Therapists

She/ Her

Leah graduated with honours from ICT Northumberland College in 2000 with a diploma in Massage Therapy. She then headed to Toronto where she successfully completed her Ontario Board Exams and returned to Halifax to begin her practice as a Massage Therapist. Early in her career Leah worked in a multidisciplinary environment which afforded her the benefit of co-ordinating treatments with physiotherapists and kinesiologists. She has experience addressing the needs of athletes, facilitating recovery from motor vehicle accidents and repetitive strain injury, as well as promoting relaxation.

In March of 2004 Leah and her business partner Sarah Letcher endeavoured to open a clinic of their own, total kneads massage therapy inc.

Leah has continued to expand the techniques that she is able to offer clients. She has studied myofascial release techniques as well as Schweitzer deep tissue therapy. Leah offers Jade Stone massage which promotes tissue relaxation through the use of both heated and chilled jade stones affecting a circulatory response. She is certified in acupressure chair massage, which has allowed her to bring massage to an office space or conference environment. Most recently Leah studied the first level of Thai Yoga Massage at the world renowned Lotus Palm Institute in Montreal. The application of movement and stretch combined with compression massage has a powerful effect on overall body wellness.

She/ Her

Now Offering BAREFOOT MASSAGE THERAPY OUT OF OUR BEECHVILLE LOCATION.

Sarah graduated from Dalhousie University in 1997 with her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology (the study of body movement). She then attended ITC Northumberland College for their 2200 hour massage therapy program and graduated in 1999. She began working in August of ’99 following successful completion of the Ontario Registration Exams. The Physioclinic in Woodlawn was Sarah’s first career opportunity where she worked for 9 months in a multidisciplinary environment. She then moved to The Massage Factor where she spent 4 years developing her skills and building a strong clientele. It was at The Massage Factor that Sarah met business partner Leah Poirier and they decided to open this clinic in March of 2004.

Sarah has taken a variety of massage therapy courses since completing her program that have enabled her to specialize in Pregnancy Massage. These courses include Massage during Pregnancy, Labour Support Provider, Advanced Techniques during Labour and Infant Massage Instruction. She has 24 years experience in therapeutic massage treatments including Relaxation, Pregnancy Massage, Sports massage, Myofascial release, Fascial Stretch Therapy, Injury Management, Reflexology, Cupping, Hot Jade Stone, Indian Head Massage, Barefoot Massage Therapy (Ashiatsu), and Deep Tissue Massage.  Sarah is also a certified Reflexologist, passionate about health, nutrition and fitness and has her certification as a personal trainer.

Sarah has been teaching yoga for over 15 years and launched her very own online, on demand yoga website in December of 2021. ANGELFISHYOGA is a very affordable subscription based on demand yoga site. She also teaches at On the Mat on Oxford Street on Tuesday mornings at 6:15 am. Sarah is available to teach corporate or private yoga classes, where the instructor comes into your workspace to lead a class.

For more info email her here!

Sarah encourages healthy living to her clients and students by having an active lifestyle, eating well and taking time for herself (and for music of course :-)).

Sarah is currently only accepting new clients for Barefoot Massage Therapy at this time.

• Monday (Beechville)11 – 6
• Tuesday (Hydrostone Location) 9-2pm
• Wednesday (Beechville)schedule varies
• Thursday (Beechville) 11am – 3 pm

She / Her

Leila graduated from Dalhousie University in 1988 with a Bachelor of Arts and moved to Toronto shortly thereafter. Years later, after bartending at the Squeeze Club and working in retail and management with Body Shop Canada, she moved back to Halifax, and began a Bachelor of Science at Dalhousie. Part of the way through, she applied and was accepted to the West Coast College of Massage Therapy (WCCMT) in Vancouver, B.C. She finished the 2200-hour program and after successful completion of the British Columbia Registration Exams, became board certified in March 1998. Leila is currently registered with the Massage Therapy Association of Nova Scotia (MTANS).

While in Vancouver, Leila worked in both Spa and Clinical environments, the last experience being at HealthSmith Community Medical Clinic, a multi-disciplined medical clinic. The experience at HealthSmith ignited an interest in not only the team approach to health, but also understanding it starts with self but may require many to be successful.

