Meet the Team:
Clayton Smith
Owner
BKIN, Exercise Science and Kinesiology; C.S.C.S; F.M.S; S.T.R; P.P.T; I.A.S.T.M (c)
As part of the integrated team at Prime' Sport Performance & Therapy, certified Kinesiologist and Performance Specialist Clayton Smith brings his experience in the world of high performance and combines it with a passion for prevention and management of injury and disease.
Owner of Prime’ Sport Performance & Therapy, Clay has had the privilege to work with some of the top athletes and organizations, including the N.H.L, C.F.L, N.C.A.A, C.I.S, Red Bull racing, Canadian Alpine ski team, and the Devinci downhill mountain bike race team. Locally Clay works as the performance specialist with the Nanaimo Junior "A" Clippers, Nanaimo Junior "B" Buccaneers, members of the Vancouver Island University Basketball Team, Vancouver Island Baseball Institute, Nanaimo Pirates Baseball organization, and the RUSH soccer academy.
As a performance specialist, Clay works with athletes and clients on strength and conditioning, injury rehabilitation and recovery, as well as athletic monitoring and testing. He is committed to working with his clients on creating and reaching optimal performance and understands the biomechanics and physical demands of athletes. His sport background and interest in physiology as it relates to high performance makes him a valuable member of the Prime' team.
Education
Athletic History
Client CV
Owner
BKIN, Exercise Science and Kinesiology; C.S.C.S; F.M.S; S.T.R; P.P.T; I.A.S.T.M (c)
As part of the integrated team at Prime' Sport Performance & Therapy, certified Kinesiologist and Performance Specialist Clayton Smith brings his experience in the world of high performance and combines it with a passion for prevention and management of injury and disease.
Owner of Prime’ Sport Performance & Therapy, Clay has had the privilege to work with some of the top athletes and organizations, including the N.H.L, C.F.L, N.C.A.A, C.I.S, Red Bull racing, Canadian Alpine ski team, and the Devinci downhill mountain bike race team. Locally Clay works as the performance specialist with the Nanaimo Junior "A" Clippers, Nanaimo Junior "B" Buccaneers, members of the Vancouver Island University Basketball Team, Vancouver Island Baseball Institute, Nanaimo Pirates Baseball organization, and the RUSH soccer academy.
As a performance specialist, Clay works with athletes and clients on strength and conditioning, injury rehabilitation and recovery, as well as athletic monitoring and testing. He is committed to working with his clients on creating and reaching optimal performance and understands the biomechanics and physical demands of athletes. His sport background and interest in physiology as it relates to high performance makes him a valuable member of the Prime' team.
Education
- Bachelor of Kinesiology (honours), University of British Columbia
- Soft Tissue Release Certificate
- Performance Therapy Certificate
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
- Functional Movement Systems Certified (F.M.S)
- Myofascial Release in Sports Medicine
- Twist Sport Conditioning Coach
Athletic History
- Member of the Nanaimo Clippers Junior ‘A’ hockey organization (BCHL)
- Member of the Nanaimo Pirates baseball organization (BCPBL)
- Member of Team B.C (Hockey and Baseball)
Client CV
- Hockey Canada
- Nanaimo Clippers Junior 'A' hockey organization
- Nanaimo Buccaneers Junior 'B' hockey organization
- Vancouver Island University: Baseball, Basketball
- U.C.I Mountain Biking (Redbull/Devinci bikes)
- R.U.S.H Soccer Academy
- Canadian Alpine Ski Team
- World Athletic Centre (ALTIS): Run/Throw/Jump
Griffin Andreychuk
BSc.SPEX; Performance Coach
Griffin Andreychuk is a recent graduate of Seattle University. Griffin’s passion for human kinetics and sport was ultimately what led him to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Sports and Exercise Science. While in University, Griffin worked in the athletic training room to aid in rehabilitation and injury prevention techniques. Ultimately, Griffin hopes further his education and earn a Doctor of Chiropractic degree.
Griffin’s athletic experience covers a wide range of sports but baseball has always taken precedence. At age twelve baseball became Griffin’s focus and eventually lead him to accept an athletic scholarship to play baseball at Seattle University. Griffin’s hard work and dedication to his sport ultimately lead him to be a four year starter at the NCAA Division 1 level. Griffin now returns to his hometown in hopes to share his athletic experiences and knowledge to help athletes achieve their athletic goals and dreams.
