Kait is originally from Vancouver Island, and grew up all over the world, often moving with her family while her father played professional hockey. She has always loved and appreciated sports, the spirit of competition and pushing her limits. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science from the University of South Alabama where she played on an NCAA Division One softball scholarship.

She graduated with her Master’s Degree in Physiotherapy in 2012 from UBC and has gone on to receive additional advanced training in orthopaedic manipulation, IMS, vestibular training and clinical management of the running athlete.

Kait is a people person and she gets the most joy out of connecting with her patients, discovering what truly motivates them and what their patient specific goals are. You can often hear her laugh through the clinic walls as she loves being a part of a strong, like minded team of professionals at Start Line. Kait helps coordinate new graduate clinical mentorship and enjoys supporting younger therapists in their early career.

When Kait isn’t in the clinic she’s chasing after her two young children Branson and Kinley, spending time outside, running with her dog Bear, lifting weights, playing hockey, golfing, wake surfing, snowboarding and enjoying raising a young family with her husband Brendin.

Kait is also fluent in German from her time growing up in Germany.

From the injured worker to the Olympic level athlete, Eric strives to help his clients achieve their peak health and lifestyle. He gets tremendous satisfaction in helping his clients get out of pain, moving better and is a big believer that “exercise is medicine!”.

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Eric has done extensive training in different forms of therapy to better help his clients get out of pain, optimize their movement and recover from their injuries. One of these forms of therapy he specializes in is a treatment approach known worldwide as Neurokinetic Therapy®. This method is efficient and thorough at uncovering the underlying cause or driver to someone’s pain.

 

One of Eric’s most rewarding passions is working with those that suffer from chronic pain, have tried different forms of therapy (or even physiotherapy before) and have had limited prior successes. He considers himself a master problem-solver that thinks outside the box. 

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Eric is also extremely passionate about is concussion and dizziness (vestibular) therapy. No matter how these issues occur, these conditions can be complex, and his training ensures that no part goes unaddressed!

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Eric was born and raised in Northern BC but fell in love with the island several years ago while attending UVic. In his spare time, you’ll likely find him basking at the beach, hitting the waves in Tofino or hiking a nearby trail with his finacée Jacqueline, their dogs, and enjoying watching their daughters, Aralyn & Penelope, grow and develop!

Eileen grew up in northern British Columbia and moved to Vancouver Island in 2013 to complete her undergraduate degree at UVIC. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, with a psychology minor. She then spent a stint living and working in Victoria, before completing her Master of Physical Therapy degree at UBC.

 

Since completing her physical therapy degree, Eileen has completed additional coursework in concussion management and vestibular rehabilitation. She is highly interested in these areas of physiotherapy as they often pose unique challenges for the client that can be overlooked in health care but are typically highly treatable. Eileen aims to take additional coursework in 2022 to further advance her manual therapy skill set.

 

Eileen aims at empowering clients to become active members of their treatment. She believes that using a collaborative approach to therapy is the best way to ensure that clients are able to achieve their personal goals.

 

Outside of the clinic, Eileen is always looking for the next adventure! In the winter you can often find her skiing at Mt. Washington, and in the summer, you can find her camping and hiking. She is also looking forward to traveling again, now that things are opening up!

Pieter graduated in 2013 from the University of British Columbia, receiving a Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy. Prior to this, he completed a Bachelor’s of Science in Exercise Science in 2008.  At UBC, he gained experience in several fields of practice, including pediatrics, geriatrics, neurological rehabilitation, post-op orthopaedics, and post-plastics surgical rehab.

For Pieter’s Master’s thesis, he completed  a literature review that summarized the best treatments and their outcomes in relation to “tennis elbow”, a common repetitive strain injury.

Pieter is dedicated to his patient’s care and strives to promote an understanding of the nature of injuries through client-focused treatments. His preferred treatment plans typically include manual therapy, therapeutic modalities, taping, and exercise prescription specifically tailored to each client. He is passionate about client health care and the importance of incorporating engaging and effective exercise programs into daily life. His main focus while in the clinic is to ensure that each client receives dedicated one-on-one time and quality care.

When not in the clinic, Pieter enjoys watching movies, traveling, weight lifting, rock climbing, and exploring the beautiful British Columbia scenery.

SERVICES:

• Physical Therapy

• IMS/Dry Needling

• Manual Therapy

Dayna is a firm believer that movement is medicine and is excited to help you feel your best!

