MEET THE TEAM
Catrina English
(Guglielmucci)
Coach , Co-Owner, Registered Physiotherapist and Certified Athletic Therapist
Catrina is a Registered Physiotherapist (since 2017) and Certified Athletic Therapist (since 2013) who is passionate about helping people stay active, move pain-free, and achieve their goals—big or small. A former university-level soccer player and current CrossFit Level 2 Trainer, Catrina loves movement in all its forms and brings that same energy and dedication to her clients.
Through her own experiences with pregnancy and postpartum recovery, she developed a special interest in pelvic health and supporting women through exercise during and after pregnancy.
As a mom of two, Catrina understands the importance of balancing movement, health, and family life. She loves staying active, challenging herself through exercise, and spending quality time with her family. Deeply connected to her Driftwood community, Catrina brings warmth, understanding, and motivation to every session she leads.
Drew Kuperman
CROSSFIT COACH
Drew has been a personal trainer and CrossFit coach since 2019. Sports and fitness has always played a huge role in Drew’s life, both casually and competitively. During her university years, she played varsity lacrosse and continued to develop her love for sport, fitness, and community. Drew enjoys focusing on sport specific movements with her athletes and helping them achieve their fitness goals, no matter how challenging they may seem. She is passionate about being a part of the CrossFit community, helping others stay healthy and find a way to add fun movement into their life. When Drew isn’t coaching or doing her own workout, she is probably hanging out with her rescue pup, Happy!
Samantha Girard
CROSSFIT COACH, PERSONAL TRAINER & Registered Holistic NUTRITIONIST
Sam is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and also hold a Bachelors in Science focused mainly on Human Anatomy. She has been making waves in the nutrition and fitness space for 7+ years now. Prior to that, She had full intentions of pursuing Marine Biology but during her internship in Bamfield, It quickly became apparent that her active personality couldn't take sitting in a lab all day. In the 7+ years that she has been in the industry she:
-
Coached Spin Classes for a solid 5+ years
-
Obtained certifications from TRX, multiple and Strength and Conditioning Classes, CF Level 1
-
ACES certified Personal Trainer for 4+ years
-
Graduated with Honors as a Registered Holistic Nutritionist
You can find her at Driftwood and also working for herself, running a Nutrition business to help people find freedom in the way they eat and exercise.
Andy Merrylees
Olympic Lifting coach
Andy Merrylees, our Olympic lifting coach, was once a national-level weightlifter in the United Kingdom and competed internationally on the world junior stage. He was destined to compete at the Olympics before they were unfortunately boycotted that year. With over 28 years of experience coaching, Andy is one of the highest level coaches in Canada with his level 3 NCCP club Coach certification. Andy has been the head coach to 6 BC Junior Team National Championships and 3 BC Senior Team National Championships. Having coached 4 Junior athletes to World competitions it is no wonder he is sought out by so many high level athletes. We are truly lucky to have Andy for the patience and knowledge that he brings to his coaching. Not to mention his goofy sense of humour.
EMILIO SERKIN
Crossfit Coach & Personal Trainer
Emilio started weight training in his early high school years and developed a heightened passion for fitness when he started learning the art of programming. Emilio is an SFU Kinesiology major and has also spent lots of time tutoring students in physics, kinesiology, and chemistry. Combining the satisfaction of teaching with his love for strength training led him to become a personal trainer. Emilio is now a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and CrossFit Level 1 Trainer. He is excited to become a part of the Driftwood community and help people and athletes of all ages achieve their goals
Ankit Yadav
Crossfit Coach & Personal Trainer
Ankit is from New Delhi, India and started his coaching journey in his hometown in 2017. He became a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer in 2018 and has since been helping many people reach their goals, lead a healthy lifestyle and love their fitness journey. Ankit finds joy in seeing athletes achieve milestones, both small and large, and has many memories coaching athletes to get their first pull up or muscle up. He also has experience with sport specific training for cricket, wrestling and badminton. Ankit’s favourite movements to do are handstand push ups and handstand walking.
mario ramirez
strength & Conditioning coach
Born in Mexico, Mario moved to Canada at 16 with one goal: to see how far swimming could take him. That journey brought him to Toronto, then to Guelph, where he competed for the Gryphons and Guelph Marlins, represented Mexico at two Olympic Trials cycles, and — toward the end of his studies at the University of Guelph — began coaching with the Marlins, turning his competitive career into a professional one.
