OUR TEAM
Kendall Burgess, RMT and Clinic Owner
Registered Massage Therapist
(she/her)
Kendall Burgess started her Professional Massage Therapy career in early 2014. After a few years in the field Kendall went on to become a Massage Therapy Instructor with the college she graduated from.
She went on to teach both the practical course and running the student clinic. After teaching and treating full time for a period she chose to step away from teaching to refocus solely on her Massage Therapy duties.
She frequently works with members of the Canadian Physiques Alliance (CPA) and CrossFit Athletes who seek out her skills in deep pressure massage, cupping, AIT stretching and for treatments of frozen shoulder and Plantar Fasciitis.
Kendall has gone on to complete training in cupping massage, hot stone massage and recently certified as a Meditation Practitioner and Teacher.
Kendall prefers warmer weather, thriving in the outdoors and sunshine. She can be found enjoying a good book, spending quality time with her family and hiking/trail walking.
Catherine Kovacich, MSW, RSW
Registered Social Worker and Assistant Clinical Professor at McMaster University, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neuroscience
(she/her)
Catherine brings over 11 years of professional experience in mental health and psychotherapy to her deep and diverse practice. She provides individual and group psychotherapy using her expertise in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance & Change Therapy (ACT), attachment theory, caregiver burnout and compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma, and life coaching.
Throughout her professional experience, she has treated and supported clients with a wide range of issues like depression, anxiety, self-esteem, suicide, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and emotion dysregulation, addiction, Alzheimer's, career guidance, chronic illness or pain, codependency, coping skills, divorce, domestic abuse and violence, family conflict, grief, marital and premarital concerns, infidelity, life transitions, parenting, peer relationships, pregnancy including prenatal and postpartum concerns, relationships, school concerns, self-harming, sexual abuse, stress, and women’s issues. Catherine welcomes and has expertise working with, LGTBQI2 persons, veterans and cancer patients, and all clients over the age of 16.
Catherine has a Bachelor and Masters of Social Work (MSW), a Bachelor of Arts in Gerontology (BA) and a Bachelor of Arts- Political Science (BA.). She has continued her education by studying Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) and is a mental health educator supervising both individual and group psychotherapy students.
*Please note that Catherine is not offering EAP sessions at this time. You are welcome to book a session and use extended health benefits as applicable. Thank you.
Marcel Thysman, RMT
Registered Massage Therapist
(he/him)
Marcel is a fellow Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy Graduate. He left a career in the Insurance industry to become a Registered Massage Therapist and has yet to look back. He chose massage therapy because he found that a career where he can work directly with his clientele, hands-on, and where he can focus on helping others, combined with his ongoing interest in anatomical and physiological sciences, was where he was meant to be.
Marcel’s treatment focus is on soft tissue manipulation and using the body’s own natural processes and reactions to assist in the recovery. In addition to deep tissue massage, he also uses a number of other advanced techniques such as; Facilitated Stretching, Trigger Point Therapy, and TMJ massage in combination with therapeutic exercise and client education to help his clients reach their treatment goals. More recently, Marcel completed some training in Muscles Energy work to help clients with joint mobility restrictions.
You will find Marcel treating part time with availability on Modays, Tuesday and Thursdays.
Dr. Marwa Dabbagh ND
Naturopathic Doctor and Nutritional Counselor
(she/her)
Dr.Dabbagh has been practicing Naturopathic Medicine and Nutritional Counseling for over five years. Her expertise includes diagnosing, treating, and supporting women who have hormonal imbalances; who are going through menopause or infertility; people who are pursuing natural weight loss therapies; and inflammatory illnesses and pain management.
Prior to completing her degree in Naturopathic Medicine from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2013, she obtained her Bachelor of Science from the University of Waterloo in 2009. In addition to her degrees, she has continued her education in the areas of nutrition, fitness, and naturopathic therapies and prescriptions.
As a passionate champion of women’s rights, Dr.Dabbagh can be found volunteering with local organizations like the Multicultural Centre, the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region, and the Coalition of Muslim Women of KW. She also enjoys reading, yoga, working out at the gym, dancing, and sharing her tips for a healthy diet and lifestyle through her social media accounts.
Sonia Hernandez-Bernas RMT
Registered Massage Therapist
(she/her)
An honors graduate from the Massage Therapy program at Westervelt College, Sonia followed her path to a career as a Registered Massage Therapist where she focuses on the treatment of chronic injury, sports injury, and prevention and maintenance of musculoskeletal conditions.
