Therapists Bios
Samantha Day, RMT (Also offers Jade Stone Massage)
Samantha is a creative and intuitive therapist who believes massage can do something for everyone. From relieving the stress and tensions of everyday life, helping to heal new or previous injuries, or helping to manage the symptoms of neuromuscular conditions, massage therapy can have a place in everyone's health care regime. Using various techniques such as deep tissue massage, myofasical release, gentle stretching, manual lymph drainage, body movement, and at home exercises, Samantha hopes to help make it part of yours.
Samantha is pleased to be now offering Jade Stone massage in addition to her other modalities. Combining both the properties of Basalt and Marble with its own unique mineral properties, Jade can be used in alternating temperatures alone or in combination with basic massage to help alleviate and combat injury, inflammation and stress, while at the same time improving blood circulation, muscle tone and detoxifying vital organs to leave you feeling rejuvenated and energized for the days to come following your treatment. Samantha Day, RMT, ICT Northumberland College.
Hani Mushahwar, RMT (Winner of our Therapist Recognition Award)
Hani Magic Hands - that is what some of his regular clients have started calling him. Hani's practice is grounded in traditional Swedish Massage, and while he is known for deep tissue work, he is also an excellent choice for general relaxation & well-being. Hani has taken specialized courses in Prenatal and Sports Massage, and he also offers Reflexology (Foot Massage), and Reiki (Energy Work, Master Level). Always a professional, but also a genuinely funny & uplifting person, Hani will provide you with the very best of care. Hani Mushahwar, RMT, ICT Northumberland College.
Catherine Richard, RMT (Myofascial Release Specialist, Winner of our Therapist Recognition Award)
Catherine is a skilled & versatile therapist who finished at the top of her class. Finding inspiration in body-mind connection and awareness, Catherine integrates Myofascial Release in her treatments. She believes that by finding and treating the source of your dysfunction, your body will let go of the tensions causing you pain. Treating a wide variety of conditions from whiplash and tension headaches, to sports injuries and postural conditions, her main treatment goal is to restore maximum function, and help her clients achieve optimal health. Catherine Richard, RMT, ICT Northumberland College with Honors. Certified by John F. Barnes, PT.
Michael Wood, RMT, BA (Myofascial Release Specialist)
Michael graduated from Dalhousie University with a degree in philosophy and history before moving into the field of massage therapy. While at college, Michael was the student association president and received the award for outstanding contribution to the school community, mostly for tutoring his fellow students. Michael integrates different modalities of therapy into his treatments, such as myofascial release. Myofascial release incorporates gentle prolonged touch to the body's fascial system in order to release restrictions due to adhesions, scar tissue, prolonged poor postural habits, structural imbalances, stress or trauma. This release is guided by the client's own body as tissues realign and stretch in order to initiate the body's natural self-correcting process.
Michael believes in the healing power developed through the interrelation of touch, intuition, intention from the therapist and the trust, openness of the client. With a solid foundation of knowledge, he also believes it is of the utmost importance to educate each client on what their body-mind needs in order to begin the journey of self-healing. Michael Wood, RMT, ICT Northumberland College with Honors. Certified by John F. Barnes, PT.
Kimberly Scott, RMT
Kimberly spent the last 16 years practicing massage therapy in California, and recently moved home to Halifax to continue her career here. Kimberly’s college studies included physiology, adaptive PE education, nutrition, human development and health education. In 2010 she was also certified as a personal trainer through Can-Fit-Pro.
Kimberly’s clients have included doctors, chiropractors, physical therapists, personal trainers, professional athletes and body builders, and she has worked in a variety of settings, including fitness clubs, wellness centers, chiropractic offices, physical therapy offices, anti-aging clinics, and on location for movie & television studios in California. She is highly experienced working with issues such as frozen shoulder, tendonitis, migraines, plantar fasciitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, post injury/surgery recovery and neck/back pain; just to name a few.
Joanna Blades, RMT
Joanna integrates traditional Swedish massage, Myofascial Release techniques, and a number of remedial exercises into her treatments to aid her clients in achieving a better sense of health. She believes massage can help everyone, whether the improvement be big or small. Her massages are unique and therapeutic, decreasing pain and improving body function. From a rural town, Joanna enjoys hard work, being outside, and playing with her dog Rex. Joanna Blades, RMT, ICT Northumberland College of Massage and Hydrotherapy.
