MEET THE TEAM

The People Who Care

This is the team that will get your life back on track and guide you through the recovery process.  Our holistic approach in North Vancouver is always tailored and individualized to determine the underlying cause of your health concern, instead of just focusing on your symptoms.

At Active Therapy, we see the whole picture and seek to address the environmental, lifestyle, health, educational and psychological aspects of your ailment to help you get your life back.

MICHAL KAPIC MSc., DOMP

MICHAL KAPIC MSc., DOMP

Owner - Osteopathic Practitioner / Certified Rolfer™

Michal became an Osteopathic Practitioner & Certified Rolfer due to personal experience with sports injuries and the recoveries that followed. 

In Osteopathy and Rolfing Michal sees a unique process of soft tissue manipulation that balances and realigns the body by releasing tension and strain.

Full Bio

MICHAL KAPIC DOMP

Michal became an Osteopathic Practitioner & Certified Rolfer due to personal experience with sports injuries and the recoveries that followed. From playing soccer and tennis at highly competitive levels to working as a ski instructor every winter, sport keeps him active and has always been a huge role in his everyday life.  With the intensity of high-level sport, Michal contended with ongoing injuries and subsequent surgeries.  From his personal injuries, he realized the role of physical health education in the prevention of further injuries.  In Osteopathy and Rolfing, he sees a unique process of soft tissue manipulation that balances and realigns the body by releasing tension and strain. Michal’s treatment approach includes a variety of treatment tools including Rolfing Structural Integration for Fascia manipulation, Joint mobilization, CranioSacral Therapy, Visceral Manipulation, Neurodynamics (NDS) nerve treatment from Michael Shacklock, and Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) according to Prof. Pavel Kolar from the world-renowned Prague School of Rehabilitation. Thanks to DNS, Michal’s focus is treating babies & children with developmental delays ( difficulties in crawling / delayed walking ) or spine issues like scoliosis/kyphosis or increase lordosis.                                                         

Michal has worked internationally in multi-disciplinary health centers, consulting with clients in the Czech Republic, USA, and New Zealand. In 2020, he opened a Multidisciplinary Clinic in North Vancouver where he sees his clients. Additionally, Michal can be found presenting workshops throughout the Vancouver area.

Michal came with his girlfriend to Canada in 2009 to work for the Czech Olympic Committee during the 2010 Vancouver winter Olympics.  Michal now considers British Columbia his home, and when not working, he will be skiing, mountain biking, golfing, paddle boarding or playing tennis on the North Shore, or traveling abroad.

JANA KOLANKIEWICZOVA B.A.

JANA KOLANKIEWICZOVA B.A.

Co - Owner & Clinic Manager

Jana is an office manager and co-owner of Active Therapy Clinic along with her spouse Michal. She has supported Michal since he started practicing as a Rolfer & Manual Osteopath in 2014. Shortly after they together opened the clinic in June 2020, it became clear that the business needed her full-time attention. So, she left her career in aviation to become our Clinic’s Office Manager.

Full Bio

Jana Kolankiewiczova

When you call or email, you’ll most likely speak to Jana. She’ll do her best to move things around to squeeze you in for a treatment. She always aims for the clients to have the best clinic experience possible and for the therapists to have a great workplace. Jana is an integral part of the clinic and its successful growth.

If not in the clinic, you can find her in the mountains training ski instructors in the winter. She loves sharing her passion for sports with her daughter and friends. Spending time outdoors is what energizes her and keeps her going.

MEHRDAD DARVISH  MD(Iran), DOMP

MEHRDAD DARVISH MD(Iran), DOMP

Osteopathic Practitioner / Orthopeadic Surgeon (Germany/Iran)

Mehrdad Darvish is an Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle, and Sports Injuries surgeon. Trained in Iran and Germany, he worked as the Senior Consultant Orthopaedics at National Olympic Committee of Iran.

Mehrdad moved to Vancouver, BC a few years ago and started practicing Manual Osteopathy.

Full Bio

MEHRDAD DARVISH  MD(Iran), DOMP

Mehrdad Dervish, an orthopedic specialist from the University of Shahid Beheshti in Tehran, and a foot and ankle surgery, fracture and sports injury fellowship from Germany.

