Meet the Team at Kinesis Health Associates

Get to Know Us

Dr. Jans Ellefsen, D.C., Chiropractor

“It was like a flash bulb went off in my head,” continues Dr. Ellefsen. “I was in my second year of university on my way to becoming an engineer. That’s when I took a biochemistry elective and the whole concept of the amazing human body and how it works began to enthrall me. I knew I wanted to be involved in the health profession but from an approach that treated the underlying causes of pain and illness and not just the symptoms.” The next two years for Dr. Ellefsen were not only a quest for knowledge, as he completed his science degree, but also to find a health related career that complimented his health care philosophy. “I had streamlined my program towards a career as a medical doctor focusing on preventative medicine. It was then that a friend introduced me to chiropractic and his chiropractor… I was hooked,” smiles Dr. Ellefsen. “I’ve never looked back!”

Dr. Ellefsen completed his science degree at Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) in 1995 with a major in biochemistry and a minor in nutrition. After completing his studies there he was accepted at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Toronto. After completing his four year program and accompanying internship Dr. Ellefsen explains how eager he was to return home and establish a practice. “I always knew I wanted to return to Nova Scotia raise a family and establish a practice.”

Since graduating, Dr. Ellefsen has continued his passion for learning and education through regular attendance at seminars and training conferences. He is certified in ART® (Active Release Technique) and has a passion for helping performance athletes achieve their goals and has demonstrated his commitment to this field as the president of the Sports Medicine Council of Nova Scotia (SMCNS).

Dr. Ellefsen spends his time away from the clinic with his lovely wife, two daughters, and two dogs. He and his family are avid skiers. Dr. Ellefsen and his daughters are members of the Martock Ski Race Club and enjoy the competitive edge. Dr. Ellefsen’s other hobbies include sailing, mountain biking, and triathlons. You’ll also find him swinging a hammer or digging up the garden in his back yard.

Dr. Ellefsen believes in maintaining his health through a balanced lifestyle which includes a healthy diet, regular chiropractic and massage care, exercise, lots of water, and plenty of family time.

Dr. Emily Wiggin, D.C., Chiropractor

Dr. Emily Wiggin is a native of Dartmouth, N.S. and has been practicing in her hometown since August 2013. She began her journey into chiropractic after completing her undergraduate degree in Physical Anthropology and Archaeology from Memorial University in Newfoundland, where she developed a fascination with the human body. Honing in further on this interest, she entered the Doctor of Chiropractic program at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College where she graduated in 2013 with clinic honours.

A former varsity athlete, Dr. Wiggin enjoys involvement in various athletic communities in the region. She volunteered as a trainer with the Whaler’s Bantam Major Hockey team for two years (2014-2016) in addition to being member of the Hockey High Performance medical staff for the 2015 try outs and challenge cup for U-14 boys with Hockey Nova Scotia. Dr. Wiggin has also served as the Chair of Medical Services for the Sidney Crosby Hockey School since its inception in 2015.

Dr. Wiggin has a specific passion for the world of golf fitness and swing development. Working alongside several local golf teaching professionals, she develops comprehensive training programs and treatment protocols designed to correct physical limitations in order to optimize swing dynamics. It is a great adjunct to the role of the teaching professional in creating break-through performance. Dr. Wiggin completed her Titleist Performance Institute Certification in California, where she trained under elite level fitness, medical and golf professionals who work with the top names in golf. Using the TPI movement screen and her knowledge of swing mechanics, she identifies mobility and strength deficits in her clients. She has served as the official Chiropractor and Sport Sciences Consultant to the Nova Scotia Golf Association since 2015 and works with the athletes on both the Provincial Junior and Development teams. Dr. Wiggin’s clients range from the weekend golfer to the touring professional, all of which have benefited from a committed training regimen.

When she is not treating patients at Kinesis Health Associates, Dr. Wiggin can be found working on her own fitness on the local gym or running the lengths of Conrad’s beach with her dog, Lily. She is also an avid volleyball player and is known to hit the golf links in the summertime.

Dr. Wiggin has an overall passion for helping people reach their health and lifestyle goals and she is always looking for new avenues to deliver her message of health and well-being to the community. Being part of an integrated health team at Kinesis Health Associates Associates was the next step in that journey. She loves to treat a wide array of chiropractic patient subsets and is always looking to develop and expand her knowledge base and skill to provide them with exceptional care.

