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

Dr. Natalie Blake has a passion for helping people move better and feel better. She is motivated to help each and every individual get stronger. Her practice focuses on identifying and modifying movement patterns, and helping people manage their pain with confidence. She has an evidence-informed approach including combination approach of education, soft tissue techniques, and manual therapy.

Both her professional experience as a personal trainer and as a former competitive weightlifter allow for a detailed analysis of biomechanics, movement and how it impacts recovery. Whether you are a beginner or an athlete, she helps build confidence in the gym and at home to manage pain and injury.

Some of Natalie’s recent experience includes Team Clinician for Team New Zealand (Ice Blacks) during the IIHF World Cup in 2024, and appointed the Medical Liaison for the 2025 55+ BC Summer Games.

Outside of practice, Natalie can be found enjoying the great outdoors, joining a local Pilates class, or in the gym.

Dr. Natalie Blake has a passion for helping people move better and feel better. She is motivated... 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

Osteopathic Practitioner, Lactation Counsellor B.Sc. Kin., D.O.M.P., PgCCPain

Anne-Marie incorporates over 15 years of experience working in various rehabilitation settings into her osteopathic practice. She works with babies, children, pre/postnatal, pelvic health concerns, TMJ, neck pain, acute and chronic pain, SI joint pain, sciatica, post-surgery, anxiety, digestive issues, and incorporates a person centred approach to her care.

Prior to studying osteopathy, Anne-Marie obtained her degree in Kinesiology in 2008 from the University of Saskatchewan & University of Queensland in Australia. She then travelled to Central America where she volunteered as a kinesiologist with a professional soccer team and alongside a pediatric physiotherapist, conducting home visits to rural areas to help infants and children experiencing various physical and cognitive challenges.

Anne-Marie graduated from the 5-year + thesis program at the Canadian College of Osteopathy in Toronto in 2015 and has since then completed a variety of postgraduate courses in the fields of women’s health and pelvic floor rehabilitation, including pre-and postnatal support, diastasis recti, pelvic organ prolapse management and support for mothers who have had cesarian births, and has completed the educational requirements to become a lactation consultant to add to her pediatric osteopathy practice.

She completed a graduate certificate in chronic pain management through McGill University in 2021. Anne-Marie fosters an inclusive and welcoming setting where people of all genders, cultures, racial and ethnic identifications.

Other highlights of her career include having volunteered for Osteopathy Without Borders in Peru, creating and delivering an online course on chronic pain for osteopathic practitioners and RMTs, sitting on the board of directors for OsteopathyBC as well as being a member of the research committee for the Canadian Federation of Osteopaths, treating professional ballet dancers and ongoing work with promoting the profession of osteopathy through her work as social media manager for OsteopathyBC.

Anne-Marie is an active member of OsteopathyBC.

Osteopathic Practitioner, Lactation Counsellor B.Sc. Kin., D.O.M.P., PgCCPain Anne-Marie incorpo... 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

Riannon is a Birth Biomechanics Practitioner and co-owner of Harbour City Doulas. She specializes in optimizing pelvic and diaphragm mobility to help babies achieve the ideal birthing position and alleviate pregnancy discomforts.

With a focus on improving body alignment, Riannon supports her clients in increasing their chances of an optimal vaginal delivery while providing holistic care and relief from common pregnancy challenges. As a doula, she combines biomechanics expertise with compassionate support to guide families through pregnancy and birth.

Riannon is a Birth Biomechanics Practitioner and co-owner of Harbour City Doulas. She specializes... 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