Growing up Sonia was a competitive athlete and, like most young athletes, experienced many sports related injuries. Through it all she found that massage therapy offered a lot of relief in her rehabilitation. Her treatment style includes the use of Passive Stretching and Focused Myofascial Work, as well as Active Inhibition Techniques (AIT). Sonia values the importance of homecare exercises to keep her clients in top form between appointments and tailors her approach according to each individual.
In addition to Massage Therapy, Sonia inspires many as a Muay Thai coach/trainer at a gym in Kitchener, some may even call the gym her natural habitat. She has a softer side too, Sonia is a painter/artist and rumor has it that on the rarest of occasions you may catch her singing at local open-mic nights, however, she will only admit to playing mediocre guitar and says that “a good singing voice is purely subjective” ;)
Alysha Espinal,RMT
Registered Massage Therapist
(she/her)
Welcome Alysha Espinal to Green Base Health. Alysha graduated from the Canadian college of Massage and Hydrotherapy in 2014. She is in good standing with the CMTO and holds a Sports certification, as well as certifications in Hot Stone and Indian Head Massage. She has been providing registered massage therapy in both clinical and spa settings for over 8 years.
During this time she has worked in Toronto and the greater Kitchener/Waterloo region with passionate runners and cyclists. Alysha enjoys treating a variety of conditions utilizing her wide range of massage skills which include deep tissue, myofascial release, trigger point therapy and of course always incorporating some relaxation into all her treatments.
In her spare time Alysha enjoys traveling, having made her way to Thailand, being outdoors on adventures with her family and exploring new parks to spend quality time with her son and Frenchie.
Alysha will be available full time in the clinic Monday to Friday with alternating weekend availability.
Kate Deschatelets, RMT
Registered Massage Therapist
(she/her)
Kate Deschatelets has been a Registered Massage Therapist since graduating from Trillium College in 2017. In addition to her massage training certification, Kate has earned certificates for Hot Stone Massage, Cupping Massage, Nerve Flossing techniques and Indian Head Massage.
She has worked with both spa and clinic settings, gaining valuable experience in a variety of massage techniques. With her advanced knowledge of the human anatomy Kate is able to customize her treatments to her clients in order to meet their unique needs, helping them to achieve their goals in relaxation and pain relief.
When she is not working, Kate enjoys spending time outdoors, going on runs or working out to stay active. She is also a proud mother of two.
Kate is committed to providing a welcoming and comfortable environment, taking the time to get to know each individual and their specific concern.
You will find Kate in the client Wednesdays, Fridays and occasional weekends!
Aliya Malek, DOMP
Osteopathic Manual Practitioner
Aliya is an Osteopathic Manual Practitioner who graduated from the National Academy of Osteopathy. Aliya also holds a Bachelors of Physiotherapy from back home which is equivalent to Canadian Physiotherapy degree.
She performs Osteopathic techniques that are designed to ease neurological irritations around joints, reduce muscle spasms, increase joint mobility and reduce pain and discomfort.
Aliya performs wide range of Osteopathic techniques including manipulation, mobilization, soft tissue therapy and muscle energy techniques Osteopathy is a hands-on therapy that focuses on restoring balance in the body and promoting overall health.
Aliya helps people to move, feel, and live better. Our Osteopathic manual practitioner uses a combination of manual therapy, exercise, and lifestyle advice to provide her clients with safe, effective solutions to reduce stress, tension and discomfort.
Aliya will be treating from 430pm-830pm Monday to Friday, as well as on the occasional Sunday!
Shannon Burke RMT
Registered Massage Therapist
Graduating from Sutherland-Chan in 2021, Shannon Burke is a Registered Massage Therapist in the region with a zest for treatment. She believes in the philosophy of “never stop learning” and brings techniques from many different massage styles into your treatment.
She’s in love with the way that massage is not only healthcare, but can also be a relaxing and nourishing experience. Book a visit for any of your muscle, joint, and connective tissue related concerns as well as for relaxation and revitalization. Shannon aims to meet your needs where they’re at and deliver a tailored treatment that serves you and your conditions best.
When it comes to treatment style, Shannon believes in getting results first and foremost, and feeling good along the way. She values the feel-good qualities of Swedish and relaxation massage with a therapeutic approach in mind. She takes a special interest in treating scoliosis based concerns, headaches, “a crick in the neck” or neck spasms, as well as posture related concerns. However, with a well-rounded background, Shannon has tools to treat every and any concern (within the scope of massage therapy) with the utmost attention and precision.
If you’re looking to start working with someone to reduce pain in your body and increase your quality of life Shannon would love to get started on this journey with you. Any support you need - she’s got your back, and your whole body too!
Shannon joins the GBH team in June on Fridays from 8am to 330pm! Booking available now!