Our Team
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Vanessa Ollenberg, Administrative Manager
The glue that holds the team together. Vanessa, with over 10 years of administrative experience and 18 years in customer service, brings a wealth of expertise to her role in overseeing the intricate operations of the clinic. Her keen eye for detail and exceptional organizational skills ensure that every aspect of the clinic runs smoothly.
Vanessa's professional journey spans diverse industries, including 4 years in veterinary medicine and 6 years in the automotive sector. This broad experience has honed her ability to adapt and excel in various environments.
Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Vanessa is an artist at heart with a passion for photography and graphic design. She moved here several years ago to be closer to family and escape the harsh winter snow. With ocean views like this, who can blame her?
Outside of work, Vanessa enjoys hiking and kayaking, which reflects her adventurous spirit and love for the outdoors.
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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.
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Devon Cooper, Physiotherapist
Devon graduated from the University of Manitoba’s Master of Physical Therapy program in 2023. Prior to his Masters, Devon completed his Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Psychology and a minor in mathematics from Brandon University.
Devon spent the last year working as a physiotherapist in his hometown of Brandon Manitoba caring for patients of all ages and activity levels. He has experience working in all domains of physiotherapy including musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiorespiratory rehabilitation.
Devon's care philosophy follows a blend of education, hands on manual therapy, and individualized exercise programming. His goal is to work with you to enhance your recovery and get you back to doing what you love to do. He is dedicated to staying on top of current research to give his clients the best evidence based care possible.
When Devon is not in the clinic, he prioritizes staying active in his own life. He grew up playing many sports and loves to take part in hiking, running, crossfit, hockey, volleyball, snowboarding, and any activity he can do with his dog.
Devon has just moved from Manitoba to British Columbia and is excited to become a part of the community.
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Kye Taylor, Kinesiologist
Kye’s background in physical health and human movement is lengthy and multi-faceted. His athletic pursuits, education, and career have focused on both understanding how to optimize human movement/ performance and honing the skills necessary to best navigate the challenges that inevitably occur along the way. Along with drawing on this experience for in-person care, Kye’s aim is for clients to leave with improved body awareness and the basic foundational principles and applicable techniques that will help them to heal, maintain, and enhance their physical health moving forward.
Kye was born and raised in Powell River and spent much of his early years as a youth athlete, eventually playing for the BC Provincial Soccer Team between 1999-2002 and then U-20 and U-23 Canadian National Soccer Teams. Following this, he received an athletic scholarship, attending Coastal Caroline University (2002-03) and Seattle Pacific University from (2003-06), earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology. Since then, Kye has worked in a wide range of rehabilitative-focused health care environments as a kinesiologist in the Greater Seattle Area, Victoria, and Powell River including private outpatient physiotherapy clinics, acute hospital care, residential extended care, an arthritis center, elite level soccer coaching, and a residential mental health and substance use treatment facility.
Kye’s non-work time is spent with his wife, two young children, and his two dogs, ideally on the water, at the beach, or in the trails. He has been a devoted member of the Powell River Villa Soccer Club for the better part of 20 years, serving as a player, captain, coach, and board member.