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Meet The Team

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Founder | Physiotherapist

Amanda Nichol

BSc., BMR(PT), Dip.Manip.PT, FCAMPT, GunnIMS

Amanda has a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Medical Rehabilitation in Physiotherapy from the University of Manitoba and graduated in 2010. She has over 14 years of experience in private practice and orthopedics, she has also pursued advanced training through the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, obtaining her Diploma of Advanced Manual and Manipulative Physiotherapy and becoming a fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy (FCAMPT). Additionally, she has completed her Gunn IMS training.

 

Amanda also enjoys teaching and mentoring and has taught in massage therapy programs. When she's not working, she enjoys hiking and backcountry camping in the forest or the mountains, dragon boating and skiing. And her goal is to help clients keep doing the activities that they love as well.

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Learn more about Amanda here

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Physiotherapist

Alishah Merchant

BHSc, MSc(PT), MClSc(Manip), FCAMPT, CGIMS

Alishah earned an Honours Bachelor of Health Science and then a Master of Science in Physical Therapy from McMaster University in 2007. She later completed a Master of Clinical Science in Manipulative Therapy at Western University, becoming a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy (FCAMPT). She has extensive post-graduate training in Acupuncture, Gunn IMS, ISM, Stott Pilates, running injury prevention, shoulder rehab, tendon management, functional strengthening and kinesio taping.

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With over 20 years of experience, Alishah has a special interest in complex cases and in Toronto she primarily treated patients who had unsuccessful treatments in the past, and was able to help them successfully move forward. She is active in the physio community and has received a Centenary Medal of Distinction, she is also a professional mentor and was a clinical facilitator at the University of Toronto in the Physical Therapy Department.

 

Outside of work, Alishah enjoys hiking, biking, skiing, yoga and working out, and she is a self-proclaimed foodie! She keeps busy with her three young kids and loves staying active with her family.

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Physiotherapist

Patrick Dessaulles

MPT, BHkin, Sport Cert, Cert Orthopeadic Manual Therapy, Functional Dry Needling

With 18 years of experience as a physiotherapist, Patrick enjoys working with people from all walks of life. He graduated from UBC with a Bachelor of Human Kinetics, then went on to complete his Master of Physical Therapy.

 

Most of his career has focused on sport rehab and orthopedic practice, starting in Vancouver and now based in Kelowna. Patrick holds a Sports Physiotherapy Certificate and has had the opportunity to work with professional golfers on both the PGA Tour of Canada and the CN Women’s Tour. Career highlights include being part of the medical team at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and working as a team physiotherapist for the Vancouver Whitecaps.

 

He’s currently involved with the Physiotherapy Association of BC as the Professional Development Lead, and is passionate about ongoing learning. Patrick has completed advanced training in manual therapy, dry needling, and movement screening, and he has a special interest in helping people make long-term changes that support the activities they love.

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Outside the clinic, you’ll likely find Patrick skiing or enjoying the outdoors — two of his favourite ways to recharge.

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Learn more about Patrick here

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Registered Massage Therapist

Kayla Ostafie

RMT

Kayla is a Registered Massage Therapist who graduated from the Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy in July 2023, where she completed a comprehensive program rooted in evidence-based practice and clinical experience.

 

With a deep passion for health, movement, and helping others feel their best, Kayla takes a functional and therapeutic approach to massage. Her goal is to reduce pain, restore mobility, and enhance overall quality of life for each of her patients. Whether you’re looking for deep tissue work, rehabilitation support, or general relaxation, Kayla customizes each treatment to suit individual needs and goals.

 

She incorporates a variety of techniques into her sessions, including myofascial release, deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, and orthopedic assessment. She also holds Level 1 IASTM (Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization) certification, which she integrates into treatments when appropriate to address soft tissue restrictions and support healing.

 

Born and raised in Vernon, BC, Kayla is a true local with a love for the outdoors. When she’s not in the clinic, you can find her hiking local trails, exploring new fitness challenges, or enjoying nature with friends and family. Her passion for wellness goes beyond the treatment room — she genuinely enjoys educating and empowering her clients to take an active role in their health and recovery.

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Physiotherapist  |  Certified Pilates Instructor

Katie Galotta

BScH, MPT, Cert. FDN, RYT 200

Katie holds a B.Sc. (Honours) in Psychology from Queen’s University and a Master of Physical Therapy from Western University. Practicing since 2015, she combines manual therapy, exercise, and education to create personalized treatment plans that address both the injury and the individual’s unique needs. Certified in K-taping, Functional Dry Needling, and Pilates, Katie has also completed yoga teacher training and advanced courses in manual therapy, chronic pain, and abdominal wall assessment.

 

Katie takes a holistic approach, recognizing the deep connection between mental and physical well-being, and she is committed to ongoing learning to provide the best care for her patients. Her goal is to empower every patient with knowledge and skills to improve and maintain long-term health. Outside work, Katie enjoys yoga, dancing, rock climbing, hiking, and traveling. She’s also proficient in conversational Spanish!​

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Physiotherapist

Skylar Bown

MPT, BHK, AN-IMS, Pelvic Health, Vestibular Rehabilitation

Skylar holds a Bachelor of Human Kinetics from UBC Okanagan and a Master of Physical Therapy from UBC’s North program, where she trained in Rural and Northern BC communities.

 

She provides evidence-based care for orthopedic conditions with a special focus on pelvic health and vestibular rehabilitation. Blending manual therapy, exercise, and education, Skylar tailors treatment plans to each individual, helping them regain strength, confidence, and function. She has completed advanced training in pelvic health physiotherapy (for all genders, including pregnancy, incontinence, and pain), vestibular rehabilitation, and intramuscular stimulation (IMS). She values a holistic, patient-centred approach and is committed to ongoing learning to provide the best possible care.

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Originally from Ottawa, Skylar has called Kelowna home since 2014. She has volunteered with the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council of BC (ISPARC), KidSport Kelowna, and PacificSport Okanagan and has been coaching with the Okanagan Athletics Club for over a decade. Outside work, she enjoys knitting, hiking, biking, camping, and soaking up the beauty of Syilx territory.

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Physiotherapist

Robert Heimbach

BScKin, MScPT, IMS/Dry needling, Vestibular Rehab

Rob has been working as a Physiotherapist in Kelowna since 2015. Originally from the Northwest Territories, he was lured to the Okanagan by the fruit trees, beaches, and year-round active lifestyle. He has degrees in Physical Therapy and Kinesiology from the University of Alberta in Edmonton.

Rob practices IMS/dry needling and acupuncture techniques that are complimented with manual therapy and exercise programs. He also treats dizziness and vertigo resulting from vestibular dysfunction.

Rob is an avid recreational athlete, playing soccer, tennis, volleyball, curling, cycling and distance running (often with his kids in the jogging stroller!) He understands the importance of physical activity of all kinds for physical, mental and social health, and can't wait to help you overcome your injury and get back into the action!

Join the Team

Become a part of the Forest Wellness team! We're seeking to grow our multidisciplinary wellness clinic with talented individuals. If you think you would be a great fit, please submit your resume to us.

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