David Grgic - Kinesiologist

David is a Kinesiologist with a passion for rehabilitation and strength training. He has been powerlifting to some degree for the last seven years, which informs the exercise programs that he designs for clients. While he loves to facilitate the realization that we are stronger than we think, he also cares deeply about formulating exercise programs that are meaningful to the individual and their goals.

David obtained a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from the University of British Columbia where he was able to explore the evidence related to his passion for movement, rehabilitation, and fitness. He is committed to evidence-informed practice that aligns with his client’s values and for this reason, he offers a person centered, biopsychosocial approach. David has experience working with clients of varying abilities including people that want to improve their general fitness as well as people with traumatic brain injuries, musculoskeletal injuries, vestibular impairments, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Outside of the clinic, you can find David in the gym, exploring the local mountains with his girlfriend, leather-working, or tending to his latest interest: growing microgreens. He also volunteers at a local long-term care facility where he finds meaning by giving back to his community.

David Grgic - Kinesiologist David is a Kinesiologist with a passion for rehabilitation and stren... Read More

Gursevak Powar - Physiotherapist

Please note, since Gursevak is new to the clinic we are still in the process of adding him to our insurance providers for direct billing. This means you will have to pay out of pocket and get reimbursed yourself for all insurance including ICBC. You can still see Gursevak for ICBC claims, but you will need top PAY IN FULL and be reimbursed by ICBC directly.

Gursevak graduated from Simon Fraser University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology, with a concentration in Active Health and Rehabilitation. During his undergraduate studies, he developed a passion for strength training and exercise, which led him to pursue further education in the field. He then completed the Master of Physical Therapy program at the University of British Columbia, where he honed his skills in rehabilitation.

In addition to his foundational education, Gursevak has obtained his Orthopaedic Division Level 2 and Lower Limb Running Injuries certifications. Furthermore, he is certified in Vestibular rehabilitation, which enables him to address issues related to balance and dizziness.

Gursevak is dedicated to providing personalized and comprehensive care to each of his clients. He believes in the importance of active and empathic listening and taking the time to understand his clients’ specific goals. Building strong connections and effective communication are at the core of his approach as a physical therapist.

In his free time, Gursevak prioritizes maintaining an active lifestyle. You can often find him weight training, hiking, or swimming, embodying the principles of health and wellness that he advocates for in his practice.

Gursevak Powar - Physiotherapist Please note, since Gursevak is new to the clinic we are still i... Read More

Dr. Alexa Dykun - Chiropractor

Are you tired of being in pain? Have you tried many treatments only to manage symptoms? Dr Alexa sees this everyday in her practice. She prides herself on getting to the root of the problem. She uses the “test don’t guess” method of finding exactly what the issue is to develop a plan of care.

You can expect a hands-on approach to care with the treatment of muscles, joints, movement pattern rehabilitation, and sport or work specific rehabilitation. Dr. Alexa considers the mind-body-spirit connection important and you can expect a high level of personalized care. She loves to meet patients where they are in life to achieve their health goals. She has experience treating a wide range of patients from newborns, elderly, expectant mothers, adolescents, and everyone in between. Her passion is to not only help people get out of pain, but to become the healthiest and happiest version of themselves. To accomplish this, she treats the root of the problem to help the body function at its best at all times. She uses manual adjustments and also low force techniques such as activator and SOT.

Dr. Alexa grew up in Gilbert Plains, Manitoba, but has always loved the west coast for the outdoors and amazing lifestyle. In her spare time you can find her hanging out with her beautiful French Bulldog, Rain. She holds a BA degree from the University of Manitoba (2011) and a Doctor of Chiropractic Degree from Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto, Ontario with Honours(2015). She has working in Amsterdam, Melbourne, and Vancouver.

Dr. Alexa Dykun - Chiropractor Are you tired of being in pain? Have you tried many treatments on... Read More

Carolyn (Roper) Nadan - Registered Massage Therapist

Carolyn graduated from Utopia Academy’s Registered Massage Therapy program in April 2012. Her interest in the human body, and assisting in the healing process of others, stemmed from a battle with a life threatening illness 10 years ago. Carolyn experienced the benefits of massage therapy and its effect on healing illness as well as post-surgical injury. Her greatest learning during her own healing process was discovering how connected the whole body is, and how the body holds not only pain, but stress and emotion. Using this understanding, Carolyn strives to improve the condition of the whole body, and not just one muscle. She incorporates many techniques into her treatments such as myofascial release, trigger point release, stretching, deep tissue, joint mobilizations, as well as swedish massage to encourage the healing process. Carolyn enjoys working with patients of all ages and conditions. Although her personal interest lies in treating patients managing illness, she also has experience working with back pain, headaches, pregnancy, arthritis, strains, sprains and postural abnormalities.

