Dr Mustafa Abboud, originally from Clare, NS, is currently practicing as a family physician. His main interest in his practice as a physician and in his everyday life is understanding the complexity of the mind-body connection. He did his MD at Sherbrooke University in Quebec. After his medical training he was passionate about surgery and pursued a residency training in ENT. During his residency he found it hard to keep up with the high-pace and intense surgical environment. Through grit and intellect, he pushed through, determined to attain the self-image that he had created for himself. In his final year of residency, after several emotional highs and lows, he went through a burnout, and finally decided to start taking care of himself. He took time off, and during this time he started to meditate more and do introspective inquiry. He read several spiritual and scientific texts on emotions and healing in order to heal himself. Through his meditative practice, he discovered the body’s innate ability to heal itself, and started understanding how to let that happen. This whole context initiated an intense process of emotional upheaval and healing that is known to the spiritual community as a Kundalini awakening. Although most of the literature on this subject is found in spiritual texts, he chooses to look at it in a physiological sense. He did not need to see himself as being spiritual for this to occur, and to call it spiritual may turn off patients to see this possibility of self-healing in themselves. This type of emotional awakening isn’t required of anyone to heal, although it showed him the very strong link between bodily symptoms and emotional repression. He saw all sorts of symptoms in himself that were present at times throughout his life that intensified and disappeared as he was able to witness the parts of himself that were in pain, and unburden these emotions. To name a few: abdominal cramping, pains in diverse parts of the body, palpitations, Eustachian tube dysfunction, vertigo, migraine headaches, skin rashes, trembling and several neurological symptoms, etc. He felt more rested than he had felt for years, symptoms of burnout, depression and anxiety subsided, and he regained a feeling of lightness, that reminded him of what it felt like to be a child. He felt more alive. He concluded, however, that a lot of this knowledge of the mind-body connection was lacking in western medicine, although in recent years, more and more research is demonstrating its significance. He saw the importance of balancing nutrition, sports, and relationships in order to balance the process that he was going through (without becoming compulsive). Because this whole process was challenging and destabilizing, even for himself who understood human anatomy and physiology, he found a renewed purpose of helping others heal. He therefore decided to pursue family medicine. In the meantime, he also did a mindfulness-based chronic pain management course, and worked one week with Patch Adams, doing compassionate clowning in Ecuador. He will soon be completing trainings in psychedelic assisted psychotherapy, and EMDR.

He has currently been working in emergencies and clinics throughout Nova Scotia, but felt limited by the time constraints in regular public practice. To pursue what is meaningful and important to him, he decided to shift to the private sector in order to take the time with patients who need it. In his practice, he blends Western medicine with a wholistic approach, which is centered around mind-body unity and wellness. Most disorders have at least some contribution of mental health limiting healing. While some disorders have a very strong psychophysiological component, such as chronic pain, IBS, fibromyalgia, migraines, interstitial cystitis, hypertension, others have a less clear causal effect. However, research has demonstrated that stress and trauma (even minor) may be involved with conditions such as auto-immune disease, asthma, and skin conditions such as eczema. Therefore, Dr Abboud is open to helping patients with any condition and exploring treatment options, including mental health disorders, and organic disorders affecting the body. He also is motivated to help patients going through any spiritual crises as well as just looking to increase their emotional awareness and resilience, as well as using mindfulness in sports and other aspects of their lives. He will also offer 1:1 mind-body support, as well as group meditations.

Dr Mustafa Abboud, originally from Clare, NS, is currently practicing as a family physician. His ... Read More

Mohsen is a highly qualified professional with a range of nationally recognized certifications, including those from the Coaching Association of Canada and the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with Honours from Dalhousie University, which he completed in 2020, and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Kinesiology with a focus on investigating the impact of resistance exercise on individuals affected by Brain Cancer.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Mohsen has extensive experience working with individuals from various fitness backgrounds, including managing a fitness facility and mentoring other trainers to improve their skills and the quality of service provided to clients. Throughout his graduate studies, Mohsen worked with clinical populations, and he is now a committed kinesiologist, dedicated to helping his clients improve their physical health through scientifically effective methods.

Mohsen is a strong believer in the importance of community for motivation and the value of strong foundations for longevity in all areas of life. He approaches training from a science-based perspective and keeps up with the latest research to ensure success for all his clients.

