Staff

Your extended team of practitioners include:

• Primary Care Sport Medicine Physicians
• Orthopedic Surgeons
• Chiropractors
• TCM Practitioners
• Physiotherapists
• Massage Therapists
• Sports Psychologists

Our Vision:

To empower our patients with knowledge and tools to restore full movement and to reach their physical potential.

The LifeMark Sport Medicine Difference:

Our diverse team of practitioners work together as part of a multidisciplinary team to help patients maintain or return to optimal health. We have a comprehensive multidisciplinary team under one roof to assist you with all your healthcare needs. Our practitioners are all like-minded professionals that look at the whole body in assessment and treatment. We look for the root cause of your problem, we do not just treat the symptoms. We work together in collaboration to help you restore full movement, full function and your full physical potential. All of our therapy appointments are one on one allowing your therapist the dedicated time to determine the root cause of dysfunction and to determine your treatment plan.



 
PHYSICIANS

 

Dr. "Bill" Mackie 

Dr. “Bill” Mackie is one of the most well-known and highly regarded Sport Medicine Physicians in B.C. He was elected as President of BC Medical Association (BCMA) in 2008. He has also taught extensively in UBC Medical School, Department of Family Practice and is a Clinical Associate Professor. He provided sport medicine coverage for many sporting events and was active in forming the Section of Sport Medicine within BCMA and served as President. He has been a Member of the Canadian Academy of Sport Medicine for about 30 years and was recognized as the 2010 Canadian Community Sport Medicine Physician of the Year. 

 

Dr. Larissa Roux 

MD MPH PhD, CCFP Dip Sport Medicine 

Dr. Roux is a primary care sport medicine Physician and a public health scientist. She is fascinated by the capacity of the human body to excel and to heal following insult, and its remarkable ability to adapt to a variety of circumstances. She has worked with many high-level athletes and performing artists across North America, but is most energized when working with a multidisciplinary team to provide care to a wide spectrum of recreational athletes. Her clients range from children to seniors, who have suffered from either acute or chronic musculoskeletal injuries. In addition to enjoying the evaluation and management of a full spectrum of musculoskeletal concerns, she has extensive training in obesity prevention. She is an active member of the Canadian Academy of Sport Medicine and the American College of Sports Medicine.

 

Dr. Fadi Tarazi 

Dr. Tarazi is a board-certified Orthopaedic Surgeon with fellowships in sports medicine, trauma, as well hip and knee reconstruction. He is a graduate of McGill University (Montreal, Quebec) and after completing a comprehensive surgical internship, moved to Vancouver for his orthopedic residency at the University of British Columbia. Dr. Tarazi performs both upper and lower extremity orthopedic surgery. He is the team doctor for the Vancouver Canadians baseball team and was for the former Vancouver Ravens Lacrosse team. He holds privileges at Burnaby General Hospital and is a member of the False Creek Healthcare Centre in Vancouver, B.C

PHYSIOTHERAPISTS 

Melina Kurtakis  

BHK, MPT, CAFCI

Melina Kurtakis is a registered Physiotherapist and Clinic Director at the Lifemark Sports Medicine Center at the Richmond Oval. She received her Masters in Physical Therapy from the University of British Columbia, following the completion of a Bachelor of Human Kinetics in Exercise Science. She is certified in acupuncture by the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute. She is also a certified Functional Movement Systems specialist and is an SFMA certified clinician. Melina has pursued numerous post graduate courses studying the science of movement.

Melina has had experience treating a wide variety of patients ranging from recreational and professional athletes to clinical populations. Melina has worked with the University of British Columbia Men’s Varsity basketball team and with the NHL’s Vancouver Canucks. Melina combines her clinical skills with education by lecturing to community groups and teams about injury prevention. She has also been involved with the UBC Masters in Physical Therapy as a lab instructor for the Neuroanatomy program.

Melina is passionate about giving back through rehabilitation related philanthropic endeavors. More recently, she spent 3 weeks in Uganda working with a surgical team and providing Physiotherapy services to children with spinal cord injury and cerebral palsy. In her spare time she enjoys cycling, running, skiing and travelling. 

