Meet our team
Arbutus Health Center is comprised of a team of talented and inspired healthcare professionals that believe our patients are best served by a multi-disciplinary approach, making use of our diverse fields of expertise.
Robyn K. Sorge, R.Ac
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 west coast to Tofino where she founded Arbutus Health Centre in 2007.
Robyn has a strong general practice and brings over a decade of clinical experience with her, treating patients with a wide ranging concerns, which includes a special interest and extensive postgraduate training in women's reproductive health, fertility and gynecology.
Robyn's philosophical approach to treatment includes a strong emphasis on patent participation and education. She encourages patients to take responsibility for their health and to actively participate in the healing process.
Dr. Fiona Smulders ND
I believe that health is a state of balance. When we fall out of balance through physical, mental or emotional injury, we become susceptible to illness. My mission is to help you regain and maintain balance by optimizing dietary and lifestyle patterns, transforming self-limiting thoughts and beliefs, and applying herbal remedies, mind-body counselling, nutritional supplements, acupuncture and bodywork to strengthen your natural ability to heal yourself.
I am a licensed Naturopathic Doctor from the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine. I have an Honours Degree in Kinesiology from the University of Western Ontario and additional training in Rehabilitation Therapy for injury recovery, Advanced Obstetrics, Bowen Therapy, Craniosacral Therapy, Reiki, and as a Naturopathic Doula. I have also studied Traditional Herbal Medicine with a Kichwa Shaman in the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest.
As a Naturopathic Doctor, I combine the healing practices of traditional natural therapies with western medical practices to create evidence-based natural treatment plans unique to your needs. On my days off, I love to recharge by hiking through the wild West-coast forests and soaking in the salty seas. I look forward to working with you in optimizing your health and vitality!
Megan Rivaard, RMT
Megan was born and raised on Vancouver Island and has always made it a priority to combine her love for the west coast with her passion for fitness. As a long distance runner, she has been fascinated by the intelligence of the human body for as long as she can remember! Megan graduated from the Victoria Campus of West Coast College of Massage Therapy in 2012, where she completed the 3,000-hour RMT program. She is a member in good standing with the College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia and is currently working towards her Bachelor of Health Sciences at Thompson Rivers University.
Megan has taken a wide spectrum of continuing education courses focused on the treatment of athletic injuries, TMJ dysfunction, low-back pain, repetitive strain injuries, as well as pre and post natal care. She often incorporates trigger point therapy, myofascial release, joint mobilizations, facilitated stretching and can modify treatment pressure to suit each individual clients needs. Her philosophy is to treat the body as a whole, addressing both the symptoms and underlying cause of dysfunction in order to decrease both physical and emotional stress.
Josee St Amour, RMT
Graduate of the RMT program at the West Coast College of Massage therapy in Victoria, BC. An athlete for most her life, a series of sport injuries has given her a personal experience with both acute and chronic pain, the rehab process including set-backs and re-injury as well as the success of full recovery. As a health care professional, Josee is dedicated to providing the best possible care for you. She uses specific orthopedic testing and postural assessments to pin point the cause of the pain. Personalized treatment plan that include home care exercises and stretches will help you achieve your goals and getting you back out doing what you love!
Josee's focus on therapeutic treatment is based on the patients needs and goals. Josee believe's in good communication between therapist and client for effective results. Some of the techniques you can expect in Josee's approach includes sport massage, deep tissue, active release, myofascial release, trigger point and Swedish massage.