
the Knots wellness team
We're a team built on our core values, mission, and vision. Through constant communication and a dedication to team work, we're known for our friendliness, welcoming energy, and positivity. Our therapists and practitioners are passionate about always putting your health and wellness as top priority.
You will be cared for from the moment you walk through the door until the time you leave. We strive for your experience to be as personal as possible, regardless of if this is your first experience with us, or if you're a returning client.
TAYLOR DIRSTEIN
CEO, RMT, CRP, Intuitive, Meditation & Mindfulness Teacher
CERTIFICATIONS:
Registered Massage Therapy
Certified Meditation & Mindfulness Teacher
Acupressure Level 1
Indie Head Massage
Myofascial Cupping
Craniosacral Therapy Level 1
Certified Reiki Practitioner Level 1
Health & Wellness Coach
Business Coach
TYPE OF PRESSURE & TREATMENT STYLE:
light to moderate pressure using a relaxation and therapeutic technique

WHO I AM:
I have an authentic passion for Health & Wellness. In my spare time, I enjoy being outdoors and in nature as much as possible with my dog Oliver. My favourite place to be is in Bruce Peninsula as I’ve spent most of my life up there exploring & appreciating what the great outdoors has to offer us. Locally, I enjoy going to any trail or natural area, like Victoria Park, Laurel Creek, The Grand River, & Bloomingdale. I love to hike, walk, run, bike, swim, & do light resistance training for exercise. I practice yoga & meditation daily, and enjoy reading, listening to music, and turning on podcasts. I spend most of my spare time connecting with my spirituality & higher power to allow for constant personal growth. I’m close with my family and enjoy spending as much time with them as possible, along with my closest friends. I believe that what we surround ourselves with makes us who we are. I have also been blessed with intuitive gifts that I use in my Reiki practice.
WHY I CHOSE THIS PATH:
I decided to become an RMT when I was very young. In the summertime, my family would spend our time between my mom’s parents' farm and my dad’s parents' cottage. I saw how much effort and physical labour had to be put into the upkeep of both properties, and especially all the hard work that farming entailed. Since I had the gift of healing, small, & strong hands, I would offer to massage my grandparents' hands, shoulders, and feet after a long day of work. When I was around 10 years old my Grandma had mentioned that Massage Therapy was something I was good at and should look into it as a career when I was older. I didn’t believe it was a real career, I just thought it was something kind you did for the people you loved. That planted the seed & it just continued to grow from there!
WHAT I LOVE ABOUT KNOTS RMT & WELLNESS:
My favourite part about working at Knots is the community. It was a dream of mine to cultivate a space that felt like a home away from home. Somewhere you’d visit & all of your worries would disappear from the moment you walked in the door, as if you were entering your home or safe space. I wanted to provide a place to let everything go & just relax. Knots attracts really awesome people with great energy, including my co-workers. I believe that the kind of energy you hold in a space makes all the difference in the environment. It attracts the energy that you want to be a part of.
WHY I LOVE THE KITCHENER-WATERLOO COMMUNITY:
My favourite part of the KW community is the on-going support of local businesses. The heartbeat of a local business is the neighbours, friends, family, connections, & referrals within the KW community. Without our generous and gracious community, we wouldn’t be where we are today. Without you, we wouldn’t be able to be ever-expanding, changing, and growing to serve you better!
MY FAVOURITE SELF-CARE TIP:
My favourite self-care tip is to go with the flow, take things slow, and breathe deeply.
Taylor is currently looking to build her Reiki Practice and encourages all of her new or returning customers to come and experience what Reiki has to offer!
Please note, Taylor's price's are $5 more than other practitioner's as she utilizes her certifications during treatment.
The RMTs at Knots

Michelle Baker
RMT
Michelle graduated from the massage therapy program and became licensed in 2015. She used to spend hours sitting in an office chair, and coupled with declining physical activity and healthy nutrition, this caused her to develop pain. After an amazing massage therapy treatment, her pain was gone, and she decided to become an RMT. Michelle has taken extra courses, including cupping, fluidity of fascia, Clinical Methodology, and assessment courses. The wealth of knowledge each therapist brings is why she loves working at Knots, and the camaraderie displayed creates a wonderful work environment. Michelle finds having her own regular massages keeps her tuned up and primed for daily life. She believes in injury prevention by not pushing her body beyond its limits. As a self care tip, she recommends everyone strengthen their muscles, preventing aches and pains that lead to potential injuries. Michelle loves that KW is full of amazing businesses, and loves to support knowledgeable and compassionate business owners.
TYPE OF PRESSURE & TREATMENT STYLE:
light to moderate pressure using relaxation/therapeutic technique
SERVICES OFFERED:
Registered Massage Therapy, Indie Head Massage, Myofascial Cupping

