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

Janel’s lifelong pattern of seeking physically and mentally demanding experiences is exactly what led her to her career as a Registered Massage Therapist. Prior to Janel’s education at The West Coast College of Massage Therapy, she was involved in varsity cross-country running for York University in Toronto and worked the arduous job as a tree planter for eight years. During her time as a tree planter, she explored alternative careers including international education, support for homeschooled students, chocolate making and teaching intermediate yoga.

Inspired by the active community, Janel began her own business, The Little Spruce Massage, on Vancouver Island in 2021. She then took to the woods and treated tree planters during the 2022 season with Torrent Silviculture.

In her practice, Janel is passionate and determined to explore exactly what is limiting her patients, causing pain and discomfort and will not waste any time in manipulating tissues and getting to the source. She enjoys problem solving any patient’s needs and especially finds an interest in treating endurance athletes.

Janel has been all over Canada and is now making Nelson home. Nelson’s small and active community is what brought her here, and she is hoping to insert herself into the acro-yoga community and hike as often as possible. When she is not working, she is still using her hands. She enjoys gardening, wood working, foraging, playing guitar, making crafts, going to the gym and running around with her dog, Muskie.

Janel’s lifelong pattern of seeking physically and mentally demanding experiences is exactly what... Read More

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.

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

Anna Pauly - BA, MSc, MPT

Anna has 12 years of experience as a physiotherapist and over 25 years of experience in orthopedic injury rehabilitation. She holds multiple degrees including a Bachelor in Kinesiology, a Master of Science in Physiology, a Master of Science in Physiotherapy, and a two year diploma in remedial massage therapy. She played on the varsity basketball teams for The University of Winnipeg and the University of Manitoba. Her University of Winnipeg team was inducted into the Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame, the Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame, the Sport Manitoba Hall of Fame and the Canada West Hall of Fame. Anna has participated at the national and international level in Ultimate Frisbee, as well as downhill mountain bike racing in BC and Alberta.

Anna was a sole proprietor as a massage therapist for 10 years before completing her Master of Science in Physiotherapy at the University Of Alberta. Upon completion of her education Anna worked as a physiotherapist for 4 years at the University of Calgary. Here she gained experience working with Olympic level athletes, sport medicine physicians, orthopedic surgeons and participated in research studies relating to rehabilitation for osteoarthritis, concussion, and injury prevention.

During her career as a physiotherapist, Anna has continued her education and holds the following accreditations:

Needling courses: Anatomical Acupuncture, Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS),

Orthopedics and Manual Therapy Courses: Canadian Physiotherapy Association Levels I-III courses, Spinal Manipulation, various courses for the shoulder, neck and low back and hip

Concussion Management

Balance and Dizziness rehabilitation: Vestibular rehabilitation

Running Analysis

Bike Fitting

Women’s Health courses: Pelvic Floor rehabilitation, Female Urinary Incontinence Rehabilitation, Dyspareunia (pelvic pain)

Men’s Health Courses: Post-Prostatectomy Rehabilitation, Male Urinary Incontinence

Breathing Courses: BradCliff Level 1

Anna Pauly - BA, MSc, MPT Anna has 12 years of experience as a physiotherapist and over 25 years... Read More

Read More

Originally from the eastern township in Quebec, Laurie graduated from Sherbrooke’s University in 2022 with a master’s degree in Physiotherapy. She is very interested in sports therapy and loves helping her patients going back to the different activities that truly matters to them. Whether you love running, walking, paddling, biking, climbing, skiing or snowboarding, Laurie will make sure you have all the tools and help you need to forget about your injuries when you are out there and just enjoy your activities. Her treatments are evidence based and focusses on orthopedic assessment, manual therapy, patient’s education, and personalized progressive exercise program. Laurie is also passionate about women’s health and is very excited to provide pelvic floor rehabilitation services to the Nelson area. She specialized in post- partum and pre-partum concerns (management of scar tissues, diastasis, low-back pain, constipation), but also in management of urinary incontinence and prolapsus.

Originally from the eastern township in Quebec, Laurie graduated from Sherbrooke’s University in ... Read More