About

The only failure one man should fear, is the failure to do his best. – Andrew Taylor Still

Once Upon a Time

A four years old little girl started playing piano . Her parent’s plan for her was to become a pianist, so she went to the prestigious Versailles conservatory in France .But it was not her dream, she wanted to ride horses So eventually she started riding poneys ( her mom thinking horses were really big animals …) and it became the kind of passion that makes you wake up at 4 every Sundays to go on competition.At some point her parents asked themselves if they had to put all the efforts for her to succeed in competition and do that for a living.

But no, something was missing …

And one day, she was 18, wondering what she wanted to do in life, and one of her American aunt called her ( at that time in 1992, osteopathy was really at his beginning in France, but as the founder of Osteopathy was American, very known over there ), saying that she had found the perfect job for her : osteopath for Horses.

There was no School in France to learn osteopathy for animals in 1992, so she was said that she had to study osteopathy for humans first and take courses in equine osteopathy after graduating. She did so, but working with people eventually became a no-brainer, and she never ceased to be grateful for that call…Now you know my story, you know what I do healing people, and you know how I do it, with osteopathy, but do you want to know why?

Experience

Education

Our Vision &
Mission

My mission is to be an accommodating and a safe space for the people in pain to seek help. Here, I firmly believe that we are responsible for the world we live in and we can shape it to become a space where our children, family, friends and patients, are able to find a professional or place where they feel safe. A place where they will find the help they need in regards to their pain (it can be an ankle, stomach, stress, or trauma). Helping people feel better, and offering this safe space for people to heal is what drives me and what makes me feel useful.

Meet the Team

Noémie Valois

Pilate instructor , BIO

Noémie is a Pilates instructor from Nice, France. Her love for movement started at the age of five when she started her dancing lessons. She was introduced to Pilates in Elementary school, and since then she has experienced a significant improvement in her strength and movement which helped her for her dancing career.

Noémie aspired to share the mobility and freedom she gained by practicing Pilates with others. After moving to Vancouver she received her Diploma to become an instructor from Pilates Process Vancouver. She has experience in helping people with mobility issues, and back problems. She worked with physiotherapist who specialized in pelvic floor and helped pregnant and postpartum women to reconnect with their bodies.

She wanted others to realize the true potential of their body and improve mental connection. The happiness she gains from seeing her clients experience freedom and strength through Pilates is the biggest reward. Out of the studio, she is also super active and loves going to adventure.

Nicole Williamson

Osteopathic practitioner BIO

Nicole graduated with a 5-year full-time diploma (4800 hours of education) in Osteopathic Manual Therapy from the Osteopathic College of Bordeaux in France. She has been passionate about osteopathy for many years. Her comprehensive 5-year training has allowed her to acquire diverse expertise and explore various treatment methods. Her commitment to the profession extends beyond clinical practice, as she has had the opportunity to teach and share her knowledge within her college.

During her studies, she participated in internships at sports events such as CrossFit, swimming, and races, as well as with children with disabilities. These experiences have shaped her understanding of osteopathy, enabling her to adapt her practice to the specific needs of her patients.

In her final year, she conducted an experimental study focused on the impact of osteopathic treatment on a patient’s stress levels. This study allowed her to incorporate a somato-emotional aspect into her practice.

As a member of OsteopathyBC, she strives to stay informed about the latest advances in the field and maintain high professional standards. Her therapeutic approach includes a range of techniques, from myofascial manipulation to visceral mobilization and myotensive techniques, all tailored to the individual needs of her patients.

She is eager to put her skills to use for her patients’ well-being. Feel free to contact her to schedule an appointment or if you have any questions..

Wai Lam ( Eric ) Tsang

Acupuncturist, BIO

Eric is a devoted and highly skilled Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (RTCMP) with a Bachelor’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Biomedical Science (Honours) from Hong Kong Baptist University. As a current CTCMA-RTCMP, Eric demonstrates a strong commitment to healthcare, and has made significant contributions to the field during his tenure as an RTCMP in Hong Kong. His extensive experience spans diverse clinical settings, including non-profit purpose clinics, private clinics, and serving as a bedside acupuncturist in Hong Kong Public Hospitals since 2021.

Over the span of two years in practice, Eric has effectively treated over 4500 cases, showcasing expertise in addressing a wide array of health issues, with a particular emphasis on the sequelae of COVID-19. Eric’s areas of expertise cover a broad spectrum, including, but not limited to, Insomnia-related treatment, Gynaecology and Menstruation disorder treatment, and Pain Associated treatment (headache, cervical spondylosis, neck and shoulder pain, lower back pain, tennis elbows, frozen shoulder, menstruation disorders, knee pain, cruciate ligament injuries, Achilles injuries, Plantar Fasciitis, and more).

Sharlyn So

Registered Holistic Nutritionist

Sharlyn is a professionally trained chef and Registered Holistic Nutritionist with a deep
passion for empowering others to achieve optimal health through nutrition and balanced living. She holds a Double Major in Psychology and Food, Nutrition, and Health (FNH) from the University of British Columbia and graduated with distinction from the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition. Sharlyn’s culinary journey includes earning her Culinary Red Seal certication and honing her skills in some of Vancouver’s nest kitchens. As a dedicated culinary competitor, she has proudly represented Canada on the world stage, competing as a member of Culinary Team BC and Culinary Team Canada.

A strong advocate of preventive nutrition, Sharlyn believes that wellness is cultivated
through a holistic approach to food and lifestyle. She blends her extensive culinary expertise with her in-depth nutrition education to craft creative, nutrient-dense recipes that inspire lasting change and well-being. Her approach to nutrition is rooted in practicality and flavour, making healthy choices accessible and enjoyable.