Victoria Wells
RMT
Victoria studied at the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, graduated from the Ontario College of Health and Technology in September 2020. Victoria is trained in techniques such as General Swedish Massage, Myofascial Trigger Point Release, Fascial Release, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Remedial Exercise and more! Victoria also took the Trimesters Massage Therapy for Pregnancy course where she gained experience in the High-Risk Antenatal Unit and the Post-Partum Unit at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto. Victoria has a passion for helping others to overcome their injuries. Victoria became interested in Massage Therapy after experiencing its benefits first-hand. After being involved in a car accident and struggling to find a way to recover, she was introduced to Massage Therapy. She felt immediate results and instantly fell in love with the profession. Victoria takes an empathetic approach to treatment and uses her experience both as the therapist and client to build the safest and most effective treatment for you. Victoria looks forward to continuing her education and furthering her massage therapy knowledge to help you live your happiest, healthiest and pain-free life!
TYPE OF PRESSURE & TREATMENT STYLE:
light to deep pressure using relaxation/therapeutic technique
SERVICES OFFERED:
Registered Massage Therapy, Indie Head Massage, Myofascial Cupping, Pre & Post Natal

Amy Gibson
RMT
Amy has been an RMT since 2019, after completing her diploma in Massage Therapy at Fleming College in Peterborough, Ontario. She chose massage therapy after realizing she enjoyed learning about physiology and anatomy. Amy enjoys meeting new people and has a passion for helping people and enjoys doing this everyday as an RMT. Amy loves working at Knots as she's constantly surrounded by amazing people - an awesome group of talented RMTs as well as her incredible clients. Her top self-care tip would be to get massages! Through her own experience, Amy's learned just how important massages are. Whether you have a specific problem you need addressed, or if you just want to de-stress with a relaxation massage, everyone can benefit from getting massages!
TYPE OF PRESSURE & TREATMENT STYLE:
light to moderate pressure using relaxation/therapeutic technique
SERVICES OFFERED:
Registered Massage Therapy, Indie Head Massage

Lindsay Laflamme
RMT, AT, BAHSc
Lindsay grew up in KW and moved back once she finished school. She graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Health Sciences in Athletic Therapy in 2020, and went on to graduate with a Diploma in Massage Therapy in 2021. She is passionate about helping people which is why she chose this career path. Whether you are recovering from an injury or coming in for a maintenance massage, she wants you to feel your best self, and return to an active daily lifestyle. She does this by using her knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics from her schooling, and integrating different techniques that are tailored to the patients' needs. She has treated a wide variety of patients and conditions from the general population, adolescents, and amateur + professional athletes. She values that every person is different and no treatment is the same. Lindsay loves that Knots is close to the community where she grew up. This community has so much to offer and she’s happy that she is able to work in a place that she knows so well. Away from Knots, Lindsay enjoys golfing and staying active by going to the gym. She also loves to shop, hangout with friends and family, and bake!
TYPE OF PRESSURE & TREATMENT STYLE:
light to deep pressure using relaxation/therapeutic technique
SERVICES OFFERED:
Registered Massage Therapy, Indie Head Massage, Athletic Therapy

Eric Vanderheide
RMT
Eric wanted to become an RMT to make a positive impact in the lives of others. As a child, Eric massaged family members because he found the tissue responses interesting, and it allowed him to stay up past his bedtime. He enjoys online and offline gaming, and watching a good movie or nature/history documentary. Eric loves working at Knots because of how friendly, down-to-earth, and welcoming everyone is. It never feels like going to work, and instead feels like coming home. Eric's best self-care tip would be to remember that everyone is different in what they find most effective to unwind. The best way Eric can decompress is to go on a walk through the woods, and to really focus on that experience. His favourite thing about the KW community, beyond its rich history, is how collaborative and welcoming everyone is during times of need.
TYPE OF PRESSURE & TREATMENT STYLE:
light to deep pressure using relaxation/therapeutic technique
SERVICES OFFERED:
Registered Massage Therapy

Crystal Metham
RMT, RYT
Crystal graduated from Mohawk College massage therapy program in 2021 with honors and placements in chronic pain, hospice, and HIV/AIDS support. She's committed to dedicating her massage practice to serving & healing community. In January 2023, she began her studies in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is beyond excited to bring these offerings to her clients. She loves the patient, kind, whole person approach of TCM to health. Open, honest, intuitive, and knowledgeable, she uses her skills to help foster comfort, security, safety and ease, as she aids clients in reaching their health and wellness goals. Attentive and affirming, skilled in deep tissue, trigger point release, swedish techniques, joint mobilizations, fascial release, and facilitated stretching, Crystal looks forward to supporting you in your health or wellness goals! As an RMT, Crystal has a particular interest in advancing massage research, the lymphatic system, massage as CAM for those with neurodivergence, chronic pain conditions, and the mind-body connection. Before becoming an RMT, she obtained a BA in Classics and English Literature from Queen’s University and went on to never use it once. Instead, she fell into the world of agriculture. She's worked on market gardens across Ontario and BC. Crystal loves gardening, learning about plants, herbalism, and reading.
TYPE OF PRESSURE & TREATMENT STYLE:
light to deep pressure using relaxation/therapeutic technique
SERVICES OFFERED:
Registered Massage Therapy, Indie Head Massage

