Competitive downhill ski racer and varsity field hockey player. Downhill ski racing coach. Special passion for treating children.

Danielle’s first love has always been skiing. She got into skiing at the age of 3 and then couldn’t be stopped. She started to race at the age of 12 and still remains active in the race world as a Coach. She also played varsity field hockey at the University of Western Ontario while completing her Undergraduate degree in Kinesiology. She then earned her Master’s in Physiotherapy at Queen’s University. She started her career at a reputable sports medicine clinic in Brampton, where she worked for almost 10 years before joining the team at Defy.

Danielle received high-level training from mentors at her first clinic, especially in return-to-sport after post-surgical conditions including ACL rehabilitation. She has invested in many postgraduate courses including Sahrmann Diagnosis and Treatment of Movement Impairment Syndromes: Neck and Shoulder, Treatment of Shoulder and Knee with Kevin Wilks, Mulligan Concept courses, the McKenzie Institute, Concussion Rehab Management, and Vestibular Rehabilitation.

Danielle was a competitive downhill ski racer and a varsity field hockey player in university. She has been coaching downhill ski racing for the past 16 years at various levels. She enjoys hiking, HIIT workouts, snowshoeing and spending time outdoors. While Danielle enjoys treating all ages of clientele, she has a special passion for treating children. She believes that rehab should be an active, motivated, and committed process involving both client and therapist.

Danielle believes that life-long fitness is fundamental for a healthy lifestyle. Exercise can be achieved by so many different means, not just going to the gym. She encourages her clients to find something they love and enjoy, so they are more likely to succeed with staying active.

In her downtime, Danielle enjoys skiing with her family, hiking with her partner Andrew and her German Shepherd Reagan, and going to Orangetheory Fitness.

Competitive downhill ski racer and varsity field hockey player. Downhill ski racing coach. Specia... Read More

Former collegiate Nordic skier and national-level rugby athlete.

Julie grew up dancing before her love of sport flourished in high school. While she was competitive in running, rowing, and Nordic skiing, the rugby field was where she truly thrived. She played for Ontario U17 and U19 rugby teams and continued her career as a varsity athlete at Queen’s University while completing dual-degrees in Life Sciences and in Physical and Health Education. In 2007 Julie was invited to the U20 Canadian national team training camps and competed for Canada at the 2008 Nations Cup. Each winter, when the rugby fields were covered in snow, Julie switched gears to compete as a varsity Nordic skier.

Julie saw and experienced the benefits of physio- and athletic therapy through each of her sports, and even in high school she was confident that she would pursue a career as a physiotherapist. Upon graduation from Queen’s, she attended the University of Toronto to complete her Master’s of Physiotherapy, where she finished at the top of her class.

After graduation, Julie worked at physiotherapy clinics in Trenton, Kingston, and Fredericton, while following her husband’s career in academia. Her post-graduate training includes Functional Dry Needling (Kinetacore), acupuncture, Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), Soft Tissue Release, Manual Therapy courses through the Orthopaedic Division, and Management of Post- Concussion Syndrome. Julie strongly believes that proper mobility and stability are key for injury prevention and rehabilitation and uses manual therapy to open a window of opportunity to establish optimal movement patterning.

Julie loves to stay active in sport, both as a competitor and as a physiotherapist. She has completed many hours of on-field coverage for high school and college level rugby and football and was the team physiotherapist for the Canadian National Rifle Pistol and Shotgun team for the Championship of the Americas in 2014 and the PanAm games in 2015. In recent years, Julie has participated in competitive rowing, running, and the odd Nordic ski race. As a keen outdoor enthusiast, you can often find Julie hiking, canoeing, camping, and spending countless hours at the park with her three young kids.

Former collegiate Nordic skier and national-level rugby athlete. Julie grew up dancing before he... Read More

Avid golfer, hockey player, and power sport lover. Former competitive hockey, field lacrosse and box lacrosse player.

Matt grew up in Cambridge, Ontario where he played competitive hockey as well as box and field lacrosse for the Guelph Regals. As many young athletes, he was first exposed to physiotherapy with his own sport injuries. He was fascinated with the profession and how it helped him return to the sports he loved. This fascination turned into passion when completing his Bachelor of Kinesiology at Brock University. He had an influential experience volunteering at a spinal cord rehabilitation gym, solidifying his decision to become a Physiotherapist; he then completed his Master’s of Physiotherapy at the University of Toronto.

