The Vitality Clinic Team

The Vitality Clinic Facility

Located in beautiful downtown Vancouver, British Columbia, our facility is located in a warm and comfortable 1924 heritage house.

You can find additional information about our heritage building on the Vancouver Heritage Foundation and Heritage Vancouver websites.

Our Location

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Dr. Crysta Serné, BSc(Kin), DC, Chiropractor*, Sports Therapist, and owner of Vitality Clinic

A former national level gymnast, Dr. Crysta Serné has developed a keen interest in sports injury rehabilitation. It was during this time that she was first introduced to the powerful effects that chiropractic care has on athletic performance and injury prevention. While earning her degree in Kinesiology and studying Biology and Psychology at Simon Fraser University, Dr. Serné had the opportunity to work with numerous varsity athletes under the direction of several health care practitioners. It was at this time that she became committed to learning all that she could about chiropractic care.  Dr. Serné  is considered to be a Modern Multi Modal (MMM) Chiropractor as she combines multiple Chiropractic, soft tissue, and rehabilitation techniques when creating a treatment plan.    

Combining Chiropractic and Sports Therapy has allowed Dr. Serné to find great success treating neuromusculoskeletal complaints and pain, both acute and chronic.  As with all Chiropractic patients in the clinic, each patient is educated on core strengthening, stretching, and rehabilitation as it pertains to their specific case. This approach has also allowed Dr. Serné to further pursue her interest in the advantages nutraceuticals hold in expediting the recovery process.  She continues to be an avid sports fan and enjoys a plethora of different activities, including running, yoga, ballet, jazz, softball, golf, snowboarding, and personal training.     

Dr. Serné graduated from Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College as a Doctor of Chiropractic in 2000. She is a licensed member of the British Columbia Chiropractic Association, the BC Chiropractic College, and the Canadian Chiropractic Association. Dr. Serné was the head trainer at Burnaby Lake Rugby Club for 8 years and is currently involved with the Harbour Dance Center. 

Dr. Serné welcomes both returning and new patients.  

*a Chiropractic Corporation

» Additional Thoughts From Dr. Serné

Contact Info » serne@vitalityclinic.ca

Forms » Chiropractic Intake and Consent Form

 

Dr. Laura Clemenhagen, BSc, D.C., Chiropractor and A.R.T provider

Dr. Laura Clemenhagen is a graduate of the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto. Growing up in Ontario, she was drawn to British Columbia by her passion for the outdoors and for living a healthy lifestyle. In her youth she was an avid outdoor enthusiast participating and competing in alpine ski racing, sprint canoeing, dragonboat, field hockey and lacrosse.  As a result of being a high level athlete in highschool, Dr. Clemenhagen developed a keen interest in sports and the human body. This led her to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from the University of Western Ontario. During her time there she was a member of the Varsity Lacrosse Team and President of the Kinesiology Students’ Council. Dr. Clemenhagen focused her education in the fields of exercise science, biomechanics and anatomy.
 
She was a member of the Canadian National Dragonboat Team for 8 years and has attended and won gold at 3 World Championships. Now that she's in Vancouver her favourite past times are beach walking and hiking with her golden retriever, outrigger canoeing, and snowboarding.
 
Dr. Clemenhagen focuses on the treatment of acute and chronic neuromusculosketal complaints. She uses multiple chiropractic techniques and is a certified ART (Active Release Technique) provider. She enjoys treating people from all walks of life. From athletes to desk workers, pregnant mom’s to those in chronic pain, Chiropractic is a form of healing that can and should be utilized by everyone.
 
Dr. Clemenhagen is a licensed member of the British Columbia Chiropractic Association (BCCA), the British Columbia College of Chiropractors (BCCC), and the Canadian Chiropractic Association (CCA).
Dr. Clemenhagen welcomes both new and returning patients.
 
