Our Story
It all began in 2003 at Dalhousie University. We were two motivated physiotherapy students excited to begin careers that would allow us to, one day, return to the home of our hearts – Cape Breton Island.
We shared a common goal of opening our own clinic to serve the communities where we were raised. Filled with optimism, we returned to Cape Breton and married in 2007. Over the next few years, we worked hard to gain experience in a variety of physiotherapy fields.
In June of 2014, our dream of owning our own physiotherapy practice became reality. We are proud to be the owners of Cabot Physiotherapy, locally owned physiotherapy clinics, located in Sydney River and Glace Bay.
It truly means the world to us to be able to live, work, and raise our family in the community that we call home.
Thank you so much for your ongoing support,
Brian & Melissa
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Brian Howley
Physiotherapist, Clinic owner
Brian grew up in Bras d’Or, Cape Breton. He attended Acadia University, graduating in 2003 with a Kinesiology Degree concentrated in Sports Rehabilitation. Brian continued his education at Dalhousie University completing a Physiotherapy Degree in 2006. Brian returned home to Cape Breton in 2007 and has worked in a variety of different settings including: primary physiotherapist for Cape Breton University Athletics, hospital inpatients & outpatients, as well as private practice.
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Melissa McDonough-Howley
Physiotherapist, Clinic owner
Melissa is a Cape Bretoner, growing up in Glace Bay. She attended Dalhousie University in Halifax, NS where she obtained her BSc in Kinesiology and BSc in Physiotherapy degrees. Graduating from Dalhousie in 2006, Melissa began her career as a Physiotherapist in Yarmouth, NS.
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Liam McCormick
Physiotherapist
Liam grew up in Glace Bay, Cape Breton, and graduated from Glace Bay High School in 2004. After high school, he attended St. Francis Xavier University and completed a degree in Kinesiology with a minor in Health Science in 2008. Liam then traveled to Scotland and completed his Master’s degree in Physiotherapy from Robert Gordon University in 2012.
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Cassie MacDonald
Physiotherapist
Cassie has been a member of the Cabot Physiotherapy team since 2018. Hailing from Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, Cassie completed her Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry at Cape Breton University. She then moved to Halifax where she received her Master of Science, Physiotherapy degree from Dalhousie University.
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Chelsea Ogbuah
Physiotherapist
Chelsea is originally from Yarmouth, NS, where she began her physiotherapy career. She graduated from Acadia University with a BSc Kinesiology in 2012. She was a member of the Athletic Therapy program working closely with varsity sports teams.
Chelsea continued her education at Dalhousie University where she graduated with her MSc in Physiotherapy in 2014. Since graduation, she has furthered her education in acupuncture, functional dry needling, concussion management and vestibular rehabilitation. She also has continued her education in the areas of jaw, shoulder, low back and persistent pain.
Chelsea has a particular interest in vestibular rehabilitation and concussion management, as well as enjoys helping those of all ages with sports related and other musculoskeletal injuries. She continues her education in order to provide her patients with the most up to date and patient centered care.
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Autumn Rideout
Athletic Therapist
Autumn is a passionate Athletic Therapist with a strong background in prevention, assessment, emergency & acute care, rehabilitation and reconditioning. Throughout her career, she has worked with many athletes ranging from middle school to university level. Most recently, she is known for her dedicated work with Cape Breton University Varsity Athletics.
Autumn completed her BSc Athletic Therapy degree at The University of Winnipeg where she gained valuable knowledge in musculoskeletal disorders.
Autumn is committed to continuous learning and growth, and strives to make a positive impact in the Athletic Therapy community.
In her spare time, Autumn is passionate about health and fitness, and enjoys running outdoors.
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Ceilia Williamson
Registered Massage Therapist
Cecilia is a Registered Massage Therapist from Baddeck, Nova Scotia. She graduated from Island Career Academy with honours and received the MTANS student award in 2017.
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Crystal Hiscock
Registered Massage Therapist
Crystal is a Registered Massage Therapist from Glace Bay, Nova Scotia. She graduated with honors from Island Career Academy in 2015, also receiving the MTANS student award of distinction.
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Laura Moore
Registered Massage Therapist
Laura is a Registered Massage Therapist from Sydney, Nova Scotia. She graduated from ICT Northumberland College with her diploma in Massage Therapy in 2010 and has been practicing full-time at Cabot Physiotherapy since that time. Laura has taken courses in deep tissue massage and hot stone massage. For the last few years she has been sharing her experience by mentoring new massage therapy graduates through a work placement program. Laura lives in Sydney River and enjoys reading, hiking, animals, and the great outdoors.
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Taylor MacNeil
Registered Massage Therapist
Taylor has been a member of the Cabot team since 2023. She is a member of the Massage Therapy Association of Nova Scotia (MTANS) and received the MTANS student award for her graduating class in 2023.
Taylor looks forward to continued training and expanding her skills to provide the best treatment plans for her clients.
Taylor is from Westmount and enjoys outdoor activities with her family, friends and fur-boy Chapo.
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Tanya Pilling
Patient Experience Coordinator
Tanya joined the Cabot Physiotherapy team in 2023. She took her office administration and medical technology program in 2011. Since that time, Tanya has worked in several roles in the secretarial field. One of Tanya’s favorite aspects of her work is meeting and interacting with new people. Outside of work, Tanya loves to spend time with family and friends, especially her grandchildren.
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Arlene Dyer
Patient Experience Coordinator
Arlene joined the team at Cabot Physiotherapy in May 2015. Arlene has worked in the secretarial field for several years gaining lots of experience and meeting wonderful people. Arlene enjoys spending time with her family, good movies and traveling.
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Barb Moore
Patient Experience Coordinator
Barb joined the Cabot Physiotherapy team in 2018 after working in the education field for a number of years. She can be seen around the office working the front desk or helping out as a clinic aide. Barb has a Bachelors Degree from St. Mary’s University and a Medical Office Assistant Certificate from St. Lawrence College. After being away for 13 years, and living and travelling Asia for six years, she made Cape Breton home in 2010. Barb enjoys good food, travelling, being outdoors and hanging out with her crazy kids.
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Tara Clarke
Clinic Aide & Digital Marketing
Tara grew up on our lovely island of Cape Breton. She really enjoys getting to know everyone who comes into our clinic. She has two beautiful children and when she isn’t working, she is at home spending time with them. Some of Tara’s favourite things are food, family, and friends. Oh, and, of course, animals.
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Rashmeen Kaur
Clinic Aide
Rahmeen is originally from Pujab, India and joined the Cabot Physiotherapy team in 2023. Rashmeen attended university in India where she completed her Bachelor in Physiotherapy in 2022. Rashmeen moved to Cape Breton to pursue Occupational Health and Safety Management at Cape Breton University. In her leisure time, Rashmeen enjoys exploring beautiful views and spening time with loved ones. She is an avid reader and loves diving into books making life truly fulfilling.