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 Wellness Spa). Sarah's entrepreneurial spirit later led her to start a mobile massage business in partnership with a girlfriend. Alpeny En Suite Massage was one of the first en-suite services in Whistler and it operated for several years.

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

In 2002, while attending BCIT, 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 than what was then available. The Vancouver School of Bodywork & Massage 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 and Massage Ltd.

Cadi is a dedicated professional with exceptional qualifications. With several years of spa management to her credit, her skills in reception, guest services, and operational flow have contributed to the success of every spa to which she's contributed. Highlights of her resume include guest service and supervisory roles at Vida Wellness Spa at the Sheraton Wall Center in downtown Vancouver, as well as at the Chateau Whistler.

With a background as a Special Needs Educator, Cadi is a very competent, caring and compassionate person. As Assistant Director, she is the head of admissions and takes care of day-to-day operations at VSBM.

Nicole, the latest addition to the office at VSBM, is also a recent graduate from the Spa Therapy Program. Nicole's works in tandem with Cadi, acting as the administrator, office manager, and head of admissions.

Nicole brings an intimate knowledge of the program with her as well as the experience of running her own businesses. Since graduating from the program, 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 embracing 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 switch in career direction after having two beautiful children, and wanting a more holistic health based career.

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.

Aaron completed his undergraduate degree in Biomedical Toxicology from the University of Guelph and his Naturopathic Diploma from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto.

Believing in the body's own ability to heal itself, he strives to remove any obstacles to this healing process. Through the use of nutritional supplements, botanical formulations, lifestyle changes and physical therapies, he believes this goal can be achieved.

Currently, Aaron works in private practice at the Downtown Wellness Centre and teaches at Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine as well as the Vancouver School of Bodywork & Massage.

Amaro has worked for thirty years with individuals and groups in the field of bodywork. His qualifications include certifications in Rolfing®, The Trager® Approach and the Dorn® Chiropractic Method as well as a diploma in Naturopathy. He is the co-founder of the "European School of Bodywork" and has 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.

Amaro relocated from Hamburg, Germany to Vancouver seven years ago. He maintains a private practice as a therapist in both of these locations.

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 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 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.

Mylene has become a central figure at VSBM. She teaches Body-Mind Integration, Swedish, and Deep Flow, supervises Student Clinic, and acts as a program advisor.

Kirsten first fell in love with the art of massage during a year-long adventure in Asia, where, despite language and cultural barriers, she encountered the universally profound language of massage. This experience inspired Kirsten to begin a newfound inner journey through the healing arts.

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 deepened her skills in bodywork and massage and solidified a love for teaching as a teaching assistant in Deep Tissue Massage, Joint Release, and lead instructor in Body Mind Integration and Deep Flow Massage at VSBM.

Kirsten currently practices bodywork and massage at her private practice in the West End, at the Vida Wellness Spa at the Wall Center Hotel, and the Wedgewood Hotel Spa. She also teaches Physical Wellness at Rhodes Wellness College.

Her clients and colleagues have enriched her life deeply, and her work continues to stimulate further growth within the unbounded field of the Healing Arts.

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.

Daphne is a multi-disciplinary holistic practitioner who has been in practice for nearly 20 years. She is a registered aromatherapist, reflexologist, massage therapist (UK), sea stone therapist, spa consultant, and educator. Daphne studied Aromatherapy with Gabriel Mojay (author of "Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit") in London in 1990 and qualified with distinction. For 18 years Daphne ran a successful private practice in the UK as well as working with various highly regarded clinics including The Haelan Centre and the first holistic clinic established within The Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Hospital in London.

Daphne is also an author, her latest book "Healing Massage" was published in February 2007 is available in bookstores across Canada, the US, and England, and has been featured on CBC news and Breakfast television. Daphne was contributing editor and consultant and wrote the aromatherapy blends and essential oil profiles for "Aromatherapy for the Busy Person" by Sarah Dean. This book has now been translated into 7 languages.