 

Dayna completed both her Master of Science in Physical Therapy and her Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at the University of Alberta. She developed a passion for biomechanics, injury prevention, and rehabilitation after attending physiotherapy for her own injuries. She decided to pursue a career in physiotherapy to use this passion to improve others’ lives. As a former engineer, Dayna has a unique perspective into the mechanics involved with physical ailments. She draws on this expertise, her love of exercise and movement, and her hands-on skillset to create an optimal treatment plan for each of her clients.

 

Dayna is a member of the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science and Healthy Dancer Canada. She has has additional training in the assessment and treatment of vertigo and dizziness. She also enjoys treating concussion and post-surgical conditions.

 

Outside of the clinic, Dayna can often be found practicing her dance or circus skills. Her background includes Irish, tap, jazz, modern, and ballet dance styles and she enjoys trying out new aerial apparatuses such as lyra, trapeze, or pole. You might also find her out exploring Vancouver Island or spending quality time with her partner and their cat.

While attending VIU I developed a strong interest in Kinesiology, from basic anatomy to complex biomechanics. I worked to expand my knowledge by becoming a personal trainer and continuing my kinesiology education. As I furthered my education I was introduced to Massage Therapy.

 

I saw Massage Therapy combined with my prior education as a great way to help people suffering from a variety of conditions and injuries. Using a combination of techniques which include Deep Tissue, Trigger Point release, and Myofascial Release I focus on optimizing movement and pain reduction.

 

When I am not working I spend my time weightlifting at the gym, searching for new food spots with my partner Kenzy, and attempting to tire out our two golden retrievers

Greg is a Registered Physiotherapist who graduated with a Master of Science in Physiotherapy from McMaster University in 2017. Prior to completing his Masters’s degree, he attended Western University and received an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology. He is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with training in external pelvic floor Physiotherapy and contemporary medical acupuncture.

 

Greg prides himself on taking a client-centred approach to therapy with the intention of listening to and appreciating every individual’s story. This approach enables Greg the
opportunity to provide empathetic, personalized treatment for all. He strives to empower patients through education, appropriate exercise prescription, and achievement of desired goals. His treatment approach involves a blend of pain education, graded exercise exposure, manual therapy, stress management techniques, and applicable modalities. The complexities of the science behind pain and the implications for the nervous system are key areas of interest. Outside of physiotherapy, Greg is passionate about living an active lifestyle. He enjoys a variety of sports such as hockey, soccer, softball, and basketball. Moving from Ontario, he is very eager to get out and explore all the beauty that the island has to offer. You will most likely find him out paddleboarding around or hiking trails with his dog!

Kelsey graduated from the four-year program at the Canadian College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in 2006 with a Diploma in Traditional Chinese Medicine. During her studies, she assisted in teaching the third-year class “Acupuncture Treatment for Sports Injuries and Physical Trauma” where she helped to demonstrate the combination of contemporary acupuncture points (similar to IMS), with traditional acupuncture points based on a Chinese Medicine diagnosis. These techniques proved to be very powerful in treating all types of injury and fueled her interest in sports medicine, and the amazing benefits that could be gained from using acupuncture.

 

She continues to expand her knowledge by attending many courses specific to sports medicine acupuncture and employs the use of TuiNa(Chinese medical massage), acupressure, cupping, trigger point injection therapy, and nutrition in her practice as well. During her career she has had the honour of treating Hollywood stunt doubles, CFL players, MMA Fighters, both Olympic and Paralympic athletes, and some of the best weekend warriors in the world! During her 15 years of practice, she has found a great passion in helping people recover from injury and getting back to doing the activities that they love. Although her specific area of interest is pain management, she has extensive experience in treating many everyday ailments as well as more complex health issues.

 

Kelsey has recently moved home to Vancouver Island and looks forward to building a practice in the beautiful Cowichan Valley. She remains in excellent standing with her college and governing body, The CTCMA. In her spare time, she enjoys snowboarding, paddling, learning to surf, photography, strumming her ukelele, and spending time with her family in the great outdoors.

I grew up in the Cowichan Valley and was active in many sports from a young age. I’ve always had a love for physical activity and a good sweat.

After finishing a Bachelor of Human Kinetics in Kinesiology from Trinity Western University in Langley, BC, I moved to Hamilton, ON to complete a Master of Science in Physiotherapy from McMaster University. After surviving two polar vortex winters in Ontario, I happily moved back to BC in fall of 2015.

As many athletes who go into physiotherapy do, I thought I’d spend most of my career treating sports injuries. However, the pelvic health/pregnancy unit in physio school piqued my interest in an unrelenting way. I took my first pelvic health course less than a year into practice, and it was there I found my passion. I quickly started taking every pelvic health course I could.

One of my favourite things about being a pelvic health physiotherapist is having the privilege of helping women stay healthy and active through their pregnancies, and then guiding them through the healing process and return to exercise post-partum.

