About Our Staff

Registered Massage Therapists

Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) in British Columbia are health care professionals committed to restoring and maintaining optimal health and pain-free function of the body.

They are educated and trained to accurately assess and treat with techniques that include massage and manual therapy, joint mobilization, hydrotherapy, and rehabilitative exercise such as stretching, strengthening, postural exercise and patient education.

Massage Therapy is an effective approach to pain management and rehabilitation. RMTs are effective in treating and providing relief for a wide range of conditions such as migraine headaches, tendonitis, arthritis, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, sports injuries, as well as many other common conditions related to soft tissue and joint dysfunction.

In British Columbia , over 75 percent of medical physicians regularly refer their patients to a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) - and they make these referrals because massage therapy is both accessible and effective in the treatment of their patients' conditions. Today, RMTs use a blend of modern science and ancient philosophies, utilizing specific techniques and modalities to treat many conditions.

Massage therapy is also remarkably effective when used as part of a preventive care program. Some examples of general wellness care include pre or post-natal care (pregnancy), infant massage, stress management, sports training, injury prevention and performance enhancement.

Here's some information about the Spruce RMT's:

 

Ryan Seitz RMT

Ryan graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in April, 2002. He has been practicing full time as a registered massage therapist since then.

Ryan's biography is currently under revision.

 

Cody A. Cummings, RMT

currrently being updated...

 

Julie Gardiner RMT

As a therapist specializing in deep tissue and connective tissue massage, I am passionate about seeing positive results- fast. I have been a Registered Massage Therapist for eight years, mostly focusing on sports and deep tissue massage.

As an avid long distance runner, I have had first hand experience with overuse injuries and effective treatment and recovery.

Although I have spent the majority of my time as a RMT doing sports massage, I am passionate about relieving day-to-day pain such as headaches, hip and knee pain as well as pain related to pregnancy.

Overall, I believe that massage therapy is an excellent way to maintain optimal health and balance.

 

Tania Torres RMT

Tania successfully graduated from WCCMT and has been practicing since 2006.  She addresses the body with regard to structural alignment and posture, fascial restrictions, range of motion and activities of daily living. Her wellness practice ranges from pain reduction and rehabilitation therapy to preventative and maintenance healing.  Tania facilitates the healing process through deep tissue, myofascial release and craniosacral therapies.  She is committed to improving the health and wellness of her patients.

 

Jason Scott RMT

Jason Scott is a hybrid graduate of West Coast College of Massage Therapy and Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy, and has been doing free-lance work in the field of massage since graduation in 2005.

In the past his various educational/career incarnations have included: Trent University, computer graphics and web design, hotel and restaurant management.  More recently, Jason found himself concurrently earning his dive master and PADI open water scuba instructor rating (with six specialties), emergency first aid (EMF) instructor, and hyper baric chamber operator license. Jason informs us that one day he will decide what he wants to be when he grows up, and that an 'astronaut' is not completely out of the question ...yet.

Until then he is happy to call Spruce Body Lab his 'Mission Control' and is proud to launch several years of customer service knowledge to the forefront of your cosmic treatment experience.

His modalities often include components of swedish relaxation massage, manual lymph drainage, myofascial trigger point techniques, fascial release, neuromuscular therapy, joint mobilization, muscle energy (positional release), systemic deep tissue massage.

Jason is interested in continuing his education into further post-graduate work involving Bowen Therapy, Active Release Techniques, craniosacral work, elements of Osteopathy, and of course, space travel.

In his spare time he can be seen jogging along the seawall or running the wooded trails of Stanley Park, and is currently contemplating the idea of triathlon training.  He looks forward to meeting and working with new clients, and working with them towards their optimal health goals.

 

Marla Savoie AMTWP

Marla graduated from McKay school of Massage and Hydrotherapy in 1996 and has been a practicing therapist for the past 8 years. With experience in clinical and spa settings she strikes a balance between therapeutic approaches to pain and injury as well as relaxation techniques in combating stress, fatigue and muscle tension.

Marla recently completed a bachelor degree in World Religion, this led to a trip to India where she developed an interest in the tradition of Indian Head Massage and went on to become certified in this technique.

She encourages everyone to try this treatment as an excellent way of relieving headaches, muscular tension in the upper shoulders, back, neck, head and face, sinus pain and congestion as well as helping to alleviate mental fatigue and depression.

Marla enjoys deeper soft tissue modalities and works with fascial techniques as well as trigger point therapy in relieving chronic pain and postural abnormalities.

