Our team of Registered Massage Therapists has experience improving the lives of clients who suffer from a wide variety of conditions, such as chronic or acute pain, injuries, headaches, stiffness, anxiety, or depression, among many others. Whether you wish to have a single session or to make massage a regular part of your ongoing health strategy, we are here to help you live a healthier, happier, and more relaxed life.
Our therapists have been trained by stringent standards laid out by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario. After completing a curriculum of 2,200 hours and successfully completing both written and practical exams, the College issues its registration. All our massage therapists are Registered Massage Therapists.
Most people approach us with one or two areas of need—stiff neck, sore lower back, shoulder ache, with little idea of what technique will be best. Our therapists are equipped with a broad range of techniques to help you with your needs.
Andre Nicholls | Ashley Bruce | Tammy Gouskos | Laurie Baluyot| Norman Chow | Melissa Matson | Irene Gunn | Kelly Baker | Kristle Lowry
Andre Nicholls, RMT
Overview of qualifications:
- Designation: Registered Massage Therapist (RMT)
- Employment: Jockvale Massage Therapy Clinic in Barrhaven since 2022
- Point of interest: Andre has a keen interest in helping athletes
Skills and specialties: While Andre tends to focus on more Swedish styles of treatment, he integrates a number of techniques like myofascial release, deep tissue and Trigger point therapy into his treatments. Andre has done specialized training in Gua Sha which is a fascial technique that breaks up tension and tissue adhesions using specially crafted jade stones. He has used Gua Sha for tendonitis and frictioning adhered tissue layers. This unique approach also helps with circulation to the muscles and soft tissues.
Conditions successfully treated: Andre has successfully treated a number of conditions including head and neck pain, frozen shoulder, carpal tunnel, ankle sprains, knee pain, degenerative disc disease, sciatica and pain from poor posture. He incorporates a variety of the proper techniques to treat these conditions and help clients achieve their goals.
Special interests:When Andre is not working he enjoys playing video games and working out. He is always looking for new ways to challenge himself both mentally and physically. In his spare time, he also tries looking for new ways to expand his mind with new research studies and broaden the horizons of his life.
Ashley Bruce, RMT
Overview of qualifications:
- Designation: Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) in Ontario since 2022
- Employment: Working with us since 2023
- Memberships: Registered with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO)
- Education: Massage Therapy Diploma from Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology (Ottawa), Personal Training Specialist CANFIT Pro (2018)
- Point of interest: Ashley has a special interest in assisting athletes. She has been an RMT to the Ottawa Senators in 2022 and is the 2021 Ontario Olympic Weightlifting Champion (49 kg division). She has also volunteered coaching novice goaltenders in the Nepean Wildcats
Skills and specialties: Ashley has a passion for treating athletes and assisting with their recovery from specific sports injuries like: rotator cuff tears, patellar tendonitis, hamstring strains and lower back strains. Her skills in personal training and experience as an athlete help her to develop treatment plans for a wide range of conditions and clients at different stages of recovery. Ashley also specializes in treating people who experience chronic pain, migraines, sciatica and piriformis syndrome. She has treated conditions that are often caused by assuming a head-forward posture at a computer. As well as conditions that tend to affect office workers who perform repetitive movements or sit for long periods of time.
Ashley’s approach tends to be very specific allowing her to target areas that are in need. She has developed strong assessment skills which help her identify the best treatment application for her clients. Ashley alternates between Swedish massage, trigger point therapy, myofascial techniques and deep tissue massage in order to increase range of motion, relieve pain and facilitate healing for her clients.
Special interests: Ashley’s athletic background and love of sports led her to pursue Olympic Weightlifting. Her interest in helping athletes recover from injury and get back to their sport guided her to pursue a career in massage therapy and personal training. Since then, Ashley has expanded her interest and experience to helping people of all ages and all levels of activity. She enjoys the process of helping people feel their best.
