Richmond: 604.271.7181
Vancouver: 604.605.1550

Meet The Team

Andrea Lawson

BIM Founder & Kinesiologist
Location: Richmond & Vancouver

Andrea founded Balance In Motion in 2008, and has since grown it into one of the Lower Mainland’s top high performance and injury rehabilitation facilities.

Known for helping clients achieve goals they never thought possible, Andrea is a Kinesiologist and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) who loves helping people overcome the injuries or limitations preventing them from reaching their full potential.

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Andrea Lawson's Full Bio

Andrea founded Balance In Motion in 2008, and has since grown it into one of the Lower Mainland’s top high performance and injury rehabilitation facilities.

Known for helping clients achieve goals they never thought possible, Andrea is a Kinesiologist and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) who loves helping people overcome the injuries or limitations preventing them from reaching their full potential.

An advocate that one should never put fitness on top of dysfunction, Andrea is a certified Medical Exercise Specialist (MES) through the American Academy of Health Fitness & Rehabilitation Professionals. She is also a certified Functional Movement Systems™ provider.

She has dedicated her life to helping people ​reach their health and fitness goals​,​ regardless of the barriers that may currently be holding them back.

As testament to her dedication, Andrea is ​constantly increasing her knowledge-base​ – ​obtaining ​new ​certifications that will allow her to continue to give ​clients the highest level of training available, while improving their quality of life.

Andrea writes and oversees many of the training programs offered at Balance In Motion and is the current Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Richmond Rapids’ Senior National Development Team and the YVR Fire Department. She is the former coach of VolleyBall Canada and Seafair Minor Hockey.

She is also a part of the StrongFirst™ kettlebell community, having received her Level 1 Instructor Certification in June of 2015.

FUN FACT: When Andrea isn't at a BIM, she is probably on a mountain either running or skiing!

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Michael Park

Kinesiologist & Operations Manager of BIM Vancouver
Location: Richmond & Vancouver

Graduating from the University of Western Ontario, Michael obtained his Bachelor of Science double majoring in Biology and Medical Sciences. He has also obtained his Strength and Conditioning Coach Certification through the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

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Michael Park's Full Bio

Graduating from the University of Western Ontario, Michael obtained his Bachelor of Science double majoring in Biology and Medical Sciences. He has also obtained his Strength and Conditioning Coach Certification through the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

The numerous beneficial effects that physical exercise contributes towards an individual’s well being drives Michael to share his experiences and knowledge with others. Having had a couple of gruesome injuries in his past, Michael knows first-hand the long rehabilitation process. With the right environment, resources and a bit of patience, reaching your physical best is a very achievable goal.

Michael grew up competing in a variety of sports, namely rugby, volleyball, swimming and basketball. Michael loves the energy that team associated athletics builds as well as the lasting comradery that comes with it.

FUN FACT: Michael is a huge soccer fan, having gone to the 2002 and 2014 World Cups in South Korea and Brazil, as well as the 2016 Euros, hosted by France. His favourite soccer team is Chelsea FC.

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Luke Gilmore

Coach & Practicing Kinesiologist
Location: Richmond & Vancouver

A graduate of the University of British Columbia, Luke majored in Clinical Exercise Physiology and has a Bachelors of Human Kinetics.

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Luke Gilmore's Full Bio

A graduate of the University of British Columbia, Luke majored in Clinical Exercise Physiology and has a Bachelors of Human Kinetics.

A practicing Kinesiologist certified under the BC Association of Kinesiologists (BCAK) Luke has a passion for movement and is an advocate of functional health. He believes that you can prevent and rehabilitate from most injuries with proper movement and strength training. A belief that he strives to prove to every client that he has the pleasure of working with.

Prior to joining the BIM Coaching Team, Luke spent time volunteering in a physiotherapy clinic – where he gained experience with patients with a wide range of functional abilities and injuries.

A former competitive swimmer and hockey player, today Luke enjoys keeping active with Cycling, Hiking and strength training.

Whatever your training goal, Luke can help you work towards and achieve it.

FUN FACT: Luke once had a VERY close encounter with a bear while hiking in the Callaghan Valley. Ask him about it. It’s rather terrifying.

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Hailey Takasaki

Coach & Kinesiologist
Location: Richmond

Hailey is currently a student at the University of British Columbia, and is finishing her kinesiology degree. She is most passionate about improving people’s lives through physical activity and active rehabilitation.

Coming from a sports background herself, she enjoys working with other athletes in order to achieve their goals, and to be a part of their respective sporting journeys.

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Hailey Takasaki's Full Bio

Hailey is currently a student at the University of British Columbia, and is finishing her kinesiology degree. She is most passionate about improving people’s lives through physical activity and active rehabilitation.