Her interest in Eastern healing led her to complete acupressure training at the Berkeley Acupressure Institute in California as well as intermediate shiatsu therapy. Marla strongly believes in the innate intelligence of the body and its ability to restore health and views herself as a facilitator in this process.

In her spare time Marla takes flamenco dancing and travels as much as possible!

 

Margaret Bambury RMT

Margaret has been practicing massage therapy since graduating from the West Coast College or Massage Therapy in July 2002. She combines deep tissue, fascial release and yogic breathing within her treatments to help create space and decrease stress within our bodies. Margaret looks forward to studying Manual Lymph Drainage (Dr. Vodder technique) this summer and becoming a certified Pilates instructor this fall.

Candice Nesrallah RMT

Planes, trains and automobiles have seemed to carve the route to the present moment for this RMT. Graduating in 2007 from Sutherland-Chan in Toronto, she finds herself in the wild, wild west enjoying the B.C. lifestyle to the fullest.

Her inspiration is pulled from the alines with the four corners of the world, bringing balance, harmony and soul to her practice.

Candice's style is set to a slow pace, methodical and meticulous, she likes to work deep and precise. Her most influential teacher comes to her from Thailand and its this style that she resonates with most. Doing over 250 hours of training in Thailand and India she uses prolonged acupressure and stretching to open up specific energy lines in the body. Also trained in Reiki levels 1 and 2, she incorporates these techniques within all her treatments.

Sometimes you'll find that she's quiet as a mouse, as she likes to makes each treatment a meditation for her and her client. Having experienced the solo life of Zen, Vipassana, Kriya and many more forms of meditation, Candice has spent countless hours/days and weeks in silence alone.

Jude Torchuck RMT

A graduate of the West Coast College of Massage Therapy, Jude has been practicing in both spa and clinical settings since 1997. Suffering from a severe whiplash accident herself, Jude's own healing process had her discover a variety of therapies that have contributed to her being completely pain free after more than ten years of untreated chronic neck pain.

Commited to being able to provide her clients with the same hands-on approach that supported her recovery, Jude now includes craniosacral therapy, lymphatic drainage therapy, somatoemotional release, positional release and neuromuscular therapy within her practice.

 

Dave Butt RMT

Dave graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in 2004. He has been working as an RMT in one of the leading physiotherapy clinics in Whistler for the past four years. Working closely with physiotherapists, he is experienced in the rehabilitation of many sports related injuries, as well as motor vehicle accidents and overuse conditions.

The modalities of treatment that Dave incorporates into a massage therapy are deep tissue, myofascial release, trigger point release, swedish massage, and joint mobilizations. His goals are to relieve pain, restore normal range of motion, improve tissue quality and circulation, and educate his patients on home care.

Dave loves the outdoors and nature . He is into x-country mountain biking, snow boarding, hiking, working out, horseback riding and travel.

Jamie Hansen, Certified Massage Practitioner

Jamie graduated with honours from the McKay Massage and Hydrotherapy program in 2002. For the past eight years she has practiced in a variety of clinical and spa environments. In 2004, Jamie took her practice abroad, working in a Japnaese-style hot springs resort in the Blue Mountains, Australia and in 2006 at a sports massage clinic in Perth with one of Australia's most renowned massage and physiotherapists.

Jamie's goal in every treatment she provides is to find the perfect balance between relaxation and specific techniques to address injuries or conditions. She uses her knowledge of health science and intuitive sense of touch to provide a well-rounded massage which generally combines trigger point therapy, myofascial techniques, deep tissue and Swedish massage.

In 2007, Jamie completed a BA Honours in International Studies specializing in international cooperation conflict. She is a bike commuter, a nature lover, an avid yogi and an occasional runner.

Skin Care Therapists

Spruce Body Lab is committed to post graduate training for it's staff to ensure

that the treatments provided are safe and effective. The skin care team at Spruce is dedicated to educating clients about their skin, so high pressure sales are not a part of our vocabulary. Your therapist will complete your treatment by equipping you with the knowledge of how to improve your skin - it's as simple as that.

Here's some information about the Spruce Skin Care team:

 

Kathryn Sawers, Skin Care Therapist

Kathryn has been working in the Vancouver spa industry since 2001, when she graduated from the Dominelli International College of Esthetics. Her career has taken her from the skin care focused Kitsilano staple Beverly's the Spa on 4th, to the Vida Wellness Spa at the Sutton Place. In 2005, when Kathryn was introduced to the owners of Spruce Body Lab and their vision, she knew she had found her home.

