INSTRUCTOR QUALIFICATIONS
All full time instructors are suitably credentialed as members in good standing with their professional bodies. Didactic instructors have post secondary academic credentials related to instructional assignments or be RMT's in good standing with at least 2,500 hours of clinic experience (1.5 years ) in field they are teaching. They must demonstrate a good understanding of Massage Therapy. Teacher Assistants are registered RMT’s with at least 2,000 hours (1.25 years) clinic experience. Instructors are provided assistance to participate in continuing suitable educational programs.




As a Chartered Accountant I have worked in the industry for over 35 years, for many years in senior management positions in the Forest Industry for a major lower mainland Forest Products Company. I joined Spa Utopia 9 years ago as controller and have been significantly involved in the start up and progress of Utopia Academy through various capacities, working closely with the President of the Utopia Group, Academy Director and Chief Financial Officer.

In September 2009 I assumed the role of Academy Director. I believe that our smaller class sizes combined with the exceptional level of commitment by the instructors and staff provide our students with a superior standard of education and training experience in preparation for their future as Massage Therapists.






 I attended Portland State University and obtained my Bachelor of Science in Social Work. I recently completed my Masters in Clinical Counseling at City University in Vancouver. For the past 15 years I have enjoyed working in the field of Education.

When not at the Academy I love to travel to anywhere there is sun and beach. I enjoy exercise and spending time with family and friends.






I began my professional career as a pharmacist on the Caribbean island of Trinidad. In 1989, I moved to Canada and studied Massage Therapy at the Sutherland-Chan School and Teaching Clinic in Toronto.

In 1991, I received my designation and five years later moved with my family to stunning British Columbia. After several years in a successful clinical practice and teaching advanced courses at the West Coast College of Massage Therapy and the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Studies, I completed the Provincial Instructor Program at Vancouver Community College.

My passion and experience in the field of Massage Therapy lead me to author the textbook ‘Massage Therapy and Medications’, which is currently used in massage schools across North America. In 2003, I joined Spa Utopia where I am currently the Director of Massage Therapy, managing a department of over 60 practitioners, including registered massage therapists and aromatherapists.

I enjoy leading the confident and supportive team of talented educators at Utopia Academy.






I received my Bachelor's of Science from UBC and became a Registered Massage Therapist, in 1999.  I am an instructor at Utopia Academy and teach joint mobilizations and therapeutic exercise. Currently I am practicing at a multidisciplinary sports clinic and I am also a personal trainer.  In my spare time I like to snowboard, mountain bike, play with my dogs and I enjoy being a new dad!






Upon graduating from the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy in 1985 I opened a private clinic in Surrey, BC and practiced there for 20 years. I was co-ordinator of the Continuing Education Committee of the Massage Therapys Association (MTA) for six years and have worked as an office assistant at the MTA for twelve years. Currently working at Spa Utopia for the past three years. I enjoy hiking, biking, camping, parenting and Astronomy.






I graduated from WCCMT in 1999 and have been in private practice since then. My areas of interest are in myofascial release and chronic pain. In the summer of 2009 I received my Provincial Instructors Diploma from VCC. At Utopia Academy, I am currently teaching Professional Development and Systemic treatments. My interests and activities include yoga, running, knitting and Cuban salsa dancing.






I am a Simon Fraser University graduate. I lived in Newport Beach for approximately 4 years while obtaining my Doctrine of Chiropractic with a heavy emphasis on sports rehabilitation.  For the past 4 ½ years I have been running a practice in multidisciplinary clinic in Central Surrey. I am active in the community and enjoy playing and training teams in soccer, baseball and lacrosse. My hobbies include soccer, golf and eating.






I completed the 3000 hour massage therapy program at the West Coast College of Massage Therapy. My focus of continuing education has been on Cranial Sacral Therapy for which I have completed levels one and two through the Upledger Institute.  Currently I am practicing in both clinic and spa settings as well as volunteering as a massage therapist with several outreach programs.  In my spare time I enjoy practicing yoga, and rockin out to rock band!






Ben graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy and registered with the CMTBC in 2002. He then went on to the University of the Fraser Valley to major in Kinesiology. Over the years he has worked in various clinical and spa settings and now limits his practice to Studio Health – a multi-disciplinary clinic in the Dunbar area of Vancouver. On occasion Ben also works with Groove Street Productions and the Source Dance Company, providing massage therapy for the dancers.

At present Ben's main focus is teaching and educating. He began teaching in 2007 and became part of the elite and talented instruction faculty at Utopia Academy in 2008. Since then he has been dedicated to developing curriculum and instructing in various courses including: orthopedics, athletic treatment, manual skills and many others. But his true passion lies in his unique, distinct and lively interaction with the students of Utopia Academy.

Much of Ben's massage and teaching experience is derived from his background in dance. He is a retired performer and dancer having been involved in many international and local productions. Some of his highlighted performance credits include: the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy, the 2006 Guangdong International Tourism Festival in China, the Arts Club Company productions of Miss Saigon and Disney’s Beauty and Beast and several other shows for the PNE fair.






