Registered Massage Therapy
Faculty
Judith Barta, RMT
RMT Program Manager
Kootenay Columbia College proudly welcomes Judie Barta as the RMT Program Manager. Judie graduated from the Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy in 1996 and has been involved in the Kelowna wellness community for almost thirty years, equating to many CECs! Her passion for wellness and environmental stewardship creates the foundation for everything she does. While keeping her accreditation current, Judie has continually challenged herself with new endeavors, including building businesses in other industries. Now that her daughters are creating their own lives, Judie looks forward to sharing her knowledge and experience with the students and faculty of KCC as our RMT Program Manager. Judie looks forward to exploring Nelson, the Kootenays, and our mountain life when she is not teaching. When you see her in the hallways, please extend your warmest welcome to Judie.
Dr. Kevin Underwood
Instructor
Kevin graduated in 1985 from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto at which time he entered private practice in Nelson until 2016. He spends his free-time taking photographs, playing hockey, and volunteering with the Rotary Club and Touchstones Museum & Art Gallery.
Wendy Birks, RMT
Instructor
Wendy joined the KCC faculty in 2016, after more than 25 years as an RMT and educator based in Toronto. Areas of specialty and interest include ethics, professionalism, and legislation. She is also fascinated by the mind-body connection and how this creates unique benefits and challenges for the RMT. Wendy worked in a home-based practice for over 2 decades and has also had the opportunity to work in a hospital setting, a multi-disciplinary clinic, and a spa. As well as teaching in the classroom, Wendy has also enjoyed working with students in clinical settings, especially with patients in their senior years, people living with HIV, and those who have cognitive impairments. She would describe her teaching style as collaborative, participatory, and encouraging. KCC has provided the perfect environment for Wendy to continue to share her eclectic and extensive experience in the profession she loves.
Mary Houle, RMT
Instructor
Mary is an active member of the College of Massage Therapy of British Columbia, practicing massage therapy since 2013. After traveling and working in different countries and provinces including Ontario, England, and New Zealand, she opened a Massage Therapy practice in Nelson. Her training and schooling have always been health-oriented and people-focused. She completed a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology with a minor in Psychology at the University of Windsor before attending and graduating from Sutherland Chan School of Massage Therapy in Toronto. She is happy to be a part of the Kootenay Columbia College faculty.
Stephanie Moss, BNSc, BA
Instructor
Stephanie has a BA from Guleph University, a BNSc from Queen’s University and has worked for over 15 years as a Registered Nurse and Health Advocate in different provinces and countries in a variety of different hospitals and clinical settings. Stephanie recently retrained and took the Holistic Nutrition program offered through KCCIHS and graduated with a diploma in Holistic Nutrition in 2021. She has since started her own Holistic Nutrition consultancy, LifeFlow Holistic Nutrition, where she consults and provides her clients with individualized holistic nutrition care plans. Stephanie is passionate and dedicated to lifelong learning and continues to take courses, and workshops and explore the ever-evolving field of health and nutrition to support her clients and offer her students best practices. Stephanie is excited to have the opportunity to bring her clinical experience and knowledge of health care to the classroom.
Sarah Cicchine, BKin, RMT
Supervisor
Sarah has always had a keen interest in anatomy and physiology, movement of the human body, and injury prevention. Sarah completed a Bachelor of Kinesiology at the University of Calgary (2010) as well as spent one year abroad at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. She then went on to complete her Massage Therapy diploma at Mount Royal University in Calgary (2012). After completing her formal education Sarah has worked in multidisciplinary settings in Alberta and British Columbia. She has been a Registered Massage Therapist in BC since 2015. She has a special interest in women’s health, especially during the prenatal and postnatal period. Sarah has a passion for learning and is excited to help teach and mentor students in the massage therapy program at Kootenay Columbia College.
Annie Fortin, RMT
Massage Student Clinic Manager
Annie is a graduate of the first cohort of Registered Massage Therapy students at Kootenay Columbia College. She is a successful clinic owner and massage practitioner.
Annie has a genuine passion for wanting to help people, which led her to the health profession of massage therapy. She graduated from the Registered Massage Therapist Program here at Kootenay Columbia College (KCC) in 2019 and opened her own private practice, Blue Lotus Therapeutics. She knows firsthand the transformative power of manual therapy. She holds also a diploma in business administration and has experience owning a retail store, and a dog day hiking business. Annie finds joy in helping others pursue their dreams, which is what leads her back to KCC. She enjoys camping, traveling, and being on the water and in the mountains.
Ella Keelan, RMT
Assistant Clinic Manager and Supervisor
Ella graduated from Kootenay Columbia College in 2020. Since then, she has worked in multidisciplinary clinics and taken additional training, including a degree in Health Sciences from Thompson Rivers University. In addition to her role as a clinic supervisor, Ella maintains her practice at Pro+Active Therapeutics. When she is not at work, you can find Ella hiking, swimming, paddle boarding, skiing, and spending time with her dog!
