BRICKYARD PHYSIOTHERAPY - Key Persons
Angela Birtwistle has always been interested in learning the most about the human body and how it functions. Her goal is to help others to improve body function by seeing what areas of the body need attention and to apply the proper treatment plan. Angela works hard and loves learning as much as she can each day.
Angela graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in Victoria in April, 2015 and received treatment training in therapeutic and sport massage therapy, myofascial release therapy, joint mobilization, manual lymph drainage, and also relaxation massage.
Angela has always been a very active person, enjoying playing sports such as volleyball, golf, rugby, baseball, disc golf, yoga, and dance. Angela also trained in martial arts from the age of 6 and by the age of 18 she had earned her second degree black belt in the style of Goju Ryu Karate. This was a great influence in the person she is today. Angela looks forward to meeting and helping new clients and to expanding her areas of learning and practice.
Job Titles:
- Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy
Bryn Edwards is a highly qualified practitioner in the field of physiotherapy. Since graduating from Queen's University with an honours degree in Physiotherapy, Bryn has gained further post graduate qualifications including a Diploma in Advanced Manual and Manipulative Physiotherapy.
Bryn is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy. Of the 1600 members of the Physiotherapy Association of British Columbia, Bryn is one of only 197 members suitably qualified to become a Fellow.
Bryn is also a recognised Intramuscular Stimulation practitioner and is registered with the Institute for the Study and Treatment of Pain (iSTOP). His continued study ensures that his clients are receiving the most up to date expert care. Outside of the clinic Bryn is an avid mountain biker, hiker and rock climber.
Colby Zuback completed his degree in Physiotherapy in 2019, at the European University of Madrid. Before studying abroad he studied locally at Vancouver Island University, graduating with a degree in Physical Education. He has a passion for sports and is an enthusiast of Soccer, the gym, and Martial Arts. Colby combines his love of helping people with his passion for physiotherapy and exercise.
Colby completed his practicum in Spain, in one of the most renowned Children's Hospitals in Europe - Hospital Del Niño Jesús. The past year Colby has been working as a Physiotherapist in a private clinic, and pilates centre in Guayaquil, Ecuador. He was fortunate enough to work with some pro athletes, many marathon runners, and other populations from children to the elderly.
He has recently relocated to his hometown of Nanaimo, after being away for several years studying, and working abroad. Colby is eager to start helping and guiding clients down the road to recovery.
Dr. Garrett Duff was born and raised in Northern Ontario where he spent his younger years exploring and appreciating the environment. He attributes his love for cross country skiing, biking, stand up paddleboarding (SUP) and hiking to these surroundings. Dr. Duff loves teaching others about physical activity, and has his National Coaching certification in badminton as well as stand up paddleboarding.
His journey of higher education took him to Ottawa in 2016 where he completed his Bachelor of Science Degree with a health science focus from Carleton University, while simultaneously completing 2 summers working with Parks Canada. Following this, he spent his next 4 years in Toronto at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. At the college, he was given the unique opportunity to bike from Tofino, BC to St. Johns NFL to promote healthy living and bike safety at presentations to youth along the way.
Dr. Duff is passionate about his relationships with patients and works relentlessly from every angle to get them to where they want to be. Utilizing various evidence-based treatments such as joint manipulation, mobilizations, soft tissue therapy, modality usage, instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), and exercise prescription he will get you to where you need to be.
Dustin completed his Masters of Physical Therapy in 2014 at the University of Manitoba. He is an active outdoor enthusiast with a passion for mountain biking, kayaking, hiking, snowboarding and snow-shoeing. He is dedicated to promoting a healthy and active lifestyle and aims to deliver compassionate quality physiotherapy services.
Dustin has had the opportunity to work in the hospital with orthopaedic patients immediately post-operatively. He has also worked in a private clinic setting treating patients with a variety of orthopaedic and sport-related injuries. He enjoys working with individuals of all ages and physical abilities and recognizes the importance of establishing individualized goals when developing a treatment plan.
