Our Staff - ACCEL Physiotherapy & Sport Performance Centre

Karen Decker BScPT, BScKin, FCAMPT, Diploma Sport Physiotherapy, Diploma in Manual and Manipulative Therapy, Physiotherapist and Clinic Owner

Location: Dartmouth, Halifax

Karen graduated from the Dalhousie University School of Physiotherapy in 1991 and also completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology. She attained the post-graduate specialization Diploma in Sport Physiotherapy in 1997 and the Diploma of Manual and Manipulative Therapy in 2003.

Karen has worked in private practice, treating orthopedic and sports injuries since graduating. She works with athletes at local to international sports events. She has travelled with many national teams. Karen attended the Olympic Games in Athens (2004) and Beijing (2008) and the Commonwealth Games in Scotland (2014) as part of the Canadian Health Care Team.

She has a special interest in pediatric sports injuries. Karen has attended six Canada Games and worked with Hockey Nova Scotia, Hockey Canada and Soccer Nova Scotia. She was the Polyclinic Manager and Lead Physiotherapist for the 2011 Canada Winter Games in Halifax.

Jodie Terrio BScPT, BScPsych, FCAMPT, Certificate Candidate Sport Physiotherapy, Diploma in Manual and Manipulative Therapy, Physiotherapist

Location: Dartmouth

Jodie graduated from the Dalhousie School of Physiotherapy in 2000. She has advanced credentials in manual and manipulative therapy. Jodie has also completed her Level 1 acupuncture and is a Sport Physiotherapy certificate candidate.

Jodie worked in private practice/sports medicine clinics in Barrie and Toronto before joining the Medicine in Motion team in 2006. She has an interest in treating orthopaedic and sports injuries. Jodie has provided medical coverage for regional and national sporting events, including soccer, ringette, figure skating and gymnastics. She also volunteered at the 2011 Canada Winter Games in Halifax.

Laura Lundquist MScPT, FCAMPT, Diploma Sport Physiotherapy, Diploma in Manual and Manipulative Therapy, Physiotherapist

Location: Dartmouth

Laura graduated from McMaster University School of Physiotherapy in 2003. She has since completed post-graduate courses in manual and manipulative therapy, acupuncture and sport physiotherapy.

Laura has worked in private practice/sports medicine clinics in British Columbia, Toronto and Halifax treating orthopedic and sports injuries.

Laura has worked with sports teams (including hockey, rugby, lacrosse and soccer) and provided medical coverage from local to international sporting events. Most recently, she travelled with the senior women’s Sevens Rugby Team to Amsterdam (2011) and worked as part of the core medical team for Canada at the Pan Am Games in Guadalajara (2011) and the World University Games (FISU) in Kazan, Russia (2013).

Monique Arsenault MClSc, BScPT, FCAMPT, Certificate Orthopedic Manipulative Therapy, Certificate Sport Physiotherapy, Physiotherapist

Location: Halifax

Monique graduated from the University of Ottawa with Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy in 2003.

Monique has completed the Level 3 of the Orthopaedic Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. She has also pursued further focus on manual therapy skills by completing her Certificate in Orthopaedic Manual Therapy in Australia. In 2015, she completed the Masters of Clinical Science (Manipulative Therapy) program at Western University and became a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy.

Monique has taken several courses related to functional movement screening/assessment, acupuncture, dry needling and is also a STOTT PILATES trained instructor.

Monique has also provided medical coverage for various sporting events including hockey, ringette, soccer, gymnastics, and ski patrol.

Cynthia Shupe BScPT, Certificate Vestibular Rehabilitation, Physiotherapist

Location: Halifax

Cynthia graduated from University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy in 1982.

Cynthia's background in orthopaedic and sport medicine allows her to use her hands-on skills and exercise prescription to maximize each patient's rehabilitation goals.

The main focus of her treatments includes manual therapy, exercise prescription, acupuncture and kinesio taping. She also has advanced credentials in Vestibular Rehabilitation.

Julie (Woodroffe) Squarey MScPT, BScKin, Physiotherapist

Location: Dartmouth

Julie graduated from Dalhousie University with a Master of Science in Physiotherapy. She also completed her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at the University of Western Ontario.

Julie has worked in the hospital, private practice and home care settings in the areas of orthopedics, cardiorespiratory and sport physiotherapy. She has advanced credentials in sport first aid, orthopedics, acupuncture and concussion management. Julie has completed provincial and national sport coverage for football, soccer and hockey.

Julie is currently working toward her Certificate in Sport Physiotherapy.

Meredith Waisman MScPT, BKin with Nutrition, Certificate in Sport Physiotherapy, Physiotherapist

Location: Dartmouth

Meredith graduated from the Dalhousie University School of Physiotherapy program in 2012. She previously completed a double major in Kinesiology and Nutrition at Acadia University in 2010.

Meredith has extensive experience in the sport and has obtained the Certificate in Sport Physiotherapy and the Complete Concussion Management certification. She is currently studying for her Diploma in Sport Physiotherapy.