Coming from a sports background herself, she enjoys working with other athletes in order to achieve their goals, and to be a part of their respective sporting journeys.

Hailey participated in the 2019 Canada Winter Games for Ringette and currently plays in the National Ringette League for the BC Thunder.

FUN FACT: Hailey was in an Elmo commercial as a child.

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Jen Booton

Coach & Practicing Kinesiologist
Location: Richmond

Jen has been an integral part of Balance In Motion since day one.

A practicing kinesiologist, certified under the British Columbia Association of Kinesiologists (BCAK), Jen specializes in active rehabilitation of soft tissue injuries through exercise and athletic performance training.

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Jen Booton's Full Bio

Jen has been an integral part of Balance In Motion since day one.

A practicing kinesiologist, certified under the British Columbia Association of Kinesiologists (BCAK), Jen specializes in active rehabilitation of soft tissue injuries through exercise and athletic performance training.

Since graduating with a degree in Kinesiology from the University of British Columbia in 2012, Jen has obtained a number of additional certifications in order to give her clients the highest level of coaching available.

She is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. A certified Functional Movement Systems™ provider, with level 1 and 2 credentials. An active part of the StrongFirst™ kettlebell community. And is currently working towards a credential with the Postural Restoration Institute.

With a passion for restoring movement to rehabilitate injuries, enhance athletic performance and improve quality of life, Jen takes a corrective approach to addressing muscular imbalances, restoring proper breathing patterns and improving posture to help her clients achieve the best results possible.

Jen is one of the lead trainers here at BIM, working with Personal, Semi-Private and Group Training clients.

She is also a Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Richmond Rapids Senior Provincial and National Age Group swim teams, and has worked with Richmond Youth Soccer – providing strength and conditioning coaching to their selects teams.

FUN FACT: Jen is an avid closet puzzler. She also enjoys terrible puns, the cheesier the punnier.

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Andrei Obraztsov

Coach & Kinesiologist
Location: Richmond

Andrei is an active rehabilitation specialist. He’s also the nicest guy you’ll ever meet.

Aa a graduate of the University of British Columbia’s Kinesiology program Andrei enjoys guiding his clients to their fitness goals by making exercise meaningful and fun.

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Andrei Obraztsov's Full Bio

Andrei is an active rehabilitation specialist. He’s also the nicest guy you’ll ever meet.

A graduate of the University of British Columbia’s Kinesiology program, and a certified Kinesiologist, Andrei enjoys guiding his clients to their fitness goals by making exercise meaningful and fun.

With a wide range of experience, Andrei has helped everyone from healthy adults, youth groups and seniors, to people with developmental and physical disabilities achieve their training goals safely and effectively.

As part of Andrei’s personal mission to give his clients the highest level of coaching available, he has acquired a number of industry certifications. He is a Certified Personal Trainer through the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA), a Qualified TRX Suspension Training Instructor, and a certified Functional Movement Systems™ provider.

A firm believer in the healing power of exercise, Andrei has spent several years volunteering with rehabilitation staff at residential care facilities, where he helps residents maintain an active lifestyle.

Andrei works with clients at all fitness levels, coaching them to success in a Personal, Semi-Private or Group Training environment.

FUN FACT: Andrei is a Russian speaking audiophile. He knows more about speakers than anyone we know.

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Steph Jamieson

Coach & Practicing Kinesiologist
Location: Vancouver

A graduate of the University of British Columbia, Steph holds a Bachelor of Kinesiology with a focus in sports psychology.

As a practising Kinesiologist under the British Columbia Association of Kinesiologists (BCAK), she strives to provide better healthcare options by engaging in collaborative, high-quality patient-centred care. She is also a certified Functional Movement Systems™ (FMS) provider with Level 1 credentials and is working towards her Level 2 credentials.

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Steph Jamieson's Full Bio

A graduate of the University of British Columbia, Steph holds a Bachelor of Kinesiology with a focus in sports psychology.

As a practising Kinesiologist under the British Columbia Association of Kinesiologists (BCAK), she strives to provide better healthcare options by engaging in collaborative, high-quality patient-centred care. She is also a certified Functional Movement Systems™ (FMS) provider with Level 1 credentials and is working towards her Level 2 credentials.

Steph believes that everyone holds the potential to perform at their optimal capacity. She uses an integrative approach to health and fitness allowing her to help individuals achieve their long-term wellness goals while addressing the fundamentals of functional movement and holistic habits. Her area of specialization includes addressing clients' physical and psychological health which allows her to provide whole-body care, creating programs that will facilitate each individual along their wellness journey.

