Sonya Scheer, R.M.T….Clinic Manager
Sonya is a graduate of the Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy’s 3,000-hour curriculum program. Sonya excels in chronic injury rehabilitation and pain management by employing deep tissue and myofascial techniques to increase mobility and bring the body back to optimal performance. Fascial, Trigger Point release, and Muscle Stripping are used primarily, and Swedish techniques are incorporated to aide in relaxation.
A passion for Massage Therapy was developed while Sonya received treatment for her own injuries as a ballet student and performer. 20 years of ballet training has given her a deep understanding of the importance of proper stretching and muscle strengthening. Having to manage chronic injuries during this time has also provided her with insights and empathy to injury, chronic pain and the specific demands required on the athletic body.
Whether suffering from headaches, whiplash, low back pain, TMJ or any muscle ache and pain, Sonya believes strongly in your right to autonomy. Stating “The reality of this condition lies between what my hands can tell me and what you can tell me. Your feedback is vital in my understanding the big picture.
Joseph Zonys R.M.T.
Like a lot of us Joseph faced some challenges in his life that helped him create a better perspective on how he wanted to live. About ten years ago he made some big changes after realizing that life is too short to be caught up in anything that doesn’t help create peace. He also saw that if you wanted to have an amazing experience here you have to recognize that there is something bigger than yourself at work. In line with this understanding Joseph views life as a process of giving and not getting and through this lens has developed a deep appreciation for what he has. More importantly his actions are congruent with his ideals. Joseph gives $1 from every massage to a different charity each quarter. If you have a charity, suggestions, or questions e-mail Joseph at: give_to_have@hotmail.com
Joseph graduated from Massage Therapy school in 2001 where he was trained to assess and treat over 70 types of pathologies with a concentration on Whiplash injuries, Muscle spasms, and Trigger Point Therapy. His goal as a RMT is to help you to recover from the physical challenge(s) you are presenting with by getting to the root cause of your pain by thoroughly assessing your symptoms. Joseph then uses various massage techniques such as kneading, trigger point therapy, frictioning, and stretching and strengthening remedial exercises as part of your individualized treatment plan.
Joseph also understands that massage therapy is not always just about pain relief. Bringing relaxation to a stressful experience, or just creating a peaceful state of mind when calm is needed is equally as important.
“be the change you want to see in the world”
Matt Thompson, R.M.T.
Matt is a graduate of the West Coast College of Massage Therapy’s 3000 hour program. Matt’s focus is on assessing the whole person and listening to his clients’ concerns so he can treat an individual’s symptoms but more importantly, identify and eliminate the root cause of those symptoms. Preventing symptom re-occurrence is the foundation of his passion for Massage Therapy. To accomplish this Matt offers a broad spectrum of treatment modalities such as myofasical release, muscle energy techniques, deep tissue massage, joint mobilization, hydrotherapy, and an assortment of dynamic stretching techniques. Matt’s experience in personal training and conditioning also has made him very aware of the importance of his clients’ actions outside of the treatment room. Because of this, he takes great pride in empowering his clientele through education about their bodies and the value of proper home-care, exercise and rehabilitation.
Matt’s passion for health and wellness came long before launching his career as an RMT. Playing elite level volleyball for the better part of a decade, he finished his athletic career with 4 years of varsity competition with the Loyalist Lancers Men’s Volleyball team, helping them win numerous provincial and national titles and gaining recognition as an Academic All-Canadian. It was through his introduction to trail running and racing that Matt rekindled his passion for the health sciences. Having competed now for more than 4 years in trail events across North America, covering race distances of 10km to 80km Matt has gained a deep understanding and appreciation for the needs of endurance athletes and their bodies.
Matt’s commitment to you as a client is simple: listen to your needs, assess the needs of your body and apply the knowledge he has gained to not just treat your body but empower you to improve your overall health and wellness.
Saira Shah, R.M.T.
Saira’s interest in massage therapy and health care began at a young age. Throughout childhood and university she studied many forms of dance and was always within the fitness industry. She competed extensively which caused many debilitating injuries but it wasn’t till 2005 she realized the powerful affect of massage therapy. After Saira’s terrifying experience with a motor vehicle accident she was told that there was a possibility that she wouldn’t walk properly again. A massage therapist willingly opened her eyes and showed her what healing hands can provide someone. After realizing that her recovery time dropped to a quarter of the time expected she knew that massage therapy was her calling.