Education:
Athletic History:
Griffin’s athletic experience covers a wide range of sports but baseball has always taken precedence. At age twelve baseball became Griffin’s focus and eventually lead him to accept an athletic scholarship to play baseball at Seattle University. Griffin’s hard work and dedication to his sport ultimately lead him to be a four year starter at the NCAA Division 1 level. Griffin now returns to his hometown in hopes to share his athletic experiences and knowledge to help athletes achieve their athletic goals and dreams.
Education:
- Bachelor of Science in Sports and Exercise Science, Seattle University
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (In Progress)
- Prime’ Kinesiology Performance Specialist
Athletic History:
- Member of Langley Blaze (BCPBL)
- 4 years at Seattle University in the Western Athletic Conference (NCAA I)
- 3 years with the Victoria Harbourcats (WCL)
- Set WCL League record in wins with Victoria Harbourcats
- Victoria Harbourcats ‘Ring of Honor’ retired number
- Seattle University 2nd All Time Career hits leader
- 2016 Western Athletic Conference Champions
- WAC All Academic (2013-2017)
- Vancouver Island University Assistant Baseball Coach
Jalin Couper
Certified Athletic Therapist
n Couper joins the Prime’ Sport Performance & Therapy team as an Athletic Therapist. She has a Degree in Athletic Therapy from Camosun College in Victoria and a Bachelors of Science Human Kinetics Degree from the St Francis Xavier University. Jalin is a Certified Athletic Therapist, with the Canadian Athletic Therapists’ Association. Since an early age watching sports with her family Jalin has had a passion to be part of a team. Now she is taking her passion of being on the team to the sidelines and treatment room.
Jalin has worked in a wide variety of therapeutic settings. As an Athletic Therapist, Jalin has worked with athletes at all levels of sport and she specializes in performance-driven rehabilitation. She has had the opportunity to travel internationally taking this opportunity to further her knowledge working with world class athletes. Jalin works with multiple teams and often finds herself on the field with Rugby, Football and Soccer or at a rink with Lacrosse and Hockey teams. She enjoys working with clients from all backgrounds and abilities to collaboratively improve everyday function and empower them to guide their own health and well being so they can get back to living a healthy lifestyle.
Jalin’s history in sports was quite varied from ringette, hockey to volleyball and field hockey, to name a few. It was a rare night that she was not at a rink, pitch or court. To this day not much has change now instead of wearing a jersey she’s there caring for athletes, ensuring athletes of all levels have access to the medical care they require.
She is looking forward to working closely with the rest of the Prime Team to provide the highest standard of care to not only treat and rehab injuries but to help the patient prevent injuries and ultimately help them optimize their performance.
Jalin has worked in a wide variety of therapeutic settings. As an Athletic Therapist, Jalin has worked with athletes at all levels of sport and she specializes in performance-driven rehabilitation. She has had the opportunity to travel internationally taking this opportunity to further her knowledge working with world class athletes. Jalin works with multiple teams and often finds herself on the field with Rugby, Football and Soccer or at a rink with Lacrosse and Hockey teams. She enjoys working with clients from all backgrounds and abilities to collaboratively improve everyday function and empower them to guide their own health and well being so they can get back to living a healthy lifestyle.
Jalin’s history in sports was quite varied from ringette, hockey to volleyball and field hockey, to name a few. It was a rare night that she was not at a rink, pitch or court. To this day not much has change now instead of wearing a jersey she’s there caring for athletes, ensuring athletes of all levels have access to the medical care they require.
She is looking forward to working closely with the rest of the Prime Team to provide the highest standard of care to not only treat and rehab injuries but to help the patient prevent injuries and ultimately help them optimize their performance.
Education
- Bachelor of Science Human Kinetics, Saint Francis Xavier University
- Bachelor of Athletic and Exercise Therapy, Camosun College
- Certified Athletic Therapist
- Emergency First Responder Certified
- World Rugby Level 2 Immediate Care in Rugby Certified
Athletic History
- Calgary Women’s Minor Hockey Association
- St. Franics Xavier Field Hockey
- Rugby Canada
- BC Rugby
- James Bay Athletic Association Premier and Reserves Club Rugby
- Nanaimo Timbermen Sr. B Lacrosse organization
- St. Francis Xavier Mens Club Rugby Team
- Belmont Football
- Headcheck Health
Cam McCarrick
B.PHED; C.S.C.S; Performance Coach (In Progress)
Cam McCarrick joins the team at Prime' Sports Performance & Therapy as a Performance Coach. Cam has always possessed passion and dedication towards high performance athletics, which ultimately led him to obtaining his Bachelor of Arts Degree with a Major in Physical Education at the Vancouver Island University. During his last year at VIU, Cam created and conducted his own research study, which examined the effects of stretching routines on anaerobic performance. Cam is passionate about continuing to learn more about professions that involve sport, physical activity, health, and nutrition. He plans on furthering his education in the field of Kinesiology and obtaining his Masters Degree.
