Our Staff

Karen Decker (founder of ACCEL) BScPT, BScKin, FCAMPT, Diploma Sport Physiotherapy, Diploma in Manual and Manipulative Therapy, Registered International Sports Physical Therapist, Physiotherapist

Location: Dartmouth, Halifax

Karen graduated from the Dalhousie University School of Physiotherapy in 1991 and also completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology. She attained the post-graduate specialization Diploma in Sport Physiotherapy in 1997 and the Diploma of Manual and Manipulative Therapy in 2003.

Karen has worked in private practice, treating orthopedic and sports injuries since graduating. She works with athletes at local to international sports events. She has travelled with many national teams. Karen attended the Olympic Games in Athens (2004), Beijing (2008), PyeongChang (2018) and the Commonwealth Games in Scotland (2014) as part of the Canadian Health Care Team.

She has a special interest in pediatric sports injuries. Karen has attended six Canada Games and worked with Hockey Nova Scotia, Hockey Canada and Soccer Nova Scotia. She was the Polyclinic Manager and Lead Physiotherapist for the 2011 Canada Winter Games in Halifax.

Jodie Terrio BScPT, BScPsych, FCAMPT, Certificate Candidate Sport Physiotherapy, Diploma in Manual and Manipulative Therapy, Physiotherapist

Location: Halifax

Jodie graduated from the Dalhousie School of Physiotherapy in 2000. She has advanced credentials in manual and manipulative therapy. Jodie has also completed her Level 1 acupuncture, dry needling and is a Sport Physiotherapy certificate candidate.

Jodie worked in private practice/sports medicine clinics in Barrie and Toronto before joining the Medicine in Motion team in 2006. She has an interest in treating orthopaedic and sports injuries. Jodie has provided medical coverage for regional and national sporting events, including soccer, ringette, figure skating and gymnastics. She also volunteered at the 2011 Canada Winter Games in Halifax.

Meredith Waisman MScPT, BKin and Nutr, RISPT, Diploma Sport Physiotherapy, CCM Practitioner, Physiotherapist

Location: Dartmouth

Meredith graduated from the Dalhousie University School of Physiotherapy program in 2012. She previously completed a double major in Kinesiology and Nutrition at Acadia University in 2010.

Meredith has extensive experience in sports and has obtained her Diploma in Sport Physiotherapy. She has completed courses in Acupuncture, Dry Needling and the Complete Concussion Management program. She is on the executive council of the Sport Physiotherapy Canada Nova Scotia Division.

Meredith has worked with Hockey Nova Scotia's high performance provincial teams, Hockey Canada national training camps, IIHF World Juniors, the Halifax Rainmen, Major U15 Hockey teams, Major U18 Hockey teams, and the Acadia and Dalhousie University soccer teams. She has been a sponsored physiotherapist at the 2017, 2019 and 2023 Canada Games. She is currently the physiotherapist with one of the National Men’s Indoor Volleyball teams.

Cassy MacGillivary MScPT, BSc, Certificate Sport Physiotherapy, Physiotherapist

Location: Dartmouth

Cassy graduated from Dalhousie School of Physiotherapy Masters program in 2013. Previously she had completed a Bachelor of Science with a double major in Biology and Psychology at Mount Allison University. Cassy completed her Diploma in Sport Physiotherapy in 2021.

Since graduating from Dalhousie Cassy has completed post graduate training in orthopedic manual therapy, concussion management, dry needling, acupuncture, exercise prescription and sport first responder. She enjoys putting these skills to use with orthopedic and sport injuries.

Cassy has worked with Hockey Canada at the U18 Women’s Nationals (team Atlantic), Hockey Nova Scotia’s Provincial teams and many local sporting events covering soccer, basketball, cheerleading & gymnastics. She is currently a team Physiotherapist for the Dartmouth Steele Subaru Major Midget Hockey team and the Halifax Xplosion Women’s Tackle Football team. Cassy is the Communications rep on the SPC-NS Division executive.

Lauren Windsor MScPT, BSc, Physiotherapist

Location: Halifax

Lauren graduated from the Dalhousie University School of Physiotherapy in 2018. She previously completed a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry-Nutrition and a minor in Psychology at Memorial University of Newfoundland. During Lauren's time at Memorial, she was a member of the Seahawks varsity women's soccer team and was later inducted into the MUN Athletics Honour Society in 2014.

Since graduating, Lauren has practiced extensively in stroke and neurological rehabilitation while working at the Nova Scotia Rehabilitation Center. She also has experience treating many populations including a number of sports related injuries. She is currently in the process of completing post graduate training in orthopedic manual therapy. Lauren is a Canada Soccer National B Licensed coach and FIFA 11+ Certified with experience at the collegiate, Canada Games, and club level.

In her spare time, Lauren coaches soccer with United DFC, the Nova Scotia Provincial Program, and the Mount St. Vincent Mystics. She currently acts as Board Member and Treasurer of the Nova Scotia Physiotherapy Association. Lauren also enjoys running, cycling, hiking, and camping.

Carter Piercey MScPT, BScKin, Physiotherapist

Location: Dartmouth

Carter is a graduate of the Dalhousie University School of Physiotherapy. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology graduating on the Dean's list.

