Meet the Team

Lynn Brandon

Lynn Brandon
Clinic Owner, Registered Physiotherapist, Certified Pilates Instructor
BSc P.T., CAFCI Registered Physiotherapist, Certified in Acupuncture, Certified in IMS Gunn, Certified STOTT Pilates Instructor, Certified Personal Trainer

Lynn Brandon completed her degree in physiotherapy at the University of British Columbia, graduating with honours in 1986. Over the past 33 years, her experience working in hospital and private practice has allowed exposure in many areas of physiotherapy. In 1994 she co-founded Charlottetown Physiotherapy where she was able to expand her skills in the area of sports and work injury management as well as continued post-graduate training in acupuncture. In 2001, after completing all the courses available through the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute in Toronto, she became certified to practice acupuncture.  In 2017, she added IMS to her 'tool kit' with certification through the UBC Gunn IMS program and has found both IMS and TCM Acupuncture to be very effective adjuncts to her practice.

Lynn volunteered with the Sharks Swim Team as Meet Manager and dry-land training as a Pilates Teacher. She has volunteered as a guest speaker for a number of organizations over the years, which has allowed her the privilege of sharing her expertise with others with the intent of passing along some information people can find useful in their everyday life. Lynn is the past President of the Rotary Club of Strathcona Sunrise (2011-2012) and past president of the Comox Valley Hospice Society (2016-2017).  When she is not working, Lynn volunteers her time doing trail maintenance and building, and enjoys mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, snowshoeing and skiing.

Lynn's interest in fitness and living an active lifestyle evolved from her years growing up in the Comox Valley where the outdoor pursuits of hiking, cycling and water related activity were an integral part of childhood. Together with many years playing volleyball, these things played an important role in shaping her pathway in life. For several years, Lynn was a Course Instructor for Fitness Leaders. For 33 years she has been teaching fitness, initially as an Aerobics Instructor and ACE certified Personal Trainer becoming certified with STOTT Pilates in 2002. She holds STOTT Certification in Matwork and Reformer, as well as Advanced Certification and specialized training for Injuries and Special Populations. Lynn has found Pilates to be a good fit with her paradigm of holistic practice and is a lovely complement to all other forms of exercise.  Her unique blend of warmth, sensitivity and positive energy provides clients with a full spectrum of spiritual, intellectual and physical enhancement.

In 2005, Lynn and her family returned home to the Comox Valley where she founded Bodyworx Physiotherapy and Bodyworx Pilates & Health located at a beautiful facility known as the Manor, overlooking the Comox harbor and mountains. In addition to innovations such as a fully equipped Pilates studio, Lynn's clinic offers Scoliosis/Scheuermann's Kyphosis Management,  Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy,  Neuroproprioceptive Taping (Kinesio taping), Acupuncture, IMS, Laser, Women's and Men's Pelvic Health, Vestibular Rehabilitation, and Balance Retraining Therapy,  Chronic Pain Rehabilitation, Functional Movement Screening and Functional Rehab Orthotics.

Lynn enjoys her clinical work and teaching immensely.  She finds great joy in sharing her passion with others.

Laleh Eskandari

Laleh Eskandari
Registered Physiotherapist
BSc. P.T. AN-IMS, Pelvic Health Physiotherapy, Rost Therapy

Laleh earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Physiotherapy, from Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, in 2002. After moving to BC in 2008 , she began working as a Registered Physiotherapist in private practice in the greater Vancouver area. Laleh has primarliy worked in clinical settings, however has also experienced working in inpatient /hospital settings throughout her career.

Laleh's focus is in treating clients with various orthopaedic and musculoskeletal injuries, using a manual approach including individualized exercise programs. Laleh has pursued academic  post graduate training in manual therapy and advanced orthopaedic courses, with special interest in treating TMJ discorders, Vestibular rehabilitation and Pelvic Health Physiotherapy.

She has advanced training in the assessment and treatment of pelvic floor dystunction ( Female urinary incontinence and pelvic pain, dyspareunia,pain with intercorse). She has extra education on ROST therapy which is an effective evidence-based treatment method for pregnacny related pelvic girdle pain. 

