2022 Board Director Nominees

Alissa graduates from Dalhousie in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy. Since graduation, Alissa has worked in a variety of clinical settings and with varying patient populations but primarily has practiced in the public health setting in Nova Scotia, with some time worked in both Newfoundland and in the UK. Alissa has practiced in the acute care, rehabilitation and community settings and for the past 10+ years has primarily practiced in a leadership/administrative role as the Program Manager of the Bone and Joint team, Orthopedic Assessment Clinic and Pre-habilitation Program in the Central Zone of Nova Scotia Health. In this role, Alissa leads an inter-professional team (PT, OT, SW, Nursing, Rehab Assistants/PTA/OTA, Dieticians and Admin staff) across the care continuum in orthopedics, burn care and plastic surgery.

Alissa completed her Masters in Health Administration from Dalhousie in 2016 and earned her certified health executive from the Canadian College of Health Leaders in 2017. Alissa also completed the EXTRA program in 2019 and earned a fellowship with the Canadian Foundation for Health Improvement.

Alissa has previously sat on the board of NSCP, as well as NSPA in various roles.

Since the last time I was on either the board of NSPA or NSCP, I have been busy completing a Masters Degree while working full time, getting married and starting a family and have not had a lot of spare time to dedicate to additional commitments. While still very busy, I am interested in getting re-involved in NSCP as a director on the board as I feel my skills and knowledge since the last time I was a board member have grown immensely to be an asset to the board in terms of governance, policy, evidence-based practice, member engagement and so much more. As such, I am interested in giving back to the profession and the community to further the work NSCP plays in advancing safe and effective physiotherapy practice for Nova Scotians. We are at an important time in health care and feel my diverse clinical background, combined with proven leadership skills and experience with complex systems and issues make me an ideal candidate to participate as a director on the board of NSCP.

Over 20 years of clinical experience as a physiotherapist in a variety of practice settings (Orthopedics, neuro, cardiorespiratory, acute & critical care, rehab, community care, outpatients, etc.)

10+ years in a formal leadership position with proven track record of implementing practice changes, program development, program and clinical evaluation, patient/family/community engagement, policy development, developing clinical practice guidelines, experience dealing with concerns/complaints, experience with quality improvement projects, etc.

Formal education in health administration (Masters of Health Administration from Dalhousie completed in 2016) including finance, epidemiology, governance, health law and ethics, health policy, change management, human resources, statistics, economics, labor relations, etc.

Previous experience as a board of director with both NSCP and NSPA

Currently chair and member of NSCP Practice Standards Committee

Member of the Nova Scotia Physiotherapy Advisory Group

Alissa demonstrates all of these competencies in her day-to-day role as a Program Manager within Central Zone, Nova Scotia Health with most recent examples include: helping to effectively manage COVID response to current Omicron wave in Nova Scotia that involved realigning resources to support acute/critical care, ramping down services in ambulatory care, working collaboratively with Ortho surgeons and an inter-professional team (Nursing, PT, OT, SW in OAC/Prehab, acute care, pre and peri-op program, anesthesia, etc.) to establish an outpatient joint replacement program in Central Zone of NSH.

Alissa has presented to the public and the physiotherapy community on a number of occasions regarding the hip and knee action plan in Nova Scotia since 2019.

Amy is originally from Halifax, NS. She completed a Bachelors degree in Kinesiology at Dalhousie University in 1999 and went on to complete a B.Sc.PT at Queen's University in 2002.

Amy started as a PT at Erinoak Children's Treatment Centre in 2002 and worked at Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children until 2004. In 2004 Amy traveled to Dubai, UAE to work at the Dubai Centre for Special Needs.

She returned to NS in 2006 and began working at IWK Health. Amy's roles have included working with the Community and School Team, Infant & Preschool Team, Rehab Clinic and various in-patient teams.

Currently Amy's role is with Rehab Clinic as one of two PTs responsible for the care of a wide range of rehab patients.

Amy has expertise in CP and developmental medicine, neuromuscular conditions, limb deficiency, advanced orthopaedic care of complex patients and pedantic gait analysis.

Amy completed specialized training and work with Biogen in the assessment and care of children with SMA being treated with Spinraza.

Amy has worked with various boards and professional groups over the years. As a clinician with 20 years of experience she is keen to explore greater involvement with NSCP and contribute to a legacy that continues to support the profound work of PTs in this province. Amy strives to both elevate and hold this incredible profession to the highest standard.

Vast experience in paediatric practice as well as tremendous experience working for a provincial health authority.

Sound clinical skills and decision making abilities

A love and enthusiasm for this profession and a desire to support the ongoing development of PT practices within the province and beyond.

A sincere recognition that PTs are a valuable resource and must be held to an exacting standard for the benefit of all.

