DAVE Leyland
Dave is co-owner of COAST and has been a practicing Physiotherapist since 2012 in North Vancouver. Dave has worked with desk workers to professional athletes and loves teaching clients to understand their bodies and why things might be occurring. He helps them move easier, perform better and be more resilient to injury, whether that be in daily life or competitive sport.
Dave believes that the most important tool when it comes to rehab is movement and he uses an extensive array of manual therapy techniques, exercise and Functional Dry Needling (IMS) to help reduce pain and maximize mobility. This is Rehab!
CLayton cross
Clayton Cross is a Certified Athletic Therapist, Strength and Conditioning Coach and Co-Owner of COAST.
Clayton grew up in Winnipeg playing multiple sports at the high school, university and club level. His love for sport and movement continued into his post secondary education at the University of Winnipeg where he enrolled in the Athletic Therapy program.
After graduating with his Kinesiology and Applied Health degree and successfully completing the Canadian Athletic Therapist Certification process in 2008, Clayton became the Fitness Coordinator for the Vancouver Police Department.
Since moving on from the VPD, Clayton has worked in the North Vancouver and downtown area treating a wide range of clients from the everyday person to Olympic and professional level athletes.
Clayton’s passion of rehabilitation and performance training has fueled his pursuit of continuing education. He has attended multiple courses and seminars such as Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization and Muscle Energy Technique to expand his skill set to bring the best care to the people he works with. He has written articles for local and national magazines on injury prevention topics and has spoken at national and local conferences.
Clayton strongly believes in finding the root cause of any injury. Treatments are based off of an in-depth assessment that takes the whole body into consideration. The focus is always on addressing a patient’s needs through a continuum ranging from manual therapy to exercise and movement-based therapy and reconditioning. This often involves the treatment and reintegration of the core, hip and shoulder complex to get people out of pain back to full function.
Overall, Clayton’s goal and his goal for COAST is to have a client leave in a better state than before they got injured.
When he’s not working Clayton likes spending time with loved ones, traveling, training and playing, volleyball, basketball and tennis.
LEsley Brennan
Excellence, experience and enthusiasm define Lesley's practice. A graduate from the University of Western Ontario in London Ontario, Lesley has always been fascinated with how the human body functions. "No two bodies are the same!"
Lesley is passionate about providing the best possible care for your condition. Her approach is very hands on, with a lot of manual therapy, some functional dry needling (IMS), exercises, education on your condition and proper movement patterns. She will provide you with the tools you need to understand and benefit fully from your treatment. She also treats BPPV / Vestibular Rehabilitation.
With over twenty years of clinical experience as a physiotherapist, Lesley has worked with a wide variety of patients, including Olympic, university, high school athletes, work related injuries, motor vehicle accidents, and 'wear and tear' orthopedic problems. Her goal is to devise treatment plans tailored to your precise symptoms and history. These plans will include some 'homework' to implement and assist in your recovery.
When not in the clinic, Lesley's 3 children keep her and her husband busy with all their activities. A lifelong athlete, she also enjoys running in the trails with her dog, playing hockey, skiing, biking, hiking or playing soccer with the family to name a few of the many activities.
yasha rabbani
Yasha has been a physiotherapist on the North Shore for almost 12 years which gives him an extensive background in manual therapy, movement integration, sports rehab, exercise prescription, and Functional Dry Needling/IMS. Yasha has worked with athletes from university to the Olympic level including the Junior National Slopestyle/Big Air Team.
Whether you are someone with common aches and pains or an athlete of any kind, Yasha looks forward to being able to help you.
richard JOHnson
Richard completed his Master of Physical Therapy following a Bachelor of Kinesiology at the
University of British Columbia. His physiotherapy approach combines movement-based
rehabilitation, manual therapy techniques and individualized exercise programs. Richard strives
to build his clients’ confidence and optimism by providing evidence-based education and
fostering self-sufficiency. He currently holds a certification in Functional Dry Needling/IMS and
Level 1 Manual Therapy.
Richard has worked with people of all ages and backgrounds with added experience treating
active youth and adults. He has worked with high school basketball teams, fitness studios the
Capilano Rugby Football Club and the Vancouver Whitecaps Residency Program.
Born and raised in North Vancouver, Richard leads an active lifestyle with an appreciation for
the surrounding wilderness. He enjoys mountain biking, going to the beach, and hiking the
Pacific Coast mountains. His other interests include working on his car, watching sports, playing
basketball and exercising at the gym.
