ABOUT MASSAGE THERAPY
Massage Therapy (whether registered or awaiting registration) is the manipulation of soft tissue including, muscles, connective tissues, tendons, ligaments and facia. Massage Therapy is a healthcare option that can help alleviate discomfort associated with everyday life, occupational stressor's, muscular over-use and other various chronic pain conditions.
Kira Anderson | RMT
Kira graduated from the Registered Massage Therapy program at Kootenay Columbia College of Integrative Health Sciences in 2024, building on her diploma in Human Kinetics (Kinesiology) from Okanagan College.
With a background in ballet, Kira’s passion for movement has always been central to her life. After transitioning from dance due to injuries, she explored various forms of movement and outdoor activities, furthering her knowledge of the body. This led her to yoga teacher training and eventually kinesiology. During her studies, Kira developed a desire for a more hands-on approach to supporting others in their physical health, which ultimately led her to pursue a career in massage therapy.
Kira integrates her kinesiology background with massage therapy to assist clients in regaining function, reducing pain, and improving overall well-being. She incorporates a variety of techniques, including myofascial release, trigger point release, Swedish techniques, joint mobilizations, and stretching, to create personalized treatment plans.
Kira is committed to providing an inclusive environment where each session is tailored to meet individual needs and goals.
Mareike Buthmann | RMT
Mareike is a dedicated graduate of the rigorous 3000+ hour Registered Massage Therapy program at Kootenay Columbia College in Nelson. Originally from Germany, her passion for understanding the human body began early, driven by a desire to explore how actions and behaviors influence overall health. After overcoming several injuries herself, Mareike personally witnessed the transformative power of massage and other therapeutic treatments in restoring strength and well-being. Now, she is thrilled to be part to the community that played such a crucial role in her recovery.
With a strong background in holistic health and nutrition, Mareike has spent the past six years in Vancouver helping individuals achieve their health goals. She is eager to continue supporting others with her massage treatments in both their recovery and preventive care in the Kootenays.
Whether clients are dealing with stress, pain, or recovering from an injury, Mareike employs her professional expertise to alleviate discomfort and enhance overall well-being. She offers Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, trigger point release, myofascial release, and joint mobilization. Additionally, she incorporates orthopedic assessments, therapeutic exercises, and self-care education into her practice to create personalized treatment plans tailored to each client’s unique goals.
Outside of the clinic, Mareike enjoys her active lifestyle in the Kootenays including backcountry skiing, snowboarding, trail running, hiking, canoeing and her workout routine at the gym. She is very excited to be part the team at Kootenay Integrated Health and providing quality care to the local community.
Katy Perepolkin | RMT
Katy graduated from Kootenay Columbia College completing the 3000+ hour registered massage therapy program in Nelson, BC. Always knowing she wanted to be in health care growing up, her first career was being a health care assistant that she enjoyed for 4 years before setting her sights on a career in massage therapy.
Katy’s passion for massage therapy stemmed from a younger age being in many sports growing up and experiencing the benefit of massage therapy for recovery, performance and maintenance. She utilizes a variety of techniques based on individual health presentation and history and her approach is diverse ranging from relaxation to therapeutic specific treatments.
Being from the Kootenays, she is excited and fortunate to be able to have a career locally and help people in the community she grew up in.