Massage therapy can be beneficial for a variety of conditions when provided by a Registered Massage Therapist. Our massage therapists are well-trained and versed in stretching techniques, remedial exercises and gentle mobilization.
For effective massage therapy treatment book an appointment with our Registered Massage Therapists in Victoria.
Registered Massage Therapists
Nathan Garrison, the owner of Saanich Massage Therapy & Wellness Ltd, formerly known as Gordon Head Massage Therapy, graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in 2005. His 10+ years of massage experience include working with Canada’s Olympic track and field team.
Nathan is a calm, dedicated and responsive massage therapist, focused on treating and relieving pain, and restoring function. He has honed a gentle, deep tissue technique that is especially effective at targeting deeper layers of tension with minimal discomfort.
"I believe we each receive the challenges in life that allow us to grow and evolve. Sometimes, however, we need help in overcoming these obstacles. We can carry the disharmony of mental stress and physical trauma of these challenges deep within our bodies as muscle tension. The deeper work needed to release this tension does not have to be painful. Every treatment I do is unique and sensitive to you and the challenges you face. I know that massage therapy can be a profound and extraordinarily regenerative experience, one that can bring the body and mind back into balance."
Book an appointment with Nathan!
Caitlin Milloy, a RMT at Saanich Massage Therapy & Wellness Ltd, was born and raised in Victoria, BC. From a young age, she knew that a career in the healthcare field was right for her. After graduating from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in 2008, she has been actively practicing as an RMT for 10 years.
Caitlin provides a unique treatment approach to each individual, but commonly uses myofascial release, trigger point release, deep tissue techniques, muscle energy techniques and Swedish massage techniques. She believes in recognizing and addressing the presenting muscle imbalances and provides postural awareness and patient education to prevent further injury. She strongly encourages a regular regime of maintenance/preventative care to maintain optimal body function.
Caitlin is passionate about massage therapy and the benefits it can provide. She also encourages patients to couple massage therapy with other modalities such as chiropractic or physiotherapy when appropriate. She is always excited to make a difference with every client she treats, whether the reason for seeking treatment is a specific injury, or basic relaxation and tension release. Caitlin has a compassionate and energetic attitude that reflects her dedication to meeting your needs, whatever they may be.
Outside of her massage therapy practice, she enjoys exploring and spending time with her husband and two daughters.
Book an appointment with Caitlin!
Melissa Pavlicic is a skilled and dedicated massage therapist, who works at Saanich Massage Therapy & Wellness Ltd. Having graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy's 3.000-hour RMT program, she is registered with the College of Massage Therapists of BC (CMTBC). As a competitive athlete, Melissa's experience with massage for injury prevention and rehabilitation inspired her to pursue a career in massage therapy.
Melissa offers a massage that is effective and relaxing, by combining elements of myofascial release, Swedish massage, and various therapeutic techniques. While adapting her treatments to suit the unique needs of each client, Melissa is committed to working with her clients to reach their health potential. She advocates massage and self-care as being integral parts of overall wellness.
Book an appointment with Melissa!
Xana is a graduate of the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in Victoria. She has experience with a wide range of conditions and pathologies including musculoskeletal injuries, neurological conditions, circulatory and respiratory conditions, postural dysfunction, conditions involving the head and neck, systemic concerns and others. Xana has found a particular interest in treating stress and anxiety, pregnancy, chronic pain, and head and neck injuries. She provides a safe space for all client.
Xana was born in Nelson and raised in Victoria. She enjoys writing music and creating art, exploring nature and practicing yoga. Xana decided to go down the path of massage therapy because of her fascination with the human body and her love to help people. The most rewarding part about being a massage therapist is connecting with individuals, helping them to reach their goals and educating them along the way; allowing them to feel stronger and more in control of their bodies.
Book an appointment with Xana!
Derek Chan, a graduate from the WCCMT program, practices as an RMT at Saanich Massage Therapy & Wellness. Derek’s involvement with sports since his early childhood is what began his interest in human sciences. That interest has since manifested as a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Victoria, and later on as a Diploma in Massage Therapy from the West Coast Collage of Massage Therapy.
Derek believes massage can play an integral role in treating soft tissue and joint conditions. He often integrates a blend of active myofascial release and trigger point therapy within Swedish or deep tissue massage. He encourages the use of homecare exercises to further assist with injuries, aches, and pains. Derek focuses on building a safe and individualized treatment for each patient and looks forward to helping you meet your healthcare goals.
When away from the clinic, Derek enjoys spending his time playing racquet sports and volleyball, strength training, and more recently, practicing yoga and snowboarding.
Book an appointment with Derek!
Book an appointment with Pamela!
Nutritionist
Sonja Yli-Kahila is a holistic nutritionist and certified health and life coach. She works with individuals to transform their health so that they can live the life they want with passion and vitality. Sonja has a Master’s of Science in Holistic Nutrition, is certified as a health and life coach, and has certification from Precision Nutrition, that provides training in optimal nutrition for those engaged in athletic pursuits (of any kind).
Sonja’s passion for holistic nutrition began in her 20s, after using nutrition and lifestyle approaches to heal the serious acne that she had been dealing with for years. She realized that the body has an innate ability to heal itself when it is supported under the right conditions.
Sonja starts with uncovering what has been keeping you from the health and body you want, and developing an individualized plan that enables you to reach and maintain the health you want for the long-term. Her approach is to get to the root cause of your health concern so that we are not only treating the symptoms but providing a solution that resolves the issues for the long-term, is actionable and maintainable.
Being holistic, it means that Sonja considers how your mental, emotional, and physical health all interact to create your overall well-being, and that true health requires supporting all areas of your life so that you can experience vibrant health inside and out. This involves optimizing nutrition for your specific health concern, and also considers how stress, sleep, physical activity, social and familial support, and mental and emotional well-being influence your health.
As a trained health coach, Sonja helps you to transform patterns that have kept you from experiencing the health you want, and to develop new healthy habits that you can maintain.
Sonja supports individuals with various health conditions, and she specializes in digestive health, and how the health of our digestive system impacts our immune health, skin conditions (eg: acne, eczema, rosacea), mental health (anxiety, depression), emotional health, and weight loss. As a holistic nutritionist, Sonja understands there is a direct connection between our emotional, physical and mental health and integrates support and healing for each area to support a return to vibrant health.
Sonja is a mother of two young girls who keep her on the run, and who release her to run and bike the trails and streets of Victoria. Sonja is passionate about fitness and loves cooking, baking, and experimenting with food, and can be found trying out and creating new recipes, practicing gluten-free baking, and fermentation.
Also visit her personal website for more information and to check out her blog.
Book an appointment with Sonja Yli-Kahila!
What Our Patients Have Said About Our Staff
Best I have Ever Worked With
Nathan is great! He is the best massage therapist I've ever had work on me and I recommend him to my friends and family. He is very professional and does a great job. The session always ends with me wishing it was longer.
- Michelle T.