I have always had a curious mind and a love for learning. I continue to take 2-3 courses a year to better my skills as a practitioner and stay on top of the most recent research evidence. I am also a lab assistant for Pelvic Health Solutions, an educational company that trains pelvic health physiotherapists all across Canada.

When I’m not at work, you can find me walking, hiking or running outside, playing football, volleyball or basketball, ATVing, reading, soaking up as much vitamin D as possible, and spending time with my husband and beautifully wild toddler.

After obtaining his undergraduate degree in Human Kinetics at The University of British Columbia in 2018, Tylor went on to complete his Masters of Physiotherapy at The University of Queensland in Australia. Originally from the Cowichan Valley, Tylor is very excited to be back home and working with our great community.

 

Tylor enjoys the variety in which the physiotherapy profession has to offer. Whether it be a musculoskeletal, vestibular, neurological, or concussion injury – Tylor has the ultimate goal of getting people back to moving again so they are able to get out and do what they love. He believes that having a strong connection with the patient is the foundation of a successful recovery.

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Outside of the clinic, Tylor enjoys spending time with family and friends, a variety of sports, travelling the world, and doing carpentry projects. Though his primary sport growing up has been hockey, Tylor enjoys pretty much any activity with good people. Through his athletic background and injuries of his own, Tylor has developed a rich understanding of the process of injury and getting back to doing what you love.

SERVICES:

• Physical Therapy

• Exercise Therapy

• Manual Therapy

• Concussion

Trish graduated with Honours from the Massage Therapy program at Lambton College of Applied Arts and Technology. Her general practice involves treating client’s chief complaints while at the same time establishing preventive care. Trish focuses on normalizing the soft tissues affected by stress, injury, and illness through the use of manual techniques such as Trigger Point Therapy, Deep Tissue Massage, Myofascial Release Techniques, and General Relaxation Techniques. Her goal is to create balance and wellness, and to help reduce the pain and stress created by everyday life.

 

In her spare time, Trish is a dedicated runner and triathlete and an active member of the CEEVACS roadrunners club. She loves competition and has competed in dozens of marathons, including the Boston Marathon (2009, 2019), ultramarathons and Ironman triathlons. 

Rachel is a Registered Kinesiologist with the British Columbia Association of Kinesiologists (BACK).

She has been a practicing Kinesiologist in the Cowichan Valley for 10 years.

 Originally from Ontario, Rachel graduated with her BA in Kinesiology from the University of Western Ontario in 2002 and then her Masters in Kinesiology and Gerontology from Lakehead University in 2004.

Kinesiologists take an active approach to the rehabilitation of injuries including strengthening and stretching. As a yoga instructor (Vinyasa and Restorative Yoga) Rachel strongly believes in the mind-body connection and takes a holistic approach to your treatment including consideration of the nervous system.

Rachel’s treatment is based on a biomechanical approach to human movement which considers the foundations of posture, breath and joint position to help you move better and feel better.

Rachel’s athletic background includes competing as a varsity athlete in the sport of wrestling during her university days. Currently, she enjoys lifting weights at the gym, hiking and practicing yoga.

Lisa received her physiotherapy degree at Curtin University in Perth, Australia in 1998. She returned to Canada & worked in private practice. In Bragg Creek, AB she opened her owned & operated her clinic in 2000, until she moved to Cowichan Valley in 2016. She has taken numerous post graduate courses in orthopedics and has a special interest in vertigo & concussion rehabilitation. She completed her acupuncture and dry needling certification completed, as well as her certificate in Spinal Manual Therapy, and is a certified ART® provider.

Lisa’s passion is cycling & she enjoys working with patients to enhance skills & technique, prevent injuries, but also recover from unfortunate injuries.

She enjoys working closely with her patients in a one on one setting to ensure their rehabilitation restores the highest level of function in their daily life, recreational and sporting activities.

Using her foundation of manual therapy from an Australian education, Lisa incorporates hands-on therapy, dry needling, movement education and exercise rehabilitation into treatment to optimize recovery.

Ashley graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapists in 2007. Ashley competed at a high level in numerous sports throughout her childhood and young adult life including soccer, field hockey and running. Through her passion of sport she became inspired about furthering her knowledge of injuries and the dynamics of the human body. 

 

Her primary treatment goals are to address the clients main complaint while simultaneously establishing maintenance and preventative care. The techniques Ashley works with in treatment session includes Trigger Point Release, Myofascial Release, Deep Tissue Massage and general relaxation techniques. Ashley will send you home with a home care plan that includes, but is not limited to stretching and strengthening.

