Our Team

Physiotherapist and Owner

Kristina Borthistle | MPT, B. Kin, COMT, FDN/IMS

_MG_9744.jpg

Physiotherapy is the only thing I have ever wanted to do- I have a huge passion for this career. I love the people I get to meet and the ability to help them move and feel better. The human body is fascinating to me and I think my obsession over human movement and mobility is what allows me to be particularly well suited to assess limitations, injuries, and performance. I truly feel like physio is an art and a science, and getting to meet awesome people is just the cherry on top.

I grew up playing almost every different kind of sport, as well as a bit of dance and gymnastics. Nowadays I’m mostly just an avid runner with a huge interest in lifting, Crossfit, and strength and conditioning. My husband Caleb and I grew up in this community, and it’s such an honour to open up a clinic here. In the same year we opened this space, we welcomed our first baby- our daughter Rose! Our daughter Gwen joined her not too long after that, so life is feeling very wonder-full :)

I completed my Bachelors of Kinesiology at University of the Fraser Valley, and my Master’s in Physiotherapy at UBC. I can’t get enough of post graduate training and have taken courses in Mulligan technique, chronic pain, Crossfit and Power Lifting, running assessment and injuries, TMJ, and prenatal/postnatal rehab (c-section care and rehab, return to performance postpartum).

I’ve focused on orthopaedic manual therapy, strength and conditioning, biomechanics, clinical pilates and functional dry needling/IMS through most of my career. Most recently, I completed two post-graduate certificates, one in Orthopaedic Manipulative Therapy and one in Clinical Physiotherapy - Musculoskeletal Specialization at Curtin University in Perth, Australia.

Physiotherapist

Taylor Seidel | MPT, B. Kin

Currently on leave

I am a firm believer that we were created to move our bodies in a multitude of different ways and I love to help guide people in finding movement strategies that allow them to incorporate activity throughout their daily lives. I believe that no person should have to suffer in pain alone but instead believe that by journeying together we can work to delve deeper into how we can help your body serve you to the best of its abilities. I have a passion for treating people from all walks of life and think it is such a privilege.

I fell in love with movement at a young age playing volleyball, basketball and soccer for the majority of my adolescent life and have been grateful that movement became integral to my identity. In my adult life, I have found a passion for circuit training, spin, weight lifting and continue to play soccer with a women’s team in the area. Throughout my own personal story, I have realized the importance of adapting physical activity to meet where the body is at in that season of life whether that be in a season of injury, a season of increasing physical fitness or a season of rest. I love that in my role as physio I am able to be an advocator, teacher and guide in people’s rehabilitation journey.

I completed my Masters of Physical Therapy at the University of British Columbia and my Bachelors of Kinesiology at the University of the Fraser Valley. I have a passion for learning and continuing my education in the field of physiotherapy. Most recently I have completed courses in post-op caesarean care and non-internal pelvic floor care.

Outside of the clinic you can usually find me partaking in delicious food and drinks around the lower mainland with my husband or travelling to other countries to do so. I have a love for all animals and plan on having as many dogs possible in the future!

Physiotherapist

Natalie Riley | MPT, B. Kin

From a very young age, you can find me spending time in nature or running along white sand beaches. My nourishment includes movement and nature.

I've been an athlete and lover of nature all my life. I see Physiotherapy through a holistic lens and truly believe in the co-creative process. Physiotherapy is my passion and it has highlighted so many of my gifts.

I completed a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of New Brunswick and my Masters of Science in Physiotherapy from Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh Scottland. I'm a lifelong learner and have recently been deep diving into breath-work, intuitive movement practices, movement as a form of meditation. I have further training in performance and rehab exercise, TMJ, complex-persistent pain, yoga, IMS, advanced cervical-thoracic care and mat Pilates.

I love treating pre and postoperative patients and people who are ready to step into living an embodied and greatest life. I've been a track athlete almost all my life and enjoy working with runners/athletes.

Outside of the clinic, you can find me diving into the science of healing through nature. I love design, architecture, fashion and surfing. Very much emersed in emotional intelligence. Hope we can work to build a life you love moving through whatever comes our way. I know what it takes to accomplish your goals. I am passionate about what I do and sharing my knowledge and skills with others and I recognize the power that comes with that.

Physiotherapist

Lauryn Guy | MPT, B. Kin

Special interests: pelvic health, pediatric care, sports rehab

Movement has always played a big role in my life, and physiotherapy felt like the natural path to turn that passion into a career. My own experience rehabbing from a sports-related knee injury showed me firsthand the impact physiotherapy can have — not just physically, but mentally.