Amy has worked with a talented interdisciplinary team at the IWK. Amy relies on her ability to synthesize findings and assessment results to help contribute to the care and management of our patients. This requires being able to independently determine in certain circumstance the best care plan for a particular patient. For example Amy is integral in assessing a patient's candidacy for botox injects to manage hypertonia. Should the patient not be a suitable candidate she is responsible for offering and developing a treatment plan that supports their goals. If they are, in fact a good candidate for botox injections Amy would then be responsible for helping decided which specific muscle groups will be targeted and any adjunct interventions like serial casting and bracing. This requires independent thinking, analytical and decision-making skills, sound judgement and teamwork.

Our team regularly meets to evaluate patients for gait correction surgery. Amy is responsible for completing the gait assessment and written documentation as well as presenting the findings to our group for review. It can be an imposing group made up of physicians, surgeons, other PTs, OTs, social workers and psychologists to name a few and there are many perspectives to consider. It is important to have integrity and good judgement when working with such a talented group of people to help ensure balanced decisions are made that stay aligned with the patient and family goals.

Paediatric care is profoundly rewarding but also profoundly challenging. Amy is often dealing with parents at some of the most challenging times in their lives. This is a huge burden of responsibility and Amy always aims to treat that with respect. Part of that involves ensuring her words and what is being communicated is clear, accurate, kind and relevant so families can process the information with greater ease. This can be a difficult task as often there is a tremendous amount of info to be shared. Amy ensures it is provided in multiple modes, like verbally and in written format. Amy strives to make sure patients and families feel free and empowered to ask questions or have conversations multiple times to aid their comprehension.

Following my Human Kinetics degree at STFX University, I completed my MscPT at Dalhousie University in 2013. After qualifying, I worked a year in the Annapolis Valley before moving internationally to Cardiff, Wales. While there I practised at a growing multidisciplinary clinic specializing in sport and performance, as well as a private care facility serving those with dementia and acquired brain injuries.

I returned home to Nova Scotia in 2016, and have been settled in Bridgewater, working in private practice serving a wide variety of ages and abilities.

I want to get a better understanding of how the College operates, and help do my part to make sure that Physiotherapists are operating safely and doing our best to serve the public. I am a strong believer in the importance of continuing education, and with the current slew of online options available, I want to make sure Physiotherapists are thinking critically about what they choose. Most of these courses aren't vetted by the hosts, so it's important that Physiotherapists are making sure it's within their scope, evidence based, and pertinent to their area of practice.

I believe I bring an unbiased, analytical outlook to the board. I am not afraid to take on the responsibility and commit my time to the role. I also feel privileged to be a Physiotherapist serving the public, and feel we should be doing what we can to provide access to best practice services through professional development.

Next, I feel I might be able bring a different perspective to the board, having worked abroad, under the regulation of the Health and Care Professions Council

Lastly, I feel that I bring perspectives from different areas of Physiotherapy. As well as private practice and inpatient care, I've also published educational articles for the public in print and online.

As part of my time working in Wales, I worked as the sole Physiotherapist in a multidisciplinary setting at a care facility for those with dementia and acquired brain injuries. I worked closely with a variety of health care providers including a Psychologist, Dietitian, and Occupational Therapist. We worked closely as a team with the residents to form and execute care plans, communicating closely with one another.

While in Wales I also worked at a start up private practice. As part of the growing process, I had to be flexible and help with several roles within the business including administration, logistics, and marketing. Goal setting and execution was very important in being successful in that role.

I've also done pitch-side/ court-side Physiotherapy coverage for several different sporting clubs and multi-sport events which required independent thinking and quick, sound decision making quite often.

I would like to nominate myself for one of the physiotherapist positions on the Board of Directions for the Nova Scotia College of Physiotherapists. My experience in physiotherapy comprises of positions within both private and public physiotherapy organizations. Originally from Ontario, Canada, I began my physiotherapy career in Barrie, Ontario, working in a private physiotherapy clinic that specialized in complex injury rehabilitation. It was there that I began to specialize in neurorehabilitation, developed a passion for Bobath therapy, and worked with both patients and their families to reach their goals. After working in that clinic for 4 years, my family moved to Nova Scotia in search of the quality of life we had been searching for. We initially lived in Antigonish (where my husband has roots), and I worked for Nova Scotia Health (NSH) as a community physiotherapist. I served the rural and remote areas of Guysborough and Canso, working as the sole physiotherapist in the inpatient, outpatient, and community settings. This role gave me invaluable insight into the needs of rural Nova Scotians, and the impacts of decreased services and healthcare providers for citizens that require rehabilitation. It taught me critical thinking skills and flexibility surrounding using my abilities to serve patients in all aspects of hospital and community care. It required consistent communication and collaboration within the multidisciplinary team, and sparked my drive to continue to focus my career on helping those that have difficulties accessing healthcare.