Four valuable queries shape our health: what we put into our body (food, and other), what we do with the body (fitness, and other), our quality of sleep, and our state of happiness. Information from these form a framework to guide choices to maintain or re-establish health. Massage Therapy is instrumental in facilitating improvements in: digestion and circulation, muscle imbalance, tension and restoration, sleep, as well as overall well-being.

The first query, what is put into the body, resonated over the years and sparked a path of learning to complement her Massage therapy practice. In May 2016 Leila graduated with honours from Mount Saint Vincent University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Human Nutrition (Dietetics with Internship). She is now a fully Licensed RD with the Nova Scotia Dietetics Association and is ready to provide nutrition counseling. Leila invites you to ask questions and book an appointment to assess your current nutrition and assist you in making the changes to restore your well-being.

• Leila has taken a variety of other courses since graduation from WCCMT to deepen her Massage Therapy practice, including:
• Systemic Deep Tissue Therapy (Level 1 with Armand Ayaltin, 1998)
• Visceral Massage
• Myofascial Release
• Schweitzer Deep Tissue Therapy (Level 1with Gary Schweitzer, 2006)
• Thai Yoga Massage (Certified from Lotus Palm Institute in Montreal, 2007)
• BodyTalk Access, Neurokinetic Therapy, and most recently Aromatherapy
• Thai Hand Reflexology

Leila engages her clients to explore their health issues and provides a safe, knowledgeable and compassionate environment for healing. She also refers to and works in conjunction with other therapists and health practitioners to support and facilitate her clients’ health.

Available treatment/appointment times: at Purcell’s Cove Rd. Location only

• Tuesdays – Fridays

She/ Her

Savannah graduated from Saint Mary’s University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2005. She furthered her studies becoming a certified yoga instructor, and later graduating as a Registered Massage Therapist from the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy.

While specializing in pregnancy massage therapy and cupping therapy, Savannah also has experience and takes special interest in manual lymphatic drainage,  relaxation massage, and repetitive sprain injuries in athletes. She will continue to further her expertise this year embarking on the Dr. Vodder Manual Lymphatic Drainage training.

When treating patients, Savannah wants to know more about her patients than what treatment they are simply coming in for. She believes truly overcoming a physical ailment requires getting to the source of the problem, not just treating the symptoms. Creating the mind-body connection within patients in order to help them harness their body’s own ability to heal itself is essential. Savannah’s background in yoga has been invaluable in helping her tune into not only the physical aspect of massage therapy, but the mental aspect – helping clients relax, tune into themselves and create balance.

Empathetic to each and every client who walks through her door, Savannah’s ability to meet her patients exactly where they are, guide them through their treatment and home care is what makes her treatments therapeutic, relaxing and enjoyable.

Available treatment times:

at Sullivan Street location
Tuesday and Friday 2:15-8:30pm
Wednesday and Saturday 9-1pm
Every second Sunday 10-2pm

Registered Acupuncturist

She / Her

Lisa graduated with a major in Psychology from Saint Mary’s University in 2001. She had always been drawn to the field of health care and a passion for natural nutrition. After some experience as a personal care aid and some travel abroad in Europe and Korea Lisa returned home and began her studies in Chinese Medicine. Lisa received a three year diploma of Acupuncture from the Canadian College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in Victoria, British Columbia, the oldest Chinese medicine school in Canada. She completed her fourth year of study with high honors at Pacific Rim College, from which she received her diploma of Traditional Chinese Medicine. She eagerly moved back to Nova Scotia in 2011,and has since built a successful practise in Dartmouth and Halifax, treating a multitude of disorders and health concerns.

In Lisa’s 7 years of practise, she has seen amazing results in treating each person holistically and according to their own constitution.  Lisa treats patients using a combination of acupuncture, Chinese herbs, diet therapy, tui na massage, cupping therapy, gua sha. She is also trained in facial rejuvenation and has recently taken courses in essential oil application in TCM. She is known as being personable, compassionate and thorough, always taking the time to get to know her patients.