From 2012, Mehrdad became acquainted with the discipline of osteopathy. More than 25 years of experience in Orthopaedics works for him to diagnose properly and choose individualized treatment for every patient suffering from musculoskeletal, sports injury or chronic pain. All of which are achieved by using Craniosacral, Visceral, and other Osteopathic technics. He truly believes that Manual Osteopathy is the most effective and available treatment for chronic pains. These techniques can lower the cost of treatments for patients and eliminate potential dangers of surgery, such as infection and bleeding, anesthesia and hospitalization.

For more information about Mehrdad Darvish and his Osteopathy approach, please follow this link.

Kirsten O’Loughlin  B.Sc. / M.H.Sc., DOMP

Kirsten O’Loughlin B.Sc. / M.H.Sc., DOMP

Osteopathic Practitioner

Growing up playing tennis, netball, and basketball competitively in Australia, Kirsten recognized the importance of health education and movement from an early age. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Science and Master’s degree in Osteopathy at Victoria University in Melbourne, Australia. Prior to this she studied for a Health Science degree at Deakin majoring in Nutrition and Exercise Science.

Full Bio

Kirsten O’Loughlin B.Sc. / M.H.Sc. (Osteopathy)

What drew Kirsten to the profession was the holistic approach to treatment and patient-centred care. She loves that she can facilitate someone’s well-being by encouraging their bodies healing process. This shows in the way she treats, offering a range of techniques to relieve pain symptoms including soft tissue massage, visceral manipulation, and articulation.

 

Kirsten is a very open and warm Osteopathic Practitioner who enjoys getting to know her patients and motivating them to take an active role in their health and wellbeing. Outside of work, you’ll find her keeping active – from Pilates to running, listening to music, traveling, and reading.

Kirsten’s clinical Interests are :

  • Soft Tissue Massage
  • Joint articulation
  • Visceral Manipulation
  • Sporting Injuries
  • Headaches/Migraines and Jaw Pain
  • Neck and Back Pain
  • Movement and individualized rehabilitation

MATT ROWE MPT, BKIN, CAFCI, FDN/IMS

MATT ROWE MPT, BKIN, CAFCI, FDN/IMS

Physiotherapist

With advanced orthopaedic manual and manipulative physiotherapy training, Matt specializes in hands-on manual therapy treatments consisting of soft tissue release, trigger point therapy, joint mobilizations, and active release technique (ART).

Individualized home exercise programs consisting of functional mobility, stretching, strengthening, balance, and/or coordination movements, combined with manual therapy techniques, are what make these treatments so effective.

Full Bio

MATT ROWE MPT

 

Matt really knows his way around a needle. Never any pressure of course, but for those open to or requesting needling, he also offers dry needling/intramuscular stimulation (IMS). Although he has been fully certified in anatomical acupuncture for over a decade, Matt predominantly uses the dry needling/IMS technique in his clinical practice, as he feels the results are so tangible. Please consider booking in with one of our amazing acupuncturists, to experience the powerful healing effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 

Whether you’re an athlete or have more of a sedentary lifestyle, Matt’s got your back (quite literally in some cases). For years Matt treated many professional athletes (NHL, AHL, NFL, & CFL) in their respective off-seasons, while practicing in Ontario. Although he’ll always have a space for you athletes and weekend warriors out there, his passion and caseload continue to grow with clients suffering from ongoing musculoskeletal issues. This can include the low back pain you’ve had for years, stiffness in your hips, tension headaches or just that pesky neck/shoulder tension that many of us carry around.

Ultimately, Matt is passionate about giving clients their power back. The experience you get with him will leave you with a whole toolbox of techniques that will serve you long-term. Whether it is a new injury or something you have been dealing with for years, Matt would love the opportunity to guide you along your path to feeling your best. 