Growing up, Cam played a variety of sports but hockey was always his priority. Starting hockey at a late age of 11, Cam quickly excelled and progressed into an elite hockey player. Cam was always a leader when it came to sports, being named assistant captain and captain of his respected teams.
Cam’s passion for hockey has lead him to want to stay involved with competitive hockey and give back to the community. His first exposure to coaching and mentoring kids was at the age of 15 in Port Hardy. It then progressed into Cam landing the position of assistant coach of the Nanaimo Buccaneers Junior B Hockey Club for the 2015/2016 season. Cam plans to further his coaching endeavours, constantly pushing athletes to progress and move up to Junior A and WHL level, where he hopes to one day coach at that level of hockey.
Cam's sports background, education, and coaching have provided a perfect transition for him to step in as a coach with us at Prime’. Cam’s coaching outlook, is that with hard work, dedication, and a healthy mindset, our athletes here at Prime’ will be able to push themselves to reach whichever goals they desire. His leadership, passion, and drive to constantly push athletes to be the best versions of themselves have proven that he is a valuable member of the Prime’ team.
Education
Athletic History
B.PHED; C.S.C.S; Performance Coach (In Progress)
Cam McCarrick joins the team at Prime' Sports Performance & Therapy as a Performance Coach. Cam has always possessed passion and dedication towards high performance athletics, which ultimately led him to obtaining his Bachelor of Arts Degree with a Major in Physical Education at the Vancouver Island University. During his last year at VIU, Cam created and conducted his own research study, which examined the effects of stretching routines on anaerobic performance. Cam is passionate about continuing to learn more about professions that involve sport, physical activity, health, and nutrition. He plans on furthering his education in the field of Kinesiology and obtaining his Masters Degree.
Growing up, Cam played a variety of sports but hockey was always his priority. Starting hockey at a late age of 11, Cam quickly excelled and progressed into an elite hockey player. Cam was always a leader when it came to sports, being named assistant captain and captain of his respected teams.
Cam’s passion for hockey has lead him to want to stay involved with competitive hockey and give back to the community. His first exposure to coaching and mentoring kids was at the age of 15 in Port Hardy. It then progressed into Cam landing the position of assistant coach of the Nanaimo Buccaneers Junior B Hockey Club for the 2015/2016 season. Cam plans to further his coaching endeavours, constantly pushing athletes to progress and move up to Junior A and WHL level, where he hopes to one day coach at that level of hockey.
Cam's sports background, education, and coaching have provided a perfect transition for him to step in as a coach with us at Prime’. Cam’s coaching outlook, is that with hard work, dedication, and a healthy mindset, our athletes here at Prime’ will be able to push themselves to reach whichever goals they desire. His leadership, passion, and drive to constantly push athletes to be the best versions of themselves have proven that he is a valuable member of the Prime’ team.
Education
- Bachelor of Arts- Major in Physical Education at Vancouver Island University
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (In Progress)
- Prime’ Kinesiology Performance Specialist
Athletic History
- 4 years Rep Hockey for the North Island Eagles (Triport)
- 1 year of Major Midget for the Nanaimo Silvertips (MML)
- 4 years of Jr B for the Oceanside Generals Jr Hockey Club (VIJHL)
- Nanaimo Clippers and Victoria Grizzlies Jr A (BCHL)
- Cyclone Taylor Cup Provincial Jr B Championship (2010)
- Mentor/Coach for Port Hardy Novice Minor Hockey
- Nanaimo Buccaneers Jr B Assistant Coach
Carmela de Gracia
BSc.Kin(c); Performance Coach; Soft Tissue Release Certified
Carmela is a recent graduate from the University of Victoria. She has always had passion for human physiology and how it contributes to healthy movement, which ultimately lead her to pursue a degree in kinesiology. At university Carmela took a particular interest in motor-learning and patterning within the brain, and further extended her education to include a minor in neuropsychology. Alongside her undergraduate studies Carmela worked within the UVic Concussion laboratory collecting baseline and post-injury performance data to contribute to a province-wide study. Amongst her laboratory work Carmela also conducted her own research investigating the effects of Virtual Optic-flow as a balance training tool. Ultimately, Carmela hopes to further her education and earn a subsequent Doctor of Medicine degree.
