Karate has always been an important part of my life. I remember growing up and my stepdad using massage therapy to help him with his karate practice. Initially when I started university I was taking business, but it didn’t take long for me to know that wasn’t the right fit for me. I remembered back to our family’s experiencing with massage growing up and how much it helped and decided I wanted to help others in the same way.

​I graduated in 2009 and have been working as a full time RMT ever since. I have taken continuing education courses in infant massage, ligamentous articular strain technique, and breast care, among others. I am actually one of very few massage therapists in BC that is qualified to provide post-surgical breast care. I am currently taking an IASTM (instrument assisted soft tissue manipulation) and can’t wait to integrate it into my practice. I work with all people of all genders, ages, and abilities. I tailor treatments to specific needs, always keeping in mind the mental health benefits of touch therapies, since so many of the people I treat carry a lot of stress and tension from their jobs.

​When I’m not working I love hanging out with my family, do karate, and sing.

​My credentials: Graduated from the Vancouver College of Massage Therapy when it was Utopia Academy. I am a member in good standing the BC College of Massage Therapy and the Registered Massage Therapy Association.

Karate has always been an important part of my life. I remember growing up and my stepdad using m... Read More

From a young age, I have always been a sports enthusiast. As a spectator and participant, I immersed myself in anything and everything. As I entered University, I knew that human biomechanics and sports injuries were of specific interest to me. My family has been in the knee bracing industry since 1980, which undoubtedly helped direct me to both Pedorthics and knee bracing. I have experience in and enjoy assessing individuals of all ages and activity levels, especially athletes ranging from professional to weekend warriors. Over the years I have assessed members of the Vancouver Canucks, Vancouver Giants, BC Lions, and Vancouver Whitecaps. Regardless of one’s activity level, I truly believe an integrated approach is key in addressing soft tissue injuries.

I have a Bachelor of Human Kinetics from The University of British Columbia, and am a Certified Pedorthist (Canada) and Certified Pedorthic Technician (Canada). I am a member in good standing with the College of Pedorthics, and the Pedorthic Association of Canada.

From a young age, I have always been a sports enthusiast. As a spectator and participant, I immer... Read More

Life is too short not to do what you love. I love what I do, and it shows in all of my work. I am a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine and a Sexual Health Educator. I am the owner of Collaborative Wellness and co-owner of Swell Collective, an education company for sexual wellness and vitality.

I am making some changes with my practice to spend more of my time doing what I am truly passionate about. I am only accepting new patients who are looking for help or guidance with hormones (periods, perimenopause, menopause), fertility, sexual function (vulvadynia, vaginismus), sexual health decision making (relationships, risk reduction). I will help patients at any age or gender who need or would like accurate and unbiased education about hormone-related changes, such as puberty or pregnancy. All existing patients can continue to see me regardless of their concern.

If you are looking for help with libido or sexual desire only, please visit www.swellco.ca and consider registering for one of our workshops first.

All initial visits are 90 minutes long. Please call the office if you are interested in booking a visit. Approximate wait time for new patients is 2 - 3 months.

My practice is evidence-based, inclusive, and trauma-informed. I am an ally; all are welcome. I provide accurate and relevant sexual health education for those who are part of the LGTBQIA2S+ community.

If you are a return patient, please feel free to book a visit for a length that is appropriate amount of time relative to the nature and number of your questions and concerns.

NEW: Do you have a group of people that would like education/information on any of the topics listed above? I am now offering small group visits (from 2 to 6) that can be 1 - 3 hours in length. These group visits may or may not be covered by extended health plans. Please contact the office by email if you are interested and would like more information: hello@collaborativewellness.ca.

COMING SOON: In addition to offering cervical screening exams (PAP’s), I will soon be offering IUD insertion and removal. Stay tuned for more info!

Thank you for your continued support!

Life is too short not to do what you love. I love what I do, and it shows in all of my work. I am... Read More

I am a Certified Clinical Counsellor (CCC) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. I have experience working with youth and adults dealing with cross-cultural issues, family/marital issues, domestic violence, school concerns, anxiety, depression, substance use, and concurrent disorders (both mental health and substance use together).