As a Competitive Olympic Weightlifter, Mohsen has achieved a top 10 ranking in his province and enjoys incorporating strength training into his programmes to improve recovery, prevent re-injury, and enhance performance. Moreover, his passion for human physiology has driven him to develop expertise in programming cardiovascular conditioning workouts for endurance-based performance.

Mohsen is a highly qualified professional with a range of nationally recognized certifications, i... Read More

Having completed her BA in Human Kinetics, with distinction, from St. Francis Xavier University, Cassie gained a solid foundation in healthcare. However, it was during her time at the Canadian College of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine that Cassie discovered her true passion for a holistic approach in healing. Cassie recognized that to combine both western and eastern practice in patient-centered care as well as adding a compassionate approach, all treatments can be tailored to meet the unique needs and concerns of each individual.

Originally from Clare, Nova Scotia, Cassie is passionate about providing a positive impact on people’s lives as they work through injury or disease because she was met with great compassion when she suffered her own spinal injury. She believes that true healing encompasses more than just physical well-being; it also involves an emotional/physical balance. Her unwavering commitment to her patients, combined with her extensive knowledge, allows her to create a nurturing and supportive environment where patients can experience profound healing and a renewed sense of taking control of their health.

In practice, Cassie has honed her skills in acupuncture, fire cupping, and gua sha. Treatments range from pain conditions, digestion, menstruation, or stress. She looks forward to meeting her patients with a smile and providing guidance and support in their healing journey.

Having completed her BA in Human Kinetics, with distinction, from St. Francis Xavier University, ... Read More

Dr. Gina is a naturopathic doctor passionate on providing evidence-based approaches to empower her patients in achieving optimal health.

Originally from Dartmouth, NS, Dr. Gina completed undergraduate science degrees in both nutrition and kinesiology from Saint Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, NS. She then went on to obtain her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree from The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto, Ontario. She completed her 12- month clinical internship at Sherbourne Health and the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic.

While at CCNM, Dr. Gina was actively engaged in volunteer and extracurricular activities, contributing to the school’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Advocacy Committee, and the Interprofessional Healthcare Students Association at the University of Toronto. She was awarded the Student Innovation Award for her research project on the use of teaching kitchens to improve health outcomes and continues to present her work at various conferences.

Following her graduation, Dr. Gina moved to New York where she completed a naturopathic residency at Fairfield Family Health in Connecticut. Her passion lies in preventative medicine, and she is committed to helping patients improve their well-being through natural approaches and lifestyle interventions. She strives to provide her patients options that work for them, considering all aspects health and creating a step- by-step plan to implement healthy habits. She often draws from her background in nutrition and exercise, in addition to typical naturopathic therapies, and is a strong believer in food as medicine.

Outside of clinic, Gina can usually be found running around Banook lake, reading a good book, or cooking up a storm in the kitchen. She is thrilled to join the team at Quantum Sport Therapy and looks forward to helping you achieve your health goals - no matter how big or small!

Dr. Gina is a naturopathic doctor passionate on providing evidence-based approaches to empower he... Read More

Meet Team Training Coach and Personal Trainer, Olivia!

Over the course of more than a decade, Olivia actively engaged in soccer, proudly representing both the Nova Scotia provincial team and Dalhousie University. In 2018, Olivia made a pivotal decision to shift her attention towards the realm of physical fitness and began immersing herself in the gym environment. She embarked on a transformative journey thanks to the help of her own trainer who sparked a profound passion for weight training within her. Olivia personally witnessed the remarkable advantages of guidance and instruction from a personal trainer, making her want to pursue such a career path as well.

Olivia’s passion for helping people achieve their fitness goals and enjoy the process of getting there has driven her to come up with an ideal approach to training others. Her approach to personal training is tailored to each individual’s unique needs and goals. She believes in creating a supportive and positive environment where clients feel empowered in their journey to improve their quality of life. Through personalized fitness plans and emphasis on form and technique Olivia helps clients reach their fitness goals.

Whether you are looking to lose weight, build muscle, improve your overall fitness, or simply lead a healthier lifestyle, Olivia is your girl!

