Practitioners

Zakiya Pirani, Acupuncture (RAc)

Zakiya's Bio:

Zakiya is a Registered Acupuncturist who believes in a thoughtful and holistic approach to wellness. She practices a gentle style of acupuncture and aims to create a calming, collaborative environment to support your healing journey. Her goal is to work with patients to uncover the root cause of their concerns and restore balance to help you feel your best. While Zakiya treats many concerns in her clinical practice, her areas of focus are mental health, sport injuries, pain reduction, and cosmetic facial acupuncture. In her spare time, you can find Zakiya hiking with her dog Luna, skiing on the North Shore mountains, or in an early morning Pilates class. Zakiya is accepting new patients including ICBC patients, and does direct billing to ICBC.

Brandon Nguyen, RMT

Brandons's Bio:

Brandon majored in Kinesiology at SFU and knew he wanted to work manually with human anatomy and movement and enrolled at the Vancouver College of Massage Therapy (VCMT) to become an RMT. Brandon really enjoys helping people with his manual techniques.

Brandon graduated in 2022 he likes to focus on problem solving chronic pain or tension with deep specific techniques and encouraging movement in treatment.

Alex Woodman, RMT

Alex's Bio:

As a competitive swimmer herself, and being the daughter of very active parents, Alex witnessed first-hand just how effective massage could be in managing life's aches and pains. Alex joined LVMT in 2021 upon completion of the rigorous 3000+ hours training at Vancouver College of Massage Therapy. She is well-versed in general Swedish techniques, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, joint mobilization and active stretching. Alex seeks to create a tranquil oasis for every client amidst the daily stressors that life may bring.

Abbie Larose, RMT

Abbie's Bio:

As an avid outdoors person, Abbie knows the benefit of being able to do the things you love in a pain-free manner. She has a special interest in injury rehabilitation & prevention, pre & post-natal care, as well as post-surgical care for breasts/chest including mastectomy and gender affirmation surgeries.

When Abbie isn't working she's either hanging out with her young kiddo, or she's in the trails mountain biking, hiking, or running.

Lauren Johnston, RMT

Lauren's Bio:

Lauren graduated from the Vancouver College of Massage Therapy in 2021 and also holds a Bachelor of Physical Education & Coaching with a Diploma in Sport Science from Douglas College, where she played on the women's volleyball team for four years.

Lauren discovered early on that massage was a powerful addition to her self-care and recovery routines. She combines her background in sport and group fitness instruction with her love of human anatomy to give a focused and well balanced treatment. She creates a calm environment that allow her patients the space to heal and relax.

She uses a variety of manual therapy techniques including myofascial release, neuromuscular therapy, active and passive stretching, joint mobilizations and trigger point therapy.

Lei Zhu, RMT

Lei's Bio:

Lei graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in 2014. Her treatments are focused, quite deep, effective and a good balance of therapeutic and relaxation. Lei works evenings to accommodate client's busy schedules and can speak fluent Mandarin should clients require that.

Trayton Holmes, RMT

Trayton's Bio:

Trayton was born and raised in Lynn Valley and recently returned to contribute to the community he grew up in through his massage practice. In his treatments he incorporates a wide variety of techniques and philosophies that he has gleaned from his own experiences with injuries, pain and recovery. Trayton also works exclusively in the afternoon/evenings to accommodate client's busy schedules.

Emily Graydon, RMT

Emily's Bio:

Emily graduated from Vancouver College of Massage Therapy in 2017 and has been working on the North Shore ever since. She employs a variety of modalities to release tension and restore alignment in the body. She enjoys working with clients of all ages, and pre/postpartum mothers in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Erin Gilmore, RMT

Erin's Bio:

Erin trained at the West Coast College of Massage Therapy and graduated from the 3000 hour program in 2009. Erin's treatment style draws on a variety of techniques with a focus on Integrated Myofascial techniques, Swedish and Deep Tissue Massage, Trigger Point Therapy and Assisted Stretching. Postural re-education and Remedial Exercise are also discussed. Sessions are tailored to best address the individual needs and goals of each patient. In her spare time she enjoys pursuing creative endeavors, gardening, biking and hiking.

Melissa Komarnicky, RMT

Melissa's Bio:

Melissa graduated in 2013 from VCMT. She is passionate about massage therapy and is motivated by a desire to make a difference in the quality of her client's lives. She uses deep tissue techniques to increase mobility, decrease pain and provide an overall sense of wellbeing. Melissa is an extremely focused RMT and aims for the best possible result for her clients.

