Evolve Integrated Health

Allison is originally from Pictou County. She graduated from Saint Francis Xavier University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics. She then went on to complete her Masters in Physiotherapy at Glasgow Caledonian University in Scotland in 2020. Since graduating in 2020 she has worked primarily within private practice and the sports field, both in Nova Scotia and in the United Kingdom, with experience treating various sports teams and athletes including field and ice hockey, rugby, football and golf. During her time in the UK, she has also had the opportunity to work within the hospital setting, gaining invaluable experiences with various neurological, orthopaedic and cardio-respiratory conditions.

As a clinician, she is rehab minded and client-centred in her approach to care, with a commitment to staying focused on what is most important to her clients. She is committed to taking an evidence focused approach to assessment and treatment, believing in movement and strengthening as key elements to longevity, improving quality of life and creating lasting change. Although she treats any and all orthopaedic conditions, she takes particular interest in in chronic low back pain, lower limb injuries, and shoulder pain. Since returning to Nova Scotia early this year, she has expanded her knowledge base to include pelvic floor physiotherapy. Being better able to understand and acknowledge the importance of pelvic health and the pelvic floor, has helped to further develop her skills and understanding of the human body.

Treatment approaches: ⁃ Exercise prescription ⁃ Manual therapy/ soft tissue techniques ⁃ Shockwave/ laser therapy ⁃ Dry needling ⁃ Taping

Outside of work, Allison enjoys spending time with her family and friends, training in the gym and weekend road trips exploring.

Born and raised in the beautiful province of British Columbia, Brian’s love for movement began with sports. Excelling in soccer, basketball, and volleyball, Brian’s passion transitioned him into an eight year career as a personal trainer helping a hundred plus clients reduce pain and achieve optimal mobility.

This naturally led to Brian’s curiosity within the treatment side of health & wellness. By utilizing Fascial Stretch Therapy - an assisted stretch modality, Brian saw his clients gain flexibility and mobility. From there, he was determined in helping their minds and bodies achieve even more.

As a graduate of Sutherland-Chan School of Massage Therapy in Toronto, ON, Brian has evolved to understand the importance of identifying the root cause of a person’s pain, and has learned how to help them on their journey to living a pain-free life. Brian assists his clients by providing a custom, individualized approach. From the initial assessment to the treatment and exercises he recommends, Brian is there for his clients in every stage of their personal health journey.

Treatment Approach: Goal oriented & Results driven Pressure: Moderate to Deep Techniques:

● General Swedish

● Myo Fascial

● ART - Active Release Techniques

● FST - Fascial Stretch Therapy

● Teaching proper biomechanics for remedial exercises

Special Focus: Sport/Gym injuries, stress management, Improving biomechanics & movement.

Originally from Ireland, Daragh’s interest in movement and exercise began with sports at a young age, namely Gaelic football, hurling and squash. Upon completing his undergrad, decided to pursue a career in nutrition instead of his dream of becoming a physio, due to his challenge with stuttering. After a few difficult years working in the food manufacturing industry in Ireland and not feeling fulfilled he left for Glasgow, Scotland in July 2019, to work on his speech and pursue Physiotherapy.

Daragh graduated from University College Dublin (UCD) with a BSc in Health and Performance Science in 2013 and completed his MSc in Food Science and Nutrition at the University of Reading in the UK in 2015. He then completed his MSc in Physiotherapy from Queen Margaret University (QMU) in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 2021. Since graduating in 2021 he has gained experience in various clinical areas such as cardio-respiratory, elective/ trauma orthopaedics and neurological rehab, however the majority of his professional experience has been in the musculoskeletal and orthopaedic setting. 

He implements a combination of exercise prescription, manual therapy, and therapeutic modalities to help you reach your goals. He believes strongly in a holistic approach to patient care, involving evidence based practice, education and interdisciplinary care tailored to your specific needs. Daragh treats all orthopaedic conditions, with a special interest in the knee, ankle and shoulder. Daragh is a life long learner, constantly staying up to date with the current evidence to ensure best practice and support for clients under his care.

Outside of the clinic, Daragh enjoys going to the gym, playing Gaelic football, going for hikes and weekend road trips exploring Nova Scotia.

Bonus fact about Daragh: Daragh has had a stutter his whole life, which sometimes made him not want to try things or put himself out there, especially anything where verbal communication was required. Wanting to challenge himself and make a bigger impact on others, left his career in the food the industry to work on his speech in Glasgow and got into Physio.

