Julie Brandon
SHE/HERS
Julie was a collegiate Nordic skier and National-level rugby athlete in her youth. She continues to ski during winters, and enjoys running year-round. She is passionate about getting female youth athletes stronger and more resilient to injury. Julie strongly believes that proper mobility and stability are key for injury prevention and rehabilitation and uses manual therapy to open a window of opportunity to establish optimal movement patterning. As part of her treatment, Julie uses Functional Dry Needling, which she has trained for through Kinetacore.
Julie grew up dancing before her love of sport flourished in high school. While she was competitive in running, rowing, and Nordic skiing, the rugby field was where she truly thrived. She played for Ontario U17 and U19 rugby teams and continued her career as a varsity athlete at Queen’s University while completing dual-degrees in Life Sciences and in Physical and Health Education. In 2007 Julie was invited to the U20 Canadian national team training camps and competed for Canada at the 2008 Nations Cup. Each winter, when the rugby fields were covered in snow, Julie switched gears to compete as a varsity Nordic skier.
Julie saw and experienced the benefits of physiotherapy and athletic therapy through each of her sports, and even in high school she was confident that she would pursue a career as a physiotherapist. Upon graduation from Queen’s, she attended the University of Toronto to complete her Master’s of Physiotherapy, where she finished at the top of her class.
After graduation, Julie worked at physiotherapy clinics in Trenton, Kingston, and Fredericton, while following her husband’s career in academia. Her post-graduate training includes Functional Dry Needling (Kinetacore), acupuncture, Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), Soft Tissue Release, Manual Therapy courses through the Orthopaedic Division, and Management of Post-Concussion Syndrome. Julie strongly believes that proper mobility and stability are key for injury prevention and rehabilitation and uses manual therapy to open a window of opportunity to establish optimal movement patterning.
Julie loves to stay active in sport, both as a competitor and as a physiotherapist. She has completed many hours of on-field coverage for high school and college level rugby and football and was the team physiotherapist for the Canadian National Rifle Pistol and Shotgun team for the Championship of the Americas in 2014 and the PanAm games in 2015. In recent years, Julie has participated in competitive rowing, running, and the occasional Nordic ski race. As a keen outdoor enthusiast, you can often find Julie hiking, canoeing, camping, and spending countless hours at the park with her three young children.
Matt Browne
He/His
Matt was a competitive hockey, field lacrosse and box lacrosse player in his youth, playing for the local Guelph Regals lacrosse team. He continues to stay active with a variety of activities including golf, hockey and powersports. From his experiences in sport, he has developed a special interest in working with hockey and lacrosse athletes. He believes in empowering his clients to achieve their goals through an active and collaborative approach to rehab.
Matt grew up in Cambridge, Ontario where he played competitive hockey as well as box and field lacrosse for the Guelph Regals. As many young athletes, he was first exposed to physiotherapy with his own sport injuries. He was fascinated with the profession and how it helped him return to the sports he loved. This fascination turned into passion when completing his Bachelor of Kinesiology at Brock University. He had an influential experience volunteering at a spinal cord rehabilitation gym, solidifying his decision to become a Physiotherapist; he then completed his Master’s of Physiotherapy at the University of Toronto.
Matt continues to expand his knowledge as a physiotherapist. He has completed his AA1 certification with Acupuncture Canada and his Level 1 designation with the Orthopedic Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. As a lifelong learner, he plans to continue to take courses to expand his knowledge and skill set.
Matt believes communication and collaboration with clientele are key to their success when achieving their rehab and functional goals. He strives to ensure his clientele are able to achieve their goals by providing evidence-based treatment and education with an emphasis on exercise, movement and manual therapy when necessary. He enjoys working with athletes, weekend warriors and everything in between and looks forward to helping you work towards your goals, whatever they may be.
He continues to remain active by playing rec hockey, golfing, and other outdoor activities and powersports. While admittedly not great, he is trying to become a runner and with the goal of completing a marathon down the road. You’ll also find Matt with his wife Lindsay checking out local restaurants and craft breweries, or on the water at his family cottage.