Carolyn (Roper) Nadan - Registered Massage Therapist Carolyn graduated from Utopia Academy’s Reg... Read More

Jessica is not currently accepting new patients, so if you have not seen her before for treatment, please book in with a different RMT. Apologies for any inconvenience.

Jessica Farrow - Registered Massage Therapist

I am the proud owner and creator of Honey + Garlic Health Studio! I wanted to build a clinic where style and character have not been sacrificed in the antiseptic name of wellness. I wanted to find the balance between beauty and function, and work and fun, with a touch of the quirky and unusual thrown in just to keep it its own. Being a therapist myself, I also wanted to create a clinic in which the therapists feel supported and valued. I chose to open a multi-disciplinary clinic because that’s where I like to work the most; I love getting to be a part of a team, especially a team of varying talents and knowledge bases, but at the same time having my own practice. I also chose to offer a variety of treatment options because I frequently find that to really get to the bottom of an issue you need to tackle it from as many angles as you can. I became a registered massage therapist in Vancouver in March of 2009. Before that I lived in Montreal for a time and finished a bachelors in Art History, which obviously led to a career in health care! I chose massage because of my interest in anatomy and the workings of the body, and because of my fascination with the connection between the body and emotion. Also, I like to figure things out and solve puzzles. I quickly realized I prefer my puzzles to have concrete answers, which is often not the case with massage. But I learned to let that go and just concentrate on what my hands are telling me. I love the immediacy of massage, the directness. There are not too many professions out there where you get to have such a direct and hopefully positive impact. I was also drawn to the one-on-one aspect of massage and what I like to call the “bartender” effect; getting to hear all those wonderful and sad and wild tales. But the longer I am in this profession the more I find I simply enjoy getting to be a support for another individual; whether it’s to lend an ear, be a source of information or just to be a pair of hands working out the knots.

I utilize a variety of massage modalities, from deep tissue massage, fascial work, and trigger point therapy, to joint mobilizations. Like most RMTs I have treated a wide range of conditions but I must say I feel I have a greater affinity for the classics: headaches, neck and shoulder pain and good old lower back pain. I grew up on the island, in Victoria. I’m a horse back rider and can’t say how much horses have enriched my life and character, as cheesy as that may sound. I love movies and books and reading in cafes. I wish I was more of an outdoorswoman but can’t quite seem to make that a reality.I have some really fantastic friends who have supported me through this whole clinic process, from teaching me Photoshop tricks over the phone, or fixing my Photoshop files all the way across the country, to helping me paint chairs white and build bookcases. And I am fortunate to have about the most supportive family you could ever imagine. (And a lovely cat who’s trying to “help” me type right now).

Jessica is not currently accepting new patients, so if you have not seen her before for treatment... Read More

Malvika Varma - Counsellor

Malvika Varma is an RCC who specializes in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Rational Emotive Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (RECBT) and works with a wide range people in helping them learn techniques to manage various behavioural, emotional and life challenges like anxiety, insecurities, depression, low self-worth, anger, stress and more.

The extensive range of human emotions and the complexity of our thoughts is truly unique to being human and can really add excitement, novelty and meaningfulness to our existence. But sometimes it’s quite easy to feel overwhelmed and tangled with our emotions and thoughts. That is when we could all use empathy, direction and support to get these knots undone and work through common stressors using evidence-based therapies like CBT and RECBT.

Malvika has a master’s degree in psychology from SNDT University, Mumbai and bachelor’s in psychology (Honours) from University of Delhi, India. She has received ‘Advanced Training’ in Rational Emotive Cognitive Behaviour Therapy from the Albert Ellis Institute, New York, USA. In 2015 Malvika co-founded aStereoTherapy, based in Mumbai, as her personal and primary clinic for psychotherapy. She moved to Canada in 2020 and since then has been offering online counselling services to clients from India, Canada, UK, Singapore, Australia, France and USA. Through the course of her 10 years of practice, Malvika has worked with adults, children, couples and families and helped people from all walks of life and backgrounds learn effective ways to manage various emotional and behavioural roadblocks to happiness like anxiety, depression, anger, self-worth issues, procrastination, stress and lifestyle issues and more.