Tammy Gouskos, RMT
Overview of qualifications:
- Designation: Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) in Ontario since 2021
- Employment: Jockvale Massage Therapy Clinic in Barrhaven since 2022
- Memberships: Registered with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO), Registered Massage Therapists’ Association of Ontario (RMTAO)
- Education: Massage Therapy Diploma from International Academy of Applied Health (Ottawa), and a Veterinarian Assistant Diploma from St. Lawrence College (Kingston, ON)
- Point of interest: Tammy has a keen interest in helping athletes and participated in massage services to half marathoners at the Winterman Marathon
Favorite Quote: Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss you will land among the stars. – Les Brown
Skills and specialties: Tammy treatments focus on treating people who experience tension, stiffness and pain in their neck, shoulders and lower back. Typically, these conditions are caused by assuming a head-forward posture. Often office workers are the most affected by poor posture, repetitive movements and sitting for long periods of time. Tammy alternates between Swedish massage, Trigger Point Therapy, Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (an effective form of stretching) and myofascial release in order to increase range of motion and relieve pain for her clients.
Conditions successfully treated: Tammy’s training and treatment techniques have allowed her to treat people in range of ages with acute and chronic conditions. She has successfully treated individuals with whiplash, headaches, neck pain and stiffness and shoulder pain. She has also helped manage the pain for clients with fibromyalgia, discomfort from pregnancy and massaged scar tissue to increase proper joint motion.
Special interests: Tammy enjoys running when she takes a pause from taking care of her two sons. What drew Tammy to massage therapy is her love of helping people feel better and this love drove her to complete her training at the International Academy of Massage in Ottawa, ON in 2021. Upon graduating, Tammy became a member of the RMTAO association for massage therapists. Prior to attending massage school Tammy completed her diploma in Veterinary Assisting and had work experience at the Toronto Zoo.
Laurie Baluyot, RMT
Overview of qualifications:
- Designation: Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) in Ontario since 2006
- Employment: Jockvale Massage Therapy Clinic in Barrhaven since 2021
- Memberships: Registered with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO)
- Education: Massage Therapy Diploma from Canadian Therapeutic College (Burlington) and a Bachelor of Science Athletic Therapy from Concordia University (Montreal, QC)
- Point of interest: Laurie has a special interest in assisting athletes from recovery to rehabilitation.
Favorite Quote: I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. – Maya Angelou
Native to Montreal, Laurie graduated from Concordia University with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, Specialization Athletic Therapy. After working with many sports teams, both amateur and professional, she gained her clinical experience in rehabilitation from sports. Laurie then moved to Ontario and graduated from the Canadian Therapeutic College in Massage and Hydrotherapy in 2006. Laurie also has an interest in helping to manage TMJ dysfunction, recovery from headaches as well as neck and shoulder pain.
In her free time, Laurie likes to take road trips to Montreal to see her friends and family. It is with enthusiasm that Laurie works alongside her fellow massage therapists and health practitioners, in order to provide the best treatment plan for each individual. By using a combination of massage and cupping, she believes that she can confidently address each treatment plan.
Norman Chow, RMT
Overview of qualifications:
- Designation: Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) in Ontario since September 2004
- Employment: Jockvale Massage Therapy Clinic in Barrhaven since October 2019
- Memberships: College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO)
- Education: Sutherland Chan School (Toronto)
- Certifications: Rapid Neurofascial Reset, Craniosacral Therapy I, Certified NISA Practitioner, Muscle Energy (Lower Body), John Barnes’ Myofascial Release MFR1, MFR2, Unwinding.
- Additional Qualifications: Kinesiologist (B.Sc.Kin, York U), Clinic Supervisor at Algonquin College, Certified Personal Trainer
- Point of interest: Experience in therapeutic treatments for neurological conditions including MS, Parkinson’s, hemiplegia; overuse injuries; posture dysfunctions
Skills and specialties: Norman’s nature has always been a desire to help others develop a better quality of life. While his previous professions as a clinical kinesiologist, functional capabilities evaluator, and certified personal trainer have met that desire to a certain degree, he felt that there were many shortcomings of these professions in being able to improve a clients’ overall health. As a massage therapist, he was able to take a more “hands-on” approach, where he could physically manipulate soft tissue in a significant manner that decreased pain and improved function.
