Jane Cruttenden, Registered Physiotherapist BSc

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.  

Darrell Epp, Registered Physiotherapist MHS

Darrell grew up in the Fraser Valley and graduated from the University of Toronto with a B.Sc. in Physical Therapy. Darrell came 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, and he settled in Port Alberni in 2013. Darrell is an avid hiker, gardener, is a member of the Timbre Choir and enjoys the occasional craft beer. Darrell specializes in manual therapy and post-operative orthopedic conditions, and is always expanding his knowledge through training in osteopathic Physiotherapy and visceral manipulation.

Lauren Siddall, Registered Physiotherapist MScPT

Lauren grew up in North Vancouver and completed her Masters of Science Degree in Physiotherapy in Australia. She gained extensive skills in various settings like emergency department, paediatrics ward, and acute neurosurgery. After graduation, Lauren worked at a private clinic in New South Wales, where she helped patients with manual therapy techniques, tailored exercises, pelvic floor rehab, and education. Lauren has a special interest in Women’s Health and Orthopaedic Physiotherapy and has taken postgraduate 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.

Marta Tomaszek, Registered Physiotherapist MPT

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. She graduated from the Academy of Physical Education with a Master’s in Physiotherapy in 2005. Since then, she has worked as a physiotherapist in Australia, Switzerland, Bermuda, and now in Port Alberni. In Australia she worked as a Physiotherapist in sport and injury clinic, private hospitals, Chinese medicine center and nursing homes in Sydney suburbs. In Switzerland she worked as a Physiotherapists for skiers and snowboarders. She has training in Pilates, Kinesiology Taping, PNF, SpineMED Decompression Therapy, Remedial Massage, and OTAGO exercise. In her free time, she enjoys rowing and swimming.

Natasha Prokop, Registered Physiotherapist MPhtySt

Tash graduated with a Master’s of Physiotherapy Studies from the University of Queensland, Australia in 2016. She worked in New Zealand in both private practice and acute care hospitals. In 2019 she moved to Vancouver where she continued to build upon her skills. Tash is now based on Vancouver Island and enjoys spending time outdoors, doing activities like surfing, skiing, trail running/ hiking and yoga. She offers a range of treatments such as 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.

Taylor Gibney, Registered Physiotherapist MPT

Taylor is originally from Port Alberni, having been born and raised in the community. She left Vancouver Island to pursue her education, and eventually obtained a Master’s Degree in Physiotherapy from the University of British Columbia in 2018. She worked as a Private Practice Physiotherapist in Vancouver before relocating to Bristol, UK, specializing in treating MSK-related injuries, osteoarthritis education, and return-to-sport rehabilitation. Taylor also has post-graduate experience with Dry Needling and Bike Fitting, is GLA:D Canada Certified, and holds a strong background in Exercise Programming from her work as an Exercise Physiologist with the Canadian Air Force. She is excited to be back in her hometown and is looking forward to giving back to the community that got her started.

Ludmilla Lyle, Acupuncturist DTCM, R.Ac, RYT

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 to study Acupuncture. She also has training in 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, Chakra Healing, and Lomi Lomi Massage. With an understanding of body mechanics and a need to help people move freely, yoga teacher training was a natural addition. Ludmilla offers acupuncture, massage, energy work and yoga in the Alberni Valley. She is taking new patients and provides individualized integrated health and acupuncture services.

Nicole Ruel, Movement Specialist CSCS, PFT, PN 

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.

Jayden Villafane, Kinesiologist BSc Kin

Jayden grew up in Port Alberni where he was active in the community playing hockey and golf. After spending two of his studying years in Kamloops, BC, he moved back to Vancouver Island and recently completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology at 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. 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.

Devon Sockett, Registered Massage Therapist, RMT

Originally from Ontario, Devon was drawn to the limitless adventure that Vancouver Island has to offer. After calling BC home for the past decade, she continues to be passionate about the outdoors and loves discovering new trails with her family. 

Devon’s interest in rehabilitation and manual therapy stems from personal experiences with sports and repetitive strain injuries. She believes in everyone’s right to enjoy life in a healthy body and is dedicated to providing treatment for patients to help them achieve their goals, whether they involve managing pain, preventing injuries, or reducing symptoms of stress. 

Graduating in 2015, she trained at the West Coast College of Massage Therapy where evidence-based manual therapy was the primary focus. Some of her continuing education includes Graston Technique, and post-mastectomy care. When Devon is not in the clinic, you will find her hiking, biking, or skiing in the mountains, where she finds her deepest joy and inspiration.

Christy Arsenault, Registered Clinical Counsellor Approved Clinical Supervisor, MA, RCC-ACS

Christy specializes in working with teens, young adults, and adults, tailoring her approach to each client's stage of life. She has 20 years of experience in counselling and is skilled in EMDR, CBT, and DBT. Christy offers clinical supervision to colleagues and local non-profit and Indigenous agencies in addition to her private practice. Christy's practice mainly focuses on trauma, grief, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, sexual abuse, parent-teen conflict, ADHD, and family systems. She brings an anti-colonial, feminist lens to her therapy and is committed to diversity training and cultural sensitivity. Christy also engages with translators for new immigrant and refugee families and the deaf community. Click on the photo to read Christy’s full bio.

Alana Chalmers, Front Desk Receptionist & Support

Alana was born and raised in Abbotsford, BC. After studying at The Western Academy of Photography in Victoria in 2010, she focused on wedding and family portraiture. In 2022, she moved to Port Alberni, where she now works as front-end office support at Port Alberni Physiotherapy. She quickly observed the value and beauty of her coworkers helping and healing in the community. Alana feels very grateful to be part of such a great clinical team. Outside of work, she enjoys outdoor activities with her spouse and their two dogs - a Great Pyrenees and Chihuahua. She's passionate about visual arts, connecting with people, nature, gardening, and discovering new podcasts and books.