Certifications: -Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Dalhousie) -NSCA Certified Personal Trainer

Meet Team Training Coach and Personal Trainer, Olivia! Over the course of more than a decade, Ol... Read More

Chad is a certified Athletic Therapist and Kinesiologist strength coach who previously worked with Cirque du Soleil for 10 years serving as the Performance Medicine Head Therapist. He has collaborated with many professional sporting organizations (NFL, NHL, NBA, MLB, UFC, NCAA) throughout his travels and also worked with some of the top competitors from American Ninja Warrior.

Prior to this, Chad worked 12 years as part of a university sports medicine team covering all of the varsity sports at some point during his career. He completed his BSc in Kinesiology at StFX before completing his MSEd in Athletic Training from Old Dominion University in Virginia.

Chad believes in a holistic approach taking into account his clients’ complete lifestyle. He has a passion for biomechanics and learning how people move functionally in their daily lives. He also is very active in helping clients improve their running with gait analysis and concussion management when needed. Chad uses thorough assessment, manual therapy, treatment modalities and rehabilitative exercise to get individuals back to what they love to do safely and efficiently. He is also well versed in creating and providing strength and conditioning programs for those that want to add another layer to their current training. In his spare time, Chad is an avid road and trail runner and loves to workout, hike and rock climb.

Chad is a certified Athletic Therapist and Kinesiologist strength coach who previously worked wit... Read More

Jessica is a passionate runner, an aspiring yogi and is constantly searching for new adventures. Jessica has always been interested in human movement which became evident when she began coaching gymnastics, figure skating, and volleyball at a young age. Her interest in human movement prospered while completing an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology at Memorial University of Newfoundland, followed by a Masters in Physiotherapy from Queen Margaret University in Scotland.

Jessica’s professional experience has provided her with the opportunity to be involved with many aspects of the physiotherapy profession ranging from acute injuries to chronic conditions. Jessica focuses on patient centred care with an emphasis on personal goals. Throughout her career Jessica has come to recognize that each individual needs something different in order to succeed and works with each individual to reach their full potential. Her most recent qualifications include running assessment and injury prevention, manual movement courses, as well as pre-medical assessment and strength and mobility testing. She is registered with the Nova Scotia Physiotherapy Association and is an active member of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association.

Having completed multiple ultra-marathons you will most likely find Jessica running along the trails, hiking and camping, or attending a workout class in the community. Recently moved from Ontario, Jessica is eager to take every opportunity to learn and grow within her career and as a person.

Jessica is a passionate runner, an aspiring yogi and is constantly searching for new adventures. ... Read More

Dr. Handy is passionate about empowering patients to become the best version of themselves; physically, mentally, and emotionally. She is a firm believer in treating patients as a whole rather than symptomatically, which ultimately allows for a strong understanding of the underlying cause to their concerns.

Dr. Handy completed her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, as well as her undergraduate degree at Dalhousie University with a double major in biology & business. She completed a 12-month clinical internship at the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic and the Rexdale Hub Community Centre in Toronto, ON. Dr. Handy received extra training in sports medicine during an externship at The Sport Lab in Huntsville, ON and worked with a variety of runners, swimmers, skiers, and gymnasts.

Karlee has experience working with professional athletes in the realm of sports nutrition and grew up playing national level softball so can understand and appreciate the inner workings of being a highly competitive athlete while trying to achieve or maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Common conditions she frequently comes across in the clinic include pain management and injury recovery, nutrigenomics for mental-emotional wellness, insomnia, repletion for drug-induced nutrient depletions, and fuelling and refuelling requirements that correspond with sport specific training.

Dr. Handy looks forward to getting to know your story while working collaboratively on becoming your best self.

Dr. Handy is passionate about empowering patients to become the best version of themselves; physi... Read More

Jenn has been practicing massage therapy since 2015 when she graduated from ICT Northumberland College. A local to Dartmouth, she grew up competing in sprint kayak.

After she graduated she moved to Charlottetown, PEI. While she was over there she worked at a sports clinic and also did coverage for football and volleyball with the Holland College teams. While she was on the island she received her CCMI training and myofascial release training for the head, neck and jaw.

Since moving back to Dartmouth in 2018 she’s continued to build her knowledge base with cupping therapy and chronic pain courses. She is currently studying Osteopathy at the Canadian College of Osteopathy and is finishing up her first year.

Jenn is a strong believer in collaborative care and creating plans to help you teach your best potential. If she isn’t at the clinic you’ll likely find her teaching or attending boot camps and spin classes or taking her pup Luna out for a nice walk around lake banook.

