Therapists Bios

Megan McAvoy, RMT
Lead Therapist

Megan graduated from ICT Northumberland college in 2009. Through her education she has learned that with communication, assessment, and testing you can formulate a treatment plan that suits any client's needs.

From relieving stress and tension, to helping heal new/previous injuries, or to helping manage the symptoms of neuromuscular conditions, Megan feels that massage is benefical for everyone.

She is also trained in myofascial assessment, sports massage, general Swedish massage, and deep tissue work.

In addressing the individual needs of a client, Megan feels she can help you to reduce stress while helping you to maintain a healthy mind and body.

Jennifer Smith, RMT
Therapist Recognition Award Recipient - November 2011

Jenn graduated from a 2200 hour massage therapy program offered by the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy. She also received a certificate for completing fifty hours of service in the Neurological Outreach Clinic.

Treating her clients with a relaxation approach to a therapeutic massage is one of Jenn’s specialties. This makes her an ideal choice for a relaxation massage and/or for treatment of chronic pain due to tense muscles.

She also enjoys treating women through the various stages of pregnancy and is very comfortable helping a woman's body with making the transition to motherhood.

Jenn is also trained in Hot Stone massage and pleased to offer you this service. Some of the benefits of Hot Stone massage include increased relaxation and circulation, as well as decreased anxiety and pain from tense muscles and arthritis. Jenn recommends booking ninety minutes for a full body Hot Stone massage and one hour for a partial body Hot Stone massage (e.g.: back, arms, neck and face, or back and legs).

Jenn is also a Reiki Level I practitioner.

Deidre Comeau, RMT
Therapist Recognition Award Recipient - December 2011

Deidre graduated from a 2200 hour Massage Therapy Diploma program at the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy.

Deidre's passion is massage therapy and she really enjoys helping and meeting new people. She has a clinical background in treating chronic pain issues. She is also trained in General Swedish massage techniques, deep tissue massage, hydrotherapy applications as well as strengthening and stretching exercises.

Deidre believes massage is the best way to relieve everyday aches and pains as well as to maintain overall good health and a positive future.

Deidre is also a Reiki Level I practitioner.

Shannon Bezanson, RMT

Shannon is a graduate from the 2200 hour massage therapy program at the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy. While attending CCMH she enjoyed working with individuals suffering from a wide variety of issues. Her area of focus is in the managment of Chronic Pain. Versatile in her ability to perform either deep therapeutic work or a light relaxing touch, she is adaptable to each individual's specific needs.

Shannon has been working/studying in the health care field for over six years, and has a background in Cellular Biology/Human Anatomy, and Human Pathologies from Dalhousie University. She is looking forward to gaining more experience with upcoming courses and enhancing her skills as a therapist.

Jody Burbidge BPHED, Dip Nrsg, RMT

Health care and the well being of individuals has been Jody's focus for many years. Her journey began with an Honours Bachelor of Physical and Health Education, where Jody excelled in anatomy and physiology of the human body. Jody followed this with successful completion of an Honours Nursing Diploma and employment as a Registered Nurse on an orthopaedic unit, a paediatrician's office, and in homecare.

In her search to find a less stressful health care position Jody completed a 2200 hour program from the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy where she received the Highest Academic Achievement Award – Second Place Standing. During her massage therapy studies Jody completed twenty hours service in both the pregnancy and chronic pain Outreach clinics. Jody also participated in a Myofascial Release workshop.

Along with practicing massage therapy, Jody is a faculty member at the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy. She is an instructor for Pathology and a Supervisor of the Neurological Outreach Clinic.

Jody's training, knowledge and experience in health care enables her to treat a variety of conditions. She incorporates myofascial release, Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy and stretching into therapeutic massage treatments, according to the needs of the client.

With a new found love of horses, in 2010 she extended her education in health care to include certification as an Equine Massage Therapist.

She is also trained in cupping massage, Indian head massage and is a Reiki Level I Practitioner.

Jody's goal is to create a peaceful, relaxed therapeutic massage which benefits mind, body and spirit, for all ages.

Nikki Langille, RMT

After completing an undergraduate degree in Sociology and English from St. Francis Xavier University, Nikki decided to continue her education and pursue a career in massage therapy. She graduated from the 2200 hour massage therapy program at ICT Northumberland College in 2009.

Depending on the client and whether the client has symptoms related to stress, tension, postural imbalances, new/previous injuries, neuromuscular symptoms, trigger point release, MVA or pregnancy, Nikki customizes her treatments based on the individual.

She offers a variety of techniques and incorporates general Swedish massage, myofascial release, deep tissue, sports massage, and strengthening/stretching into her treatments.

Nikki really enjoys working with the public while helping to educate clients on the importance of homecare to maintain optimal health and a general sense of well being.

Jody Russell, RMT

Jody believes that health is important. Why not begin with a healthy touch? She graduated from the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy's 2200 hour program in June 2012 and believes that everybody can benefit from massage therapy.

Jody has experience in treating those with stress, chronic and acute injury, postural conditions, neurological conditions as well as assisting mothers-to-be with massage through the many stages of their pregnancy.

