Elections
2025 Nominee's
Judith Abbott:
Background
Background
Before finishing my Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy, I completed a Bachelor of Science in Physiology from McGill University. After graduating, I worked for many years in both private practice and hospital settings in the fields of sports medicine, orthopaedics, paediatrics and geriatrics. I also had the opportunity to work with a mobile physiotherapy clinic covering sporting events and tournaments. I have taken many different courses over the years in the fields of manual therapy, myofascial release, movement imbalances and exercise prescription as well as completing all McKenzie Levels. I completed my Leadership Development Certificate at St-Mary's University in 2009. I have a passion for teaching and education and enjoyed a teaching stint at the School of Physical Therapy in Kingston, Jamaica early in my career. I truly enjoy being able to explain injuries and treatment plans to patients. Seeing them achieve their goals is very rewarding.
I have a special interest in the treatment of cancer patients and being a lifelong learner, am taking courses in that field to gain more expertise.
Why does the nominee want to participate as a director on the board?
Why does the nominee want to participate as a director on the board?
Actually, I have not yet been a part of a Board of Directors. I do enjoy a challenge and see this as a great opportunity. I believe in lifelong learning and this will be a good learning experience. It will also be a nice way to get to know my fellow physiotherapists as well. Hopefully my life experience brings something new to the Board.
What does the Nominee bring to the position?
What does the Nominee bring to the position?
I feel that I am a good teammate so that will help in supporting others. I am dedicated and I think I'll be helpful in achieving the Board's goals. I also feel that I am very respectful of others and am a good listener. I'm practical and I also ask a lot of questions which hopefully is a good trait. I think I have good judgement and this will help with decision making.
Mark (Jonathan) McFarland:
Background
Background
I graduated from Dalhousie University in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy. Over the past 31 years, I have had the privilege of practicing in a variety of clinical and management settings. My primary focus has been in private practice, where I continue to provide clinical services and manage the responsibilities of owning a multidisciplinary healthcare centre. This diverse experience has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of the physiotherapy field and the challenges faced by both practitioners and patients.
Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to continuous learning and professional development. I have attended numerous workshops, seminars, and courses to stay abreast of the latest advancements in physiotherapy. My commitment to lifelong learning ensures that I bring current, evidence-based practices to my clinical work and my contributions to the board.
Why do you want to join/continue as a director on the board?
Why do you want to join/continue as a director on the board?
I am deeply committed to the profession of physiotherapy and believe that it is essential to 'give back' to our community. Serving on the board allows me to contribute to the continued success and integrity of our self-regulated profession. I am passionate about ensuring that we uphold the highest standards of practice and that we support our colleagues in delivering exceptional care to our patients.
As a board member, I see my role as an advocate for both practitioners and patients. I want to help shape policies that promote professional growth, safeguard public trust, and ensure the sustainability of our practice. Additionally, I believe that fostering a supportive and collaborative environment within our professional community is crucial for innovation and excellence. By joining the board, I hope to facilitate open communication and collaboration among practitioners, educators, and regulatory bodies.
What do you bring (or have brought) to the position?
What do you bring (or have brought) to the position?
My extensive experience in the private sector provides a unique perspective that complements the strengths and expertise of my fellow board members. I bring a hands-on understanding of the day-to-day operations and challenges within a clinical setting. Additionally, I am at a stage in my career where I can dedicate the necessary time and effort to support the NSCP’s mission of good governance. I am committed to fostering a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and excellence in our profession.
In my current role, I have developed strong leadership and organizational skills, which are essential for effective board service. I have successfully managed a multidisciplinary healthcare centre, overseeing both clinical and administrative functions. This experience has honed my ability to navigate complex issues, make informed decisions, and implement strategies that enhance service delivery and patient outcomes.
Moreover, I am a strong advocate for patient-centered care and ethical practice. I believe that our primary responsibility is to the patients we serve, and I am dedicated to upholding the ethical standards that ensure their well-being and trust. My goal is to work with the board to develop policies and initiatives that promote transparency, accountability, and excellence in all aspects of physiotherapy practice.
