Xavier holds a Kinesiology degree from the University of Lethbridge (2016) and completed his physiotherapy training at the University of Alberta (2020). Xavier treats a variety of pain conditions in addition to concussion treatments, drawing on his extensive athletic background and comprehensive exercise knowledge. His treatment approach emphasizes exercise, complemented by clinical tools and hands-on therapies to support recovery. Outside of his professional practice, Xavier enjoys resort and backcountry skiing, road and mountain biking, cooking, and improving his photography during his travel hacked adventures abroad.

Xavier holds a Kinesiology degree from the University of Lethbridge (2016) and completed his phys... Read More

Geoffrey graduated from Queen’s University with a Master of Science in Physical Therapy in 2015. Upon graduating, Geoff worked with the Canadian military before moving to Toronto, where he worked downtown focusing on MSK and Vestibular Rehabilitation and performed field coverage for local football and track cycling teams. He also worked as an instructor in a physical therapy development prep course.

More recently, Geoff has worked at a private clinic in Victoria and completed a contract in Whistler working with snowboard Canada. Over his career, he has worked in various settings: hospital, long term care, military, private musculoskeletal and vestibular clinics. Geoff is actively involved in continuing education, taking advanced vestibular, manual therapy, exercise, strength and conditioning, taping and acupuncture/IMS courses.

He uses his skills to assess and develop comprehensive programs for people of all ages and abilities to improve performance and day-to-day quality of life. He believes in treating with a combination of manual therapy, exercise and education and is passionate about recovery from both acute traumatic injuries and chronic physical disorders. Geoff draws from his background as a personal trainer and competitive athlete and diverse clinical experience to inform his practice and mentorship of developing physiotherapists.

Growing up, he played soccer and junior hockey and was involved with the Queens’ rugby and track and field team. Currently, he is struggling to manage a growing mountain bike addiction and training a cute but very barky dog that should know better by now. He is tremendously excited to become part of the Nanaimo community and eat many Nanaimo bars with a newfound sense of patriotism.

Geoffrey graduated from Queen’s University with a Master of Science in Physical Therapy in 2015. ... Read More

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Shelley is an experienced Occupational Therapist and yoga teacher trained in neurodevelopment and TBI. She now specializes in concussion care. She works with concussion clients online and in the community, teaching mindset and nervous system regulation first and then how to bring movement, cognitive tasks and sensory back into function using yoga and daily activities.

She lives an active outdoorsy lifestyle in beautiful British Columbia on the west coast of Canada; hiking, swimming, road cycling and spending time in nature. She also works at a therapeutic horseback riding association and has a special love for the farm setting and the horses. After her own series of adventure related concussions several years ago, Shelley struggled to find empowering support and the traditional medical model just did not deliver. With her own OT knowledge, athletic mindset and yoga practice she met with her local vestibular physiotherapist and said hey, what if I design a yoga and education based recovery program clients can do from home! And then it was. She has incorporated up to date training from Concussion Nerds, Modern Yoga Method, Kim Barthel, MovePlayThrive reflex integration, and Love your Brain Yoga.

Her new signature program THREE is designed to empower people in their own healing with current education and real life activities. Clients learn to create safety in the nervous system first and then to use movement to heal. Shelley’s goal now is to help active people find their way back to an active life after concussion.

WEBSITE: https://www.otshelley.com/ FACEBOOK :https://www.facebook.com/OTShelley INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ot_shelley/ THREE: https://programs.otshelley.com/THREE

Shelley is an experienced Occupational Therapist and yoga teacher trained in neurodevelopment and... Read More

Nicole’s professional journey has been marked by a profound commitment to neurological rehabilitation. She embarked on her path with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, specializing in genetics and neurological development. Inspired by a desire to contribute meaningfully, Nicole dedicated her time to volunteer at the Blusson Spinal Cord Centre in Vancouver, where she conducted research on gait training with robotic walking aids for individuals with incomplete spinal cord injuries. This experience kindled her passion for neurological injury and recovery, motivating her to pursue a Masters of Physical Therapy degree.

Since completing her advanced degree, Nicole has channeled her expertise into transforming lives through her work in the field. She has gained invaluable experience at respected institutions like Abilities Neurological Rehabilitation, GF Strong (spine and neuromuscular units), and her current role at Symphony Brain Performance. In these positions, Nicole has had the privilege of assisting clients with a wide range of neurological and developmental concerns.

Nicole has pursued additional courses in areas such as pediatric-specific therapies, Functional Dry Needling (IMS) certification, Vestibular certification in the USA, concussion treatment, and the Bobath technique of neuromuscular facilitation. She has also delved into advanced clinical neuroscience courses offered through the Carrick Institute and Concussion Nerds.