Richard looks forward to helping his clients achieve their physiotherapy goals so they can
successfully return to the activities that they love!
wilfred ly
Wilfred achieved his Doctor of Physiotherapy from the University of Melbourne following a Bachelor of Kinesiology from the University of British Columbia. He believes in educating and providing his clients with the tools necessary to facilitate a speedy recovery as well as prevent future injuries. He's worked in several clinical settings, including acute neurology (adult and pediatric), in and out patient orthopedics, cardiorespiratory, intensive care unit, emergency, in-patient rehabilitation and has a keen interested in musculoskeletal injuries and conditions, especially post-surgical clients. Wilfred utilizes an exercise-based approach and employs manual therapy techniques and IMS/Dry Needling to help clients recover and return to activities quickly.
Prior to working as a physiotherapist, Wilfred worked as a kinesiologist at several clinics and held a Head Coach position at a local competitive swim club.
CONNOR LEWIS
Connor is a Physiotherapist and Strength and Conditioning Coach (NSCA-CSCS). Born and raised in North Vancouver, he completed his Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology at Simon Fraser University, all while playing on the varsity NCAA Division II Basketball team.
Connor’s passion for sports performance and rehabilitation fuelled his desire to continue his education. After his Undergraduate degree, he worked as a Strength and Conditioning Coach for over 2 years working with a variety of clientele, from high performance athletes to rehab patients. Following this work experience, Connor continued his education by obtaining a Masters of Physiotherapy degree from the University of Sydney, Australia.
As a physiotherapist, he has obtained experience working in a variety of settings including, Acute Neurology, Cardiorespiratory, ICU, and private practice. Connor has a special interest in musculoskeletal injuries which led him to working for a private practice in Sydney. It was there he treated people with “everyday injuries” such as work-related, postural, and athletic injuries.
He also gained valuable experience working as the physiotherapist for an elite level AFL (Australian Rules Football) club. Connor’s approach to rehabilitation is centered around movement-based rehab and exercise principles. Connor strives to instil confidence in his patients by utilizing a combination of exercise prescription and manual therapy skills in order to obtain the best results for his patients. Outside of the clinic you will find Connor enjoying all that North Van has to offer. He enjoys hiking, biking, paddle boarding, skiing, and playing basketball.
laura mcneill
Laura, originally from Edmonton, graduated from the Master of Science in Physical Therapy program at the University of Alberta. Prior to this, she completed her undergraduate degree in Exercise and Sport Science at Oregon State University where she was part of the Varsity rowing team. Laura became interested in physiotherapy throughout her time as an athlete struggling with injuries of her own. Her treatment style involves identifying all impairments and any underlying issues to provide the most effective intervention and prevent re-injury. Using a collaborative goal setting approach, Laura tailors every intervention to meet the specific needs of each patient to return to prior level of function or sport performance.
Her treatment plan focuses on hands on manual therapy, functional exercise programs and education.
Outside of the clinic, Laura remains passionate about fitness and is an avid runner and enjoys sports including golf, volleyball and basketball. In her spare time she also enjoys taking trips to the mountains to hike or snowboard and spending time with her dog.
Jennifer Keefer
Jen is a manual therapist and IMS practitioner who believes in a partnership with her clients that includes mobility, strengthening and education. Jen completed two two degrees at UBC: a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy and Bachelor of Human Kinetics. She completed her Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) training in 2004 and completed her certificate as a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy (FCAMPT) in 2007. In addition to working in private practice, Jen is also a clinical instructor at the UBC School of Rehabilitation Medicine (Physiotherapy) and has done guest lectures at Capilano University. She was a member of the Professional Development Advisory Committee for the physiotherapy association of B.C. for 10 years.
Jen’s treatment philosophy involves finding the source of the problem and resolving recurring or chronic injuries. Her goal with all her patients is to allow them to experience their sport, activity or task with pain free and optimal movement. Jen's practice focuses on runners, soccer players and pre and postpartum patients but she welcomes patients of all activity levels and backgrounds.
Jen has competed at an elite level in several sports including sprinting throughout her youth and at a varsity level at UBC, trail running and road and mountain biking at the pro-elite level. She has three very active kids who have found their own passion in sport with soccer and skiing. You will often see her out on the trails riding, running, or skiing with other amazing fit North Shore moms or with her kids.
Terry Donaldson
After an extensive career as a Kinesiologist, Terry completed his Doctorate of Physiotherapy at Bond University in Australia. Terry’s treatment style integrates manual therapy and other interventions with exercise as he believes that everyone can improve their quality of life by increasing their overall strength and conditioning. Terry has clinical experience rehabbing clients from orthopedic procedures (knee, hip, shoulder, ACL, etc), work-related injuries as well as sports injuries. Terry has a keen interest in shoulder pain and dysfunction as well as cycling-related injuries.
