Meet the Team of Maritime Physiotherapy in Halifax
Physiotherapists
Robert MacDonald - Physiotherapist
Rob graduated from Dalhousie University School of Physiotherapy in 1984 and has over 35 years of clinical experience. He has been part owner of Maritime Physiotherapy since 1987 and sole owner since 1990. His clinical practice has been augmented by numerous post-graduate courses and attendance at national and international conferences and symposia. He has also had clinical experience with local, national and international sporting events such as the World Wheelchair Basketball Games, Canada Summer Games, Canadian Sprint Canoe and Kayak Championships, as well as Chair of Physiotherapy services for the World Junior Hockey Championships 2002/2003 in Halifax.
Rob is an avid recreational runner, having completed five full marathons and numerous half marathons, as well as running in local events such as the Rum Runners Run. Rob qualified for and successfully ran in the 2011 Boston Marathon. More recently Rob has begun to compete in triathlon events locally. Aside from his interest in running and triathlons, Rob has a strong interest in working with the senior population of our community. He is a certified Bone Fit™ therapist trained in the treatment and management of osteoporosis, bone health, fall prevention, etc.
Brent Thompson - Physiotherapist
Brent graduated from Dalhousie University in 1991 with his Bachelor of Science degree in Physiotherapy. Since graduating, he has worked in orthopedic private practice in New Brunswick, southern Ontario and Nova Scotia. In 1995 and 1996, he completed the Orthopedic Advanced Clinically Supervised Manipulative Therapy Program in Toronto. He became a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Therapy in 1999. In addition to being a guest lecturer at Dalhousie University, and a co-founder of the Atlantic Manual Therapy Institute, he teaches post graduate courses throughout eastern Canada. Brent enjoys working with athletes ranging from the recreational level to the Olympic level. Personal sport interests include speed skating, cycling and recreational paddling.
Jason Wong - Physiotherapist
Jason graduated in 1997 with his physiotherapy degree from Dalhousie University located in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He has trained and worked in the field of physiotherapy across Canada and in the United States. He has an interest in orthopaedic physiotherapy and sports medicine. His clinical practice has included continuing care centres, hospitals, and private practice. He has been associated with Dalhousie University’s School of Physiotherapy clinical education program since 2000. He has treated a wide variety of clientele including, university level (NCAA, AUAA), national level, and international level athletes. He has been a medical team member for various recreational and professional level sporting events. He implements a client-centred approach and evidenced-based practice to help with your recovery from injury and wear and tear conditions. Away from the clinic he enjoys tennis, basketball, travelling, music, and photography.
Massage Therapists
Leanne Piercey - Massage Therapist
Leanne graduated from ICT Northumberland College in Halifax in 2000. She joined the Maritime Physiotherapy team in October, 2000 and is a member of the Massage Therapy Association of Nova Scotia. She has enjoyed volunteering at local sporting events, treating athletes of all ages. She was trained in the use of therapeutic Swedish massage, specialising in deep tissue massage techniques and sports massage. Leanne is also a PADI open water scuba instructor and spends a lot of her spare time instructing scuba classes and exploring the local waters of Nova Scotia. She also enjoys other water activities such as swimming, waterskiing, and fishing.
Acupuncture
Amanda Findlay - Massage Therapist
Amanda graduated in 2009 from the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy. During her studies Amanda's primary focus was on Sports Massage, participating in and earning a certificate from the Sports Outreach Clinic at the Dalplex. She has also provided massage therapy services at the Bluenose Marathon and the Ride for Juvenile Diabetes. Amanda is a member in good standing of the Massage Therapists Association of Nova Scotia.
Before joining the Maritime Physiotherapy team in November 2010, Amanda focused on Spa Massage Therapy and is now enjoying the new challenges presented in the clinical setting. In her free time Amanda enjoys live music, reading, baking, and spending time at the cottage with friends and family.
Pedorthists
Michael Daigle – Pedorthist
Michael Daigle is a Canadian Certified Pedorthist with his company Maritime Foothold Orthotics. He began his Pedorthic career after many years working as a designer, fine furniture maker, vocational teacher, and leather craftsman. Mike received his Pedorthic training through Thera-Ped Foot and Ankle Clinic and the Pedorthic Association of Canada. He is a member of the College of Pedorthics of Canada and the Pedorthic Association of Canada.
He has a special interest in sports medicine as pertains to Pedorthic management of foot/ankle/knee pain, because he has particular experience in swimming, biking and running.
Excercise Therapists
Malik Mustafa - Malik graduated in 2022 with a degree in kinesiology from Dalhousie University after studying science in Vancouver at Dorset College in 2018. He has an interest in sports rehab and specializes in providing exercise plans to help clients incorporate effective movement in their life.
Malik is an Egyptian who was born and raised in Qatar and came to Canada in 2017. In his free time he enjoys reading, working out, and learning history and new topics. In addition to that, he also loves trying different coffee shops, so feel free to recommend one when you see him!
Kissel Phillips - Exercise Therapists
Kissel is currently completing her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at Dalhousie University. She is working at the clinic as an exercise therapist and also has a keen interest in moving into physiotherapy. She has worked as a Lead Athletic trainer for King’s College (Women’s basketball) and has volunteered/shadowed at the Dalhousie Physiotherapy Clinic. Kissel is originally from the Caribbean and enjoys trying new foods, being adventurous, relaxing, and watching tv shows.
Dietitian
Kristen Gaudet
Kristen graduated from St. Francis Xavier in 1992 and completed her dietetic internship in Halifax. Having worked as a Registered Dietitian for over 30 years in a variety of settings, she is a strong advocate for addressing the root causes and providing evidence-based education and strategies in a simple, sustainable way that is transformative. She is a co-creator and co-author of a children’s book series; has received certification at both New York Natural Gourmet Institute and Rouxbe Culinary Schools, and travelled to Italy for a Food Sustainability Course in 2018.
She is a wife, mother of 3 young adults, a Basset Hound lover, and a past marathoner who loves anything involving the outdoors.
Office Staff
Amanda Findlay, Nicolle Ross, and Niki Sinclair