About Us

Although physiotherapists have added to their knowledge and skills through individual course work and  studies since graduating, they all  treat with a focus on manual therapy and exercise and can use acupuncture, kinesio taping, and the TheraLASE.

Sandra Messenger, Owner/Physiotherapist

Sandra graduated from Dalhousie University with her BScPT in 1997 and starting working at the clinic immediately afterwards. In 1998, Sandra took over management of the clinic while continuing to work as a physiotherapist.

Since graduating, Sandra has taken many courses, some of which are auricular acupuncture, scalp acupuncture and Myofasical Release which she greatly enjoys. She is also certified by the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute.

When not wearing a "physio" or "manager's" hat, she can be found outside walking, hiking, playing with her family or digging in her garden.

Michelle Kim, Physiotherapist

Michelle started her career as a physiotherapist at Bedford-Sackville Physiotherapy Clinic immediately after graduating Dalhousie University in 2001 with her BSc in physiotherapy.

Since graduation Michelle has invested many hours in studying manual therapy, auricular acupuncture, myofascial release, Functional Dry Needling and muscle imbalances. She has also been certified by the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute and is a Complete Concussion Management therapist.

When not in the clinic, Michelle enjoys being active with her three children and husband and can always be found laughing and smiling.

Paula Calnen, Physiotherapist

ClMScPT, FCAMPT

Paula has been a part of the Bedford-Sackville Physiotherapy Clinic team since graduating from Queen's University with her BScPT in 2002. In 2008, she graduated from Western University with a Clinical Masters in Manual Therapy and Manipulation in Physiotherapy and completed the certification exams to become a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manual Therapists.  Paula has expanded her knowledge into vestibular rehabilition and is a Complete Concussion Management therapist.

Paula has completed courses in auricular acupuncture, has successfully completed her Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute examinations and has integrated Functional Dry Needling into her practice with great results.

Outside of work, she enjoys running, horseback riding, and spending time with her family.

Leigha MacKay, Physiotherapist

We were very excited when Leigha, who used to work with us while in university as a physiotherapy aide, rejoined our team as a physiotherapist in 2014. 

She graduated from Dalhousie University in 2013 with her MScPT and has gained experience working in the hospital setting with the cardio-respiratory and orthopeadic departments as well as providing home care physiotherapy.

Emma Galsworthy, Physiotherapist

After graduating from Dalhousie in 2016 with her MScPT, Emma worked in private practice and participated in several post graduate studies focusing on manual therapy and orthopedics before joining us. She has recently added Functional Dry Needling to her "tool box."

Emma has enjoyed competitive speed skating and has given back to the community as a coach for both speed skating and swimming, as well as volunteer work at the IWK, Kiwanis Circle K Society and a Haitian orphanage.

Henry Tian, Physiotherapist

Henry has been a practicing physiotherapist in the Halifax region since he graduated from Dalhousie University in 2017.  He is studying to advance his hands on skills and uses Functinal Dry Needling.

Henry is bilingual, speaking English and Mandarin and is a talented artist.

Heather Boudreau, Occupational Therapist

Heather graduated from the University of Western Ontario in 1997 with her BSc in Occupational Therapy after graduating from Dalhousie University in 1995 with a BSc in Kinesiology.

She has taken many courses since graduating, one of which she has completed is the Progressive Goal Attainment Program, the certification program for Matheson Functional Capacity Evaluation as well as becoming a part of the Complete Concussion Management team of therapists.

After working all day, Heather enjoys relaxing with a good book and spending time with her family.

 Rhonda Flemming, RMT

Rhonda joined our team in 2004 after graduating from the Canadian College of Natural Medicine in 2002 and working in Lower Sackville for two years.
Since graduating, Rhonda has taken many courses such as auricular acupuncture, Kinesio taping, pregnancy massage, Treatment of TMJ, and cupping using both fire and suction.

When she isn't working, you can always find her baking fondant cakes, sweets and cooking. She enjoys reading, relaxing in the warm weather, and spending time with family.

Christine Yates, RMT

Christine added her excellent skills and knowledge to our group in 2014. She is a 2004 graduate of ICT Northumberland College and has worked in various clinical settings as well as an instructor at Northumberland College since graduating.

In addition to providing therapeutic massage, Christine is a Certified Infant Massage Instructor and Hot Stone Therapist.

Roy Angel, RMT

Roy is a local fellow who graduated from the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy in 2016 and now assists teaching the new students going through the program. He is passionate about continual learning, volunteers his time to his community and enjoys playing guitar and piano. 

Alexander Townshend, RMT

Alex has joined us in 2017 after graduating from the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy.  Another local, Alex's smile and relaxed nature will grace our clinic over the next year to help cover Christine's maternity leave.

Julia Hudson, Registered Dietition

As a contracted Registered Dietition, Julia focuses on empowering people to make healthy diest and lifestyle change through small daily goals.  Conquer the mountain by focusing on the trail! She also loves to help people see how fun and enjoyable healthy cooking can be! 

Julia has been a dietition for over 5 years now and still loves to share delicious, healthy recipes and talk about the power of vitamins and nutrients to improve overall wellbeing.  She has experience working with physiotherapy clients and provides counseling and education on topics like protein and injury repair, inflammation, weight loss and pain management.  The rehabilitation process can be enhanced with the right nutrition!

Tina Clarke, Office Manager

Tina became a part of the Bedford-Sackville Physiotherapy Clinic team in 1998. She is responsible for office duties such as billing, booking appointments and can answer any questions you may have.

When not working, Tina enjoys being outdoors with her two children and husband and gardening on warm days. 

Tarina Pittman, Reception

Although Tarina Pittman is our newest member of our support team, she brings with her many    years of experience in providing excellent customer care and office management. She is always eager to assist our clients with a smile and is the perfect match for Tina. 

When Tarina is not working hard she is planning her next trip to her trailor or supporting her son's hockey team.

Jackie Hayes, Physiotherapy Aide

Jackie completed her Physiotherpay Aide course at the Stratford Career College in 2005 and became apart of our dynamic team. She is responsible for making the patients feel comfortable and keeping the clinic in order.

When not working, Jackie enjoys spending time outdoors with her boyfriend and relaxing. She can also been seen walking everywhere and anywhere in Sackville.

Hollyann Beazley, Physiotherapy Aide

Hollyann began working with us as a coop student in 2012 while still in High School and has remained someone we can count on to have a warm smile and help out the team where ever we need her. She is a animal lover and enjoys travelling and hiking.

Jamie Chisholm, Physiotherapy Aide

Jamie is a Millwood High School student who is interested in persuing a medical profession. She is enjoying the experience gained from working alongside our health team.  Jamie enjoys travelling, camping and plays Lacrosse.