He challenges himself to stay up to date with current research so he may offer the highest level of informed care to his clients. *See full bio on website for Terry’s published research.
cHRISTIAN DIEGO
Christian completed his Master of Physical Therapy and Bachelor of Kinesiology at the University of British Columbia. He currently holds his Level 1 Advanced Integrated Musculoskeletal certification and is keen to take further continuing education.
Christian has clinical experience working with individuals of all backgrounds and ages who have been rehabilitating from athletic injuries, motor vehicle accidents, orthopedic surgeries, or work-related injuries. Christian utilizes manual therapy techniques, individualized exercise prescriptions, and education to help you achieve your unique rehabilitation goals.
Born and raised in North Vancouver, Christian has stayed active in the community by coaching basketball at the high school & Special Olympic levels. Outside of the clinic, Christian enjoys playing basketball, running, lifting weights, and trying new sports.
LAura claridad
Laura received her Advanced Athletic Therapy Certification at Mount Royal University in Calgary after graduating with a Bachelor’s of Kinesiology at UBC. Starting as a student trainer during her undergraduate degree, she has worked with diverse athletes of various sports backgrounds ranging from amateur to professional level in the field and the clinic. These included varsity football, soccer, softball, basketball, Australian rules football, volleyball, hockey, dance, and the BC Lions Football Club.
She has also worked in the private sector with active patients of various demographics and fitness levels as a therapist and certified personal trainer. Laura believes that no matter what sport or life endeavour you want to pursue, having the strength capacity and body resiliency to withstand or surpass the demands of that activity will keep you doing what you love to do. Whether it’s step one after an injury, returning to sport, work or life, Laura utilizes hands-on manual therapy techniques in conjunction with individualized exercise-based rehab to get you to where you want to be.
DANIELA HOOLAEFF
Daniela is a Certified Athletic Therapist who completed her education at Camosun College on Vancouver Island. She enjoys working with individuals of all athletic abilities to help promote recovery from injury and facilitate a safe return to performance - whether that be in sport, work, or life.
Daniela treats a wide range of muscle, bone, and joint injuries. She provides a thorough assessment that helps guide a treatment plan that manages current symptoms, promotes long-term healing, and prevents re-injury. Each treatment session is collaborative and client-centered using manual therapy techniques and movement-based rehabilitation tailored to reach your individual goals.
In her spare time, you can find Daniela enjoying time outside highlining, leisurely climbing, or working on the sidelines of sports games.
Whether you are an athlete in sport or in life, Daniela looks forward to helping you decrease your pain and getting you back to doing the activities you enjoy!"
Daniela will primarily be available for Exercise-based rehabilitation at the North Vancouver location
DR. CArla cupido
Carla first earned an Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology degree while competing as a varsity track athlete. From there, her fascination with the human body led her to a Doctor of Chiropractic degree and Diploma of Contemporary Medical Acupuncture from McMaster University. Many other credentials followed, along with studying under individuals like Ido Portal and pursuing knowledge through self-developed experimental movement programs.
Carla's been published in numerous sport and wellness magazines, in addition to peer-focused journals and has led movement sessions for everything from corporate wellness programs to leadership and wellness retreats.
Dr. Cupido's committed and passionate about deepening her understanding of human movement through studying from a wide variety of disciplines, both from an academic and experiential perspective. Carla loves sharing the information she’s collected over the years to help others live healthier and richer lives.
You can learn more about Carla and her movement coaching at www.drcarlacupido.com.
DR. Aidan Genik
Dr. Aidan Genik completed his Bachelor of Science in Pre-Physical therapy at the University of Hartford, Graduating Cum Laude, all while playing Division 1 NCAA Lacrosse. Following Undergrad Dr. Genik attended Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College where he received his Doctorate of Chiropractic.
Dr. Genik’s evidence-based treatment approach includes spinal adjustments, joint and soft tissue mobilizations, instrument assisted soft tissue techniques, athletic taping and exercise rehab therapy. Dr. Genik’s certifications in Functional Range Release and Functional Range Conditioning guide his hands-on and exercise approach.
As a former athlete, Dr. Genik understands the nature and course of athletic injuries and enjoys working with athletes to return them to peak performance in a timely manner. Dr. Genik also treats a variety of everyday injuries such as work related, repetitive strain, postural and motor vehicle injuries just to name a few.
Dr. Genik believes that leading a healthy active lifestyle and being an example for his patients is a large part of being a health care practitioner. When Dr. Genik isn’t working, you can find him staying active through hiking, biking, snowboarding, playing lacrosse and going to the gym.
