Meet Amanda! She's a physiotherapist at NeuMovement and loves dragon boating!
Photo Credit: Amanda Nichol
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
Killarney, Manitoba, but I've lived in Kelowna for seven years now.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My dragon boat friends, because they share my love of craft beer and hiking and we have had some amazing adventures together. We have nicknamed ourselves Boots, Beers and Babes! We have so much fun together and we are always laughing, I can't imagine my life without them.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Hmm.. do breweries count?! If so Red Bird and Vice and Virtue would be my favourites! But for stores, I also love the clothes in Blonde and Man + Woman.
Describe yourself in one word.
I wasn't sure what to put for this one, so I asked a few friends and these were the responses: adventurist, fun-loving and legit
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Italy – I've always wanted to go there as I love pizza, pasta and wine!!
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Hiking! But also dragon boating and skiing!
Photo Credit: Amanda Nichol
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Hmm, a few things jump to mind! I think in general it would be all my sleepwalking incidents, I am an avid sleepwalker and sleep-talker and have been most of my life. I've got myself into a few interesting situations, one involving a fake Christmas tree… one while staying over at my bosses house… and a few involving my grandma! If you see me on the street you will have to ask me for more details!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Unfortunately last summer the Kelowna Dragon Boat Club tragically lost one of our members, Chris. He was a paddler, steerer, coach and was on our executive. It happened while him and his partner Bill were on their way to the Harrison Dragon Boat Festival. His team still raced the next day in his honour and afterwards hundreds of people lined up on the beach with their paddles in the air creating an arch for his team to walk through. The support our club received at that festival was unbelievable and despite it being a very tough time it also showed how much love and support there is in the dragon boat community and I found that very inspiring.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Most of my favourite memories are playing on the farm where I grew up in Manitoba, with my brother and sister and our cousins. Helping out on our dad's farm, building treehouses, climbing on bails and playing hide and seek in the farmyard.
Where do you volunteer or give back in the community?
Over my years as a Physiotherapist, I have volunteered at many different events, including the CIBC Breast Cancer run for the cure for many years when I lived in Calgary. I also volunteer with the Kelowna Dragon Boat Club and I help plan and run our yearly festival and other events that we do that benefit the community such as blood drives, clothing drives, raising money for the food bank etc.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would take away hate and have a world where everyone respects everyone else regardless of nationality, colour, sexual orientation, social status etc.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Spion Kop – my favourite hike in Lake Country, it's my go-to spot when hiking alone and when I need to clear my mind.
Photo Credit: Amanda Nichol
Where would you like to see a positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would like to see improvements in the homeless situation and help for those with addictions and mental illness that are living on the streets.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
All the outdoor activities that are just outside your doorstep, hiking, swimming, paddling, skiing etc.! I also love that while still being a city it's small enough to develop a community of people.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Do a multi-day overnight hiking trip in Europe somewhere.
2. Go to Oktoberfest in Germany.
3. Go to Disney World with my nieces and nephews.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I'm shamefully addicted to watching the Bachelor and Bachelorette – although all my work friends do know this!
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
You can find me on the Neumovement website at www.neumovement.com or on Instagram @neumovement or @amandajanenichol
What is the name of your business/organization?
Neumovement Pilates and Physiotherapy – I am a Physiotherapist and also the Clinic Director of the Glenmore location
Why did you get into this business?
I always knew I wanted to do something in the health care field helping others and I love Science! When I was in University I particularly loved Anatomy and Physiology so that led me to Physiotherapy. I worked in Calgary for a few years after I graduated from University and then my best friend Danielle found me the job advertisement for Neumovement in her quest to try and get me to move to Kelowna. It worked! I was looking for a change from my job in Calgary, I wanted to be in an environment where I was better able to help others and at Neumovement we do longer treatment times, one on one care and no modalities all of which aligned with my views and treatment style as a Physiotherapist. I also love the option of clients being able to do Pilates in conjunction with their treatment to help them with rehab specific strengthening.
What is the goal of your business?
To help people feel better and move better and impact lives in a positive way no matter how big or small. At Neumovement we strive to create an atmosphere that everyone feels comfortable in, it's a safe and friendly place for anyone's health journey. We are often told by our clients that one of the things they love about Neumovement is hearing laughter throughout the studio.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
In life, it's living away from my family who are all back in Manitoba, in particular, my 5 little nieces and nephews. But I love my life here in Kelowna and can't imagine leaving it. In work, it's wanting so much to help everyone who comes through my door with pain, but accepting that I can only do so much.
If you could start all over again, would you do things the same or would things be different?
I think I would do things the same! All of my experiences have led me to where I am now and I'm pretty happy with that point.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Hmm, there are lots of things….'oh for sure,' 'that's delightful!' (usually after sampling a new craft beer!), 'most definitely,' 'that's what she said' (usually when around my friend Raquel lol).
Photo Credit: Amanda Nichol
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Don't take life too seriously, laugh and have fun and surround yourself with people you enjoy being around. And as my good friend Roxanne has taught me, hug for at least 20 seconds lol!
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Amy Schumer – I think we would have a hilarious day together!
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
There are so many reasons! To help our local economy, to support small business owners rather than huge corporate companies/franchises and to help create local jobs. Also to reduce our environmental impact.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Becoming an FCAMPT (Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manual Physiotherapists), it took me 7 years of post-grad courses, mentoring, studying and 2 major exams to complete it.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Lara Yanik, Eric Vivian and Jen Gulley, the owners of Neumovement. They are the best people I have ever worked for and they genuinely care about all their staff and clients. They have worked hard to create Neumovement and I'm so proud of them and happy to work for them at such an amazing company.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Hell's Half Acre Farms – Duane Hayes
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!