  

Jason Birring 

BHK, MPT

Jason Birring graduated from the University of British Columbia with his Masters in Physical Therapy as well as a Bachelor of Human Kinetics. His desire to become a Physiotherapist grew during his 4 seasons playing for the UBC Men’s Basketball team. Since then, he has remained active in the sport community as an athletic trainer for both the Canadian Senior Men’s and Women’s Field Hockey teams and as a coach for the Richmond High senior boys basketball team.

Jason’s clinical experience includes: sports, arthritis, post-surgical rehabilitation, neck/back injuries and work-related musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Jason’s goal is to help patients recover from acute injuries, prevent re-injury, and improve musculoskeletal performance so his clients can return to their daily activities, work, and/or sports. Jason has already completed his level 3 orthopaedic certificate and is currently working towards obtaining further orthopaedic levels and his acupuncture certification. When he’s not working, Jason spends most of his time working out, playing various sports, and spending time with family and friends.

Stefan Iorio

Dip Exer Sc., BHK, MPhty

Stefan studied in Brisbane, Australia, where he graduated with a Masters of Physiotherapy from the University of
Queensland, one of the foremost leaders in the world of physiotherapy. Originally from Vancouver, In addition to his degree in Kinesiology (Human Kinetics), Stefan also has his Pilates certification, which he uses to address postural weaknesses and to strengthen stabilizing core muscles ensuring the patient’s success without the need for ongoing physiotherapy.

Stefan volunteered with the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games working behind the scenes at Canada Hockey Place.  In addition to this experience, Stefan also has extensive on-field athletic rehab experience ranging from community/high-school teams to the Men’s and Women’s Varsity Hockey, Soccer, Volleyball and Basketball teams from UBC and Capilano University. For the last year Stefan has worked with Le Cirque du Soleil, treating artists with a wide range of injuries within their Performance Medicine Department.

Clinically, Stefan is currently working towards his manual therapy certificate and completing hours for his Diploma in Sports Physiotherapy. Stefan is passionate about staying active while inspiring and promoting healthy living through education and living an active lifestyle.  This includes cycling, snowboarding and playing ice hockey of which he has been strongly dedicated to for over 25 years. He is currently offering seminars teaching young athletes about the signs and dangers of suffering a concussion and guidelines regarding proper return to activity.  This experience has also sparked a new interest clinically, as Stefan is planning on completing his vestibular training as well in order to assess and treat patients suffering from dizziness and other vestibular dysfunctions.

 

Jennifer Lee 

BHK, MPT, CAFCI

Jennifer graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor’s Degree of Human Kinetics followed by a Master’s Degree of Physical Therapy. She has experience working with neurological and orthopaedic conditions in hospital, community, and competitive sport settings. Jennifer enjoys interacting directly with clients of all ages and activity levels, combining hands-on techniques and patient education to optimize her clients’ ultimate rehabilitation and performance abilities. Jennifer is fluent in Mandarin Chinese.

 

Clyde Smith 

B.Sc, Diploma Sports Physiotherapy

Clyde has over 40 years of experience in Sports Physiotherapy, Athletic Therapy, Teaching and Exercise Rehabilitation. He has treated a wide variety of patients throughout his career including world champions, Olympic and professional athletes, masters athletes and clinical populations.

Clyde is a Sports Physiotherapist and was a founding principal of the British Columbia Sports Medicine Centre, which later was re-named The Allan Mcgavin Sports Medicine Centre.

Clyde was a member of the 1976 Montreal Olympic COJO medical committee and helped organize staffing for the games. Clyde was a member of the Canadian Olympic Medical Team for the 1976, 1984 (Chief Therapist), and 1992 games. He has been part of many other games medical staff including World Student Games, Pan America Games, World Championships, NHL (Vancouver Canucks), NBA (Vancouver Grizzlies)and countless other local sporting events. Clyde helped develop the Athletic Therapy program at Sheridan College, Oakville, Ontario. It was the first program and still the premier program for the development of Athletic Therapists in Canada.

Clyde served as education committee chairman for the development of the “Diploma in Sports Physiotherapy” in its infancy and later had to pass (along with all other committee members) pier group examination to receive his Diploma in Sports Physiotherapy.

Clyde held a Clinical position in the Department of Family Practice for the past 20 years and continues to mentor and teach physiotherapy students. When not teaching or treating you can find Clyde riding his bicycle in cross country tours.