Carmela’s own history of physical activity is diverse. Keeping busy she was involved in multiple sports such as basketball and wrestling, and played competitively in volleyball, dance and swim. Branching out Carmela played for the UVic Water-polo team for 2 years during university.
Her passion to promote good movement has enabled Carmela to work with individuals of all ages and abilities. Growing up she spent much time mentoring local youth within the Sea Cadet program, leading them through regular physical activity as the Physical Education Instructor. More recent experiences have allowed Carmela to work as a specialized Fitness Coach for adults ages 55+ requiring strength, conditioning or post-surgical rehabilitation in order to carry out activities of daily living.
Returning to her home town, Carmela hopes to apply her knowledge as practicing Kinesiologist and develop her skills as a performance coach. She believes that building a strong foundation for proper movement is what ultimately allows for lifelong physical activity and optimal performance. Whether it be acute/chronic rehabilitation or improving sport specific skills, Carmela will use her knowledge in biomechanics and movement foundation to help those individuals reach their movement goals.
Education
-Bachelor of Science, Major in Kinesiology & Minor in Neuropsychology
-Sportsmed BC Certificate
-NCCP Fundamental Movement Skills (Age 6 – 9)
Team CV
-Vike’s Men’s Rowing Team - Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach
-Castaway Wanderer’s Premier Women’s Rugby - Athletic Trainer
BSc.Kin(c); Performance Coach; Soft Tissue Release Certified
Carmela is a recent graduate from the University of Victoria. She has always had passion for human physiology and how it contributes to healthy movement, which ultimately lead her to pursue a degree in kinesiology. At university Carmela took a particular interest in motor-learning and patterning within the brain, and further extended her education to include a minor in neuropsychology. Alongside her undergraduate studies Carmela worked within the UVic Concussion laboratory collecting baseline and post-injury performance data to contribute to a province-wide study. Amongst her laboratory work Carmela also conducted her own research investigating the effects of Virtual Optic-flow as a balance training tool. Ultimately, Carmela hopes to further her education and earn a subsequent Doctor of Medicine degree.
Carmela’s own history of physical activity is diverse. Keeping busy she was involved in multiple sports such as basketball and wrestling, and played competitively in volleyball, dance and swim. Branching out Carmela played for the UVic Water-polo team for 2 years during university.
Her passion to promote good movement has enabled Carmela to work with individuals of all ages and abilities. Growing up she spent much time mentoring local youth within the Sea Cadet program, leading them through regular physical activity as the Physical Education Instructor. More recent experiences have allowed Carmela to work as a specialized Fitness Coach for adults ages 55+ requiring strength, conditioning or post-surgical rehabilitation in order to carry out activities of daily living.
Returning to her home town, Carmela hopes to apply her knowledge as practicing Kinesiologist and develop her skills as a performance coach. She believes that building a strong foundation for proper movement is what ultimately allows for lifelong physical activity and optimal performance. Whether it be acute/chronic rehabilitation or improving sport specific skills, Carmela will use her knowledge in biomechanics and movement foundation to help those individuals reach their movement goals.
Education
-Bachelor of Science, Major in Kinesiology & Minor in Neuropsychology
-Sportsmed BC Certificate
-NCCP Fundamental Movement Skills (Age 6 – 9)
Team CV
-Vike’s Men’s Rowing Team - Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach
-Castaway Wanderer’s Premier Women’s Rugby - Athletic Trainer
Ivy Richardson
Certified Level 1 Boxing Coach; Certified Yoga Instructor; Certified Nutritionist (In Progress)
Ivy Richardson exploded into the BC Boxing scene during the 2016 season. Ivy accepted the challenge of boxing all comers from Vancouver to Oregon and up through the Interior. Ivy won the Oregon Golden Gloves, and BC Provincial Championships defeating the two time Alberta Champion the Washington State Champion twice along the way and also bringing home a belt from San Francisco. Ivy represented Team BC at the National Championships in Quebec City and was unfortunately eliminated by the Ontario Champion who was a veteran with over 80 fights.