Ann Nelson:
Background
Background
Ann graduated with her Bachelor of Science in physiotherapy from Dalhousie University in 1992. She started work at the Nova Scotia Rehabilitation Centre with neurology, amputee, and chronic pain caseloads. She left the hospital setting in 1994 for private practice. Starting primarily as a clinician she began to do some marketing and management roles. She worked in human resources for a large private physiotherapy company for almost 3 years. With two children she decided to return to the hospital setting and in 2001 started a position at the QEII Health Sciences Centre. She has worked primarily in geriatrics and orthopedics since that time. She started at the Geriatric Day Hospital and Falls Clinic, as well as the Transitional Care Unit in 2003. She completed a Point of Care Research pilot program looking at ways to help her patients maintain their improvements. She then became full time during the pandemic at the GDH and Falls Clinic and has really enjoyed this transition to Geriatric Medicine Outpatient Services.
Why does the nominee want to participate as a director on the board?
Why does the nominee want to participate as a director on the board?
Ann has always been interested in regulation and has served on the NSCP Board earlier in her career. When she was at the AGM last year, she felt it was time to get back into the regulatory world as she has seen many changes in the profession and wanted to help with the migration to the Health Professions Act.
What does the Nominee bring to the position?
What does the Nominee bring to the position?
Ann brings a willingness to read the background information, to keep up on the regulatory world and to share over 32 years of practice knowledge. She will work hard, show up to meetings and always enjoys participating and having deep discussions to make sure the public of NS are protected, and the board is a respectful space.
Michael Sangster:
Background
Background
I am a graduate of the Dalhousie University School of Physiotherapy (Class of 2003), the Master of Business Administration program at Saint Mary’s University, and the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Utica University. Additionally, I hold Specialist Certification in Pain Science through the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. I bring both public and private practice experience to the NSCP as both the former Physiotherapist on the Pediatric Complex Pain team at the IWK Health Centre and a current Physiotherapist at One to One Wellness in Halifax. I am also an Adjunct Clinical Associate at the Dalhousie University School of Physiotherapy. I am passionate about research in practice and teaching. To this end, I am a contributing author to the Oxford Textbook of Pediatric Pain, a TEDx speaker, a co-developer of the online pediatric pain curriculum at SickKids and have numerous peer reviewed publications and conference presentations. I have served as a member of the Board of Directors for 14 years (6 years (2009 - 2015), 6 years (2016 - 2022)), and then re-elected for the last 2 years (2023 - present)). In my tenure, I have served as Chair, Vice Chair, and Past Chair of the Board of the NSCP and as Chair of the Peer Assessment Committee and member of the Investigations Committee.
Why do you want to join/continue as a director on the board?
Why do you want to join/continue as a director on the board?
I believe in the privilege of self-regulation and wish to continue to serve on the Board to maintain a fair and balanced approach to the regulation of Physiotherapy in Nova Scotia. I believe that over the past 14 years, the Board has found this balance in upholding the mission of the NSCP while fostering a collaborative and professional culture with our membership. I believe that this partnership with the Physiotherapists in Nova Scotia is critical to success in self-regulation and wish to continue to serve the Nova Scotia public, the Board, and our membership in ensuring the highest quality Physiotherapy services.
What do you bring (or have brought) to the position?
What do you bring (or have brought) to the position?
In my tenure on the Board, I have served in numerous roles and have vast experience in Board leadership. As Co-Chair and Chair of the selection committees responsible for the hiring of our first and second, executive directors. Through this committee, I was involved in the development of the first performance review process for our staff. In my first six-year tenure on the Board, as Vice-Chair and Chair, I worked to bring much needed fiscal health and order to the NSCP. The NSCP now serves as an example of a College that has a sound fiscal position and robust financial management processes. As Chair of the Peer Assessment Committee, I worked diligently, with our committee, to ensure a fair and balanced process for Peer Assessment. Peer review is one of the primary functions of a College and we have proudly produced an assessment process that other provinces have sought to model. Finally, I have served on the Investigations Committee which has provided me great insight into the nature of public complaints and the establishment of a fair and appropriate process for supporting all stakeholders.
It has been a privilege to serve the NSCP over the past 14 years. I hope to continue in the good work of this Board and to assist all of us in the mission to ensure the highest quality Physiotherapy services in Nova Scotia.
