Jane Cruttenden, BSc (HONS)
Registered Physical Therapist
Jane graduated from Brunel University, London, England in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy. Her love of traveling brought her to Port Alberni in 2007, where she fell in love with the community. She took over Port Alberni Physiotherapy Clinic in 2014 and has continued to make advancements in clinical practice to provide the best care for everyone in Port Alberni and the West Coast. Jane is a well rounded Physiotherapist with training in sports injuries, pilates, modern manual therapy, manipulations, Mckenzie, acupuncture and craniosacral therapy. She enjoys spending her spare time exploring the Alberni Valley and enjoying the outdoors with her young family.
Lauren Siddall, BSc MScPT
Registered Physical Therapist
Lauren grew up in North Vancouver and moved to Australia to complete her Masters of Science Degree in Physiotherapy at the University of Sydney. During this time, Lauren gained extensive skills in a variety of settings including the emergency department, paediatrics ward, cardiac unit, acute neurosurgery and brain injury unit. After graduation, Lauren worked at a private clinic in a small town called Thirroul in New South Wales, where she used a variety of manual therapy techniques, tailored exercises, pelvic floor rehab and education to help patients take control of their injuries. Lauren has a special interest in Women’s Health and Orthopaedic Physiotherapy, and has taken post graduate courses in pelvic health and clinical Pilates. Excited to be back in BC, Lauren can often be found getting crushed by waves in Tofino or trying to perfect her pizza dough recipe.
Darrell Epp, B.Sc MHS
Registered Physical Therapist
Darrell grew up in the Fraser Valley and graduated from the University of Toronto with a B.Sc. in Physical Therapy. Darrell returned to British Columbia and practiced Physiotherapy for 3 years before moving to St. Louis, Missouri. Here he worked in the US healthcare system and completed a MHS Physical Therapy. The lure of British Columbia prevailed, drawing him back to the island in 2013 and he settled in Port Alberni in 2018. As an avid hiker, Port Alberni made Darrell feel perfectly at home. In addition to enjoying hiking and gardening, he is a member of the Timbre Choir and as a foodie, enjoys the occasional craft beer. Darrell has an extensive background in manual therapy and post-operative orthopedic conditions and continues to further his knowledge by training in osteopathic Physiotherapy and visceral manipulation. Darrell looks forward to assisting you in attaining your health related goals.
Natasha Prokop, BHK MPhtySt
Registered Physical Therapist
Tash grew up in Calgary and graduated with a Master’s of Physiotherapy Studies from the University of Queensland, Australia in 2016. After graduating she moved to New Zealand where she gained valuable skills in many areas of Physiotherapy, working in both private practice and acute care hospitals. In 2019 she returned to BC and lived in Vancouver where she continued to build upon her skills. In need of a change of pace Tash decided to move to Vancouver Island in 2020 and base herself on the idyllic West Coast. Tash values a strong, healthy body and lifestyle to maintain her outdoor activities. She loves spending time in the mountains or beaches; surfing, skiing, trail running/ hiking and doing yoga. Her treatment repertoire includes: Manual therapy, exercise therapy, vestibular rehabilitation and concussion management, neuro and cardiac rehabilitation and education, acupuncture, and dry needling. Tash is passionate about hearing your story and helping you maintain or return to the activities and lifestyle that you enjoy.
Marta Tomaszek, MPT
Registered Physical Therapist
Marta was born in Poland and from an early age demonstrated a passion for sport. She started a gymnastic career at age six and was member of the Polish National Gymnastics Team.
In 2005 she graduated from the Academy of Physical Education obtaining a Master’s of Science in Physiotherapy and she began her travelling adventure around the world. She spent over 2 years in Australia where she worked as a Physiotherapist in sport and injury clinic, private hospitals, Chinese medicine center and nursing homes based in Sydney suburbs. In 2008 she returned to Europe where she began working in Switzerland as part of a multinational team of Physiotherapists providing therapy treatments to skiers and snowboarders.
Before moving to Port Alberni, Marta lived in Bermuda for 10 years. She worked for a local physiotherapy office, treating a broad spectrum of clients from younger gymnasts, swimmers, runners to
mature patients and older adults with chronic, age and work related injuries. Since graduating 15 years ago she has furthered her education in many areas including Pilates, Kinesiology Taping, PNF, SpineMED Decompression Therapy, Remedial Massage and OTAGO exercise. In the free time Marta enjoys rowing and swimming.
Taylor Christensen, BSc Kin
Body Worker
Taylor recently graduated from the West Coast College of Massage and is awaiting accreditation to become a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT).
Taylor was born and raised in Nanaimo, where he obtained a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology. His education gave him a thorough understanding of how to lead a healthy lifestyle, manage stress, improve athletic performance, and treat injuries using a variety of treatment modalities.