Carter has completed training in orthopaedic division and sport first responder. He is currently working towards becoming a Titleist Golf Performance Institute practitioner. With this certification, Carter would gain the knowledge and skills to assess, treat, and prevent golf specific injuries.

Carter has over 4 years of experience working with local sports teams covering hockey, gymnastics, soccer, rugby, and football. Carter is currently a team Physiotherapist with the Steele U18 major hockey team and worked with the U18 Nova Scotia Women's hockey team. In addition to sports related injuries, Carter is passionate about his role as a Physiotherapist in aiding in the recovery for both acute and chronic conditions.

In his spare time, you can find Carter hiking with his partner Rachel, catching a game with his friends or on the golf course. He also enjoys spending time with his two cats Chandler and Chester.

Jenny Slysz MScPT, BScKin (Honours), Physiotherapist

Location: Halifax

Jenny is a born and raised Islander and graduate of the University of Prince Edward Island in 2015 (BSc Honours in Kinesiology). She obtained her Masters of Physical Therapy in 2017 from the University of Western Ontario, where she stayed and practiced for a couple years, and then made her way back to the maritimes to settle in with her family in Halifax.

She has a keen interest in orthopaedic and sports rehabilitation and employs various treatment techniques including soft tissue release, manual therapy, exercise prescription, and acupuncture. She is passionate about educating her clients along the way so that they can confidently take the reins.

Jenny cares for each client as she would a friend, and is always happy to lend an ear or share a laugh. With her, you can expect individualized, patient-centred care, with a focus on the whole person.

Outside of the clinic, Jenny enjoys being out in nature with her husband and two children, running, volleyball, and antique hunting!

Dr. Ashley Lilly DC, BSc, Active Release Technique Provider, CCM Practitioner, Chiropractor

Location: Halifax

Dr. Ashley Lilly completed the Doctor of Chiropractic program at Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College.

She completed the Contemporary Medical Acupuncture program at McMaster University and is a Sport First Responder. She is a Complete Concussion Management practitioner and has taken several courses focusing on concussion management.

She has worked with the ACCEL Hawks Major Bantam hockey team, Metro Boston Pizza Female Midget AAA hockey team, Hockey Nova Scotia High Performance Program and covered numerous local sporting events.

Dr. Lilly will perform an initial assessment to help determine the site and source of your injury. From there, she utilizes a variety of techniques including soft tissue therapy, acupuncture/electro-acupuncture, laser therapy, joint mobilization and manipulation, rehabilitative exercises and electrotherapies to help you get back to your activities.

Dr. Rebecca Wynn DC, BKin, Chiropractor

Location: Dartmouth

Dr. Rebecca Wynn was born and raised in Sussex, New Brunswick. Her early interest and participation in sports lead her to completed a Bachelor in Kinesiology from Acadia University. She continued and obtained a Doctorate of Chiropractic degree from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC). During her studies she completed a certification in Contemporary Medical Acupuncture from McMaster University.

Dr. Wynn has a particular interest in sport injuries as well as perinatal and paediatric care. She has dedicated herself to furthering her knowledge through continuing education in courses such has concussion management, pre and post natal rehab, and paediatric care. She is a Sport First Responder, an ambassador with GrowCo and is certified in The Webster Technique.

She utilizes a variety of treatment techniques such a soft tissue therapy, joint mobilization and manipulation, acupuncture/electro-acupuncture, therapeutic modalities, rehabilitative exercises and education to help patients reach their movement goals.

Dr. Amanda Volcko DC, BSc Biochemistry, Chiropractor

Location: Halifax

Dr. Amanda Volcko completed her undergraduate degree in Biochemistry at Mount Allison University in 2016 before graduating from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in 2022. During her time at Mount Allison, she was a member of the Mountie’s varsity women’s soccer and hockey teams.

She is certified in Contemporary Medical Acupuncture and instrument-assisted soft tissue techniques. Dr. Volcko uses techniques including joint mobilization and manipulation, soft tissue therapy, acupuncture, laser therapy, electrotherapies, and exercises. She is passionate about helping people achieve their health goals.

In her spare time, Dr. Volcko enjoys playing soccer, rollerblading, and hiking.

Jacqueline Odle Registered Massage Therapist

Location: Halifax

Jacqueline graduated from the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy in 2013.

Jacqueline specialized in Chronic Pain and Neurological based disorders. She is versed in numerous musculoskeletal conditions both chronic and acute. She is also experienced with ALS, CP, whiplash and back injuries.

Jacqueline uses various treatment methods, including but not limited to myofascial techniques, trigger point therapy, shiatsu, cupping, hot stone massage, aromatherapy and deep tissue massage.

Her passion is in rehabilitative treatments, chronic pain and injury prevention.

Andrea Hachey-Ronalds Osteopath, Registered Massage Therapist

Location: Dartmouth

Andrea is an Osteopath and Registered Massage Therapist. She graduated from the Collège d'Études Ostéopathiques where she completed a 4 year osteopathy program plus a research year on the effects of osteopathic manual therapy in the treatment of Cryptogenic Organizing Pneumonia.

