Meet the Movement Lifestyle Team

Carrie Viola

Registered Physiotherapist

Carrie’s first experience with physiotherapy came at a young age after suffering a series of sport-related knee injuries, requiring both surgery and rehabilitation. Her past experiences combined with her extensive academic training help clients and athletes restore function, minimize re-injury and optimize performance safely, and effectively.

Carrie graduated from McMaster University in 2006 with a Masters degree in Physiotherapy after obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Human Kinetics from the University of Guelph. She has post-graduate training with the Orthopaedic Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, obtaining her Certificate of Manual and Manipulative Therapy, and is certified in Chan Gunn IMS (CG*IMS) through the Institute for the Study and Treatment of Pain (iSTOP). She has completed training through the STOTT Pilates Rehabilitation Program and enjoys incorporating Clinical Pilates exercises and principles as part of her treatments. Carrie’s approach to physiotherapy aims to analyze the client’s whole body strategy, determine the underlying reason for those strategies and restore optimal performance and function using hands-on techniques and focused exercises.

Carrie has a wide range of experience treating weekend warriors and athletes in soccer, lacrosse, triathlon, and cycling. She has also taken further training in Prenatal Pilates to help support moms-to-be in their movements and aid in recovery after birth.

Advanced Certifications:

• Certificate of Manual and Manipulative Therapy
• Intramuscular Stimulation (CG*IMS)
• STOTT PILATES® Rehab Trained Instructor – Mat level 1 & 2, Reformer level 1 & 2
• Prenatal Pilates
• The Integrated Systems Model series with Diane Lee

Larissa Vishniakoff

Registered Physiotherapist

Larissa is a graduate of the University of British Columbia, where she completed her Master of Physical Therapy in 2009 and Bachelor of Science in 2007.

Larissa was exposed to Physiotherapy at a young age and was immediately intrigued by the profession. Through her own injuries, she has developed a deep sense of empathy, compassion, and comprehensive knowledge base that comes from being both a patient and a therapist. Larissa is passionate about the profession and also sees the immense value in being part of a collaborative health care team. Larissa continues to prioritize life-long learning and is currently exploring knowledge in Osteopathic techniques, Medical Intuition, and the Autonomic Nervous System.

Larissa uses her skills to assess and treat the whole person and is very keen on making sure that the patient understands and is part of the treatment process the entire way through.

Larissa was a competitive swimmer for 11 years and continues to work with coaches and their competitive swimmers by presenting lectures and providing rehabilitation programs for competitive swim teams. She currently enjoys yoga, hiking, Kettlebell and TRX training, trail running, scuba diving, and has over 15 years of personal Pilates experience.

Advanced Certifications:

• Medical Acupuncture Provider – AFCI
• Intramuscular Stimulation (CG*IMS)
• STOTT PILATES® Rehab Trained Instructor – Reformer 1 & 2, Cadillac/Barrels/Chair 1 & 2
• Calibrate Clinical Pilates Instructor
• K-taping therapist
• Intermediate Certificate of Manual and Manipulative Therapy with the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Therapy
• Shirley Sahrmann Movement Impairment Syndromes
• Lyn Watson Advanced Shoulder Rehab Level 1 & 2
• Anatomy Trains for Movement Therapists

Karen Boyle

Registered Physiotherapist

Karen Boyle completed her Master of Science in Physical Therapy at the University of Toronto in 2014. Prior to this, Karen graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Ottawa, receiving her Bachelor of Science with a specialization in Human Kinetics in 2012.

Karen first became exposed to Physiotherapy following a traumatic ankle injury when she was sixteen years old. Having a keen interest in science and anatomy, she was immediately captivated by the profession and started working toward a career as a Physiotherapist.

