Clinic

Originally from Alberta, Robyn began her study of eastern philosophy while pursuing a combined degree in Religious Studies and Psychology at the University of Lethbridge. Her interest deepened when she was given the opportunity to study under Dr. Wendy Takeda, who became and continues to be her inspiring mentor.

Relocating to Vancouver Island, Robyn completed a four year program at the Canadian College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (CCAOM), earning her a Diploma of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Upon completion of her studies, Robyn moved further up the westcoast to Tofino where she founded Arbutus Health Centre. As a practitioner, Robyn brings seven years of clinical experience with her and has treated patients with wide ranging concerns such as musculoskeletal injuries, digestive complaints, psycho-emotional disorders, neurological issues, addictions, terminal illness and dermatalogical concerns. Robyn is a certified NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) practitioner and has also studied under Virginia Doran, leading expert on Facial Rejuvination, otherwise known as non-surgical facelifts.

In addition, Robyn has special interest and extensive postgraduate training in women’s reproductive health, fertility, and gynocology. She has studied under notable TCM experts such as Raven Lang, Debra Betts, Bob Flaws, Jean Levesque, and Heather Bruce. 

Robyn’s philosophical approach to treatment includes a strong emphasis on patient participation and education. She encourages patients to take responsibility for their health and to actively participate in the healing process. Robyn often incorporates dietary therapy, lifestyle changes and herbal medicine into her treatment plans. Comfortable within both Western and Eastern medical paradigms, Robyn works with her patients to formulate individualized treatment plans that supports the patient on their journey toward health and inspired living.

Robyn is a Registered Acupuncturist and a member in good standing with the College of Traditional Chinese Practitioners and Acupuncturists (CTCMA).

Natalie Rousseau E-RYT 500 has been teaching Yoga full time since 2002. She has had the great fortune to have studied with some of the world's leading yoga teachers and delights in passing on what she has learned with her students. Natalie leads Teacher Training programs, retreats, and ongoing classes in the Tofino area as well as offering private instruction through Arbutus Health Center, as a way of helping individual students maximize their healing potential.

"I teach Yoga because I believe in it's power to heal and transform. This belief is rooted in personal experience and is renewed through daily practice.

 It is one of my greatest joys, and deepest honours, to share this practice with others so that they too can access the vast reservoir of strength, creativity, contentment, happiness, and true peace that lies within them.

Yoga is a journey of Self-discovery that is open to everyone irregardless of age or ability. The only pre-requisite for this journey is a sincere desire to begin...

I look forward to sharing this journey with you."

Robert Kowatsch has been practicing massage for over a decade now, being initiated into the world of massage while attending The Professional Institute of Massage Therapy in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Robert graduated in 1999 after completing the 2200 hour diploma program. He emerged from the program with a broad skill set that allows him to treat everything from whiplash and sports related injuries, pre and post natal concerns, to disabilities and the terminally ill.

After practicing in Winnipeg for two years, he decided to take his profession on the road. To the very end of the road in fact - Tofino, British Columbia.

Initially, Robert worked at high end resorts where he was trained in Hot Stone massage, Thai Massage, and Hawaiian Lomi Lomi. A few years ago he decided to change direction and became a member of the Arbutus Health team. Practicing at Arbutus Health Center has been the way to incorporate all the modalities and experiences into creating an all around approach to Massage.

Jae Lazar is Tofinoʼs BCRPA Certified Personal Trainer. She has lived in and loved Tofino for nearly twenty years, broken up by sea jobs, world traveling and specialized schooling. Jae also has her Reiki Master Certification and has trained in and practiced Traditional Haida Medicine with Dr Doug Wilson of Haida Gwaii.

She was raised by an old-country Croatian herbsman and nature enthusiast for a father, and a thrill-seeking Gypsy and fresh air fanatic for a mother. Both influences lead to a full life of wilderness adventures and natural healing.

Jae believes that balance is our true nature and infinite wisdom is inherent in all. She loves to encourage us to learn from within and hear our own teachings. As a guide in finding personal health and fitness,she inspires us to get outside and remember ʻchild-likeʼ spontaneity through movement in nature. Jae often has a lot to say about the medicinal and nutritional indigenous plants. She has studied elemental and natural nutrition and is able to give sound advice on a well balanced healthy diet. Jae loves to take her clients to a wide variety of inspiring outdoor locations which would match their level of challenge. She takes full advantage of all kinds of coastal terrain including some rigorous climbs and breath-taking vistas, wobbling docks and winding boardwalks, rooty trails and rugged rocks, through lush rainforest and along the beautiful sandy beaches.

Jae strongly believes in the etheric cleansing and healing effects of the trees, the breeze, sea spray and the forgiving earth under your feet. She supports a belief she calls ʻsustainable fitnessʼ, a grounded approach to finding our own bodyʼs sense or strength and balance which can be completelylifestyle modifications and improvements.

Anne Klazek has joined the Arbutus team in the role of Clinic Manager, with a focus on creating a healing atmosphere while enhancing the experience of each patient. She has a BA in Communications and a background in office administration, marketing, counselling and event management. 

Anne oversees the reception area, herbal dispensary and various marketing functions. She also assists in clinic development and education by organizing events and workshops for health professionals and community outreach.

Nicole's natural inclination to healing touch has guided her towards various eastern massage techniques. In Canada Nicole initially studied the connection between body, mind and spirit through Thai Yoga massage and Reiki. Her studies then lead her to India where she studied Ayurvedic acupressure and massage to further her bodywork education.

Each person has a unique emotional and physical balance, so each massage is adapted to the individual to move and free blocked energy from meridians (energy channels), increase circulation and immune system health, and ultimately release tension, stress and stiffness from the body and mind. This massage increases the vitality of both body and mind through the movement of physical tissue, muscles, joints and energy, which gives one the opportunity to release, open and discover what lies within.