Meet The Team

MICHELLE REICHERT

Owner, Medical Herbalist, Holistic Nutritionist

Founder of Apotheka, Michelle is a Medical Herbalist and Holistic Nutritionist.

She explores the broader context and whole person, involving the patient’s community support and other practitioners.

Michelle has 20 years of experience in researching digestive imbalances and autoimmune conditions. Personal triumph over these issues, helps her connect with people who are experiencing similar health challenges.

Michelle completed her 5-year program of Phytotherapy and Holistic Nutrition at Pacific Rim College, which included over:

• 800+ hours of clinical practice experience
• 800+ hours of therapeutic and medical educational hours
• 500+ hours of biomedical sciences

She has nutritional knowledge in Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, and modern dietary therapies. This complex and extensive training in ancient medicine and modern medical sciences has given Michelle a deep, intimate understanding of the human body, health conditions, and medicinal therapies. She continues to learn and grow as a practitioner to ensure her patients receive the best and most up-to-date treatments and care.

Michelle enjoys working with:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Digestive imbalances
• Stress/anxiety
• The nervous system
• Adrenals
• Low energy

Leah Schmutter

Medical Herbalist, Holistic Nutritionist 

Leah was born and raised in beautiful Vancouver, B.C. and chose to embrace the slower pace of island living after her interest in holistic health care and herbal medicine was sparked. She relocated to Victoria, B.C. where she trained in both Western Herbal Medicine and Holistic Nutrition at Pacific Rim College. These comprehensive programs integrated traditional knowledge of herbs and diet therapy with extensive training in biomedical sciences.

In 2020 Leah completed an apprenticeship in Powell River working alongside local herbalist Amber Friedman making a wide range of herbal products from scratch and was responsible for many of the formulations in the Wild Spirit Apothecary product line. Leah also completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2015 from the University of Calgary where she focused on clinical aspects of psychology including mental health conditions.

Leah enjoys working with individuals of all ages and genders in a variety of health conditions including digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, and mental health conditions. Leah’s approach to health and wellness is on supporting the foundational aspects of health including sleep, digestion, blood sugar regulation, ensuring proper nutrition, and stress management.

In her free time, Leah enjoys spending time in the garden, camping, baking sourdough bread, and playing with her two rambunctious kitties.

 

Sarah Spencelayh

Relaxation Massage Therapist (unregistered) 

Sarah has dedicated the last two years to the mastery level massage therapist program at West Coast college of massage therapy. She graduated in April 2024, and as she waits to write her board exams in the fall, she will be offering UNregistered relaxation massages.

After 16 years in the childcare industry, Sarah decided that a change of career was what she needed and massage therapy was a great upgrade as she is a natural caregiver. It has been through her own journey of supporting her mental health that she discovered a passion for self care and massage.

Using specific techniques, like myofascial release, muscle stripping, passive stretching, and gentle joint play, she helps to alleviate stress and anxiety. Her passion is to help clients achieve deep relaxation and improved well-being.

With a focus on holistic health and healing, Sarah is committed to providing personalized care to each individual, promoting increased mobility, higher quality of life and mental well-being.

Outside of her practice, she enjoys spending time with her 7 year old son, cooking, and being in nature to help further embody her commitment to a balanced lifestyle. Get ready to unwind and rejuvenate with Sarah's therapeutic touch.

 

Avery

Medical Herbalist, Registered Acupuncturist

Avery is a Registered Acupuncturist and Medical Herbalist, born and raised on the incredible Vancouver Island. She is now living in Victoria, BC after graduating with honours from Pacific Rim College and obtaining her Diploma of Phytotherapy in 2015, and Diploma of Acupuncture in 2019. Avery studied Western Herbalism, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) & Acupuncture. These programs included in depth learning of biomedical sciences, herbal energetics and nutrition.

Avery uses a combination of Western Herbal Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, philosophy and holistic nutrition in her practice to assess and treat each person based on their constitution. She studied Ayurveda under her teacher in Kerala, India throughout 2012-2016.

Avery enjoys working with all types of health concerns but takes a special interest in clients struggling with; digestive upsets, chronic pain, gynaecological conditions, chronic stress and mental-emotional disorders.

• Digestive Upsets
• Chronic Pain
• gynaecological conditions
• Chronic Stress
• Chronic stress and Mental-emotional Disorders.

Avery's other passions include, traveling, gardening, camping and volunteer Harm Reduction work.