My Bio on Main Coastal Website

Laurie has been in active practice since 2000 and spent 14+ years of her career as a massage therapy instructor at colleges in Toronto and Halifax. She has taught and developed curriculum mainly in anatomy, physiology, and pathology. Laurie teaches sciences to yoga teacher trainees, athletes and coaches, worked with the Etobicoke swim club contributing to their dry land training program, co- wrote and developed a yoga manual and recorded a race visualization for competitive swimmers. She also regularly travels between Halifax and Toronto to teach assessment and movement courses that she has developed, based on her clinical and educational experience. She is the only Level 3 certified practitioner in Atlantic Canada using a technique called NeuroKinetic Therapy™(NKT), and currently runs study groups for other practitioners in the Maritimes. Recently, Laurie has adopted the term Integrative Manual Therapy (IMT) to describe her treatments. This approach involves a combination of innovative sensory and motor techniques that help to identify the source of dysfunction and improve the way the body creates purposeful movement. She is able to assess for dysfunctions related to vision, brain injury, ligament trauma, scars, postural strain, repetitive injury, nerve entrapments, and a variety of other conditions. Laurie has additional training as a yoga teacher and personal trainer, and uses those skills to inform the creation of home care for her clients.

Modalities:

Integrative Manual Therapy Therapeutic Massage NeuroKinetic Therapy Personal Training Remedial Exercise RockTape Experience:

She has had personal and professional experience in powerlifting, long distance running, and obstacle course racing. She has also worked with many different populations including Olympic athletes, bodybuilders, competitive swimmers, post-surgical recovery patients, and post-concussion patients.

My Bio on Main Coastal Website Laurie has been in active practice since 2000 and spent 14+ years... Read More

Leah Duncan R.Ac

Important update

Leah has recently relocated to Fredericton, NB, but she remains committed to returning to Coastal on a monthly basis to continue serving her regular clients.

To ensure that Leah’s regular clients receive timely and consistent treatment, we kindly request that you add yourself to her waitlist. When doing so, please specify a 3-month time period.

Leah Duncan, R.Ac, B.Sc, is a qualified acupuncturist who completed a 3-year diploma in Traditional Acupuncture at the Canadian College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (CCATCM) in Bedford, Nova Scotia. She also received additional training in sport acupuncture. scalp acupuncture and facial rejuvenation acupuncture. In addition, Leah has completed a Bachelor of Science and Applied Nutrition and Dietetics at Mount Saint Vincent University.

Leah has a particular focus on sport acupuncture, and she is skilled in addressing a wide range of conditions and common sports injuries related to musculature and tendons, such as strains, sprains, tears, and tendonitis. In addition, Leah is experienced in working with individuals who suffer from acute or chronic pain injuries, TMJ discomfort, migraines, stress, women’s health issues, and digestive problems, among others. She takes pleasure in treating all conditions and creating a personalized treatment plan for each patient. Leah uses a treatment style that combines western and eastern medicine, making it easy for clients to understand. She believes that every person has the ability to facilitate their body’s natural healing process by using acupuncture and works to bring the body back into balance.

When she’s not in the clinic, Leah enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, and staying active through cycling, hikes, and swimming.

Additional courses: - Acupuncture Sports Medicine - Scalp Acupuncture - Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture

Leah Duncan R.Ac Important update Leah has recently relocated to Fredericton, NB, but she remai... Read More

Jason completed his MSc in Physiotherapy at Glasgow Caledonian University in Scotland in 2018. Following this he has gained experiences worldwide including time spent as a physiotherapist in Australian semi-professional sport.

Throughout his physio years, Jason has always had a passion for sports. He has worked for various sporting clubs including Mount Saint Vincent University and most recently worked as the head physio for the Old Geelong Football Club in Melbourne, Australia. While working in Melbourne, also known as the ACL capital of the world, Jason developed a keen interest in ACL rehabilitation. Having the opportunity to learn from industry leaders Jason is your go-to for ACL post-op and conservative management best practice. In addition to clinical work, he has also worked in the Dalhousie Physiotherapy program as a lab instructor honing the skills of future physiotherapists.