Matt continues to expand his knowledge as a physiotherapist. He has completed his AA1 certification with Acupuncture Canada and his Level 1 designation with the Orthopedic Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. As a lifelong learner, he plans to continue to take courses to expand his knowledge and skill set.

Matt believes communication and collaboration with clientele are key to their success when achieving their rehab and functional goals. He strives to ensure his clientele are able to achieve their goals by providing evidence-based treatment and education with an emphasis on exercise, movement and manual therapy when necessary. He enjoys working with athletes, weekend warriors and everything in between and looks forward to helping you work towards your goals, whatever they may be.

He continues to remain active by playing rec hockey, golfing, and other outdoor activities and powersports. While admittedly not great, he is trying to become a runner and with the goal of completing a marathon down the road. You’ll also find Matt with his wife Lindsay checking out local restaurants and craft breweries, or on the water at his family cottage.

Avid golfer, hockey player, and power sport lover. Former competitive hockey, field lacrosse and ... Read More

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Patty was an avid golfer and cross-country runner in her youth. She loves the outdoors and enjoys staying active through hiking, kayaking, dragon boating, yoga and pilates.

Patty brings 30+ years of valued experience in orthopaedic, sports injury and post-surgical rehab. She has an encouraging nature and uses a collaborative approach to empower her clients of all ages to get back to doing what they love. Patty first experienced the benefits of working with a physiotherapist in high school; since then she has been curious and fascinated by how the body moves and its ability to both heal and improve. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Western Ontario, and has spent the bulk of her career working in orthopaedic sports clinics with a focus on return to activity or sport. She is dedicated to helping her clients achieve their goals and to be active in their desired capacity.

Patty loves to learn and uses that curiosity to expand her skills and knowledge, ultimately better serving her clients. Her post-graduate professional development list is long, and includes numerous courses related to movement patterning, muscle imbalances, manual therapy, exercise therapy, acupuncture, concussion management and vestibular rehabilitation. Patty is AFCI certified in acupuncture.

Outside of the clinic, Patty has years of experience providing training and sideline care for her daughter’s hockey and softball teams. In her free time she enjoys spending time with family and friends, getting outside with her dog, hiking, yoga, kayaking, photography, salsa dancing and reading. She has a long bucket-list of places she’d love to travel to! Patty speaks Spanish and French.

Patty was an avid golfer and cross-country runner in her youth. She loves the outdoors and enjoys... Read More

Dr. Dominika Jamnicky is a dedicated chiropractor with a robust educational background and a focus on evidence-based care. She earned her Bachelor of Science Honours in Biomedical Science from the University of Guelph before pursuing her Doctor of Chiropractic Degree at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC).

In her practice, Dr. Jamnicky tailors treatment plans to meet the unique needs and goals of each patient. Her approach integrates chiropractic manipulation and mobilization, myofascial release therapy, rehabilitation, and patient education. She actively contributes to the chiropractic community as a member of both the Canadian Chiropractic Association and the Ontario Chiropractic Association.

Dr. Dominika Jamnicky is not only a chiropractor but also a competitive triathlete and coach with an impressive athletic resume. She has represented Canada at the Pan American Games, where she earned a bronze medal in the mixed team relay and placed 5th in the individual event. Dr. Jamnicky has also come close to qualifying for the Paris Olympics, missing out by just one spot, and has served as an alternate for both the 2024 and 2021 Olympic Games. Her dedication to her profession, athletics, and community highlights her commitment to excellence in all areas of her life.

Dr. Dominika Jamnicky is a dedicated chiropractor with a robust educational background and a focu... Read More

Frank is a lover of team sports, and continues to play recreational basketball in Guelph. He was a former competitive soccer and basketball player. Frank understands the importance of communication and formulating a game plan to reach a common goal. He prioritizes listening and communicating with his clients to establish personalized treatment plans that align with their goals. Frank places a strong emphasis on educating his clients, prescribing therapeutic exercises, and performing manual therapy and dry needling when beneficial.

Frank grew up in Toronto, where he played soccer and basketball competitively. After experiencing chronic knee pain for several months, he was exposed to physiotherapy and sports medicine which helped to get him back to playing the sports he loved. Frank completed his Bachelor of Kinesiology at York University, where he competed in intramural basketball all four years. It was rare not to find Frank at the basketball court in between classes or at the end of the day, every single day. He then went on to complete his Master’s of Science in Physical Therapy at Queen’s University, where he competed in intramural basketball all two years, and intramural soccer for one year.