As a past athlete herself, having played basketball at the competitive level for eight years, Karen is a strong advocate for sport and physical activity. Karen does not believe in providing solely passive therapy, and rarely uses electric modalities. She works with her patients and encourages them to be active during the manual therapy part of treatment. Karen puts emphasis on movement and functional exercises that are meaningful to her patients and finds exercises that can be done in the workplace or at home. The therapy Karen provides is a combination of manual therapy, acupuncture/dry needling, individualized education and tailored exercises to suit each of her client’s needs.

Karen has worked with a wide array of patient populations in different therapy settings throughout her education and work experience. In addition to her knowledge of common musculoskeletal injuries and conditions, Karen has also been mentored and trained in acute concussion and post-concussion rehabilitation.

Although Karen has completed her formal education, she continues to be an eager student and is a firm believer in evidence-based practice and continual learning. She works to ensure that the treatment she provides is up to date, effective and safe.

As a new Vancouverite, Karen has been spending as much time as she can on the beach, or in the mountains hiking and camping. She also loves to put on a backpack and travel the world, having visited Central and South America, and more recently, Southeast Asia and Europe.

Advanced Certifications:

• Complete Concussion Management
• NeuroKinetic Therapy – Level 1, Level 2, Integrated Muscle Testing and Palpation
• Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) – Level 1
• Functional Integrated Needling (FIT Institute) and AA1 Foundations of Anatomical
  Acupuncture (Acupuncture Canada)
• The Robin McKenzie Institute of Canada; Part A: Lumbar Spine
• The Diploma of Advanced Orthopaedic Manual Therapy and Manipulative
  Physiotherapy: Level 1 and Level 2 Lower
• Soft Tissue Release Training Workshop
• Advanced Physical Therapy Education Institute (APTEI) – Shoulder Complex part
  I/II, The Thoracic Spine Part I/II, The Lumbo-Pelvic Complex Certification Program,
  The Lower Extremity Complex Certification Program

Kendall Segin

Registered Physiotherapist

Kendall completed her Masters of Physical Therapy at UBC in 2015. Prior to this, she received her Bachelors of Science with Honours in Kinesiology at UVIC.

Kendall’s interest in Physiotherapy began when she had a dance related injury growing up. This sparked her interest in human anatomy and movement patterns. Through her own rehab, she developed an understanding of how beneficial patient education and corrective exercise can be.

As a therapist, Kendall believes in a one-on-one treatment approach, with individualized treatment programs tailored to the client. Her therapy style includes a mix of manual therapy and therapeutic exercise, including Pilates. While Kendall enjoys working with all populations, she has a special interest in dancers, gymnasts, and those with increased mobility. Kendall strives to further her practice with continuing education and collaboration with colleagues.

For a number of years, Kendall utilized her Kinesiology training to volunteer with a rugby team as an athletic trainer. Through this, she had the opportunity to develop quick on-field assessment and treatment techniques. In addition, she developed a great appreciation for the importance of injury prevention for athletes.
Kendall’s appreciation for movement began at an early age, and she was a competitive dancer for 15 years. She still enjoys doing jazz, ballet, contemporary and tap. Outside of dance, she enjoys pilates, hiking, scuba diving, travelling and cooking.

Advanced Certifications:

• STOTT PILATES® Rehab Trained Instructor – Mat level 1 & 2, Reformer level 1 & 2
• CPA National Orthopaedic Division Level 1
• Advanced Physical Therapy Lower Extremity Certification
• Advanced Physical Therapy Lumbo-Pelvic Certification
• Advanced Physical Therapy Cervico-Thoracic Certification
• Mulligan Lower Extremity Certification

Maryla Podgajny

Registered Physiotherapist, Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist

Maryla completed her Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy at the University of British Columbia in 2003. Since then as part of the professional journey, she has worked both in private orthopedic practice and in-hospital acute and outpatient care settings. With a passion for optimizing one’s wellbeing, from 2007, Maryla focused clinical interest mainly on the pelvic floor and abdominal dysfunction, both female and male, as well as perinatal health.