Philip Pistruga, RMT

Philip's Bio:

Philip is passionate about providing therapeutic treatments and homecare exercises tailored to each client's unique goals and preferences. Philip uses a variety of modalities and has a special interest in orthopaedic conditions, pregnancy massage, trigger point release, stretching, and deep tissue treatments. Philip is a recent dad and spends time with his son and partner when not in clinic.

Rachel Green, RMT

Rachel's Bio:

Rachel is a recognized Graston Technique® (GT) provider, and employs instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) when appropriate and requested. She also incorporates modalities such as myofascial release, deep tissue techniques as well as Swedish massage in her treatments. She believes in incorporating homecare exercises and stretches to help maintain gains made during treatment. In her spare time, Rachel can be found riding her horse, hiking with her two large dogs, or just generally getting out and enjoying what wonderful nature BC has to offer.

Kay Womersley, RMT

Kay's Bio:

Kay graduated from the Vancouver College of Massage Therapy in 2017 and was invited to join Lynn Valley Massage because of her talent in providing an effective, relaxing treatment. She is accepting new clients and works evenings and every other Saturday.

Katrina Johnson, RMT

Katrina's Bio:

In practice since 2011, clients often remark that Katrina has a naturally healing and nurturing energy. Her presence is exceptionally grounding and her treatments are deeply relaxing and still highly effective. Clients emerge looking blissful.

Tina McMahon, RMT

Tina's Bio:

In practice since 2006, Tina's treatments are focused, effective and a good balance of therapeutic and relaxation. No matter your job or your sport, Tina knows how to treat the misalignments that life brings.

Alia Zaver, RMT

Alia's Bio:

In practice since 2002 and a mother of 3 active boys, Alia welcomes the quiet space that her work offers her where she can concentrate on just one person! She is focused on optimizing your physical and mental wellbeing by helping to alleviate stress and tension in your daily life.

Andrea Bell, RMT

Andrea's Bio:

Andrea is on Maternity Leave until January 2024

Andrea graduated from Vancouver College of Massage Therapy in 2017. Her treatments are focused and have a good balance of therapeutic and relaxation. She utilizes a variety of modalities such as myofascial release, deep tissue techniques, passive stretching and Swedish massage to release tension and restore balance throughout the body. Andrea can provide instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) when appropriate and requested. Treatments are tailored to best address the individual needs and goals of each patient.

Paula Jane Moore, RMT

Paula's Bio:

Paula-Jane (PJ) graduated in 1994 from Sutherland Chan School of Massage Therapy. She is a lifelong learner and passionate about helping her clients to achieve optimal health and balance in their lives. Away from the clinic PJ loves creating art, music and exploring trails with her husband and dog.

Krista Murphy, RMT

Krista's Bio:

Krista is a graduate of Vancouver College of Massage Therapy and has special interest in treating tension related complaints while incorporating a multifactorial approach and practical homecare prescription. Some modalities she enjoys providing are general Swedish massage, myofascial release, trigger point release and passive stretching. Krista strives to create a safe space in her treatment room where everyone feels welcome.

Sean Brennan, RMT

Sean's Bio:

Sean has been a registered massage therapist since 2018, and is a graduate from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy. Born and raised in North Vancouver, Sean has experience working with a wide variety of patients, careful to tailor each treatment to the patient's needs.

Sean blends a variety of modalities including myofascial release, deep tissue trigger point therapy, and dynamic stretching. He has a keen interest in runners and running related injuries.

Megan Sekiya, RMT

Megan's Bio:

Megan graduated from the Vancouver College of Massage Therapy. Her treatment style is thorough and versatile. Outside the clinic, she is an avid martial artist.

Gillian Andersen, RMT

Gillian's Bio:

In practice since 2007, Gillian graduated from The West Coast College of Massage Therapy, 3000 hour program. Her treatments are focused, providing a good balance between therapeutic and relaxation. Gillian utilizes a variety of techniques in order to address each client's specific needs and goals.

Amy Holland, RMT

Amy's Bio:

Amy opened Lynn Valley Massage Therapy in 2007 with the intention that clients try out several therapists to see who they best fit with. She is very choosy when hiring therapists and is thrilled by the frequent feedback that although therapists might be different in their approach, the treatments are reliably good no matter which therapist a person sees. Amy only treats one day a week as she teaches at the Vancouver College of Massage Therapy and regrets that she cannot take on new clients.