Over the past 8+ years, Mario has worked at every level of competitive swimming — from developing young athletes to coaching national-level qualifiers and Olympic Trials athletes. He has a background in strength and conditioning and brings a genuine understanding of what it takes to train and perform at a high level — because he’s lived it.
Outside the gym, you’ll find Mario cooking for his wife, going on walks or hikes, exploring new corners of the city, or deep in trash reality TV. He’s also a self-described tech nerd and loves a good camping trip.
Orrin Watkinson
registered physiotherapist
Orrin was raised in Williams Lake, BC. He grew up playing rugby and spent many summers working/volunteering as a Wildfire Fighter. Orrin suffered several injuries during his sports career and as a kid, which helped him learn firsthand about the benefits of Physiotherapy. It was during this time of his life that he developed an interest in pursuing a career in the field. He studied Kinesiology at the University of Victoria before attending the University of British Columbia for his Masters of Physiotherapy. During his studies, Orrin continued to play premier-level rugby, alongside weightlifting, hiking, and CrossFit-style training. He is committed to never losing touch with how to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. His commitment to his own health extends to his patients, and he is focused on getting patients back to their favourite activities, pain-free and strong.
BRYCE MARTIN
Registered Physiotherapist
Bryce was born and raised in New Brunswick. He completed his Kinesiology undergraduate degree in his hometown before pursuing his Masters of Physiotherapy in Ireland. After graduating he worked in private practice for two years in Ireland and enjoyed some travel around surrounding areas. More recently, Bryce moved to Vancouver to explore and experience the west coast lifestyle. Physiotherapy has always been a passion for Bryce and he has a special interest in sports injury and performance, strength and conditioning, and rehabilitation. His work experience ranges from prehab for acute injury all the way to treatment for chronic recurring conditions. He believes that the cornerstone of what a physical therapist does is to maintain and improve a patient’s health and fitness and to provide patients with the tools and knowledge to thrive after injury. He looks forward to joining the Driftwood team and community and helping patients through their rehab timeline.
Raquel tjernagel
registered physiotherapist
Raquel earned her Masters in Physiotherapy from Brunel University in London, England. She is dedicated to helping people move with strength, confidence, and purpose. She combines clinical expertise with years of elite athletic experience to create personalized care that empowers clients to feel and perform their best.
Before beginning her physiotherapy career, she competed in track and field as a Division I NCAA athlete at the University of Texas and the University of Washington. She later trained under Coach Linford Christie in London, experiences that shaped her perspective on performance, recovery, and resilience. Today, she continues to share her love of running by coaching athletes from elementary through high school with the Vancouver Thunderbirds.
Outside the clinic, Raquel enjoys being with family, hiking, chasing new personal bests in the gym, and unwinding through painting.
Robin Harrison
Registered Physiotherapist
Robin was born and raised locally, in Vancouver BC. Growing up, Robin was always active, loved playing sports, and being a part of a team. She played Division 1 softball in the United States before returning to Canada for her Masters of Physical Therapy at Western University. Robin is an advocate for active living for all ages and recognizes the pivotal role that exercise and Physiotherapy plays in preventing injuries, enhancing overall health, and fostering a vibrant lifestyle. In addition to traditional Physiotherapy approaches, Robin strongly believes in integrating breathwork and yoga into her practice to promote relaxation and body awareness. Robin also has experience working with individuals with neurological conditions. This unique population has fueled her enthusiasm for creating tailored rehabilitation plans that address both physical and emotional aspects of recovery. Her goal is to empower patients to regain independence and embrace life with renewed resilience. Robin is pursuing specialized courses in pelvic floor rehabilitation and looks forward to integrating these skills and knowledge into her Physiotherapy practice. Robin will bring a varied and unique experience and energy to the Driftwood Physiotherapy team. Beyond her professional endeavors, Robin is an avid hiker. She loves trying new things and, through exercise, is committed to pushing boundaries, embracing challenges, and understanding the nuances of different types of training methodology—a mindset that aligns perfectly with her approach to Physiotherapy.
kaitlin gairdner
registered physiotherapist
Born and raised in Vancouver, Kaitlin has had a lifelong interest in physical activity and performance. Her involvement in a wide range of sports from an early age fostered an appreciation for how the body moves, adapts, and performs under different demands.