Helping others regain strength and confidence is what keeps my passion alive! Beyond my enthusiasm for sports rehabilitation, I have special interests in pelvic health and pediatric care. I work with clients experiencing pelvic pain, urinary or bowel incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, or those seeking guidance on safe pre- and post-natal exercise. I also enjoy supporting children of all ages — from infants learning foundational movements like crawling to youth recovering from sports injuries (and everything in between).

Outside the clinic, you’ll find me at BEFIT, Spinhouse, or dusting off my soccer cleats and baseball glove. Staying active keeps me grounded and fuels the energy I bring to my work with clients.

I completed my Master’s of Physical Therapy at UBC after earning my Bachelor’s degree, and I continue to grow through post-graduate education. I’ve completed the Pelvic Health Solutions Level 1 course and the Advanced Integrated Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Program Level 1, equipping me to provide evidence-based care tailored to each client’s unique needs.

Physiotherapist

Daveena Thandi | MPT, B. Kin

Working at our Abbotsford location!

Special interests: neurological rehab, women’s health, working with older patients, clinical pilates

Daveena earned her Master of Physical Therapy from the University of British Columbia in 2024, following a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from the University of the Fraser Valley. She brings experience from a variety of clinical environments, including acute care, neurological rehabilitation, orthopedic post-surgical care, private practice, and long-term care.

Driven by a passion for helping people move and feel better, Daveena takes a holistic, functional approach to physiotherapy. She views the body as an integrated system and applies the biopsychosocial model in her practice. Her treatment approach combines manual therapy, client education, and individualized exercise programs that emphasize the mind-body connection. She strives to support not only physical recovery but also a return to meaningful, goal-oriented activities. Her clinical interests include neurological rehabilitation, women’s health, and working with older adults.

Daveena has completed her Level I certification with the National Orthopaedic Division, as well as the Rehab Reformer Level 1 course in Clinical Pilates, focusing on spinal, pelvic, and scapular stabilization. She is committed to lifelong learning and continually advancing her skills to provide the highest quality of care.

Outside the clinic, Daveena enjoys exploring new fitness styles, trying out creative recipes, and embracing new experiences. She is dedicated to delivering personalized, movement-focused care that empowers each client to take an active role in their rehabilitation journey.

 

Physiotherapist

Hannah Peters | MPT, MSc, BA

Works Saturdays at the Langley clinic!

My passion for movement began at a young age when I started swimming. I recognized that with experience, I could excel at something I loved, but it would also involve rehabilitation and healing, post-injury. It was this experience, coupled with my interest in science that led me to embark on a career where I could help people reach their physical goals through movement and exercise.

When I began my career, I worked in medical research, focusing on incorporating the most up to date evidence into practice, and I carry this passion forward in my career as a physiotherapist. My educational journey began in the Fraser Valley at University of the Fraser Valley (UFV). I continued on after my undergraduate degree to obtain a Master of Science in Experimental Surgery from McGill University. I then completed my physiotherapy degree at Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia. Throughout my education, I gained invaluable experience in various outpatient physiotherapy settings, including fracture rehabilitation in Ireland, osteoarthritis assessment in Nova Scotia, and orthopedics in New Brunswick. I would love to work with you to create an active and functional rehabilitation plan tailored to your individual’s needs and designed to help you reach your rehabilitation goals.

Chiropractor

Dr. Meredith Barbour | D.C., B.Sc., BFA

_MG_9782.jpg

I began my career as a personal trainer, and Pilates instructor, but found myself wanting to learn more to give more to my clients. Blending Chiropractic into my movement background has given me a unique advantage to understanding your concerns. My goal is always to have you feeling your best, and maybe (hopefully!) this includes getting you into a healthy movement routine.

My treatment involves chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue release and active rehab. My education includes a Bachelor of Fine Arts from SFU, a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology and a Doctorate in Chiropractic from University of Western States in Portland Oregon. I am so excited to be with Novo Physio and Health and I am so honoured that you have chosen us to be a part of your health team.

Registered Massage Therapist

Jessica Edmiston | RMT

_MG_9899.jpg

Working at our Abbotsford location (Monday-Friday 9am-2pm)

Special interests: Pregnancy, postpartum care, jaw pain, headaches, shoulder pain, deep tissue

Driven by my passions for pregnancy, postpartum care, and all the physical changes that come with motherhood, I also enjoy treating deep tissue, jaw pain, headaches, and shoulder pain with the Graston technique.

With 10+ years experience, I love working with people through all stages of healing. My approach blends therapeutic deep tissue with fascial techniques (graston) to ease tension, reduce pain, and support your overall well-being.