She looks forward to her new journey at Quantum and helping everyone on their health journey.

Jenn has been practicing massage therapy since 2015 when she graduated from ICT Northumberland Co... Read More

In addition to a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and being an affiliated Kinesiologist and CSEP-Personal Trainer Hussein brings a comprehensive skill set with a focus on Athletic Performance, Injury Prevention and Strength. He’s previously worked with Varsity Track & Field teams as an Athletic Trainer and in Women’s Soccer as a Performance Coach. When Hussein’s not working with clients in the Quantum Performance Centre, you’ll find him running Marathons, Cycling, Playing Soccer or training for his first Ironman Triathlon!

In addition to a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and being an affiliated Kinesiologist and CSE... Read More

Madeline is registered with the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers, as well as the Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick Associations of Social Workers. She is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Depression and Anxiety and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT). Madeline received a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Criminology and Sociology from Saint Mary’s University, a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Victoria, and a Master of Social Work (Healthcare) from the University of Waterloo. She has worked in various social work settings, including mental health, child and family, and victim services.

Madeline employs a holistic approach that builds upon the strengths and resiliency within a person, with an integration of the social determinants and barriers to client health outcomes. She values working with clients across all social locations to recognize internal and external stressors caused by experiences of oppression, trauma, hardship, and violence.

Madeline believes in a therapeutic relationship that is strengths-based, tailored to the client’s needs, and promotes empowerment, autonomy, and self-determination. She aims to be self-reflective in the helping process and places value on providing clients with a genuine, respectful, listening presence and a conscientious, client-centered support system.

Madeline is registered with the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers, as well as the Prince Edwa... Read More

Kara’s childhood was spent in Belleville, ON, where she was an active child with a strong interest in various sports, particularly basketball. Her life took a turn while pursuing a degree in Human Kinetics at the University of Guelph, where she suffered an injury while playing varsity basketball. This injury ignited her fascination with Osteopathy and its unique approach to healing.

Following her university studies, Kara embarked on a career as a Kinesiologist and Strength and Conditioning Coach. However, she couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more she could do for her clients. In 2016, Kara decided to further her education and enrolled in the Masters in Practice Diploma of Osteopathic Manipulative Sciences (M.OMSc) program at the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy in Hamilton, ON. She successfully completed her studies in 2020 and has been practicing as an Osteopath ever since.

Kara is filled with excitement and gratitude as she provides Osteopathic care to a diverse range of patients in the Halifax Regional Municipality. In her free time, you’ll often find Kara exploring outdoor trails with her two cherished dogs, Ash and Kali.

Professionally, Kara is a member in good standing with Osteopathy Canada (OSTCAN), the Ontario Osteopathic Association (OOA), and the Canadian Kinesiology Alliance (CKA).

Kara’s childhood was spent in Belleville, ON, where she was an active child with a strong interes... Read More

Read More

Grace has recently graduated from the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy in April of 2021 and has been able to find themselves in a very niche environment.

Since graduating, they have been working in a multidisciplinary clinic with a focus on chronic pain and pelvic floor dysfunction. They have had the chance to mentor with pelvic floor physiotherapists and to take specialized courses in the matter. They work with a wide range of patients, from elite athletes, pre/post natal, chronic pain patients and patients with pelvic floor dysfunction. They are very excited to bring this unique expertise to Quantum.

Aside from pelvic floor physiotherapy, Grace also has over a decade of experience in martial arts and is very accustomed to working with high level athletes.

They are very thorough and there is also a thorough assessment prior to their treatments. Their analysis and assessment allows them to create the most effective treatment for their patients. They have lots of experience treating the abdominal wall and the adductors, and have a vast understanding of movement patterns. They treat in a variety of ways, able to adapt their style to the needs of their patients. They are also working towards a pilates teaching certification.

Grace is very excited to be working with the team at Quantum and to expand their expertise and offer something new to the clinic.

Grace has recently graduated from the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy in April of 20... Read More

DJ Scott is a Registered Massage Therapist and candidate/member of the Canadian Sports Massage Therapists. Originally from the South Shore of Nova Scotia, he is now practicing at Quantum Sport Therapy in Halifax, NS. DJ grew up playing competitive sports and found a deep love for basketball, which allowed him to travel throughout the Atlantic Provinces and compete in high level tournaments throughout his high-school career.