In addition, he has furthered his studies in bodywork with graduate courses in myofascial release, craniosacral therapy, and muscle energy. Furthermore, he is a certified NISA (Neuromuscular Integration and Structural Alignment) practitioner working with clients, in a series of sessions, to correct poor posture through systematic manipulation of muscular and connective tissue.
Conditions successfully treated: Through his extensive years of experience as a massage therapist, Norman has gained a significant amount of clinical experience dealing with diverse severe neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, and hemiplegia as well as spinal cord injuries; to a lesser degree, nerve lesions, thoracic outlet syndrome, and carpal tunnel syndrome. He also has comprehensive experience with musculoskeletal and overuse injuries, in addition to conditions related to postural dysfunction.
Additional Experience: While in massage therapy school, Norman valued the knowledge and wisdom of his professors. With their help and guidance, especially in the student clinic environment, he was able to gain the much-needed confidence and expertise working with the public. Hence, he is fortunate to be part of that important learning process for massage therapy students in his role as Clinic Supervisor at Algonquin College. He is thrilled to be able to give back to his profession by guiding and nurturing students as they become well-trained professionals.
Norman’s passion for improving the quality of life of individuals through massage therapy has also made him strive to improve his own health and well-being. Consequently, he tries to maintain an active lifestyle through exercise, diet, and keeping up with his energetic young child. Norman is also an avid foodie and is always looking for new and healthy vegan recipes to try. He also believes in the importance of keeping the mind healthy; thus, he practices mindful meditation every day.
Melissa Matson, RMT
Overview of qualifications:
- Designation: Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) in Ontario since 2017
- Employment: Jockvale Massage Therapy Clinic in Barrhaven since 2021
- Memberships: Registered with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO)
- Education: Massage Therapy Diploma from Georgian College (Barrie)
- Additional courses: Craniosacral 1, Cupping
- Point of interest: Owned and operated own clinic for 4.5 years
Skills and specialties: : Melissa specializes in deep tissue treatments, especially for people who experience tension, stiffness, and pain in their neck, shoulders, and lower back. These conditions are often caused by assuming a head-forward posture and tend to affect people working at a computer, who perform repetitive movements or sit for long periods of time. When treating long-term postural issues she uses a combination of therapeutic Swedish massage techniques, craniosacral, cupping, and exercises in order to increase range of motion and relieve pain for her clients.
Conditions successfully treated: Melissa’s diverse skills and treatment techniques have allowed her to treat a range of cases with acute and chronic conditions. She has successfully treated people with sciatic pain, ITB syndrome, stiff hips, headaches, neck pain, and stiffness as well as shoulder pain. Melissa has also been successful with treating thoracic outlet syndrome that leads to numbness and pain in the arm, elbow wrist, or hand. She has also helped clients with various tendinopathies.
Inspiration: Having always loved all things medical, Melissa found early on that she enjoyed “hands-on” healing aspect of massage therapy. She especially enjoys helping people where she can see notable changes and improvement in quality of life. Melissa loves the rewarding nature of her massage career. Every day is a new puzzle!
Irene Gunn, Owner/RMT
Overview of Qualifications:
- Entrepreneur: Owns operates and offers massage therapy at Jockvale Massage Therapy Clinic in Barrhaven (2001 - Present).
- Designations: Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) since 1997.
- Memberships: Registered Massage Therapists Association of Ontario (RMTAO), College of Massage Therapists of BC,CMTBC
- Education: University of Waterloo, Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy. Columbia and Ontario.
- Additional courses: Certified in Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) and Decongestive Therapy (CDT) under Dr. Vodder; also certified in Muscle Energy Technique (MET) and Craniosacral Technique.
- Point of interest: Member of the Kanata Nepean Bicycling Club, Nepean Sailing Club, and Ski Extreme Club. Former member of the Nepean Master Swim Club and Canadian Women's Golf Inc.
