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

Dr. Koby Donovan graduated from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in 2024. He was born and raised in Miramichi, NB and later achieved his undergrad degree at the University of New Brunswick in 2020 with a BSc. In Biology.

Koby grew up playing hockey and baseball at a competitive level, which led him to see his local chiropractor. This sparked an interest in the chiropractic profession, which over time led to a passion for helping others achieve their optimal health goals.

Koby uses various treatment methods such as mobilizations, manipulations, soft tissue therapy, acupuncture, laser therapy, electrotherapies, and patient-specific exercise. He holds a certification in Integrated Needling Acupuncture, which includes the use of electroacupuncture to treat specific muscles and musculoskeletal conditions.

Outside of work, Koby enjoys golfing, watching/playing sports, and spending time with family and friends.

Qualifications: - First Aid/CPR certification - Integrated Needling Acupuncture - Diversified technique - Extremity adjusting

Dr. Koby Donovan graduated from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in 2024. He was born ... 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

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

Originally from Prescott, Ontario, Alexis relocated to the East Coast in 2019, bringing with her a strong commitment to health and wellness. As a dedicated CrossFit athlete, Alexis has a special passion for supporting athletes in reaching peak performance and recovering effectively. She graduated with distinction from Eastern College, where her love for massage therapy took root, growing through invaluable experiences treating athletes at events like the Nova Scotia Provincial Strongman Competition, the Bluenose Marathon, and various volleyball tournaments. Seeing athletes recover and achieve their personal bests is what drives her. Her goal is to become a Sports Massage Therapist and work with professional athletes!

Beyond sports, Alexis has a deep commitment to women’s health. She’s devoted to exploring the complex aspects of health issues, uncovering root causes, and piecing together solutions that treat the body as a whole. She believes holistic care is essential for anyone seeking to feel and perform their best. Whether helping athletes optimize their performance or supporting women’s health journeys, Alexis brings enthusiasm, expertise, and a genuine dedication to each client she works with.

Originally from Prescott, Ontario, Alexis relocated to the East Coast in 2019, bringing with her ... 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

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

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

My Bio on Main Coastal Website

Suzanne is a registered massage therapist with 17 years of experience in the industry. She holds certification as a Sport Massage Therapist through the Canadian Sport Massage Therapy Association.

Suzanne founded Coastal Sports & Wellness in 2013 and is the sole owner of the facility.

Clinic Owner since 2007: - Established and operated a private practice immediately after graduating college until 2011 - In 2011, expanded operations to create “Coastal Massage,” overseeing a team of 4 additional massage therapists - The success of this expansion prompted further growth in June 2013, resulting in the transition to “Coastal Sports & Wellness Inc.” This multidisciplinary clinic now offers services including Physiotherapy, Chiropractic Care, Massage Therapy, Osteopathy, Acupuncture, Dietary services, Naturopathic Medicine, Counselling, Occupational Therapy, Reflexology, and Personal Training. - Successfully expanded Coastal Sports & Wellness Inc. to include a second location within Mount St. Vincent University from 2017 to 2021. - New multidisciplinary clinic expansion opening September 2024 in Halifax, NS

In 2007 Suzanne Moroney graduated with honors from the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy and became a Certified Sport Massage Therapist in 2016. She is a member in good standing with the Massage Therapy Association of Nova Scotia as well as the Canadian Sports Massage Therapy Association.

Suzanne uses specific techniques to maximize the treatment and healing time as well as prevention of future injury with: deep tissue massage, trigger point releasing, myofascial releasing techniques, cupping massage, Graston Technique, deep stretching and muscular strength testing to determine neurological dysfunction.

Clinical Focus:

• Sports related injuries

• TMJ (temporal-mandibular joint) associated discomfort.

• Hip, pelvis and low back pain, decrease in range of motion.

• Frozen shoulder and shoulder pain.

• Shin splints, calf pain and plantar fasciitis

Retired as a national level gymnast in 2014, at the age of 28. With over 20 years’ experience in the sport of gymnastics; her knowledge for acute, chronic and preventative care has been enhanced by her experience as an elite athlete. Team therapist for Taiso Gymnastics Training Centre.

Suzanne has attended many sporting events around HRM as part of the medical team offering Sports Massage Therapy.

Suzanne is part of the IST (Integrated Support Team) for Swimming Canada & Athletics Canada (Track & Field) as well as part of the Canadian Mission Staff Therapy Team for Major Multisport Games and has attended many sporting events around the world: - IST Sport Massage Therapist for Swimming Canada- Summer Olympic Games, Paris 2024 - IST Sport Massage Therapist for Swimming Canada- Olympic Trials, Toronto 2024 - IST Sport Massage Therapist Athletics Canada- Florida Relays 2024 - IST Sport Massage Therapist Swimming Canada FINA World Championships (50M)- Doha, Qatar, 2024 - Mission Staff, Sport Massage Therapist- Pan-American Games, Santiago, Chile, 2023 - IST Sport Massage Therapist Swimming Canada FINA World Championships (50M)- Fukuoka, Japan, 2023 - IST Sport Massage Therapist Swimming Canada Mare Nostrum- Spain & Monaco, 2023 - IST Sport Massage Therapist Swimming Canada FINA World Short Course Championships (25M)- Melbourne, Australia, 2022 - Mission Staff, Sport Massage Therapist- Commonwealth Games, Birmingham UK, 2022 - IST Sport Massage Therapist Swimming Canada FINA World Championships (50M)- Budapest, Hungary, 2022 - IST Sport Massage Therapist Athletics Canada- Chula Vista Warm Weather Training Camp- San Diego, California, 2022 - Mission Staff, Sport Massage Therapist FISU Games, selected as Alternate Massage Therapist- Naples, Italy, 2019 - IST Sport Massage Therapist support for Female National Women’s Hockey Fall Festival Camp- Liverpool NS, 2019 - IST Sport Massage Therapist for Athletics Canada NACAC U23- Querétaro, Mexico, 2019 - IST Sport Massage Therapist support for Swimming Canada 2019/2020 season - Sport Massage Therapist of the Host Medical Team for Gymnastics World Championships in Montreal, Canada, 2017

Contact Suzanne directly at: Suzanne@coastalsportsandwellness.com

My Bio on Main Coastal Website Suzanne is a registered massage therapist with 17 years of experi... Read More

Originally from Moncton, New Brunswick Emma travelled to St. Johns, Newfoundland to complete her Bachelor of Kinesiology at Memorial University. During her studies, Emma worked at a local physiotherapy clinic and soon discovered her passion for helping people feel better holistically – this revelation along with personal experience led her to discover acupuncture’s full potential.  

Emma obtained her D. Ac. from Canadian College of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (CCATCM) in Bedford, Nova Scotia. Through this program, she excelled in academics and received comprehensive training in Acupuncture, Gua Sha, Cupping, Tui Na and more. Emma is also a member in good standing with the Canadian Medicine and Acupuncture Association of Canada (CMAAC). 

During her schooling, Emma accumulated 2220 clinic hours. She has treated a variety of conditions such as Bell’s Palsy, Sciatica Pain, Headaches / Migraines and many more. While Emma thoroughly enjoys treating a wide range of both chronic and acute pain conditions, she has a strong personal interest in women’s health and her patient’s overall wellbeing. 

Emma is eager to meet you and take the first step on your path to holistic healing.

Qualifications:

2023- Sport Acupuncture

2023- Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture

Originally from Moncton, New Brunswick Emma travelled to St. Johns, Newfoundland to complete her ... Read More