Nicole’s unwavering commitment to her clients’ well-being and recovery is evident in her everyday work. She combines her extensive education, practical experience, and diverse skill set to provide innovative and effective solutions for those in need of neurological rehabilitation. Nicole is not just a physiotherapist; she is a dedicated advocate for the healing journey of each individual she serves.

Nicole’s professional journey has been marked by a profound commitment to neurological rehabilita... Read More

Lauren is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) based in Nanaimo, British Columbia, offering counselling on Saturdays through Symphony. She provides counselling in both English and Spanish and welcomes individuals seeking a Spanish-speaking counsellor in British Columbia.

Lauren supports children, youth, and adults who are experiencing anxiety, trauma, and depressive symptoms. She also has experience working with families, individuals navigating addictions, and clients living with PTSD. Her approach is compassionate, collaborative, and tailored to each person’s unique needs.

Lauren integrates EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) into her practice to support clients in processing traumatic memories and reducing the intensity of distressing experiences. EMDR therapy is an evidence-based approach that helps the brain reprocess difficult experiences so they feel less overwhelming in the present. This approach can be especially helpful for individuals experiencing trauma, anxiety, and attachment-related concerns.

Lauren’s academic background includes an undergraduate degree in Psychology and an Addictions Studies Certificate from Vancouver Island University. She completed her Master’s in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. This diverse education, combined with her clinical experience, allows her to provide evidence-based counselling in British Columbia.

Using a trauma-informed approach, Lauren creates a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment where clients feel heard, valued, and empowered. She works with clients to better understand patterns related to the nervous system, build emotional regulation skills, and create meaningful, lasting change.

Lauren believes that healing happens through collaboration and connection. She is committed to ongoing professional development and providing high-quality care that supports each client’s growth and well-being.

Lauren offers in-person counselling in Nanaimo on Saturdays at Symphony, as well as online counselling across British Columbia.

Lauren is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) based in Nanaimo, British Columbia, offering cou... Read More

Dr. Rachel Parker is originally from Toronto, Ontario, where she grew up playing a variety of sports, including soccer, Nordic skiing, and cross-country running. She later moved west to attend the University of Calgary, earning her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology while competing on the Women’s Varsity Soccer Team.

Following completion of her undergraduate studies, she completed her chiropractic training at the University of Western States in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Rachel is committed to ongoing professional development and broadening her clinical knowledge. She has completed post-graduate training in vestibular rehab, concussion care and is currently enrolled in the Clinical Neuroscience and Rehabilitation diplomate program through The Carrick Institute.

Dr. Rachel has a special clinical interest in concussion, dysautonomia’s, functional neurological disorders (FND), and optimizing athletic performance. She is passionate about helping patients achieve their health and performance goals through a collaborative, individualized, and evidence-based approach to care.

Outside of the clinic, Dr. Rachel enjoys camping, hiking, rock climbing, and golfing. She can often be found outdoors exploring all Vancouver Island has to offer with her partner and their dog, Ivory.

Dr. Rachel Parker is originally from Toronto, Ontario, where she grew up playing a variety of spo... Read More

Jonathan grew up in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where an active lifestyle was always a big part of his life. He grew up playing a variety of sports including hockey, golf, sailing, and snowboarding. Through these experiences, he developed a strong passion for health, fitness, and human performance.

Jonathan went on to complete his undergraduate degree in Neuroscience at Dalhousie University, where he became deeply interested in how the brain works and how it heals after injury. Wanting to combine his love of sport with his curiosity about brain health, he pursued a Master’s in Physiotherapy at McMaster University.

Since graduating, he has continued to grow both personally and professionally through advanced training in the Bobath Concept, Functional Electrical Stimulation, Acute, Post-Concussion Rehabilitation, Motivating Healthy Behaviors and Concussion Nerds. He is especially passionate about working with individuals navigating neurological conditions such as Brain Injury, Stroke, Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Spinal Cord Injury, and Amputation.

His approach to patient care centers around a holistic model, emphasizing the importance of the bio-psycho-social framework. He prioritizes functional movement and patient education in his therapies. What sets him apart as a physiotherapist are his strong communication skills and deep compassion, enabling him to build strong therapeutic relationships with his clients. His commitment to a patient-centered approach is unwavering, as he strives to optimize patient satisfaction and outcomes.