Kathryn's love for skin care lies in helping people to feel great, educating them about their skin and giving them the best experience possible. Her work environment and co-workers continue to motivate her to improve and build upon her skills. While working at Spruce Body Lab, Kathryn has had the fortune of learning La Stone Therapy and Ayurvedic Face Lift Massage to apply to her skin care techniques.

When she's not working, Kathryn can be found running at Spanish Banks, trying out a new restaurant, playing and listening to music, shopping, taking in a yoga class and reading!

 

Susie Santos, Skin Care Therapist

Susie graduated from Blanche MacDonald in June of 2002. She has held progressive esthetic positions at various spas such as Ecotique, Bloom Essentials and Vida Wellness.

In September of 2005 Susie received her certification in La Stone Therapy and in 2006 she became a trained reflexologist.

 

Nicole Paulger, Skin Care Therapist

Nicole graduated from Blanche MacDonald in January 2005. She is eager to start her new career in the esthetics world after leaving behind a desk job at a brokerage firm. She is looking forward to treating & educating her clients on the best way to care for their skin.

 

Betty Yang, Skin Care Therapist

Betty graduated from the Senniyo International Esthetic School in November of 1998. Betty has joined Spruce after working for the last four years at the Vida Wellness Spa.

She speaks Cantonese and Mandarin and is interested in learning new things, especially new skin care products. Her goal as a Skin Care Therapist is to help people to solve their problems.

 

Lindsay Renton, Skin Care Therapist

I graduated from Blanche MacDonald Center with and esthetics diploma in 2004.  After graduation, I immediately obtained a position at Lotus Day Spa.  i then became a Spruce Body Lab Skin Care Professional in November 2006.  The care of the skin has always been a passion of mine.  I am devoted to customizing your very own skin care regime and I am always excited to work with you.

 

Botox / Fillers

Dr. Diane Wozny

Dr. Wozny graduated from the University of Alberta Medical School in 1992.  She completed her internship at St. Paul's Hospital Vancouver in 1993.  She has been a dedicated general medical practitioner in New Westminster and Burquitlam since 1994.  For this same period she had worked with Options for Sexual Health clinics in the lower mainland.

 

Kathryn Woodcock RN

Kathryn is a dynamic and innovative professional with more than 25 years of Health Care experience. Kathryn is a specialist in skin care, laser treatments, and dermal fillers.

Working as a clinical trainer and educator for a leading medical technology distributor has provided her with extensive knowledge of many cosmetic lasers, light based devices, radio frequency technology, dermal fillers and cosmeceuticals. She has been injecting dermal fillers since 2003 and during the past two years she has injected over 2000 clients. She has preceptored with many of the top Dermatologists and Plastic Surgeons across Canada. In addition, she has attended advanced technique courses in London England, Monaco, New York and McGill University. She has worked as a national trainer for Clarion Medical Technologies training Physicians and RNs in basic and advanced techniques.

Kathryn obtained her certificate in the Cosmetic Use of Botulinum A Exotoxin from UBC Dermatology in 2001, since then she has had extensive experience in providing both cosmetic and medical Botox treatments to her clients. She also has formal training with ASLMS Training Institute, Lumenis, Reliant, Thermage, Sciton and Dusa. She most recently completed a certificate in Cosmetic Chemistry through UCLA. Kathryn is a member of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery.

 

Cosmetic and General Acupuncture

Dr. Mahsa Ahmadi

My Curiosity in medicine and natural health, led me to find my true passion in an alternative medicine that is known as TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine). The thought of never ending opportunities gave me strength to continue on a five year Doctorate degree program. I became a registered acupuncturist with the Board of TCM Practitioners of B.C. around the new year or 2008. I have extensive experience in clinical practice and am licensed in Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture (Cosmetic Acupuncture) as well and Facial Rejuvenation Massage/ Acupressure. I have kept busy with my own little practice set up not too far from Spruce and I am very proud to be joining their team.

Growing up while my family traveled around the world, has given me an enormous exposure to a variety of cultures and languages. Other than English, i speak Farsi, French and a bit of Spanish. My goals include fluency in as many languages as I can and to travel to all the beautiful places in the world that I have yet to see.

I love sports, love to learn and love to help others maintain a healthy life. Remember"youth, beauty, happiness, balance and a healthy long life" all are driven from within!!!

If you have any general health concerns, aches or pains or if you just want to look and feel younger and more energized, I promise I'll do my best to help you achieve your goal.