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.
Bree Eddy, RMT
Bree's bio is currenly revision; she is off to Morocco to stoke her perspective and will return to Spruce in December for further practice.
Cody A. Cummings, RMT
Cody graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy, class of 2003, where he obtained a full spectrum of massage therapy assessment and treatment skills. Cody's strengths include, but are not limited to:
- Therapeutic exercise for maintenance and rehabilitation.
- Myofascial release to restructure and align, addressing the bodies holding patterns
- Pain and stress management, which provides clients with the tools necessary to observe self awareness.
Cody is also passionate about gaining more experience and training in craniosacral therapy (completed level 1 training from the Upledger Institute in May 2005).
In March of 2006 Cody completed a 200 hr. Yoga Teacher Trainer program, from Mountain Yoga in Whistler BC, with a focus on classical Hatha yoga.
Cody is eager to apply his knowledge of yoga and massage therapy to instill self-empowerment and a pro-active attitude towards attaining and maintaining healthy, and balanced life habits within the community.
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 six 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.
Caroline McIntosh RMT
Caroline recently moved to Vancouver from Ontario where she has been practicing as a Massage Therapist for almost 6 years. Starting her career at a physiotherapy clinic enabled her to gain knowledge of various injuries and conditions during all stages of healing. Caroline enjoys utilizing her deep tissue and sports massage skills she has learned over the years, but having worked at various clinical and spa settings realizes sometimes a little pressure goes a long way.
Caroline is focused on teaching her clients balanced, healthy living and enjoys educating others on preventative measures as well as ways to relieve pain and tension.
“My motto is everything in moderation…… every aspect of your life needs balance to truly be successful. The best way to start living a balanced life is through your health.”
Caroline balances out her work life with traveling, sports and enjoying nature as much as possible.
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!
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.
Zoom Teeth Whitening
Dr. Kevin Bougher BSc, DDS
Kevin graduated from the University of Alberta Faculty of Dentistry in Edmonton in 1992. He was chosen the 'student with the greatest knowledge, excellence and proficiency in general dentistry' in his final year by the Academy of General Dentistry.
We all know how winters can be on the prairies and Kevin was no exception, opting for the warm climate of Vancouver immediately upon graduation. He has since been in private practice in the Vancouver area for over 15 years now and is currently working full time in downtown Vancouver, not far from Spruce. He also spent the 2000-2001 semesters as an associate clinical instructor at the UBC Faculty of Dentistry program. At Spruce, Kevin's focus will be on providing 'whiter, brighter smiles' for our clients with the Night Bright Whitening System- and who can argue with the youthfulness and vitality that a beautiful smile offers someone?
When not tweaking smiles at Spruce, Kevin works a few blocks away in private practice, providing 'patient-centered' treatment in ALL aspects of dentistry except complete dentures. He enjoys the variety that practicing general and cosmetic dentistry provides, including root canal treatments, wisdom teeth surgeries and all types of restorative and cosmetic procedures.
He believes that a well-informed patient is the one that is best able to make smart choices regarding the various treatments available in the dental field today.
If Kevin isn't working away at dentistry, you'll probably find him at the gym, in a kayak, camping, or snow boarding somewhere out there in our fantastic province - yet another reason for him to relocate to BC - natural beauty!
Dr. Abenaa Ayeh
Dr. Ayeh graduated from the University of Alberta Department Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry Department of Dentistry, in 2006. In 2007, she completed the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Dentistry's General Practice Residency.
Following her completion of her residency, Abenaa has been in private practice in the lower mainland where she has been providing all types of general dentistry.
Abenaa is constantly endeavoring to stay abreast of the latest developments in dental technology and advances in the dental sciences.
When not in practice, Abenaa enjoys spending time with er family, skiing, and participating in amateur sports. She is also and avid soccer fan.
Abenaa is quite looking forward to joining the team at Spruce Body Lab.
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.
Dr. Donald Cooke
Dr. Donald Cooke is a General Surgeon, originally from beautiful Jamaica, who did his general surgery residency in the UBC Program at Vancouver General Hospital and obtained his Canadian Fellowship in General Surgery in 1974.
He has practiced as a General Surgeon since 1975, spending the last 26 years on staff at Burnaby Hospital. He has had a special interest in breast surgery for the past 10 years. During the past year, Dr. Cooke has pursued extra training in vein schlerotherapy, botox and filler therapy and laser cosmetic therapy.
Dr. Cooke's extracurricular activities include coaching soccer, at which he has been quite successful. He also plays tennis and golf with a bit less success. Dr. Cooke is married and has four children, ranging ages from 18-27. Dr. Cooke looks forward to the opportunity to treating his clients at Spruce Body Lab.
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 mt 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.