Carol Culhane
RMT
Carol was an experienced shiatsu therapist when she decided to become an RMT to deepen her knowledge and skills to help others. She genuinely enjoys using hands-on techniques to help people feel better. Carol has lived in the UK, USA, South Africa, Kuwait, and Australia, but has now happily settled in KW with her partner, 7 year old son, and 2 cats. Her hobbies include playing guitar, gardening, reading and drinking good wine. Carol's favourite part about working at Knots is getting to work with wonderful clients and colleagues in a relaxed, collaborative environment. Her best relaxation tip would be to take a nice bath, and to find practical ways to incorporate self-care into your day to day life. Her favourite thing about the KW community, after moving from Toronto, is the access to gorgeous wild spaces and a slower pace of life.
TYPE OF PRESSURE & TREATMENT STYLE:
light to deep pressure using relaxation/therapeutic technique
SERVICES OFFERED:
Registered Massage Therapy
The Wellness Staff at Knots

Melissa Johannes
Holistic Health Practitioner,
DC, BSC
Melissa knows first-hand how frustrating it can be seeking answers for your health. Melissa spent the last eight years completing her post secondary ambitions, obtaining degrees in Biology from Trent University and a Doctor of Chiropractic from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. The impact of COVID-19 paired with a simultaneous diagnosis of ulcerative colitis left Melissa with a yearning for more traditional/natural forms of medicine to seek answers for her newly diagnosed condition. Melissa is now committed to helping children and adults within her community struggling with health concerns, by utilizing her education and knowledge within the various fields of health. Melissa's non-invasive Electro-Acupuncture Testing is able to energetically assess the health of meridians within the body and their correlative organs, and recommend personal remedies and foods that are supportive to your healing. With her holistic based assessment she helps to identify energy leaks within your lifestyle and offer you personalized mind-body education to next steps on your path to health. Melissa is currently working to provide new supportive services such as customized meal plans, movement workshops, and educational seminars in order to support those who need it. Melissa believes that everyone has the right to live a healthy life and shows you what she knows in order to live that for yourself. After your appointment she utilizes your results along with information shared about your health to provide you with personalized recommendations that will challenge and change the way you currently think about your health and care for yourself.
SERVICES OFFERED:
EAV Testing (Electroacupuncture according to Dr. Voll)

Jian Chen
B.IE, R.ACU, R.TCMP
Jian Chen is a professional TCM practitioner and acupuncture specialist. He finished an extra 5 years of full-time TCM Doctor education after 4 years of university study, and is a member of the CTCMPAO. He uses acupuncture to relieve chronic/acute pain and many health conditions, like: arthritis OA/RA, joint/spine issues, shoulder/neck/back pain, sciatic pain, plantar fasciitis, carpal tunnel, and migraines. Chen Jian is excellent at hands-on skills with painless treatments. He uses natural herb medicine, sometimes combined with acupuncture, to treat health conditions. For women’s health, Jian focuses on: hormone disorders, fertility, migraines, insomnia, menopause, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, breast health, and most GYN problems. For mental disorders, he focuses on: depression, anxiety, sadness, stress, and irritability. For the respiratory system: cough, COPD, asthma, allergies, and bronchitis. For circulation problems: high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, brain injury, stroke, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, and cancer patient care. He has brought relief to patients from Toronto and the Kitchener-Waterloo region, and patients from all over China/USA/Europe/Canada, including doctors and professional athletes. Chen Jian is from the same town that one of the world’s leading TCM doctors, Chen Xiuyan, is from. He has become Chen’s lifelong teacher. Chen Jian also learned from the most experienced Acupuncturists and TCM doctors from the Academy of China Medical Sciences, Top TCM Universities, and hospitals in China. Studying and practicing with world-class TCM doctors and Acupuncturists, Chen Jian built up very strong knowledge and tech to practice in the clinic and achieve amazing results for patients. He is one of a few high professionals in both herb medicine and acupuncture. Chen Jian believes every patient's health condition is different and will change over time. He is committed to providing the highest quality health care and service in TCM and Acupuncture in order to preserve and optimize human life.
SERVICES OFFERED:
Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Cupping, Gua Sha, Moxa, Acupressure