Meredith has worked with Hockey Nova Scotia's high performance provincial teams, Hockey Canada national training camps, Chief Therapist Canadian National Skating Championships, Halifax Rainmen, 2011 Canada Winter Games, and the Acadia and Dalhousie University soccer teams. She is currently the Physiotherapist with the Landworks Gulls Major Bantam Hockey team.

Rachel Doucet MScPT, BScKin, Physiotherapist

Location: Halifax

Rachel graduated from the Dalhousie University School of Physiotherapy in 2010. She has advanced credentials in manual therapy and acupuncture.

Rachel has worked in private practice, treating orthopaedics, MVA, WCB and sport injuries. Before becoming a Physiotherapist, Rachel worked as a CSEP certified personal trainer for the Canadian Forces (PSP). At ACCEL, Rachel will be providing strength and conditioning training as well as physiotherapy services.

Rachel has completed medical coverage and training for SMU Varsity Rugby team, Judo Nova Scotia, NSSAF Track and Field Championships and various sports during the 2011 Canada Winter Games.

Mitchell Squarey MScPT, BScBio, Diploma in Sport Physiotherapy, Physiotherapist

Location: Dartmouth

Mitchell graduated from Dalhousie University with a Master of Science in Physiotherapy. Since graduating he has taken extensive post-graduate courses in manual therapy, sport therapy, exercise prescription, acupuncture, dry needling and kinesio taping. He obtained the Diploma in Sport Physiotherapy in 2017.

Mitchell is currently working towards the Diploma in Manual & Manipulative Therapy. He is the Physiotherapist for the Halifax McDonald's Major Midget hockey team. Mitchell has worked with Hockey Nova Scotia’s High Performance U16 Program, attending the QMJHL Gatorade Challenge Cup and Identification camps. He has also worked with local senior soccer and high school football teams. He is the Lead Therapist for the annual East Coast IceJam hockey tournament. He attended the 2017 Canada Summer Games as part of the Host Medical team.

Mitchell is a board member of the Nova Scotia Physiotherapy Association and the executive of the Sport Physiotherapy Canada - Nova Scotia Section.

Dr. Ashley Lilly DC, BSc, Active Release Technique Provider, CCM Practitioner, Chiropractor

Location: Halifax

Dr. Ashley Lilly completed the Doctor of Chiropractic program at Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College.

She completed the Contemporary Medical Acupuncture program at McMaster University and is one of five practitioners in Nova Scotia that are full body certified in Active Release Technique (ART®). She is also certified in Complete Concussion Management and R2P Concussion Management.

Dr. Lilly explores beyond the area of pain to best assist her patients in returning to activity following an injury. She has worked with the ACCEL Hawks Major Bantam hockey team, Metro Boston Pizza Female Midget AAA hockey team, Hockey Nova Scotia High Performance Program and covered numerous local sporting events.

Dr. Rebecca Wynn DC, BKin, Active Release Techique Provider, Chiropractor

Location: Dartmouth

Dr. Rebecca Wynn completed her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology at Acadia University before graduating in 2014 from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC). Dr. Wynn is certified in Contemporary Medical Acupuncture, Sport First Aid and Complete Concussion Management.

Dr. Wynn has worked with several sport teams and events (including football, hockey, soccer and rugby).

She utilizes a variety of treatment techniques such as soft tissue therapy, active release techniques, instrument assisted soft tissue therapy, electrotherapies, laser therapy, acupuncture, joint mobilizations and manipulations, as well as exercises in her practice.

Sabrina Janick Registered Massage Therapist

Location: Halifax

Sabrina has more than 15 years of clinical experience working in a holistic environment. She graduated from Northumberland College in 1999.

Sabrina specializes in treating clients with chronic pain, neck and shoulder tension, nerve damage and back pain. She also treats conditions such as sports injuries, mastectomy related scar tissue, motor vehicle related injuries and pregnancy massage.

Sabrina incorporates techniques such as myofascial release, lymphatic drainage, kinesio taping and fascial stretch therapy into her treatments.

Yvette Considine Registered Massage Therapist

Location: Dartmouth

Yvette graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Physical Education. In 2007, she graduated from ICT Northumberland College, with honours, in Massage Therapy. Yvette has advanced training in Sport Massage, Fascial Stretch Therapy and Myofascial techniques.

Yvette recently returned to Nova Scotia after living and working in Alaska for four years. While in Alaska, Yvette had the opportunity to work with a few professional hockey players from the Alaska Aces hockey team as well as Iditarod world class dog sled mushers.

Tina Melanson Registered Massage Therapist

Location: Halifax

Tina graduated from St. Francis Xavier University in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and a Bachelor of Education. In 1999, she received her diploma in massage therapy from Sault College and is currently a Sports Massage Therapist candidate with the CSMTA.

Tina is passionate about sports - as an athlete and as a volunteer. She has volunteered at the Canada Winter Games, World Junior Hockey Championships, World Junior Volleyball Championships and many other sporting events in the Maritimes.