Malvika believes strongly in a person’s ability to choose their emotions thereby having the power to create their own emotion stories and destinies despite the challenges that life has thrown at them. Learning how to harness this choice is how therapy helps us reduce distress and maximize well-being.

Malvika Varma - Counsellor Malvika Varma is an RCC who specializes in Cognitive Behavior Therapy... Read More

Eva Yuan - Registered Acupuncturist + Doctor TCM

Eva is a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine currently registered with the CTCMA of British Columbia. She is a graduate of the renowned Tzu Chi International College of Traditional Chines Medicine College in Vancouver.

Eva has an interest in and is particularly good at the field of digestive issues, emotional disturbances, and women’s health. As well, Eva is experienced with treating acute & chronic pain related to sports injuries and many others. She utilizes a mix of Acupuncture, Cupping, Scraping, and Ear Seeds.

Eva advocates for the use of alternative medicines when they can reduce the use of pharmaceutical prescriptions, which sometimes have potentially undesirable side effects, and in the prevention of unnecessary invasive surgeries. This is also the reason why Eva chose to work with the team at Honey + Garlic. Together with her colleagues, Eva is proud to offer patients a path to wellness in a natural way.

Being a devout believer in Taoism, Eva incorporates the Taoist philosophy of maintaining “the harmony between human and nature” into her practice. Eva loves to see her clients living a natural and balanced lifestyle.

When Eva is not at work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, as well as sharing delicious homemade treats with them.

Eva Yuan - Registered Acupuncturist + Doctor TCM Eva is a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine... Read More

Adele Neudorf - Registered Massage Therapist

A graduate of the West Coast College of Massage Therapy, Adele has been in practice since 1993 and continues to advance her knowledge through continuing education. Post graduate studies that Adele employs in her treatments include:

• Muscle Energy Technique
• Advanced Craniopathy Technique (Windwood Institute)
• Myofascial Release Technique
• Applied Somatics
• Thai Massage
• Manual Lymph Drainage
• Remedial Exercise
• Massage Therapy for Athletes
• Visceral Manipulation
• Vestibular Rehabilitation -​ Course of Applied Tensegrity

Massage therapy benefits people of all ages. While it benefits the injured, the ill and the stressed, the strength of massage therapy in preventing illness and conditions before they develop cannot be overlooked. Massage therapy can be used in the treatment of both acute and chronic stages of conditions.

Adele is stoked to be living back in Vancouver again- her favorite city in the world! She is looking forward to spending time in the salty air near the water after spending too many years in the interior.

Adele Neudorf - Registered Massage Therapist A graduate of the West Coast College of Massage The... Read More

PLEASE NOTE: Starting in December Michelle’s availability will be 1 Saturday per month. Also, she is only accepting new clients on a case-by-case basis, so please book a 15 min Free Phone Consultation first!

Michelle Pan - Registered Clinical Counsellor

My calling is to support people to discover possibilities within themselves and find hope, strength, courage, meaning and connection with others as they move from darkness to light. I believe people can change, heal, and grow regardless of where they are at in their lives and even under difficult circumstances.

I am a registered clinical counsellor, registered nurse, advocate, and educator. For close to twenty years, I have dedicated my work and volunteer efforts to supporting people from many walks of life, cultures and spiritualities, both in Canada and abroad. Working in the hospital and community settings for over ten years, I have had the privilege of walking alongside people with acute, chronic, progressive, and terminal illness.

I am known to be compassionate, authentic and understanding of cultural differences. My approach to therapy is evidence based and personalized to your needs. I provide brief and depth counselling and draw from a number of approaches, including Adlerian, person-centred, cognitive-behavioural, psychodynamic, narrative, existential, mindfulness, and sandtray.

PLEASE NOTE: Starting in December Michelle’s availability will be 1 Saturday per month. Also, she... Read More

Please note, we are still in the process of adding Jessica to our ICBC profile for counselling. Therefore, at this time you will have to pay out of pocket but you can be reimbursed by ICBC provided they approve counselling for you.

Jessica Hutson - Registered Clinical Counsellor

In my counselling practice I have an affinity for working with clients that hope to address self-exploration and growth, life transitions, trauma, anxiety, depression, and burnout.

As a dedicated counselor I am passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and discover their inner strengths. With a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology, I offer a compassionate and client-centered approach to therapy.