Jason’s passion revolves around getting you back to the things you love whether it’s day-to-day tasks or restoring and improving athletic function. His rehab strategy is a combination of manual techniques and an active treatment approach that is centralized around functional movements.

Outside of his hours in the clinic, Jason enjoys travelling and spending time working on his own fitness in and outside of the gym.

Certification 2023- Jurdan Mendiguchia: An Expert’s Approach to Hamstring Injuries 2021- CCMI Concussion Management 2020- The Shoulder Complex with Adam Meakins 2019- Reconciling Biomechanics with Pain Science 2019- The Foot Collective Seminar 2019- CrossFit Level 2 Coaching 2019- CrossFit Weightlifting Coaching 2018- Mckenzie Part A Lumbar Spine 2018- Lyn Watson Shoulder Level 1 2018- Kineacore Functional Dry Needling Level 1 2016- OTAGO Falls Prevention Exercise Certification

Jason completed his MSc in Physiotherapy at Glasgow Caledonian University in Scotland in 2018. Fo... Read More

Marcie obtained her massage therapy diploma from Makami College in Edmonton, AB. She graduated from a 2-year, 3000-hour advanced program with a strong focus on assessment and treatment skills. She has been a massage therapist for 9.5 years and has enjoyed an educational career working collaboratively with Sport Medicine Doctors, Orthopedic Surgeons, Nutritionists, Chiropractors, Physiotherapists, Strength and Conditioning Coaches, Orthotics, etc., in multidisciplinary clinics. This has allowed her to gain excellent knowledge, experience, and insight into therapeutic and rehab-focused massage therapy. Due to her background and understanding of sports and music, she has been able to help a variety of athletes and musicians confidently and successfully throughout her career.

Marcie is highly experienced in working with patients that are post-operative rehab, pre and post-orthopedic surgery, orthopedic surgical scarring, as well as treating motor vehicle accidents, whiplash, and post-concussion. Having recovered from multiple motor vehicle accidents herself, she knows firsthand how effective massage therapy can be for healing the body and mind after an accident or injury. Her strengths lie in rehabilitation/scar tissue massage, therapeutic and deep tissue massage, trigger point release, MLD, and TMJ dysfunction. Marcie is very passionate about supporting all her patients through the entire healing process and their own individual wellness journey.

Qualifications:

2024 FIrst Aid CPR

2023 Intraoral Massage

2022 Manual Lymph Drainage, Vodder: Level 1 Dynamic Cupping Guide to Fascia Effective Tissue Manipulation

2017 Rehabilitation Massage Level 1 Thai Massage

Marcie obtained her massage therapy diploma from Makami College in Edmonton, AB. She graduated fr... Read More

My Bio on Main Coastal Website

Nelson completed his Masters in Physiotherapy in 2013 at Dalhousie University. Prior to this, he completed a Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics from STFX University in 2010.

Nelson spent the last 5 years working in orthopedics at a sports clinic in Red Deer, AB. He treated a variety of patient populations from sport-specific athletes, to infants and the elderly. Nelson believes in building a rapport with his patients and maintaining a positive attitude in their recovery process. Every injury is not just a physical injury.

His treatment approach begins with a thorough assessment, and proceeds with hands-on manual therapy in combination with injury-specific exercise prescription. Nelson is trained in other types of therapeutic interventions such as functional dry needling, anatomical acupuncture, and shockwave therapy.

Nelson has been an active person all of his life. His sports background includes hockey, baseball, soccer, tennis, and volleyball. He plays hockey in the winter, and recently joined the Dartmouth Drillers of the Metro Intermediate Baseball League. He consistently promotes maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle to reduce the risk of injury, and improve overall physical and mental health.

My Bio on Main Coastal Website Nelson completed his Masters in Physiotherapy in 2013 at Dalhousi... Read More

My Bio on Main Coastal Website

Hailing from Ontario, Mikaela is a graduate of St. Francis Xavier University with both a BSc. Human Nutrition with Honours and BSc. Human Kinetics. Mikaela is a Registered Dietitian in good standing with the Nova Scotia Dietetic Association and is currently working towards a sports nutrition specialization.

