About Us

We’re a group of like-minded experts passionate about empowering people to lead fully active, functional, and pain-free lives.

Real People,

Real Results

Physiotherapists

Ivan Soo, MScPT, BScKin, CGIMS

Ivan Soo, MScPT, BScKin, CGIMS

Physiotherapist

Ivan completed his physiotherapy training at Queens University after obtaining a degree in Kinesiology from Simon Fraser University. He has also completed post-graduate courses in a variety of manual therapy techniques, vestibular rehabilitation, and is certified in both acupuncture and Gunn IMS. In his spare time Ivan enjoys running, playing volleyball, and spending time with his wife and two kids. He is often found completing projects around his home…and the homes of his less handy friends and coworkers.

Catherine Vani, MScPT, BScKin

Catherine Vani, MScPT, BScKin

Physiotherapist

Catherine completed her physiotherapy degree at the University of Alberta and holds a degree in Kinesiology from the University of Victoria. She has also completed post-graduate courses in manual therapy and Clinical Pilates. Catherine enjoys spending time outdoors, is an avid recycler and is the mother of two energetic little boys. She can often be seen jogging on the trails of North Vancouver with her sons, Owen and Benjamin, and less enthusiastic husband, Aaron.

Aaron Vani, MScPT, BScKin, CGIMS

Aaron Vani, MScPT, BScKin, CGIMS

Physiotherapist

Aaron completed his physiotherapy degree at the U of A and a Kinesiology degree from UVic. He has taken manual therapy courses and is licensed to perform IMS. Aaron also assists with a Functional Dry Needling & IMS course. As most of his patients can attest to his joy of talking, teaching was a natural progression for him. Aaron is an active person and has played rugby at a varsity, national, and international level. He enjoys skiing, hiking, and running with his wife, Catherine, and their two boys.

Lian Finch, MPT

Lian Finch, MPT

Physiotherapist

Lian completed her physiotherapy schooling at McMaster University and has a degree in Physiology and Pharmacology from the University of Saskatchewan. She is excited to help patients get back to the activities they love by taking a holistic, evidence-based approach to their physiotherapy. Lian’s treatment style focuses on achieving patient goals through active rehabilitation and education. When Lian isn’t working, she can be spotted running, cycling, trying as many outdoor activities as possible, and searching for the best coffee shop!

Leroy Ho, MPT, BKin

Leroy Ho, MPT, BKin

Physiotherapist

Leroy believes the key to rehabilitation and performance is to understand the individual -Your goals are his goals. He played competitive hockey with Oxford University and applies his experience to personal training, athletic rehab and geriatric longevity. He is certified by GLA:D Canada to manage those with knee & hip osteoarthritis. With years of experience empowering people in chronic pain, Leroy uses a physical and psychological approaches to show that exercise can be done safely and enjoyably for everyone. He is passionate about enabling people to live to their healthiest potential at all stage of life. 

Carmen Fung, MPT, BSc

Carmen Fung, MPT, BSc

Physiotherapist

Carmen graduated with a Master of Physical Therapy from Western University after completing her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Kinesiology at UBC. She spent a number of years working as a physio in Ontario where she specialized in both orthopedic and pelvic health conditions. She has experience working with a variety of clients ranging from young athletes and weekend warriors to clients struggling with symptoms related to pregnancy and delivery.  In her spare time, Carmen can be found running, hiking, skiing, at the gym or baking at home.

Vickie Sandberg, MPT, BKin

Vickie Sandberg, MPT, BKin

Physiotherapist

Vickie graduated from the University of Sydney’s Masters of Physiotherapy program. Before this, she obtained her Bachelor of Kinesiology degree from the University of British Columbia. She has experience working across private practice, hospital and long-term care settings where she uses a full body approach to assess and treat individuals to help them move optimally. Vickie has a background in competitive soccer as well as various other team sports. In her free time, you can find her hiking, skiing and spending time by the ocean with her dog.

Sarah Jane Walker, MScPT, B.HKin

Sarah Jane Walker, MScPT, B.HKin

Physiotherapist

Sarah Jane completed her Bachelors in Human Kinetics at St.FX University and Masters in Physiotherapy at Glasgow Caledonian University. She is passionate about helping patients reach their goals and return to the things they love. She emphasizes a treatment approach that includes patient education, exercise rehabilitation and manual therapy techniques. She recently completed her course in clinical pilates and has pursued other manual therapy courses. SJ loves being active by spending her time running, weight training, and  attending pilates classes.

Registered Massage Therapists

Brian Redillas

Brian Redillas

Registered Massage Therapist

Brian has experience treating people with a range of health problems including MS, chronic pain syndromes, post-MVA related problems, sports-related injuries, muscle tightness, and nerve impingements caused by everyday wear and tear. He uses direct fascial techniques that can be used with light to deep pressure, along with passive stretching and Swedish massage. Learning more about wine, listening to records, encouraging his son’s crazy dance moves and looking for the highest quality cinnamon buns are among his favourite pastimes.