From a very young age, Dr. Anthony has developed a strong interest in health and fitness. As an athlete throughout most of his life, Dr. Anthony learned the significance of body maintenance early on and how chiropractic can be a key factor in optimizing wellness. More importantly, he wanted the opportunity to give back to his community as the chiropractic profession had given him.

Born and raised in Halifax NS, Dr. Anthony provides his fellow Nova Scotians with the knowledge and necessities to achieve optimal heath and wellness. He is an advocate for helping others achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Dr. Anthony is passionate about determining the underlying causal factor of an injury or condition and applies the most evidence-based, patient-centered approach to care. Combining active release therapy (ART), manual therapy, clinical acupuncture, education and exercise prescription, Dr. Anthony is committed in providing patients with the most effective treatment plan in order to maximize their health, wellness and fitness goals.

Dr. Eve Di Bacco is a chiropractor with a passion for movement and holistic healthcare. Originally from St Catharines, Ontario, she graduated with her Bachelor of Kinesiology degree from Brock University before moving to the west coast to pursue a chiropractic degree from Palmer West College of Chiropractic in San Jose, California. Dr. Eve now calls Nova Scotia home and is excited to immerse herself in the community by empowering her patients to lead active lifestyles. She combines manual therapy, exercise prescription and education in her treatments along with her training from coursework in Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS), Functional and Kinetic Treatment with Rehab (FAKTR), Motion Palpation Institute (MPI) and Certified Complete Concussion Management (CCMI). Dr. Eve embraces an active lifestyle and outside the clinic is an avid yogi, weight lifter, and hiker.

Grace is a Registered Dietitian living in Halifax, NS. She graduated from Mount Saint Vincent University with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Human Nutrition with a major in Dietetics and minor in Chemistry. Grace also holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from St. Francis Xavier University. Her nutrition passions lie in educating others on how to incorporate nutrient-dense ingredients to meals and snacks, developing healthy relationships with food, and eating to fuel the body for exercise and sport.

Before starting her Dietetics degree, Grace lived in Australia for 2 years and went on a 4-month solo backpacking trip around South America. During this time, Grace worked on an avocado farm in Northern Australia, tried many new cuisines, and fell in love with all things related to food!

Jenna is a graduate of the Canadian College of Massage & Hydrotherapy. She has always had an interest in how the human body works and the best ways to support its health and healing. With a patient-centered approach, Jenna provides intuitive, personalized treatments that prioritize comfort and individual goals. She takes the time to listen and ensures that each session is both supportive and effective. Whether addressing a specific concern or simply offering a space to de-stress, Jenna modifies every treatment to meet the needs of her clients. She aims to help clients experience more ease in everyday movement and bring a sense of balance and wellness to their daily lives. Her treatment style ranges from moderate to deep tissue work, incorporating techniques such as myofascial release, cupping therapy, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF), Gua Sha, and trigger point pressure release. Outside of her practice, Jenna enjoys staying active at the gym and spending time outdoors with her dog and partner.

With a commitment to promoting health and wellness through therapeutic touch, and a passion for helping others, I focus on providing tailored massage therapy treatments that cater to each individual’s needs. I specialize in a variety of techniques, including deep tissue, prenatal massage, and cupping therapy. Cupping is a favorite of mine, known for its ability to enhance circulation and relieve muscular pain. I believe that effective massage therapy goes beyond the physical; I prioritize connection and understanding, ensuring each client feels comfortable and cared for. I strive to create a safe and nurturing environment where clients can relax. Whether you’re seeking relief from a specific injury, stress reduction, or simply a moment of self-care, I am here to support you on your wellness journey. Treatment Approach: Therapeutic, deep - moderate pressure

Matt is a Registered Massage Therapist. His approach to massage is rooted in both clinical knowledge and genuine care for an individual’s needs. Whether you’re an athlete pursuing a personal best, recovering from injury, or managing everyday stress and tension, Matt tailors each treatment to support your healing process—addressing not only the area of concern but also identifying underlying patterns that contribute to discomfort or imbalance.

He commonly works with conditions such as low back pain, neck pain and stiffness, and lower body injuries, using moderate to deep pressure based on client preference and therapeutic goals. His treatments often incorporate a blend of General Swedish massage, Myofascial Trigger Point Release, and Low Grade Joint Mobilization to restore mobility and reduce pain.