Favourite quote: "Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time and always start with the person nearest you." - Mother Teresa
Career highlights: Although Irene had initially intended to study medicine, she became fascinated by the field of massage therapy and strongly motivated to pursue this "hands-on" career - helping people recover from injuries, relieve pain, manage stress, and achieve the full benefits of health wellness and relaxation. Registered in both Ontario and British Columbia, Irene has prior experience working at a chiropractic center and providing in-home massage treatments. In 2001, the self-driven entrepreneur opened the Jockvale Massage Therapy Clinic, conveniently located near the Greenbank and Strandherd intersection in South Nepean. Over the years, she has expanded her team of massage therapists and staff to meet the growing needs of the Barrhaven community and greater Ottawa.
Skills and specialties: Seeking better ways to help clients manage lower back pain and headaches, Irene studied Muscle Energy Technique (MET). This osteopathic technique is widely used in British Columbia and is now being introduced into Ontario only by skilled, experienced practitioners. Muscle Energy Technique is particularly helpful in repositioning dysfunctional joints and lengthening muscles surrounding the joint. Irene also specializes in treating Lymphedema using Manual Lymph Drainage Techniques and Decongestive Therapy. Lymphedema is a common condition following damage to lymph nodes or removal of lymph nodes seen in breast cancer treatment, but it is also seen in post-surgical and post-traumatic swellings, sports injuries, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia. Irene is also an expert at Craniosacral Technique, applying gentle techniques to achieve deeper tissue releases in the structures surrounding the spinal cord and brain. Craniosacral Technique treats a wide range of trauma, pain, and stress-related conditions.
Other conditions successfully treated: Irene has successfully treated numerous conditions including headaches and migraines, lymphatic congestion including lymphedema, shoulder injuries, ribcage injuries, lower back pain, ankle sprains, heel pain, plantar fasciitis, and various sports-related injuries. In addition to treating patients who have cancer, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and other chronic diseases, she has helped provide relief to individuals with stress-related symptoms, fatigue, anxiety, and fibromyalgia. Irene is also experienced at treating women through all stages of pregnancy and also during the recovery period after labor.
Special interests: As an advocate of fitness and exercise—Irene enjoys swimming, biking, golfing, downhill skiing, and cross-country skiing—she relates well to patients who come to her with sports-related aches, pains, or injuries. Her previous experience providing in-home massage treatments and her entrepreneurial spirit make her especially well-suited to providing massage therapy to busy professionals and people who work from home—whether they operate a home-based business, use it as a second office, or are embracing parenthood full-time. She would also love to work more often with pregnant women and women on maternity leave.
Our therapists have been trained by stringent standards laid out by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario. After completing a curriculum of 2,200 hours and successfully completing both written and practical exams, the College issues its registration. All our massage therapists are Registered Massage Therapists.
Most people approach us with one or two areas of need—stiff neck, sore lower back, shoulder ache, with little idea of what technique will be best. Our therapists are equipped with a broad range of techniques to help you with your needs.
Kelly Baker, RMT
Overview of qualifications:
- Designation: Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) in Ontario since 2008
- Employment: Jockvale Massage Therapy Clinic in Barrhaven since 2012
- Memberships: College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) and Registered Massage Therapists Association of Ontario (RMTAO)
- Education: Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy (Halifax, Nova Scotia)
- Additional courses: Certified in Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) and Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT)
- Point of interest: The Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy, where Kelly graduated, is the birthplace of massage therapy education in Canada
Favourite quote: "I've learned that happiness is like perfume: you can't give it away without getting a little on yourself." – from Life's Instructions for Wisdom, Success, and Happiness by Jackson Brown
Skills and specialties: Kelly specializes in treating stiffness, tension, aches, and pain in the shoulders and neck that may lead to headaches, commonly caused by poor posture while sitting at a workstation. She performs a variety of massage techniques such as Trigger Point Therapy designed to relieve stress, increase mobility, treat muscular pain and improve physical comfort. Kelly is certified in Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD), a gentle technique that aims to stimulate the lymphatic system, stimulate the immune system, and help remove swelling, congestion and stagnation from within the body. She is experienced at using MLD to treat edema caused by damage to lymph nodes or lymph vessels due to surgery, radiation/chemotherapy (cancer), accidents, and injuries. She is also certified in Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT) and is dedicated to expanding her knowledge in all of these areas through ongoing skills development.
