Kathleena Avender is a Registered Clinical Counsellor who has completed a Master of Arts Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University and a previous educator and school counsellor within the school district.

She works with clients ages 12 & up, from a strength-based, client-centred, trauma informed lens and utilizes a variety of therapeutic modalities to best support the needs of each individual including mindfulness based techniques, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy (SFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), family systems perspective, and positive psychology.

Kathleena’s extensive background in eduction has fostered a solid foundation working with youth and families, embracing a family systems perspective. Kathleena works collaboratively to develop a safe, trusted, non judgemental space, where her clients feel heard and understood. Together, working towards achievable goals, promoting positive and meaningful change in their lives. Kathleena is passionate about empowering client self-awareness that facilitates a more grounded, confident sense of self that is more connected to themselves & others.

Kathleena Avender is a Registered Clinical Counsellor who has completed a Master of Arts Counsell... Read More

Madyson East is a recent graduate from WCCMT in Victoria and a newly Registered Massage Therapist.

She utilizes the biopsychosocial model throughout her practice, which is an approach that supports lifestyle factors (stress, sleep, and physical activity). She believes that having a good understanding of the pain mechanism can help her be more effective as a therapist. Madyson’s goal is to help people live a fulfilled life and to integrate techniques that will benefit each client’s lives.

Her passion and values include health and wellness by living an active lifestyle, building connections with people, as well as an appreciation for exploring the world by becoming globally aware. Madyson’s personal interests including spending quality time with friends and family, yoga, working out, cooking (ie. trying new recipes and different types of food) and living an outdoor active lifestyle (ie. skiing, walking my dog, hiking).

Madyson East is a recent graduate from WCCMT in Victoria and a newly Registered Massage Therapist... Read More

Ambryn is a Dental Hygiene Practitioner who aims to create a trauma-informed environment, provide education and establish a trusting relationship with her patients in order to provide comfortable care.

She graduated from Vancouver Island University in 2016 and has since taken continuing education courses on oral cancer detection to prevent oral cancers. Part of her practice is traveling to and bringing access to care to remote First Nations communities.

When she’s not with her patients, Ambyrn enjoys going to the gym, camping, reading and photography.

Ambryn is a Dental Hygiene Practitioner who aims to create a trauma-informed environment, provide... Read More

Dr. Carmen Luterbach is a Naturopathic Doctor with over 13 years of clinical experience in naturopathic and acupuncture sessions.

She has a special interest in thyroid health, hormonal imbalances, auto-immune disorders, and environmental medicine and holds advanced training in prescription, IV therapy, and acupuncture.

Dr. Luterbach’s goal is to empower patients through education and informed choice. Her approach in medicine is to achieve balance physically, mentally, and emotionally. By listening to the patient, she aims to understand the events, stressors and triggers that created the imbalance. Dr. Luterbach’s goal is to treat the causative factors to establish balance again. She enjoys working with motivated and curious patients seeking an active role in their wellness journey.

One of her greatest accomplishments is being a mom to her two daughters: an experience which she brings to her clinical practice. Outside of the office, she loves yoga, pilates, hiking and camping.

Dr. Carmen Luterbach is a Naturopathic Doctor with over 13 years of clinical experience in natur... Read More

Dr. Michaela Ouimet is a Naturopathic Doctor at Island Optimal Health & Performance, where she takes a balanced, patient-centred approach to care. She is passionate about supporting women’s health, helping patients manage acute and chronic pain, and addressing the root causes of chronic stress, burnout, and gut health concerns.

Michaela is committed to empowering patients through education and preventative care, believing that informed patients are better equipped to take ownership of their health. She values a thoughtful blend of evidence-based medicine and holistic care, with a strong emphasis on creating sustainable, realistic treatment plans that support long-term wellness.

Dr. Ouimet holds Prescriptive Authority and has advanced training in Injection Therapies (Part A), Intravenous Therapy, and Acupuncture. Michaela is also certified in Naturopathic Advanced Life Saving (NALS) and Basic Life Support (HCP-BLS), ensuring a high standard of patient safety and clinical care.

Outside of the clinic, Michaela embraces an active, outdoor lifestyle. She loves mountain biking, snowboarding, and surfing, and considers Vancouver Island the perfect place to pursue all three. When she’s not on the trails or in the water, you’ll likely find her gardening or enjoying a great cup of coffee.

Dr. Michaela Ouimet is a Naturopathic Doctor at Island Optimal Health & Performance, where sh... Read More

Paul Stephen is a Registered Massage Therapist in good standing with the College of Massage Therapy of British Columbia. He graduated from the 3000 hour Massage Therapy program at the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in Victoria, BC.

Born and raised on Vancouver Island, Paul developed a deep respect for community and the natural world, as well as the harmony that can exist between the two. His career as a Massage Therapist stems from a passion for health care, balance and wellness that he believes everyone has the potential to achieve.

Paul relies on detailed case histories, orthopaedic testing and hands-on assessment to develop a treatment plan unique to the needs and goals of each of his patients. He utilizes a combination of Swedish massage, Trigger Point Therapy, Muscle Energy Technique, Positional Release, Myofascial Release and Hot Stone Therapy in order to provide a range of treatment options to every patient. At the end of each treatment, Paul advises his patients on therapeutic stretching and exercise, and works to identify lifestyle factors that may be influencing his patients pain and dysfunction. In addition to his clinical practice, Paul has taught at the West Coast College of Massage Therapy since 2015.

Paul Stephen is a Registered Massage Therapist in good standing with the College of Massage Thera... Read More