Contact Info » clemenhagen@vitalityclinic.ca
 
Forms  » Chiropractic Intake and Consent Form
 
 
 

Dr. Heidi Rootes, Naturopathic Physician and Certified Prolotherapist

Dr. Rootes began her undergraduate education at McGill University but returned to school and received her Naturopathic training at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine.  Dr. Rootes is able to develop an individual treatment plan for each person, while educating them about health and wellness thus empowering people in their own healthcare. Her practical experience and training include intravenous and injection therapies with a specialization in prolotherapy and neural therapy, acupuncture, classical and complex homeopathy (including biotherapeutic drainage), botanical medicine and lifestyle counseling. As a certified prolotherapist, Dr. Rootes has great success treating pain related conditions both acute and chronic. She offers full lab services, allergy testing, digestive and endocrine panels (including thyroid, adrenal, and female hormones), and heavy metal assessment. With all these tools, Dr. Rootes offers a complete system of analysis and care. She has a special interest in treating stress and anxiety, acute and chronic pain, gastrointestinal disorders, allergies and fatigue, endocrine imbalances, pre and post natal, and women's health.  She welcomes both returning and new patients.

Contact Info  » rootes@vitalityclinic.ca

Website » www.drheidirootes.com

Forms   » Naturopath Intake and Review Form

 

Brad Neate, Registered Massage Therapist

Brad Neate, RMT graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy. He believes in an individual approach to treatment and develops a plan according to the patient’s needs and wants. Brad’s intention in treatment is to unwind and release myofascial restrictions in order to create more space for movement and proper function. His main goal is to facilitate the body’s natural healing process and return the patient to a pain free lifestyle. He utilizes techniques such as; Trigger point release, Joint mobilizations, Myofascial release, Swedish and active stretching to obtain these results. Brad has treated many conditions some of which include; whip lash, frozen shoulder, carpal tunnel, thoracic outlet syndrome, sciatica, and general neck and back pain. Before massage therapy Brad was a licensed paramedic and ski patrol in Kimberley, BC. His passion has always been in health care and Massage Therapy has given him the opportunity to treat clients on a more personal level, and to be active in their recovery and healing. Brad welcomes both returning and new clients.
 
Contact Info » brad@vitalityclinic.ca
 
Forms » Massage Intake and Consent Form
 
 

Grace Kim, Registered Massage Therapist

Grace Kim is a graduate of the 3000 hour program at the West Coast College of Massage Therapy.  She also has her certification in Dr. Vodder’s Basic Course in Manual Lymphatic Drainage. 

Grace’s love of anatomy and passion for helping people drew her to the field of massage.  As a healthcare practitioner, she believes in a whole body approach to wellness and is dedicated to helping her clients achieve optimum health and vitality.  Each body is individual, with unique locks and keys.  Using such techniques as myofascial release, deep tissue, joint mobilization and trigger point therapy, she believes it is our job as therapists to find that personal combination that will unlock the door to a higher quality of life. 

Grace’s interests outside of work are varied.  She is a classically trained pianist, loves a good book, is a huge animal lover and enjoys travelling.  She also plays hockey and has a love/hate relationship with the Vancouver Canucks. 

Grace welcomes both returning and new clients.

Contact Info » grace@vitalityclinic.ca

Forms » Massage Intake and Consent Form

 

 

Aaron Ashe, Registered Massage Therapist

In 1994 Aaron graduated from UBC with a Bachelor’s Degree in General Sciences and in 1999, he received his diploma in Massage Therapy from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy. Since graduating, Aaron has worked as a Registered Massage Therapist and a personal trainer.  His main focus is on rehabilitation and prevention of sports injuries, back & neck pain, and headaches.  Aaron works extensively with a full spectrum of athletes - the weekend warriors to the elite caliber, particularly marathon runners, triathletes, and ironman athletes.
 
While using a range of massage techniques, the basis of Aaron’s treatments is primarily Myofascial Release.  He is continually educating himself in effort to evolve his practice – the most recent course he took involves working with breast cancer patients in regards to post-mast/lumpectomy adhesions. 
 
Aaron is also an instructor at Utopia Academy, a Massage Therapy college, where he teaches anatomy and physiology, joint mobilizations, and therapeutic exercise.  Starting in 2012, Aaron is now one of the member's of the Whitecap's recovery and regeneration team.  Aaron currently resides in Squamish and when not working, you can find him on the mountain either biking, snowboarding, or hiking the trails with his wife, daughter and dogs!  It is with great pleasure that Aaron returns to practice here at Vitality Clinic - he always welcome new and returning patients!
 