SERVICES & TECHNIQUES:          

• Manual therapy (improving range of motion through joint mobilizations)     

• Soft tissue release & active release technique (ART)

• Trigger point therapy        

• Functional dry needling (FDN) & intramuscular stimulation (IMS)    

 

  • Individualized treatment plans promoting client-centered care

    • Exercise prescription: strengthening, stretching, balance, and functional mobility (you will be emailed a digital and personalized home exercise program consisting of pictures, videos, along with a detailed description for your convenience) 

  • Holistic care: for ongoing issues we may need to address multiple factors and your body as a whole

BRENT SCRIVNER RMT / CERTIFIED ROLFER™

BRENT SCRIVNER RMT / CERTIFIED ROLFER™

Registered Massage Therapist / Certified Rolfer™

Brent became interested in studying the body with his introduction to Ashtanga Yoga. He was never interested in sports or fitness as a kid, but the invitation to pay close attention to his breath and movements on that mat sparked in him a growing passion for health and wellness.

He became a yoga teacher where he hoped to help others connect more to their bodies. Working with students allowed him to see and feel lines of tension that restricted breath and inhibited mobility.
Full Bio

Brent Scrivner RMT / CERTIFIED ROLFER

To better understand these uncomfortable patterns and ways to ease them, he first became a massage therapist and then a Certified Rolfer™.

Brent has learned that the human structure is incredibly fluid, constantly changing as it moves through gravity, even when it looks like it’s standing still. Sometimes that natural fluidity meets blockages, tissue restrictions, or functional limitations, and the body needs a bit of help to overcome those challenges.

He believes that Rolfing SI is an excellent tool in meeting these challenges which he combines with his explorations of CranioSacral Therapy, Myoskeletal Alignment Technique, and Thai Massage. Brent sees every session as an opportunity to continue answering the question of what’s possible and how we can better remove the obstacles that stand in our way.

When not working, Brent loves calisthenics, exploring movement, and enjoying what life has to offer with his wife and dog.
MEGAN THOM  RMT

MEGAN THOM RMT

Registered Massage Therapist

Megan has a background in personal training, competitive bodybuilding, and the wellness industry for 10 years. Her experiences with various physical therapies after a motor vehicle accident led her to gain insight and a deeper understanding of the body. Megan approaches each patient with empathy, active listening, and application of current medical knowledge. She is passionate about providing supportive education as part of her continuity of care for her patients.

Full Bio

 

GRAHAM STAMPER RMT

GRAHAM STAMPER RMT

Registered Massage Therapist

Graham graduated top of his class from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in 1995. His analysis begins with an initial assessment where all previous medical conditions are reviewed along with range of motion testing.

Graham’s mentor is Armand Ayaltin, the developer of the Systemic Deep Tissue Therapy system of massage. Graham has also been an instructor with Armand. In this system, massage is based on the pattern of the musculoskeletal involvement in chronic or acute pain.

Full Bio

Graham Stamper RMT

Graham treats all patients – young, elderly, extreme athletes, weekend warriors, desk- jockeys and others in health professions. He uses a specially shaped pillow for the maximum comfort of his pregnant patients.

He’s happily married and the father of two sporty girls. When he’s not coaching soccer or field hockey, he’s busy as a ski instructor, instructing both locally and internationally. Graham also enjoys tennis, cycling and hiking.

DRAHOMIRA PALESOVA RMT

DRAHOMIRA PALESOVA RMT

Registered Massage Therapist

Drahomira (Dada) believes that therapeutic massage is a great tool for helping patients with pain reduction, healing, and relaxation, which, in turn, leads to good health maintenance and injury prevention. She learned to look at the body as a whole unit and look for the origin of the problem rather then treating only the symptoms.

Full Bio

Drahomira Palesova RMT

Dada has learned a lot about her body through sustaining small injuries and then watching the healing process take over. She has found that her passion for sport has helped her to understand her personal needs for self-care and it is this appreciation of the benefits associated with the maintenance of general well-being that she would like to share with other sporting enthusiasts.

Enjoyment of the outdoor experience has been a big part of her life. She enjoys skiing, rock-climbing, mountaineering, hiking, running, paddle boarding. Her secondary passion in the field wellness lies is in  nutrition and understanding body and mind as a whole complex.

Education

Dada’s graduation from the Vancouver College of Massage Therapy in 2016 grew out of her keen interest in anatomy and physiology which started her down the path to massage therapy, and never stopped exploring further more to myofascial and visceral manipulations.

