Our Therapists
Our team of therapists offers a variety of experience and expertise. Our multicultural and multilingual (French, Mandarin, Russian and English) team works together to create a welcoming environment for all. We encourage you to try treatments with more than one therapist, as we all have our own style and approach to the treatment.
ROSE-MARIE NEWLING, RMT, C.H.N.C.
I became interested in understanding the human kinetic structure after I had a reoccurring sports injury, which ultimately led me to a career as a massage therapist. I graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in 1994 and have since spent my time practicing in the White Rock/South Surrey area. In 2000, I became the owner-operator of the White Rock Massage Therapy Clinic, and then in 2014, I expanded the business to include Sheryl Hebb as co-owner. In October 2022 Sheryl and I passed the torch on to Christa Olson, the current owner.
My approach to treatment is to focus on creating balance through the soft tissue, to allow optimal joint function. This is achieved through different assessment tools and varied massage techniques that I have studied throughout my years of practice. Deep Tissue Massage, Trigger Point Therapy, Muscle Energy and Myofascial Release are a few of the techniques integrated into each hands-on treatment. Throughout my treatments, I find it helpful to inform patients of my findings, which assists in the patient’s self-awareness and ultimately to a greater body/mind connection. I also encourage patient involvement through remedial exercise.
Although I enjoy working to create balance through the physical structure, I have treated many different conditions over the years. My practice encompasses everything from stress relief to chronic illness, acute or chronic injury, and I have a special interest in Pre- and Postnatal Massage.
When I am not working with clients, I spend time with my family and friends. To create my own personal balance, I continue my interest in nutritional health, through growing food, gardening and cooking. I enjoy music, exercise and, when time permits, a good book.
SHERYL HEBB, RMT
After many years of service to her clients and the community Sheryl is excited to announce her upcoming retirement! (April 1/2023)
Thank you for all your years with us Sheryl and may you enjoy your new adventures in this next stage of life!
JACINTHE FORTIN, RMT
I was born in Longueuil, Quebec. My first language is French. I have been passionately interested in health, healing and natural medicines for as long as I can remember, but it was when I did volunteer work in Somalia, Africa, that I became interested in touch therapies.
I moved to BC in 1985 and studied at West Coast College of Massage Therapy in Vancouver, graduating 1989. Professional development studies are an ongoing part of my profession. My post-graduate studies include Myofascial Therapy, muscle energy and Craniosacral Therapy. I am currently studying Osteopathy with the ‘Canadian College of Osteopathy’. For information, visit: www.osteopathy-canada.com/manual-osteopathy-philosophy.
I have been practicing at White Rock Massage Therapy Clinic since 1991. During my career as a Massage Therapist, I have taught relaxation massage workshops at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). I have also worked as a clinic supervisor at the West Coast College of Massage Therapy and in one of their student outreach programs, ‘Friends for Life’, in downtown Vancouver.
My belief is that each individual person is unique and comes to me with a unique set of symptoms and history, and treatment needs to be adapted to each individual, at each visit. I carefully gather my patient’s information, their history, do postural assessment, and perform tests and palpation assessments. I develop a treatment plan based on the findings as well as my sense of what the body is communicating to me. My goal is to help correct dysfunctions, release tension in tissue, to increase circulation, to relieve pain, increase mobility, bring balance into the body, help bring a sense of ease and relaxation. I often instruct my patients in specific movement and/or stretches to do at home.
When I am not at work, I enjoy visiting with friends and family. I love the arts, music, theatre and going to the movies. I like to take part in different fitness activities like spinning, Pilates and yoga. I enjoy being outdoors, hiking, skiing, walking my dog and gardening in my community garden, where I find peace, quiet and rejuvenation.