Cecelia is a senior and diversely educated massage therapist, who utilises
deep tissue and subtle techniques with the goal of reducing pain and
assisting your body recover from stress, chronic pain and injury. With a
trauma-informed perspective and adaptive skill, Cecelia can move from
deep tissue massage, joint manipulation, cupping, cranial sacral therapy,
bowen therapy, manual lymph drainage, Indian head massage, myofascial
release, shiatsu, sports massage and suikodo during a treatment.
Continually learning, Cecelia likes to pass on her knowledge in the form of
health tips including simple exercises, meditation, breath work, nutritional
and neurobiological hacks that can all be a source of a good conversation
or create the space for silence during your massage.

Justine Reynolds (she/her)
Justine loves people. Sometimes, it’s just that simple. It was the main driving force behind why she chose to study massage therapy. After completing a Bachelor of Theology in 2004 and doing humanitarian work in several countries, she wanted to explore how to put her love for people to practical use through the healing modality of massage therapy. Graduating from CCMH Halifax in 2011, Justine tends to lean towards more of a therapeutic, detailed, deep tissue massage style but she also loves to help you completely let go of your day with an Indian Head Massage. If you want that annoying knot that is holding you hostage worked out, have pain from working at your office desk, or have an old sport injury that is still bothering you, Justine is happy to figure out what you need and give you an outstanding massage experience. She loves using a variety of skills to help your body find its balance, including Swedish massage, cupping, trigger point therapy, myotonic release, myofascial release, Indian head massage and remedial exercise. With a strong belief that the mind, body and spirit are interconnected, Justine will sooth your body so your mind and spirit will also find their balance.

Justine plans to further her massage practice by studying the effects of trauma on the body and how massage can help. Off the table, she enjoys being a mother to her toddler, photography and studying Nêhiyawêwin: the Plains Cree language.

Modalities include:

• Therapeutic Massage • Deep Tissue Massage • Cupping • Myofascial Release • Myotonic Massage • Hydrotherapy • Prenatal Massage • Swedish and Relaxation Massage • Indian Head Massage

TO BOOK with Dr. Forgeron please follow this LINK

EMAIL Dr. Forgeron

I always knew that I wanted to be a doctor. In my final year of studying pre-veterinary medicine at the University of British Colombia, I stumbled upon an ad in the school newspaper for a career in naturopathic medicine. I was struck by the inner knowing that this is what I was meant to do. In 2001, I graduated at the top of my class from The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine and operated a successful referral-based practice in Toronto for 14 years before moving back home to Halifax in 2015, which is where my heart and my family are.

I am passionate about finding the root cause of disease. I want to understand how to help my patients heal from a curative perspective and to engage the body in the healing process, so that ultimately they don’t have to always rely on external medicines to be well. This is true healing. I see people, not their symptoms. I build relationships with my patients. I individualize my treatments. I treat the whole body – physical, mental, emotional, spiritual. I am passionate about teaching how our body works so that my patients understand why they feel the way they do and how they can be part of their healing process.

I am passionate about using therapies that facilitate the body to heal itself, and the treatments I use blend science with nature. In naturopathic medical school, we train extensively in Clinical Nutrition, Botanical Medicine, Homeopathic Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, Counselling and certain forms of bodywork; we also learn about conventional medical treatments, laboratory diagnosis and clinical diagnosis. I have additional training in Bowen Therapy, Somatic Experiencing trauma therapy, Craniosacral Therapy, Epigenetics and Gene Mutations, and Biotherapeutic Drainage (which is the removal of toxic accumulations that interfere with cellular balance, functioning and nourishment). I see all ages and all health issues but I do have a special interest in anxiety and depression, digestive disorders, hormone imbalances, stress-related health issues, chronic fatigue, heavy metal toxicity, autoimmune and degenerative diseases, and challenging cases!

When I‘m not treating patients, I find my balance by spending as much time as possible in nature with my family, exploring the outdoors, gardening, playing beach volleyball and practicing mindfulness. 

