Administration

Sarah Bonner, Founder and Managing Director

Sarah began her journey into the world of bodywork and massage when she attended the Kootenay School of Rebalancing in Costa Rica in 1996. She practiced massage in many different settings – in a seaside cottage on Pender Island, at Assiniboine Lodge in the Rocky Mountains, and mobile on the North Shore in Vancouver, but gained most of her experience working in the spa industry, primarily at the Spa at the Chateau Whistler (now Vida Spa). Sarah’s entrepreneurial spirit later led her to start a mobile massage business – Alpeny En Suite Massage was one of the first en-suite services in Whistler.

Sarah’s passion for bodywork stems from a general interest in the healing arts and alternative and complementary medicine and lifestyles. As a Certified Permaculture Designer and urban farmer, she is madly in love with all things botanical, and tries her best to respect all living things by acting consciously while on this planet.

In 2002, she began to develop a vision that would combine her business savvy with her massage background and her passion for health and wellness. She recognized the need for a top-quality massage and bodywork program with a more holistic approach. The Vancouver School of Bodywork & Massage opened its doors in 2004 and is the proud embodiment of Sarah’s vision.

As Managing Director and President, Sarah has retained ultimate responsibility for all facets of Vancouver School of Bodywork & Massage Ltd.

Nicole Ninow, Associate Director

Nicole is the center of the VSBM universe.  She is head of admissions and office manager. Nicole acts as liaison between instructors, students and management – she has her finger on the pulse of all VSBM undertakings. She works in conjunction with Crystal Edgar, Administrative Assistant, to ensure smooth day-to-day operations of the school and office.

As a graduate of VSBM, Nicole brings an intimate knowledge of the Spa Therapy Program with her as well as years of invaluable experience running her own businesses. Since graduation, Nicole has been operating her own successful home-based massage studio in Deep Cove, North Vancouver and continues to do so, on a part time basis, while working at VSBM.

Before entering the world of massage, Nicole was a fashion designer, creating one-of-a-kind garments for local stores and custom clients. She made the radical career switch due to the desire to embrace a healthy, holistic based profession.

Crystal Edgar, Administrative Assistant

Crystal is the newest member of the VSBM administrative team coming to us with almost 10 years of admin experience from a variety of different work settings. She had the pleasure of working as a sales representative at Vancouver’s premier entertainment weekly, the Georgia Straight, where she managed the busy classified main line. Most recently she worked at Sprott Shaw College at one of their downtown campuses. In other positions, Crystal has been responsible for all manner of office and executive assistant duties giving her the opportunity to refined her excellent interpersonal skills and office savvy.

Crystal is keenly interested in the healing arts and maintains a weekly yoga practice. She lives on the North Shore where she enjoys all that urban mountain life has to offer.

Kirsten Johansson, Student Advisor

Kirsten is a certified Thai Massage practitioner through the Lotus Palm School in Montreal and a 2004 graduate of the Spa Therapy Program at VSBM. She has also acquired counseling skills through her training with a Master Therapist.

Kirsten currently teaches Body-Mind Integration and Professional Development, as well as being a Student Advisor. Kirsten has a private practice in massage and counseling in the West End, in addition to working as a massage practitioner at Vida Spa. She also teaches at Rhodes College.

Kirsten integrates somatic experience with emotional, psychological and spiritual healing. She believes that emotional and psychological pain resides in contracted muscles, tissues and joints, as well as in the organ and nervous systems. She has developed a variety of approaches to process and heal the difficult issues, conflicts and wounds of those selecting to enter the counseling portion of her private practice.  Kirsten is keenly aware that the mind, body and spirit of each individual must be addressed in healing.

Building on her degree in Fine Arts and her experience in the wellness industry, Kirsten’s next pursuit is a Masters Degree in Expressive Art Therapy.

www.kirstenjohansson.com

Human Sciences Instructors

Dr. Raminder Badyal

Raminder has been in full-time practice in Vancouver since graduating from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto with clinic and academic honours in 1997. He also has advanced training in gait analysis and foot orthotic therapy. Presently Raminder is the Director at the Downtown Wellness Centre in Vancouver.

