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.
Matthew Earle, RMT
Therapist Recognition Award Recipient - January 2012
Matthew Earle is a Registered Massage Therapist. He studied at ICT Northumberland in Halifax and completed his diploma in Massage Therapy in 2008.
At Northumberland College, he completed specialty courses in myofascial release and sports massage.
Matthew also began a program in Osteopathy in 2008 and is in his fourth year of study. Osteopathy has offered new insights between past injuries and current and chronic pain, and the integration of these ideas has enhanced his skills as a massage therapist.
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.
Heather Budgell, RMT
Heather graduated in 2010 from the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy (CCMH) after completing a 2200 hour Massage Therapy Program. During her studies she also recieved her certificate in the Neurological Outreach Program.
She is a Registered Massage Therapist with the Massage Therapists and Wholistic Practitioners Association of the Maritimes (MTWPAM).
Heather has great experience in treating specific injuries including MVA's, repetitive strains, sports injuries, postural imbalances, post surgery as well as specific neurological issues or symptoms.
Depending on the clients needs, each treament is customized to fit the individual by using techniques such as myofascial release, swedish massage, deep tissue, sports massage, trigger point therapy, stretching and strengthening while monitoring clients and knowing when to modify the techniques.
Heather has alot of experience working with and along side other health care practitioners such as other massage therapists and physiotherapists. She strongly encourages homecare and helps to educate her clients on its importance in achieving overall health and well being.
Nina Cox, RMT
Therapist Recognition Award Recipient - October 2011
Therapist Recognition Award Recipient - January 2012
Nina is a graduate from ICT Northumberland College and a member of the Massage Therapist Association of Nova Scotia (MTANS).
She believes Massage Therapy should be a part of everyone's health care regime as the benefits that occur from this practice give back to your body, mind and spirit, and also help to improve your quality of life and overall health.
Nina incorporates Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Trigger Point Therapy, Suikodo, Passive Joint Play, Stretching and Home Care Exercises to help her clients to achieve their individual health care goals, decease pain, and restore body function and mobility. She has extensive experience treating many conditions and injuries such as MVAs, overuse or repetitive strain injuries, sports and work related injuries as well as neurological symptoms and postural imbalances.
Nina takes great pride in helping her clients to feel better in and about their bodies.
Nina is also a Reiki Level I practitioner.
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.
Sharron O'Reilly, RMT
Sharron has a passion for giving her clients the individualized care needed to help them reach their health goals.
Originally from Corner Brook, NL, Sharron holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Memorial University of Newfoundland, and is a graduate with honours from the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy in Halifax, NS
Sharron has experience working with various conditions including:
neck and back pain , chronic pain, acute and chronic injuries, and postural imbalances.