After 2 years in Antigonish, we were able to reach our family's goal of moving to the HRM. I transitioned from working in community physiotherapy, to working as a Care Coordinator in the Continuing Care sector of NSH. In this role, I began to better understand the impact of socioeconomic status, geography, and availability of home care resources on an individual’s independence and ability to remain at home. It highlighted the importance of the role of physiotherapy in assisting individuals to remain safely at home, and the impact of limited services and resources on an individual’s risk of falls, declining mobility, independence, and safety. After working in the Continuing Care sector for 1 year, I became motivated to return to community physiotherapy to help improve seniors’ access to community rehabilitation.

Currently, I am proudly serving as the Director of Care for PhysioCare At Home, a private organization within HRM focusing on providing physiotherapy and occupational therapy services to individuals across the region. I am focused on both providing hands-on services, as well as education, to both our clients and all seniors across HRM. Our plan for 2022 is to continue to expand across Nova Scotia, and we are in the process of designing both in person and virtual care services to grant more seniors in rural Nova Scotia access to our services.

I want to participate as a Director on the Board because I am looking to grow personally, and professionally, in a community leadership role with the NSCP. I am motivated to continue to follow my purpose in life, which is to help those in my community to the best of my ability. I strongly believe that for me, that is through my career as a physiotherapist. I want to continue to help promote the benefits of physiotherapy to those that currently use its services, and to those who have not yet learned its merits. I believe that my commitment to bettering the lives of Nova Scotians, particularly focusing on Seniors and those in both the HRM and rural areas of the province, will make me a valuable addition to the Board. Through my work in both private and public community physiotherapy in Nova Scotia, I have witnessed the barriers that Nova Scotians face based on their socioeconomic status, race, geography and proximity to resources, and I am committed to focusing on diversity and inclusion, and all citizens' access to physiotherapy services. My current role grants me the flexibility that is required to serve on the Board, and I am confident that I would be able to devote the time and attention needed to responsibly carry out the role of public representative. I additionally understand the time commitment required for both preparing for and participating in Board Meetings, as well as the time required to communicate with members of the public. I will serve fairly, and impartially, and in the best interest of the public, as I have throughout my career as a physiotherapist.

My experiences working as a physiotherapist in community and clinic settings, in both the public and private sectors, have resulted in a skillset that makes me an excellent candidate for a position on the Board of Directors. I have demonstrated my ability to work independently and as a valued member of a team, and promise that I would bring those skills forward as a member of the Board. I have strong communication skills, which are required in my current role as a Director of Care for communication with team members, community partners, and members of the public. I have sound judgement and personal integrity, and pride myself in my professionalism both inside and outside of the workplace. I guarantee that I will advocate strongly for the public, without bias, serving the public interest and working to reduce barriers to physiotherapy services. If elected to the Board, I will demonstrate my ability to use my critical reasoning and decision-making skills that I continue to develop as a physiotherapist. I am in good standing with the NSCP, and am motived to continue to improve the quality of physiotherapy care in the province. My work within the public healthcare sector in Nova Scotia taught me firsthand about the importance of policies in the delivery of care and the utilization of available resources. I believe that I would be an asset to helping establish policies to ensure that the College operations reflect its mandate, and to safeguard its' assets. I believe strongly in the effectiveness of teamwork and the importance of working collaboratively to reach common goals. I guarantee that I will be a respectful, committed, motivated, and collaborative member of the Board, should I be nominated.

The following are examples of times where I demonstrated the aforementioned competencies, each representing a different role worked in the scope of Physiotherapy:

1. Independent thinking - Director of Care and Physiotherapist for PhysioCare At Home.

Currently, as a community physiotherapist, I have to think critically and independently when providing care in clients' homes. It requires constant on-the-spot, flexible thinking to determine how to use my skills as a physiotherapist, in the clients' environments, when resources are often limited. Additionally, as the Director of Care, I am responsible for independently thinking of initiatives to expand our services to all regions in Nova Scotia, and determining how we are going to effectively provide physiotherapy to Nova Scotians facing different barriers to service.

2. Effective communication skills - Care Coordinator for NSH.

Working as a Care Coordinator required strong communication skills both within the Continuing Care Team, but also with clients and members of the community. My communication skills were specifically important when conducting assessments, and educating clients and their families about available resources for both homecare and long term care. It required the effective communication of policies, often in situations where limited funding and resources resulted in challenges for clients and their families. It also necessitated empathetic communication and strong listening skills, in order to assist members of the community during some of their most difficult and vulnerable moments. I learned how to compassionately communicate policies and outcomes with clients, and worked tirelessly to maintain positive rapports during situations of crisis.