Since graduating Dustin has successfully completed training in acupuncture, fascial movement taping, gait analysis and manual therapy. He has achieved his Level 2 in The Diploma of Advanced Orthopaedic Manual and Manipulative Therapy.
Dustin has recently relocated from the prairies to Nanaimo. He is very excited to facilitate your recovery and to ensure a timely return to the activities you enjoy most.
Hayley graduated from the University of Toronto in 2022 with a Bachelor of Kinesiology and gained Academic All Canadian recognition while competing on the Women's Varsity Volleyball team. Post-graduation, she played a year of professional volleyball in Europe.
Following her volleyball career, Hayley attained her Clinical Pilates Certification and now, as a Registered Kinesiologist, uses Clinical Pilates to address diverse clinical areas. This includes functional stability, balance and coordination, postural correction, core strength, pelvic floor recruitment, breathing mechanics and lower back and neck stability.
Combining her experience and knowledge, Hayley assesses individual needs, guiding people through individualized programs ranging from injury rehabilitation and prevention to strength and conditioning for fitness related goals.
Outside the clinic, Hayley enjoys activities such as yoga and running. She remains involved in the volleyball community, volunteering as a coach and participating in recreational beach and indoor volleyball.
James was born and raised on Vancouver Island and graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy - Victoria in August 2016. Prior to starting the massage therapy program, he completed a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Sport, Health and Physical Education from Vancouver Island University.
James enjoys working with various conditions such as strains, sprains, tension headaches, neck or lower back aches. Techniques he uses can include deep tissue massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, pin & stretch, assisted stretching and muscle energy (MET). James also has completed Level 1 Graston Technique training, which is a form of manual treatment that uses instruments to assist soft tissue mobilization. For those that are seeking more of a relaxation type treatment, James does enjoy providing a relaxation focused treatment.
He enjoys strength training in his own health life and incorporates body-weight strength and stretching exercises into many homecare plans. Outside of the massage therapy profession, James enjoys hiking, strength training & stretching, ice hockey, rock climbing and chasing around his 1.5-year-old son. James and his family have recently moved back to Nanaimo.
James was born and raised on Vancouver Island and graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy - Victoria in August 2016. Prior to starting the massage ... Book Now Read More
Janis Riise completed her Kinesiology degree at the University of Saskatchewan in 2013. She gained extensive clinical knowledge working in a fast paced physiotherapy clinic for 5 years before starting her own yoga and exercise therapy business in 2019, returning to multidisciplinary clinical work in 2022.
Janis has been teaching yoga since 2012, studied yoga therapy in India and integrated yoga therapy techniques into her clinical exercise therapy practice. She has developed yoga therapy programs for seniors, for women post cancer and for chronic pain management. Janis enjoys designing functional conditioning programs and is passionate about education and finding the right type of exercises for her clients to improve their quality of life and increase function. She loves snowboarding, swimming, dogs and nature. Having recently arrived here from the prairies, she is very excited to explore Vancouver Island.
Jenn Schroeder graduated with her Masters of Physical Therapy from the University of Manitoba in 2015. Prior to that, Jenn completed her Bachelor of Science with distinction from the University of Manitoba in 2013.
With experience in both hospital and private practice settings, she has had the opportunity to work with a wide variety of clients. Jenn has completed post graduate work in Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy and is excited to offer this service to the community. Jenn is dedicated to working with you to develop goals that you can achieve through an individualized treatment plan.
Education to provide evidence-based treatment is something Jenn recognizes as important in the healthcare field. Since graduating, Jenn has completed the following courses:
Dry Needling Canada Level 1: Extremities
Level 2 in The Diploma of Advanced Orthopaedic Manual and Manipulative Therapy - Upper/Lower
Pelvic Health Solutions Level 1
Dry Needling Canada Level 2: Spine
Pelvic Health Solutions Cesarean Birth
Lyn Watson Shoulder Course
McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy Part A: Lumbar Spine
Activator Pole Walking Course
Red Cross Sport First Responder
Bobath Concept: Study of Human Movement, Balance, and Functional Movement
Jenn Schroeder is an active outdoor enthusiast with a passion for mountain biking, hiking, backpacking, trail running, and recently, snowboarding. In addition, she enjoys her time doing yoga, playing volleyball and softball, and traveling. Jenn is dedicated to promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.