Tina specializes in Myofascial Release, Sports and Deep Tissue massage, and repetitive strain injuries.

Jacqueline Odle Registered Massage Therapist

Location: Halifax

Jacqueline graduated from the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy in 2013.

Jacqueline specialized in Chronic Pain and Neurological based disorders. She is versed in numerous musculoskeletal conditions both chronic and acute. She is also experienced with ALS, CP, whiplash and back injuries.

Jacqueline uses various treatment methods, including but not limited to myofascial techniques, trigger point therapy, shiatsu, cupping, hot stone massage, aromatherapy and deep tissue massage.

Her passion is in rehabilitative treatments, chronic pain and injury prevention.

Chris Arsenault Registered Massage Therapist

Location: Halifax

Chris is a recent graduate of the ICT Northumberland College Massage Therapy program. He also completed the first level of NeuroKinetic Therapy, a form of manual therapy that combines motor control theory and manual muscle testing to pinpoint why you are in pain.

Chris is focused and driven to help you experience relief from pain and to find out what you can do to help heal yourself. Focusing on the use of NeuroKinetic Therapy and deep tissue therapy along with relaxation techniques.

Sandra England Registered Massage Therapist

Location: Dartmouth

Sandra graduated with a Diploma in Massage Therapy from ICT Northumberland College in 2007. She has been working in rehabilitation centres over the last 10 years.

Sandra has taken courses in myofascial release, pregnancy massage and children's massage. She has worked with athletes from a variety of levels from local high school sports to Olympians to treat sports related injuries.

Over the last 10 years she has treated many conditions, and focused on shoulders, backs, and hips. Her specialty is post surgical repairs.

Amanda (Mills) Goddard MScOT, Occupational Therapist

Location: Halifax, Dartmouth

Amanda completed her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy from Dalhousie University in 2015.

Amanda has experience in hospital and private practice settings with individuals with a wide range of health conditions. She has worked with individuals of all ages to return to performing meaningful activities of daily living.

Amanda has advanced training in ergonomics and is certified to perform the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS).

Amanda will be offering home visits, ergonomic assessments, and Job Site Analysis (JSA). She will also be working with individuals post-concussion who have cognitive issues that may be affecting their work, school or everyday lives.

Kaitlin Sibbald MScOT, Occupational Therapist

Location: Halifax, Dartmouth

Kaitlin completed a Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy from Dalhousie University in 2017.

Kaitlin has experience in hospital and private practice settings with individuals with a wide range of health conditions. Kaitlin celebrates diversity and looks forward to working with people of different ages, backgrounds, abilities, genders, sexual orientations or identities. She also has an interest in chronic condition management and mental health.

Kaitlin offers ergonomic assessments, home visits, Job Site Analyses and Return to Work planning. She also works with individuals post-concussion who have cognitive changes that may be affecting their work, school, or everyday lives.

Kelley Hiltz Diploma in Sports Nutrition, Registered Dietitian

Location: Halifax, Dartmouth

Kelley graduated, with distinction, with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Human Nutrition from Mount Saint Vincent University. Kelley has been a Registered Dietitian since 1999.

Kelley completed a Diploma in Sports Nutrition through the International Olympic Committee's Medical Commission. She is one of a few Canadian dietitians with this qualification. Her experience as a competitive athlete allows Kelley to combine nutrition theory with real-life experience to provide meaningful nutrition guidance to athletes at all levels.

Kelley has worked with the Dalhousie Tigers Varsity Athletic program; specifically, the varsity soccer teams and the women's varsity volleyball team.

In addition, Kelley has a special interest in weight management and has completed the highly recognized Certificate of Training in Adult Weight Management provided by the American Dietetic Association.

Sandra Gullion Certified Pedorthist; Certified Pedorthic Technician

Location: Halifax, Dartmouth

Sandra graduated from the NSCC in 1981 as an LPN and worked 10 years at the NS Rehabilitation Centre working with spinal cord, stroke, amputee and head injury patients.

For the next 5 years, Sandra was a Home Health Care Manager for Lawton’s Drugs. This involved educating clients about diagnostic equipment, mastectomy products, compression stockings, bracing and general health care products.

In 1996, Sandra worked as Bracing/Retail Specialist and became interested in pedorthics. She has obtained the Certified Pedorthic Technician and Certified Pedorthic designations. Sandra has been working as a Certified Pedorthist and has seen many clients with various foot and lower extremity conditions.

Sandra speaks both English and French fluently.

Shawn Smale

Location: Halifax, Dartmouth

Shawn is active in the sport community by volunteering to coach young athletes, work as an official, organize adult recreation programs. He attended the 2007, 2009 and 2011 Canada Games as a member of the Team Nova Scotia Mission Staff and was involved in the Jeux de l'Acadie in 2008.

He stays active playing hockey and as a triathlete, participating at local and international events, including two Ironman Triathlons.

His role at ACCEL Physiotherapy is to provide leadership for our sport event coverage and partnerships as well as finances and marketing.