Three years ago Daphne left her busy practice in London, England to embrace beautiful BC. She has a private practice in the West End, works at both the Wedgewood Hotel Spa and Vida Wellness Spa at the Wall Centre, and teaches in and around Vancouver. Daphne is a member of the BCAPA and BCAOA and the IFPA in the UK.

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 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).

Alexandra Thompson founded her company, Ocean Stone Therapy as a resource for instruction and product support, based on a demand for a Canadian based company and has been teaching her Stone Massage courses to various Massage Schools, Spas and Colleges, throughout Canada since 2000. With her passion and dedication, Alexandra excels at helping her students grasp the details and organization required in mastering her unique sequential Hot and Cold Stone Massage procedures.

She has an extremely varied educational and professional background. Her bodywork background includes training in the fields of Massage, Reflexology and Hot Stone Therapy, trained in Alberta; she is a member of the AMTWP. She is currently expanding her business into the USA and also to France in 2007.

Her courses are recognized and certified for Continuing Educational Credits in BC (CMTBC), Alberta (MTA), Saskatchewan (MTAS) and Ontario (CMTO) as well as in the United States (AMTA).

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.

Mylene has become a central figure at VSBM. She teaches Body-Mind Integration, Swedish, and Deep Flow, supervises Student Clinic, and acts as a program advisor.

Lydia has a strong business background in the spa industry. Along with being a public relations and marketing consultant, she worked as the manager of the Ancient Cedars Spa at the world class Wickaninnish Inn located in Tofino. With her solid experience in the spa industry, her training gives focus to preparing individuals to be successful in their career choice of massage and bodywork. She truly knows what it takes to get hired at some of the best spas and shares strategic ways of developing a career in bodywork and spa therapy. As a graduate of VSBM, Lydia runs her own successful massage practise, Body Wisdom Massage, in Kitsilano.

Kirsten was a member of the Canadian Olympic Rowing Team and competed in two Olympic Games, Seoul in 1988 and Barcelona in 1992. Following a World Championship win in both the coxless four and eight in 1991, she won two gold medals at the Barcelona Games in 1992.

Kirsten received a PhD in Sport Psychology from Bristol University in 1998. As an applied sport psychologist she has worked with a number of teams and individuals to develop awareness, understanding and effective use of sport psychology in daily training and competition. Since 1997, Kirsten has worked with Lane4 delivering leadership development, mental toughness, and team development programs to the executives and managers of a broad range of corporations. Kirsten brings a deep understanding of high performance from her experience as an athlete and her work as mental coach in sport and business.

After more than 13 years in the UK, Kirsten has moved back to Vancouver with her husband Terry Dillon and together they have established Lane4 Canada.

Dan Clement came to Yoga for its healing benefits and fell in love with the practice. Certified through Yoga Alliance as an Ashtanga Yoga teacher, for the last few years Dan's focus has been on the heart-centered, dynamic and therapeutic practice of Anusara Yoga developed by John Friend in 1997. Dan currently owns and operates Live Yoga in White Rock, B.C., where he lives with his 2 cats and dog. His approach to teaching the art and science of Yoga is light-hearted - inclusive of everyone's limitations and strengths, and dynamic - offering encouragement to move beyond perceived boundaries.

Kirsten first fell in love with the art of massage during a year-long adventure in Asia, where, despite language and cultural barriers, she encountered the universally profound language of massage. This experience inspired Kirsten to begin a newfound inner journey through the healing arts.

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 deepened her skills in bodywork and massage and solidified a love for teaching as a teaching assistant in Deep Tissue Massage, Joint Release, and lead instructor in Body Mind Integration and Deep Flow Massage at VSBM.

Kirsten currently practices bodywork and massage at her private practice in the West End, at the Vida Wellness Spa at the Wall Center Hotel, and the Wedgewood Hotel Spa. She also teaches Physical Wellness at Rhodes Wellness College.

Her clients and colleagues have enriched her life deeply, and her work continues to stimulate further growth within the unbounded field of the Healing Arts.