Jessica graduated from the University of Alberta in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Therapy (with distinction). She has continued her education over the past 25 years with numerous post-graduate courses in manual therapy, myofascial release, acupuncture, pelvic health, vestibular and Bike Fitting.

Her passion is working with individuals with chronic, complex health issues and finding ways to improve their quality of life and function. She has extensive training in addressing breathing related disorders, as well as post infectious illness such as Long COVID, ME/CFS and POTS.

But she is also up for the challenge of sorting out those aches and pains that might keep you from doing the things you love.

Outside of work, you will find Jessica on her bike or hitting the lake in the summer, on her snowboard or at the cross-country trails in the winter, and hiking and running in the shoulder seasons!

Jessica graduated from the University of Alberta in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Phy... Read More

Kevin Kelly - BSc.P.T

Kevin is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario where he received both his Honors Bachelor of Arts degree in Kinesiology and Honors Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy. Kevin is now a member of the College of Physiotherapists of B.C as well as the Canadian and B.C Physiotherapy Associations.

Kevin recently moved from Kitchener-Waterloo where he has been a practicing physiotherapist since 2002. With extensive experience treating various injuries and conditions ranging from various sport related injuries, post orthopedic surgeries as well as pain resulting from motor vehicle collisions. Kevin understands the importance of a thorough initial assessment in order to understand and appropriately treat the condition at hand. He believes communication and education of the physical ailment with the patient is important in a timely recovery.

In his spare time, Kevin enjoys participating in Triathlons/ Ironmans, which has helped him develop a better understanding of care with the aging athlete. Kevin Is also an avid snowboarder, hiker and traveler.

Therapies Include: McKenzie Method Kinesiotaping Post-Operative Rehabilitation TMJ Treatment Certificate of Manual Therapy

Kevin Kelly - BSc.P.T Kevin is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario where he received... Read More

Joe Melo - BHK, MPT

Joe earned his Master of Physical Therapy degree from the University of British Columbia in 2011 after completing a Bachelor’s degree in Human Kinetics. He has completed post-graduate certifications in anatomical acupuncture (CAFCI), orthopaedic manual therapy, and chronic pain management. Joe recently became a certified Gunn IMS (intramuscular stimulation) practitioner through the UBC Faculty of Medicine’s Sports Medicine Division (CGIMS). He also provides custom knee bracing services.

Joe’s treatment approach utilizes postural and movement re-training, dry needling, manual therapy, and pain science education to help patients achieve their unique therapy goals. When he’s not in the clinic, Joe can usually be found spending time with his wife and two sons enjoying everything the beautiful surroundings of Nelson have to offer.

Joe Melo - BHK, MPT Joe earned his Master of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Brit... Read More

Originally from the Eastern Townships of Quebec, Laurie graduated from Université de Sherbrooke with a Master’s degree in Physiotherapy.

Laurie is passionate about pelvic health and has developed extensive experience in perineal and pelvic floor rehabilitation. She believes there is a strong need for greater awareness, education, and access to pelvic health care within our communities. While concerns such as urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, or prolapse are common, Laurie strongly believes they should never be accepted as “normal” and deserve compassionate, skilled, and evidence-based care.

Laurie is proud to be part of the Pelvic Health Team at Kokanee Physiotherapy, where she supports individuals through a wide range of pelvic health concerns including urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, pregnancy and postpartum recovery, birth preparation, scar tissue rehabilitation (including C-section, episiotomy, and perineal tearing), diastasis, constipation, pelvic pain, and lumbopelvic dysfunction.

She has pursued extensive postgraduate training in pelvic health, including return to running postpartum, C-section rehabilitation, birth preparation and pushing strategies, pelvic floor health in weightlifting, and pregnancy-related pelvic pain. She continues to deepen her expertise through advanced training in coccydynia, dyspareunia, and vulvodynia, while staying current with the latest pelvic health and orthopedic research.

Living in the mountains and being deeply connected to an active outdoor lifestyle, Laurie works with many endurance and mountain athletes, helping them navigate injuries, optimize performance, and return confidently to sport. She has a special interest in supporting runners, cyclists, skiers, snowboarders and active women and gender diverse individuals through the unique demands that sport, pregnancy, and pelvic health place on the body.

Laurie’s approach is evidence-based and combines orthopedic assessment, manual therapy, education, and individualized progressive exercise programs. Whether your goal is returning to sport, recovering postpartum, or moving through daily life without pain or limitation, Laurie is committed to helping you feel strong, capable, and connected to your body.

Originally from the Eastern Townships of Quebec, Laurie graduated from Université de Sherbrooke w... Read More

Anna Pauly - BA, MSc, MPT

Anna brings over 30 years of expertise in orthopedic injury rehabilitation and 18 years as a licensed physiotherapist. She holds a Bachelor of Kinesiology, a Master of Science in Physiology, a Master of Science in Physiotherapy, and a diploma in remedial massage therapy. Anna played varsity basketball for both the University of Winnipeg and the University of Manitoba, and her University of Winnipeg team earned induction into the Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame. She has also competed nationally and internationally in Ultimate Frisbee and participated in downhill mountain biking across BC and Alberta. For 10 years, Anna ran her own massage therapy practice before completing her Master of Science in Physiotherapy at the University of Alberta. She then joined the University of Calgary as a physiotherapist, where she gained experience working with Olympic athletes, sports medicine physicians, and orthopedic surgeons, and contributed to research in osteoarthritis rehabilitation, concussion care, and injury prevention.