Frank’s post-graduate training includes Functional Dry Needling, Acupuncture, Post-Concussion Management, Vestibular Rehabilitation, and Manual Therapy courses through the Orthopaedic Division. He plans to continue taking courses to provide his clients with the best care possible.

Frank has decided to settle down in Guelph with his wife, a Guelphite, and their cat (Afia). He enjoys staying active by playing basketball and going for walks by the river.

Frank is a lover of team sports, and continues to play recreational basketball in Guelph. He was ... Read More

Avid triathlete and multi-sport athlete; brings love of sport and competition to his sessions. Experienced orthopedic physiotherapist and performance coach.

Jared grew up playing competitive baseball and soccer through high school, and then played rugby for Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts. He completed his degree at Manhattan College in the Bronx, New York, graduating with a B.S. degree in Exercise Science. After his undergraduate studies, Jared spent a few years training elite high school and university athletes at a private facility outside of NYC as well as assisting patients and athletes who were rehabilitating from injuries.

With the desire to increase his knowledge, Jared entered physiotherapy school at Stony Brook University in New York and graduated in 2010 with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree as well as a new passion for endurance sports. Jared has worked in private sports orthopedic clinics in NYC and Ontario as well as run a private concierge physiotherapy company in NYC.

Jared has completed 4 Ironman triathlons, hundreds of other endurance events of all distances and continues to train towards a sub 3 hour marathon. Endurance sports speak to Jared as an athlete and as a physiotherapist, as he believes for both your results are dictated by the work and effort you put into them. He is personally invested in getting the most out of his body and is passionate about helping others do the same.

Jared’s post-graduate coursework includes Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), Functional Anatomy Seminars (FRC), Active Release Techniques, Mulligan Concept, NAIOMT, Treating the Multisport Athlete, USA Weightlifting Sports Performance Coaching, and many others. Continued learning is not just a weekend course but something he practices on a daily basis for the purpose of giving his patients the best care possible. Jared’s experience with sport, conditioning, and his physiotherapy background gives him the ability to appropriately guide athletes from recovery to returning to sports using high level exercises.

Other than running and biking a lot of miles, Jared defies the stereotype of an endurance athlete and is passionate about getting stronger and lifting heavy weights. He enjoys reading, podcasts, balancing a healthy diet with Oreos, and most importantly not missing a second of time with his little boy.

Avid triathlete and multi-sport athlete; brings love of sport and competition to his sessions. Ex... Read More

ON MATERNITY LEAVE Collegiate soccer scholarship athlete and fitness enthusiast. Passionate about sports rehabilitation and injury prevention. Excels at integrating vestibular and concussion care into the return-to-sport process.

Laura started playing soccer at the age of seven while growing up in Brampton, Ontario. By the age of ten, she was playing competitively and she never looked back. She was selected for Team Ontario, and advanced to participating with the National Training Centre of Ontario. A member of the Team Canada U-17 Training Camp, Laura’s soccer career led her to a full scholarship at Fordham University in NY, NY. She excelled on the soccer field, as well as in the classroom. Her passion for sport, her positive experiences in physiotherapy, and her love of health and wellness, led her to a career in physiotherapy. Laura received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree at Columbia University in NY, NY. After working as a staff PT, she opened and managed a successful new clinic for her employer SPEAR Physical Therapy.

Laura’s postgraduate studies include courses in Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), Mulligan Concept, NAIOMT, Kevin Wilk’s Treatment of the Shoulder & Knee, The McKenzie Institute, and most recently training in Vestibular Rehabilitation and Concussion Treatment. She is a member of the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.

Laura continues to play soccer competitively for Guelph. She caught the triathlon bug from Jared, and has completed multiple triathlons including her first Half-Ironman distance in 2014. Laura truly believes that “exercise is medicine” and can provide numerous health benefits both physical and emotional. She believes there are ways for everyone to exercise and achieve personal fitness. In her spare time, Laura enjoys cooking up healthy new recipes, reading historical fiction, exercising outdoors, and spending quality time with her little boy.

ON MATERNITY LEAVE Collegiate soccer scholarship athlete and fitness enthusiast. Passionate abou... Read More

Andrew grew up as a multi-sport athlete, particularly excelling at basketball. He competed at the rep level, while also getting involved with coaching youth basketball. After high school he developed a passion for ultimate frisbee, again excelling as an athlete and a coach. Playing Ultimate has led him to compete at the Canadian Ultimate Championships the past 5 years in a row.

