Nanny Assink

Senior Thai Massage Practitioner

Practitioner of Medical and Ayuravate 

Nanny, originally from Thailand, has dedicated herself to mastering the art of traditional Thai healthcare, a practice with a rich 600-year history passed down through generations. Her passion for helping people alleviate pain knows no bounds.

After earning a university degree in administration, Nanny spent a decade in the hospitality industry, managing hotels and tours. In 2020, she pursued her true calling by enrolling in vocational Thai Massage at Chetawan Health School (Wat Po). There, she completed the school’s main courses in Professional Thai Massage, Professional Spa Therapy, and Foot Massage for Health.

Nanny then relocated to Canada, where she joined Thai Massage YQR. Over the past three years, she has continuously expanded her expertise, competing in a world-class Thai Massage competition in Toronto and attending workshops led by renowned teachers.

She has recently returned from Thailand (May, 2024) with new services including Thai Medical Massage, Mai Kod Ku Sarika - Thai Massage Sticks, and more!

As a licensed Natural Health Care Practitioner,  I approach my profession the same way I live my life. As my client, you can be sure that you will be treated with dignity and respect and I will work with you to tailor your sessions so that you gain the maximum benefits.

My mission is to provide massage clients the significant result with minimal sessions as possible, following by a simple care plan after the session to alleviate pain, eliminate fatigue as well as decrease muscle and joint stiffness.

I am truly blessed to be in a career where I can integrate what I do, with who I am, what I feel, and where I want to be in life; whole, happy, and in harmony with my beliefs. Thai Massage therapy has so much to offer and I look forward to (literally and figuratively!) touching the lives of as many people that I can!

Ashley Hodgkin

Thai Massage Practitioner

I am a passionate bodyworker dedicated to holistic well-being and the art of healing. I offer a range of nourishing treatments including Thai Massage, herbal compress massage, fire cupping, and cupping facials for health and beauty. I previously owned Sadhana Yoga Studio in Weyburn, SK, and have been involved in the health and wellness industry since 2007.

My journey into the world of Thai massage began in 2014, when I experienced my first Thai Massage at a beachside studio in southern Thailand. This encounter sparked a fascination with Thai healing traditions. Synchronistically, later that year during a yoga teacher training I was introduced to a brilliant Thai Massage teacher named Kristin Nuttal and was able to learn some basic techniques that I found to be very useful in my yoga classes. 

This inspired me to spend the following Spring season in Pemberton BC with her, learning Thai Medical Massage in the Lana Tradition and Thai Fire Cupping. Over the next few years I immersed myself in the practice of these healing traditions, loving the impact that they had on my students and clients. I have always had a love for helping people find freedom and ease in their bodies, and with Thai Massage and fire cupping I found I was able to raise that experience to a whole new level. 

I eventually went on to obtain my herbal compress accreditation, and have found it to be incredibly effective in enhancing my treatments. 

My teacher taught me that Thai Massage is in essence the physical application of Metta. According to the Brahmaviharas in Buddhist philosophy, Metta is one of the four divine states of mind. It is the practice of cultivating boundless love and goodwill for all beings. It involves wishing for happiness, well-being, and freedom from suffering for oneself and others. It is an antidote to ill-will and anger.

I love this approach, because through regularly connecting to this intention - the intention to embody Metta and channel it into my sessions to offer to my clients - I am able to regularly experience the benefits of this state of mind in my own life. I cherish the results achieved through this work. Witnessing the alleviation of pain, the enhancement of physical freedom, and overall well-being of my clients is my greatest reward. 

I took great joy in practicing in Weyburn for several years as a solo practitioner before relocating to Regina, and am now thrilled to become part of the vibrant Thai Massage YQR community and be surrounded by people who share my love of Thai Massage and the healing arts!

Mike Rattachart

Thai Massage Practitioner

Originally from Thailand, often referred to as the "land of massage," I have always been deeply passionate about massage therapy. In Thailand, I frequented various massage shops, absorbing diverse styles and techniques from numerous skilled masseuses. This experience fueled my interest in massage, leading me to often practice on my wife and other family members, always aiming to understand how to tailor massages to individual needs. This quest for knowledge led me to enroll in the Wat Po & Chetawan Professional Training Program in Bangkok, a decision driven by my desire to enhance my skills and knowledge in a field I hadn't realized could shape my career in Canada until I met Karen in Regina.