Jonathan grew up in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where an active lifestyle was always a big part of his ... Read More

Susan completed her training in Speech-Language Pathology in 1988, augmenting her skills with a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology in 2007. Her hospital career spans over 25 years – 23 of which were in a supervisory capacity – and experience across the continuum of neurological rehabilitation services. Susan has expertise in neurological disorders of swallowing and communication. A singer herself, the treatment of voice disorders represents a second area of specialization for Susan. Susan’s other passions include vegetable gardening/cooking, drawing, piano, cats, and keeping up at the gym.

Susan completed her training in Speech-Language Pathology in 1988, augmenting her skills with a M... Read More

Trevor holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from the University of Lethbridge. Following his undergraduate studies, he worked with Spinal Cord Injury Alberta, where he led both one-on-one and group therapy sessions for individuals with a wide range of neurological conditions, including spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Driven by a strong interest in advancing his knowledge, Trevor went on to complete a Master of Science at the University of Calgary. His research focused on the effects of aerobic exercise testing on symptom provocation and recovery in individuals with sport-related concussion. This work contributed to multiple publications in peer-reviewed journals within the fields of exercise science and concussion research. During his graduate training, Trevor was actively involved in exercise testing and rehabilitation programming for concussion-related studies through the Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre.

He later earned his Master of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Alberta and has since built a diverse clinical background working in both public and private healthcare settings.

Trevor treats a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, with a growing specialization in concussion and vestibular rehabilitation.Committed to ongoing professional development, Trevor has completed advanced training in concussion management, vestibular rehabilitation, manual therapy for the spine and extremities, and dry needling/IMS.

Outside of the clinic, Trevor is currently battling to lower his golf handicap and develop his surf skills. He is proud to call Nanaimo home and takes full advantage of the incredible outdoor lifestyle and natural beauty the region has to offer.

Trevor holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from the University of Lethbridge. Followi... Read More

Lesley grew up in North Vancouver, but her husband and three children love the community that comes with living on an island and enjoyed island hopping from Bowen, to Gabriola, and now on the big island in beautiful Lantzville.

“My favorite thing about living in Central Vancouver Island is that you are 2 hours away from any activity that you can imagine, from surfing to bustling major cities, to the middle of the bush. You could be skiing in the morning and playing beach volleyball in the afternoon…It’s magnificent!”

Lesley’s passion for sport and the outdoors led her to a Bachelor of Human Kinetics degree from the University of British Columbia. She began her career in 1998, and in over 20 years of practice has worked in multidisciplinary clinics, recreation centers, small private gyms and clients’ homes.

Lesley specializes in functional and rehabilitative training. As a kinesiologist, she takes the time to analyze biomechanics, anatomy, and physiology, using evidence-based research to treat and prevent injury. She works to improve movement and performance, ultimately improving YOUR quality of life. The way you move decides how you live!

Lesley grew up in North Vancouver, but her husband and three children love the community that com... Read More

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My family and I relocated to Nanaimo in October of 2014. My son was only 4 months old, being on maternity leave I had the opportunity to explore my return to work options. Fast Forward to May 2015 and Symphony began as just me - my massage table - and my Sorento. I started Symphony as strictly a mobile service … but I had a vision. I am THRILLED my vision is taking shape! Our clinic opened in April 2016, we have built an amazing team. As I do I am always thinking of ways to serve our clients!

I learned very early in my physiotherapy career that I had a passion for neurology and movement. Since graduating from the University of British Columbia, I have taken post-graduate courses in the Bobath Concept, NDT, PWR!, Chronic Pain, IMS, Acupuncture,Vestibular Rehabilitation,Concussion (Post-Concussion) Rehab and Functional Neurology. I believe that by continuing to educate and grow individually I can offer my clients the best of my skills; which in turn, will help you reach your goals and achieve the most of your quality of life.

I have experience in all aspects of the contiuum of neurological rehab - acute care (including the emergency room, acute stroke floors as well as throughout other medical floors in the hospital setting), In-Patient Rehabilitation, and in the private clinic setting. Having these experiences gives me an understanding of the journey an individual goes through when recovering from either a new injury or an exacerbation of an existing one. ​ In addition to Symphony I began Concussion Coach - this is an online community for individuals anywhere in the world living with persistent concussion symptoms. I saw a need for education, empowerment, support, community and coaching -> which led to Concussion Coach’s creation. ​ I am honoured to have won 2017 Entrepreneur of the Year, 2018 Vancouver Island Business & Community Achievement Awards, and to be a Nominee for the RBC Women’s Entrepreneur Awards.

My family and I relocated to Nanaimo in October of 2014. My son was only 4 months old, being on ... Read More