My counseling philosophy is rooted in the belief that every individual has the capacity for growth and healing. My therapeutic approach is empathic, collaborative, and trauma-informed. I draw from a range of therapeutic modalities, including emotion focused therapy, mindfulness-based techniques, and somatic experiencing techniques, to tailor treatment to each client’s unique needs.

My goal is to create a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings, gain insight into their challenges, lived experiences, and develop practical strategies for positive change.

I look forward to the opportunity to work with you!

Jessica Hutson is also a Registered Massage Therapist. If you have seen her for massage therapy, you will NOT be able to see her for counselling. Apologies for any inconvenience.

Please note, we are still in the process of adding Jessica to our ICBC profile for counselling. T... Read More

Kelvin Tu - Physiotherapist

Hello! My name is Kelvin Tu. I graduated with my Bachelors of Science from the University of Manitoba in 2012. I continued my education at the University of Manitoba in the School of Medical Rehabilitation to complete my Masters of Physiotherapy in 2014. I have also completed my Level 1 and 2 Orthopaedics and my Sport First Responder exams. I am also certified in acupuncture and have experience with Kinesiotape. I was living in Winnipeg, Manitoba where I was working at Cordova Physiotherapy.

I have had experience working with everyone from athletes to patients with chronic pain syndromes. I have seen patients from all ages and conditions. I am very confident in creating a treatment plan with my patients because I believe in collaborating with my patients to suit their needs best. I have experience working with dancers at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet where we used dance specific assessments to address their needs

Kelvin Tu - Physiotherapist Hello! My name is Kelvin Tu. I graduated with my Bachelors of Scienc... Read More

Jessica Hutson - Registered Massage Therapist

Jessica has always been passionate about health and wellness. Jessica’s love for physical activity inspired her to learn more about the human body and anatomy. She worked in the fitness industry as a Personal Fitness Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor and Yoga teacher for nearly ten years.

She realized how powerful Physiotherapy and Massage Therapy were while recovering from an accident that left her on crutches for six months. Throughout her treatment she learned the importance of listening to your body, being patient and finding a method of treatment that works for you. She quickly realized the benefits when she could return to activities she had done prior to her accident.

Jessica completed the Registered Massage Therapy program at Utopia Academy in April of 2012. She uses a variety of modalities including deep tissue, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, joint mobilization and stretching. She believes that Massage therapy combined with hydrotherapy and remedial exercise are powerful tools for treating many conditions including whiplash, TMJ Disorder, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Tendonitis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Strains and Sprains, among others.

Jessica Hutson is also a Registered Clinical Counsellor. If you have seen her for massage therapy, you will NOT be able to see her for counselling. Apologies for any inconvenience.

Jessica Hutson - Registered Massage Therapist Jessica has always been passionate about health an... Read More

Caitlin Celinski - Registered Clinical Counsellor

My therapeutic approach is grounded in the belief that we all have the capacity for change and continual growth. I seek to empower clients to become active participants in their own lives, rather than passive spectators. We all need a little help sometimes – whether we feel slightly stuck and need a push to start moving again or feel completely overwhelmed and need someone to help us see things from another perspective. Therapy can be a place for you to express yourself in a safe setting, explore aspects of yourself that can lead to personal development, or heal wounds that are fresh or have been carried with you for years. My aim as a therapist is to be by your side as you take on this journey of self-discovery and growth.

I work to create a comfortable environment and secure relationship with each client. This allows me to gently challenge you to push beyond your comfort zone and address your struggles in a new way, while feeling safe and supported. I highly value honesty and transparency and welcome feedback at any point in the counselling process.

My therapeutic style is flexible and grounded in collaboration, adapting to best fit each client’s unique needs. I often incorporate elements of Emotion Focused, Cognitive Behavioural, and Mindfulness therapies.

My Background:

As a member of the team at Honey + Garlic, I bring with me over seven years of experience working in the mental health field. I have worked extensively with individuals with severe and persistent mental health concerns, including psychosis, drug dependence, and suicidality. I have also worked with clients helping them to manage and overcome depression, anxiety, stress, life transitions, relationship/family issues, sexual identity issues, and trauma. My experience has been with youth, young adults, and adults.

Training

 MA – Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, McGill University  BA – Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of British Columbia  RCC – Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors  Emotion Focused Therapy for Couples  Meta-Cognitive Training for Individuals with Psychosis

Beyond My Counselling Practice

I adore animals, especially dogs. My hope is to one day incorporate dogs into my counselling practice as I feel they have a remarkable ability to form meaningful connections with us and to soothe us as we work through challenging phases in our lives. I endeavour to live my life with a keen appreciation for mindfulness and to celebrate the here and now. Taking time to pause and breathe in an otherwise hectic life is something I value deeply.