Yvonne Jennings RMT, CYI
(she/her)

Yvonne was born and raised in Halifax. Having always been a very active person who grew up to be a
happy extrovert, she could see the benefits and importance of Natural Methods to allow the body to
continue moving freely. In 2006 She Graduated from the Canadian College of Massage and
Hydrotherapy in Bedford. After Graduation shemoved to The Annapolis Valley where she was
introduced to a wide variety of like minded Health Care Professionals. Here she gained wonderful
experiences and the tools needed to aid in the growth of her profession. Yvonne then decided it was
time to come back to Halifax. Since returning and setting up practice she has been working both in
clinical and independent settings.
Yvonne discovered Yoga in 2006 and enjoying the physical practice so much she became a Registered
Yoga Instructor by 2015. She has found Yoga to be a great compliment to her practice and in the Sports
Massage Therapy world. She feels grateful and proud to be part of so many athletes’ achievements.
Yvonne’s massage skills continue to expand. Over the last 17 years she has gained knowledge in areas
including: Deep Tissue Massage & trigger point therapy, Level 1 Fascial stretch therapy, Pre and Post
Natal massage, infant massage, cupping and advanced cupping therapy, sports massage therapy,
running courses, TMD mastery, and has become a Reiki Master.
Yvonne is extremely confident in her treatments and welcomes the opportunity to help balance your
health in an empathic way. She looks forward to continuing treatments with her regular clientele and
any NEW CLIENTS at Total Kneads in April of 2023.
Hours of availability:
Monday 3 – 8pm
Tuesday 9:30am -1pm

Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live
– Jim Rohn

Danielle Stewart (She/Her They/Them), RMT

Email Danielle

Danielle is a Registered Massage Therapist and a member of the Massage Therapist Association of Nova Scotia. She graduated from The Canadian College of Massage & Hydrotherapy in 2023.

Danielle takes a thoughtful approach to her clients’ health by considering all aspects of wellness and how they impact her patients. She is known for her dedication to patient care, thorough approach, and targeted treatments. During treatment, she utilizes various techniques such as general Swedish massage, deep tissue, active and passive release, and joint mobilizations to deliver a customized and effective treatment for each of her patients.

Danielle has experience treating various conditions such as TMJD, tension headaches, migraines, whiplash, stress, postural imbalances, connective tissue disorders, autoimmune diseases, and more. She has completed her mastery course in temporomandibular joint dysfunction and has also received continuing education in cupping, gua sha, and trauma-informed care.

Danielle is an enthusiastic, compassionate, and personable person who is passionate about massage therapy. She believes that massage therapy is for everyone and strives to cultivate a warm, friendly and inclusive space for everyone who walks into her treatment room, including those living in larger bodies, are neurodivergent, or are part of the 2SLGBTIA+ community.

Outside of the treatment room, Danielle enjoys spending time in the sun, making art, playing video games and hanging out with her cats.

Brittany Masson (They/ Them / Their)Email Brittany

Brittany’s journey to massage therapy came about through their love of learning, building connections, and a desire to provide a safe, healing space. They address their patient’s needs with the utmost compassion, empathy, and understanding. Brittany is extremely passionate about creating an inclusive and non-judgmental space for folks who are neurodivergent, live in larger bodies, and are a part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. In the future, they plan to further their education in scar tissue massage, fascial unwinding, safe gender-affirming homecare practices, and trauma-informed care.

Brittany graduated from the Canadian College of Massage & Hydrotherapy in May, 2023. Throughout their studies, they have participated in multiple student clinics including relaxation, arthritis, invisible illness, and neurology. By doing so, they have treated many patients with different conditions including parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, TMJD, chronic pain syndromes, symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and much more.

These experiences have allowed Brittany to take a patient-centered approach to treatment while empowering their patients, and encouraging balance within the mind, body, and soul. To accomplish this, they educate their patients, facilitate movement, and incorporate techniques such as General Swedish Massage, myofascial release, passive stretching, joint mobilizations, deep diaphragmatic breathing, and more. Brittany believes that every person that comes into their treatment room has the potential to achieve their goals if they are patient, gentle with themselves, and can meet themselves where they’re at.

Outside of their practice, Brittany enjoys making art, cooking, baking, watching cartoons, playing video games, and taking their two cats, Reggie and Coco, for a stroll (and they will certainly show you photos upon request.)