Maryla has worked at the BC Women’s Hospital, Burnaby Hospital, Prostate Cancer Supportive Care at VGH and Dayan Physiotherapy and Pelvic Floor Clinic; which provided an ongoing challenge and learning opportunity in the past. Presently she continues to enjoy the team approach to the versatile population of pelvic floor clients as the physiotherapist for the BC Centre for Vulvar Health at Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver and at On The Coast Physio, Sechelt.

Maryla believes that maintaining pelvic floor health should become a part of a holistic approach to one’s well being. While pelvic floor dysfunctions are common, they are not easily talked about. This should change with a knowledgable, caring approach to allow for the fullest quality of life. Maryla understands how to work with the clients to ensure they receive the best care possible. The thoughtful, sensitive and personalized approach means that she is fully committed to the health and well-being of all patients.

A specialized pelvic health physiotherapy treatment can be provided to address bladder and bowel health, pelvic organ prolapse, pain with intercourse/sexual function and perinatal health. All gender expressions and identities are seen in a respectful and confidential professional setting.

When not working with the clients, Maryla enjoys spending time with her family and children, hiking, Zumba, time spent on the Sunshine Coast, and the company of her dog.

Advanced Certifications:

• Certificate of Anatomical Acupuncture – AFCI
• Marcy Dayan advanced training and mentorship; male, female client, pelvic pain, prostatodynia, vulvodynia, prolapse, pessaries, gender reassignment surgery (GRS) care
• The Physiotherapy Approach for Dyspareunia and Physiotherapy for Male Urinary Incontinence (PR2) Claudia Brown and Marie-Jose Lord. Pelvic Floor Solutions
• Continence and Pelvic Floor Re-education in the Female Patient (PRI) Penny Willson and Pat Lebliech, UBC and BCW
• Cecile Rost Pregnancy Related Pelvic Pain
• Mulligan Concept and Manual Therapy (lower quadrant, lumbar spine and pelvis dysfunction)
• Advanced Orthopedic Manual and Manipulative Lower Quadrant level I and II
• K-taping therapist

Mai Holmes

Registered Massage Therapist

Mai Holmes started practicing in 2012 after graduating from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy. Since then, she has continued to grow her practice with a special interest in fascial work supporting the optimal movement of the body. Her post-graduation courses have led her to the Biodynamic Fascial Integration program taught by highly respected and well-educated mentors. Working with the many layers of the body has provided Mai with a deeper understanding of how it responds to treatment. She uses various non-traditional modalities allowing the body to find self-expression and healing.

“I am passionate about the healing power of the human body and the results that can be achieved with a natural form of medicine such as manual therapy. It’s a privilege to share that.”

Mai considers her practice in therapy as a continuous learning process and developing journey much like her Pilates, yoga, spinning and everything else that keeps her moving.

Advanced Certifications:

• Calibrate Clinical Pilates Instructor
• Biodynamic Fascial Integration: fascial mobilization, visceral manipulation, and craniosacral therapy
• Anatomy Trains Structural Integration – Pain and Movement
• ANS Balance – Manual Treatment of the Thoracic Cage

Ian Glass

Registered Massage Therapist

Ian was first introduced to Craniosacral Therapy in 2008. Intrigued by the subtle and powerful work and wanting to learn more, Ian first studied manual therapy at the Vancouver School of Bodywork and Massage in 2010. There he began to learn deep tissue/myofascial techniques. After that, he continued to learn energetic osteopathic treatment through the Upledger Institute and the Barral Institute; later upgrading to become a Registered Massage Therapist in 2013. Ian enjoys treating through a combination of direct techniques and some subtle manipulation to address immediate concerns and deeper underlying tensions. Ian has a background in Dance and appreciates an athlete’s need for their sport and need to perform. Outside of work, Ian enjoys meditation, travel, and photography.

Ian has a special interest in treating head injuries, post-surgical cases, and chronic conditions.