Before moving to Canada in 2021, I spent seven years as an associate professor at Valaya Alongkorn Rajabhat University in Thailand, focusing on statistics and South East Asian Studies. My academic journey also took me to India, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia for research and work, deepening my interest in the rich massage culture prevalent across Asia.

I was pleasantly surprised to discover a Thai massage course in Regina, offered by Thai Massage YQR and taught by Affiliate Instructor Karen Piper. This opportunity rekindled my training in massage therapy and marked the beginning of my professional journey in this field in Canada. I am now a proud member of the Natural Health Practitioners of Canada.

My approach to massage therapy is to treat each client with the same care and attention I would offer a family member. I am eager to share all that I have learned with my clients, advocating Thai Massage as an incredible method for deep relaxation, maintaining flexibility, and offering numerous other wellness benefits.

Brittany Kish

Thai Massage Practitioner

Brit’s enthusiasm for living a happy, balanced, and simple life is her foundation. These core values have always guided her personally and have guided her approach to working with others.

Brit has vast experience in the wellness and fitness space. She grew up as a competitivedancer and cheerleader, has had a dedicated weight lifting and yoga practice throughout her adult life, studied biology in university, is certified in yoga and mobility, and owned and operated yoga studios across the province of Saskatchewan for 8 years. Her expert knowledge of the body, mind, and beyond along with her ability to connect with people have allowed her to impact the lives of many.

More recently, Brit has trained to become a Thai Massage Practitioner. She has found great benefit in this practice as a supplement in her own life and as a supplement for her students and clients.

In a session with Brit you can expect a balance between deep relaxation and more active approaches. She has a way of helping others lean into their limits in an accessible and approachable way as she believes this is where we grow. Brit would be a great fit for the movement enthusiasts, athletes, and anyone looking to increase their mobility, those looking for pain relief, and anyone who wants to relax or who simply wants to find more balance in their life.

She can’t wait to practice with you!

Jess Zaryski, RMT

My name is Jess Zaryski, and I’m delighted to join the Thai Massage YQR team as a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT). I recently completed my Remedial Massage Diploma at Western College of Remedial Massage, and I’m eager to bring my skills and passion for holistic health to our wonderful clients.

I have long been drawn to holistic health and well-being, both physically and mentally. In July 2019, I became a certified 200-hour yoga teacher. Through teaching yoga, I discovered how rewarding it is to help others feel better and guide them through their practice. Connecting with students in such a meaningful way brought me immense joy and inspired me to serve and help others even more, ultimately leading me to pursue massage therapy. Whether it's for stress relief, exploring the mind-body connection, maintaining mobility, or simply helping to relieve a stubborn knot, I am dedicated to providing the best care possible.

My first experience with Thai massage was during a backpacking trip in Thailand, and it left a lasting impression on me. The feeling of being stretched and rejuvenated was unforgettable, and I knew I wanted to incorporate this into my massage practice once I completed my studies. I am eager to finish the Thai massage courses and offer a hybrid treatment combining both modalities.

Currently, I am offering 60 and 90-minute massage sessions tailored to each client's needs, available Monday through Wednesday evenings. I look forward to bringing my skills and passion to the Thai Massage YQR team and our clients.

Michelle Kohlert, RMT

Hi My name is Michelle Kohlert.

I am a second year massage student at PCMT.

With my education and experience in many types of physical and energetic bodywork designed to both the gross and subtle imbalances in the body.

I possess a passion for helping others to release restrictions in the body, find physical and energetic balance, and achieve their health and wellness goals through a variety of modalities, positive thinking and self love.

My goal is to empower people to become balanced, self sufficient, spiritually fulfilled and ultimately a positive influence in the world. 

Lacie Nilsen, RMT

My name is Lacie Nilsen and I am thrilled to join the Thai Massage YQR team as a Registered Massage Therapist. (RMT)

 I have recently graduated from the Western College of Remedial Massage and am ready to put my skills to work and assist folks on their health and well being journey. 

For the past decade I have been training and working as a Physical and Occupational Therapist Assistant and currently work at the province's trauma center, RGH, helping patients recovery from their injuries and surgeries. I am also a trained 200 hour Hatha Yoga Teacher and 100 hour Yin and Restorative Teacher, with a level 1 Reiki training under my belt as well.