Positive experiences with his own training and athletic rehabilitation influenced Andrew to pursue a career as a Massage Therapist and Performance Coach. He graduated with honours from the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy in 2015. He is also a CrossFit Level 1 Coach at CrossFit Kitchener.

Andrew has completed rigorous training in Active Release Technique, completing the Full Body certification. His other post-graduate studies include RockTape RockBlades Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, RockTape Functional Movement Taping, CrossFit Level 1 Trainers, and Power Athlete Methodology. He is a member in good standing of the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario.

Andrew can be found living an athletic lifestyle on a daily basis. You will find him training or coaching at CrossFit Kitchener, or competing in Ultimate Frisbee. He believes that good movement quality is paramount for pain management, and success as an athlete. In his spare time Andrew enjoys training, reading books, playing games, and spending quality time with his fiancee and their dog.

Andrew grew up as a multi-sport athlete, particularly excelling at basketball. He competed at the... Read More

Jess was an avid dancer in her youth, participating in ballet, jazz, tap and modern styles. She enjoys starting her day with a morning run and engaging in a variety of activities including yoga, pilates and hiking. Jess completed her Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology and Masters of Physiotherapy at McMaster University. Since then she has completed her Sport Physiotherapy Fellowship at the University of Guelph and has received her Acupuncture certification from McMaster University. Jess believes in utilizing a combination of techniques including manual therapy, education and exercise to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that will enhance performance and promote overall health.

Jess was an avid dancer in her youth, participating in ballet, jazz, tap and modern styles. She e... Read More

Sam was a high-level athlete from a very young age, participating in any and every sport she could. Over time, she found her true passions in hockey, running, and rowing. She enjoys staying active and outdoors with her friends, family, and two pups.

Sam first arrived in Guelph as an undergraduate student, where she completed her Honours Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science at the University of Guelph. On her search for her ideal career, Sam then completed her Masters of Science in Neuroscience at the University of Calgary and her Masters of Science in Clinical Neuroscience at the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph. She realized her drive to become a clinician after her own positive experiences during her athletic endeavours as a collegiate level rower. She became particularly interested in using manual therapy to balance the body, in order to allow it to self-heal and self-regulate.

She spent time as a volunteer at Defy, and knew that she absolutely wanted to work in a high-performance multidisciplinary environment, where she would have the ability to work together with other disciplines to provide comprehensive care. She decided to pursue her Masters of Osteopathic Manual Science (M.OMSc) at the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy in Hamilton.

Sam’s passion for integrating manual therapy, movement, and wellness provides her with a unique skillset to help a variety of clients of all ages and abilities to feel their absolute best. Defy is excited to have Sam back in Guelph and back at the clinic!

Sam was a high-level athlete from a very young age, participating in any and every sport she coul... Read More

Alexie Michaud, best known as Lex, is a Certified Athletic Therapist and Registered Massage Therapist. She is a graduate of the Bachelor of Applied Health Science in Athletic Therapy at Sheridan College in 2019, and Advanced Standing Massage Therapy Diploma at Ontario College in 2020. She is in good standing with the Canadian Athletic Therapy Association and College of Massage Therapists of Ontario.

Lex’s passion for sports stems from her introduction to gymnastics at the age of four. This sparked her competitive side, which quickly turned into soccer, volleyball, basketball, badminton, track and field - essentially anything she could pick up that did not require skates. Multiple sports, games and practices a week in her teens were accompanied by countless injuries and overall soreness and pain. Excellent rehabilitation and training through her own injuries inspired her to pursue a career in Athletic Therapy and Massage Therapy.

As an Athletic Therapist, she has provided care to various performance levels and age groups; from Timbit hockey to professional athletes to weekend warriors. She has worked with the Oakville Hornets Hockey, Upper Canada College, and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats as Assistant Athletic Therapist- accompanying them to the Grey Cup in 2019.

As a result of her experience and education, Lex has a strong understanding of prevention and management of orthopaedic injuries through each stage of the healing process. She uses techniques including soft tissue release, joint mobilization, lymphatic drainage and pain modulation in combination with an individualized exercise plan to restore normal and optimal function.

Alexie keeps active by hiking daily with her dog, Tank, playing recreational league volleyball and swimming. She is also known for never losing a hand of cribbage!

