About Katya

Approach

I completed the Swedish Massage Certification in 2019 and have since accumulated over 700 hours of training in other techniques, such as Trigger point therapy, Neuro-fascial Release and Thai Yoga. My style is firm, thorough, communicative and kind, and quality customer service is provided to all clients.

Physical and emotional well-being are inter-connected, therefore we focus on balancing the emotional body and working with the nervous system, rather than simply addressing the structural anatomy. Getting into a parasympathetic state and encouraging a sense of calm and safety is key. Certain people are unfamiliar with the process of letting go, and require an external cue to tell the body that its ok to do so- massage can be a powerful tool for this.

Background

My interest in massage is rooted in personal experiences, some that trace back to childhood. I was hyper-active in my younger years, and viscerally recall how my mother’s foot massages or back strokes would help me fall asleep-nothing provided the same level of comfort and security as her gentle touch. The foot massages were especially effective at releasing pent-up energy by provoking a series of sudden spontaneous movements, sometimes referred to as somatic release.

Over the years I learned how personal and systemic stress, grief and trauma can present itself as muscle tension, headaches, sleep disturbances, digestive issues or dissociation. Neither massage, nor any other remedial practice is a cure-all, however, it is an under-utilized resource that can be incorporated into a holistic approach to “feel good.”

I was driven to pursue massage professionally while tending to my father as he neared the end of his life. The simple act of touch not only helped relieve his muscular pain, it provided care and connection, shaping my dedication to offer bodywork that honours both body and mind.

Always Learning

Next steps will be dedicated to learning more about Thai massage. I will be attending a three-day workshop in Toronto in March and can’t wait to incorporate this new modality into my practice. Adding this technique will allow me to further explore stretching & range of motion while incorporating my knowledge of yoga.

Philosophy

A Montreal-based, country-girl at heart, I spent most of my years growing up between the Laurentians and Montréal. Movement and nature are essential life nutrients for me, and I cherish relationships with all beings, including the one with myself. I believe that the body is designed to heal itself, yet our ever-changing lifestyles puts a strain on the process. These days, making healthier food choices, taking time to receive a massage, or seeing a therapist for help is no longer considered a “luxury”. The hectic pace in which we live means prioritizing our physical, mental and spiritual health becomes a must.

Childhood fascinations revolved around circus arts and modern dance. In the spirit of self-discovery and discipline in my later years, Yoga and meditation evolved into a practice. Complexities of the human body, brain patterning, and the connections we experience moving through the natural world have always been of interest to me. Outside of work I can be found growing vegetables and flowers in the family garden, or cooking and preserving the resulting crop – my motto is “Feed the Body, Mind & Soil.”

Certifications

L’institut de massothérapie Kiné-Concept – Guijek, Montréal Qc

  • Deep Tissue Level 2 – NeuroFascial Release, 30 HR (2023)

  • Deep Tissue Level 1, 45 HR (2021)

  • Periarticular Work, 15 HR (2020)

  • Trigger Point Therapy, 22.5 HR (2020)

  • Kinetic Swedish Massage, 445 HR (2019)

The International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Val-Morin, Qc 

  • Yoga Teacher Training, 200 HR (2014)

TRAINING

Vibe 10, Toronto, On  

  • StretchA Level 1 (Thai Massage), 24.5 HR (2025)

Lotus Palm, Montréal Qc 

  • Ashiatsu Massage Level 1 & 2, 45 HR (2023)

  • Thai on table Massage Level 1, 22.5 HR (2023)

Professional Affiliation

Member of Réseau des massothérapeutes professionnels du Québec (RMPQ) #21-81712.