Trevor Crawley, RMT

With over 25 years of experience, Trevor Crawley RMT has built a reputation as a skilled, compassionate and results driven massage therapist. A graduate of Northumberland College (Class of 2000), Trevor has been proudly serving the Downtown Dartmouth community for more than two decades, helping clients move better, feel better, and get back to doing what they love.

What sets Trevor apart isn’t just his hands-on expertise – it’s his lived experience. Over the years, he’s faced his own share of injuries, including breaks, tears and surgeries, giving him a personal understanding of the healing process. He knows what it feels like to be on the treatment table, and that empathy is woven into every treatment he provides.

Trevor believes that prevention is the key to good health and happy living. His treatments are always tailored to the individual – whether you’re recovering from on injury, preventing one, or simply looking to feel your best. He draws from a diverse toolbox of techniques, including Swedish massage, cupping and myofascial release, all refined through decades of continuing education and hands-on learning.

Whether you’re an athlete. an office worker, or somewhere in between, Trevor is committed to helping you move through life with less pain, more balance, and a renewed sense of well-being.

Benjamin Granger, RMT

Ben is a Registered Massage Therapist with the Canadian Massage and Manual Osteopathic Therapist Association (CMMOTA) and holds a BSc (Honours) degree in Sports Therapy. With over 15 years of experience, he has provided therapeutic and rehabilitative massage therapy in a variety of clinical settings. Throughout his career, he has worked with a diverse range of clients, from Olympic athletes and active individuals to retirees, helping people of all ages and backgrounds address pain, mobility, recovery, and overall physical well-being.

Ben takes an individualized approach to treatment, taking the time to understand each client’s concerns, goals, and contributing factors. His experience includes deep tissue massage, cupping, Onsen Therapy, relaxation massage, functional assessment, and rehabilitation-focused treatment. He believes each treatment should be tailored to the individual and their specific needs.

Ben also values education and helping clients take an active role in their own care. When appropriate, he provides personalized home-care recommendations, including exercises, ergonomic guidance, and lifestyle strategies to support progress between treatments. Having worked alongside other healthcare professionals, he enjoys being part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to patient care.

Outside of the clinic, Ben enjoys spending time with his family, hiking, playing tennis, and exploring the beautiful province of Nova Scotia. He values being active and making the most of time outdoors with his family.

Dianne Graves, RMT

Dianne graduated from the Massage Therapy program at Eastern College. A student of life with a love of learning, she is certified in Yoga, Craniosacral, Zero Balancing Cupping and Gua Sha techniques. She is also experienced in meditation and pranayama.

Dianne has helped many clients recover from injury, both acute and chronic, returning to their activities of daily life and pain free mobility. She treats holistically encompassing Swedish massage techniques infused with the energetic touch of Craniosacral and Reiki. Each massage is unique and customized for the client, giving the greatest results for lasting changes to heal. Focusing and assisting on forming new neurological pathways over time, eliminating old pain pattern pathways.

Dianne believes massage therapy is for everyone who desires:

Overall maintenance of their health and happiness
Improved quality of life through reduced stress or pain
Increased mobility by releasing held and unwanted tension

Nicki Langille, RMT

Nikki graduated from ICT Northumberland College in 2009 and is in good standing with MTANS. She recently returned home to Nova Scotia from Calgary. While in Calgary, Nikki worked with a very diverse clientele including Olympic athletes. Nikki has experience in many different areas from working in clinical settings to volunteering at marathons and sporting events. She has extensive knowledge in both acute and chronic injuries and has a passion in helping people.

Nikki offers a variety of techniques and incorporates general Swedish massage, myofascial release, deep tissue, sports massage and strengthening/stretching into her treatment. Nikki feels she can help you to reduce stress while helping you to maintain a healthy mind and body. Depending on whether the client has symptoms related to stress, tension, postural imbalances, neuromuscular symptoms, trigger point release, injury or MVA, you can rest assured that Nikki’s technique is very thorough and can be adapted to each client’s needs. When Nikki isn’t in the clinic you can find her enjoying time with family, friends and and staying active.