As a Chiropractor, Raminder specializes in the treatment of acute and chronic neuromusculoskeletal injuries. Through the use of well-rounded treatment protocols that include chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue techniques, exercise/stretch prescription, nutritional/lifestyle counselling, postural assessment, foot orthotic therapy, and education, each patient is assessed and treated from a holistic perspective. Raminder strongly believes that his role is to facilitate optimal body function without pain or limitation on a daily basis on the road to total wellness.

Paula Jaspar

Paula is a Registered Massage Therapist and is a member of the College of Massage Therapists of BC, the Massage Therapy Association of BC, Doulas of North America, and Doula Services Association of BC. Paula received her diploma from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in 1996, and has been teaching at the College since 1999. She has focused on teaching manual skills, clinical assessment, pregnancy, labour and pediatric massage. She has been invited to appear as a guest speaker at a variety of conferences about women’s health. Paula also has a private practice in Vancouver.

Manual Skills Instructors

Amaro Hogräfer: Deep Tissue Massage, Joint Release

Amaro has worked for thirty years with individuals and groups in the field of bodywork. His qualifications include certifications in Advanced Rolfing®, Rolf Movement, The Trager® Approach and the Dorn® Chiropractic Method as well as a diploma in Naturopathy. As co-founder of the Institute of Bodywork he developed a two year training program in deep tissue bodywork. He has taught Joint Release workshops to various professional groups including naturopaths, midwives and massage therapists. After working closely with pro-golfers, his book, “Focused Relaxation For Golfers” was published in Germany in the 90′s. Amaro has also been invited to present at various events such as the International Dorn Conference.

Amaro relocated from Hamburg, Germany to Vancouver in 2000. He maintains a private practice as a therapist in both of these locations. Amaro has taught at the Vancouver School of Bodywork and Massage since its inception and is widely regarded among both staff and alumni as the “wise man” of VSBM.

Paula Jaspar: Swedish, Sports Massage, Hydrotherapy, Ethics

Paula is a Registered Massage Therapist and is a member of the College of Massage Therapists of BC, the Massage Therapy Association of BC, Doulas of North America, and Doula Services Association of BC. Paula received her diploma from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in 1996, and has been teaching at the College since 1999. She has focused on teaching manual skills, clinical assessment, pregnancy, labour and pediatric massage. She has been invited to appear as a guest speaker at a variety of conferences about women’s health. Paula also has a private practice in Vancouver.

Ben Ngui: Deep Tissue Massage

Ben attended the University College of the Fraser Valley majoring in Kinesiology and then went on to receive his massage training at the West Coast College of Massage Therapy graduating in July 2002. Over the years he has worked in both clinical and spa settings and now limits his private practice to Studio Health – Chiroworks in Vancouver.

At present Ben’s main focus is teaching – in addition to teaching deep tissue massage at VSBM, Ben is one of the lead instructors at the Utopia Academy where he is developing curricula and instructing various courses including orthopedic treatment, joint mobilization and therapeutic exercise classes. When not in the classroom Ben is on the stage as he is a passionate dancer and performer. Ben has been in many local productions, but has also performed internationally. He performed at the 2006 Olympic Closing Ceremonies in Torino, Italy, as well as in China for the International Tourism Festival. Combining his dance training and massage education, Ben has gained a better understanding of the body in motion, sport related injuries, and sport rehabilitation. As such Ben’s technique has evolved into a fusion of rehabilitative healing and holistic integration.

Mylène Bergeron: Swedish, Body-Mind Integration, Deep Flow

Mylène completed her 1000-hour massage therapy certification in 1999 with the New Mexico Academy of Healing Arts in Santa Fe. She immediately submerged herself in the field and began practicing in some of B.C.’s most pristine heli-ski lodges. Her work adventures also include treating surfer’s injuries with a chiropractor in Hawaii, offering stretch and wellness workshops for Volcom, a surf company in California, and assisting the Canadian national and junior cross-country ski teams as a therapist and physical counselor.

