Kate Maliha, Director

M.A. HUMAN KINETICS

Kate is passionate about teaching brain-based, multi-sensory, and functional aging exercise strategies to older adults and health professionals through her work at Love Your Age.  She has an MA in Human Kinetics from the University of British Columbia with a focus on exercise and aging.

Kate’s master’s research study investigated socio-cultural aspects and benefits of exercise for older adults, with findings emphasizing the important role of social support in peer-group exercise programs. Her work has been published in numerous magazines and on-line journals, and she has co-authored work published in Ageing & Society.  She has been profiled in magazines such as Vital!, Optimyz, the Courier, BC Woman, and on TV programs such as Run With It.  In addition, Kate’s innovative approach to exercise for healthy aging has been featured in Margaret Trudeau’s most recent book “The Time of Your Life”.

Kate’s health industry management and leadership experience spans over 25 years, with previous positions including Fitness Director of Ottawa’s The Sussex Club on Rideau Drive, and Fitness Programs Director of the Vancouver Lawn Tennis & Badminton Club. Kate currently owns and operates HomeBodies Gerokinesiology in addition to her role as Director of Love Your Age.

Kate is a Certified Medical Exercise Specialist (ACE), a Certified Functional Aging Specialist (FAS), a Certified Brain Health Trainer (FAS) and has further specialization in balance and fall prevention.  Kate’s continuing education focus centers on current research in Gerokinesiology, including brain health, functional aging, corrective exercise, and medical exercise.

Kate works with older adults with multi-sensory and cognitive challenges.  She also teaches community-based workshops to mid-life and older adults in Vancouver and continuing-education workshops to fitness and health professionals throughout B.C.

In her spare time, Kate volunteers helping children with learning and sensory challenges, coaches youth basketball, and fosters rescue dogs .

Gillian – Practicing Kinesiologist, Personal Trainer

MPT (completing), BKIN, ACSM CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER, FMS LEVEL 1, EXERCISE PROGRAM DESIGN FOR CLINICAL AND AGING POPULATIONS CERTIFICATE

Gillian has a Bachelor of Kinesiology degree from UBC and is currently completing her Masters in Physiotherapy at UBC. Gillian has developed a love for helping older adults reach their fitness goals through involvement in programs at UBC and Love Your Age. She specializes in clinical exercise and functional movement, and also comes from a professional ballet background. She still loves to take ballet classes in her spare time and is currently dancing with the UBC Dance Team

Jan  – Personal Trainer and Occupational Therapist (Vancouver & Victoria B.C.)

BSc OT Specialties: Occupational Therapy, Yoga therapy, Functional Exercise

Jan is registered with the College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia (COTBC) and is a member of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT). Jan’s Occupational Therapy practice includes a broad range of all areas including ortho, cardiac, ICU, Geriatrics, General Medicine, Renal, Arthritis, and Geriatrics, acute care and residential care planning. In addition to Occupational Therapy, Jan has additional training and certifications. Some highlights include: SAFE Yoga for Skeletal Health/Osteoporosis Course, Ashtanga Yoga Teacher, Maya Yoga Vinyasa Teacher Training, NCCP Level 1 Squash Coach, and 20 hour LYA Personal Training and Program Design for Older Adults.

Vashti – Registered Dietician

BSC, RD, MSC

Vashti is a Registered Dietitian with the College of Dietitians of BC. She has a bachelor’s degree in dietetics as well a master’s degree in Human Nutrition from the University of British Columbia. Vashti has experience as a clinical dietitian at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver, BC, where she specialized in diabetes management and elder care. Currently working as a private practice dietitian, Vashti focuses on chronic disease prevention and management and helps clients of Love Your Age acquire the knowledge to make healthier food choices tailored to their diverse needs.

As a media spokesperson for Dietitians of Canada, Vashti shares her nutrition knowledge with others, and can be heard on CBC radio or seen quoted in the Vancouver Sun and Globe and Mail.

For more information about Vashti or to watch her nutrition video blog, visit
www.KitchenDietitian.com 

Sharon  – Exercise Physiologist, Kinesiologist, Personal Trainer

BPE, CSEP-CEP, CSEP-CPT, FMS 1

Sharon has a degree in exercise science (BPE) and has been a certified personal trainer for over 25 years. She is also certified through the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology as an Exercise Physiologist, is an experienced BCRPA Personal Trainer with a specialization in Older Adult training, and is a Group Fitness Leader through BCRPA. Sharon specializes in functional fitness for healthy aging, and enjoys working with a wide range of clients with various fitness goals and challenges.

Natalie – Practicing Kinesiologist, Personal Trainer, Registered Yoga Therapist

Natalie is a registered member of the B.C. Association of Kinesiologists, 200hr Yoga Alliance Teacher, and a Shambhala trained meditation coach. She received her Bachelors of Kinesiology from the University of British Columbia (UBC) in April 2012, and has worked in both clinical and recreational settings as a Kinesiologist, Yoga Instructor, and Personal Trainer.

From a young age Natalie was inspired by movement. Years of experience as a dancer and dance instructor has enabled her to teach fitness with a focus on maintaining safe and ergonomically satisfying alignment. In her free time she continues to explore yoga as a genuine practitioner, devoted teacher and compassionate healer.

Sandra  – Personal Trainer

B.Sc.(O.T.), ACE Certified Personal Trainer, BCRPA Fitness Leader Specialty Areas in Older Adult Fitness, Aquatic Exercise, Weight Training, Certified in Osteofit

Sandra has a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from UBC.  Prior to becoming a personal trainer, Sandra worked for many years as an occupational therapist both in hospital settings and in private practice.  She is certified by the American Council on Exercise as a personal trainer, as well as being certified in weight training, older adult fitness, osteofit and aquatic fitness through BCRPA.  Sandra is enthusiastic about improving quality and life and wellness for healthy aging.  In her leisure time Sandra enjoys running, walking her dog along the seawall, and practicing yoga. For a free consultation to help guide you toward your best fitness and health plan, click here !

For a quick overview on what we offer you can visit our Services pages.