Carter Violade, RMT
Carter is a firm believer that just about everyone can reap positive rewards from massage therapy. He combines traditional Swedish techniques with Myofascial Release work, to deliver an individual massage that is right for you. Carter most enjoys deep tissue and trigger point work, but he is also known to give a great relaxation & stress reducing massage.
Born and raised on Cape Breton Island (so he can make you laugh too), Carter enjoys hanging out with family and friends and playing with his dog Suzy. Carter Violade, RMT, ICT Northumberland College of Massage and Hydrotherapy.
Dekita McNamara, RMT
Dekita graduated from the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy in 2009. In her studies, Dekita focused on trigger point therapy, soft and deep tissue massage, joint manipulations & myofascial techniques. Dekita offers a wide variety of treatments from relaxation to therapeutic, with a focus on client education and participation in their own healing process with home care guidance.
Cora Dalton, RMT
Cora first learned the healing power of massage therapy while working in a stressful environment. After a stressful day she discovered that finding ways to relax her body and mind were helping her manage stress in her job. She began to research ways to relax and came upon massage therapy. The benefits proved to be so effective she wanted to share it with others and became a massage therapist herself. While in school she also studied how massage can help improve the health of body tissue with trigger point release therapy, myofascial techniques, joint mobilization, and remedial exercise. Cora creates an appropriate blend of techniques for each individual to assist in reaching his or her therapeutic goal. Cora Dalton, RMT, Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy.
Shawn Stone, RMT
A Newfie born and raised, Shawn moved to Halifax to venture into a new career in alternative health. After working & volunteering as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, Shawn’s passion for health expanded into the field of massage therapy. He has worked in sports massage, with chronic pain patients, and with the side effects of acute addictions. Shawn believes the best form of therapy is through human touch, and best expresses this belief when performing typical Swedish massage techniques. “To keep the body in good health is a duty… otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear” – Buddha. Shawn Stone, RMT, Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy.
Tara MacNeil, RMT
Tara has been practicing massage therapy since 2004 and has worked extensively in the therapeutic environment. She is an advanced level deep tissue therapist, having completed additional training with Schweitzer’s deep tissue courses. Tara has an interest in sports massage and has been involved with athletes since completing her clinical hours in sports massage in school. She also does a lot of work with patients recovering from motor vehicle accidents, and in the last few years she has taken a keen interest in cancer related treatments. Tara MacNeil, RMT, Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy.
Lucille Gallant, RMT (Winner of our Therapist Recognition Award)
Lucille Gallant graduated as a Registered Massage Therapist from the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy. While in school she took optional courses in pregnancy massage. Since graduating she has acquired qualifications in Cranio-Sacral Therapy, Thai Yoga Massage, Kinesio Taping level 1&2. Also most recently trained in the United States for a 5 level certification in Neuromuscular Therapy.
Lucille believes the “body speaks its mind” when expressing pain and tension. Through massage she can communicate with people on a healing level. Lucille offers therapeutic, relaxing and rejuvenating techniques customized for each of her client’s needs. She is also interested in treating clients who want to incorporate massage therapy into their self-care regimens for continued health benefits.
Lucille is committed to educating, uplifting and nurturing her clients on their journey to health and well-being. “I am honoured to walk with you on your path of health and your return to wellness,” Lucille Gallant, RMT.
Erin Wentzell, Reiki Master
Erin received her level I, II and III Master/Teacher certificates in the traditional Usui system of Reiki in Dieppe, NB while finishing her Bachelor of Arts at Mt. Allison University. She began practicing on fellow students in exchange for tea and baked goods, specializing in stress-related illnesses and pain management.
Erin believes that the key to good health lies in the balance of body, mind and spirit, and works with clients to maintain this balance of energy on and between each level. An intuitive and open-minded practitioner, Erin treats not only symptoms, but root causes of unbalance.
Reiki (rei: universal; ki: energy) can be used to treat a myriad of dis-ease, from speeding the healing of a broken leg or diminishing the negative side effects of chemotherapy to treatment of depression or spiritual crisis. Reiki does not try to replace western medicine, but to work alongside and complement it. While the ways to use Reiki in treatments are too numerous to list, if anything at all in your life doesn't feel right, Reiki can help. And if everything does feel right, Reiki can help you relax and maintain that balance!
