​Board of Directors

PRESIDENT - JANICE JOHNSON

Janice became a member with RABC in 2014, and was RAC Certified in 2010. In 2011/2012 she was President for RAC-BC Chapter, before moving over to join RABC. In 2002 she volunteered much time to improving local outdoor air quality, which turned into a full time job with the local regional government. Much progress in 5 years was accomplished, and then Janice was accepted into the Community Futures Self-Employment Business Program. Janice has been interested in alternative health for over 30 years since healing her body from her own multiple allergies, which no longer exist. I am honoured to serve as President to the members of RABC.

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MEMBERSHIP - VANESSA IZON

Vanessa Izon a Certified Esthetician, Foot Reflexologist and Level 3 Therapeutic Touch Practitioner began her journey in the wellness industry in 2004. While giving clients massages, pedicures and bodywork services,  she noticed the positive effects her services were having on her clients. Vanesa began learning more about the body and its ability to heal - seeking more knowledge and understanding.
In 2009 Vanessa was introduced to Therapeutic Touch. She was amazed how it complimented her work, taking it to a whole new level.
Over the years the topic of Reflexology often came up in her conversations  with her clients. Vanessa began researching this and she booked a Reflexology session for herself. She was amazed at how she felt after this first treatment. This led to her getting certification to add it to her wellness regime. Vanessa’s Reflexologist inspired her to pursue this and in 2018 she completed her Foot Reflexology Certification with Reflexology of Canada. She has been a member of RAC for 2019-2021 and became a member of  RABC in 2020. 
Vanessa’s wellness journey has taken her from  Spas, Salons, Wellness Retreats , hosting Wellness Events, working in clients’ homes and ultimately it  has given her the ability to have a career that she continues to build on continually learning new therapies and techniques. 
Vanessa has owned and operated her present business from her home since 2009. She resides in Ladysmith BC on Vancouver Island. 

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TREASURER - SEEMA JHALLI

I started my medical journey as a Medical Assistant at Kaiser Hospital in California. I worked as a clerk at The Consulate General of India, Vancouver. I was a Job Search Advisor at (Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS). I worked at DIVERSEcity as a South Asian Settlement Worker. I got married and had two sons. I was not able to work full-time. Then I started searching on google for what to do from home. Reflexology was the only option I had.  
Now I am an Approved Reflexology Practitioner. I took foot, ear and hand reflexology. Since 2016 I have been a member of RABC. I have been a Treasurer for the last 2 years. I also took Vertical Reflexology with Lynn Booth from London, England.  I am a Reiki Master Teacher. I want to be an energy healer. I want to heal this world and the Universe.  
 I volunteer with DIVERSEcity to help Newcomers with the Together Project. I also Volunteer with CRA CVITP to file taxes for students and low-income people. I love to help our community.

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SECRETARY - FRANCES BIRDSELL

​Frances Birdsell, Reflexologist and Natural Health Practitioner, has owned and operated Viva Holistic Healing since 1997. She is a Practitioner and Instructor of foot, hand and ear Reflexology, offering ongoing courses in Reflexology and other holistic healing methods in Terrace and across the northwest.
Frances holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology, and has worked in health research for a number of years. She arrived in Terrace in 1978, launching a career in community development, running the Terrace Women's Centre. Frances received her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from the Instituto Naturista in Guatemala in 1997, as well as a Masters in Kai Igaku / La Medicina Agradable, utilizing the widely used method of applied kinesiology, called the Examen Bioenergetico (Bioenergy Exam) from COHNAN, in Leon, Nicaragua. Through Northwest Development Education, Frances has worked for global awareness with OXFAM and CUSO. She is also an accredited Spiritual Healer utilizing a number of techniques including Reiki, Prana, Polarity, Chakra Balancing, Gemstone, Monadic and Emerald Fire.