CHRISTA OLSON, RMT
I developed an interest in Massage Therapy after seeing its benefits in treating a close friend with chronic dislocation and muscle damage in the shoulder joint. I started young, just shortly after high school, and received my registration in 2008. Since then I have practiced in many clinics throughout the Lower Mainland and interior of BC as a locum, finally settling for the last two years practicing in Richmond, BC and now White Rock, BC. I have worked together with Chiropractors, Naturopaths, Acupuncturists, Clinic Counsellors, and Massage Therapists in both clinical and spa settings. But now I am fortunate enough to work in a clinic with not only highly experienced RMTs but also one of my closest friends from college.
I have focused much of my post-graduate education on Myofascial Release and Pain Science, considering all aspects of the body and one's lifestyle so as to treat holistically, not just symptomatically. My goal in practice is to facilitate the healing process and educate my patients on how to maintain balance in their bodies through homecare and minor adjustments to everyday habits.
I have treated people from all walks of life: mothers to be, children, professional athletes, weekend warriors, persons with chronic illness, acute injury, repetitive stress injuries, systemic conditions and more. With each person I see, my aim is to assess and create an individual treatment plan catered not only to the condition presented but also the lifestyle of the individual. Having worked with numerous professionals within the health care field, I am aware of when it is best for the patient to consider complementary treatment styles from other therapists or medical professionals. My goal is to see that you receive the best and most effective treatment possible.
My main modalities of treatment include Myofascial Release, Trigger Point Therapy, Deep Tissue and Swedish Massage, Active and Passive Stretching, Joint Mobilization and patient education on homecare.
Although I am at work frequently, between practicing massage and acting as Owner/Operator of White Rock Massage, I try to create balance in my life with such things as skiing, reading, travel and music. You can often find me at the beach or dog park with Shadow.
WENLI YAN, RMT
After studying for more than two years, I completed an intensive 3000-hour massage therapy program at West Coast College of Massage Therapy, and I became an RMT in November 2014.
My first language is Mandarin, but I also speak Cantonese. I was a physician in China for 14 years, and those experiences as a physician still bring smiles to my face when I am looking back. I felt so happy that I could use my knowledge to help people get back to their well-being. After I moved to Canada in 2006, I still want to do related work to help people in need; as a result, I decided to choose massage therapist for my beloved career.
My training at WCCMT was very practical; therefore I had the opportunity to practice all the techniques in the school clinic and various outreach programs. I have worked with both pre- and postnatal women, athletes, and those suffering from stress, pain or overuse injuries.
As a massage therapist, I try my best to make sure that my treatments are based on clients’ needs. I employ Swedish massage, deep tissue therapy, myofascial release, trigger point therapy and stretching in my treatments to achieve the best results. I also provide homecare exercises to help people become more aware of their bodies, giving them advice to prevent further injuries.
KRISTIN MACDONALD, RMT
After graduating from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Kinetics in 2001, I travelled overseas to Ireland and the UK. It was a Sports Massage certificate course at Bedford College in Bedford England, which was the catalyst to my journey as a massage therapist. I remember the exact moment I fell in love with massage and the ability to play a supporting role in a patient’s journey to optimal function, health, and wellbeing. After completing the program in the UK, I returned to Canada to pursue and complete the 3000 hr massage therapy program. Graduating from Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy in 2006, and Registering with the College of Massage Therapy of BC. I have been practicing since, out of several clinics around the lower mainland.
I enjoy working with a variety of patients and have had experience working with sports teams (Vernon Vipers Hockey & Bedford Blues Rugby), individual athletes, weekend warriors, geriatrics, cancer patients, pregnancy, infants, and children.
I treat and tailor a massage therapy session depending on how a patient presents, drawing from several modalities. My practice consists of Myofascial release, Trigger Point release, Cranial Sacral, Visceral Manipulation, Deep Tissue, Swedish Techniques, Sports Massage, and Pregnancy Massage.
I like to include home care and some minor adjustments or suggestions to one's daily living in your treatment session. I feel the more you understand your body and how it works, the more it empowers you to take an active role in your health journey.
