Our Team

  • Kylee Watchel, Clinic Owner/Kinesiologist

    Kylee began her education in Red Deer College, receiving a diploma in Kinesiology and started her career working for Alberta Health Services as a therapy assistant with a multidisciplinary team in 2014. After 2 years she returned to school, graduating from UBC-Okanagan in 2018 with a degree in Human Kinetics, specializing in Clinical Exercise Physiology. Throughout her career she has gained experience coaching fitness classes, teaching athletic yoga classes, leading adaptive adventures for individuals needing physical/cognitive support, working in cardiac rehabilitation programs, and working in strength and conditioning with professional and amateur athletes before moving to full time work in Occupation Rehabilitation Programs and with various other types of rehab clients. Since moving to Powell River, Kylee is our team lead of Rehabilitation Programs for injured workers as well as offers Kinesiology sessions to guide people in recovering from injuries related to workplace, automobile, sport or other. She loves to spend her free time on one of the many beautiful beaches we have here or exploring new places on the West Coast. Kylee is eager to help people improve their physical fitness as well as return to their daily activities as quickly as possible through effective exercise prescription + support and guidance with return to regular activities/work.

  • Physiotherapist

    Inge Tholen, Physiotherapist

    Inge has been practicing physiotherapy since her graduation in 1994. She has a level 3 ortho manual therapy and has been practicing Gunn IMS since 2012 and obtained her Advanced Gunn IMS Certification in 2019. Inge has taken extensive post-graduate courses on exercise prescription, sports- and kinesiotaping, vestibular rehabilitation, Mulligan Concept and Mackenzie. The combination of Inge’s extensive professional education, research based approach, varied work experience, athletic background and love of sport and exercise allow her to understand the complexities of rehabilitating and preventing sports injuries. Inge listens to her patient's needs, goals and concerns, and involves them in their care.

    Her free time is absorbed by giving to the community as she coaches rep soccer (from Sep to Apr) and track and field (from Apr to Jul). As well as keeping physically active herself running, hiking, biking and swimming - you will see her daily commute riding her bike no matter what the weather is. Inge also enjoys travelling around the world with her family.

  • Lolah Muller, Physiotherapist

    Lolah was born and raised in Powell River and graduated from UBC’s Master of Physical Therapy. Prior to her Masters, Lolah completed her Bachelor of Science in Biology at Thompson River’s University in Kamloops British Columbia.

    During her physiotherapy training, Lolah spent time working in rural and remote clinical settings in Northern and Rural regions of British Columbia including Prince George, Kitimat, and Haida Gwaii.

    Lolah is passionate about evidence based practice, along with exercise prescription, manual therapy and orthopaedic approaches to injuries. She strives to support patient’s return to baseline activity, or help in learning to navigate a new baseline. Lolah has a special interest in working with children and youth and strives to provide a fun and engaging approach to rehabilitation.

    In her free time, Lolah enjoys hiking with her Australian Shepherd, yoga, pilates and playing soccer.

  • Shayla Sarton, Kinesiologist

    Shayla is a practicing Kinesiologist, who has recently moved to Powell River. She did her schooling at the University of Victoria and Camosun College earning a Bachelor's in Sport and Fitness Leadership, specializing in Exercise Science and Wellness. She works with clients managing chronic disease, high performance sport, cognitive coordination, injury prevention, and stress and pain management.

    Shayla's work with high performance sport has helped lead her clients into the high pace lanes of UFC, NLL, X-Games, Senior Olympics, BC games, Team Canada and the WHL. She is also a Skate Canada certified Coach, and teaches edge work, power development, and agility for hockey, as well as competitive figure skating. She is an advocate for mind-body connection, setting goals, and increasing the physical literacy and confidence of her community. Shay's experience with the senior community paired with chronic disease management has helped clients gain more independence, lower symptoms, and prevent further injury. Her attention to detail ensures clients have a strong foundation to build off of. She is looking forward to meeting the new faces that make Qathet the joyful town that it is.

  • Vanessa Ollenberg, Administrative Manager

    Vanessa is the glue that holds this team together! Originally from Calgary and enjoying the warmer climate and everything Powell River has to offer Vanessa can often be found up the lake with her husband who is local to the area. She is most clients first person of contact when coming to the clinic and is her to help you get the support you need in your rehabilitation journey.

  • Natalie Verdiel, Physiotherapist

    Natalie graduated from the Northern cohort of UBC ’s Master of Physical Therapy program in the fall of 2023.

    As a member of the Northern cohort Natalie was able to practice in rural, remote and northern communities.

    Prior to completing her Masters of Physical Therapy, Natalie completed her Bachelor of Arts with a major in psychology and a minor in biology through Thompson Rivers University.

    Born and raised in Powell River, Natalie kept herself busy competing in numerous sports. She continued to play soccer while at university and captained the TRU Wolfpack Women’s Soccer team for three years.

    Natalie’s personal and professional experience has led her to believe in a holistic approach to treatment. She believes in the importance of movement and activity throughout ones life and has developed an interest in pediatrics and sports rehabilitation, but has worked with a variety of ages and population.

    Natalie is excited to be back home and begin her career in the community. In her free time she enjoys running, soccer, boating and exploring the outdoors.