I am happy to have a brief phone consultation to answer any questions you may have about the counselling process or to explore whether we feel we would be a good fit. I look forward to connecting with you!

Caitlin Celinski - Registered Clinical Counsellor My therapeutic approach is grounded in the bel... Read More

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Jon is currently accepting new patients!

Jon Nightingale - Registered Massage Therapist

Jon brings years of clinical and spa experience to the H+G studio. His interest in massage therapy arises from a fascination with the ways in which this natural healing art can improve the course of recovery, as well as from the limitless opportunities for intellectual growth and professional development.

His style is slow and methodical, considering massage to be a form of meditation for both client and practitioner. He believes that most healing comes from what the client is able to accomplish between treatments, and works to build clients’ self-efficacy with exercises and education. Specific treatment interests include rib mobility and pelvic alignment, using a number of osteopathic-based assessments and techniques for treatment.

In his spare time, Jon can be found reading, playing board games, doing yoga, swimming, cycling, and enjoying nature.

Jon is currently accepting new patients! Jon Nightingale - Registered Massage Therapist Jon bri... Read More

Corinne Shaw - Registered Massage Therapist

Becoming an RMT was an easy decision for Corinne. Before beginning her education, she witnessed how much it improved the well-being of people close to her, and has always strived for a human connection herself. She graduation from Vancouver College of Massage Therapy in 2017, and is keen to continue learning every day.

Corinne believes in finding balance within the body and likes to take a head to toe approach with every treatment. She looks closely at postural imbalances and fascial restrictions, and works slowly to engage with the tissue. She has success with headaches, neck trauma, SI joint dysfunction and hip pain -to name a few.

Corinne likes to incorporate osteopathic techniques, myofascial release, cranial sacral therapy, stretching, and active participation into her treatments. She understands the importance of movement for healing, and encourages stretching and continued activity for home care.

Outside of work, you can find Corinne exploring nature. She loves being outdoors, whether she’s hiking, camping, or playing in the sun.

Corinne Shaw - Registered Massage Therapist Becoming an RMT was an easy decision for Corinne. Be... Read More

Amy McDaniel-Schamehorn - Registered Massage Therapist

Amy is a warm and attentive RMT who will greet you with a smile. A dynamic therapist, her fluid treatment style unites therapeutic approaches with soothing relaxation massage.

Amy is known for addressing your concerns with targeted treatments providing excellent pressure that is effective, yet not forceful and addresses the whole person.

An active and curious person herself, she believes that movement is medicine, and will collaborate with you to create treatment goals and tailored homecare that will empower you to take an active part in your rehabilitation.

Amy incorporates a variety of therapeutic modalities into her practice including deep tissue, myo-fascial release, trigger point therapy, active and passive movement, muscle energy techniques and joint mobilizations. Amy is a well-rounded therapist and enjoys working with a variety of populations and conditions.

She graduated with distinction from her Massage Therapy program from South Edmonton School of Massage Therapy in 2017. She then practiced as a bodyworker at a large wellness clinic in the Fraser Valley. She now calls East Vancouver home and is fully licenced to practice as a RMT in BC.

When she is not in the clinic you can find her on walking adventures with her dog, finding a forest or body of water to fill her soul, hitting the gym, scouting out a local thrift store or cooking her latest craving and sharing a meal with her family.

Amy McDaniel-Schamehorn - Registered Massage Therapist Amy is a warm and attentive RMT who will ... Read More

Kat McKinnon - Registered Massage Therapist

Kat is a graduate of West Coast College of Massage Therapy. Her years of experience as a yoga and fitness instructor inspired her interest in holistic health and taught her that each person’s body and healing process require an individualized approach.

While Kat is passionate about assisting all her patients with their unique wellness goals, she is especially interested in the effects of massage therapy in managing chronic pain and mental health. She aims to provide thorough assessment, specific treatment, and personalized self-care recommendations. Overall, she strives to empower patients in becoming active participants in their own healthcare.

In addition to practicing massage therapy, Kat loves to spend her time outdoors, on her yoga mat, crafting, and travelling. She considers herself to be a perpetual learner, both as an RMT and in her personal goals.

Kat McKinnon - Registered Massage Therapist Kat is a graduate of West Coast College of Massage T... Read More