Advanced Certifications:

• Upledger Institute: Craniosacral levels 1 & 2
• Upledger Institute: SomatoEmotional Release levels 1 & 2
• Barral Institute: Visceral Manipulation levels 1-6

Siam Gomes

Registered Massage Therapist

Siam graduated from the Langara Registered Massage Therapy program in August 2018. Prior to becoming an RMT, she practiced Holistic Nutrition primarily doing private consultations to help clients create a healthy, sustainable and educated relationship with food.

Siam’s focus in Massage Therapy is to provide the highest quality of care, with an emphasis on patient education and for her patients to be actively involved in the recovery process on the table and with their home care. Siam will often incorporate therapeutic exercise, proprioception training and pilates within her treatments.

Techniques often utilized during Siam’s treatments include trigger point release, myofascial and active myofascial release, passive and active forms of stretching and joint mobilizations integrated with Swedish techniques.

Siam enjoys yoga, hip-hop/rap, being a foodie and taking her Frenchie Eddie on trail hikes.

Special interests: TMJ disorders, post-operative mastectomy patients, and pre/postnatal.

Advanced Certifications:

• Balanced Body Reformer 1 and 2
• Holistic Nutrition (CSNN)
• Massage Therapy for The Childbearing Year: Pregnancy

Shanie Rechner

Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Acupuncturist

An alumnus of the International College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Vancouver, Shanie graduated from the 5 year Doctor program. During her 4th year, she travelled to Taiwan where she learnt in both the private medical sector and at the Taipei Tzu Chi General Hospital. Her biggest take away from her internship abroad was the excitement gained to become part of a generation of practitioners who can play a role in fostering the important collaboration between Western and Eastern medicine.

Additional studies of hers include 2 years at Grant MacEwan University; There she completed the Holistic Health Practitioner program with a focus in Nutrition, Western Herbology and Acupressure.

Growing up, Shanie could always be found out on a court, a field or the ice. This played a part in her discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) when she was met with a performance affecting injury. While acupuncture was introduced as a tool for helping the physical body with pain management and recovery time, it wasn’t until she learnt TCM encompasses a holistic approach that she knew it would become the discipline she would utilize for helping others.

With a strong focus on clear communication and an eagerness to educate, Shanie hopes to enhance your quality of life by providing you with a better understanding of your body and overall health.

All and any patients are welcome to Shanie’s practice, and she notes special interest in concerns regarding stress management, depression, anxiety, pain, digestive health, along with diet & nutrition.

Advanced Certifications:

• Holistic Health Practitioner: Nutrition, Western Herbology, Acupressure

Jessica Moon

Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Acupuncturist

Jessica’s focus as a practitioner, clinically and spiritually, is summed up by two words: Pain and Beauty. She appreciates, equally, the challenge and the reward of working to treat physical pain in muscles and joints. Acupuncture is incredibly effective for pain relief, either by clearing excess or by nurturing deficiency, be it local or systemic.

Since graduating with a Doctorate of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jessica has adopted the use of Acupoint Injection Therapies, which are guided by the principles of acupuncture, while incorporating nutrients and solutions to allow for a more immediate effect in some cases.

Changes in emotional and mental health as a response of the mind to the repair of the body can be profoundly positive. In addition to results from manual therapy, Jessica has observed herbal formulas to work wonders in balancing the highs and lows, easing the frustrations and anxieties of life.

Over many years of seeking better living, movement has been a mainstay for Jessica: yoga, swimming, cycling, and pilates. Not only for a strong mind, but for happy muscles too.

Bringing us to beauty: Cosmetic acupuncture and facial rejuvenation is a several thousand year old technique to clear blemishes, fill in fine lines, lift and brighten the eyes, encouraging blood flow and circulation to the face, and stimulate new collagen production by needling into the dermal layer of the skin. No pain, all beauty.