While Ivy has put competing temporarily on hold she is excited to take on a coaching role so she can share her passion for Boxing and her extensive technical knowledge. In addition to working full time at Nanaimo Aboriginal Centre Ivy is currently coaching at Precision Boxing Club and is also in the process of starting a Nanaimo Youth Boxing Team for Aboriginal Youth. Ivy is a Certified Boxing Coach, as well she has studied Physical Education at Vancouver Island University. She is currently working on obtaining her certification in the area of Nutrition.
Ivy's boxing background, education, passion and coaching have provided an excellent transition for her to coach Boxing at Prime. Ivy's coaching outlook is: with consistent hard work, dedication and a positive mentality any goal is achievable.
Certified Level 1 Boxing Coach; Certified Yoga Instructor; Certified Nutritionist (In Progress)
Ivy Richardson exploded into the BC Boxing scene during the 2016 season. Ivy accepted the challenge of boxing all comers from Vancouver to Oregon and up through the Interior. Ivy won the Oregon Golden Gloves, and BC Provincial Championships defeating the two time Alberta Champion the Washington State Champion twice along the way and also bringing home a belt from San Francisco. Ivy represented Team BC at the National Championships in Quebec City and was unfortunately eliminated by the Ontario Champion who was a veteran with over 80 fights.
While Ivy has put competing temporarily on hold she is excited to take on a coaching role so she can share her passion for Boxing and her extensive technical knowledge. In addition to working full time at Nanaimo Aboriginal Centre Ivy is currently coaching at Precision Boxing Club and is also in the process of starting a Nanaimo Youth Boxing Team for Aboriginal Youth. Ivy is a Certified Boxing Coach, as well she has studied Physical Education at Vancouver Island University. She is currently working on obtaining her certification in the area of Nutrition.
Ivy's boxing background, education, passion and coaching have provided an excellent transition for her to coach Boxing at Prime. Ivy's coaching outlook is: with consistent hard work, dedication and a positive mentality any goal is achievable.
Elyse Cordery
200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training and Aerial Yoga Certifications
Elyse first discovered Yoga in 2008 after undergoing surgery, her doctor recommended Yoga as a form of physical activity to help her body recover. After 3 months she fell in love with not only the physical benefits of Yoga but the emotional effects introducing her to new perspectives and new confidence to try new things.
In 2014 she decided to travel to India to obtain her 200 hr YTT certificate at the Himalayan Yoga Valley Ashram, not intending to become a teacher but for personal development. While traveling she became connected to Clayton Smith owner of Prime Sports Performance & Therapy who was looking for a yoga teacher to help with the development of his athletes. Feeling excited about this connection she decided to give Yoga teaching a go and fell in love with it after her first class. A few years into her teaching career she traveled to Hawaii and obtained her Aerial Yoga Certification. She then began studying the healing techniques of Lomi Lomi massage and began offering massages from her home. Elyse teaches a combination of a vigorous vinyasa flow, and a gentle yin/yang flow with creative sequencing, intention, uplifting music and calming energy. She helps her students to create more space internally allowing for healing and creativity to enter.
200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training and Aerial Yoga Certifications
Elyse first discovered Yoga in 2008 after undergoing surgery, her doctor recommended Yoga as a form of physical activity to help her body recover. After 3 months she fell in love with not only the physical benefits of Yoga but the emotional effects introducing her to new perspectives and new confidence to try new things.
In 2014 she decided to travel to India to obtain her 200 hr YTT certificate at the Himalayan Yoga Valley Ashram, not intending to become a teacher but for personal development. While traveling she became connected to Clayton Smith owner of Prime Sports Performance & Therapy who was looking for a yoga teacher to help with the development of his athletes. Feeling excited about this connection she decided to give Yoga teaching a go and fell in love with it after her first class. A few years into her teaching career she traveled to Hawaii and obtained her Aerial Yoga Certification. She then began studying the healing techniques of Lomi Lomi massage and began offering massages from her home. Elyse teaches a combination of a vigorous vinyasa flow, and a gentle yin/yang flow with creative sequencing, intention, uplifting music and calming energy. She helps her students to create more space internally allowing for healing and creativity to enter.