Meet Our Team

Melissa graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from PUC-Campinas, Brazil in 2001. She has also completed training in Functional Dry Needling, Acupuncture and manual therapies. Melissa utilizes her expertise in the musculoskeletal system to assess and treat patients suffering from sport injuries, motor vehicle injuries, biomechanical dysfunctions and persistent pain. Her goal is to educate the patients on their condition and causative factors in order to empower them to take an active role in their rehabilitation process.

She believes that an active treatment plan is the key to a successful recovery. Furthermore, she works with the Banff Sports Medicine Centre surgeons and has developed all of their official pre and post operative knee and shoulder protocols; she has also worked for many years with the Alberta Ballet dancers.

Melissa stays active by hiking, cycling and weight training. She has played competitive volleyball, tennis and soccer and has a special interest in working with athletes.

Heric graduated with Bachelor of Biological Science in 2002 and Bachelor in Physical Therapy in 2004 in São Paulo, Brazil. While in school, he played team handball (European Handball) as a professional athlete and was part of Brazilian National team for the 2000-2004 Olympic cycle. After graduation, he moved to Calgary, Alberta with his wife to work as a physiotherapist. After 14 years in Alberta, he moved with his family to Vancouver Island.

Heric has a clinical background in sports physiotherapy and musculoskeletal pain for over 15 years. He offers a movement and exercise based therapy with a strong education component and patient centred approach. He also has expertise in manual therapy and dry needling techniques.

Outside of work he spends his time with his daughter and wife exploring the beautiful beaches and trails that Vancouver Island has to offer.

Dr Richard McIlmoyle graduated in 1994 from McMaster University with a degree in Biochemistry and graduated cum laude (with honour) with a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Logan College in 1999. He has recently completed a Certificate in Pain management from the University of Alberta to further his goal of helping others to move beyond the suffering of chronic/persistent pain. He enjoys running, and cycling (both road and mountain) throughout Victoria and Vancouver Island as well as spending time with his 2 boys.

He utilizes the most current science regarding pain and biomechanics to guide his treatment, using multiple manual therapies to promote changes with his patients. Dr McIlmoyle enjoys working with all ages and abilities. His goal is to maintain or return you to activities that you enjoy, as it is the best supported intervention when it comes to relieving pain (whether that be recent injury or persisting pain.) Understanding that our body is a robust and adaptable system helps the elite athlete to perform at their best and exercisers to enjoy daily activities.

Treating individuals experiencing persistent pain has become one of his areas of focus, due to it’s debilitating effects on our population and the poor understanding that most practitioners have of the biopsychosocial framework of pain. It is currently the framework that has the best supporting evidence and creates the opportunity to help regain your ability to participate in the things that matter to you.

Dr. Shannon Dodson graduated from the University of Ottawa with a Bachelor of Science Honours in Human Kinetics and went on to complete her Doctor of Chiropractic degree in Toronto at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. She enjoys various activities that keep her outdoors including running, hiking, and snowboarding as well as participating in yoga classes throughout Victoria. She is really enjoying the island life and everything that it has to offer.

Shannon has a variety of interests and enjoys treating a wide-range of conditions in her practice, including sports and overuse injuries, work-related injuries and chronic pain. While in school Shannon realized her passion for working with expectant mothers and their health so she furthered her training and became a prenatal yoga instructor. She loves to work with all ages and walks of life, wanting to enhance quality of life in all of her patients. She uses a variety of techniques including manipulation, soft tissue therapy, and rehabilitation to provide the best, well rounded patient care possible.

Joel earned his diploma of acupuncture from the CCAOM in Victoria BC and is a registered member in good standing with the CTCMA. In addition, a degree from the UVic in Pacific and Asian studies has enriched his understanding of Taoist philosophy, a central tenet of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Having pursued an active lifestyle, Joel is keenly interested in body mechanics, the cause,
prevention and treatment of repetitive strain and acute and chronic pain. As a teaching tennis pro over the past 20 years, Joel understands how poor technique in athletics often leads to injury, and has made it his goal to reduce stress and strain in the body and improve performance.

