I have always been passionate about mind and body health and well-being.
PLEASE NOTE: Natalie is currently on Maternity Leave.
I completed a health psychology degree which explored the intricate connection between mind and body. I then pursued training in yoga teaching, Thai yoga massage, relaxation massage, and holistic nutrition.
After a motor vehicle accident left me with a long-term neck, back, and jaw injury, I became increasingly interested in injury rehabilitation and completed my master’s in physiotherapy. After having a couple children, I pursued further training in pelvic floor physiotherapy.
Rewarding moments
When I see in a client’s eyes that they feel they have been heard and understood by their healthcare practitioner, and that someone is here to really listen and treat them as an individual.
Also, seeing that sense of relief and softening in a client’s body after receiving manual therapy.
Strengths
A strong and varied background in manual therapy, movement, and mind/body wellness in general. A broader lens on the body and systems as a whole and the intricate relationship of its parts.
Given my diverse training and experience, I integrate various healing approaches including a combination of hands-on therapies and active rehabilitation. My practice focuses on discovering and addressing the root of the problem while targeting the client’s individual goals and interests.
I also have a strong sense of what other types of healthcare professionals may offer, and am happy to refer on or co-treat when a multi-disciplinary approach may be what the client would most benefit from.
Core values
My experience has shown that people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. For me, helping clients find wellness in ways that matter to them and work for their life is key.
As a healthcare practitioner, I also have a personal responsibility to do all I can to educate and empower clients to learn how to listen and work with their own bodies. I also believe that the mind and body are deeply interconnected, and both must be listened to and addressed to optimize healing.
Taking time for self
Maintaining my own personal wellness and balance in a career where empathizing and giving is front and centre can be a challenge.
Exploring my own healing, targeting balance in my own life, and learning to keep my own bucket filled has helped me to show up energized, empathetic, and passionate about helping others.
Hobbies and interests
Outside of work I enjoy an active lifestyle including playing soccer, hiking, running, camping, boating, paddleboarding, meditating, and doing yoga.
You’ll find me beachcombing with my kids, spending time connecting with family and friends, and exploring all things health and wellness oriented.
Why physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy feels more like a calling then a career. I absolutely love what I do: connecting with people and helping them by sharing what I am most passionate about, which is hands-on healing and movement.
Assisting clients in returning to or finding the life and activities that make them feel alive is extremely rewarding!
Education and skills
- I graduated with a Masters of Physical Therapy from the University of British Columbia in 2013. Prior to completing my Master’s Degree, I completed a 4 year Honours Degree in Health Psychology.
- I am also certified as a Yoga Instructor, Holistic Nutritionist and have trained in and practised various forms of bodywork such as Deep Tissue, Thai, and Relaxation massage, developing my aptitude for hands-on healing.
- After years of practising primarily as an orthopaedic physiotherapist, I completed various training in pelvic floor assessment and treatment. I love working with pregnant and postpartum women!
- I have done additional training as a Physio Doula. I am here to support the birthing person with the physical challenges that come with pregnancy, birthing and beyond whether a vaginal or cesarian birth. I also offer birth preparation sessions focusing on maternal support through comfort measures using a deep understanding of pelvic biomechanics.
- I have a keen interest in encouraging active lifestyles in the aging population by targeting balance, mobility, strength, and coordination, and have experience developing and running falls prevention programs.
- I also have a deep understanding of injuries and dysfunctions of the cervical spine (neck), Thoracic spine (upper back) and Tempomandibular (jaw) joint. I have strong skills in manual therapy and rehabilitation exercises for these mentioned areas, yet also had the lived experience of persistent neck, back, and jaw pain.