I have over 20 years of experience in the mental health field. In addition to my private practice at Collaborative Wellness, I am currently working as a clinical counsellor in the Primary Care Network of Richmond, part of Vancouver Coastal Health. I have also worked as a concurrent disorders counsellor in the Provincial Youth Concurrent Disorders Program and the Heartwood Centre for Women at BC Children’s and Women’s Hospital. Additionally, I’ve worked at the Mood Disorders Clinic at UBC Hospital, and in the Reproductive Mental Health Clinic at BC Women’s Hospital.

I spend time creating a safe, comfortable and trusting relationship with my clients. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is very important in helping clients discuss their issues and being supported to reach their counselling goals. I believe that clients are the experts of their life and that I understand their life experiences so that I can support the client in making practical and attainable changes.

I use various approaches when working with clients as I believe everyone is individual and that the therapy must fit the client, not the client fit the therapy. I work from a client-centred approach and the therapeutic approaches I use the most are motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioural therapy, and solution-focused therapy. I am flexible in working with the client and finding an approach that aids in a collaborative client-therapist relationship.

I am a Certified Clinical Counsellor (CCC) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Associ... Read More

Please consider adding yourself to the waitlist if you would like to be seen within a shorter timeframe than what is available, or email me directly at acu.alyssa@gmail.com if you have an questions or concerns.

Prices for Follow-up treatments will be increased to $120 beginning in August 2023, and $150 for Initial Appointments

I will be on holiday for July 18 to August 18, 2023.

I love the spiritual shifts that are possible with acupuncture, and how they can help us become better versions of ourselves. I am especially interested in helping patients have more compassion for themselves, which ultimately is key to becoming the parent (or person) they want to become.

When becoming pregnant, it is not uncommon to experience a roller coaster of emotions - elation, worry, excitement, guilt. Tack on symptoms we are told “are just a part of pregnancy”, and one ends up suffering in silence. My passion lies in holding space for those patients so that they can experience each pregnancy in the most comfortable, safe way possible. I practice a gentle style of acupuncture, and it is of utmost importance that my patients are comfortable (Yes, I use the specialized pillows that enable you to lie face-down throughout all stages of pregnancy)! I am especially passionate about helping patients through higher-risk pregnancies, communicating with their birth team, managing symptoms, and helping them to manage any anxiety. After all, their nervous system is the baby’s nervous system for the first nine months. Please see the booking page for a more detailed list of conditions treated in pregnancy/postpartum.

While not working, I am chasing my two young boys around (and constantly making them snacks).

My Credentials: I have a Bachelor of Kinesiology from the University of Calgary, and graduated as an acupuncturist from the International College of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Vancouver. I am a Registered Acupuncturist in good standing with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of British Columbia (CTCMA). In 2014, I studied Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture for Face, Neck, and Abdomen with Martha Lucas, and in 2015, went to New York to study Constitutional Facial Acupuncture with Mary Elizabeth Wakefield. I have worked with and learned from some of the most prominent acupuncturists/researchers in Obstetrical acupuncture including Dr. Debra Betts, Dr. Claudia Citkovitz, Dr. Kate Levett, Sarah Budd, and Zena Kocher. In February 2020, I had an opportunity to attend an intensive led by Dr. Citkovitz at Langone Hospital in New York, working with labouring women using acupressure and acupuncture. I have attended additional prenatal/postpartum courses by renowned midwife/acupuncturist Raven Lang, Yvonne Farrell, Laura Elrich and many others. I coach couples and birthing professionals on acupressure use for pain relief during labour. My latest sports medicine course was with Whitfield Reeves. In addition, I have worked on the study and development of my own intuitive and energetic gifts, incorporating elements from Reiki 1 & 2, CranioSacral Therapy 1 & 2, and Quantum Touch, among other techniques.

Please consider adding yourself to the waitlist if you would like to be seen within a shorter tim... Read More

Over the years I have worn many different hats, but I am always drawn back to the healing arts. I trained in therapeutic massage at the PCU College of Holistic Medicine in Burnaby, BC, and have worked as a holistic body worker for many years at various spas and clinics throughout the lower mainland. I was born and raised in South Delta, which is what drew me to Collaborative Wellness - coming back to my roots both in terms of finding a home to help others and because of the clinic’s community focus. 

I have studied in a number of different manual therapies including relaxation and deep tissue massage, reflexology, lymphatic drainage, acupressure, and aromatherapy. One of my strengths is being able to tune into the energy of others’ and using different types of massage, help to ease the body to a place of balance. 

