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

Elaine is the Client Experience Manager at Defy, keeping the operations running smoothly, always with a smile.

She’s an avid distance runner, having completed many marathons; her favourite being the Walt Disney World marathon events. Along with running she enjoys paddle boarding, cycling and hiking with her husband, two grown kids, and their family dog Smokey.

Elaine studied at Sheridan College and practiced as an Athletic Therapist for ten years before starting her family. She then spent 19 years managing a busy law firm in Mississauga where her medical background was highly useful.

Elaine lives in Guelph and loves the positive energy the city brings. She enjoys exploring the trails and getting involved in the community. Being on the Defy team allows her to use her passion for a healthy, active lifestyle to help others find the same.

Elaine is the Client Experience Manager at Defy, keeping the operations running smoothly, always ... Read More

Jadd was a competitive soccer player who later shifted his passion to running and cycling. Drawing on his experience as an Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach at the University of Toronto and working with a variety of athletes from junior to professional level, he emphasizes the importance of active-based rehabilitation in conjunction with hands-on therapy and patient education. He has a particular interest in supporting endurance athletes and team sport athletes. Jadd works closely with patients to set meaningful goals, helping them track progress, stay motivated, and achieve their full potential.

Growing up as a competitive soccer player, Jadd experienced firsthand the challenges of injury and the crucial role physiotherapists play in helping athletes return to sport. This inspired him to pursue a career in Physiotherapy, beginning with a Bachelor of Kinesiology degree at the University of Toronto to build a strong foundation in human movement and performance.

While at the University of Toronto, Jadd gained extensive experience working with varsity teams as both an Athletic Trainer and Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach. These roles enabled him to develop a deep understanding of the physical and mental demands athletes face when managing injuries.

Fuelled by his passion for helping others perform at their best, Jadd went on to complete his Master of Physical Therapy degree at Western University. His clinical experiences included working with the London Nationals junior hockey team, professional CrossFit athletes, and Western’s varsity programs, including swimming and track and field.

Jadd’s work with endurance athletes inspired him to take up endurance sports himself, with a particular focus on running and cycling. As both a clinician and an athlete, he emphasizes the importance of adapting training load while integrating rehabilitative exercise to optimize recovery and performance. His treatment approach combines education, individualized exercise programming, and hands-on therapy to ensure care is tailored to each client’s needs.

When he’s not on the saddle or lacing up his runners, Jadd enjoys exploring local coffee shops, trying new cuisines, and hiking with friends and family.

Jadd was a competitive soccer player who later shifted his passion to running and cycling. Drawin... 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

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

Laura was a Collegiate soccer scholarship athlete, and a member of the National Training Program as a youth soccer player. She now coaches her son’s soccer team, and enjoys cycling, weight lifting, and staying active. Laura divides her time between coaching and growing the amazing people on the Defy team, managing the clinic, treating clients, and taking care of her young family. She has a passion for women’s health across the spectrum, from youth athletes to older individuals looking to stay active.

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 participate 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, Functional Range Mobility Specialist Certification (FRCms), NAIOMT, Kevin Wilk’s Treatment of the Shoulder & Knee, The McKenzie Institute, as well as training in Vestibular Rehabilitation and Concussion Treatment. She is a member in good standing of the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.

Laura 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 physically and emotionally. She believes there are ways for everyone to exercise and achieve personal fitness. She enjoys helping people figure out what works best for their lifestyle, understanding that seasons change. Laura has been involved with the Up & Running Program in Guelph as a coach, and continues to try to support the program through fundraising initiatives. In her free time, Laura enjoys reading historical fiction, exercising outdoors, strength training, and spending quality time with her beautiful family.

Laura was a Collegiate soccer scholarship athlete, and a member of the National Training Program ... 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

Not accepting new Massage Therapy clients at this time

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!

Not accepting new Massage Therapy clients at this time Alexie Michaud, best known as Lex, is a C... Read More

Thomas played varsity tennis and never really stopped chasing the next level, on the court, in the gym, and now in the clinic. He got into Physio because he saw firsthand how the right program turns “recovering” into “performing.” His whole approach? Bridge the gap between getting better and getting better than before.

Thomas was exposed to physiotherapy in the same way a lot here were, through sport. Growing up playing everything, then competing as a varsity tennis athlete, he saw up close what movement can do for a person’s confidence and quality of life. That planted the idea: what if rehab wasn’t just about getting back to normal, but about redefining what “possible” even means?

He completed his Master of Science in Physical Therapy at McMaster University, after an Honours Specialization in Clinical Kinesiology at Western. When you add in Thomas’ background in exercise physiology and health behaviour change, and you’ve got someone who thinks about the body the way a coach thinks about a game plan, which is progressively and with the long game in mind.

While at McMaster, Thomas stayed in the game (literally) by playing tennis and serving as assistant coach to the Men’s Tennis Team. That dual life as athlete and coach means that he gets what it takes to train hard, compete, and recover right, because he’s lived all three.

Thomas sees his calling as helping people find the tools, confidence, and strength to move past whatever’s currently in their way. His toolkit blends evidence-based exercise prescription with manual therapy and soft tissue work, but the goal is always the same: build people back stronger, not just “fixed.” Competitive athletes, weekend warriors, or anyone who just wants to move better through everyday life; Thomas treats the goal, not just the injury.

Outside the clinic, you’ll find Thomas on the tennis court, in the gym, experimenting in the kitchen, or yelling at the TV during Leafs games. He’s genuinely fired up to help you push past your limits and get back to the stuff that actually matters to you.

Thomas played varsity tennis and never really stopped chasing the next level, on the court, in th... Read More