Jenn relocated from the prairies to Vancouver Island in January 2017. She is excited to facilitate your safe and timely recovery so you can return to the activities that you enjoy most!
Jenn Schroeder graduated with her Masters of Physical Therapy from the University of Manitoba in 2015. Prior to that, Jenn completed her Bachelor of Science...
Jennifer Van Bergen graduated from the University of British Columbia in 2004 where she received her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy. Since then, she has worked exclusively in private practice, treating a wide range of orthopaedic conditions.
Jennifer enjoys the variety and challenge of treating clients from all age ranges and activity levels.
Jennifer has taken several post graduate courses including her Diploma of Advanced Manual and Manipulative Therapy (2008) and is now a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Therapists and and GUNN IMS certification (2015) for dry needling. Jennifer is also certifited in the "Fit to Deliver" program (2010) and has a keen interest in Pre and Post Partum Health.
Jennifer's pursuit of further education has enabled her to approach a physical problem from many different angles and to treat using several different "tools." She believes that individualized care, hands on treatment, and exercise and education are key to a full recovery.
In her spare time Jennifer is busy with her two boys running around the back yard Jennifer has a love for the outdoors and outside of the clinic also enjoys hiking, cycling, running and camping.
Jordana graduated from WCCMT in 2004 with a diploma in Registered Massage Therapy. Jordana's focus over the years has primarily been persistent or chronic pain, complicated pain and stress (emotional) influenced pain. Having been in a MVA in 1995 that resulted in neck and head injuries, Jordana has a deep understanding and lived experience of ongoing discomfort and pain as a result of having been in a MVA. Jordana's treatment style is heavily myofascial influenced and often integrated with other types of massage styles and techniques. Jordana has completed dozens of post graduation courses that include but not limited too: Ligamentous Articular Strain Technique (LAST), Myofascial Release (MF) and Integrative Myofasical, Craniosacral Therapy (CST), Pregnancy, Basic Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD and pain science.
Jordana was a competitive swimmer in Campbell River for 10 years and held the Grand Champion title for age 10 expert girls in BMX for two years. Jordana also raced on the Canadian team for BMX in the world cup in 1985.
Jordana continues to maintain an active lifestyle with interests in photography and all things husky. Jordana looks forward to helping people live a pain free.
Jordana graduated from WCCMT in 2004 with a diploma in Registered Massage Therapy. Jordana's focus over the years has primarily been persistent or chronic... Book Now Read More
Myurie studied Physiotherapy at the University of Kwazulu Natal, in the sunny city of Durban, South Africa. She graduated in 2009 and has been working for 11 years now. She completed post-graduate courses on Orthopaedic and Neuromuscular Manipulative Techniques, Dry needling, and Kinesio-taping. Book Now Read More
Nicki has been a physiotherapist for over 20 years. She obtained a Bachelor's of Science in Physiotherapy from the University of Liverpool (UK) in 1997 and has since worked in various settings. Nicki has found that her best outcomes result from utilizing education and an active approach to rehabilitation, often augmented with manual therapy and acupuncture/ dry needling. She aims to restore joint and tissue mobility, reestablish appropriate movement patterns, improve function, and minimize the likelihood of injury recurrence.
Although Nicki enjoys working with all types of conditions, hip and knee osteoarthritis, post-surgical rehabilitation, and low back pain are some of her favourite areas of practice.
Outside of work, Nicki enjoys running, hiking, walking her two bernedoodles and spending time with her family.
Shane believes in the importance of living an active lifestyle and is passionate about helping individuals remain injury free. He is an athletic person and competed nationally at the Canada games for cycling. He currently enjoys spending his free time running, swimming, skiing, surfing, triathlon, crossfit and weight training.