Tara Lind, Physiotherapist

Tara holds a Master of Science in Physiotherapy and a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Kinesiology, both from Dalhousie University. She has taken post-graduate courses in manual therapy, exercise prescription, acupuncture, K-taping, and spinal decompression, and has completed her post-graduate Certificate in Sports Physiotherapy. She currently volunteers her time as a therapist at local and regional sporting events and is the Events Coordinator for the Nova Scotia branch of Sport Physiotherapy Canada. When she is not in the clinic, Tara can be found staying active on the trails and lakes of Dartmouth and Cole Harbour.

Reid Chittick, Physiotherapist

Reid is a CAMPT-Certified Physiotherapist and Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy (FCAMPT), a designation that reflects the highest level of post-graduate training in orthopedic manual therapy. Through the Diploma of Advanced Integrated Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy with the Orthopedic Division of Canada, he has developed advanced hands-on assessment, manipulation, and evidence-based rehabilitation for complex musculoskeletal conditions.

In addition to his extensive manual therapy background, Reid has advanced training in Functional Dry Needling (IMS) and Acupuncture (AFCI). His dry needling education is a key component of his practice, and he is also an instructor with Acupuncture Canada, teaching Dry Needling courses to healthcare professionals across the country.

Reid holds a Master of Science in Physiotherapy from Dalhousie University (2014) and a Bachelor of Kinesiology from Acadia University, where he gained valuable experience working with the varsity football team and providing sports therapy coverage at local soccer events.

With a clinical approach grounded in advanced manual therapy, dry needling, and individualized exercise prescription, Reid has successfully treated patients of all ages with sports injuries, chronic pain, and motor vehicle or work-related conditions. He prioritizes patient education and tailors every treatment and exercise program to align with each patient’s job demands, hobbies, and lifestyle.

Reid’s commitment to professional development extends beyond manual therapy and dry needling. He has completed training in the Mulligan Concept for both upper and lower quadrants, exercise prescription for cervical spine dysfunction, management of complex pain, and holds a Sport First Responder Certificate. He also contributes to the profession by volunteering as an interviewer for the Dalhousie University Physiotherapy Program and participating in orthopedic examinations.

Outside the clinic, Reid maintains an active lifestyle and has a first-degree black belt in Shotokan Karate. He enjoys mountain biking, skiing, hiking, tennis, and regular gym workouts.

With his blend of FCAMPT-level manual therapy expertise, advanced dry needling training, and dedication to patient-centered care, Reid is committed to helping individuals achieve their health and performance goals.

Erin MacIssac, Physiotherapist

Erin is from Dartmouth, she completed a Bachelor of Arts (2015) at St. Thomas University in Fredericton where she was fortunate to have the opportunity to play university hockey and golf. She completed her Master of Science in Physiotherapy (2017) at Dalhousie University. Erin has always had an interest in sports physiotherapy and has been a therapist for several sports teams; including Dalhousie Football, hockey Nova Scotia, and the Amherst Jr. A Ramblers.

Erin believes in taking a global holistic approach to treatment. She understands that education is the key to empowering her patients, as well as the importance of exercise in allowing people to take an active role in their recovery. She uses various techniques to help get clients moving, including dry needling, cupping, k-taping, manual therapy and exercise prescription. She also has experience working in long term care.

Outside of the clinic, Erin leads an active lifestyle, and enjoys participating in several activities including skiing, golfing, hiking, surfing and yoga. Erin is also an avid traveller.

Tony Priest, Physiotherapist

Tony is a passionate physiotherapist from Halifax, committed to helping individuals recover from injuries and enhance their physical function. After completing his Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics at St. Francis Xavier University in 2021, Tony pursued his Master of Science in Physiotherapy at Dalhousie University, graduating in 2023.

Tony offers personalized care to his clients, using a mix of hands-on manual therapy, dry needling, and targeted exercise programs tailored to each individual’s needs. He is particularly trained in Trigger Point Dry Needling and the Mulligan Upper Extremity techniques, equipping him with advanced tools to address both acute and chronic conditions effectively.

With a strong belief in the power of education, Tony ensures that every patient understands their condition and is empowered to take an active role in their recovery process. Whether working with athletes or those recovering from daily injuries, Tony’s approach is rooted in both evidence-based practice and compassionate care.

Outside of the clinic, Tony is an avid sports enthusiast, enjoying a variety of activities including softball, basketball, and golf. His experience as an athlete helps him connect with clients looking to return to sport or improve their performance, offering a comprehensive understanding of both rehabilitation and physical conditioning.