Services Offered

  • Deep Tissue Massage
  • Myofascial Release Therapy
  • Visceral manipulation
  • Sports Massage
  • Swedish Massage Therapy
  • Prenatal Massage Therapy
  • Post Traumatic Care Therapy
SARAH MARZABADI RMT

SARAH MARZABADI RMT

Registered Massage Therapist

Sarah graduated from the Vancouver College of Massage Therapy in 2022. She is well-versed in working with injuries and orthopaedic conditions. In her treatments, you can expect an advanced application of deep tissue techniques, sports therapy, neurological treatments, and joint mobilizations. Sarah also has experience working with pre and post-natal patients.
Full Bio

Sarah Marzabadi RMT

She is an active person, having played tennis, volleyball, and badminton from a young age. She also enjoys maintaining her fitness at the gym and hiking on the trails of the North Shore with her dog.

DAVID MALCOLM R.Ac

DAVID MALCOLM R.Ac

Acupuncturist & Traditional Chinese Medicine

David offers both Chinese Medicine and orthopedic type acupuncture. He is a honours graduate from Pacific Rim College in Victoria, where he obtained his Diploma of Acupuncture. Previous to this he completed a western herbal studies program and has a background in teaching yoga and offering yoga therapy. He has been recommending remedies and other lifestyle choices for many years, having spent hundreds of hours talking to people about their health as a nutritional supplements consultant for more than 12 years.

Full Bio

David Malcolm R.Ac

David has always had an interest in East Asian medicine, having discovered the benefits of it in his early 20s. Through his various studies, David has come to see that the body’s state of being represents itself over and over in many spheres. From bone to skin to mind and emotion – it is all interrelated. Chinese Medicine has tracked and mapped these relationships and developed methods to bring the body and mind back to balance.

David has a special interest in treating body pain, injury recovery, other musculoskeletal issues, sleep and stress issues, depression, anxiety, digestive and gynecological issues, seasonal allergies, and working with people who want to optimize their health. In an initial meeting, a comprehensive evaluation is done. This involves a conversation about your health and your goals from treatment. Diagnosis also involves a hands-on approach, feeling the uniqueness of your radial pulse, observing your tongue, palpating specific acupuncture points and energetic channel lines – looking for areas of soreness, weakness, robustness and everything in between. Chinese Medicine theory holds that the body can be read; the outer body will reflect the inner body. As a result, we can find signatures of internal malfunction represented on the outside.

In addition to acupuncture, treatment will typically involve other ancillary methods that fall under the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) umbrella. When we think of acupuncture we might consider it as a part of a whole bodywork system. TCM bodywork includes tuina (Chinese medicine massage); this form of massage uses specific and unique techniques on the body’s channels that alongside acupuncture regulate the body’s Qi (energy) and blood. Tuina opens the body, is deeply relaxing and lays the foundation for more potent acupuncture outcomes. It has a complete universe of techniques and has many dedicated practitioners. Moxibustion is the burning of prepared mugwort herb over acupuncture points that is essentially a form of infrared therapy. David uses a smoke-free hand-held device and a TDP lamp as alternatives to this practice. There is also the fascia releasing techniques known as guasha and cupping. Both are used to release pathology. Additionally acupuncture needling can be enhanced by the usage of a percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation device, this practice is commonly known as E-stim among acupuncturists.

JANA CIMERMANOVA  DCH

JANA CIMERMANOVA DCH

Classical Homeopath / Belvaspata healing / Spiritual and Intuitive guidance

A healing session with Classical Homeopath Jana Cimermanova consists of addressing any kind of deficiency, disharmony or imbalance of the system which maybe causing dis-ease.

True service is to empower the individual to help him/her find the new strength or help to activate a pure potential.

Full Bio

Jana Cimermanova DCH

All major and minor discordances can be changed by fine tuning the instrument itself. Jana has the ability to see beyond the appearances which allows her to fully express the articulation of the moment’s potential according to Infinite Intent.

Jana utilizes different tools that help to restore the health. For example: Whenever dis-ease is present, a lack of harmonious frequencies is also present in the body. Well selected homeopathic remedy can restore harmonious frequencies in the body and can therefore restore health.

Got Pain?

Book your Osteopathy, RMT, Physiotherapy, Acupuncture & TCM, Homeopathy, Rolfing or Bioflex Cold Laser session today