Brittany will be accepting patients in early May, and they are incredibly excited to connect and hold space for you.

Jen McCulloch (She/ Her/ Hers)

Jen graduated with honors from the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy (CCMH) in Halifax, Nova Scotia passionate about healing and connection. She has always found compassion and an interest in health came naturally to her, and massage therapy has become the perfect medium to express that. During her studies Jen attended clinics treating different neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s, Bell’s Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, traumatic brain injuries, and migraines. She also has experience treating patients suffering from Dementia, Cerebral Palsy, and strokes and has a deep understanding of the effects degenerative diseases not only takes on the patient, but the families as well.

Jen also understands that you do not have to be feeling the extremes to seek the benefits of massage therapy. She has a natural ability to flow and increase relaxation during her treatments, encouraging healing and recovery from the everyday stress life can bring.  Jen has plans to continue her education and take courses in prenatal massage, fascial stretch therapy, aromatherapy, hot stone massage, as well as fascial cupping.

Jen upholds a safe and non-judgemental space for all minds and bodies in her treatment room. She believes everyone deserves to experience the vast benefits of massage therapy, and wants to assist in maintaining a balanced and healthy life for all of her patients – whatever that might look like for them.

Jen will be accepting clients in May 2023.

Sophie is an Osteopathic Manual Therapist (graduate of the Collège d’Ėtudes Osteopathiques – Halifax) and has a Massage Therapy background (graduate of the College of Massage and Hydrotherapy – Halifax). She speaks English, French and Sign Language. BOOK WITH SOPHIE

Sophie has been working within the health service industry since 2007. Her background in Osteopathic Manual Therapy and Massage Therapy gives her a broad understanding of clients’ needs for attaining their best health possible. Sophie absolutely loves treating her clients and getting to know them. She works based on an underlying understanding that everyone is a unique individual and their needs should be met by creating a treatment that is unique to each person’s health care needs. Sophie is open and caring and is very happy she is able to help her clients by creating a positive experience within their treatment.

Osteopathy treats the body as a single integrated system with the goal of allowing the body to regain its maximum level of health. This means understanding, assessing and treating all aspects of the body including gait/alignment, fascia, muscles, bones, viscera, and fluid. It also means finding and addressing the primary cause(s) of a client’s issue(s) as to aid in the client’s day to day functions and activities.

Osteopathy is a treatment that is light and non-invasive and is designed to give the body time to accept the treatment being given. Osteopathic Manual therapy includes cranial-sacral therapy, body re-alignment, fascial unwinding, muscular and visceral release and skeletal manipulations. Please don’t let the lightness of the treatment fool you, after receiving treatment, you might feel like you have received a full work out.

Osteopathy can treat old or new issues, as well as provide ongoing maintenance for the body’s optimal health. Osteopathy is not a treatment option that only deals with a certain type of illness, injury, or dysfunction. Its broad approach means it can help with anything that disrupts a person’s feeling of being healthy and happy and it can help with maintaining one’s current health. Osteopathic treatments are beneficial for all ages.

Osteopathy can treat a variety of issues including: migraines, whiplash, concussions, TMJ (jaw issues), sciatica, body pain, gait/body mechanics, frozen shoulder, arthritis, chronic/acute pain, Fibromyalgia, sinusitis, breathing issues, reflux and digestion, pre/post pregnancy, motor vehicle/sport related injuries, pre-surgical preparation, post surgical rehabilitation, repetitive strain and any other issues that affect a person’s daily activities. Sophie also has experience with treating anxiety and PTSD by using Osteopathy as a tool to calm a persons system. She has had training for PCVRS/VAC clients and dealt with insurance companies dealing with MVAs.

Sophie is a member in good standing of the Nova Scotia Association of Osteopaths (NSAO), and Massage Therapist Association of Nova Scotia (MTANS).

She looks forward to meeting and treating everyone willing to give osteopathy a try. If its your first time, her assessment is thorough and she is willing to answer any question that will help you better understand your body and the osteopathic treatment you will be receiving.

Thank you for your time and have a great day 🙂