After high-school DJ spent several years as an animator in Halifax and began to notice the toll that the long hours of desk work were having on his physical health. This led him to pursue an education in massage to learn more about how to correct his own developing issues and in turn help those around him return to a more active and healthy lifestyle. Since graduating with honours from the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy’s 2200 hour massage therapy program DJ has found a great deal of enjoyment in helping to keep local Halifax athletes on the court or field with injury maintenance and education, guiding them on their return back to their high level of performance.

A love of hard work and competition led him to become a sport candidate member of the Canadian Sports Massage Therapists Association and you can find him collecting volunteer hours at local athletic events; gaining insight on the in-game needs and demands required of athletes and how to best help treat them in the moment.

Outside of work DJ can be found generally geeking out about comics and pop-culture, scouring the city for a game of pick-up basketball or walking his dog along the BLT trail outside of the city.

DJ Scott is a Registered Massage Therapist and candidate/member of the Canadian Sports Massage Th... Read More

Dr. Alexander Vanderlinden is originally from Antigonish, NS. He graduated as an academic All-Canadian student athlete at St. Francis Xavier University in 2014, competing with the X-Men Track and Field team. He then continued to study at New York Chiropractic College, in upstate New York and graduated with his Doctor of Chiropractic in the winter of 2017. Upon completion, he moved back to Halifax and has been practicing in the surrounding Bedford and Fall River area since!

Dr. Vanderlinden prides himself on listening to each individual patient first. He believes that in order to reach a positive outcome with treatment, a unique, movement based examination must be performed. His chiropractic treatments can include spinal manipulation, soft tissue mobilization, rehabilitation exercise, education and passive modalities. He strongly believes that collaboration between practitioners is crucial, and your treatment plan may include working with physiotherapists, naturopathic medicine, massage therapy, and athletic therapy. A combination of all of these services may be used to treat a wide variety of neuromusculoskeletal conditions, including acute sports injury management, nagging neck or low back pain, chronic pain, headaches/migraines, tendinopathies, injuries related to a motor vehicle accident, and more.

Dr. Vanderlinden has a keen interest in many sports, but has a special interest in golf. He currently holds Level 1 Certification in the Titliest Performance Insititute, and is excited to join the Quantum Sport Therapy team to provide golfers of all abilities with this unique service in order to optimize their game and return to the course pain free. In his free time away from the clinic, you can find Dr. Vanderlinden either on the golf course, spending time with family and friends or exploring many unique destinations Nova Scotia has to offer. Book your complimentary 15 minute consultation to discuss if Chiropractic treatment may be right for you!

Dr. Alexander Vanderlinden is originally from Antigonish, NS. He graduated as an academic All-Can... Read More

Jess grew up in Ontario, and was always very involved in athletics. Her passion for sport led her to the East Coast to pursue a Degree in Human Kinetics from St. Francis Xavier University and a position on the Varsity Track and Field team. Jess suffered from an injury that ultimately led her to Osteopathy, and a desire to enter the profession after being fascinated by its ability to treat the body as a unit.

Jess completed her Masters in Practice Diploma of Osteopathic Manipulative Sciences (M.OMSc) at the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy in Hamilton, ON. Jess is excited to call Nova Scotia home again, and thrilled to be offering Osteopathic treatment in the HRM. Outside of the clinic, Jess enjoys spending time outside with her two goldens Ellie and Kaeo!

Jess is a professional member in good standing with Osteopathy Canada (OSTCAN).

Jess grew up in Ontario, and was always very involved in athletics. Her passion for sport led her... Read More

Adrian is an energetic and easy-going physiotherapist who would love to collaborate with you to achieve your goals. He values your long-term objectives as much as immediate pain relief.

As an outdoor enthusiast, cycling is one of Adrian’s many hobbies. He was inspired to help fellow cyclists ride with more enjoyment and less pain. Adrian is certified with Physio Bike Fit Level 2 and offers cycling assessments and bike fits.

In addition to treating sports injuries, Adrian is also a seasoned manual therapist. He is passionate and effective in addressing headaches, neck pain, and nerve pain. Some specific techniques he uses include acupuncture, the Mulligan Method, and Maitland manual therapy treatment.

Adrian is an energetic and easy-going physiotherapist who would love to collaborate with you to a... Read More