3. Ability to work as a member of a team- Community Physiotherapist for NSH.

Working as the sole physiotherapist for the Guysborough and Canso regions of Nova Scotia required strong teamwork skills. In order to effectively serve those communities, I relied on the collaboration with all members of the multidisciplinary team in order to provide physiotherapy services to the best of my ability. This required teamwork with physiotherapy assistants, doctors, nurse practitioners, occupational therapists, nurses, and administrative professionals, to name a few. Without collaboration, I would have been unable to successfully provide care in inpatient, outpatient, and community settings. I believe strongly in the power of teamwork and the positive results that can be accomplished when working together to best serve the public. I believe that holistic, patient-centered care is crucial to achieving best outcomes, and am excited about the potential of working with other like-minded physiotherapists on the Board of Directors.

I sincerely appreciate your consideration of my application for a position on the Board of Directors, and look forward to hearing from you soon. If you have any further questions about my experiences to date, please don't hesitate to reach out.

I graduated from Dalhousie University and hold a BSc.PT degree. I am proud to say I have been a physiotherapist for the past 28+ years. In addition to my responsibilities as a clinic owner I currently provide patient care at KEY Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Centre located in Halifax.

As a clinician I have worked entirely in outpatient musculoskeletal settings in Canada and the USA. I have also held leadership roles with regional and national healthcare organizations.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-mcfarland-ab6b5a22/

I believe it is fundamental for The Nova Scotia College of Physiotherapists to remain a self-regulated professional body. Self-regulation distinguishes us all as professionals and is necessary to protect the public, maintain public confidence and uphold professional standards.

I am interested in serving on the Board of Directors to further improve the quality of physiotherapy care in Nova Scotia. I am confident this can be accomplished by continuing to establish and implement policies based on evidence-based practices.

I have enjoyed the opportunity to serve as an advocate for the physiotherapy profession having represented private practice facilities in contract negotiations with the Workers' Compensation Board of Nova Scotia (Tiered Rehabilitation Services), the Automobile Insurance Industry (Automobile Accident Diagnostic and Treatment Protocols Regulations) and numerous other extended health care underwriters.

I am Dalhousie Physiotherapy graduate of class of 2014 and I am in good standing with the Nova Scotia College of Physiotherapists. My first four years working as a Physiotherapist were spent in Calgary, Alberta, after which I decided it was time to move back home to Nova Scotia where I continue to work in private practice. I have continued to further my education post-grad by becoming certified in Functional Dry Needling, Acupuncture AA2, as well as completing levels with the Orthopaedic Division.

Prior to my time at Dalhousie I completed a Bachelor of Kinesiology degree from Acadia University. While at Acadia, I was a part of the Athletic Therapy program where I worked as a Student Athletic Therapist with the varsity football team.

I have treated patients of varying ages and conditions. I have experience treating athletes, chronic pain patients, motor vehicle and work-related injuries. I use an evidence based approach and tailor each patient’s treatment and exercise program to meet the requirements of their job, hobbies, and lifestyle. I strongly believe in empowering my patients, and providing them with the education to advance and maintain their own health.

I truly enjoy the social component of my job, and strive to make physiotherapy enjoyable and interesting for all of my patients.

Growing up, I was very involved in martial arts, specifically Shotokan Karate, in which I achieved a first-degree black belt. I continue to enjoy an active lifestyle through mountain biking, skiing, and hiking.

I want to participate as a director on the board because I want to help further develop and support the safety of the public when choosing Physiotherapy as an option for their healthcare treatment. I have a particular interest in the safety associated with the use of needles in practice, and would like to work with the board to support the continued safe usage of needles.

I have been a member in good standing with both the Alberta College of Physiotherapists as well as the Nova Scotia College of Physiotherapists. I have been working for eight years and have a good understanding of the private practice Orthopaedic setting. I am motivated and driven to support the public as well as the Physiotherapy profession as a whole.

1) Independent thinking

Working as a private practice Physiotherapist I am faced every day with requirement to think independently. I complete patient assessments, use evidence based practice to determine the best treatment plan for the patients unique injury/condition, regardless or whether the patient is private, WCB, DVA, or MVA.

2) Sound Judgement

With the use of needles in practice, it is imperative that I use my best judgement and treat patients with their health and safety in mind. On a daily basis I have to make the decision of when, where, and if, needles should be used as a modality on my patients. In the best interest of patients I have denied patients the use of needles on a number of occasions due to safety issues and concerns. This has allowed me to successfully and safely treat with needles.

3) Member of a team

Working with MVA and WCB requires an ability to work as part of a team. On a regular basis I communicate with stakeholders to develop treatment plans to return to pre-injury so that patients can return to ADLs and work. I enjoy working as part of a team as I appreciate being able to collaborate and learn from others.