Certificate of Whitecaps involvement
 
Contact Info » aaron@vitalityclinic.ca
 
Forms » Massage Intake and Consent Form
 
 

Natasha Zakus, Registered Massage Therapist

Natasha has always had a keen interest in the intricate workings of the human body.  A self proclaimed biology dork, her curiosity lead her to the University of Victoria where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science (majoring in Biology.)  Compelled to learn more, she continued her education at Utopia Academy where she received her massage therapy degree. 
 
Natasha is driven by a strong desire to help her clients achieve optimal health and function as quickly and efficiently as possible.  She believes that this goal is best achieved with thorough examination, effective treatment planning, continual reassessment. and appropriate remedial exercise.  She utilizes a variety of techniques including, myofascial release, deep tissue, trigger point therapy, and neuromuscular techniques.  Natasha recognizes the importance of a holistic multidisciplinary approach and works closely with the amazing team of health care professionals at Vitality Clinic to optimize treatment outcomes.  She also recognizes the importance of engaging her clients in their healing, through effective patient education and appropriate home care.
 
In her free time Natasha can be found hiking, snowboarding, surfing, doing yoga, walking her dog, riding her bike, and on those particularly rainy winter days, curled up with a good book. 
 
Natasha is registered with the College of Massage Therapists of BC and the Massage Therapy Association of BC. She welcomes new and returning clients.

 
Contact Info » natasha@vitalityclinic.ca
 
Forms »  Massage Intake and Consent Form
 
 

Helen Dunn, Registered Clinical Counsellor

Helen Dunn is a BCACC and CCPA Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Master of Arts degree in Counselling Psychology from Simon Fraser University. Helen has extensive experience in the fields of social services and counselling, particularly in trauma and addictions, in both group and individual settings. Helen has worked with a wide variety of clients experiencing a wide range of concerns including PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship difficulties, addictions, adjustment issues (including those challenges that come with adolescence), self esteem, stress management, communication and conflict resolution. Helen has worked extensively with women who have experienced interpersonal trauma such as childhood abuse, assaults and violence in the home. Helen is qualified as a Crime Victims Assistance therapist. In addition to these areas, Helen works with women who have experienced trauma while giving birth.

Helen operates from a client-centered, interpersonal, relational cultural theoretical orientation and employs strategies from a variety of perspectives including EMDR and hypnotherapy.

Helen successfully combines life experience, theoretical knowledge and current evidence based best practices to alleviate suffering, strengthen resilience, bring awareness to self limiting beliefs and behaviours and successfully assist her clients towards growth and healing. Helen works collaboratively with clients in a warm, supportive, non-judgemental and respectful manner.

Personal Website

Contact Info » helen@vitalityclinic.ca

 

Brittney Kirton, Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Postpartum Doula and Certified Lactation Consultant

Brittney Kirton had two passions growing up: health and wellness, and working with children.  In 2007, she started her studies at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition.  CSNN helped Brittney develop a wide base knowledge on many dietary issues though her interest and experience lies in working with pre and post natal clients, and those suffering from allergic, inflammatory, and digestive conditions. While Brittney enjoyed clinical practice as a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, she missed working closely with children, especially infants. 
 
In 2008 she was introduced to a Postpartum Doula and was intrigued by the support they offered and knew she wanted to combine practices. In order to support new mothers further, she enrolled in The Breastfeeding Course for Healthcare Practitioners offered at Douglas College. This program inspired Brittney to take her studies in Breastfeeding further. Six months later, she relocated to the United States to attend the University of California San Diego Lactation Consultant Program. She completed her studies and received the designation of International Board Certified Lactation Consultant in 2011. Brittney is eager and excited to provide clients with information and support to help them achieve their goals of optimum wellness.
 

Brittney works off site and welcomes any new clients.  To book an appointment or to inquire about rates, please contact Brittney directly.
 
Personal Website
 
Contact Info » brittney.kirton@gmail.com
 
Phone » 778 847 6464