Educating myself and my community around the vast knowledge that is wellness is one of my greatest passion. I believe there is great wisdom in the balance and blend of Eastern and Western ways at looking at health and well being. 

 If I am not at work you can find me on the volleyball court, tennis court, hitting the slopes or hiking the trails with my husky and lab pittie. I understand the demands of an active lifestyle and am dedicating in helping patients keep their bodies and minds in a harmonious state to live out there passions and day to day activities. 

Deb Hansen

Thai Massage Practitioner

To me nothing is as important as health! First we must take care of ourselves to be able to take care of others. To be healthy and fit to do all of the amazing things that we want to do. The world has so much to offer.

I have been a Registered Dental Assistant for 42 years so helping people to feel better and not be in pain has been very important for most of my life.

I have been passionate about health and fitness all of my adult life. Wanting to share this with others I became an SPRA certified fitness instructor in 1991 and still continue to teach fitness. Running also became one of my favourite activities. So easy to go for a run anywhere great way to clear your mind. Running so many half marathons, a few fulls and triathlons, tough mudders. So much fun but I found I needed to take better care of myself and found Pilates to balance me out. I became a Fully Certified Stott Pilates instructor in 2021. I find it so rewarding to help others feel better and to see them get stronger and have better mobility.

I had my first Thai Massage with Karen 2 years ago and felt so wonderful after. The massage and assisted stretching was exactly what I was missing. When I found out Karen was now teaching others Thai Massage here in Regina I thought here is another way I can help others to feel better.

Thai Massage is a great way to maintain mobility and flexibility and has so many other health benefits. As we age and we need to work harder at maintaining our flexibility so we can move easier and with less pain.

Hopefully still tying our own shoes when we are 100!!!

Derek Anderson

Thai Massage Practitioner

“How did I get here?”

Years ago while trying to pay for university I spent a few summers working in the NWT. While there I completed a Shiatsu workshop and went on giving massages to friends and acquaintances. Never fully certain of the validity all the content, I did note when my friend/patients revealed just how tired they were the day following a treatment. In class we were coached that “fatigue was from the flushing of toxins from the muscles back into the blood stream.”

I like to keep an open mind. The history of Canadian culture is a pretty thin book comparatively, and I have learned it is hard to argue with 10,000 years of Asian values and customs.

Nonetheless, I became a fan. It was not until recently when receiving my first formal Thai massage from YQR’s ever so capable Jayme Ast that I learned of YQR’s ability to provide Thai massage instruction by means of their Affiliate Instructor Karen Piper. I went all in.

Today I find myself working with real clients. I am really enjoying myself. I am among some really intriguing and talented coworkers, and still asking myself “how did I get here?”

Rachelle Lee

Student Thai Massage Practitioner

My first foray into the world of Thai Massage came in the summer of 2022 - I was a university student at the time, studying engineering, and had just finished my capstone project. The year leading up to that summer, my body was full of aches and pains due to a severe disconnection between my mind and body. I started as a client at Thai Massage YQR, and through a regular routine of Thai Massage, and eventually expanding into at-home stretching, yoga, and mindfulness routines, I slowly felt my mind and body come back together.

Since then, I have joined the team at Thai Massage YQR, first as the receptionist and office manager, and I continued to be inspired by the healing that Thai Massage can offer. So much so that I decided to take the plunge, and began the training to become a Thai Massage practitioner. I look forward to introducing clients into the mind and body healing that Thai Massage provides.

Clint MacNab - LPN - Saskatoon Location

Thai Massage Practitioner

Clint grew up on a cattle ranch near Mervin, Saskatchewan. He began his career as a lifeguard and swimming instructor, first at Turtle Lake and then in Saskatoon. In 2007, Clint moved to the West Coast where he became Licensed Practical Nurse, which he still enjoys practicing today.

As an avid yogi and an LPN, Clint found Thai Massage to be the perfect therapeutic combination of stretching and healing touch. In the fall of 2022, Clint enrolled in Thai Massage YQR Academy. He has recently completed Thai Massage Levels 1, 2, & 3, Foot Reflexology and 13 Syndromes.

He is now looking forward to practicing Thai Massage in the new Saskatoon location !