I'm here to help you feel more comfortable in your body—effectively and with care.

Registered Massage Therapist

Alicia Ambrose | RMT

 

I believe that the body is meant to move, and my passion is helping clients get back to their optimal self so they can enjoy life and all it has to offer. I believe that with proper assessment, communication, and a little sweat, a pain free life can be achieved. My goal is to work with you to build a positive therapeutic relationship to help you recover and succeed in your current and future movement goals.

I completed my Bachelors of Kinesiology at the University of the Fraser Valley, and received my Diploma in Massage Therapy from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy.

 

Registered Massage Therapist

Kayla Masztalar | RMT

 

Special interests: sports injuries, migraines, jaw pain, shoulder issues, low back pain

Kayla has been a Registered Massage Therapist for nearly a decade and is passionate about health, fitness, and helping others feel their best. She takes a holistic approach to wellness and enjoys bringing that mindset into her treatments.

While Kayla is happy to support clients with a wide range of conditions, she has a special interest in treating headaches and migraines, sports injuries, jaw pain, and shoulder and low back issues. Kayla likes to integrate graston technique and active modalities into her treatments; expect to play an active role in sessions with her!

Registered Massage Therapist

Tessa van de Poll | RMT

 

I graduated from Langara College's Registered Massage Therapy Program in 2020 and began practicing in 2021.

I have a passion for creating a client-centric experience that promotes personal wellness. In my practice I have assisted clients with headaches, mechanical low back pain, MVA injuries, orthopedic injuries, prenatal and post partum and more. Each session, I will take an in-depth health history and physical assessment to provide the most effective treatment for the client’s goals. Treatment will focus on addressing the origin of the pain through techniques such as: Myofascial Release, Swedish Massage, Orthopedics, Joint Mobilizations and Neuromuscular techniques. Outside of massage therapy, I enjoy hiking, running, yoga and cooking and spending time with friends and family!

 

 

Registered Massage Therapist

Riley Ruiter | RMT

 

 

 

Registered Massage Therapist

Alecs Estrellado| RMT

 

I’ve always had a passion for health and wellness, and combined with a fascination for how the human body works, it’s naturally guided me towards massage therapy - a profession that brings both worlds together. While previously working as a physiotherapist assistant, it reinforced my passion for patient-centred care where I could actively support, and guide clients towards their personal health goals. 

I graduated from West Coast College of Massage Therapy, and with the knowledge gained from my program, I like to incorporate techniques such as Swedish Massage, Trigger Point Therapy, Myofascial release and Neuromuscular techniques. I’m excited to meet new clients and work together on achieving their health and wellness goals. 

Outside of the clinic, you can find me cooking, spending time with friends and family or planning my next trip.  

Registered Massage Therapist

Leeza Finkle | RMT

 

Working 3 days at Langley clinic and once a week in Abbotsford (Thursday 1-7pm)

Special interests: women’s health (pre/post natal), headaches, jaw pain

 I’m a Registered Massage Therapist with a special interest in women’s health, particularly during pregnancy and the postpartum period. My background as a doula and experience working alongside local midwifery clinics has given me a deep understanding of the physical and emotional changes that come with this transformative time. I’m passionate about creating a supportive, informed, and compassionate space for my clients—whether they’re expecting, newly postpartum, or navigating any stage of their wellness journey. Along with my passion of treating women’s health, I enjoy treating headaches, neck pain and jaw pain (TMJ).

When I’m not in the clinic, you’ll likely find me out in my big veggie garden, cooking up something delicious, or exploring local trails on long walks. I love spending time in nature and believe strongly in its healing power—something I try to bring into both my personal life and my approach to massage therapy.

Registered Massage Therapist

Adam Cowan | RMT

 

Working at our Abbotsford Location!

Special interests: Active/athletic injuries, return to activity and sport treatments, deep pressure incorporating movement into the massage.

Movement and positivity has played a huge role in my patient's road to recovery; massage can be a great catalyst to improving both of those aspects. My goal is to make you feel better during and post-treatment. I find that is best accomplished with a deep (but manageable) pressure with some movement incorporated during and post massage.

My therapist and coaching career has exposed me to many different demographics and made me realize that anyone with a positive attitude is someone I want to help! If you’re injured or feeling sore and tight and want to feel better then I want to help you return to a healthier state of being.

After completing my Kinesiology degree from the University of the Fraser Valley I worked as a kinesiologist and fitness coach for 5 years. I returned to school at the West Coast College of Massage Therapy and have been an RMT since 2018. I have been lucky enough to work with different sports and athletes from the Vancouver Whitecaps Youth Residency team to skateboarders. Most of my post-school training has been with therapeutic exercise and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) tools. I have a lot of experience with skateboarding, CrossFit, weightlifting,football, baseball, and soccer; but I do have love and appreciation for all sports and activities.