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TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE - CLAUDIA RUEL

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FOOTNOTE NEWS and WEBSITE - DIANE MACDONALD

Diane MacDonald of Raincoast Elemental Wellness and Consulting Inc. is dedicated to supporting those who care for others through Reflexology and bioenergetic techniques.  Promoting inner peace and a path forward through relaxation.
Diane is a firm believer that when we invest in ourselves through holistic techniques which support the cycle of relaxation, release and renewal we are healthier, more adaptive and more creative when facing life’s challenges.
Diane holds those who care for others with a profound respect and chooses to focus her energy on supporting the caregivers/care providers in her community.
Diane is a registered member of the Natural Health Practitioners of Canada, the Reflexology Association of BC, the Reflexology Association of Canada, the Canadian Association of Bioenergetic Wellness, BC Therapeutic Touch Network Society and the Therapeutic Touch International Association.

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SOCIAL MEDIA - RON LEIBEL

Ron Leibel discovered Reflexology in 1985 because of his asthma. When he tried it on regular basis, within a couple of months his lungs cleared up and he was able to stop taking medications. It was a truly life altering experience. 
Ron realized that Reflexology was his true passion in life. He started a full-time Reflexology practice in 1993 and worked at Le Spa at the Sutton Place Hotel in downtown Vancouver as well as a mobile service for BC Hydro, Vancity, Film Studios and other personal clients.
Ron went on to be the President of the Reflexology Association of British Columbia for six years and is currently on the RABC Board of Directors. He is also a member of the Reflexology Association Of Canada.
Reflexology is all about thumb and handwork and care must be taken to protect and strengthen the hands in order to ensure a long career. Out of necessity, Ron developed what he calls the "Sliding Technique".  The "Sliding Technique requires less effort, you can actually apply more pressure with less exertion and, you don't miss any reflex points.
In 2002, he developed his own Advanced Reflexology "Sliding Technique" Foot Course and began to teach courses at various locations in Metro Vancouver such as Langara College, Kwantlen University College, Surrey College, Metro College, Vancouver Community College, Sprott-Shaw Community College, North Shore Continuing Education, Burnaby Continuing Education, Port Moody Community Services, Coquitlam Continuing Education, West Vancouver Community Learning, Vancouver School Board and the Advanced Reflexology Institute.
In the ongoing years, he has added the Advanced Reflexology "Sliding Technique" Hand and Ear Course. He has also produced Foot and Hand Reflexology "Sliding Technique" Instruction Videos.

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DIRECTOR AT LARGE - CHRISTOPHER SHIRLEY

Christopher Shirley is the Director of the Pacific Institute of Reflexology school in Vancouver, B.C. and Regina SK.  He served as the President of the Reflexology Association of B.C. in 1986 when he succeeded in having “Reflexology” entered as a heading in the Yellow Pages. He has published “Reflexology Foot, Hand and Ear Charts,” and an instructional DVD “Foot Reflexology: A Step-by-Step Guide.” He also produced a set of ten informational brochures that describe the benefits of reflexology for ten health conditions. In 2019 he was made an honorary member of RABC.

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DIRECTOR AT LARGE - MARY VAN GEYN

Mary van Geyn began her journey as a Reflexologist in 2003, after completing her first course at the Pacific Institute of Reflexology with the guidance of Chris Shirley.  What began as an 80th birthday gift for her Mom has turned into a wonderful career, sharing this amazing modality with clients from 8 weeks old to 102 years old.  She has had the privilege of studying with Reflexologists from Canada, the USA, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the UK.  
Mary has been a member of the Reflexology Association of BC (RABC) since 2005, and became an Approved Reflexology Practitioner in 2017.  She is also a member of the Reflexology Association of Canada (RAC), as a Registered Canadian Reflexology Therapist (RCRT).  She served on the RABC board from 2008 - 2012, as Membership Director, and has now rejoined the Board as a Member at Large.
Mary lives in Coquitlam with her husband and twin sons, and treats throughout the TriCities area.  When not sharing her passion in Reflexology, she can be found in her 1962 Airstream, exploring thrift shops and sales for any and all things Vintage.