 

Fawn Whiting 

BHK, MPT

Fawn Whiting graduated with her Masters in Physiotherapy from the University of British Columbia in 2009. She also holds a Bachelor in Human Kinetics from UBC. Fawn is pursuing advanced training in manual therapy, and has completed courses in functional movement screening, assessment and exercise prescription, among others. She is also an ART Certified Practitioner, which is a soft tissue movement based massage technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves. ART is also the soft tissue treatment for Ironman events worldwide

ART can be used to treat:
    • Headaches
    • Back pain
    • Sciatica
    • Knee & shoulder problems

Fawn’s treatment approach combines manual therapy, exercise, and education to treat and prevent injuries.

When Fawn is not in the clinic you can find her training for Ironman triathlon, more recently Fawn earned a spot at the World Champioships in Kona Hawaii.

 
KINESIOLOGIST
 

Mathieu-Luc Boulet

B.SC.(KIN), INTERNATIONAL PROFILE

REGISTERED KINESIOLOGIST (BCAK)

CERTIFIED EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST (CSEP)

Mathieu completed is Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Laval University in Quebec City with a sport performance concentration. He spent his last semester in France with an international profile mention at the University of Law and Health. Here he consolidated his knowledge of sport physiology and performance. Mathieu also has experience working as a member of an interdisciplinary team.

Mathieu move to Vancouver where he developed most of his skills in physical rehabilitation at a multidisciplinary rehabilitation facility. The understanding of the human physiology/biomechanics combined with the experience of working with both musculoskeltal and metabolic disorders make Mathieu’s approach integrative, durable and efficient. Back In Quebec for a 3 year period, Mathieu added extensive knowledge and experience by leading a physiological testing laboratory that was performing direct calorimetric VO2max, spirometry, resting metabolic rate and electrocardiogram.  
 
Personally, Mathieu’s passion for sports and to foster healthy habits is contagious. Mathieu is committed to provide each individual with the tools to reach their full potential. When Mathieu is not in the clinic you can find him playing soccer, skiing and snowboarding in Whistler, longboarding on the seawall or training for half/full marathons. Mathieu leads by example and firmly believes that health includes a balance in between mind and body.

 
MASSAGE THERAPISTS

 

Jena Fraser 

BHK, RMT, CSCS

Jena Fraser’s primary focus is on Connective Tissue Release and Corrective Exercise, efficiently integrating a whole system approach to rehabilitating posture, ligament performance, organ/nervous system function, muscle balance, motor control, balance reactions, and fundamental movement patterns to restore pain-free functional movement.

Proficient in movement assessment; Jena measures your physical readiness, a vital component of continuing any fitness plan post injury or surgery. Using the SFMA to assess and track rehabilitation, and then using the FMS to clear for continuation of activity. Jena graduated from WCCMT in 2010 with a diploma in Registered Massage Therapy, and from UBC in 2008 with a Bachelors of Human Kinetics. She is certified in Selective Functional Movement Assessment and the Functional Movement Screen.

Continuing educational courses include Ligamentous Articular Strain Technique, Craniosacral Therapy, Visceral Manipulation, and Integrated Myofascial Release. She is currently training for the Russian Kettlebell Challenge Instructor Course, and is on the lifelong journey of becoming a Master Martial Artist in Taekwondo.

 

Donnie Loy 

RMT

Donnie Loy is a graduate of SFU with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. He complemented his Kinesiology experience by acquiring his RMT designation through the West Coast College of Massage Therapy.

He enjoys attending courses, conferences, and workshops to continue and further his learning. As an advocate of education, Donnie encourages questions at any time. He considers each patient unique, as each will present and respond differently. His approach to massage focuses on the causes of injury, not on specific techniques. Appointments for this reason begin with assessment, leading to a treatment plan involving, but not limited to, modalities, such as Myofascial Release, Trigger Point Release, Deep Tissue, and Muscle Energy Techniques. Donnie believes massage is a great facilitator for those who require a good start or push along their path to improving and maintaining their well-being.

He also believes patients should take an active role in their health to complement the progress made during a treatment. To this end, he brings his background in Kinesiology to treatments by providing homecare exercises and education to continue the healing process.

