Ange Vander Schilden
BSc, BPHE, MScPT, FCAMPT, CGIMS
My Philosophy
As a physio, I approach the body through the lens of the nervous system and I am curious about how our physical body is influenced by both our past and present psycho-spiritual-emotional experiences. With a blend of Western science and a touch of mysticism, I believe in finding the therapeutic potential at the intersection of our neurobiology/physiology and the numinous, ineffable experiences of something inexplicably larger. I always strive to create safe containers in which people can explore and be curious about their own felt experiences.
My trainings and influences
I graduated from Queen’s University in 2009 with my Master’s degree in Physical Therapy and completed numerous post-grad professional courses in joint mobilization and manipulation, myofascial work, intramuscular stimulation (IMS), pain sciences, and other neuromusculoskeletally-centred courses.
As my practice has progressed to appreciate and incorporate the importance of the psychoemotional element of the felt experience in the body, I began to explore modalities exploring breath, mindfulness, and inquiry. This included certification in Numa Somatics conscious, connected breathwork facilitation with Trevor Yelich and Gabor Maté’s year-long professionals’ training in Compassionate Inquiry. These trainings are heavily influenced by the worlds of Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems, Hakomi Body-Centred Psychotherapy, yogic pranayama, Dr. Berceli’s tension/trauma releasing exercises (TRE), John Barnes’ myofascial release/unwinding, and the importance of everyday ceremony. I also have the continued privilege of mentoring with and working alongside my dear colleagues Bryn Thompson and Lisa Munkley in offering this work and most recently, I have had the gift of sitting with my friend, stunning sound practitioner, and teacher, Ocian Ward, in co-creating Women’s ceremony.
my personal story
I have always been active in sports, growing up playing competitive ice hockey and softball. During my time at Queen’s, I played Women’s varsity hockey, and I continue to play to this day. I love exploring new ways to move my body, and stay active with CrossFit, yoga, hiking, and mountain biking.
I draw heavy inspiration from and am deeply grateful for my wife, Faraley, and my two young sons, whose ongoing support and encouragement has made space for me to offer the work in this way and continue to explore new modalities.
certifications and designations
- BSc and BPHE, Queen’s, 2007
- MScPT, Queen’s 2009
- Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Therapists (FCAMPT)
- Gunn Intramuscular Stimulation (CGIMS)
- Graston instrument-assisted soft tissue release
- Numa Somatics Breathwork Facilitator
- Gabor Maté’s Compassionate Inquiry
clinical research
“let go more than once
let go when an old pattern
wants to drag you back into the past
let go when narratives
run wild in your mind
let go every time you try
to cause yourself extra trouble
there is healing in repetition
soon, peace will feel familiar.”
— Yung Pueblo
JOURNEY HEALTH AND HEALING 