CS1) (Upledger Institute)
An Introduction to Laban Movement Analysis (Helen Walkley, LMA)
Basic Counselling Skills (VCC)
Body Mind Psychotherapy Intensive (Susan Aposhyan, MA, LPC)
Embodied Practice through Bartenieff Fundamentals (Donna Redlick, CMA, RSME)
Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree (Emily Carr Institute of Art & Design)