Her training consisted of three years (over 3000 clinical hours) of intense studies of anatomy, physiology, clinical sciences, orthopedic assessment and massage therapy techniques such as Swedish massage, Neuromuscular therapy, Trigger Point therapy, Fascial release, Hydrotherapy and sports injury massage.
Saira mainly focuses on rehabilitative massage therapy and incorporates strengthening and stretching regimes into all treatments. Saira may also incorporate the following into her treatments:
Myofascial Release, Muscle Energy Technique, Trigger Point Release, Swedish Massage Techniques, Joint Mobilization, and Therapeutic Exercises
Mariana Mousouliotis R.M.T.
As a graduate of the West Coast College of Massage Therapy, Mariana is fully trained as a Registered Massage Therapist including Hydrotherapy. She is dedicated to helping you establish and maintain a sense of overall wellness. Whether it be chronic injury, pre or post natal, muscular tension or any other condition or discomfort, she will create a treatment to be most effective for your body. Her passion for physical wellness and understanding of the body will demonstrate through skilled hands. Her energy, enthusiasm and knowledge will result in a positive experience.
Megan Sprout R.M.T.
Megan graduated from the Utopia Academy of Massage and Hydrotherapy in Vancouver. After completing the required 3000 hours, Megan wrote and received honors on her board registration examinations. She has a solid foundation in assessment, treatment, and prescribing corrective homecare exercises. Megan is a firm believer that massage therapy is a very effective way to treat a number of physical ailments, as well as to promote health and well-being through stress relief and relaxation.
As a former Red Seal Certified Chef, Megan is passionate about working with her hands, and using them to heal through the medium of massage therapy. In each of her treatments Megan employs a variety of techniques: myofascial release, deep tissue massage, active and passive stretching, muscle energy techniques, Swedish massage, joint mobilizations, and hydrotherapy. Also included in a massage session with Megan is an assessment of your current condition and assignment of homecare exercises designed to help you get better faster.
Megan is trained to treat a variety of conditions from specific complaints such as plantar fasciitis, IT band friction syndrome or bicipital tendonitis, to common general complaints of back pain, tension headaches or insomnia. Whether you need short term help getting that knot out of your shoulders today, or you need longer term health to gain more mobility in the future, Megan is available to help you attain that goal.
Michelle Morrison R.M.T
Michelle graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in 2004 and has a therapeutic focus on pain and stress relief. In 2005 she began working at WCCMT as a Clinic Instructor and Primary Instructor for the Introduction to Massage Therapy course. She is passionate in her belief that manual therapies for soft-tissue injuries, chronic conditions, and stress reduction are key factors in maintaining good physical and mental health.
Myofascial Release, Trigger Point Therapy, Joint Mobilization and Deep Tissue Massage are techniques extensively used in her treatments. Michelle has expertise in Pre/ Post Pregnancy massage, tendonitis, adhesive capsulitis, plantar fasciitis, chronic low back pain, and chronic headaches.
Michelle’s approach to massage therapy includes accurate assessment and treatment of soft tissue injury and dysfunction, in addition to effective patient education focused on people taking an active role in their own health care.
Najat Adams R.M.T
Najat is a graduate of the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in 1997; she has been in private practice for 14 years providing her patients with the best clinical application of massage therapy to date, while empowering them to take an active role in their own health care.
Her focus is on treating the cause and not the symptom, her approach is more of a holistic one. Her preferred area of practice is in Joint Mobilization, Myofascial Release, Muscle Energy Technique, End Range Loading, Deep Tissue Massage and Pain Management Techniques. Najat’s dedication for the past 11 years at WCCMT as an administrator, teacher and a leader helped shape massage therapy in British Columbia. She is welcoming the many changes that this year has provided to her as she advances her knowledge and expertise in Massage Therapy to the Vancouver community.
Alexandra MacLean, R.M.T.
Alexandra is a dedicated registered massage therapist who is committed to setting and attaining treatment goals with her clients to ensure a healthier future. Her eight year career as a professional dancer exposed her to many different cultures and infused her passion for the human body and the various ways it moves. Her background in jazz, hip hop, tap and lyrical contemperary assisted her in transitioning smoothly into the massage field as she’s all too familiar with injuries and how effective massage can be in treating them. She graduated with honours from C.C.M.H private college in Toronto, Canada and is excited to be on Coal Harbours team of outstanding massage therapists. Alexandra looks forward to sharing her zest for life with clients through effective, compassionate treatments and unconditional energy.
