Our Team

Most Highly Credentialed and Experienced Instructors in the Profession Today

Delivering great massage therapy classes requires great instructors. At WCCMT our exceptional teaching staff is the key reason why our graduates are consistently the most successful candidates writing CMTBC provincial board exams.

WCCMT’s instructional faculty are the most highly credentialed instructors in massage therapy schools in BC and Canada. Our instructors are Ph.D.s, MDs, Chiropractors and Naturopathic Physicians in Health Sciences, and hold at least a Masters degree for instruction in Human Sciences and of course are Registered Massage Therapists with several years of clinical and teaching experience in Clinical Sciences.

In addition, all of our instructors are experienced instructors who have completed an instructor development program and are familiar with and able to utilize the most effective modern educational tools and resources that an instructor will need to ensure that his or her students receive the best education possible.

Finally, it’s also all about attitude and our instructors are committed, caring and passionate teachers and lifelong learners eager to share their knowledge and skills with our students.

WCCMT New Westminster Administration

Nicole Freesman, RMT, PID – Executive Director and Senior Education Administrator

Nicole Freesman is a graduate of WCCMT Victoria (2003) and has been a successful massage therapist, clinic owner and operator. She joined the team at WCCMT as a Clinic Supervisor in 2005, then a Primary Instructor in 2006. Shortly thereafter, given her capacity and passion in educational administration, was promoted to the position of Assistant Campus Director, followed by Campus Director and Curriculum Coordinator. In April of 2019 Nicole became the Assistant SEA in preparation to assume the reigns of educational leadership at WCCMT. Her leadership style and educational approach are strongly rooted in intrinsic motivation. Nicole strives to inspire people to connect to their passion and energy to help support and fuel their direction in life, whether it be education or massage. Her vision, integrity and commitment to the profession in B.C., will serve to foster recognition and respect for the important difference massage therapy care makes for the clients and the general public. Nicole hopes students leave the walls of WCCMT with a foundation of knowledge to begin their careers, but also an open mind that continues to grow and evolve.

 Cidalia Paiva, Ph.D – Director of Compliance

Cidalia Paiva Ph.D. has been a pioneer and leader in the registered massage therapy field for over 28 years. She served as the Executive Director of the West Coast College of Massage Therapy for 26 years. In January of 2022 she returned to WCCMT to support the College in the role of Director of Compliance. In addition to her leadership and administrative roles Dr. Paiva is also a foremost expert in the area of Ethics and Professionalism education for healthcare professionals including registered massage therapists and the author of two textbooks on the subject as well as over 60 trade Journal articles.

Amy Van Sickle, RMT – Curriculum Coordinator

Amy Van Sickle is a graduate of WCCMT and has been practicing as an RMT for the last 13 years. She began her instructing career at WCCMT in 2012, teaching classes that range across the spectrum of the entire RMT program. She recently completed her certificate in Training and Facilitation at the Justice Institute of B.C. and is looking forward to putting her skills into practice as the Curriculum Coordinator, supporting fellow instructors and RMT students through their academic journeys at WCCMT. In her spare time, Amy volunteers with the New West Police Victim Service Unit, and enjoys dabbling in amateur photography.

Keith Bootsma, RMT – Practical Education Advisor

Keith Bootsma, RMT is a graduate from the seven-term program at WCCMT in 2006. He came back as an instructor in 2009 and has since worked in numerous practical courses and in the public clinic. In January of 2016 Keith was promoted to the position of Practical Education Advisor for WCCMT, New Westminster. As a Registered Massage Therapist, Keith’s interests in human anatomy and injury management have led him to take numerous continuing education courses on these topics. He enjoys sharing his knowledge and experience in the various courses he teaches at the college. Growing up in the Fraser Valley Keith has always had an appreciation for the outdoors and spends the majority of his free time enjoying what British Columbia has to offer.

Maria Clemente – Director of Operations

After her thirteen-year career as a chemical engineer in the Philippines, Maria decided it was time for a change of scenery (and weather) and moved to the best place on earth, British Columbia. Maria joined the WCCMT team in 2013, and has held various positions within the organisation before being promoted to Director of Operations in October 2021. As the Director of Operations she is responsible for ensuring the smooth operations of the New Westminster Campus aswell as overseeing the Admissions, Marketing and Clinic Administration functions.

Navdipak Kaur – Student Services Coordinator

Navdipak holds a Masters of Arts in English Language from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. She is a supporter of life-long learning and is keen to provide direct support to students, and endeavors to make genuine connections with students. Navdipak’s favourite part of her position is to see students raise confidence in themselves and flourish in their career.

Michelle Falgate – Marketing Coordinator

Michelle is a brand and marketing specialist who understands what drives conversions and how to connect with your audience. After spending nearly a decade working in marketing and communications for a marketing agency, as well as many years dedicated to marketing in animal welfare, Michelle is inspired by making a difference and knowing the work she contributes to, changes lives.