Being involved in sports her entire life kick-started her passion for nutrition. With experience in a wide array of areas in nutrition Mikaela is able to help you meet your nutrition goals.

Areas I can assist with, but not limited to: - General healthy eating & lifestyle change - Sports nutrition - Meal planning, preparation, and grocery shopping - Weight loss, weight gain, and body composition change - Food allergies & intolerance - Digestive issues & conditions (including celiac disease) - Diabetes & hypoglycemia - High blood pressure & Cardiovascular disease - Nutrient deficiencies - Vegetarian & vegan diets - Nutrition supplements - Family nutrition - Nutrigenomix testing (eating according to your genes)

Qualifications: - International Olympic Committee Diploma in Sports Nutrition Part 1 - 2018

My Bio on Main Coastal Website Hailing from Ontario, Mikaela is a graduate of St. Francis Xavier... Read More

My Bio on Main Coastal Website

Her passion began with the love of gymnastics at a young age and became a competitive gymnast. She then began coaching gymnastics in 1988 leading girls to the Provincials, Atlantics, Eastern, Canada Games and Nationals. She is known in the gymnastic world as the conditioning “Nazi”. Becoming a Mom and wanted nothing more but to be there for her little girl, meant a trip back to school to receive her Fitness and Lifestyle Management Diploma where she graduated top of her class receiving Outstand Performance Award. Shortly after graduating she started her own fitness business.

Nadine will be graduating from the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy, located in Hamilton October 2024.

Outside of work you can find Nadine enjoying time with her family, fishing tournaments and hunting.

Nadine has enjoyed being part of the Coastal Sports and Wellness team for the last five years, as she believes it is the expert in all the industries that help us achieve full wellness.

My Bio on Main Coastal Website Her passion began with the love of gymnastics at a young age and ... Read More

Suka is a registered acupuncturist from Vancouver, BC, with over 16 years of experience. She has always had a passion for healthcare, knowing from a young age that she wanted to help others.

As a former gymnast and professional dancer, Suka is no stranger to stress, hard work, and pain management. Plagued with chronic injuries, she decided to try acupuncture as a last resort. A true skeptic and a bit of a scaredy-cat when it came to needles, she was willing to try anything to keep dancing. After just one session, she experienced instant pain relief, setting her on a path to truly healing her injuries. Awed and inspired by this ancient system of medicine, she became a believer.

After 15 years of dancing, she decided to hang up her dance shoes and study acupuncture. She first trained at Pacific Coast University – College of Holistic Medicine, then went on to complete her Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine program at the International College of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Her primary focus is treating myofascial pain using acupuncture trigger point therapy for sports- and work-related injuries, as well as pain management. She is certified by the Society of Acupoint Injection Therapy for Biopuncture and Vitamin Injection Therapy. Additionally, she has advanced training in facial acupuncture and sculptural facial massage.

Today, Suka is happy to call Halifax home and to be practicing at Coastal Sport & Wellness. With a compassionate heart and a passion for healing, she truly cares about her patients and the well-being of those around her. Her kind and considerate bedside manner immediately puts people at ease.

Qualifications:

• The TMJ Connection with Dr. Kathy Dooley – 2024
• Sculptural Face Lifting Level 1 + 2 with Yahoo Gershkovich – 2020
• Acupuncture in Pregnancy, Birth, and Post-Partum Care – 2017
• SAIT Advanced Trigger Point Injections Certification – 2015
• Myofascial trigger Point Therapy Certification – 2014
• Myofascial Stretching for Structural Integration – 2012
• Acupoint Trigger Point Injections Module 2 – 2012
• Sports Medicine Acupuncture Assessment and Treatment of the The Lower Extremity – 2011
• Acupoint trigger point injections Module 1 – 2010
• Sports Medicine Acupuncture with Matt Callison - Manual Muscle Testing – 2010
• Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture Certification with Dr Martha Lucas – 2009
• Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture Certification with Virginia Doran – 2008
• Constitutional Facial Acupuncture Certification with Mary Elizabeth Wakefield – 2007

Suka is a registered acupuncturist from Vancouver, BC, with over 16 years of experience. She has ... Read More

Jennifer Lawton, a dedicated Nurse Practitioner registered with the Nova Scotia College of Nurses. With over 20 years of experience, she has served in critical care with the Canadian Armed Forces before transitioning to pursue advanced education. Jennifer holds an MSCN from the University of Ottawa and an MN with a primary care NP certificate from Dalhousie University.

