Michael Di Vito (PT)
BSC, BHSC, MSCPT
OWNER
REGISTERED PHYSIOTHERAPIST
CONTEMPORARY MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE
NEUROFUNCTIONAL SPORTS PERFORMANCE PRACTITIONER
CLINICAL INSTRUCTOR - MCMASTER ACUPUNCTURE PROGRAM
Michael Di Vito graduated in 2014 with a Masters in Physiotherapy from McMaster University where he was able to gain clinical experience in a variety of settings. Prior to attending McMaster, he received both a Bachelor of Science specializing in Physiology and a Bachelor of Health Science specializing in Rehabilitative Science from the University of Western Ontario. Michael’s academic background provides him with extensive knowledge in exercise physiology, nutrition, and physical rehabilitation.
Michael grew up active and played a variety of sports. During his time at the University of Western Ontario, he began to focus his efforts towards competitive powerlifting. Michael co-founded the Western Gym Team at his university where he gained considerable experience both training himself and fellow students in order to excel in their sport. In his spare time, Michael enjoys being outdoors and staying active by golfing, biking and skiing.
Michael has taken post graduate courses in Contemporary Medical Acupuncture, Advanced Neurofunctional Sports Performance, Foundations in Functional Assessment and Spinal Manipulative Therapy. He is currently clinical instructor at the McMaster Contemporary Medical Acupuncture program and is also planning to complete his certification in Spinal Manipulative Therapy.
What separates Michael from other therapists is his neurofunctional approach to assessment and treatment. This approach does not seek a single hypothetical source of pain, but instead investigates clinically the most common levels of dysfunction. Understanding and evaluation of such dysfunction allows the design of multidimensional treatment plans aimed at facilitating the body’s own healing mechanisms and promoting self- regulation of nervous system activity.
In simple terms, a neurofunctional approach aims at stimulating nerves in order to aid the body in healing itself.
Laura Di Vito
OWNER
PERSONAL TRAINER
FASCIAL STRETCH THERAPIST - LEVEL 2
Laura is a personal trainer and Fascial Stretch Therapist who has 8 years experience in the fitness industry. Playing competitive sports her whole life helped to develop Laura’s passion for fitness and well being. Once submerged in the industry her focus quickly shifted to a rehabilitative and functional approach where she found great success helping people move better regardless of experience of injury. She integrates Fascial Stretch Therapy with the majority of clients and has found it to be a great tool to implement to help release fascial restrictions to improve quality of movement at its core.
Laura is extremely passionate about helping her clients move better and enjoy life to its fullest. As one of the clinic owners, Laura is excited to be able to create a culture and community where like minded people come together to collectively help clients and patients achieve their goals!
Certifications:
- Agatsu Kettlebell Level I & Joint Mobility & Movement
- Darby Training Systems (DTS) Level I Certification
- DTS & Eion Lacey’s Energy Systems & Modified Strongman Training
- Poliquin Biosignature
Kaitlyn Fitzsimmons (PT)
REGISTERED PHYSIOTHERAPIST
CONTEMPORARY MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE
NEUROFUNCTIONAL SPORTS PERFORMANCE PRACTITIONER
CLINICAL INSTRUCTOR - MCMASTER ACUPUNCTURE PROGRAM
Kaitlyn received her Master’s of Physiotherapy from McGill University in 2013. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at the University of Western Ontario. While at Western, Kaitlyn was the Athletic Therapist for the Women’s Field Hockey team which sparked her passion for a career in physiotherapy.
Kaitlyn’s treatments focus on active rehabilitation with an emphasis on acupuncture. With her Neurofunctional Sports Performance Practitioner certificate, she has advanced needling techniques that have given her patients positive results with their complex musculoskeletal conditions. Kaitlyn also has advanced training in concussion and vestibular (dizziness and vertigo) rehabilitation.
Kaitlyn’s treatments have a strong focus on active therapy including the extensive use of acupuncture. Completing her advanced needling through the McMaster University Neurofunctional Sports Performance Practitioner certificate, she has a unique functional approach to assessing and treating sports injuries and complex musculoskeletal conditions. Kaitlyn is so passionate about the positive effects of acupuncture that she became an instructor with the Contemporary Medical Acupuncture program at McMaster.
Kaitlyn has advanced concussion and vestibular training. Having completed the Shift Concussion Management level 2 courses her treatment approach includes a detailed assessment, vestibular-ocular exercises, autonomic rehabilitation and a guided return to play/school/work plan. Kaitlyn’s Advanced Vestibular Rehabilitation training is a great compliment for her concussion management as many patients experience dizziness post-concussion.
Most recently Kaitlyn has completed the Titleist Performance Institute Level 1 Body-Swing Connection course. As a golfer herself, she is excited to implement her knowledge in addressing some of the key areas of restrictions that may be impacting her patients’ swing.
One of her proudest physiotherapy moments was being part of the Toronto 2015 Pan Am Medical Team and watching the Canadian Men ’s Volleyball team win bronze. When not at work, Kaitlyn can be found out for a run, at CrossFit, out on the golf course or spending time with family and friends.
