Jess began her wellness journey while studying environmental science and geography at the University of Victoria. She realized that much like the natural world we live in; our body systems are inextricably linked. This led her to study at the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in Victoria, where she graduated in August of 2021. Jess seeks to holistically integrate these systems in her approach to massage therapy. By considering mental, physical and spiritual health in her treatments, she hopes to promote mind-body integration in those with injuries, chronic pain and stress. Jess builds her treatments on a foundation of relaxation and incorporates therapeutic techniques to optimize her clients’ recovery. Outside of the clinic, Jess likes to spend time in nature (especially surfing or walking with her dog), snuggled up with a good book, connecting with friends and cooking.

Jess began her wellness journey while studying environmental science and geography at the Univers... Read More

KELLY IS NOT OFFERING ONLINE BOOKING AT THIS TIME. PLEASE PUT YOUR NAME ON HER WAITLIST (see below, way down at the bottom of this page!) OR CONTACT HER AT kelly@somavictoria.ca AND SHE WILL ADD YOU TO HER WAITLIST AND DO HER BEST TO GET YOU IN! Kelly is part business owner of Soma Active Health. She balances her career as a Registered Massage Therapist and Certified Stott Pilates Instructor. She earned her Degree in Kinesiology from the University of Victoria in 1996 and her Diploma from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in 2002. Since completing her Diploma, Kelly has furthered her studies in the areas of Stott Pilates, Myofascial Release, Orthopedic Treatments, Craniosacral Therapy, DNS (Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization) and various Mindful Movement and Therapeutic Exercise courses. Through the years of continued education and experience, Kelly has developed a treatment approach that is based on the understanding of the interconnected and whole structure of the body. Following assessment, she uses techniques to unwind and rebalance the body, observing for areas of dysfunction and to facilitate the process of healing. She has worked along with physiotherapists and other health practitioners assisting in their patient’s rehabilitation and recovery of injuries. Kelly enjoys the overall diversity of her patients and pilates clientele and she is motivated to excel as a practitioner and instructor who provides quality care and exercise, as well as achieves therapeutic results.

Kelly’s assessments and treatment approach may require the patient to be interactive throughout the treatment and suggests that the patient wear comfortable clothing.

KELLY IS NOT OFFERING ONLINE BOOKING AT THIS TIME. PLEASE PUT YOUR NAME ON HER WAITLIST (see bel... Read More

Karen graduated from Sutherland-Chan School and Teaching Clinic in Toronto, ON in 2011 and after working in Toronto for 3 years - and New Zealand for 1 - relocated to Victoria with her partner where she has happily been practicing since 2015.

Karen has worked in both clinical and Spa environments and enjoys a diverse practice that exposes her to a wide range of clients and a variety of different conditions. She integrates slow and specific traditional Swedish Massage techniques with trigger point therapy, deep tissue massage, joint mobilizations and myofascial release, all with the goal of creating deeply relaxing, yet also incredibly therapeutic treatments.

Karen seeks to hold a space for her clients that is warm and supportive, and where they feel welcomed, safe and heard. She enjoys being present and creating long term therapeutic relationships with her clients that are nurturing and mutually respectful.

Karen graduated from Sutherland-Chan School and Teaching Clinic in Toronto, ON in 2011 and after ... Read More

Paulinka (she/her) has been working in the healthcare industry for about 10 years, doing everything from personal and group training to kinesiology and rehabilitation. Her passion for travel has had her working all over the world, and what she noticed was that preventative healthcare shared a lot of similarities no matter where it was practiced.
She graduated from the Ontario College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2020, and was practicing acupuncture in Toronto until moving to the island this year. Her love for nature has made it a very easy transition, and she believes that living closer in tune with the elements will strengthen her practice even more.  
Paulinka’s approach to therapy is simple; she believes that the body has the innate ability to heal itself, although sometimes, there may be obstructions that prevent it from being able to do so. Through her experience, she believes that acupuncture has a way of bringing the body the tools it needs to get back into its natural balance.

Paulinka (she/her) has been working in the healthcare industry for about 10 years, doing everythi... Read More

Since 2007, David has battled persistent low back pain, which has informed his approach to massage therapy. Rooted in the biopsychosocial model, he respects the interconnected physical, psychological, and social aspects of pain. His goal is to enhance clients’ quality of life by tailoring sessions to their unique needs.

Trained at Mount Royal College in 2006 and WCCMT in 2009, David’s commitment extends beyond education to community service, aiding low-income individuals. From classroom to community, his journey fuels a passion for holistic and compassionate massage therapy.

In David’s spare time you may find him reading a great book, gardening on his balcony, travelling somewhere new, cooking delicious food, playing a video game, practicing yoga, or hanging out on his SUP.

New patients are always welcome in his practice, however, he is currently not accepting new ICBC patients.