Stephanie Despres, RMT

Stephanie is a graduate of a 2200 hour program at Eastern College in Moncton, NB and is a member of the Massage Therapist and Wholistic Practitioners Association of the Maritimes.

Her main goal is to treat every client according to their needs whether it's due to past or current injuries or just simply to relax.

She is fluently bilingual, friendly and enjoys meeting new clients.

Anne-Marie Barrett, RMT

Anne-Marie is a graduate of ICT Kikkawa College, class of 2006. While a faculty member at the National Institute, she taught Anatomy, Clinical Assessment Skills, Remedial Exercise and Massage Therapy Basics. After sustaining serious injuries in a motor vehicle accident, she learned the benefits of massage therapy and once recovered went to school to learn how to do this treatment herself. She brings the knowledge of the importance of correct posture while working and the understanding of the effects of trauma on the body to her treatments.

Anne-Marie has experienced treating postural imbalances, deep tissue massage, craino-sacral therapy, kinesio-taping and athletic massage. A strong believer in the body knowing what it need to heal itself, she prefers to work with the body to relieve issues.

Leah Jamieson, RMT

Leah is a graduate of a 2200 hour program from Canadian College of Massage and Hyrdotherapy in Halifax. Since graduating, Leah has also received additional training and certificates in Indian Head Massage and Cupping - a Western and Eastern approach, and has experience in chronic injuries/pain and stress relief. Her passion is helping people and utilizes her experience in doing so and adjusts her treatments to meet the individual needs of each client. She believes massage therapy is an important part of maintaining your health and lifestyle.

Katherine Mae Candline, RMT

Katherine is an empathetic and passionate massage therapist and doula welcoming all patients to her care. She has special interest and training in postural conditions, women’s health and maternity massage.
 
Katherine graduated in 2012 from the Canadian College of Massage & Hydrotherapy with honours standing and an award from the Massage Therapists’ Association of Nova Scotia for her professionalism and patient care. Katherine chose to specialize her studies, gaining a certificate in pregnancy massage and participating in independent research relating to prenatal care.
 
Katherine is a clinically trained therapist who enjoys working with a broad range of patients providing therapeutic treatment. She regularly includes varied massage techniques along with hydrotherapy, and home care exercises to provide the best possible care for her patients. She has experience treating chronic pain, overuse injuries, motor vehicle accidents and mental health / anxiety disorders.
 
Katherine has a passion for supporting individual health and wellness. She looks forward to helping all her patients reach their best health!

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Therapists Bios

Megan McAvoy, RMT
Lead Therapist

Megan graduated from ICT Northumberland college in 2009. Through her education she has learned that with communication, assessment, and testing you can formulate a treatment plan that suits any client's needs.

From relieving stress and tension, to helping heal new/previous injuries, or to helping manage the symptoms of neuromuscular conditions, Megan feels that massage is benefical for everyone.

She is also trained in myofascial assessment, sports massage, general Swedish massage, and deep tissue work.

In addressing the individual needs of a client, Megan feels she can help you to reduce stress while helping you to maintain a healthy mind and body.

Jennifer Smith, RMT
Therapist Recognition Award Recipient - November 2011

Jenn graduated from a 2200 hour massage therapy program offered by the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy. She also received a certificate for completing fifty hours of service in the Neurological Outreach Clinic.

Treating her clients with a relaxation approach to a therapeutic massage is one of Jenn’s specialties. This makes her an ideal choice for a relaxation massage and/or for treatment of chronic pain due to tense muscles.

She also enjoys treating women through the various stages of pregnancy and is very comfortable helping a woman's body with making the transition to motherhood.

Jenn is also trained in Hot Stone massage and pleased to offer you this service. Some of the benefits of Hot Stone massage include increased relaxation and circulation, as well as decreased anxiety and pain from tense muscles and arthritis. Jenn recommends booking ninety minutes for a full body Hot Stone massage and one hour for a partial body Hot Stone massage (e.g.: back, arms, neck and face, or back and legs).

Jenn is also a Reiki Level I practitioner.

Deidre Comeau, RMT
Therapist Recognition Award Recipient - December 2011

Deidre graduated from a 2200 hour Massage Therapy Diploma program at the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy.

Deidre's passion is massage therapy and she really enjoys helping and meeting new people. She has a clinical background in treating chronic pain issues. She is also trained in General Swedish massage techniques, deep tissue massage, hydrotherapy applications as well as strengthening and stretching exercises.

Deidre believes massage is the best way to relieve everyday aches and pains as well as to maintain overall good health and a positive future.

Deidre is also a Reiki Level I practitioner.

Shannon Bezanson, RMT

Shannon is a graduate from the 2200 hour massage therapy program at the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy. While attending CCMH she enjoyed working with individuals suffering from a wide variety of issues. Her area of focus is in the managment of Chronic Pain. Versatile in her ability to perform either deep therapeutic work or a light relaxing touch, she is adaptable to each individual's specific needs.

