Our Staff
Our Instructors
VCMT is dedicated to the massage therapy profession and to providing the best possible education in Massage Therapy. Our diverse instructional team is composed of leaders in the RMT field who are successful practitioners in their own right, along with chiropractors, osteopaths and other skilled therapists and educators.
Instructors work in partnership with an administrative team dedicated to ensuring that up to date instructional strategies are implemented in the classroom. VCMT values an engaged, participatory learning environment where students feel seen and known.
Regular Guest Speakers
We also regularly host guest speakers, including personal injury lawyers, clinic owners, accountants and more, to help prepare our students for their careers and inform them of the opportunities that exist in our field.
Cadaver Labs
Included in our program, students will attend a series of cadaver labs at Somatic Explorations with instructor Chris Hagey, RMT. At each of the labs students observe different regions of the body in pre-dissected cadavers (pro-sections).
Our Staff
The VCMT Admin Staff
Leanne Bate
David Giesbrecht
Yasi Vasfkar
Rosanna Durante
Mark Arnephy
Camellia Chung
Sophia Faber
Daiva Azubalyte
Aleksandra Wadas
President
Leanne Bate
Before joining VCMT in 2019, I earned an M.A. and M.B.A from UBC and enjoyed a long career in finance. My time at VCMT has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional career! I am amazed and inspired by VCMT’s wonderful students and the variety of paths they have taken to arrive at VCMT. VCMT’s instructors and staff are also a joy work alongside and I feel fortunate to be part of this great community.
Director of Admissions
David Giesbrecht
I love to hear the stories of the students; where they’re coming from and why they want to be RMTs. When I’m not at VCMT I love playing nearly every sport possible, at the same time.
Finance Manager
Yasi Vasfkar
My job is to take numbers on pieces of paper, rearrange them and put them on different pieces of paper. I love numbers! When i’m not at work, I love to build and collect LEGO sets!
Dean
Rosanna Durante
I love seeing students get to their “ah ha moments” As an instructor being able to facilitate those moments is an honor. When I’m not at VCMT I love watching my kids live their best lives as I transport and cheer them on.
Senior Administrator
Mark Arnephy
My favourite thing about VCMT is the students. They learn so much so fast; I find their development inspiring. Outside of VCMT, I look after myself through exercise and music.
Administration Manager
Camellia Chung
My favourite thing about VCMT is the opportunity to support all our students in pursuing their passion to help others. I greatly enjoy working with students and guiding them on their academic and professional journey as I’m very passionate about student advising, leadership and coaching. In my free time, I appreciate a good hike, I’m entertained by a new baking recipe, delight in trying new food, and get a thrill out of a good gaming session.
Admin Coordinator
Sophia Faber
I love to support our students with all the little administrative things, so they can focus on their studies. As an avid reader, my favourite task is to maintain the student library. Snack procurement is also very high on my list of priorities, which keeps staff & students happy. Outside of VCMT, I love to spend time with my two cats, or hike the many beautiful trails Vancouver has to offer.
Clinic Internship Coordinator
Daiva Azubalyte
When I’m at VCMT, I love to hear Dave’s jokes, sing Lithuanian songs and support staff health by eating as many treats as I can so they don’t have to. When I’m not at VCMT, I love to go camping, teach my daughter to swim and lay in the hammock reading a book.
Clinic Internship Manager
Aleksandra Wadas
I feel very honoured and thrilled to be able to play a small role in our students’ journey towards their new careers. I especially enjoy helping the students with identifying their strengths and areas for improvement; along with creating best strategies for success.
Outside of VCMT and my RMT practice, I fill my life with painting, collage making, photography, yoga and hiking. I am also a self-professed cat-lady, and I spend most of my free time with my hairless cats.