She provides one on one treatment and develops exercise programs towards the goal of the patients. 

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and outdoor activites. 

Gordon McIlroy

Gordon McIlroy
Registered Physiotherapist
BSc. P.T.

Gord has lived and raised his family in the Comox Valley, since graduating from UBC in 1991. After working 25 wonderful years at Courtenay Physiotherapy, he is very excited to be joining Lynn and her team at Bodyworx Physiotherapy.

Mountain Biking, bike touring, cross country and downhill skiing, swimming, yoga and Pilates are some of the activities he enjoys along with a passion for playing music with his friends.

Having an active lifefstyle, Gord understands firsthand how important it is to remain as mobile and active as possible while promoting the healing and recovery of injuries as well as dealing with chronic conditions. At the core of his treatment practice is his belief in giving clients the understanding and tools required for self management.

Gord enjoys working on a one to one basis treating orthopaedic and sports injuries, with a strong emphasis on soft tissue release and joint mobilization techniques along with exercise and postural and stress awareness techniques.

Lifelong learning combined with 25+ years of experience will continue to help clients on their roads to recovery. Gord welcomes seeing past patients as well as meeting new patients here at Bodyworx Physiotherapy.

Shannon  Busto

Shannon Busto
Physiotherapist
B.Kin,MPT

Shannon graduated in 2017 from the University of British Columbia with a Master's degrees in Physical Therapy, proceeded by a Bachelor of Kinesiology . She is a pelvic health physiotherapist with advanced training in incontinence, bladder and bowel dysfunction, pelvic pain, pregnancy and postpartum recovery, sexual pain and disfunction, and trauma/abuse recovery. She treats people of all ages and genders since these issues can affect anyone, at any stage of life. 

She became interested in pelvic health by observing how intensely these conditions can erode the ability to lead a meaningful and joyful life. She found her passion for care by learning how treatable these issues are. Her most influential teachers have been her clients who were willing to share and grow in such vulnerable moments of care.

Shannon grew up in the Comox Valley and is so happy to return and care for her community. She is looking forward to forming a meaningful connection with the greater healthcare community while advocating for pelvic health services.

Outside of work, you may find Shannon Mountain biking, backcountry skiing and generally enjoying the spectacular west coast with friends and family.

Please refer to her website www.valleypelvicphysio.com  for in-depth information regarding pelvic health. 

Thomas Okamura

Thomas Okamura
Physiotherapist
BSc(Kin),MPT,Certified inIMS

Thomas graduated in 2016 from the University of British Columbia with a Master's Degree in Physical Therapy, and previously from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. He has completed advanced training in vestibular and concussion rehabilitation, functional dry needling (IMS), joint mobilization with movement, soft tissue release, and has a Level 1 certification under the Canadian Physiotherapy Association Orthopedic Division.

Thomas has always been dedicated to living an active lifestyle and helping others reach their health and fitness goals. He was first introduced to physical therapy through his own injuries sustained as a competitive judo athlete. Once he saw the benefits of physical therapy in his own life he was determined to become a physical therapist and help others in their recovery from injuries. Thomas uses his background in elite athletics and strength and conditioning to provide high quality care for all patients.

Thomas uses a combination of manual therapy, exercise, and education to help patients recover from an injury and achieve their goals. He enjoys treating a wide variety of patients and injures, with a special interest in treating athletes, neck, and back injuries. He also enjoys providing medical coverage for sporting events including martial arts and soccer.

Outside of the clinic Thomas can be found doing judo, rock climbing, trail running , or playing music. 

Tanya Harmon

Tanya Harmon
Yoga Teacher
RYT-500 YACEP GSY-2

Tanya Harmon

RYT-500 YACEP GSY-2


Tanya's journey through movement spans from childhood days by the beach to aerobics in her teens and marathon running in her thirties. However, it was her discovery of yoga that truly ignited her passion. As a marathon runner, Tanya found the rigor of Ashtanga yoga complemented her drive for exercise, providing strength and flexibility. But it was in a restorative therapeutic yoga class in 2015, led by Lindsay Collins, that she experienced immediate relief from deep physical and emotional pain, setting her on a transformative healing path.

