Manual Therapist & Movement Teacher

Meet Shanda
Manual Therapist & Movement Teacher
Hey, I’m Shanda (rhymes with panda, but friends and family call me Shan), and I strive to be the kind of practitioner I was searching for throughout my own wellness journey.
I’ve always been fascinated by the human body—this intricate, interconnected network where even the smallest imbalance can ripple outward into dysfunction and pain.
My passion is helping others navigate those complexities and move toward optimal wellness with intention, compassion, and a whole-person approach.
My Story
I grew up in Northern British Columbia, balancing my time between competitive sports and running wild outdoors — exploring, playing, and connecting deeply with nature. Movement was always a part of who I was, until injury and trauma reshaped my relationship with my body and ultimately became the foundation of my work.
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Sports injuries introduced me early to physiotherapy and rehabilitation, allowing me to continue doing what I loved. Over time, multiple car accidents led to chronic pain and taught me firsthand how deeply the body holds trauma. Living with endometriosis opened the door to visceral manipulation, while a life-altering concussion and TMJ injury introduced me to craniosacral therapy — both becoming pivotal in my healing journey.
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I found yoga during one of my most vulnerable chapters, while navigating post-concussion syndrome alongside reproductive trauma and infertility. At a time when I couldn’t participate in any other form of physical activity, yoga became both a gentle physical outlet and a sanctuary for healing and reconnection.
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My work today is a reflection of this lived experience. I approach both movement and manual therapy through a holistic and integrated lens — honouring the intelligence of the body and meeting each person where they are. My teaching and treatments are grounded in authenticity, compassion, and nervous system–informed care, blending mindful movement with hands-on therapy to support healing on multiple levels. Whether in a movement class or on the treatment table, my intention is to create a safe and supportive space where you can reconnect with your body, restore balance, and move toward lasting wellness.
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When I’m not working, you’ll often find me outdoors — kayaking, fishing, or spending quiet time in nature. I love sunflowers, extra-frothed milk in my warm drinks, and the kind of deep conversations that make time disappear. I’m drawn to simple, grounding rituals like photography, cooking, baking sourdough bread, gardening, and exploring nourishing foods that support everyday well-being. Most of all, time with my family — my husband, stepson, and furbabies — keeps me connected and rooted in what matters most.




Professional Experience
I am a lifelong learner with a deep curiosity for anatomy and the human body — a passion often revealed by my ever-growing collection of textbooks, highlighters, and well-loved sticky notes.
As a movement teacher, I serve as a facilitator with the Alberta Yoga College, where I guide the Introduction to Trauma-Informed Yoga module with clarity, compassion, and evidence-informed practice.
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Ongoing education is foundational to my practice, and the following trainings inform the depth and integrity of my work.
Professional Training & Credentials
Manual Therapy
Alberta College of Massage Therapy
Diploma of Massage Therapy, Honours with Distinction
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Upledger Institute
Craniosacral Therapy (CST1, CST2, CTTB1, BTD23, TWT)
Barral Institute
Visceral Manipulation (VM1, VM2, VM3, VM4)
Neural Manipulation (NM1)
AIM Wellness
Accupressure for Stress
Accupressure & Meridian Massage (currently studying)
Cupping Canada
Evidence-Informed Cupping
Movement
Alberta Yoga College
200-hour Yoga Teacher Training
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Canadian Institute of Therapeutic Yoga
300-hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training
NMP Somatics™
Teacher in Training - Module 3 Graduate
Yoga for First Responders (YFFR)
Level 1 & 2 - Ambassador
YogaEd
Trauma Informed Youth Yoga & Teen's Yoga
YogaFit
Healing Emotional & Physical Trauma
Yin Yoga
Level 1​
Coaching
​​Certified Coaches Federation
Certified Coach Practitioner