Alexie Michaud, best known as Lex, is a Certified Athletic Therapist and Registered Massage Thera... Read More

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Dr. Burzin is an avid sports enthusiast, with a keen interest in running, badminton, and soccer. Beyond merely guiding individuals through injury recovery, he’s on a mission to elevate you past pre-injury levels, dedicating himself to conditioning bodies for both sport and daily life demands. Specializing in lower limb and low back injuries, Dr. Burzin takes an integrative approach that combines rehabilitative exercises focusing on mobility, stability, and strength, alongside education, self-management strategies, and manual therapy, kickstarting your journey towards achieving your health goals.

A graduate of the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Dr. Burzin holds a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, coupled with an Honours Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto. Building on his foundation, he has pursued additional training in the McKenzie Method® for low back pain, Myofascial Release Technique, and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Therapy. He is also a certified Functional Range Conditioning Movement Specialist (FRCms).

Dr. Burzin’s comprehensive approach encompasses various manual therapies such as mobilizations, manipulations, and soft tissue therapy, combined with educational and functional movement interventions. His goal is not merely recovery but surpassing previous levels of well-being. Fueled by a deep passion for an active lifestyle and overall well-being, Dr. Burzin is not just a guide to recovery but to a future where you thrive.

Dr. Burzin is an avid sports enthusiast, with a keen interest in running, badminton, and soccer. ... Read More

Justine enjoys both road and mountain biking in the summer and downhill skiing and hockey in the winter. She is fascinated by the adaptability of the human body and is passionate about returning individuals back to the activities they love. Justine has a special interest in sport and exercise related injuries and enjoys bridging the gap between injury rehabilitation and performance.

Justine is a multi-sport athlete turned adventure sport enthusiast. She started out in competitive soccer and transitioned to ice hockey, rowing and university level field hockey. She is now an avid skier, mountain biker, amateur crossfitter, and loves to surf at any chance she gets! She believes in an active approach to rehab focusing on exercise and education, supplemented with manual therapy. Justine is passionate about injury prevention and keeping individuals physically resilient throughout their lives. Justine received her Bachelor of Kinesiology from the University of British Columbia. She completed her honours thesis in the relationship between lower extremity strength imbalance and injury prevalence in varsity football players. After her fair share of physiotherapy visits over the years, she was inspired to blend her love for sport and science and continued on to pursue her Masters in Physical Therapy at Queen’s University. Justine has worked with a range of clientele including individuals with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, geriatric populations, front line workers and athletes. Justine is an evidence-based clinician who understands that when it comes to treatment, one size does not fit all. She strives to ensure that your specific goals are met and that you feel both physically and mentally ready to jump back into the activities you enjoy. When Justine isn’t at the clinic you can find her on her bike, instructing skiing, searching for the perfect pale ale or listening to podcasts.

Justine enjoys both road and mountain biking in the summer and downhill skiing and hockey in the ... Read More

Avid equestrian, outdoors-woman and hiker. Special interest in treating equestrian populations.

Hailing originally from the Kawarthas, Katie completed her undergraduate in Animal Biology from the University of Guelph in 2016, before moving to complete her Masters in Animal Biosciences in 2018. After gaining valuable experience as a veterinary assistant in a local equine practice, she pursued her physiotherapy degree with the University of Toronto.

As a lifetime equestrian, Katie has trained and competed several horses through the eventing levels, and was Ontario Champion in 2010 at the Training level. She also enjoys spending time in the Kawarthas, and spent many years training her parents’ Rocky Mountain Horses and helping prepare them for sale. For the last few years, she’s enjoyed a steadier pace while completing her schooling, exploring local trails and fox hunting with the Eglinton Caledon Hounds on her Thoroughbred, Sparrow.

Beyond physio and her equestrian pursuits, Katie is an avid outdoors-woman and hiker. If not on a horse, she spends most of her free time on a trail or on her paddleboard, and has fun with both paddle and hike-in camping trips through the summer. On a recent trip to Alberta she also found a passion for whitewater paddle boarding between exploring mountains. She intends to continue to train for this sport, now back in Ontario.

Katie enjoys working with a variety of patients. She has a special interest in equestrian populations. She believes solid foundations in the saddle start on the ground, and riders of all ages can benefit from additional cross training outside the arena to optimize their performance and minimize the impact of impairments or injuries in the tack. She recognizes the opportunity that exists for performance gains in equestrian athletes and aims to bridge the gap in this special population.

Avid equestrian, outdoors-woman and hiker. Special interest in treating equestrian populations. ... Read More