Registered Massage Therapist

Natasha Strong | RMT

 

Working at our Abbotsford Location!

Special interests: sports-related injuries, headaches, women’s health, stress management

I graduated from Vancouver College of Massage Therapy. My journey into massage therapy was guided by my lifelong passion for movement and the outdoors. Whether I’m trail running, mountain biking, or working in my garden, I love connecting with nature and staying active.

I believe in a treatment approach that is intentional, educational, and holistic. My goal is to create a space where you feel heard, supported, and empowered to reach your wellness goals. I take time to understand each individual’s unique needs, and I work with you to develop a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle.

I look forward to working with you and helping you feel your best!

Kinesiologist

Leah Schroeder | B. Kin

 

As a kinesiologist, my goal is to help people feel capable and in control of their bodies. Kinesiology goes beyond “just exercise”—it’s the science of using movement to prevent injury, recover from setbacks, and support lifelong health. Whether you’re navigating postpartum changes, improving strength and balance as you age, or working toward new fitness goals, I design safe, personalized programs that make movement both effective and sustainable.

Within this broad scope, I have a special passion for supporting postpartum women and older adults. These groups are often overlooked when it comes to tailored exercise, and my practice focuses on helping them rebuild strength, restore function, and feel confident in their movement. My published research on postpartum exercise and my dedication to active aging continue to guide much of my approach.

I completed my Bachelor of Kinesiology with a specialization in Exercise Science at the University of the Fraser Valley, alongside a certificate in Professional Communications. My sessions combine assessment, progressive exercise prescription, and education to help you reach your goals and maintain long-term strength.

 

 

Lactation Consultant

Nadine Rockson | RN | IBCLC

 

Hi I’m Nadine! I’m excited to join Novo as a Registered Nurse proving breastfeeding/ lactation and bottle feeding support services!

I’ve been a registered nurse in the neonatal intensive care unit for 18 years and am a mom of five. I have specialized training and years of experience helping parents and babies in their feeding  journeys. The benefits of breast/ chest feeding are widely known for both parent and baby but what I’m most passionate about empowering parents with skills and knowledge to best feed and confidently care for their baby. I will be providing prenatal breastfeeding classes, private consultations on feeding/latching challenges and other feeding support (pumping, increasing or decreasing supply, and bottle feeding).

Outside of my passion for caring for families, you can usually find me trying to decode my kids slang, trying new recipes or jumping in puddles my little ones. I’m looking forward to supporting you!

 

 

Clinic Manager

Sarrah Myrol

_MG_9923.jpg

Our Clinic Manager!

Sarrah makes everything run smoothly at our clinic, with organizing billing and extended health information. She is usually your first entry point into the clinic and is happy to answer any questions you have!

Her background is as a legal secretary and a medical transcriptionist. She was the first person we wanted to bring on at Novo because of her (somewhat obsessive) organization skills. If you need appointments booked, charts obtained, questions asked, you can text her on the clinic phone.

Since COVID she has been working remotely. If you’re lucky enough to see her in clinic make sure to say hi!

Sarrah has 3 young boys who are involved in a bunch of sports that keep her busy, and in her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family. She loves camping, being outdoors and YETI items! We are working on her love of running.

Fun fact: she’s Kristina’s sister :)

Clinic Experience Coordinator

Kailey Waterman

Once upon a time, I joined the Novo Run Club and ended up with a job!  Back in early 2024, I applied for the Clinic Experience Coordinator position on a whim and next thing you know, I had a phone interview with Kristina and the rest is history.

I completed my Diploma in Business Administration in Dec 2020 and was working in the insurance industry prior to Novo.  I began working at the clinic in Feb 2024 with no previous background in healthcare, relying on knowledge I had from growing up in the sports world playing volleyball & soccer. It has been a challenging but fun learning curve!

 My goal as the Clinic Experience Coordinator is to authentically capture what it looks/feels like to be a patient at Novo.  I do this through patient relations via text, email, phone, etc. as well as run the instagram page to connect with our community.  One of the best parts of my job is connecting with all of you (and finding sneaky appointments).  Whether that’s through our communication channels or at Run Club, I love being a small part of your overall experience at Novo.  It’s also nice to put faces to names as I tend to work from home a couple days a week!

 When I’’m not working, I enjoy running, hot yoga, spending time with my family/friends, hitting up a local brewery, reading, and watching sports on tv (mainly soccer but a recent NFL fan)