 

Currently, her three children keep her busy, but in her spare time Ashley still continues to enjoy playing soccer, running and being outside at much as possible. You can also find her on the field volunteering her time coaching with various youth sports organizations in the Cowichan Valley. 

Tara is a Clinical Counselor registered with the BC Association of Clinical Counselors. Tara completed my BA in Psychology at UVIC and an MA in Counselling Psychology at Athabasca University. Since Tara began her counselling practice, and has continued her education with extensive training in CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, and Clinical Traumatology. Her passion is supporting people through healing and growth when dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, substance use, as well as everyday life stressors.

She believes in taking a holistic, client centered, and individualized approach to therapy with talk and somatic therapy pieces. Tara has worked in a variety of settings from schools to non-profit organizations, Provincial Prisons, and First Nations Communities. She have worked with men, women, children, couples, and families. Tara have been told by clients that she is very calming and soothing presence which allows for the development of a positive therapeutic alliance.

Tara is currently the Mental Health and Addictions Supervisor at Nanaimo Correctional Centre in addition to her private practice work. She is also a certified trauma-informed yoga teacher and is the  Vancouver Chapter Ambassador for the Prison Yoga Project. Her teach trauma-informed yoga and mindfulness classes at Provincial Correctional Centres and look forward to expanding these programs to community settings as well.

In her spare time she enjoys an active lifestyle participating in soccer, flag football, and hiking. She also enjoy watching her son play hockey and lacrosse.

Esme is a B.Sc. Physiotherapy graduate from the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa (1990). She subsequently worked within South Africa in acute hospital and outpatient settings (Worcester, Cape Town, and Alexander Bay) and southern Namibia. 

 

She travelled to Canada in 1995 and worked in Saskatoon, Nipawin and Melfort in private practice as well as in acute hospital and outpatient settings covering all areas of rural physiotherapy (joint replacement, stroke rehabilitation, respiratory, orthopaedics). In La Ronge, she established a physiotherapy department in the newly-built hospital and also provided home care, long-term care, and rehabilitation for children with Cerebral Palsy.

 

Esme has also worked for 2 years in Whangarei Hospital in New Zealand, rotating through neurology and internal medicine wards. In the past 13 years, her focus has been primarily on orthopaedics and sports injuries within private practice, while living on Salt Spring Island and subsequently for the past 8 years in the Cowichan Valley.

She believes in an active and healthy lifestyle and participates recreationally in 10 km runs (i.e., Times Colonist), tennis, hiking Vancouver Island, sailing off the BC coast and Gulf islands, as well as enjoying gardening on her family’s hobby farm.

SERVICES:

• Physical Therapy

• Manual Therapy

• Hypopressive Exercise

Dr. Welham earned a Doctorate in Chiropractic Medicine after first completing a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of British Columbia. She added the prescription of custom orthotics to her practice shortly after beginning her career as a Chiropractor.

 

Dr. Welham excels at finding the hidden cause. Highly intuitive and spiritual, she uses her training to understand how the body is compensating for aberrant foot mechanics. This information is then used to create a platform that puts the foot and the body into neutral.

Luke graduated from Coventry University, UK in 2016, where he received a Bachelor of Sciences degree in Physiotherapy.

As a physiotherapist in Leicester, UK he was able to work in a variety of locations including Musculoskeletal outpatients, ICU and long-term rehabilitation wards, including stroke and medical rehabilitation settings.

After moving to Canada in 2019 he has worked in a Pain Management Program and with acute clients in a 1:1 setting. Luke has gained experience working a varied caseload including post operative orthopedic surgery patients, sports injuries, complex chronic pain conditions and people seeking to return to work.

Luke uses a client centered approach to treatment. He has been fortunate to work with leading MSK researchers and has developed his knowledge and understanding of acute, persistent and complex pain presentations. Luke aims to provide treatment session that allow for improving function, returning to valued activities, increasing self-efficacy and works on client centered goals and individual care for each client.

Outside of the clinic Luke enjoys hiking, mountain biking, playing golf and spending time with his family and friends.

Roxanne is a recent graduate of West Coast College of Massage Therapy’s Victoria campus
awaiting her board exams. Throughout the program Roxanne worked in a variety of settings
from sports teams to long term care residents, mental health, pregnancy and complex care
patients. Her skills and passion are equally divided in therapeutic and relaxation modalities
with the goal of bringing a sense of ease and comfort for people in their body. Previous work
revolved around body care for the elderly with physical challenges, dementia and end of life
care. Her compassion and connection to her clients fuels her desire in the health care field.
Roxanne’s highlights are her family, friends, travelling and tending the animals and garden on
her hobby farm.