Conditions successfully treated: Kelly has treated numerous conditions including chronic pain, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, aches and pains (all body areas – neck, shoulders, upper back, mid-back, lower back, arms, elbows, wrists, hands, fingers, glutes, hips, legs, knees, ankles, feet), headaches, decreased range of motion in joints, frozen shoulder, muscle spasms, sprains, strains, tendinitis, constipation, sciatica, piriformis syndrome, and Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction. She is also experienced at providing treatments for pregnant women and individuals with fibromyalgia.
Special interests: Kelly’s motivation to pursue a career in massage therapy was strengthened after observing the very positive effect that massage treatments had on a friend who was recovering from an injury caused by an accident. Since becoming a registered massage therapist, Kelly is most passionate about helping people find relief from chronic pain and supporting them during their recovery journeys. She is sensitive to her patients’ physical and emotional struggles, day-to-day challenges, and efforts to improve their comfort, health, and overall quality of life.
Our therapists have been trained by stringent standards laid out by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario. After completing a curriculum of 2,200 hours and successfully completing both written and practical exams, the College issues its registration. All our massage therapists are Registered Massage Therapists.
Most people approach us with one or two areas of need—stiff neck, sore lower back, shoulder ache, with little idea of what technique will be best. Our therapists are equipped with a broad range of techniques to help you with your needs.
Kristle Lowry, RMT
Overview of qualifications:
- Designation: Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) in Ontario since November 2009
- Employment: Working with us since December 2014
- Memberships: College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO)
- Education: International Academy of Massage Therapy (Ottawa)
- Certifications: Certified in Soft Tissue Release
- Additional courses: Child and Infant Massage, Lumbopelvic Muscle Imbalances, Orthopedic Massage for Shoulder
- Continuing education: One Concept Massage Conference attendant (2011, 2012, 2014)
- Point of interest: Experience in therapeutic, spa, and retirement facility settings
Favourite quote: “Just keep swimming!” – Dory, Finding Nemo
Skills and specialties: Kristle has extensive experience treating people with injuries and often works closely with physiotherapists to design an effective treatment strategy. She treats people with chronic conditions such as Parkinson's Disease or Multiple Sclerosis (MS), as well as people with diabetes and high blood pressure. She also works with individuals who have undergone a heart transplant, or those recovering from heart surgery or a stroke. Although working with the senior population has been rewarding, Kristle equally enjoys giving the benefits of massage to pregnant women and children.
Conditions successfully treated: Kristle uses a technique called Soft Tissue Release (STR) to successfully treat many shoulder conditions, including strains, sprains and impingements, headaches and migraines related to muscle tension, and postural imbalances such as a shortening of the pectoral muscle. STR involves applying gentle pressure on the muscle during movement in order to obtain a lengthening or stretch. Clients tend to have success with STR, with less discomfort than the traditional myofascial release.
Special interests: Since she was a child, Kristle has had a strong desire to help people and animals in need. She began her career as a veterinary technician. On a volunteer sea turtle protection project in Costa Rica, she realized her desire to help could be transformed into human touch and decided to expand her warmth of caring to humans through massage therapy. She wholeheartedly believes that everyone can benefit from massage therapy in the form of treatment or relaxation.
At Jockvale Massage & Physio, our therapists have been trained by stringent standards laid out by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario. After completing a curriculum of 2,200 hours and successfully completing both written and practical exams, the College issues its registration. All our massage therapists are Registered Massage Therapists.
Most people approach us with one or two areas of need, such as a stiff neck, sore lower back, or shoulder ache, with little idea of what technique will be best. Our therapists are equipped with a broad range of techniques to help you with your needs.