Carrie Weber
Certified NeurOptimal Neurofeedback Trainer
In 2017, Carrie took a personal interest in neuroplasticity, specifically reprogramming the subconscious mind. She practiced and researched several different methods of mindfulness in all areas of life. When she looked into NeurOptimal Dynamical Neurofeedback, Carrie knew it was what she had been looking for. Carrie opened “Optimal Mind = Optimal Life” in May 2019, and started offering NeurOptimal sessions. This blended her two passions together perfectly as training of the mind and body goes hand and hand as “the power duo.” ***Payment accepted by e-transfer only***
SERVICES OFFERED:
NeurOptimal Neurofeedback

Anna Ronai
RYT
Anna Ronai is a compassionate and student-centered yoga teacher with over fifteen years experience in yoga and meditation. With over 600 hours of teacher training, Anna’s teaching is firmly grounded in healthy movement, embodied learning, and a connection to the self. Anna combines her thorough understanding of the human body with compassionate active listening to personalize her teaching for each student, ensuring that her instruction is accessible for beginning and advanced yogis alike. She empowers each student to discover their own sense of movement, intuition, and wellness, and considers it a great privilege to witness her students’ journeys. Anna is also highly trained as a musician, having performed at major venues across Europe, North American, and China, as well as holding two Master’s degrees, one in Piano Performance and another in Collaborative Piano. Her musical background informs and integrates with her yoga practice through a focus on holistic embodiment, connected breathing, authentic self-expression, and consistent practice.
SERVICES OFFERED:
Restorative Yoga, Yin Yoga

Erin Seaton
MSc. PT, BSc Kin.
Erin holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Waterloo and completed her Masters of Physiotherapy at the Manchester Metropolitan University, in the United Kingdom. She is passionate about physiotherapy and the profound effects it can have on improving one’s quality of life. Whether it be working alongside high-level athletes, in a hospital setting, or within the community, Erin’s experience as a physiotherapist has cultivated a love of human movement. She believes whole-heartedly that movement can be healing, empowering, and fun! Erin offers a wide variety of treatment techniques including manual therapy, acupuncture, evidence-based modalities, soft-tissue techniques, and exercise. When booking an appointment, you can be sure that you will always receive her full undivided attention throughout the session. Dedicating her time and expertise towards an uninterrupted physiotherapy appointment is what sets her apart. Erin believes in working collaboratively with the Wellness Team at Knots. In this way, she makes up an integral part of your health team that can develop a treatment plan that is specific, measurable, and achieves results. She has further enhanced her clinical practice through the completion of additional training in concussion management, chronic pain management and continues to work towards further specialization in manual therapy, as recognized by the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy. In her down time, Erin is an avid yogi and enjoys spending time with her partner and her two dogs Mira and Mochi! Erin brings a strong sense of professionalism and enthusiasm to the Knots Team and is excited to contribute to the promotion of a healthy lifestyle for all.
SERVICES OFFERED:
Physiotherapy, Manual Therapy, Shockwave Therapy

Amanda Schmidt
RYT
Yoga has been a part of Amanda's life for over 10 years, and her practice has helped her grow stronger, more flexible, and in tune with herself, both on and off the mat. It's inspired her to live each moment more mindfully. Amanda's favourite styles of yoga to practice & teach are yin and restorative. She will always be a student of the practice and is deeply grateful for the loving wisdom her teachers have shared with her. Through teaching yoga, Amanda can share what she has learned from her own practice and learning, helping to guide others through their own journeys, using yoga as a tool. Amanda seeks to help others to thrive by nurturing body, mind, and soul with yoga, reiki, and the akashic records. Her desire is that after a practice or session they feel refreshed, nourished, and balanced. Amanda is so excited to be joining the Knots wellness team and is looking forward to meeting her students on the mat!
SERVICES OFFERED:
Restorative Yoga, Yin Yoga

Katy Dale
RRPr
Katy has been a certified and registered Reflexology Practitioner since 2018 and is a member of The Reflexology Registration Council of Ontario (RRCO). She discovered Reflexology when she was having pain caused by Plantar Fasciitis. After trying Reflexology and it being very effective, she wanted to learn more about the history of Reflexology and its benefits. She offers this treatment to others to help facilitate the self-healing ability of the body. Katy’s favourite self-care tip is to try to relax in a way that is most suitable for you. Katy’s self-care involves spending time with her dog, reading, and walks in nature.
SERVICES OFFERED:
Reflexology

Irene Palacios
Admin & Receptionist
Irene is the smile that greets you when you enter Knots. She is here to help you with all of your billing, bookings, questions or concerns and is always focused on ensuring that Knots is running smoothly. Irene enjoys working at Knots because of the wholesome and welcoming work environments along with flexible hours. Irene is currently working towards obtaining her degree in Psychology and Family studies. In her spare time she enjoys listening to music, gardening, painting, or unwinding with her cats Dante and Cleo.
SERVICES OFFERED:
Amazing Customer Service