When he’s not working, he’s usually either on the trail with his golden retriever Boone or cooking with his girlfriend! Matt also spends a lot of time training for running races and Ironman triathlons.

Originally from St. John’s, Newfoundland, I pursued a degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Memorial University throughout 2014-2018. During my time at Memorial, I worked as a Student Trainer for the Memorial University women’s volleyball team, where I found my passion for the Athletic Therapy Profession. I moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba in 2019 where I graduated from the University of Manitoba Kinesiology Athletic Therapy program in 2022. During my education at the UofM, I gained valuable clinical experience working with a wide variety of varsity athletes, including basketball, volleyball, hockey, track and field, football, swimming and even golf. From 2020 to 2022 I worked with the UofM Bisons Football team, and in surrounding community clinics gaining experience working with athletes of all ages, from weekend golfers to provincial level athletes. While at the UofM, I became a Personal Trainer through the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology in 2021 and was a candidate for an Internship with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the CFL. In 2021-2022 I worked as a student athletic therapist with the Winnipeg Ice of the WHL where I had the ability to learn the profession while working with elite athletes. I utilize a movement focused approach to rehabilitation, with manual therapy and exercise combinations to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions and injuries. I also hold a specialization in on-field and sideline injury assessment which allows me to make informed and safe return-to-play decisions for my athletes, while utilizing protective taping, padding and wound care management. In addition to being a Certified Athletic Therapist, I also hold the credentials of Certified First Responder and Certified in BLS First Aid for Health Care Providers.

Hi there! I’m Nina and I’m a Registered Massage Therapist having graduated from the 2200 hour program at Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy in Halifax.

Being a former University Varsity Athlete has given me an immense amount of knowledge and discipline into the importance of health for long term care. This is just part of the reason why I decided to become a massage therapist. My interest in helping people get better started while coaching basketball and has grown to helping people overcome injuries, postural issues, anxiety and stress, and much more. I enjoy using my anatomy knowledge to find the root cause of the problem and then coming up a treatment plan that can help solve that issue as soon as possible. I have experience working with a variety of clients from prenatal clients, to athletes, to the office worker.

My treatment style is tailored to the clients needs whether thats a slower relaxation massage or more of a deep pressure treatment massage. I keep the lines of communication open while treating so that I can ensure my client is getting the most comfortable and best treatment possible.

Not only am I a RMT here at Evolve Integrated Health, but I am also one of the Fitness Coaches at Evolve Fitness. Working with my clients in the gym has helped me in treating the correct issue and allows me to use my knowledge to ensure safety and efficiency in the gym.

While not at work, I continue to coach basketball, currently at my alma-mater Mount Saint Vincent University. My partner and I love to do things outdoors like hike, bike, swim, camp and also challenge ourselves with crosswords. I LOVE to cook and bake so if you’ve got an awesome recipe, please share!

I look forward to helping you feel your best! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask! Hope to see you soon :)

Samara Fougere – R.Ac

Samara is a Registered Acupuncturist in Nova Scotia, who graduated from CCATCM in 2023. She is in good standing with the Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Association of Canada.

Samara treats from the perspective that everything is connected—body, mind, and environment. She understands that both our internal and external worlds influence our health, and she takes the whole picture into account to get to the root of imbalance. Helping clients feel better and maintain lasting wellness.

Her treatments support a range of concerns, including acute and chronic pain, digestive and immune issues, low energy, sleep disturbances, menstrual and menopausal imbalances, and emotional well-being. She is also trained in Reiki energy work (Level 2), which gently complements her treatments when appropriate.

Outside of her practice, Samara enjoys spending time in nature, travelling, watching live music, and practicing yoga.

Tara is passionate about helping people get back to their activities. She prides herself in providing effective treatments to help her patients overcome the issues they are experiencing and improve their quality of life. Outside of treating patients, Tara spends time hiking, camping, cooking, or playing music. She always strives to help people leave her presence in a better state than when they arrive. Treatment approach: therapeutic Pressure: moderate to deep Techniques: myofascial, gua sha, trigger point release Special focus: postural dysfunction, low back pain, upper back pain, trigger points, breast massage Education: Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy, 2023 Association: Massage therapist association of nova scotia (MTANS)