Email: david@somavictoria.ca

Since 2007, David has battled persistent low back pain, which has informed his approach to massag... Read More

Tuula Kaltio has been a Registered Massage Therapist since graduating from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in Victoria in 2002. Her focus is to help clients establish and reach personal goals for recovery, healing and optimal health by empowering them with knowledge and tools to manage their own recovery. Deep tissue and myofascial release techniques are used to assist in restoring mobility and provide relief from pain and discomfort. She enjoyed the last few years living and working throughout BC as well as internationally following her passion for an outdoor active lifestyle. Working alongside physiotherapists, chiropractors, acupuncturists, and other health practitioners has led Tuula to encourage a multi-disciplinary approach to healing for her clients. Tuula has recently been certified as a pilates teacher and integrates this training into her work as a massage therapist.

Tuula is excited to be returning to Victoria to be a part of the team at Soma Active Health. In addition to assisting clients recovering from injuries, preparing for or avoiding surgeries and living pain-free, she is committed to inspiring them to stay active, age gracefully and get back in the game!

Tuula Kaltio has been a Registered Massage Therapist since graduating from the West Coast College... Read More

Kathy is an experienced massage therapist with over a decade of experience. She is certified in Level 1 & 2 for Kinesiology Tape and Rock Tape. As well as teaching at the college level, she enjoys working in sports massage, rehabilitation, pre-habilitaion and womens’ health. As a former athlete herself, Kathy knows firsthand the benefits of massage therapy for physical performance, injury prevention, and recovery. She brings this knowledge and passion to each session, working with clients to optimize their body’s potential and achieve their wellness goals.

Kathy’s warm and welcoming nature makes every client feel at ease in her care. Her sessions include a full assessment and hands on treatment, as well as advice for home care, in a personalized approach that takes into account each individual’s unique needs and goals, ensuring a truly transformative experience. Kathy uses a wide range of techniques including deep tissue massage, muscle energy, myofascial release, joint mobilizations, trigger point therapy and therapeutic exercises.

Kathy is an experienced massage therapist with over a decade of experience. She is certified in L... Read More

Born in Victoria, Fiona Peters, registered acupuncturist and acupressurist has been working in the field of health care for twenty five years. She offers a wholistic approach, combining acupuncture, acupressure, cupping, gua sha, diet therapy, herbology and other oriental healing modalities to restore, promote and maintain health.

Fiona enjoys working with musculoskeletal problems, helping relieve pain and tension, shifting the patterns of chronic or acute held pain, mental health and wellbeing issues, stress, digestive disorders, women’s health and more. To accommodate those who are sensitive to needles, acupressure and cupping can be applied. Acupuncture, Acupressure and Chinese Medicine are great modalities for helping bring health, homeostasis and peace of mind back from our everyday stresses of our North American lifestyle. Since receiving her certification in acupressure from the Canadian Acupressure Institute and the Jin Shin Do® Foundation in 1998, she went on to study acupuncture and herbs and received a four year diploma of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2005 from the Canadian College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Fiona has taken post-graduate courses in: auricular (ear) acupuncture for treating addictions and detoxification, facial rejuvenation acupuncture, musculoskeletal acupuncture for sports injury and trauma recovery and Medical Qi Gong.

Her love of nature, outdoor activities and interest in maintaining balance and well-being in life has guided her along this journey.

Born in Victoria, Fiona Peters, registered acupuncturist and acupressurist has been working in th... Read More

Annmarie has been a physiotherapist for 26 years . She grew up in Victoria and completed her physiotherapy degree at the University of British Columbia in 1994. She completed a residency in orthopaedic manual therapy at Kaiser Permanente in Hayward, California in 1999. She also practices Intramuscular stimulation (Gunn IMS) which is a intense, deep form of needling that stimulates chronically shortened muscles and facilitates release of that shortening. Her treatments can combine manual therapy, IMS and strengthening to ensure new patterns of movements and posture. She enjoys working with a variety of orthopaedic conditions and has a biomechanical basis to her approach. Shoulder, knee, spinal and sacroiliac conditions are all of interest to her practice. Annmarie enjoys educating her clients for their full understanding of their condition and steps and timelines for rehabilitation. Annmarie enjoys all outdoors activities that Victoria has to offer and has 2 young boys which keep her moving.

If you would prefer to book a telehealth visit for physiotherapy at this time (to increase physical distancing), please call her to arrange an appointment at 250-920-8010 or book online at www.scanlanphysiotherapy.ca.

scanlanphysio@yahoo.ca

Annmarie has been a physiotherapist for 26 years . She grew up in Victoria and completed her phys... Read More

Nicole graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in 2017. She is a certified yoga teacher and Registered Massage Therapist. Her therapeutic techniques include myofascial release, trigger point therapy, craniosacral therapy and swedish relaxation. Nicole enjoys being a part of the healing journey of her patients by holding a safe space for growth and stress reduction in a comfortable environment. Through empowerment and guidance, she encourages her patients to experience their body’s innate healing capabilities. Nicole grew up in the Okanagan where she trained as a competitive swimmer, this evolved into a passion for surfing when she moved to the island at age 19. Her treatments are a combination of relaxation and therapeutic techniques that encourage mind-body connection and awareness.

Nicole graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in 2017. She is a certified yoga ... Read More