As the owner of Kokanee Physiotherapy in Nelson, BC, for over seven years, Anna continues to expand her expertise. Her certifications include:

Advanced concussion management, Vestibular rehabilitation (for dizziness and vertigo), Anatomical acupuncture, Intramuscular stimulation (IMS), Training in breathing techniques, Training in the biopsychosocial approach to managing pain and chronic conditions, Numerous orthopedics and manual therapy courses, Pelvic floor rehabilitation and urinary incontinence treatments for both men and women. Anna’s extensive training and experience support a broad scope of care.

In addition to running her practice, Anna is actively involved in her community through volunteering on youth sports boards, coaching, and supporting local organizations. Outside of work, she enjoys cross-country and downhill skiing, mountain biking, and spending time outdoors with her family.

Anna Pauly - BA, MSc, MPT Anna brings over 30 years of expertise in orthopedic injury rehabilita... Read More

Chris recently completed the Registered Massage Therapy program at Kootenay Columbia College in Nelson. He is now a member of the College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC and the Registered Massage Therapists’ Association of BC. He takes a therapeutic, client-centered approach to treatment, with a focus on helping patients reduce pain, improve mobility, and support recovery from both acute and chronic conditions.

Chris worked as a tree planter for five years and in the ski industry for 10 years. Massage therapy played an important role in his recovery from injuries and supporting overall well-being. He was inspired to share those same benefits with others through his own practice.

Chris uses a variety of techniques, including deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, Swedish massage, stretching, and joint mobilizations. He works collaboratively with patients to create treatments tailored to their goals, whether that involves injury recovery, improving mobility, reducing stress, or supporting athletic performance and recovery. He commonly treats neck and shoulder tension, low back and hip pain, headaches, overuse injuries, and general muscular discomfort related to work, sports, and everyday life.

Chris has been privileged to work with a World Cup cross-country mountain bike team. He is excited to ground his practice in Nelson and share his skills with the community at Kokanee Physiotherapy. Outside of the treatment room, you can find him mountain biking, backcountry skiing, bikepacking, hiking, and foraging for wild foods.

Chris recently completed the Registered Massage Therapy program at Kootenay Columbia College in N... Read More

Lara Thiessen - BScHK

Lara completed her BSc in Human Kinetics at the University of Guelph. After her degree, she moved to Nelson to live amongst the mountains that always felt like home. She is a registered kinesiologist with the BC Association of Kinesiologists. 

With over a decade of experience in recreational facilities and private clinics, Lara recognizes the universal importance of movement, in injury rehabilitation and overall health and well-being. Her passion has become working with people of all ages to get them moving effectively so that they can do what they love. She takes a balanced approach to address strength, endurance, muscle activation, body awareness and targeted relaxation. Whether it is injury recovery and prevention or strengthening for everyday life and sports, she wants you working smarter not harder.

Lara also has experience in ergonomics, return to work programs, chronic pain and hydrotherapy.  She has additional certifications in Custom Orthotic Therapy with The Orthotics Group, Kinesiology Taping with FMT, Older Adult Programming with the BCRPA and Weight Training Instructing with CFES.

When she isn’t working, she can be found downhill and cross-country skiing, hiking, mountain biking, whitewater paddling, or doing aerial silks.

Lara Thiessen - BScHK Lara completed her BSc in Human Kinetics at the University of Guelph. Afte... Read More

Experience

Nancy graduated with a 2,200-hour Remedial Massage Diploma with honours from MH Vicars School of Massage Therapy in Calgary, AB. She is a member in good standing with the College of Complementary Health Practitioners of BC and the National Health Practitioners of Canada. Nancy was fortunate to start her career in Canmore, AB, where she completed a mentorship with the head massage therapist with Cross Country Canada and the Biathlon team. She held a full-time position at her mentor’s clinic from 2016 to 2020, where she developed a strong interest in myofascial release. During this time, she had the opportunity to work with both the junior and senior teams as they prepared for the World Championships and the South Korea Winter Games. Since then, Nancy has been operating her own private practice in Golden, BC where she enjoys working with a diverse range of patients and loves the variety this brings into her practice.

Practice Focus

Nancy works collaboratively with other health professionals to create effective treatment plans tailored to each individual. She has pursued extensive continuing education in myofascial release, which forms the foundation of her treatment style, complemented by Swedish massage techniques. With a focus on current research in pain science and chronic pain management, Nancy takes a holistic approach to patient care. She has experience treating post-surgical recovery, injury rehabilitation, whiplash, concussion, TMJ pain and dysfunction, peripheral nerve pain, scar tissue work, preventive maintenance and postural dysfunctions.

Personal

Nancy’s background is deeply rooted in sports and the outdoors. She grew up on a farm in Saskatchewan, where she played competitive sports and trained

in ballet. Moving out to the mountains allowed her to transition into outdoor sports and find new passions. Nancy enjoys downhill skiing and ski touring in the winter, and in the summers enjoys camping and long backpacking trips. She spent her twenties working seasonal jobs as a whitewater rafting guide and ski patroller. These physically demanding roles took a toll on her body and led her to explore a variety of treatment modalities to manage ongoing aches and pain. This experience ultimately inspired her to pursue a career in massage therapy, where she now helps others manage and recover from their own physical challenges.

Experience Nancy graduated with a 2,200-hour Remedial Massage Diploma with honours from MH Vicar... Read More