I completed massage therapy training and was licensed in B.C. in 1999. Today, I maintain a small private massage therapy practice in downtown Vancouver, together with my fulltime presence at Utopia Academy. Passionate about teaching and life-long learning, I am in graduate school at Simon Fraser University, pursuing research in the Faculty of Education. I teach systemic treatments, craniosacral therapy and professional development at Utopia Academy.

For fun, my friends join me in my interests in indie music and world-inspired dinner parties, and my dog takes me on excursions to the beaches and trails throughout the lower mainland. Finna, a friendly labradoodle, accompanies me to work most days. An important member of the Utopia Academy family, she represents the balance I try to maintain between work and… well… everything else that matters!






Dr. John Dang joined the faculty at Utopia Academy bringing with him nine years of instructional experiences in the areas of Human Anatomy and Physiology as well as Kinesiology and Rehabilitation. He is originally from Edmonton, Alberta. He has recently moved to beautiful Port Moody, and now calls the lower mainland his home.

His educational experience includes a Bachelor’s of Science in Pharmacology and Human Physiology from the University of Alberta, after which he went on to attain his Doctor of Chiropractic training at Life Chiropractic College West in Hayward, California. As a Massage Therapist from Alberta, he has had advanced training in soft tissue treatment, myofascial release therapy, treatment of sports injuries and rehabilitation. A renowned educator and prolific lecturer to a variety of audiences in his field of expertise, he is passionate and dedicated to instructional excellence in the training of future registered massage therapists. Dr. John teaches anatomy and physiology at Utopia Academy with an extraordinary level of commitment and passion for learning.

He is excited to announce the opening of his new clinic in New Westminster. It is a multidisciplinary health centre, incorporating the skills and services of chiropractic, physiotherapy, naturopathic medicine, and registered massage therapy.  

In his spare time, he enjoys personal training, hockey, and snowboarding.






Laurie graduated from the University of British Columbia in 1978 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation Education, after which she worked in a variety of settings including as a Recreation Therapist at Shaughnessy Hospital Long Term/Intermediate Residential care.

Passionate about dance and the human body, she decided to pursue a career as a Registered Massage Therapist and in 1986 completed her training from West Coast College of Massage Therapy. Her career in private practice has spanned more than 20 years in multidisciplinary, family medicine and wellness settings.

In addition, she was on the C.M.T.B.C. Board of Directors for 4 years and served as the Chair of the Registration Committee for 6 years.

Her instructional experiences include teaching courses in Hydrotherapy, Systemic Treatments, Pilates, Dance, and English as a Foreign Language (Tokyo, Japan).

She joined Utopia Academy in 2006 where she currently teaches Professional Development and supervises clinical in reach/out reach.

In her free time she enjoys dance, movies and spending time with her husband and two teenage daughters.






Jody graduated from massage therapy college in 2002 (as class valedictorian and recipient of the Joe Koscak Memorial Award), and began his career in private practice alongside a family doctor and chiropractor. Soon after that he joined Spa Utopia working as an RMT in North Vancouver. He most recently managed the massage department at the Pan Pacific location, and currently is in private practice here in Vancouver.

After several years of successful practice in both clinical and spa settings he has added teaching to his portfolio, and has proudly been with the amazing team at Utopia Academy since its inception. He currently teaches Clinical Assessment, Manual Skills, Sports Treatments, Orthopedic Treatments, and Myofascial Release . 

Jody is the father of three active young children. In his spare time he plays the part of Paul McCartney in the Beatles Tribute Band - The Fab Fourever (www.fabfourever.com). You'll find them performing at festivals, casinos and theatres around Western Canada.






Dr. Amanda Lee (Dr. Mandy) is a chiropractor and the owner and clinic director of the Bloom Family Wellness Centre located in North Vancouver's Edgemont Village. She attended Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi on a swimming scholarship and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1999 and a Masters of Education in 2000. She enjoyed 5 years in the U.S.A. before returning to Canada to attend Chiropractic College.  In June of 2004, she graduated from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto, as a Doctor of Chiropractic.  

She joined the faculty of the Utopia Academy in February 2008 and is a part-time instructor in Arthrology, Systemic Pathology and Anatomy and Physiology.  She aims to make learning a positive experience for everyone – on any given day, you may hear a few laughs coming from her classroom. 

In her "free" time, Dr. Mandy is a certified Fitness and Yoga instructor and teaches several classes a week. She also enjoys travelling and spending time with her husband, Dave.






Dr. Denise Cacchioni graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry in 1996.  She then went on to complete a Doctor of Chiropractic Degree at Western States Chiropractic College in Portland, Oregon.  Upon returning to BC, she practiced chiropractic in a variety of multidisciplinary health clinics for seven years.  Denise joined Utopia Academy in 2006 and currently teaches Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology.