Grateful for this newfound healing, Tanya pursued her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Certification and expanded her training to include Hatha, Yin, Restorative, and Gentle Somatic Yoga, among others. She's committed to sharing these transformative practices that aided in her own healing journey.

Guiding mindful movement is Tanya's true passion, whether it's a fiery strength and balance sequence or a soothing restorative class. Beyond yoga, she cherishes nature walks with her dogs, quality time with her grandchildren, and laughter with loved ones.

Tanya Harmon's journey as a yoga instructor reflects her deep commitment to well-being. Her extensive training and certifications showcase her expertise, making her a trusted guide in the path to healing and mindfulness. Join her for the magic of mindful movement and discover your own transformative journey.

Shane Korpan

Shane Korpan
Certified Pilates Instructor
Certified STOTT Pilates Practitioner

Shane is a Certified STOTT PILATES® Instructor in Essential and Intermediate levels for Matwork, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, Barrels and Injuries and Special Populations course work. When she’s not practicing or teaching Pilates, Shane leads an active lifestyle of skiing, both alpine and nordic in the winters, and the summers are spent on two wheels, either road, mountain, or downhill biking. She also enjoys chasing the wind, kitesurfing around the island throughout the windy season. After experiencing numerous sport related injuries, Shane was introduced to Pilates by a former dance colleague. Her previous fitness training mentality focused on big movements while working the big muscle groups, but since becoming a certified instructor in the STOTT PILATES® Method, she has gained a deeper understanding of the importance of all the small, stabilizing muscles in our body and the effect these muscles have on posture, improving strength, and ultimately preventing injury.

Julie Matthews

Julie Matthews
Certified Pilates and Yoga Instructor
Certified STOTT Pilates Practitioner, ACE Certified Trainer

Julie has a Bachelors of Arts Honors in Psychology and Sociology and a Bachelor of Education from Queen's University.  Julie has traveled extensively, and over the years she has have enjoyed teaching elementary school in several Provinces across Canada.

In 2016, Julie trained with, and worked for, Kathleen Pastorello at Forza Pilates in Colorado Springs.  Julie is certified in all Levels of Reformer, Chair, Tower/Trapeze Table, Barrel and Mat Pilates.  She has completed the Balanced Body Comprehensive 450 Hour Program, and became a National Certified Pilates Instructor in 2017.  

In 2019, Julie also became a Certified Yoga Teacher completing the RYT-200 with Life Power, in Colorado Springs. She has learned how complimentary both yoga and Pilates are to healing the body and functional well being.  She then expanded yoga learning to teach yoga to children in an educational manner, providing students with social, emotional, and physical learning tools. 

Julie feels that Pilates and Yoga is for everyone! For her, it has created a greater self-awareness, as well as many benefits physical and mental health. It brings joy to guide others toward greater self-awareness and better overall health.  Julie states:  “I would love to share a way you can become stronger, more flexible, and balanced through these methods.  I believe Pilates and Yoga helps us function better in every day life, and allows us to enjoy what we love. We get one body and no spare parts, so we need to keep it maintained!”

When not teaching, Julie enjoys exploring new trails with her husband, two boys, friends and Golden Retriever.  She enjoys paddle boarding, hiking, reading, skiing, camping and travelling.

 

Kerstin Mail

Kerstin Mail
Certified Pilates Instructor
Certified Pilates Instructor

Kerstin Mail was born and raised in Vancouver. Inspired by her father who was a doctor and her mother who was a Pilates Instructor, she was always interested in helping bodies (but doesn’t like blood).

Kerstin completed her Bachelor of Exercise Science in Queensland, Australia. From there she moved to Victoria, BC and shared her knowledge and passion as a personal trainer and instructing Pilates, Barre, TRX, and Bootcamps (along with teaching biking and mad science on the side for a thrill). Kerstin solidified a career doing what she loves by going back to school in 2018 to become a Rehabilitation Assistant at Capilano University, and she is thrilled with the path she has chosen.