For the past five years, Jennifer has been making a difference in the communities of Kentville, Canning, and Halifax. Her primary focus is on women’s, transgender, and gender diverse health. She has completed specialized courses in treating stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.

Compassionate and committed, Jennifer strives to provide exceptional care to her patients, fostering inclusivity and health awareness. Beyond her profession, she enjoys exploring Nova Scotia’s beauty and engaging in community outreach programs.

Jennifer Lawton, a dedicated Nurse Practitioner registered with the Nova Scotia College of Nurses... Read More

Gillian Lirette (BSc. PT) graduated from Acadia University with a Bachelor of Physical Education with a specialization in Athletic Therapy in 1998 and continued on to complete a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Toronto in 2001.

Gillian joins us with over 20 years of experience working in a variety of clinical settings from owning her own clinic to working for a large corporation. After having her own 3 children, Gillian developed a special interest in the area of pelvic health. She is passionate about helping those with any incontinence issues, both women and men, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain, constipation issues and pre & postnatal care. She strives to inspire her clients to develop individual goals through a whole-body approach to live well again.

She is a life-long learner and is consistently pursuing courses related to pelvic health to keep up with the current research.

Gillian believes in leading by example and therefore, keeping her own body physically active throughout the lifespan is important to her. Having represented team Nova Scotia at the Canada Games at a young age, she has continued to live an active lifestyle and now enjoys walking, going to the gym and playing golf. The other great passion in Gillian’s life is her family. She enjoys spending her spare time with her husband and their 3 extremely active, athletic children. We are very confident that you will find Gillian’s expertise and enthusiasm a valuable asset towards accomplishing your rehabilitation goals.

Gillian Lirette (BSc. PT) graduated from Acadia University with a Bachelor of Physical Education ... Read More

Ruby is passionate about helping her patients in their healing journey. She will work closely with you to resolve your pain and quickly get you back to doing what you love.

Ruby has over a decade of experience with patients of all ages in a private practice setting. She is skilled in treating orthopaedic conditions, sports injuries, concussions, neurological disorders, postural issues, post-surgical patients, paediatrics, movement impairment issues, spinal conditions, motor vehicle accident injuries, TMJ, vertigo and vestibular conditions. Ruby has a special clinical interest in treating shoulder injuries including rotator cuff conditions, shoulder dislocations, and frozen shoulder. She has done additional mentoring and education to refine her assessment and treatment techniques in these areas, allowing her to deliver precise, evidence-based interventions that promote rapid recovery and optimal results.

Ruby completed her Bachelor of Kinesiology degree from St. Francis Xavier University in 2010, followed by her Masters in Physiotherapy degree from Glasgow Caledonian University in 2014. Committed to proving a high standard of care, Ruby has taken numerous post graduate courses since then further enhance her knowledge of physiotherapy. She prides herself on an accurate assessment and diagnosis, and uses a combination of therapeutic exercise, movement pattern education, acupuncture, manual therapy, soft tissue techniques, taping, and various other healing modalities.

Ruby believes in educating and empowering patients to enhance their own overall well-being and prevent future injury. In addition to promoting physical activity in the clinic, Ruby remains physically fit in her own life. She enjoys running, strength training, and spending time outdoors. Outside of work, Ruby loves being with her husband and two young daughters, who keep her busy and bring her endless joy. Her commitment to both her family and profession reflects her well-rounded and active approach to life.