After a diagnosis of inflammatory arthritis, Joel discovered the pain and healing techniques of acupuncture and was hooked immediately. As a result he has been able to continue coaching and playing tennis and enjoy an active life.

Jeff has been a Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Practitioner in good standing with the College of TCM Practitioners and Acupuncturists of British Columbia since 2015. He received a diploma in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from Pacific Rim College, graduating with honours valedictorian.

As an avid musician and someone who enjoys keeping physically active, Jeff understands the impact health-related challenges have on our quality of life. Growing up in rural Nova Scotia, Jeff struggled with debilitating allergies from a very young age. Having tried various treatment approaches without success, it was acupuncture that ultimately proved effective at providing the relief he sought.

Jeff’s treatment style is collaborative, connects traditional and modern knowledge, and strives to create a safe and comfortable environment while tailoring treatments to his patients needs and goals. He enjoys working with a variety of people though has a special interest helping those experiencing acute or chronic pain. Jeff looks forward to working with you and sharing the benefits that TCM & acupuncture may offer.

Kelsey graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in Victoria and has been practicing massage therapy since 2006. In addition to working at Achieve Health he shares his experience as a Clinic Supervisor and Instructor at the West Coast College of Massage Therapy.

He believes in the importance of assessment prior to and during his treatments to help determine the underlying issues. The techniques Kelsey often uses during his treatments include, but are not limited to, myofascial release, trigger point release therapy, joint mobilizations, soft tissue release, muscle energy, and Swedish. An equally important part of his treatments is patient education and homecare. He enjoys furthering his education and continuing to gain an even better understanding of our complex bodies and how they function. Kelsey believes in the importance of a balanced lifestyle, and that Registered Massage Therapy can be an instrumental element in achieving this balance. When not working at the office or the school, Kelsey enjoys leading an active lifestyle with activities such as jogging with his dog, hiking, camping, workouts at the gym, and spending time with his wife.

Follow Kelsey on Facebook for interesting articles about fitness, nutrition and general health.

Sheena graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in 2003 and began practicing as a registered massage therapist in Victoria shortly after, joining the team at Achieve Health in 2010. She has a general practice and has had proven success treating a variety of different ailments including postural dysfunction, back pain, headaches, whiplash, TMJ pain, plantar fasciitis, and pre and post natal care. Over the years she has worked with many different clients, including athletes, children, expectant mothers and business professionals. A variety of techniques are used by Sheena to help her patients reach their goals, including myofascial release, trigger point therapy, stress reduction, deep tissue massage, muscle energy techniques and various Swedish massage techniques, all while maintaining an overall relaxing treatment.

Steve is a graduate of the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in Victoria, BC and has been working as a Registered Massage Therapist since 2003. He continues to up-grade his skills and knowledge through regular professional development and has trained in Thai Massage for the Table, Pregnancy Massage and Joint Mobilization for the Spine. He also works as a clinical supervisor at the West Coast College of Massage Therapy since 2007.

Steve utilizes a variety of techniques depending on his assessment of patient’s needs. These techniques range from deep tissue work, relaxation massage, trigger point therapy, joint mobilization, myofascial release, assisted isolated stretching and remedial exercise. Steve grew up in the Cowichan Valley and has resided in Victoria since 1993. He has three amazing kids that keep him active. He also enjoys long distance ocean canoeing (Tribal Journeys), traveling, outdoor activities, and fine foods.

Brad is a graduate of the West Coast College of Massage Therapy, Victoria. Originally hailing from the mountains of Canmore, AB, he fell in love with the laid back Vancouver Island lifestyle as soon as he stepped off the ferry.

Prior to the commencement of his studies, Brad worked in a variety of roles in the restaurant industry. This experience has instilled a client-centered attitude and given him the skills to build rapport and put clients at ease, all while quickly assessing their wants and needs.