Shannon has been working/studying in the health care field for over six years, and has a background in Cellular Biology/Human Anatomy, and Human Pathologies from Dalhousie University. She is looking forward to gaining more experience with upcoming courses and enhancing her skills as a therapist.

Jody Burbidge BPHED, Dip Nrsg, RMT

Health care and the well being of individuals has been Jody's focus for many years. Her journey began with an Honours Bachelor of Physical and Health Education, where Jody excelled in anatomy and physiology of the human body. Jody followed this with successful completion of an Honours Nursing Diploma and employment as a Registered Nurse on an orthopaedic unit, a paediatrician's office, and in homecare.

In her search to find a less stressful health care position Jody completed a 2200 hour program from the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy where she received the Highest Academic Achievement Award – Second Place Standing. During her massage therapy studies Jody completed twenty hours service in both the pregnancy and chronic pain Outreach clinics. Jody also participated in a Myofascial Release workshop.

Along with practicing massage therapy, Jody is a faculty member at the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy. She is an instructor for Pathology and a Supervisor of the Neurological Outreach Clinic.

Jody's training, knowledge and experience in health care enables her to treat a variety of conditions. She incorporates myofascial release, Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy and stretching into therapeutic massage treatments, according to the needs of the client.

With a new found love of horses, in 2010 she extended her education in health care to include certification as an Equine Massage Therapist.

She is also trained in cupping massage, Indian head massage and is a Reiki Level I Practitioner.

Jody's goal is to create a peaceful, relaxed therapeutic massage which benefits mind, body and spirit, for all ages.

Nikki Langille, RMT

After completing an undergraduate degree in Sociology and English from St. Francis Xavier University, Nikki decided to continue her education and pursue a career in massage therapy. She graduated from the 2200 hour massage therapy program at ICT Northumberland College in 2009.

Depending on the client and whether the client has symptoms related to stress, tension, postural imbalances, new/previous injuries, neuromuscular symptoms, trigger point release, MVA or pregnancy, Nikki customizes her treatments based on the individual.

She offers a variety of techniques and incorporates general Swedish massage, myofascial release, deep tissue, sports massage, and strengthening/stretching into her treatments.

Nikki really enjoys working with the public while helping to educate clients on the importance of homecare to maintain optimal health and a general sense of well being.

Jody Russell, RMT

Jody believes that health is important. Why not begin with a healthy touch? She graduated from the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy's 2200 hour program in June 2012 and believes that everybody can benefit from massage therapy.

Jody has experience in treating those with stress, chronic and acute injury, postural conditions, neurological conditions as well as assisting mothers-to-be with massage through the many stages of their pregnancy.

Stephanie Despres, RMT

Stephanie is a graduate of a 2200 hour program at Eastern College in Moncton, NB and is a member of the Massage Therapist and Wholistic Practitioners Association of the Maritimes.

Her main goal is to treat every client according to their needs whether it's due to past or current injuries or just simply to relax.

She is fluently bilingual, friendly and enjoys meeting new clients.

Anne-Marie Barrett, RMT

Anne-Marie is a graduate of ICT Kikkawa College, class of 2006. While a faculty member at the National Institute, she taught Anatomy, Clinical Assessment Skills, Remedial Exercise and Massage Therapy Basics. After sustaining serious injuries in a motor vehicle accident, she learned the benefits of massage therapy and once recovered went to school to learn how to do this treatment herself. She brings the knowledge of the importance of correct posture while working and the understanding of the effects of trauma on the body to her treatments.

Anne-Marie has experienced treating postural imbalances, deep tissue massage, craino-sacral therapy, kinesio-taping and athletic massage. A strong believer in the body knowing what it need to heal itself, she prefers to work with the body to relieve issues.

Leah Jamieson, RMT

Leah is a graduate of a 2200 hour program from Canadian College of Massage and Hyrdotherapy in Halifax. Since graduating, Leah has also received additional training and certificates in Indian Head Massage and Cupping - a Western and Eastern approach, and has experience in chronic injuries/pain and stress relief. Her passion is helping people and utilizes her experience in doing so and adjusts her treatments to meet the individual needs of each client. She believes massage therapy is an important part of maintaining your health and lifestyle.

Katherine Mae Candline, RMT

Katherine is an empathetic and passionate massage therapist and doula welcoming all patients to her care. She has special interest and training in postural conditions, women’s health and maternity massage.
 
Katherine graduated in 2012 from the Canadian College of Massage & Hydrotherapy with honours standing and an award from the Massage Therapists’ Association of Nova Scotia for her professionalism and patient care. Katherine chose to specialize her studies, gaining a certificate in pregnancy massage and participating in independent research relating to prenatal care.
 
Katherine is a clinically trained therapist who enjoys working with a broad range of patients providing therapeutic treatment. She regularly includes varied massage techniques along with hydrotherapy, and home care exercises to provide the best possible care for her patients. She has experience treating chronic pain, overuse injuries, motor vehicle accidents and mental health / anxiety disorders.
 
Katherine has a passion for supporting individual health and wellness. She looks forward to helping all her patients reach their best health!