Our Team
Physiotherapist and Owner
Kristina Borthistle | MPT, B. Kin, COMT, FDN/IMS
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! We also have a cat and a huge German Shepherd, so our lives are very amazing and very 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
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.
Chiropractor
Dr. Meredith Barbour | D.C., B.Sc., BFA
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
Jessica graduated from the Vancouver College of Massage therapy in August 2015. She has always been fascinated by human anatomy and kinetics. Jessica believes patient education is the key to a healthy lifestyle. She loves sharing her knowledge of the human body and empowering patients to participate in their health by incorporating stretching and strengthening to prolong the benefits gained from treatment. She has a passion for treating a wide range of conditions such as headaches, whiplash, tendonitis, pregnancy and sports related injuries. During treatments she employs a variety of techniques including deep tissue, trigger point therapy, active release, myofascial release and Graston technique. She believes in finding the best customized treatment plan for each individual to meet both their short-term and long-term treatment goals.
When Jessica isn’t treating she enjoys adventuring. She loves to travel to new places and take part in new experiences. Jessica recently travelled to Bali and appreciated the carefree and community minded lifestyle that she found there. In all seasons you will find her outside in the Pacific Northwest, snowboarding, hiking, paddle boarding, dirt biking, and camping. While on these adventures, Jessica is usually accompanied by her furry friend Gunner who loves exploring just as much as she does.
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
Courtney Henrikson | RMT
I graduated from Okanagan Valley College Of Massage Therapy in 2015 and have been practicing in the Okanagan for the past 5+ years. My passion is getting to the root of your dysfunction and not just managing your symptoms. I strongly believe, and hope to motivate my patients, that movement is the most important thing in leading a healthy lifestyle and having longevity.
I am so fascinated by the human body and how it moves so throughout my practice I have focused my continuing education on that! Movement, gait, functional muscle patterns, and functional muscle and neurological assessments to determine compensation patterns. Basically what its supposed to do, and why it does the stuff it shouldn’t. The goal is to make my treatments as efficient and effective as possible!
I grew up playing every sport our small town had to offer eventually getting more competitive with Volleyball, Softball, and Basketball. Now I love to run, lift weights, getting outside with my dog Tony, and in the winter my family snowmobiles! When I’m not in the clinic you can probably find me at a brewery, trying a new restaurant, or at home creating my own recipes ( I love to cook!.. Even though it doesn’t always go the way I planned).
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!
Kinesiologist
Rachel McLeod
I graduated with my Bachelors of Kinesiology specializing in Exercise Science at the University of the Fraser Valley. Prior to my work as a Kinesiologist I worked as a certified personal trainer for 3 years. I started working out in a group fitness atmosphere at a young age, and quickly realized that the more I learned the more I became fascinated with movement mechanics and all that the human body is capable of.
My goal is to help clients learn to enjoy the process of recovering from an injury or just getting in touch with how their body moves. My role is to support and inspire individuals to realize their potential and gain control of their physical health through the understanding that movement is medicine for increasing their overall quality of life and well-being, as well as for rehabilitating any present injuries. In our sessions we will complete an assessment, and get you moving at a level that is appropriate to you.
When I’m not in the clinic you can find me working out with friends, snowboarding, hiking, paddle boarding, or hanging out with my dog Milo!
Clinic Manager
Sarrah Myrol
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 :)