Fun fact - I created a body care line that was sold across Canada. I formulated products that were effective but also eco-friendly, cruelty-free, and clean. I still love to use my knowledge of formulating and my aromatherapy background to create oils, creams, and serums.  ​

Over the years I have worn many different hats, but I am always drawn back to the healing arts. I... Read More

Please note - Daria is a naturopathic intern in the last of her studies before she will be writing her board exams to become a licensed naturopath. She is completing a clinic rotation with Dr. Lisa and as such Dr. Lisa will be supervising all her visits and contributing to and approving all of Daria’s treatment plans.

About Daria - I was born and raised in beautiful Ukraine where conventional and naturopathic medicine are naturally blended to form a seamless integrative approach to health and well-being. When I moved here to Canada I decided to Naturopathic Medicine because it really resonated with how I was raised. I am a student intern currently in my last term of clinical rotations at The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Boucher Campus (in New Westminster).

I believe that every person has the power to be the best version of themselves given the proper tools and knowledge. I have a particular interest in women’s health and truly enjoy connecting with women and their families from all walks of life. I am also comfortable working with children, as well as helping with allergies, digestive concerns, inflammation, and thyroid health.

As a woman and a mother, I acknowledge the demands of our modern fast-paced lifestyle, and I am here to help you build the resilience needed to live the fulfilling, happy life everyone deserves.

When not studying, I you can find me in the kitchen baking, outside exploring local trails, or spending time with my little family and two fluffy cats.

Please note - Daria is a naturopathic intern in the last of her studies before she will be writin... Read More

I have always worked in careers that help others. Prior to training as an RMT I was a dental assistant for 10 years, and while I loved the job, I wanted to do more. Massage therapy interested me because I knew that I could help people get immediate relief of their pain and discomfort. Growing up sports were really important to me and I understood the importance of not just muscular strength, but agility and flexibility.

My style of massage therapy is to use medium to deep pressure to work out trigger points, as well as employing dynamic stretching of a muscle by taking it through its range of motion while proving appropriate pressure. I use heat to help loosen the muscles so that the experience is both effect and comfortable. I’m also known for sending patients home with stretching exercises specific for their body, which helps to speed up how quickly we can correct your muscular imbalances.

When I’m not working you can find me outside doing all things active. I especially love to run. Being outdoors, especially with those closest to me, helps me to maintain balance and sanity in my busy life.

I am currently accepting new patients on Mondays and Tuesday’s. Looking forward to helping you soon!

**PLEASE NOTE - There will be a price increase on September 1, 2021. The price increase is from $120 including tax to $126 including tax.

I have always worked in careers that help others. Prior to training as an RMT I was a dental assi... Read More

I always knew I wanted to help others through their healing journeys. Becoming a chiropractor resonated with me because I loved the philosophy and science behind it. To me, being a chiropractor is so much more than manual adjustments. It’s really not just about the ‘cracking.’ I create a safe space that honours your mental, physical, and emotional health. I use a number of techniques to help you relax throughout the treatment, in order to get the most effective results. This can include the use of stretching, active release, heat, massage devices, or laser. Manual adjustments are done using my hands or an activator, and nothing is done without your consent. For example, if you’re not comfortable having your neck adjusted, I will use other methods to help correct alignment in that area.

I have been working in Ladner for almost 8 years, and although I live in Vancouver, I have grown to love this community. I’m excited about joining the team at Collaborative Wellness because I believe so strongly in their collaborative and caring approach with patients. I help people of all genders, abilities, and ages (with the exception of babies), including pre- and post-natal care. Most people that come to see me have pain, and my focus is to help you become pain free as quickly as possible, and then give you the tools you need to help you stay pain free. Common things I treat are neck and back pain, headaches and migraines, knee, ankle, and foot pain, vertigo and dizziness, arthritic pain, decreased mobility, nerve pain, poor posture, pelvic pain, and leg length discrepancies. I also work at Rize Fitness in Vancouver and there I focus heavily on sports rehab.

My credentials: I studied biology and kinesiology, before transitioning to the Western States Chiropractic College where I got my Doctor of Chiropractic degree. I am also a member in good standing with the Canadian Chiropractic Association.

I always knew I wanted to help others through their healing journeys. Becoming a chiropractor res... Read More