Ginger Joy Rivest, RMT
Instructor
Ginger Joy Rivest is dedicated to education and shares her love of learning with her students. As an RMT and Therapeutic Counsellor with over 15 years of clinical experience, she is now an instructor with KCC. Ginger runs a multidisciplinary health clinic in Kaslo, BC, with continuing education classes to support practitioners of all kinds. Ginger believes we can make a positive impact by helping those who help others, and we are delighted to have her as part of the RMT Program at Kootenay Columbia College.
Alida Baron, RMT
Clinic Supervisor
Alida graduated from the Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy in 2020. In addition to her position with KCC, she runs a massage therapy business at the Sports Lab in Nelson. Alida is passionate about sharing her unique techniques and skill set in a classroom setting. Her kind and calm nature creates a sense of safety and warmth, and we are delighted to have her on our team.
Lauren Spizawka, RMT
Clinic Supervisor
Lauren was born and raised in Saskatoon. She then spent time in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta before moving to British Columbia for her education and graduation from the 3000-hour Registered Massage Therapy (RMT) program at Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy.
She has been an RMT in Nelson, BC, since 2012 and an RMT clinical supervisor at Kootenay Columbia College of Integrated Science since 2017. Lauren loves massage therapy and anything that fuels the mind, body, and soul, and we are so happy to have her on our team
Martine Oosting, M.Ed
Instructor
Martine is passionate about supporting healthy relationships through a holistic lens. She was born in the Netherlands and has traveled and lived in different parts of the world. She holds a BA in Community Education and Organization and a MA in Educational Sciences. While her professional and educational background is extensive, it is centered on improving people’s quality of life. Martine has found a home in the Kootenays and has worked as a clinical counselor for a local non-profit agency for over a decade. Martine is our Communication Skills Instructor, and we are delighted to have her on our Nelson team.
Julie Pouliot, RMT, BCST
Instructor
Julie developed a passion for massage therapy stemming from her early teenage years, which led her to begin training in Québec in 2004. Her initiation into the massage practice was through the practice of corporate Chair Massage, where she traveled with her mentor throughout the province, honing her skills. Following more training and practice in multi-disciplinary clinics, Julie opted to transition her life to the mountains of British Columbia, thus transferring into the extensive RMT training offered at OVCMT, where she graduated in 2009. Since then, Julie’s practice has led her to uncover a particular curiosity about the meaning of self-care, mind-body health, and education via her healing journey of burnout. She thrives in teaching and is honored to be part of the KCC faculty.
Leah Busi, RMT
Clinic Supervisor
Leah went through a career change after raising her kids in Calgary, Alberta, and graduated from the massage therapy program at Mount Royal University in 2022. She became registered in BC in 2023 and has made her home here in the West Kootenays Leah is working as a Registered Massage Therapist at a busy multi-disciplinary clinic. She is passionate about health and wellness and loves working with the active mountain community here. Leah loves to alpine and Nordic ski, hike, and paddleboard, and she plays hockey as a goalie as much as possible.
Dr. Tyler Phillipson, DC
Instructor
Dr. Tyler Phillipson is the owner and chiropractor of Active Balance Chiropractic and Health Centre, a multidisciplinary health clinic supporting patient growth and healing, as well as mentorship and guidance to all practitioners.
His professional and educational background, alongside interest areas in exercise, sport, and nutrition offers unique learning opportunities for students.
Having the opportunity to educate a larger group of aspiring practitioners has always been a goal for Dr. Phillipson, and he is eager to continue educating and supporting the student body at Kootenay Columbia College.
Forrest Mac Ivor, RMT
Instructor
Originally from Oregon, Forrest specializes in myofascial mobilization using an assortment of techniques including myofascial release, joint mobilizations, neuromuscular therapy, craniosacral, muscle energy, and visceral manipulation. He focuses primarily on realignment to the osseous structures and balancing connective tissue restrictions. Forrest grew up with a mother who practiced massage therapy and he himself graduated from Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy in 2007. Soon after, he moved to the Kootenay’s and this has been home ever since. He is passionate about teaching and sharing his many years of experience.
Kristy Shields, BKin
Instructor
Kristy moved to Calgary to pursue a post secondary education where she completed her RMT program in Alberta and then moved on to University of Calgary (U of C). During her time at University of Calgary where Kristy received a Bachelor of Kinesiology, she also was part of the Canadian Bobsleigh Team as well as a varsity track and field athlete at U of C.
Post athletic career, Kristy was part of the Belgium Team at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics as assistant coach. After bobsleigh, she started an exercise therapy & personal training business in California.
Kristy recently returned to the Kootenays after a career in sports where she worked as the Kinesiologist at world-renowned Mountain Trek retreat until COVID hit. She looks forward to sharing her knowledge with the students at Kootenay Columbia College.
Dr. Steve Tucker, DC
Instructor
After almost 30 years in healthcare, Dr. Steve Tucker, DC, joins Kootenay Columbia College as an instructor, eager to share his clinical expertise from practicing in the UK, Ireland, and Quebec. His diverse professional background offers students invaluable insights into anatomy and physiology, blending international experience with practical knowledge. Dr. Tucker strives to enrich the student’s academic experience by providing them with a unique, real-world perspective on healthcare.