Sean Murphy

Sean Murphy
Registered Massage Therapist

Sean Murphy is a registered massage therapist who has been practicing in the Comox Valley since 2008.  A Native of Montreal, he graduated with a B.A. in Geography from McGill University in 1986.  Subsequently he moved to Halifax, and then Toronto, where he trained to be an RMT at the Sutherland/Chan School for Massage Therapy, graduating in 1992. After this training he treated clients in Toronto and Victoria before his move to Comox.   Sean has also taught massage and served as a clinic supervisor for the massage therapy program at Centennial College in Scarborough, Ontario.

His present focus is on myofascial structures of the body. His original exposure to these methods was through assisting Joe Bally, Advanced Rolfer, in his courses for health care professionals from 2011-2014.  Presently he is continuing this exploration with Biodynamic Fascial Integration courses led by Natale Reo, RMT and Heather Gitten, RMT, in Vancouver.

The focus of Sean’s practice is on the release and re-balancing of the myofascia of the body for optimal function and health.  He also uses Muscle Energy Techniques and Swedish Massage to reach these goals.

Besides his clinical practice, Sean is a volunteer Tai Chi instructor and co-leader of the Central Vancouver Island Branch of Fung Loy Kok Taoist Tai Chi, a registered charity that offers classes in the Taoist Arts in 26 countries around the world.  He has been “playing” tai chi since 1988.  Sean also likes to explore the natural beauty of the Comox Valley through walking, biking and X-C skiing whenever the opportunity arises.

Lilly Castle

Lilly Castle
Office Manager

Lilly spent 35 years in the Dental Industry where she was a practicing Certified Dental Assistant.  Her extensive experience and great business acumen then advanced her to the position of Office Manager of a busy Dental Clinic here in the Valley for 6 years.

 

Wishing for a change of pace, Lilly brought her excellent management skills to Bodyworx Physiotherapy in July 2019, joining the team as the Office Manager.  She very adeptly manages all aspects of the Business Operations at Bodyworx including Financials, Staffing, Payroll and so much more! 

 

In her off time, Lilly enjoys golfing, gardening, cooking and hiking.  She was born and raised in the Comox Valley, is married and has 3 children and 3 wonderful grandchildren and cherishes her family time with them all.

Edith Patalla

Edith Patalla
Office Assistant
Computer Science Administration Diploma

Edith moved to the area in 1994 from Sointula BC. Edith has spent the last 20 years working in the administration / computer field.  For the last seven years she worked as office manager for a computer company that supported small to medium businesses in the Valley.

 

She loves spending time in her garden with many flowers providing a Bee Heaven. 

Lynn Brandon

Lynn Brandon
Clinic Owner, Registered Physiotherapist, Certified Pilates Instructor

Lynn Brandon completed her degree in physiotherapy at the University of British Columbia, graduating with honours in 1986. Over the past 33 years, her experience working in hospital and private practice has allowed exposure in many areas of physiotherapy. In 1994 she co-founded Charlottetown Physiotherapy where she was able to expand her skills in the area of sports and work injury management as well as continued post-graduate training in acupuncture. In 2001, after completing all the courses av...
Laleh Eskandari

Laleh Eskandari
Registered Physiotherapist

Laleh earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Physiotherapy, from Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, in 2002. After moving to BC in 2008 , she began working as a Registered Physiotherapist in private practice in the greater Vancouver area. Laleh has primarliy worked in clinical settings, however has also experienced working in inpatient /hospital settings throughout her career. Laleh's focus is in treating clients with various orthopaedic and musculoskeletal injuries, using a manual approa...
Gordon McIlroy

Gordon McIlroy
Registered Physiotherapist

Gord has lived and raised his family in the Comox Valley, since graduating from UBC in 1991. After working 25 wonderful years at Courtenay Physiotherapy, he is very excited to be joining Lynn and her team at Bodyworx Physiotherapy. Mountain Biking, bike touring, cross country and downhill skiing, swimming, yoga and Pilates are some of the activities he enjoys along with a passion for playing music with his friends. Having an active lifefstyle, Gord understands firsthand how important it is to ...
Shannon  Busto