Brad enjoys staying up to date with current research in manual therapy and exercise rehabilitation and feels strongly that an evidence-informed practice results in the best outcomes for clients. He looks forward to working with the clients at Achieve to help restore their own sense of calm, self-sufficiency, and independence.

Grace graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in 2019 but her love of massage started long before that. Grace has always had a passion for massage therapy and its benefits for both body and mind.

Grace has found a particular interest in treating temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, whiplash injuries, postural dysfunction, chronic pain, and anxiety.

Grace was born and raised in Victoria. She has a great love of the ocean, exploring nature and moving her body. She believes the body is our greatest instrument and wants you to enjoy living in it.

When not in the clinic you can find her camping, exploring Victoria’s music scene, or in a chair at the beach.

Darrelle has been practicing massage therapy in the Victoria area for over 20 years. She is excited to be relocating her practice and joining the team at Achieve Health.

Darrelle graduated from Canadian Therapeutic College (Ontario) in 1999. She practiced massage therapy in Ontario before moving to Victoria in 2002.

She is passionate about both the outdoors and active living and encourages her clients to pursue a healthy lifestyle. She believes people will benefit from massage treatments which help restore healthy tissue, speed recovery from injury, decrease pain and tension and reduce stress. She offers a relaxing massage while addressing client specific goals for treatment. She looks forward to assisting her clients in maintaining a healthy active lifestyle.

Dan graduated from the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy in 1993 and West Coast College of Massage Therapy in 2001, and has operated successful practices in both Ontario and BC. He is delighted to be part of the Achieve Health team, offering evening and weekend appointments.

Dan employs a holistic, evidence-based approach to treatment. The body is an interconnected series of systems and chronic limiters such as pain and restricted range of motion are often due to a combination of factors, not just one. Time spent in assessment and dialogue is seldom wasted. Through this collaborative approach, Dan utilizes a variety of treatment techniques such as trigger point, NMT, swedish massage, sports/deep tissue massage and myofascial release. The final treatment piece is focused on tools for everyday life, such as stretching and postural education.

An avid endurance athlete and certified triathlon coach, Dan enjoys covering miles on two wheels or two feet. Dan also enjoys spending time exploring Vancouver Island with his wife and 3 children.

Sam is a 2018 graduate of the West Coast College of Massage Therapy 2200-hour program in Victoria. She has worked with many conditions and has a particular interest in working with stress management, headaches and athletes. She uses a wide variety of modalities in her treatments to help patients obtain their overall wellness and body awareness. She believes patient education is key to helping people maintain and achieve their health goals.

Outside of the treatment room, Sam can be found at the park with her daughter, walking her dog and hiking with her family.

Kaitlin is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), registered with CRPO in 2022, and a Licensed Professional Art Therapist through CATA registered in 2020. She is also a nature-based therapist and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional.

In her Psychotherapy practice, Kaitlin offers evidence-based and trauma-informed art therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), somatic processing and trauma recovery.

MBCT integrates mindfulness and meditation into treatment of challenging emotions and persistent pain. Kaitlin works with clients in a somatic way to increase awareness of the mind-body-spirit connection, which is vital to mental, emotional and physical health and healing.

She works with children, youth and adults experiencing emotional distress such as grief and loss, depression, stress, anxiety, addiction, trauma, PTSD, persistent pain, traumatic brain injury, relationship and family challenges, difficult life transitions and neuro-diverse issues.

Kaitlin works with each of her clients to create a unique treatment plan that can include one modality or a combination of art therapy, MBCT, deepening relationship with self and nature, as well as somatic processes from inner family systems, parts work, and polyvagal theory.

Kaitlin is currently training in Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR), which comes from EMDR and is an effective treatment of trauma and shock. Clients can choose to work virtually, in clinic, or in nature, or in a combination of their choice. Psychotherapy is covered by most insurance plans.