Before Osteopathy, Andrea completed her diploma in Massage Therapy from the Canadian College of Massage Therapy and Hydrotherapy. She also holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from Mount Allison University.

In her spare time, she enjoys running with her dogs.

Peter Ingram Registered Massage Therapist

Location: Dartmouth

Peter graduated from the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy in 2018. He was involved in special clinics for athletes, arthritis and pregnancy as well as providing chair massages at an enhanced care facility.

Peter worked as a Personal Trainer and brings this experience into his practice to help aid recovery.

Peter is currently enrolled at the Canadian College of Osteopathy.

Stephanie MacDonald Registered Massage Therapist

Location: Halifax

Stephanie graduated from the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy in 2013 wiht a Certificate in Sports Massage and a Bachelor of Health Science with a focus on Neuroscience from Thompson Rivers University in 2017.

While working in Saskatchewan she treated players from the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Regina Red Sox (WMBL) improving her skill working with high level athletes. Stephanie integrates a focus on the nervous system a key part of her treatments to treat a variety of injuries.

Stephanie loves to travel Stephanie loves to travel, read, random fun facts and gulab jamun.

Stacey Turner Registered Massage Therapist

Location: Dartmouth

Stacey completed her undergraduate degree in Biology at Dalhousie University in 1998 before graduating from Northumberland college in 1999 with her diploma in Massage Therapy. She completed the three levels of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) with Vodder School International in 2015 and has been working with the Lymphedema Community since.

In 2017, Stacey was approved to start the Teacher-In-Training program with Vodder School International to teach Level I. She also has training in lymphatic taping, myofascial release techniques and Swedish Massage techniques.

Stacey has also worked with many high level athletes at the Canada Games and National levels, as well as long distance runners and triathletes.

In her spare time Stacey volunteers with Special Olympics Nova Scotia with the Dartmouth Dolphins where her son is a swimmer, and loves crafting with her girls and her husband.

Elin Rose-Kays Registered Massage Therapist

Location: Halifax

Elin graduated from the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy in 2020. Since graduating she has taken advanced training in cupping, myofascial and scar tissue release, TMJ and postural dysfunction. She is passionate about discovering the source of a client’s problem and treats the body as a whole using techniques such as Swedish massage, trigger point, myofascial release, and deep tissue work. Throughout her career she has attained considerable experience working with post-operative shoulders, hips and knees.

When not working Elin is active playing sports and weight lifting. She is currently training as a body builder. She has played many sports with a focus on football. Fun fact, Elin is a Red Seal electrician. She therefore understands the toll of labour work. Elin is also a mom to a beautiful little girl who keeps her busy.

Jordan Saphrin Aucoin Registered Massage Therapist

Location: Halifax

Saphrin is a recent grad from the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy class of 2024.

While at school he gained experience in a variety of clinics such as Spa, enhanced care, Arthritis, and Invisible Illness as well as Therapeutic Relaxation massage.

Saphrin has experience with general Swedish massage, myofascial release techniques, joint play and mobility, trigger point release, scar work, as well as cupping and relaxation techniques.

With an open mind and a comforting personality Saphrin offers an accepting atmosphere where your voice will be heard and the ability to put that into a safe and effective treatment plan that meets your needs.

Kelley Hiltz Diploma in Sports Nutrition, Registered Dietitian

Location: Halifax, Dartmouth

Kelley graduated, with distinction, with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Human Nutrition from Mount Saint Vincent University. Kelley has been a Registered Dietitian since 1999.

Kelley completed a Diploma in Sports Nutrition through the International Olympic Committee's Medical Commission. She is one of a few Canadian dietitians with this qualification. Her experience as a competitive athlete allows Kelley to combine nutrition theory with real-life experience to provide meaningful nutrition guidance to athletes at all levels.

Kelley has worked with the Dalhousie Tigers Varsity Athletic program; specifically, the varsity soccer teams and the women's varsity volleyball team.

In addition, Kelley has a special interest in weight management and has completed the highly recognized Certificate of Training in Adult Weight Management provided by the American Dietetic Association.

J Wellington Certified Pedorthist

Location: Halifax, Dartmouth

J is a graduate of Dalhousie University with a degree in Kinesiology. During his undergraduate, he was both a varsity athlete and trainer for the Dalhousie track and field team. As a result of his work with runners, he developed an interest in the management of lower leg and foot injuries.

After practicing as a Pedorthist in Calgary for 5 years, J has made the move back East to be closer to his roots. He encourages his patients to participate in their own recovery by taking the time to educate them about footwear choices, at-home tips, and stretches and exercises.

Shawn Smale

Location: Halifax, Dartmouth

Shawn is active in the sport community by volunteering to coach young athletes, work as an official, organize adult recreation programs. He attended the 2007, 2009 and 2011 Canada Games as a member of the Team Nova Scotia Mission Staff and was involved in the Jeux de l'Acadie in 2008.

He stays active playing hockey and as a triathlete, participating at local and international events, including two Ironman Triathlons.

His role at ACCEL Health is to provide leadership for our sport event coverage and partnerships.

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