Mylène’s experiences as an world-traveler and avid surfer have led her to develop a unique therapeutic approach to bodywork, which emphasizes and promotes physical alignment through postural, spiritual and emotional awareness. She is currently involved in teaching the physical wellness component of Rhodes Wellness College in Vancouver, and maintains a private practice in both Vancouver and Tofino, B.C.

Spa Modality Instructors

Natalie Gold: Reflexology

Natalie has been studying Reflexology since she stumbled upon it on a kibbutz in Israel in 1989. Since then she has studied in Israel, Holland and Canada, and received her certification from the Wild Rose College in Vancouver in 1993. She has explored feet all over the globe, working on a wide variety of people and places, from the South Pacific to Whistler, BC. Since moving to Salt Spring Island, she has given workshops, classes and talks about Reflexology, Yoga & Meditation. Her current collaboration with Salt Spring Island dentist Dr. Richard Hayden combines Reflexology and dental work to create a deeply relaxing environment in what could be considered a less than optimal position. Natalie is committed to exploring all avenues of healing and teaching.

Colleen Fraser: Ayurveda

Colleen began her studies of massage therapy in 1984. She also studied pranic healing and ayurvedic herbal therapies and nutrition. This led Colleen to continue her studies in the United States with world-renowned ayurvedic physicians Dr. Vasant Lad and Dr. Deepak Chopra.

As a registered massage therapist and co-founder of Vida Wellness Spa, formerly known as The Spa at Chateau Whistler, she has been practicing and teaching massage therapy in the Whistler area since 1985. Under Colleen’s leadership, The Spa at Chateau Whistler now offers a variety of cleansing massage therapy treatments based on the simple ayurvedic principles of balance.

Her teaching style brings a calm presence, firmly rooted in mindfulness while she strives to adapt ayurveda into our western culture, psychology and environment.

She has a joy for the healing arts that is the propelling force behind her success and in her own process of self-discovery. She has a vibrant passion for her spa work.

Fernando Cabrera: Shiatsu

Fernando is a Registered Shiatsu Therapist and has been practicing Zen Shiatsu (Masunga style) scince 1992 and is a member of the Shiatsu Therapy Association of B.C. He has taught Shiatsu Therapy for the student training program with Langara College and now leads his own Shiatsu Workshops.

Fernando’s unique style also combines techniques drawn from traditional Thai Massage and Chi Nei Tsang (international organ massage).

Glynnis Osher: Aromatherapy

Founder, The Mystic Masala Ayurvedic Aromatherapy and Thousand Petal Lotus Indian Head Massage

Glynnis was born in South Africa and moved to New York in her 20’s as an Art Director. Glynnis was strongly drawn to the wellness path and shares a diverse 15 year background in Ayurveda, specializing in nutrition and aromatherapy. With travel to India and Nepal Glynnis has enriched and integrated her study of Ayurveda. Glynnis graduated as an Ayurvedic practitioner from Bastyr University in 2002, and studied food practices at The Wise Earth School of Ayurveda. She has taught engaging and practical aromatherapy and self-care workshops, sharing the art of creating healing blends for daily practice. Glynnis founded The Mystic Masala in 2003 to create and share her unique Ayurvedic aromatherapy products. She now lives in Vancouver, BC where she has deepened her studies incorporating Indian Head Massage into her practice.

Glynnis has been mixing up spice blends, potions and lotions in her kitchen apothecary from a very young age and she loves to work with the wisdom of the herbs, spices and flowers where beauty and balance in nature are a guide and an inspiration for her.

Marie Salton: Hot Stone

Marie graduated from the Vancouver School of Bodywork & Massage in 2005. She started her career in massage, first at Poet’s Cove on Pender Island and then at Last Frontier heli-skiing operation. After studying Thai Massage in Chiang Mai, she moved to Tofino and joined the Sacred Stone team, first as a bodyworker and then assistant manager.

Alongside investors, Marie purchased the Sacred Stone Spa from the previous owner in 2007 and assumed general manager duties. Marie has trained and employed 40 employees, many of whom come and go for 3-month contracts. All practitioners are trained in Marie’s signature “Sacred Hot Stone” massage, one of their most popular treatments, which she now shares with VSBM students.