Maggie Dunlop-Juarez (DC)
CHIROPRACTOR
Dr. Maggie went to Brock University and graduated in 2007 with her Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology. Upon graduating she moved to Calgary to pursue her Advanced Athletic Therapy Certificate from Mount Royal College. She spent the next 6 years in Calgary working at The Edge School as a treating and traveling athletic therapist with their male and female hockey program. She became actively involved with Rugby Alberta, Hockey Alberta and Junior Lacrosse. She moved to California in 2013 to help open up a physiotherapy clinic in Silicon Valley and to work as a head Athletic Trainer for a High School District. She was constantly referring to a Chiropractor in the community and saw the benefit her athletes were getting for Spinal Manipulative Therapy.
In 2017 she decided to take the leap and go to Palmer College of Chiropractic West in San Jose California. During her schooling, she was president of the soft tissue club, a campus guide and an executive member of the associated student government. She was the last Canadian to be invited to be a clerk and have a 6 month internship at the Veterans Hospital in Palo Alto, CA. Dr. Maggie graduated in March of 2020 as the Valedictorian, winner of the Virgil Strang Philosophy Award and runner up of the Clinical Excellence Award.
Dr. Maggie uses an evidence-based approach to her chiropractic treatments. She does a thorough examination to find the main cause of her patients complaints and utilizes a variety of different treatments including diversified technique, mobilizations, soft tissue work, acupuncture, and exercise to treat her patients. In her free time she loves reading, running and hanging out with her 3 German Shepherds.
Bianca Filice (DC)
BA, DC, CMAG
CHIROPRACTOR
CONTEMPORARY MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE
Dr. Bianca completed her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology and Physical Education from Brock University. She then went on the complete her doctorate in Chiropractic from New York Chiropractic College. During her time at NYCC she received an advanced certificate in Sport Science and Human Performance, as well as completing the Contemporary Medical Acupuncture program through McMaster University.
Dr. Bianca was a provincial level gymnast, played rep hockey at the A/AA level and was a competitive cheerleader. Having undergone multiple injuries, she is able to use her own personal experience with her clinical knowledge to provide evidence-based care for her patients. She continues to stay active and athletic through weight training and running.
Dr. Bianca treats her patients with a very holistic approach and views her cases through a neurological lens. She is interested in complex cases and is able to combine her knowledge in chiropractic and acupuncture to help find the solution. These complex cases include, but are not limited to back pain, joint pain, TMJ issues and headaches.
Dr. Bianca also has significant experience working with athletes of various backgrounds and physically active individuals by helping with pain and/or injuries that come along with leading an active lifestyle. She is eager to help her patients restore proper function and movement as well as reach their goals of recovery and/or performance.
When out of the office, Dr. Bianca can be found hiking various trails, reading thrillers or making and eating tacos.
Alexie Michaud (RMT)
REGISTERED MASSAGE THERAPIST
Alexie Michaud 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.
Alexie’s passion for sports stems from an introduction to gymnastics at the age of four. This sparked her competitive side, which snowballed into soccer, volleyball, basketball, badminton, and track & field - essentially anything she could pick up that did not require skates. Weekly games and practices in her teens were accompanied by countless injuries, soreness and pain. It was her own rehabilitation and training that led her to pursue a career in Athletic Therapy and Massage Therapy.
As an Athletic Therapist, she has worked with athletes of various performance levels and age groups; from timbit hockey to professional athletes to weekend warriors. She has worked with 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 vast experience and education, Alexie has a strong understanding of prevention and management of orthopaedic injuries through all stages of healing. She uses a multitude of techniques, including soft tissue release, joint mobilization, lymphatic drainage and pain modulation. In addition to these passive techniques, Alexie often includes a personal exercise plan to optimize function.
Alexie keeps active with daily hikes with her dog (Tank), playing recreational league volleyball and swimming in all four seasons. She is also known for never losing a hand of cribbage.
Tiffany Dzugan (ND)
NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR
CONTEMPORARY MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE
Dr. Tiffany Dzugan, ND is passionate about improving the lives of her patients. She believes whole heartedly that women who are stressed and burnt out deserve to feel amazing and receive wonderful care. This led her to a practice focusing on women’s health related to hormones and digestion.
Dr. Tiffany runs a general practice, seeing a range of concerns including weight management, stress management, women’s health issues (menopause, fertility, PMS, cycle regulation), thyroid dysregulation, pain management, digestive health, depression, anxiety, sleep and skin health.
Dr. Dzugan graduated from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine first in her class. She received several awards throughout her year of internship honouring her outstanding clinical and academic achievement. Prior to Naturopathic Medicine College, Tiffany attended McMaster University where she completed an Honours Science Bachelor of Kinesiology Degree. With this, she became a Registered Kinesiologist and was a CSEP certified personal trainer. Her breadth of knowledge about exercise as medicine and lifestyle intervention greatly influences her practice today.
Dr. Tiffany Dzugan, ND is in good standing with the OAND and CAND, has her prescribing rights in Ontario. She has completed certifications in Functional Neuromuscular Acupuncture, Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture and Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) including thyroid hormone.