When I am not working, I love spending time with my husband, Dave, family, friends, and our pup - Henry! I enjoy yoga, hiking, camping, paddle boarding, gardening, reiki, and reading. I am currently pursuing my Yoga Teacher Training.
MARTIN BIRCHELL, RMT
As a recent graduate of the 2400 hour program at West Coast College of Massage Therapy, I am excited to bring my skills and experience to the public.
I grew up constantly on the move. From a young age I was fascinated by the human body and how it functions. This lead me into a career of coaching diving and triathlon. I spent countless hours analyzing and correcting peoples swimming in the water and on land. My hands on approach was reminiscent of a form of massage therapy: PNF Stretching. When the pandemic hit I realized that I wanted to progress my abilities, and decided to jump professions and become a massage therapist. I found a large part of my learning was the extra work I took on helping my friends and family outside of school.
During treatment, I understand that patients can want a variety of outcomes. I pride myself in being adaptable to what the client needs; furthermore, I supplement every treatment with information that assists in the recovery process. My background in athletics has given me a profound understanding of injuries and the timeline of healing. Let me be your guide to a holistic therapy, you are in control at all times. I have learned many techniques, some of which include trigger point, joint mobilizations, neuromuscular, and more. If I don't recognize the modality, I'll read up on it and be ready for our next treatment.
Outside of my practice, I like to live an active lifestyle. I enjoy kayaking, hiking, swimming, and running. I'm passionate about food, both eating and cooking it! You can catch me most mornings walking the steepest hill in White Rock (Oxford) while enjoying a smooth cup of coffee.
CHANEL JORSVIK, RMT
Chanel thrives for challenge, furthermore, researching and understanding new pathologies, and developing treatment plans and homecare personalized for her patients.
Her interest is most peaked by neurological disorders such as, CNS disorders, proprioception disorders, and nerve entrapments; pre and post natal care, post mastectomy fascial work, pre and post breast reduction, and other types of pathological breast massage.
Chanel is trained with a wide range of modalities such as myofacial release, joint mobilization, passive and active stretching, trigger point therapy, hydrotherapy, respiratory therapy, stress and anxiety reduction, guided relaxation, and Swedish massage.
RICK CHIU, RMT - (currently on sabbatical)
I have been a marathon runner for many years and finished 14 BMO Vancouver Marathons. The determination, discipline and patience required to train for a marathon race helped me power through 2 years of grueling studies at the Utopia Academy Faculty of Massage Therapy and I became an RMT in 2012.
After working 4 years as an RMT in Richmond, it's time for me to move back to South Surrey where I call home for 14 years. White Rock Massage Clinic is the perfect place for me to continue my practice in helping people to relieve their pain without the use of medication. Deep tissue techniques, myofascial release, muscle energy techniques, PNF stretching and Swedish relaxation are some of my favourite modalities. I also provide home care exercise and stretches for my patients when necessary. I have treated many ICBC motor vehicle accident injuries and chronic back and neck pain in collaboration with a chiropractor.
I was born in Hong Kong and have been living in Surrey for 30 years. I am able to communicate with my patients in English, Cantonese and Mandarin to better serve their needs.
At home, I am a dedicated do-it-yourselfer and handyman. I fix broken household items like washer, microwave oven, cars to name a few. My spare time is mostly spent in marathon training, trail running, hiking, skiing and watching sunsets at Crescent Beach.
RMT Regulations
Registered Massage Therapists (RMT) in BC have the highest educational standards in North America. Our therapists have completed the required 3000-hour program, with extensive training in pathology, neurology, anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, clinical sciences and remedial exercise.
After completing the 3-year program, graduates must successfully pass the board exams set by the College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC). RMTs are licensed under the Health Professions Act and governed by the CMTBC, which ensures that the public receives safe and ethical care by establishing and enforcing standards of education and quality of practice by all RMTs. All RMTs are required to maintain continued education with post-graduate studies.