Small businesses require many skills: Marie does the business planning, book-keeping, management systems, web design and social-media and whatever else is required to operate a busy massage business. Marie continues to learn and stay abreast of trends in the spa industry and economic factors. Marie imparts her vast wisdom and experience in the Spa Industry Skills component of the program.

Yoga

Dan Clement: Head Instructor, E-RYT 500

Dan came to yoga more than a decade ago for its healing benefits and fell in love with the practice. His focus is now on making yoga accessible to everyone. Dan has an “Open Source” philosophy – embracing an approach to yoga that encourages the emergence of creative individual practice and teaching. His approach to teaching yoga is light-hearted and dynamic – inclusive of everyone’s limitations and strengths – offering encouragement to move beyond perceived boundaries.  Dan leads trainings and workshops across the Pacific Northwest and currently lives with his wife and 2 dogs on Gabriola Island.

Dan is the creator and primary instructor of the VSBM Yoga Teacher Training programs.

www.indigoyoga.ca

Bernie Clark: History and Philosophy of Yoga

Bernie Clark has been teaching yoga and meditation since 1998. He has a bachelor degree in Science from the University of Waterloo and combines his intense interest in yoga with an understanding of the scientific approach to investigating the nature of things. His ongoing studies have taken him deeply inside mythology, comparative religions and psychology. All of these avenues of exploration have clarified his understanding of the ancient Eastern practices of yoga and meditation. His teaching, workshops and books have helped many students broaden their own understanding of health, life and the source of true joy.

Bernie will be teaching history and philosophy of Yoga. Bernie’s audio CDs on yoga history are a valuable reference, and his multi-media presentation brings this subject matter to life.

http://www.yinyoga.com/

Carol Wray: Structural Therapeutics, Restorative Yoga, Thai Massage

Carol Wray’s immediately calming and grounding presence allows her to teach the restorative yoga component of the training with a quiet authority. Carol practices a variety of styles of yoga and her inclusive perspective is refreshing and informative. Live Yoga in White Rock is Carol’s home studio.

Todd Caldecott: Ayurveda

Todd Caldecott is a medical herbalist, practitioner of Ayurveda, and a registered professional member of the American Herbalists Guild.  He graduated from the 3 year clinical program at the Coastal Mountain College of Healing Arts in 1996, and continued his training in India at the Arya Vaidya Chikitsalayam in Coimbatore, India.  In practice now for 15 years, Todd is the former clinical director of Wild Rose College, author of the textbook “Ayurveda: The Divine Science of Life”, and editor of the newly published work “Ayurveda in Nepal: The Teachings of Vaidya Mana Bajracharya”.  Todd maintains a clinical practice in Vancouver BC, lectures internationally, and provides consulting services for the natural products industry.   Todd also provides over 500 pages of free content including videos and podcasts on his website www.toddcaldecott.com.

Lauren Hanna: Yin Yoga, Prenatal Yoga

Lauren has a deep connection to the healing benefits of her Yoga practice. Many surgeries and complications resulting from being hit by a car led Lauren to seek out a practice to help her find her way through pain and back to herself. Much like Dan, Lauren teaches “Anusara-inspired” yoga and is registered with the Yoga Alliance.

“Through my practice I’ve learned to listen to my body – to search through every inhale and exhale, and examine my every thought. My breath connects me to my heart. I want to inspire people through yoga – inspire them to connect with their breath and look deep within their hearts.”

Naomi Clement: Anatomy, Nutrition

Naomi is a certified personal trainer (ACE) and Pilates Instructor (Stott Pilates) with 13 years of teaching experience. As owner and proprietor of Island Wellness she is committed to a lifestyle of balance and optimal function. Through her signature lifestyle coaching course, Alive and Well, she has applied her ability to combine incisive motivational instruction, knowledge of nutrition, exercise science and biomechanics with a warm and engaging personal style to inspire her students.