Kaitlin holds a Bachelor of Kinesiology and a Master of Physical Therapy from the University of British Columbia. She enjoys working with individuals of all ages from rehabilitation and foundational strength development to supporting athletes in managing load and optimizing performance.
With experience coaching elementary school basketball and delivering adaptive, fitness-based programming for individuals with neurodegenerative conditions, Kaitlin brings a strong appreciation for scalable training, clear coaching, and individualized progressions. Her approach emphasizes strength, movement quality, and confidence to support long-term performance and durability.
tomas kavan
registered physiotherapist
Tomas completed his Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology at Capilano University and his Master of Physical Therapy at the University of British Columbia. He also holds a Strength and Conditioning certification through the NSCA and has worked as a strength coach for the past three years.
He enjoys working with individuals from all walks of life—from high-performance athletes to those navigating injury, recovery, or simply wanting to move and feel better. Tomas takes a collaborative approach to care, combining hands-on techniques, biomechanics, and exercise, while appreciating how each person’s unique background and experiences shape their movement and recovery.
Originally from the Czech Republic, Tomas has called North Vancouver home for the past eight years. Outside the clinic, he is passionate about endurance sports, having recentlyqualified for the Half Ironman Age Group World Championships. In his free time, you’ll likely find him swimming, cycling & running the North Shore roads (or on Zwift), hiking or skiing in the mountains, or hanging out with his dog, Archie.
Spencer Lam
REGISTERED KINESIOLOGIST
Spencer is a Registered Kinesiologist who graduated from UBC. He grew up participating in numerous sports, which lead him to pursue high-level ice hockey for many years. His passion for athletics and fitness inspired him to learn more about the human body and how to perform and move optimally. Spencer's objective with all his patients is to help them return to function by promoting, teaching, and empowering them to take an active approach to their rehabilitation. Spencer strives to create and develop individualized programs that address his patient's needs and goals. Spencer has experience working with clients on strength and conditioning, motor vehicle rehabilitation, sport-specific training, and injury prevention. His priority is to create a fun, safe, and motivating environment for everyone. In his spare time, Spencer enjoys walking his dog Kobe or grabbing his favorite meal, sushi.
Bryan Nam
Registered Massage Therapist
Bryan’s journey of physical fitness and wellness began during his elementary school years when he first started training in Taekwondo. As he grew older, his interest evolved and shifted towards kickboxing, which became his primary sport throughout high school and college. With a competitive spirit, Bryan not only trained but also participated in kickboxing tournaments. Now, you will find Bryan in the gym, where he enjoys weight lifting and boxing. His dedication to maintaining a healthy lifestyle is rooted in his personal experiences. Bryan battled numerous injuries, including chronic lower back pain from a young age. Having experienced chronic pain firsthand, Bryan wants to help others overcome their injuries and return to their activities feeling strong and resilient. Bryan's personal injury and rehabilitation experience, in addition to leading an active lifestyle, led him to become a Registered Massage Therapist. Bryan believes in incorporating a combination of active and passive therapy, which is consistent with Driftwood Athletics' approach to care. Bryan looks forward to helping others on their rehabilitation journey.
pranil naicker
Registered Massage Therapist and Certified Athletic Therapist
Pranil completed his RMT studies at the Vancouver College of Massage Therapy (VCMT) in 2020. In addition to his practice, Pranil is an RMT instructor at CDI and Vancouver Career College, helping future RMT’s develop their skills and techniques.
Pranil uses a variety of techniques in his practice but is most known for effective trigger point release techniques .
Outside the clinic, Pranil goes to the gym and participates in dance and gymnastics classes. These activities have helped him appreciate the importance of strength training, mobility and dynamic stretching for himself and for his patients. Pranil takes the time to educate his patients and provide them with individualized exercises to ensure they experience long term benefit and relief.