Aleisha seggie
Aleisha’s continuous curiosity toward health sciences along with her love for helping others is what naturally drew her into the world of massage therapy. Having had a series of soft tissue injuries growing up, Aleisha has a deep understanding of the difficulties that exist while living with pain & dysfunction, and the stress that comes along with it.
For those who are suffering from injuries, stress, headaches, chronic pain, troubles sleeping, or in need of relaxation, Aleisha will work with you to create a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. She aims to provide a safe, non-judgmental environment that welcomes open communication for you to feel your best.
A session with Aleisha includes a mixture of both therapeutic techniques along with relaxation and flow to give you balanced treatment. She enjoys utilizing myofascial techniques, trigger point therapy, joint mobilizations, and classic Swedish massage.
nick kew
Nick is a Fascial Stretch Therapist and Kinesiologist, as well as a former registered massage therapist and certified personal trainer. He has worked with with a diverse range of clientele including all ages and backgrounds with extra focus on recreational and competitive athletes.
Nick takes a detailed, goals-oriented approach and strives to help clients break through any progress plateaus by using movement to improve capacity as efficiently and sustainably as possible.
Neuromyofascial and joint function issues come up most frequently in his sessions. Nick’s general view on rehab and fitness is that the human body is an individual unit composed of many interdependent systems which are influenced by many factors, so any training or therapeutic process must be tailored accordingly for each individual.
Nicole jones
Nicole completed her Bachelor of Arts Degree at Carleton University, before obtaining her Massage Therapy Diploma from Fanshawe College. Her passion for health and wellness began at an early age while playing competitive soccer and hockey, where she discovered the benefits and value of massage therapy as part of her rehabilitation from sports-related injuries. Nicole believes in the healing power of movement and in treating the body as a whole. Through her knowledge and ability to discern what techniques will be most effective, she creates a customized treatment plan to fit clients’ individual needs.
Her treatments include a variety of Swedish massage techniques, deep tissue, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, joint mobilization and soft tissue release. Nicole recently relocated to Vancouver and is excited to take advantage of all the West Coast has to offer, while supporting others in leading a healthy active lifestyle.
David Gillies
David is an RMT with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Dalhousie University. His treatment style is unique and you will likely be moving during treatment. He is skilled at assessing chronic and complex issues and he believes an effective treatment requires an extensive look at health and injury history coupled with a thorough assessment. David’s clinical framework can be summed up as: “just because something is tight doesn’t mean it needs to be stretched, just because something is sore doesn’t mean it needs to be massaged; what hurts is rarely the source of your pain or dysfunction”. Please bring or wear active clothing so he can access the area of concern but you can comfortably move.
Megan Redpath
Megan graduated from UBC Okanagan with a Kinesiology degree and minor in Psychology. She has over 7 years experience in training, passionately focusing on functional movement patterns and strength training to better one's life outside of gym hours. She loves strength training that compliments one's favourite activities to stay injury free!
Megan grew up playing sports, focusing on soccer and basketball but was never exposed to functional strength training leading to many injuries during her developmental years. This past experience has helped guide the way for better rehab and strength training for clients!
Megan also has an interest in pre and postnatal strength and rehab to help women receive education on breathing, core engagement, and strength training to reduce pain while building strength for the busy times ahead.
danni dyck
Danni is a Certified Nutritional Practitioner, graduating from the Institute of Holistic Nutrition in Vancouver BC. Moving from Saskatchewan over 15 years ago, her passion for health and nutrition has taken root in the active lifestyle of British Columbia. Through personal experience and consultations, she’s witnessed the power and role that nutrition, fitness and lifestyle can play.
Before joining Coast, she spent 7 years working with a supplement and nutrition company, gaining in depth knowledge of supplementation and the health and wellness industry.
Danni loves educating people on the benefits and power of natural and fresh whole foods, helping to understand the role that nutrition plays on the body in line with a balanced and healthy lifestyle. She believes in the mind gut connection and is looking forward to getting people to think differently about what they eat and its impact on how they feel as a whole. Danni’s approach is to spend time working towards the root cause, finding ways to address health from a holistic approach to food, exercise and lifestyle.
jorg patzer
1978-2018
We continue to honor our friend and team member Jorg Patzer.
Jorg was an amazing human that we were lucky to have here at COAST. He excelled at his craft and brought a passion to life that was evident to everyone that met him. He was always down to have a good time, crack a joke, speak his mind and express his heart to the world. He lived life to the fullest and loved to adventure with family and friends near and far.
You will be missed good friend and will always have a place in our hearts