Naomi will be teaching physical anatomy and applied anatomy, principles of diet and nutrition to support a yogic lifestyle.

Personal & Professional Development Instructors

Kirsten Johansson: Professional Development, Body – Mind Integration

Kirsten is a certified Thai Massage practitioner through the Lotus Palm School in Montreal and a 2004 graduate of the Spa Therapy Program at VSBM. She has also acquired counseling skills through her training with a Master Therapist.

Kirsten currently teaches Body-Mind Integration and Professional Development, as well as being a Student Advisor. Kirsten has a private practice in massage and counseling in the West End, in addition to working as a massage practitioner at Vida Spa. She also teaches at Rhodes College.

Kirsten integrates somatic experience with emotional, psychological and spiritual healing. She believes that emotional and psychological pain resides in contracted muscles, tissues and joints, as well as in the organ and nervous systems. She has developed a variety of approaches to process and heal the difficult issues, conflicts and wounds of those selecting to enter the counseling portion of her private practice.  Kirsten is keenly aware that the mind, body and spirit of each individual must be addressed in healing.

Building on her degree in Fine Arts and her experience in the wellness industry, Kirsten’s next pursuit is a Masters Degree in Expressive Art Therapy.

www.kirstenjohansson.com

Kiley Redhead: Business Skills – Self-Employment

Kiley’s journey in business began twelve years ago when she made the choice to become self-employed. In 1999, she started her own graphic design company, Redhead Media. From this experience, she developed her own approach to business and marketing, what she calls “authentic business”.

Desiring being a part of conscious community, Kiley enrolled in the holistic nutrition program at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, and after completion in 2007, she was invited to instruct the business course. It was there she discovered that her life experience in business combined with her holistic approach aligned with wellness practitioners of all kinds, and she began her business coaching practice, working with body workers, yoga teachers, energy workers, nutritionists, homeopaths, and others.

Inspired by her love for education, in 2010, she created her own business school, The New School for Inspired Work. In addition, Kiley is the business instructor at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition and Rhodes Wellness College, and is the self-employment business skills instructor at the Vancouver School of Bodywork and Massage.

Marie Salton: Business Skills – Spa Industry Skills

Marie graduated from the Vancouver School of Bodywork & Massage in 2005. She started her career in massage, first at Poet’s Cove on Pender Island and then at Last Frontier heli-skiing operation. After studying Thai Massage in Chiang Mai, she moved to Tofino and joined the Sacred Stone team, first as a bodyworker and then assistant manager.

Alongside investors, Marie purchased the Sacred Stone Spa from the previous owner in 2007 and assumed general manager duties. Marie has trained and employed 40 employees, many of whom come and go for 3-month contracts. All practitioners are trained in Marie’s signature “Sacred Hot Stone” massage, one of their most popular treatments, which she now shares with VSBM students.

Small businesses require many skills: Marie does the business planning, book-keeping, management systems, web design and social-media and whatever else is required to operate a busy massage business. Marie continues to learn and stay abreast of trends in the spa industry and economic factors. Marie imparts her vast wisdom and experience in the Spa Industry Skills component of the program.

Joy Kerfoot: Self Care

Joy brings to her teaching a rich and diverse experience with mind-body and somatic work gathered over a decade of service and study.  Her therapeutic massage practice is sourced in Esalen Massage, Reiki, Thai Massage and an intuition which comes from deep kinesthetic listening. In concert with these modalities, she draws upon her degree in Psychology, training in Spiritual Guidance, Yoga and the practice and facilitation of conscious movement through meditative dance forms.

Joy’s teaching philosophy, born of working with children, teens and adults, is that growth, discovery and ability blossom in a creative, collaborative and safe learning environment. She is passionate about exploring the depth, vitality and freedom that can be found in this work for practitioner and recipient alike.

Joy recently moved to Vancouver from Cortes Island and the Hollyhock Retreat Centre, although she will continue to teach and practice there periodically.  She also shares her unique talents at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, CA.

Nick Feetham: CPR

Nick is a paramedic by trade and owns Critical Interventions, teaching CPR and First Aid to private clients in the Vancouver area.