Outside of her professional life, Sharlyn is an avid adventurer, enjoying outdoor excursions with her two dogs, playing sports, and nurturing her creative side through drawing and arts and crafts. Whether she’s exploring the great outdoors, staying active with sports, or expressing herself through art, Sharlyn values the importance of balancing physical, and mental well-being.

With a lifelong learning and growth commitment, Sharlyn stays at the forefront of science and evidence-based nutrition, continually exploring the latest trends and innovations. She is dedicated to finding new ways to inspire and support others in their pursuit of a healthy, vibrant life.

Julie Shillabeer

Acupuncturist

With more than 20 years of experience in Constitutional Facial Renewal Acupuncture
and Vibrational Facial Soundscapes™, Julie Shillabeer, R.Ac., is Canada’s only certified
Educator of these unique modalities. She is passionate about combining ancient and
revolutionary modalities, including acupuncture, Chinese medicine, and sound healing, to help people age with health and beauty. Julie’s dedication to her craft and her innovative approach makes her a sought-after practitioner and educator in the field of holistic health and wellness

Luca Del Pero

Osteopathic practitioner

Luca is an osteopathic practitioner with over 7 years of experience in treating musculoskeletal dysfunctions. Born in Italy, he completed his undergraduate degree in Sport Science at the University of Turin, before pursuing a Master’s degree in Osteopathy at Swansea University in the UK, where he further developed his expertise. After completing his Master’s, he opened his own practice in Italy, where he worked for over 3 years. With a holistic approach to healthcare, Luca views the body as an interconnected system, integrating active treatments like exercise prescription with passive manual therapies. Passionate about sports, he enjoys exploring the dynamics of movement and injury in athletic contexts. He has also collaborated with dentists to treat temporomandibular joint dysfunctions and various types of headaches. Known for his positive and empathic approach, Luca believes that strong patient-practitioner collaboration and trust are key to a successful outcome. His diverse skill set includes soft tissue techniques, joint mobilization, and a wide range of therapeutic approaches to address musculoskeletal dysfunctions, helping patients achieve long-term recovery and optimal performance. A soccer enthusiast, Luca is also passionate about climbing, mountain activities, cooking, and travelling—making Vancouver the perfect destination for both his personal and professional life. He has recently relocated to the city with his Border Collie, ready to embark on this exciting new chapter.

Christabelle Pausey

Counsellor

Christabelle’s approach strives to create space for clients to connect with their strengths and expansive potential. As a client-centred Counsellor, she believes we all hold our own answers to life’s challenges and loves to see clients’ capacity expand beyond what they thought was possible. As a somatic-focused practitioner, she centres the body in the therapeutic process and often uses movement and imagination as a way to dialogue with oneself. With a background in trauma-sensitive movement and health coaching, she acknowledges the ways in which both our immediate circumstances and our culture at large can impact us and aims to attend to this in a way that is tangible and holistic. She welcomes clients from all backgrounds and orientations and is eager to collaborate with other providers to improve clients’ outcomes.

Christabelle’s is currently offering a lower hourly rate as she completes requirements for designation.

Marjorie Leborgne

Personal Trainer

Originally from France, Marjorie grew up on the tatami mats, starting judo at the age of 4. She earned her 1st dan black belt at 16 while competing in tournaments. Her passion for martial arts expanded when she discovered boxing in France, a journey she continued in Canada. Over the past two years, she has also immersed herself in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, earning a blue belt and winning her first competition in June 2024.

Before transitioning to the fitness industry, Marjorie built an impressive career with eight years of experience as a communication manager and digital marketing specialist.
However, her deep passion for sports and her commitment to helping others regain confidence through fitness and self-defence led her to pursue her ACE Personal Trainer certification. Since then, she has been sharing her expertise, energy, and enthusiasm by coaching kickboxing and conditioning classes in Vancouver, inspiring her clients to push their limits and achieve their goals. When she’s not at the gym, Marjorie can be found skiing, surfing, or running —always seeking new challenges and opportunities to grow.

FAQ

Does treatment hurt ?

Usually Osteopathic treatment are not painful. Sometime though you could feel some discomfort but you wiIl be advised to tell your Osteopathic practitioner if it is too much.

How long are the sessions?

Regular Osteopathic sessions last 55 min. The 110 min sessions are not available for new patients.

What should I wear?

Please do come with loose confortable clothings, no jeans… You can also bring a change of clothes : short, tee-shirt…

What happens during an Osteopathic treatment ?

The osteopath will need to examine the area(s) of your body causing discomfort. Sometimes the cause of the problem may be in a different area to the pain, (For example, a difference in leg length may result in compensations in the upper back which might result in neck pain) so they may need to examine your whole body. They will need to feel for tightness in the muscles and stiffness in the joints and may need to touch these areas to identify problems. They will explain what they are doing as they go along. If you are uncomfortable with any part of this, you have the right to ask them to stop at any stage without prejudicing your future treatment.

How many sessions do I need?

With a recent injury, most of the time it will take 3 to 5 sessions to successfully treat it. However ancient or chronic pains are likely to take more sessions.

Do I need a doctor's referral?

No.

Do you do home consults?

No.

Are treatments covered by my extended medical benefits?

Osteopathic treatments are not covered by MSP. However many extended benefits companies will now cover Osteopathy if your osteopathic Practitioner is a member of Osteopathy BC which I am.

Check with you company for the specifics of you plan.

About

Once Upon a Time

Our Vision &
Mission