Debbie Lizée  – Clinic Administrator – Scheduling and Logistics

Deb Lizée has been with WCCMT for over seventeen years in various capacities including: Reception, Lead Receptionist, Assistant to the Clinic Manager and presently Clinic Administrator – Scheduling and Logistics. Deb brings excellence in multi-tasking, problem solving and as a favourite among students, faculty and staff alike, has a proven ability to build strong rapport through positive relationships that facilitate the College’s efforts to continuously foster a warm, caring and professional learning environment.

Cecile Pama – Clinic Administrator – Internal and External Relations

Cecile Pama has a diverse background in Engineering and Project Management across various industries including airlines, education, insurance and healthcare. Her time spent as the Nursing Practicum Placement Coordinator for Campus Support prepared her for an easy transition into the role of Clinic Administrator – Internal and External Relation at WCCMT. What keeps her going is her belief in Confucius’ saying, “Success is not in never falling but in rising every time you fall.”

Rowan Mattson – Accounting Coordinator

After studying business administration and bookkeeping at Sprott Shaw, Rowan realized she really enjoys organizing and working with data. After graduating and completing her practicum at WCCMT, she has grown in her role from bookkeeping assistant to Accounting coordinator. Rowan is looking forward to a future filled with much learning in her role.

Part-time Receptionist – Dawn Sawyer

After earning her Diploma for Baking and Pastry Arts Mgmt. at George Brown College in Toronto and working 6 years in the industry, Dawn decided to switch things up and try an administrative position. With years of customer service under her belt, working as the Clinical Receptionist at WCCMT has been an easy transition for her. Dawn assists the administrative team in maintaining records and ensuring clients and students feel comfortable, relaxed, and respected.

WCCMT New Westminster Instructional Faculty

Alimohammadi, Majid. Ph.D. Academic Department

Amiri, Vista. R.M.T. Clinic Department

Anderson, Jacob. R.M.T. Clinic Department

Borlase, Joshua. R.M.T. Academic and Practical Departments

Bos, Constance. M.Sc. Academic Department

Boult, Tycson. R.M.T. Clinic Department

Brise, James. B.A., R.M.T. Academic and Practical Departments

Carriere, Nari. R.M.T. Clinic department

Cowan, Adam. R.M.T. Practical Department

Gabrielle De Winter R.M.T Clinic Department

Fairbairn, Lee-Erin. R.M.T. Clinic Department

Fraser, Joel. R.M.T. Clinic Department

Ghodousi, Fariba. M.Sc. Academic Department

Granbois, Nicola. R.M.T. Clinic Department

Gulbransen, Melanie. R.M.T. Clinic and Practical Departments

Hart, Jenni. B.A. (Kin) Practical Department

Hemsworth, Robert. R.M.T. Practical Department

Horng, Anne. R.M.T. Clinic and Practical Departments

Jackson, Sharon. R.M.T. Clinic Department

Johnston, Paula. R.M.T. Practical Department

Joseph, Nancy. Ph.D. Academic Department

Kam, Gabrielle. R.M.T. Clinic Department

Karacay, Omer. R.M.T. Practical Department

Kim, James. R.M.T. Clinic and Practical Department

Kliewer, Judy. R.M.T. Clinic Department

Kubas, Christian. M.PT. Academic Department

Kuehn, Lalita. R.M.T. Clinic Department

Lagace, Marina. R.M.T. Clinic and Practical Departments

Lam, Lawrence. R.M.T. Clinic Department

Langis, Courtney. R.M.T. Practical Department

Lee, Alicia. R.M.T. Clinic Department

Mah, Wilson. B.Sc., R.M.T. Practical Department

Makenny, Kelsey. R.M.T. Practical Department

Milne, Sara Jayne. R.M.T. Clinic Department

Niedjalski, Bethany. R.M.T. Clinic and Practical Department

Oomen, Taylor. R.M.T. Practical Department

Ospina, Annie. R.M.T. Clinic and Practical Departments

Palmer-Leblanc, Liana. R.M.T. Clinic Department

Poirier, Mckenzie. R.M.T. Practical Department

Rogers, Davin R.M.T Academic Department

Sandher, Jason. R.M.T. Clinic Department

Seow, Solomon. R.M.T. Practical Department

Stonely, Laurelle R.M.T Academic Department

Tham, Brianna. R.M.T. Clinic Department

Thind, Manny. R.M.T. Clinic Department

Thorneloe, Kevin. R.M.T. Clinic Departments

Van Sickle, Amy R.M.T. Practical and Academic Departments

Wong, Richard. B.Sc., R.M.T. Clinic and Academic Departments

Wu, Elena. R.M.T. Clinic Department

Yun, Jennifer. R.M.T. Clinic Department

Zandbergen, Hannah. R.M.T. Clinic and Practical Departments