I respectfully acknowledge that the land I work and play on is on the Unceded Traditional Territory of the K’ómoks First Nation, the traditional keepers of this land.

Tessa graduated from Vancouver College of Massage Therapy with honours in 2018. She has been practicing massage therapy in Vancouver and the Comox Valley since. In 2022, she and her family worked together to renovate an old garage on their property in Cumberland, BC. She now works from this space full-time.

Tessa loves to get out mountain biking, trail running, swimming, and xc skiing. There is a good chance you will see her out on the trails or up the mountain!

My approach
Each treatment is a unique as you. All bodies, ethnicities, genders and abilities are welcome in my space. I offer a trauma-informed approach grounded in trust and understanding. I will work alongside you to build an effective treatment plan guided by your personal goals and lifestyle. Together, we will get you back to enjoying more of what you love.  

Trauma-Informed Approach
This approach is based on the principles of trauma awareness, safety & trustworthiness, choice & collaboration, and building of strengths & skills. The trainings I have done help me to reduce to chances of causing additional harm when responding to any situation that may arise.

Evidenced-Based
Studies have shown that massage therapy can help reduce anxiety & depression, improve quality of sleep, and to decrease pain levels (chronic pain, headache, arthritis, postoperative…). I generally avoid focusing on biomechanical explanations for pain as they are often not clinically proven (ie bad posture causes back pain). 

Tessa is currently accepting new patients at her studio in Cumberland BC. Direct billing is available for VAC, ICBC as well as most extended health insurance companies.

Education

  • Somatic Study & Play Group - Opening to Grace with Mariah Moser, MA (2024)

  • Explore workshop with Nicole Lohse, Somatic Experiencing®, Somatic Practice, Feldenkrais Method™, Internal Family Systems Practitioner (2023)

  • Integrating Evidence to Practice: The Neck and Shoulder (Webinar) with Eric Purves, RMT (2023)

  • DermoNeuroModulating (Diane Jacobs, PT) with Mike Reoch, RMT (2023)

  • MOOC: Indigenous Canada: an Indigenous perspective. This course explores key issues facing Indigenous peoples today from a historical and critical perspective highlighting national and local Indigenous-settler relations - University of Alberta (2021)

  • Modern Management of Low Back and Pelvic Pain with Eric Purves, RMT (2021)

  • Biodynamic Myofascial Mobilization of the Lumbo-pelvic region with Natale Rao & Heather Gittens (2021)

  • Trauma-informed discussion group at Intent Health Clinic (2021)

  • MOOC: Concussion: prevention, detection and management - Université Laval & University of Calgary (2021)

  • Massage Therapy During the Childbearing Year: Pregnancy with Paula Jaspar, RMT, MEd (2020)

  • Pain Foundations Course Series: Lived Experience, Physiology, Biopsychosocial Pain Assessment,

    Collaborative Pain Management Plan & Team, Pain Self-Management & Patient Support with Pain BC (2020)

  • Registered Massage Therapist - College of Massage Therapists of BC (2019)

  • Gentle Movement & Relaxation with Pain BC - Neil Pearson (2019)

  • Diploma of Massage Therapy - Vancouver College of Massage Therapy (2018)

  • Cadaver Prosection - The Thorax with Somatic Explorations (2018)

  • Introduction to Craniosacral with Terri Green, RMT (2018)

  • Cadaver Prosection: Lower Extremity; Upper Extremity with Somatic Explorations (2017)

  • Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training with Clara Roberts-Oss (2016)

  • Trauma Informed Yoga Teacher with Yoga Outreach (2015)

  • 240-Hour Yoga Teacher Training with Vancouver School of Yoga (2014)

  • Bachelor of Arts: International Relations Major & Spanish Minor at the University of British Columbia (2011)