Corey Pettet

Corey Pettet

Registered Massage Therapist

Corey puts emphasis on a thorough assessment and believes that by using techniques that focus on the cause of symptoms, recovery can be achieved more quickly. He has worked with a variety of clients ranging from office workers and nurses to amateur athletes and professional stunt workers. His treatments are generally oil-free and include myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and Graston Technique. Corey enjoys reading about nutrition and experimenting in the kitchen. He can often be found hiking on the North Shore, along Vancouver’s Seawall, or in the gym.

Carmen Merkel

Carmen Merkel

Registered Massage Therapist

Carmen comes to treatment with empathy for each patient’s lived experience. Her practice is heavily informed by her background in yoga and current pain science research. She has taken continuing education in chronic pain, pelvic health, and perinatal care. She has special interests in women’s health and trauma informed care. When not in the clinic, Carmen is working out; trip planning something long on her gravel bike, touring skis or SUP; or enjoying solo sit-down dance parties on her Peloton.

Elyse Stevenson

Elyse Stevenson

Registered Massage Therapist

Elyse’s (she/her) approach is centred around fostering a safe and inclusive space where she aims to increase body awareness by combining manual therapy techniques and focused breathwork. Her areas of interest are general orthopaedic conditions, chronic pain, and TMJ disorders. During a treatment with her you can expect a mix of Swedish, PNF, and Myofascial Release Techniques. Outside of work you can find Elyse hiking, climbing, skiing, or attempting to get through her long TBR (to be read) list.
Ruben Sung

Ruben Sung

Registered Massage Therapist

Ruben is a committed Registered Massage Therapist, bringing extensive experience and expertise to his practice. With a background in Kinesiology from UBC and practical training alongside the Vancouver Whitecaps FC, he has developed a profound passion for manual therapy and rehabilitation. Specializing in sports injuries, TMJ disorders, and post-accident care, Ruben incorporates advanced techniques like myofascial release and deep tissue massage into his treatments. Beyond his professional endeavours, Ruben enjoys cooking, running, and discovering the natural beauty of British Columbia.

Kinesiologists

Carmen Shum, BScKin

Carmen Shum, BScKin

Kinesiologist

Carmen graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from UBC. Her continuous love for sports, exercise and rehabilitation has led her to pursue a career in assisting clients to achieve their goals in both a physically and mentally sustainable way. With individualized programs, she hopes to educate and empower clients to take an active role in self-care.  Carmen is also fluent in Cantonese. Outside of the clinic, she can be found on the court, field or in a restaurant drooling over amazing food.

Mae Nakano, BKin

Mae Nakano, BKin

Kinesiologist

Mae hails from North Vancouver and completed her Bachelor’s in Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology at Simon Fraser University. She believes education is empowerment and strives to teach her clients not only what to do, but why. Her own pursuit for knowledge of the body began with nagging sports injuries. Her competitive edge has smoothed out and nowadays she can be found enjoying hiking, snowboarding, or rock climbing. She loves music, which she originally majored in, and is a self-described crazy cat lady.

Medical Office Assistants

Emily Newell

Emily Newell

Medical Office Assistant

Emily graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor’s degree in Gender Studies, Psychology and Creative Writing and a diploma in Human Resources Management from Simon Fraser University.  Emily’s curiosity in the human behaviour has driven her career in Customer Service and Hospitality.  Emily spends her off time relaxing at home, going out for food/drinks, travelling, playing guitar and hanging with friends.

Selina Chen

Selina Chen

Medical Office Assistant

Selina graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology. Her love for exercise, sports, and rehabilitation has led her to pursue her Master’s of Kinesiology at UBC. She is continuously amazed by the field of rehabilitation and values compassion with every person she meets. In her free time, she likes to spend time at the gym, baking, watching hockey, and chasing sunsets.

Claire Donaldson-Barrio

Claire Donaldson-Barrio

Medical Office Assistant

Claire is currently a sociology student at the University of British Columbia, and is hoping to pursue law school after graduation. She learns about herself through new people and experiences so is always excited to meet new people. In her free time, she loves to cook, read, write, listen to music, travel, go on long walks, and is starting to pick up crochet!

Muskan Shukla

Muskan Shukla

Medical Office Assistant

Muskan has recently graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature. She believes in the positive impact of helping others and is passionate about providing a positive atmosphere. Some of Muskan’s hobbies include reading, listening to music, and watching movies and TV shows.

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Contact Us

179 West 2nd Avenue
Vancouver, BC V5Y 1B8
Tel: 778.819.6565
Email: info@focusphysio.ca

© Focus Physio + Wellness   ||    Privacy Policy
♥ site by cullimore