 

Thomas Williamson 

BA, RMT, Graston

Thom’s background comes primarily from a sporting aspect, competing at varying levels
in a wide variety of sports. Pursuing his interest in physical activity he graduated with
Honors with Bachelors in Applied Sports Science from Exeter University (UK), and
subsequently his diploma in Massage Therapy after completing 3000 hours of schooling
at Vancouver College of Massage Therapy (BC). He is a fully licensed RMT in good
standing with the College of Massage Therapy of BC.

Thom uses of both active and passive modalities and techniques; including Graston
technique® (an instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization technique), myofascial
release and Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization. If all that jargon went a little over your head simply put, if you are experiencing any pain or discomfort, Thom will tailor a treatment session to address your needs and work with you to achieve your goals.

Find out more at Thom’s website: williamsonrmt.com

 
OSTEOPATH

 

Melanie Swithin-Jones

Melanie graduated in 1996 from University of Montreal with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Although Biology was an interesting field of work, she decided that helping people the way she had been helped would be a much rewarding career path. Having already gained a thorough knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, she decided to pursue studies in Osteopathy.

After presenting her thesis on arthritis and pain management, she graduated in 1999 from The I.E.O.Q. (Institut d’enseignement de l’osteopathie du Quebec). She has assisted patients suffering from different forms of arthritis and has given pain management advice for continued relief.

She was in a car accident at the age of six which left her with ongoing back pain. As a young adult, she set out to find a drug-free pain reduction system though a variety of therapies. At the age of 18, she was introduced to Osteopathy. This was for her the beginning of a new era in pain management.

Melanie’s philosophy is to respect the body by being gentle as possible. To this end, she uses muscle energy techniques and myofascial release to ease back, neck and joint problems. She has an interest in muscle chains to further release structural or postural pathologies in a non-invasive manner.

Cranial therapy, aimed at readjusting the cranial sutures, and visceral manipulation, aimed at rebalancing organ function, are part of every treatment she provides because she believes the body functions as a whole.
She is currently undertaking a biodynamics course in her quest to provide the best and gentlest possible care to her patients. Melanie is very interested in treating thoracic cage and circulatory problems, namely in assisting patients who have undergone open heart surgery in their recovery.

 
PEDORTHISTS   

Noelle Trotter

Noelle Trotter graduated in 1996 from the University of Waterloo’s Health Sciences Faculty with an honors degree. In 2000 she obtained her Certified Pedorthist designation. After working for companies such as Paris Orthotics and Ossur, she decided to become self-employed and start her own companies. She is currently working in Gibsons once monthly, in White Rock and in Richmond as a partner in West Coast Pedorthics, which has now blended with LifeMark Health.

As an active person herself, Noelle loves working with runners, active individuals and dancers. With an extensive dance background herself in ballet, modern and flamenco, she loves to work with dancers whenever possible. She still currently dances flamenco locally.

Noelle feels taking an integrated approach is key when assessing gait mechanics to ensure that the root of the problem is being addressed. She refers out to work in conjunction with physiotherapy, massage therapy and chiropractic if foot mechanics are not the sole cause of someone’s injuries. At the end of the day, she wants to ensure individuals fully recover from their injuries and get back to pain free movement.   

Beatrice Yeh

Beatrice Yeh graduated from the University of Waterloo in 1996 with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and has been working in the field of pedorthics since then for various public and private clinics.
She became a Certified Pedorthist from the College of Pedorthics of Canada in 2001. In 2004, she and her business partner, Noelle Trotter, opened West Coast Pedorthics in Richmond. Outside of the clinic Bea is an avid snowboarder and yoga enthusiast.

 
SPORT PSYCHOLOGIST

 

Carl Nienhuis

Carl Nienhuis is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant and Physical Activity Counsellor and a member of the Canadian Sport Psychology Association (CSPA). Carl received his Masters of Human Kinetics from the University of Ottawa Intervention and Consultation in Sport and Exercise Psychology.

Carl came across sport psychology as a university volleyball player, and instantly found his passion. Wishing he had been able to utilize the skills and tools of sport psychology from a younger age, Carl is now on a mission to educate and help athletes of all ages from all competitive arenas. Carl is able to combine his long time love of sport and physical activity with his profession as he helps others stay committed to achieving their potential.