Shannon Busto
Physiotherapist

Shannon graduated in 2017 from the University of British Columbia with a Master's degrees in Physical Therapy, proceeded by a Bachelor of Kinesiology . She is a pelvic health physiotherapist with advanced training in incontinence, bladder and bowel dysfunction, pelvic pain, pregnancy and postpartum recovery, sexual pain and disfunction, and trauma/abuse recovery. She treats people of all ages and genders since these issues can affect anyone, at any stage of life.  She became interested in pelv...
Thomas Okamura

Thomas Okamura
Physiotherapist

Thomas graduated in 2016 from the University of British Columbia with a Master's Degree in Physical Therapy, and previously from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. He has completed advanced training in vestibular and concussion rehabilitation, functional dry needling (IMS), joint mobilization with movement, soft tissue release, and has a Level 1 certification under the Canadian Physiotherapy Association Orthopedic Division. Thomas has always been dedicated to l...
Tanya Harmon

Tanya Harmon
Yoga Teacher

Tanya Harmon RYT-500 YACEP GSY-2 Tanya's journey through movement spans from childhood days by the beach to aerobics in her teens and marathon running in her thirties. However, it was her discovery of yoga that truly ignited her passion. As a marathon runner, Tanya found the rigor of Ashtanga yoga complemented her drive for exercise, providing strength and flexibility. But it was in a restorative therapeutic yoga class in 2015, led by Lindsay Collins, that she experienced immediate relief from...
Shane Korpan

Shane Korpan
Certified Pilates Instructor

Shane is a Certified STOTT PILATES® Instructor in Essential and Intermediate levels for Matwork, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, Barrels and Injuries and Special Populations course work. When she’s not practicing or teaching Pilates, Shane leads an active lifestyle of skiing, both alpine and nordic in the winters, and the summers are spent on two wheels, either road, mountain, or downhill biking. She also enjoys chasing the wind, kitesurfing around the island throughout the windy season. After exp...
Julie Matthews

Julie Matthews
Certified Pilates and Yoga Instructor

Julie has a Bachelors of Arts Honors in Psychology and Sociology and a Bachelor of Education from Queen's University.  Julie has traveled extensively, and over the years she has have enjoyed teaching elementary school in several Provinces across Canada. In 2016, Julie trained with, and worked for, Kathleen Pastorello at Forza Pilates in Colorado Springs.  Julie is certified in all Levels of Reformer, Chair, Tower/Trapeze Table, Barrel and Mat Pilates.  She has completed the Balanced Body Com...
Kerstin Mail

Kerstin Mail
Certified Pilates Instructor

Kerstin Mail was born and raised in Vancouver. Inspired by her father who was a doctor and her mother who was a Pilates Instructor, she was always interested in helping bodies (but doesn’t like blood). Kerstin completed her Bachelor of Exercise Science in Queensland, Australia. From there she moved to Victoria, BC and shared her knowledge and passion as a personal trainer and instructing Pilates, Barre, TRX, and Bootcamps (along with teaching biking and mad science on the side for a thrill). ...
Sean Murphy

Sean Murphy
Registered Massage Therapist

Sean Murphy is a registered massage therapist who has been practicing in the Comox Valley since 2008.  A Native of Montreal, he graduated with a B.A. in Geography from McGill University in 1986.  Subsequently he moved to Halifax, and then Toronto, where he trained to be an RMT at the Sutherland/Chan School for Massage Therapy, graduating in 1992. After this training he treated clients in Toronto and Victoria before his move to Comox.   Sean has also taught massage and served as a clinic supe...
Lilly Castle

Lilly Castle
Office Manager

Lilly spent 35 years in the Dental Industry where she was a practicing Certified Dental Assistant.  Her extensive experience and great business acumen then advanced her to the position of Office Manager of a busy Dental Clinic here in the Valley for 6 years.   Wishing for a change of pace, Lilly brought her excellent management skills to Bodyworx Physiotherapy in July 2019, joining the team as the Office Manager.  She very adeptly manages all aspects of the Business Operations at Bodyworx i...
Edith Patalla

Edith Patalla
Office Assistant

Edith moved to the area in 1994 from Sointula BC. Edith has spent the last 20 years working in the administration / computer field.  For the last seven years she worked as office manager for a computer company that supported small to medium businesses in the Valley.   She loves spending time in her garden with many flowers providing a Bee Heaven.