Dr. Jay Guarino graduated from Western States Chiropractic College in 2008, with a Doctor of Chiropractic degree (Cum Laude). Dr. Guarino is currently at a private practice in Kitsilano, which has a heavy emphasis on treating sports injuries. His extensive training and knowledge of the human body allows him to utilize advanced techniques in Joint Manipulation, Myofascial Release, and Rehabilitation. Dr. Jay teaches Anatomy and Physiology, and Myology at Utopia Academy. In his spare time, he enjoys rock climbing, snowboarding, and watching the Canucks with friends and family.






Rachel completed full certification in the Dr. Vodder method of Manual Lymphatic Drainage in 1996, and graduated from West Coast College of Massage Therapy in 1997. Rachel enhanced her MLD knowledge in 2000, with an opportunity to study at the specialized Dr. Vodder Academy in Austria – the leading institute of lymphedema research and MLD training in the world.

Highlights of Rachel's career have been working within an Orthopaedic Sports Physiotherapy setting and palliatively with cancer patients.

Rachel specializes in the reduction, prevention and rehabilitation of scar tissue formation and has extensive experience with post surgical rehabilitation (knee/hip replacements, mastectomy/lumpectomy, reconstructive/plastic surgery).

Rachel is currently practicing in Vancouver at the Electra Health Floor (downtown) and at Body and Soul (west point grey).






I graduated from the WCCMT in 1997 and have a busy private practice in Surrey, B.C .   I feel very fortunate to be a part of the ever-growing profession of massage therapy, and the positive impact we, as therapists, can have on people's lives.

When not working, I love to walk, hike, swim, explore new / revisit  favorite places and generally be outside. 

I have two grown daughters who fill me with pride....and who tirelessly try to keep my music up to date.






Dr. Sanjay Mohan Ram was born and raised in Singapore, graduated in 1997 from UBC with a B.Sc. (Hon.) in Human Physiology and Biochemistry. Dr. Mohan Ram joined the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine (BINM) in January 2000.

Currently, Dr. Mohan Ram works at the Cross Roads Naturopathic Clinic as an Associate ND; at Mountainview Wellness Centre as an Associate ND; at the Utopia Academy as a senior instructor teaching medical pathology classes; teaching for the 1st year BINM biomedicine courses, and supervising at the BINM student clinic and BC Persons with AIDS Outreach Clinic.

Dr. Mohan Ram is actively involved in the sporting community. He currently coordinates and plays in the competitive division of an adult volleyball league, and serves as a certified official/referee for local tournaments.






Karen graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in 2004. After graduating, she had the opportunity to work at Spa Utopia before going into private practice in Edgemont Village in North Vancouver. Her practice focuses on working with women during the childbearing years, the weekend warrior to the triathlete, the stressed and the computer strained. She has also had the privilege of working with couples, providing labour support as their doula. Her continuing education includes workshops focused on osteopathic techniques including muscle energy.

Karen is excited to be teaching at the Academy among fellow colleagues and mentors. She enjoys the opportunity to share her passion for the profession of massage therapy with her students.






Bianca graduated from West Coast College of Massage Therapy in 2000. Through providing massage therapy treatments to pregnant women, she gained an interest in learning more about prenatal and postnatal healthcare. In 2002 Bianca became a certified Doula; she combined her experience as an RMT and Doula to support women in labour. Soon after, Bianca received her Hatha Yoga Teacher-training Certificate from Prana Yoga & Zen Centre and her Prenatal Yoga Certificate from Janice Clarfield. She feels the skills she has developed as a Massage Therapist, Yoga Teacher and a Doula provide complementary and balanced healthcare for clients.

Bianca began a massage practice in North Vancouver in 2000; a few years later, she partnered in creating a wellness clinic called Bloom Family Wellness Centre. The clinic was created to provide families with a supportive and caring environment, offering multiple health care options. She now practices part time in Squamish.

In 2006, Bianca began teaching at Utopia Academy.  She was drawn to teaching by having the desire to learn more about massage and be involved the future of massage therapy. She currently teaches part time at Utopia Academy.






Kristin graduated from the Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy in 2005.  Upon completing her registration she worked in New Zealand for a year, then returned to Vancouver and now works in two multidisciplinary clinics.  In 2007 she became a Doula which re-ignited her passion to work with both pre- and post-natal women.  Her professional development courses have included Myofascial Release, Thai Massage, Pelvic Alignment, Craniosacral Therapy and Infant, Birth and Post-partum Massage.  Along with teaching at Utopia Academy she also organizes and teaches Infant Massage Classes for families in the Lower Mainland. Her aim is to share her enthusiasm and fascination for the extraordinary capabilities of the human body.

When not working, Kristin can be found playing soccer in the summer, snowshoeing in the winter and attending concerts year round.






In 2001 I graduated from West Coast College of Massage Therapy. Shortly after I completed my kinesiology degree. I have had a very exciting career working with actors, singers and professional athletes. I now have a private practice in Coquitlam, where I focus mainly on biomechanics, helping athletes correct their biomechanics when performing their sport to help prevent injury. I teach orthopedic treatment, neurological treatment, and supervise student massage at outreaches. For fun I chase around my children and go hiking, swimming and snowboarding.