A lifelong cyclist and globe-trotter, Melanie brings her passion for adventure to both the saddle and the page. She’s written about her journeys for publications like The Globe and Mail, The Toronto Star, and Canadian Cycling Magazine. On the racing side, she’s taken on epic amateur events like South Africa’s grueling Joberg2c, Epic Israel, and Taiwan’s legendary KOM Challenge. When she’s not pedaling through far-off places, you’ll find her in Rossland with her dog Farley, baking cookies and soaking up mountain town life.

A lifelong cyclist and globe-trotter, Melanie brings her passion for adventure to both the saddle... Read More

Friendly. Dedicated. Personal. Supportive. Professional. Motivating.

Kirsty Exner is a fully licensed physiotherapist and a member of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. She lives in Rossland BC, is married and is a mother of two beautiful young girls.

She earned a Masters in Physical Therapy from the University of British Columbia and her Bachelor of General Studies from Thompson Rivers University. Prior to graduating from UBC, Kirsty ran her own successful business where she offered dozens of private and group exercise programs, including Pilates, and has hosted and coached her own Women’s Freeride Camps and Mountain bike camps. Kirsty also competed on the World Extreme-skiing Tour, earning two silver medals in the World Finals in Alaska.

Kirsty believes in an active approach to rehab, and having experienced debilitating injuries herself, she continues to appreciate and enjoy a number of activities including: skiing, mountain biking, trail running and hiking.

Friendly. Dedicated. Personal. Supportive. Professional. Motivating. Kirsty Exner is a fully lic... Read More

A 2019 graduate from the University of Western States, Eva Gifford received her Doctorate of Chiropractic magna cum laude. She holds a BSc. in Kinesiology from the University of Victoria. A self coined type-2 fun lover, Eva has a passion for moving in the mountains and being outdoors. She has a background in personal training, run coaching and exercise prescription including movement assessment, dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS), running gait analysis and more. Eva will be offering some of her amazing expertise in her new “Run Fit” class. This is a not-to-miss opportunity if you are currently, or want to be a runner of any level.

A 2019 graduate from the University of Western States, Eva Gifford received her Doctorate of Chir... Read More

Jenna Lamont is a passionate fitness and yoga instructor with over a decade of experience helping people build strength, confidence, and a deeper connection with their bodies. She began her journey in 2005, completing her Fitness Theory and Group Training certification in

Australia, followed by her 200-hour Yoga Certification in 2014. In 2015, Jenna expanded her expertise with additional Group Fitness Training in Vancouver, BC.

Over the years, she has continued to grow, earning certifications in Yoga Nidra, Weight Training, and Personal Training, blending her love for body movement with a focus on strength, mindfulness, and relaxation.

Jenna also holds a diploma in Holistic Nutrition from the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, which she completed in 2008. This foundation fuels her holistic approach to wellness, emphasizing not only physical health but also mental well-being.

Jenna’s passion lies in fusing the worlds of fitness and yoga to create dynamic, inclusive experiences that empower her clients. She believes in the power of community, connection, and making everyone feel welcome and supported, regardless of where they are in their journey. As a strong advocate for mental health, Jenna aims to create an environment where people feel comfortable, confident, and happy in their own skin.

Jenna Lamont is a passionate fitness and yoga instructor with over a decade of experience helping... Read More

Julia has been a CanFitPro certified personal trainer for 8 years and has worked in the fitness industry for over a decade. Originally from Montreal, Julia’s interest in movement was sparked while studying professional theatre at Dawson College.

Julia started her career being mentored in a private gym that heavily focused on strength and condition. Over the years however, she has moved towards focusing on mobility, calisthenics, and intuitive movement. This preference developed along with her philosophy that fitness should help, and not hurt the body. Her overall goal is to help people live long and comfortable active lifestyles, whether that is through one-on-one coaching and programming, or in a group fitness setting.

Julia has been a CanFitPro certified personal trainer for 8 years and has worked in the fitness i... Read More

Lila is a dedicated healer and guide, with over 20 years of experience as a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner, Evolutionary Astrologer, and yoga teacher in BC. Her passion lies in blending ancient wisdom with modern insight, creating transformative experiences that support deep, embodied living. Through her work, Lila invites others into a space of true alchemy—where healing, self-discovery, and spiritual connection converge. Her greatest joy is helping individuals awaken to their most authentic selves through the powerful practices of Chinese Medicine, astrology, yoga, and meditation—so they can move through the world with clarity, purpose, and grace

Lila is a dedicated healer and guide, with over 20 years of experience as a Traditional Chinese M... Read More

Katie Spittlehouse may be new to the Velvet team, but she’s no stranger to high performance. As a decorated professional mountain bike racer, she’s landed podium finishes in most of her competitions. Katie also brings elite coaching experience as the former coach and strength & conditioning specialist for the Canadian Paralympic Alpine Ski Team. Her extensive background in athletic training makes her an incredible addition to our spring lineup

Katie Spittlehouse may be new to the Velvet team, but she’s no stranger to high performance. As a... Read More