His experience includes working with a varied clientele in private physiotherapy clinics in Nova Scotia. Shane has been an active advocate for the profession of physiotherapy through his volunteer work with the Nova Scotia Physiotherapy Association. As the educational representative for the Orthopaedic division he assisted in organizing continuing education courses for physiotherapists throughout Nova Scotia.
He has completed numerous post-graduate courses in manual therapy, dry needling, spinal stabilization exercise, athletic taping, mulligan training and specialty courses for the shoulder taught by instructors from around the globe.
Shane recently moved to the province of British Columbia and is excited to be able to help its residents stay active and reach their fitness and exercise goals, whatever they may be.
Shannon was actively involved in sports from a young age, such as soccer, volleyball, basketball, martial arts, competitive swimming, synchronized swimming and dance. These days she enjoys fitness classes, running and yoga. Academically her interests lay in the study of Anatomy & Physiology, General Pathologies and Nutrition.
Having experienced sports injuries through the years, Shannon began to appreciate a holistic view of healing and the importance of connecting mind and body through this process.
She graduated from a 2200 hour RMT program at WCCMT in Victoria in August 2016.
Here are some of the different subjects and techniques she received training in Hydrotherapy, Pregnancy Massage, Myofascial Release, Roods Techniques, Relaxation Techniques, Therapeutic Exercise, Trigger Point Pressure Release, Cranio-Sacral Therapy and Joint Mobilizations.
Shannon has worked at Knead Therapy from 2017- 2020, Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Resort and Spa in 2017 in Parksville BC and Sante Spa, Bear Mt in Lanford BC in 2016.
Shannon has always enjoyed helping others. Through her training and experience she has had the opportunity to treat people with many needs allowing her to share the benefits of massage therapy and home care. Shannon derives great satisfaction from gaining a better understanding of a patients needs' in order to create a treatment plan that works best for the individual.
Shannon was actively involved in sports from a young age, such as soccer, volleyball, basketball, martial arts, competitive swimming, synchronized... Book Now Read More
Stephanie finished her kinesiology degree in 2020 at the University of Victoria. Her current focus is to rehabilitate workplace and motor vehicle injuries through individual appointments or group programs. Additionally, she has experience with a wide variety of populations including individuals with arthritis, long term disabilities, and those seeking to improve their sport performance, decrease pain, or prepare their body for a new phase of life, whatever that may be.
Stephanie has further education and experience in Functional Capacity Evaluations, Kinetic Link Training, concussion rehabilitation, and other strength and conditioning courses.
Stephanie is passionate about leading by example and living an active fulfilling lifestyle to help prevent and rehabilitate injuries and inspire others to live to the best of their abilities as individuals.
She was active in rowing, rugby, cycling, and hiking in her younger years but has since found a greater drive for backpacking, strength training, and partner acrobatics.
Thalia completed her Master's of Physical Therapy degree at McGill University in 2021, and previously completed a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from McMaster ...
Tiffany is a 2019 graduate of the West Coast College of Massage Therapy. She has gained experience working with conditions such as Parkinson's, Multiple Sclerosis, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, whiplash, frozen shoulder, cancer and stress. She also has experience with relaxation massage through her previous job at Hollyhock on Cortes Island.
Tiffany has a deep appreciation for health and wellness combined with a keen interest in human anatomy, which manifests in her treatments. Her priority is to ensure that everyone she works with is able to receive the attention and care they need in order to facilitate their own wellness goals. She understands that everyone has unique needs and ensures that each client receives a personalized and adaptable treatment plan.
When Tiffany is out of the treatment room, she enjoys playing soccer, creative arts, music, walking in trails and exploring beautiful Vancouver island.
Tiffany is a 2019 graduate of the West Coast College of Massage Therapy. She has gained experience working with conditions such as Parkinson's, Multiple Sclerosis... Book Now Read More