Sevrin Baker
Instructor
Sevrin has been practicing for 19 years in the field of Wellness and Kinesiology. He analyzes posture, breathing and movement to determine the underlying habits that are the actual cause of pain and dysfunction in his clients. He uses this information and the plasticity of the brain to reprogram our bodies to be more efficient and mechanically advantageous rather than treat the symptoms specifically.
Sevrin strives to help people understand how they came to be in their current predicament through their previous activities and habits. He educates them as to what is a more ideal and efficient way to move and exercise. The concept of grounding, integration of the unconscious / autonomic system using intent, and the emotional and psychological components around injury and recovery are introduced. Tools to address these concepts are either provided or the client is referred to an affiliated specialist. The end goal being to provide them with the tools to understand and correct current and future problems on their own. He has been running a private business since 2010, Co-Instructed a 5th year elective for 4 years at the Academy of Classical Oriental Sciences, and currently Instructs in the RMT program at the Kootenay Columbia College of Integrated Sciences.
Tammy Kovaluk,
M.Sc. Kinesiology & Sports Conditioning
Instructor
Tammy Kovaluk is a Kinesiologist/Sport Scientist with over 20 years of experience working with a wide range of clientele and environments, including: sport conditioning for recreational to professional athletes, rehabilitative including pre and post surgical, and collaboration with chiropractors, physiotherapists, and RMT’s.
She has written articles for various platforms including “NSCA Coach” – a peer reviewed publication. Tammy also hosts seminars on a range of topics: A couple of examples being “Strength Training for Runners” and, upcoming, “Basics in Strength and Conditioning and Real Functional Fitness” for Eric Purves, RMT, Continuing Educator for massage therapists and health practitioners. Tammy is also a certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and holds certificates in Functional Movement Systems and Corrective Exercise as well as Advanced Wilderness First Aid.
Tammy has a passion for instructing. She loves learning (including from her students!) and sharing knowledge.
In her spare time, Tammy enjoys the outdoors (especially with her dog): Whether running, hiking, xc skiing, or performing non-traditional training with military-style training, as well as pursuing intensive physical challenges to raise funds for nonprofits (including breaking the 12-hr record for ‘chest to ground push-ups burpees’). She is a strong supporter and is grateful for RMT’s and other heatlh practitioners! Additional information can be found on her website: risespt.com
Alison Aspen, RMT, DOMP
Instructor
Alison Aspen graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in 2007. She has worked in a variety of settings including owning a small multidisciplinary clinic from 2013-2020. In 2015 Alison felt pulled to explore a deeper level of education and enrolled in the five-year Manual Osteopath program in Vancouver B.C. Alison completed the program in 2020 and is now dually licensed as an R.M.T. and D.O.M.P. in British Columbia. During the five-year program, Alison often found herself explaining concepts to her classmates during study groups.
This role felt natural to her and ultimately what drew her to the college. Alison customizes her treatments specifically to the individual with an understanding that each patient has a unique story physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Alison believes that if the structures are free to move within the body, then the function will be optimized. Alison has recently relocated to the Nelson area and is excited to be a part of the KCCIHS team and looks forward to sharing her experience and knowledge with the students.
Janna Clark, RMT
Instructor
Janna Clark has been in Nelson for 25 years and has two grown children. Previously she worked as an educational assistant for the Kootenay Lake district for over a decade ranging from kindergarten to grade 12 and all types of abilities and challenges. She opened an outdoor store in Salmo, The Hemlock Hub, and worked as a volunteer ski patrol at the hill before deciding to begin the journey to become a Registered Massage Therapist. After graduating in Nelson in 2021 she began to work for herself out of the Savoy Hotel and continued at the Aura Spa part-time, as well as a stint at a heli ski lodge. Between work, trail running, and family she helped out as a TA for the KCCIHS a handful of times last year. She is happy to be teaching and helping to find the best ways for students to connect to the material.
Program Advisory Committee
PAC
The Program Advisory Council is responsible for providing advice on the creation and maintenance of our educational programs. It advises on the needs of potential RMT employers, advances in workplace technology, promotional activities, and potential partnerships for in-reach and out-reach clinics. The membership of the committee is designed to ensure that KCRMTP receives the benefit of diverse and relevant perspectives related to its specific programming.
- Bisman Arora, BA: CEO & owner, Excel Career College
- Judith Barta, RMT: KCC massage therapy program manager
- Krystal Kosiancic, RMT: clinic owner
- Sarah-Kim (SK) Holma, MA, Ph.D Candidate: Dean, KCC
- Melanie Lomuntad, M. Ed: Academic Services and Campus Operations, KCC
- Lilith Swetland, B. Com: Senior Administrator at KCC
- Annie Fortin, B.Admin, RMT: Alumna and clinic owner
- Kevin Underwood, DC (retired): Academic Head, RMT program at KCC
- Sevrin Baker: Corrective High-Performance Exercise Kinesiology Practitioner, clinic owner