Taylor uses a plethora of manual therapy techniques as well as providing homecare remedies designed to promote stretching and strengthening, and hydrotherapy methods to assist people in reaching their full physical potential.
He recently relocated to Port Alberni because he believes it will be an excellent environment for his family to continue growing. Outside of work he likes to be physically active by going to the gym, playing soccer and hockey, and engaging in other outdoor pursuits.
Ludmilla Lyle, DTCM, R.Ac, RYT
Registered Acupuncturist
Master diploma in TCM, Registered Acupuncturist, registered Yoga Instructor.
Ludmilla started her studies of health at the age of 18, moving to Japan studying Aikido and Shiatsu. Coming back to Canada, she entered Traditional Chinese Medicine school. Along side her studies of Acupuncture, Herbology, Cupping, Gua Sha, Tui Na, she studied Jin Shin Do acupressure, Qi Gong and Qi Gong Healing, Tai Qi, Reiki, western and eastern Herbology, Homeopathics, and Chakra Healing. As well as nutrition. In Hawaii she studied Lomi Lomi (Hawaiian massage).
Working in many places around the world refining and developing her practice, she studied with many healers along the way.
With an understanding of body mechanics and a need to help people move freely, yoga teacher training was the next addition to her holistic healing approach. Ludmilla has come home to Port Alberni to offer acupuncture, massage, energy work and yoga. She is currently taking new patients and provides individualized integrated health and acupuncture services.
Jayden Villafane, BSc Kin
Kinesiologist
Jayden grew up in Port Alberni where he was active in the community playing hockey and golf. After completing high school, he decided to move to Kamloops to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology. However, after spending two years there, he realized that he missed the beauty of Vancouver Island and decided to move back. Recently, he graduated from Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo.
During his studies, Jayden acquired a comprehensive understanding of proper exercise techniques that can improve daily life and treat injuries. He learned to develop different exercise programs and home-care stretching plans to improve athletic ability. Moreover, his education emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle for both physical and mental health.
Outside of work, Jayden still enjoys playing hockey and golf in his free time. He is excited to meet new people and to help them achieve their fitness goals.
Nicole Rule, CSCS, PFT, PN
Strength & Conditioning Coach
Nicole was born and raised in Port Alberni, BC. Although she has spent some time away over the years, she eventually returned home in 2022. Nicole has been passionate about sports and fitness for many years, and has turned her passions into a career. She established Ruel Athletics 30 years ago, which specializes in movement performance, strength and conditioning, and nurtition for sports performance.
Nicole has spent the last 8 years in the United States studying and applying Pre-Hab and movement performance training practices to athletes. She has a nursing diploma and holds certifications from various organizations, including NSCA, Barbell Rehab, Rehab-U, NASM, BCRPA, ACE, and ISSA.
When Nicole is not in the gym or playing sports, she enjoys spending time in nature with her family, friends, and dog.
Christy Arsenault, MA, RCC-ACS
Registered Clinical Counsellor - Approved Clinical Supervisor
Christy Arsenault is a seasoned therapist with extensive experience in a variety of settings. She excels in working with teens, young adults and adults with each group requiring unique approaches for their differing stages of life. She believes in the ability for individuals to learn new strategies for coping and brings to each session a sense of optimism and positivity. She is trained to facilitate Adlerian parenting groups and is passionate about working with family systems providing support and education based on the principles of Adlerian psychology. The topics she most often sees in her practice are trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, sexual abuse, parent-teen conflict, LGBTQ2+, ADHD, teen/adolescence issues and clinical supervision.
Christy began her counselling career in 2008 at a Burnaby child and family non-profit agency where she worked with a wide-range of issues and diverse populations until 2021 when she moved to Port Alberni. Due to the serious nature of this community work, Christy has specialized training in evidence-based modalities such as EMDR, CBT and DBT. With this experience and training, she began to provide clinical supervision for Master’s level practicum students in her agency and was the clinic coordinator in the agency’s New Westminster office. Christy is currently an Approved Clinical Supervisor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors and provides this service to colleagues and local non-profit and Indigenous agencies in addition to her regular private practice.
Christy has worked extensively with marginalized clients and brings an anti-colonial, feminist lens to her therapy. She has engaged with translators for new immigrant and refugee families and the deaf community and obtained extra training to ensure she is up to date with unique issues these individuals face. Christy remains concerned about the impact of colonialism on her clients and engages in continued diversity training and participating in community events that align with inclusion, equality and cultural sensitivity.
Jennifer Fournier, Administrative Assistant
Jenn was born in the Alberni Valley & raised on beautiful Sproat Lake. With a love for the outdoors and camping, she and her husband knew that Port Alberni is where they wanted to raise their two girls.
In 2008 she completed her Office Administration certification but worked in the beauty industry for 10 year prior to joining the physio team in 2021. Jenn is always eager to learn new things, discover how the world works & is passionate about helping others; ensuring everyone feels valued and welcome.