As a past professional dancer, Steph spent her youth dancing and training pre-professionally within the ballet and contemporary worlds. This is where she learned the importance of proper injury management and rehabilitation. During this time, she gained an appreciation for how resilient the body can be when given the right resources and support.

Steph also spent some time in the world of bodybuilding (bikini) division. She has been through the process of pushing her body to its limits, allowing her to gain valuable knowledge and experience regarding rehabilitation and recovery that she looks forward to sharing with others.

Changing one’s mindset and focusing on where they can be instead of being overwhelmed with where they are at, is often difficult to do alone. Steph strives to help her clients overcome these obstacles and together as a team achieve long-term successful outcomes.

FUN FACT: Steph loves a good tune, glass of wine, and company that makes her laugh.

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Diana Tan

Coach & Kinesiologist
Location: Vancouver

Diana is currently a student at the University of British Columbia and working towards their Bachelor of Kinesiology. They are also currently working towards becoming a CPT through the Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology (CSEP).

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Diana Tan

Diana is currently a student at the University of British Columbia and working towards their Bachelor of Kinesiology. They are also currently working towards becoming a CPT through the Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology (CSEP).

Prior to joining the BIM team, they were volunteering as the head coach for the Special Olympics of BC’s powerlifting team in Burnaby, working with special needs athletes to train and prepare them to compete on the platform.

Having experienced a few injuries in the past and having gone through their own fitness journey, they are passionate about helping others navigate their respective fitness and rehab journeys as well as sharing the joys of improving one’s quality of life with physical activity.

Diana competes in powerlifting. Outside of the platform, they can also be found running, hiking, and paddleboarding. They are also currently figuring out how to ride a bicycle and stand on a surfboard.

Fun Fact: Diana is an avid mycology nerd who, during hikes and runs, will stop to admire, identify, and photograph any fungi spotted along the way. In fact, they would describe themselves as a “fun-guy”.

Nikko Adrias

Coach & Practicing Kinesiologist
Location: Richmond

Nikko has a Bachelor's of Kinesiology from the University of British Columbia as well as a Kinesiology Diploma from Langara College. He is also currently working towards becoming a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist from the National Strength and Conditioning Association, and is a Level 3 Red Seal Certified Chef.

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Nikko Adrias

Nikko has a Bachelor's of Kinesiology from the University of British Columbia as well as a Kinesiology Diploma from Langara College. He is also currently working towards becoming a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist from the National Strength and Conditioning Association, and is a Level 3 Red Seal Certified Chef.

As a coach, Nikko is passionate about helping people find confidence with their bodies as well as how they can use them. He loves helping people be strong and comfortable with their movements. Coming back from his own injuries, he understands how daunting it can be to rehab and wants to be a guide for others.

Nikko has been competing in recreational basketball leagues for the past 7 years, and outside of BIM, can be found as a Support Worker/Coach for people with Cerebral Palsy.

Fun Fact: Nikko is a big fan of board games and trading card games. He’s always down to get a competitive game going.

Rachel Cermak

Coach & Kinesiologist
Location: Richmond & Vancouver

Rachel is a current student at the University of British Columbia who will be graduating with a Bachelor’s of Kinesiology in November 2022. Prior to joining the BIM team, she was volunteering at Kid’s Physio working alongside physiotherapists to treat children with disabilities. She has also worked as a lead soccer coach for the past 5 years, teaching young children the basics of soccer and how to improve their social and motor development, while creating a positive and supportive environment for them to learn in.

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Rachel Cermak

Rachel is a current student at the University of British Columbia who will be graduating with a Bachelor’s of Kinesiology in November 2022. Prior to joining the BIM team, she was volunteering at Kid’s Physio working alongside physiotherapists to treat children with disabilities. She has also worked as a lead soccer coach for the past 5 years, teaching young children the basics of soccer and how to improve their social and motor development, while creating a positive and supportive environment for them to learn in.

Through her own personal fitness journey and years of experience as a coach, Rachel is passionate about helping others reach their fitness goals in an encouraging and positive environment. Outside of coaching you can find her enjoying running, hiking, and playing soccer with friends.

Fun fact: Rachel loves travelling and experiencing different cultures and ways of life other than her own. Her favourite place to travel so far has been Hawaii, which she’s been to 3 times.

Daniel Mendiola

Coach & Kinesiologist
Location: Richmond & Vancouver

Daniel is completing his final year of Kinesiology at the University of British Columbia. He has always been passionate about sports; competing in basketball, football, and track all from a very young age. Daniel also enjoys weightlifting and recreational running, finishing with his personal best at the BMO half marathon in May 2022.

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Daniel Mendiola

Daniel is completing his final year of Kinesiology at the University of British Columbia. He has always been passionate about sports; competing in basketball, football, and track all from a very young age. Daniel also enjoys weightlifting and recreational running, finishing with his personal best at the BMO half marathon in May 2022.