Liam Walker, Physiotherapist

Originally from Toronto, Ontario, Liam Walker graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology in 2018. He continued on to complete a Master of Science in Physiotherapy at Dalhousie University, graduating in 2021. Liam is pursuing his career in Nova Scotia and has been working in private practice since graduating.

Treating a wide variety of conditions and injuries, Liam believes in a multi-faceted treatment approach, incorporating manual therapy, dry-needling, acupuncture, tailored exercise, modalities, mindfulness and education to control pain and increase function, helping patients reach their rehabilitation goals. He promotes an active approach to rehabilitation, encouraging ongoing self management and prevention.

Presently, Liam has special interest, experience, and continuing education in the rehabilitation of Orthopaedic injuries, Dry needling, and Acupuncture. Other interests and plans for further training include Manual therapy, Concussion-Vestibular Care, Sport-injury/Sport-First-Responder, and Animal Rehabilitation.

With a background in competitive hockey and soccer, and as a hockey skills coach, Liam has developed a strong interest in sports medicine and healthy active living for all ages and abilities. During his free time, Liam enjoys movies, cooking, walking/hiking around Halifax, exploring Nova Scotia, spending time with friends (both human and canine) and keeping in touch with his family in Ontario as often as possible.

Dr. Lauren MacIntosh, Naturopathic Doctor

Dr. Lauren MacIntosh obtained her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. During her clinical rotation, she was one of six interns selected for the Pediatric focus shift, giving her additional training in this area. Prior to studying Naturopathic Medicine, she received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Acadia University. Dr. MacIntosh is a member of the Nova Scotia Association of Naturopathic Doctors (NSAND), the College of Naturopathic Doctors of Alberta (CNDA) and the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND). She also holds additional training in Intravenous Nutrient Therapy (IVIT).

Lauren likes to spend her free time cooking, knitting, running, hiking and going to the farmer’s market. She is thrilled to be back in her home province of Nova Scotia after a brief move to Saskatchewan.

Gabrielle McNeill R.A.C, Acupuncturist

Gabrielle McNeill is a Registered Acupuncturist based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. She graduated from the Autumn Institute of Health in 2025, where she developed a deep appreciation for the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine and their ability to support balance, healing, and overall well-being.

Gabrielle offers a variety of Traditional Chinese Medicine techniques—including cupping therapy, moxibustion, tui na & gua sha, facial rejuvenation, pediatric acupuncture, etc. Her treatments are tailored to address a wide range of conditions such as pain relief, stress and anxiety, digestive disorders, psychosomatic healing, and overall emotional and physical balance. In addition to these modalities, she has been practicing Usui Reiki at the Master level for 13 years, bringing an energetic and integrative dimension to her healing work.

Before beginning her acupuncture practice, Gabrielle also currently works as a Licensed Practical Nurse for 11 years, specializing in hemodialysis. Her background in nursing has given her a strong foundation in Western medical knowledge and compassionate patient care, which she integrates seamlessly into her acupuncture treatments.

Gabrielle is passionate about helping clients achieve lasting wellness through individualized, evidence-informed care. Her approach combines clinical expertise with a grounded, empathetic presence—creating a space where clients feel seen, supported, and empowered on their healing journey to restoring harmony within the body and mind.

Denise Young, Counsellor

Rooted in a holistic, strengths-based approach, Denise believes that everyone is the expert of their own lives, and that therapy can offer practical tools and resources to help meet life challenges. Her practice is both eclectic – selectively applying techniques from a variety of approaches to best fit your needs, and integrative – combining different approaches and fusing them together. Denise uses a blend of evidence-based practices drawing on various methods from contemporary Western modalities to Eastern meditative practices of mindfulness.

Denise has a Master of Social Work from Laurentian University, Bachelor of Arts from MSVU, and post-secondary certificates / diplomas in Counselling, Adult Education, Managing Workplace Conflict, Leadership Development, and Human Resources, and she is trained in various treatment modalities. For over 20 years, Denise has been working in the social care field.

Denise’s areas of practice include individual therapy, couples therapy, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, life transitions (divorce, marriage, caregiving, moving), workplace and career issues, PTSD and trauma, stress management, and others.