Advanced Certifications:

• ARIABC: Acupoint Injection levels 1, 2 & 3
• ARIABC: Prolotherapy levels 1, 2 & 3
• ARIABC: Scar/Adhesion Release, Perineural, PRP & Ozone Therapy
• PhysicalMind Institute: Mat & Standing Pilates Trainer

Meghan O’Connell

Certified Personal Trainer

Meghan would love to say that she has “always” been dedicated to helping people improve their lives by moving better, but the truth is that she was a bit of a mess for many years. Then in her early 30’s, she started to turn her life around with the surprising discovery of boxing.

When she retired after losing her 2004 titles as BC champ and bronze nationalist (54 kg weight class), she spent three of the best months of her life in Thailand learning Muay Thai. After returning to Canada, she met the man she’s now happily married to, then became a boxing coach and shortly afterwards, personal trainer.

Since then, she has delved fully into the art of movement improvement and works with people of all ages.

Her experience of coming to athletics later in life meant that she became intimately familiar with many injuries. As a consequence, she’s developed a niche that focuses on moving people from rehabilitation into strength. Her style is very technical and methodical while respecting the needs and starting points of individual bodies.

Meghan started powerlifting competitively in 2017 (squat, bench press, and deadlift), and was proud to attend the Nationals in March of 2019 (57 kg, Masters II). She continues to train hard to improve her lifts, to date without the use of a supportive belt as the majority of other lifters wear.

In her free time, she enjoys roller skating (the old-fashioned kind, on four wheels), being outside in nature as much as possible, and trying to decide where to eat on date night.

Advanced Certifications and Courses:

• FMS 1 & 2 (Functional Movement Systems)
• StrongFirst Girya 1 and Lifter (kettlebell and barbell)
• BCRPA Older Adult and Osteofit
• DNS 1 (Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization)
• Somatic Explorations Human Anatomy Pro-Section: Upper and Lower Extremities
• Stu McGill Level 1
• Fit 4 Two PPFS (Pre and Postnatal Fitness Specialist)

Marianne Grobbelaar

Medical Exercise Specialist

Marianne was born in South Africa and moved to Canada in 2008. She was a professional ballet dancer for 15 years, dancing as Principal ballerina with Cape Town City Ballet and then Ballet BC. Whilst dancing in South Africa, she co-founded a dancer rehabilitation program connecting dancers with medical professionals.

After retiring from ballet, she followed her passion of rehabilitative exercise and became a Medical Exercise Specialist, working with people who have experienced strokes, Cancer, Dementia/Alzheimers and Parkinsons disease. She especially enjoys working with seniors and has been teaching group exercise classes to patients at the Health and Home Care Society of BC in their Dementia Respite Program for the last two years.

When not working at Reformotiv, she offers private in-home exercise sessions to people ranging in age from 8-97 years old!

Marianne draws from her experiences of her own personal injury recovery. She has also created her own fusion group exercise program which is inspired by her exposure to Ballet, Pilates, Yoga, Strength Training, Meditation and her extensive movement background.

Advanced Certifications:

• Medical Exercise Program Director – AAHFR
• BCRPA certified Personal Trainer and Weight trainer
• Cancer Exercise Specialist – Cancer Exercise Training Institute
• Certified MELT Method Instructor
• Third Age (Geriatric Exercise Program)
• Osteofit – Exercising with Osteoporosis – BC Women’s Hospital
• Calibrate Clinical Pilates Instructor
• Prenatal Pilates Certification – Physical Mind Institute of Canada
• Pre and Post Natal – Fit 4 Two
• Hypopressives Low Pressure Fitness
• ELDOA (Osteopathic Exercises)

Jaclyn Kilkenny

Yoga Instructor

Jaclyn has been practicing yoga for the last 14 years and is Yoga Alliance Certified. During a challenging time in her life, Jaclyn turned to yoga to help her move forward. She drew strength from not only the physical demands of yoga but the mindful and emotional aspects as well. Jaclyn has a background in dance so yoga and fitness have always felt like a natural fit.

In her free time, you can find her in a yoga class, instructing a spin class, cooking delicious food or hiking with her husband and their dalmatian!