Contact Ruby directly if you have any questions about starting physiotherapy: ruby@coastalsportsandwellness.com

Conditions commonly treated:

● Knee: meniscus tears, ligament sprains, patellofemoral syndrome, arthritis

● Shoulder: rotator cuff conditions, dislocations, frozen shoulder

● Hip: FAI, gluteal tendinopathy, arthritis

● Spine: disc protrusions, degenerative discs, radiculopathies, sciatica

● Elbow/wrist: tennis elbow, golfers elbow, de’quervain’s

● Foot: Achilles tendinitis, plantarfasciitis, ankle sprains Head/neck: concussions, headaches, whiplash, vertigo

Courses completed:

● Canadian Orthopaedic Division AIM Level 1

● Canadian Orthopaedic Division AIM Level 2 Upper

● Acupuncture Canada: AA1 Foundations of Anatomical Acupuncture

● Acupuncture Canada: AA2 Clinical Applications of Anatomical Acupuncture

● Diagnosis and Treatment of Movement System Impairments, by Shirley Sahrmann in St Louis, MO

● Functional Capacity Evaluations: Metriks Education

● Sure Hire Occupational and Medical Assessments: Sure Hire Occupational Testing Canada

● Sure Hire Fitness to Work Assessments: Sure Hire Occupational Testing Canada

● TMJ mentoring: Michael Ritchie,

● Evidence for Non-Surgical Treatment of Osteoarthritis and Review of Hyaluronic Acid Injections: Dr Ross Leighton, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Halifax

● Concussion Program: Theory, Assessment and Treatment of Concussions: Physio Plus

● Cervical Risk Assessment Course: Physio Plus

● Cervicogenic Headaches Course: Physio Plus

● Assessment and Treatment of the Thoracic Spine: Physio Plus

● Treatment Principals for the Lumbar Spine: Physio Plus

● Lumbar Radiculopathy Treatment Course: Physio Plus

● A New Protocol for Plantar Heel Pain: Physio Plus

● Women’s Pelvic Health Program: Physio Plus

● Common Biomechanical Errors in Runners: Physio Plus

● Introduction to Vestibular Rehabilitation: Physio Plus

● Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo: Physio Plus

Ruby is passionate about helping her patients in their healing journey. She will work closely wit... Read More

Leanne Marriott, RMT, BSc. Kin, graduated with honours from the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy in May 2022 and is Sport Candidate Member with the CSMTA. Leanne also graduated from Dalhousie with a Bachelor of Kinesiology in 2019.  While at Dalhousie, Leanne was an athletic trainer for the varsity Men’s Basketball and Women’s Rugby teams, providing sideline care, assessment, taping, and load management.  Prior to completing her massage diploma, Leanne worked as a Kinesiologist in a multi-disciplinary clinic, assisting clients on their journey to wellness for three years.



Leanne is passionate about helping clients achieve optimal tissue health and mobility to allow them to continue the activities they love, pain free.
She utilizes General Swedish Massage techniques, focusing on deep tissue massage, and also provides myofascial release, sports massage, and Graston Technique Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization.

When not in the clinic, Leanne is an avid volleyball coach, having coached for 20 years, and enjoys riding her motorcycle in the summer.

Qualifications/Certifications:

2023 - Anatomy Trains - Body Reading and Resilience - Graston Technique- Level 1

2022 - Sports First Responder Re-Certification

2019 - Advanced Sport Massage - Mental Health First Aid - Sports First Responder

2016 - Kinesiotaping

Leanne Marriott, RMT, BSc. Kin, graduated with honours from the Canadian College of Massage and H... Read More

Dr. Amanda Volcko completed her undergraduate degree in Biochemistry at Mount Allison University in 2016. During her time at Mount Allison, she was a member of the Mountie’s varsity women’s soccer and hockey teams. Upon graduating from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College summa cum laude in 2022, she received the Robert Kilgannon Memorial Award for academic achievement and commitment to patient care.

Amanda uses techniques including joint mobilization and manipulation, soft tissue therapy, neurofunctional acupuncture, laser therapy, electrotherapies, and exercises. She is certified in Contemporary Medical Acupuncture and instrument-assisted soft tissue techniques. Amanda has been involved with several teams providing sport-side coverage. She is passionate about helping people achieve their health goals.

In her spare time, Amanda enjoys playing soccer, golfing, and hiking.

Dr. Amanda Volcko completed her undergraduate degree in Biochemistry at Mount Allison University ... Read More