As a coach, he values developing a personal connection with clients and giving them the support they need to move better in their daily lives. Daniel is committed to helping each person perfect their technique and achieve their goals at any stage of their fitness journey.

In his free time, Daniel loves to travel and hike, with dreams of summiting Mount Kilimanjaro. To further his knowledge and practice, he is working towards a personal training certificate with the Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology (CSEP). He is excited to be a part of the BIM family.

Fun Fact: Daniel enjoys playing chess with his cousins, with his favorite chess set being a Lego Harry Potter.

Jessica Holmes

Nutrition Coach

Jessica is dedicated to helping clients master the nutritional habits and behaviors necessary to meet their individual goals and make lasting changes to their health and wellness.

A graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, Jessica holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. She has also completed graduate work in both education and administration. Jessica has been active in the area of developmental coaching and assessment and is working towards her Precision Nutrition Coaching Certification.

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Jessica Holmes's Full Bio

Jessica is dedicated to helping clients master the nutritional habits and behaviors necessary to meet their individual goals and make lasting changes to their health and wellness.

A graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, Jessica holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. She has also completed graduate work in both education and administration. Jessica has been active in the area of developmental coaching and assessment and is working towards her Precision Nutrition Coaching Certification.

In high school Jessica played basketball and continued to stay active in university, playing different intramural sports. As a wife and mother of five, much of the last two decades has been spent raising her family and teaching all ages in diverse learning environments. After living in Mississippi, California and Nevada she is excited to be back home in Richmond.

Jessica is approachable and passionate about walking alongside those who are ready to explore all the benefits at proper nutrition at all stages of fitness.

FUN FACT: Jessica once auditioned for the Mickey Mouse Club but lost her spot to two no name celebrities… Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears. (True story)

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Julia Wiebe

Coach & Kinesiologist

Julia enjoys being able to combine the science of Kinesiology with the art of strength and conditioning to help educate and empower clients.

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Julia Wiebe's Full Bio

Julia enjoys being able to combine the science of Kinesiology with the art of strength and conditioning to help educate and empower clients.

A graduate of York University, Julia holds a Bachelor of Science in Honours Chemistry. However, after working in the chemical industry for several years, Julia decided to redirect her attention towards a career that would allow her to create a more direct and meaningful impact for herself and for others. Along the way, Julia has acquired her TRX-STC and Spinning certifications. She is currently working towards becoming certified in Pilates and DVRT.

In addition, Julia is also an instructor at the YMCA, where she teaches an adapted exercise circuit for older adults recovering from a stroke or living with other balance and mobility challenges.

In her spare time, Julia enjoys trail running, peak bagging, scrambling, indoor bouldering, and cooking.

FUN FACT: Julia is an absolute board game geek! Her board game collection is the first thing she would be upset about if she ever were to lose everything in a fire.

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Ellie

BIM Mascot

Ellie is Andrea’s super friendly, and a little bratty, 9-year-old Siberian Husky cross.

Since day one, Ellie has been motivating clients to Go Beyond Better in her own special way.

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Ellie's Full Bio

Ellie is Andrea’s super friendly, and a little bratty, 9-year-old Siberian Husky cross.

Since day one, Ellie has been motivating clients to Go Beyond Better in her own special way.

When not greeting people at our studio door, she can be found offering encouragement to clients working through their training program, or making herself available for pats and treats pre, post, and sometimes during training sessions.

Ellie lost her leg to cancer a few years back, but hasn’t let that slow her.

She has shown that being strong in the greatest moments of weakness takes moving forward with everything you have now, instead of looking back on what you once had.

She may not know it, but she is one inspiring lady.

FUN FACT: Ellie will do anything for food. This is not an exaggeration.

Milton

BIM Greeter

Milton is 2-year-old shepherd cross that Jen rescued as a puppy.

It didn’t take long for Milton to adopt the role of official BIM Greeter. One could even say that he was born to do it. His happy go lucky disposition is infectious, making it impossible not to smile when he’s around.

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Milton's Full Bio

Milton is 2-year-old shepherd cross that Jen rescued as a puppy.

It didn’t take long for Milton to adopt the role of official BIM Greeter. One could even say that he was born to do it. His happy go lucky disposition is infectious, making it impossible not to smile when he’s around.

A regular on our social media channels, Milton loves helping his mom teach clients new exercises and demonstrate proper exercise form.

He also knows how to lay it on thick when he wants bum scratches and will remember you forever if you feed him (we’re not kidding!)

FUN FACT: Milton hates vacuums. We think it’s because they eat up all of the floor treats.

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