Danielle Bougie
SHE/HERS
Danielle was a competitive downhill ski racer and a varsity field hockey player in university. She has been coaching downhill ski racing for the past 16 years at various levels. She enjoys hiking, HIIT workouts, snowshoeing and spending time outdoors. While Danielle enjoys treating all ages of clientele, she has a special passion for treating children. She believes that rehab should be an active, motivated, and committed process involving both client and therapist.
Danielle’s first love has always been skiing. She got into skiing at the age of 3 and then couldn’t be stopped. She started to race at the age of 12 and still remains active in the race world as a Coach. She also played varsity field hockey at the University of Western Ontario while completing her Undergraduate degree in Kinesiology. She then earned her Master’s in Physiotherapy at Queen’s University. She started her career at a reputable sports medicine clinic in Brampton, where she worked for almost 10 years before joining the team at Defy.
Danielle received high-level training from mentors at her first clinic, especially in return-to-sport after post-surgical conditions including ACL rehabilitation. She has invested in many postgraduate courses including Sahrmann Diagnosis and Treatment of Movement Impairment Syndromes: Neck and Shoulder, Treatment of Shoulder and Knee with Kevin Wilks, Mulligan Concept courses, the McKenzie Institute, Concussion Rehab Management, and Vestibular Rehabilitation.
Danielle believes that life-long fitness is fundamental for a healthy lifestyle. Exercise can be achieved by so many different means, not just going to the gym. She encourages her clients to find something they love and enjoy, so they are more likely to succeed with staying active.
In her downtime, Danielle enjoys skiing with her family, hiking with her partner Andrew and her German Shepherd Reagan, and going to Orangetheory Fitness.
Patty Fraser
She/Hers
Patty was an avid golfer and cross-country runner in her youth. She loves the outdoors
and enjoys staying active through hiking, kayaking, dragon boating, yoga and pilates.
Patty brings 30+ years of valued experience in orthopaedic, sports injury and post-surgical rehab. She has an encouraging nature and uses a collaborative approach to empower her clients of all ages to get back to doing what they love.
Patty first experienced the benefits of working with a physiotherapist in high school; since then she has been curious and fascinated by how the body moves and its ability to both heal and improve. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Western Ontario, and has spent the bulk of her career working in orthopaedic sports clinics with a focus on return to activity or sport. She is dedicated to helping her clients achieve their goals and to be active in their desired capacity.
Patty loves to learn and uses that curiosity to expand her skills and knowledge, ultimately better serving her clients. Her post-graduate professional development list is long, and includes numerous courses related to movement patterning, muscle imbalances, manual therapy, exercise therapy, acupuncture, concussion management and vestibular rehabilitation. Patty is AFCI certified in acupuncture.
Outside of the clinic, Patty has years of experience providing training and sideline care for her daughter’s hockey and softball teams. In her free time she enjoys spending time with family and friends, getting outside with her dog, hiking, yoga, kayaking, photography, salsa dancing and reading. She has a long bucket-list of places she’d love to travel to! Patty speaks Spanish and French
Justine Tobin
She/Her
Justine enjoys both road and mountain biking in the summer and downhill skiing and hockey in the winter. She is fascinated by the adaptability of the human body and is passionate about returning individuals back to the activities they love. Justine has a special interest in sport and exercise related injuries and enjoys bridging the gap between injury rehabilitation and performance.
Justine is a multi-sport athlete turned adventure sport enthusiast. She started out in competitive soccer and transitioned to ice hockey, rowing and university level field hockey. She is now an avid skier, mountain biker, amateur crossfitter, and loves to surf at any chance she gets!
She believes in an active approach to rehab focusing on exercise and education, supplemented with manual therapy. Justine is passionate about injury prevention and keeping individuals physically resilient throughout their lives.
Justine provides both orthopedic and pelvic health services and particularly enjoys working with sport and fitness athletes. She is currently working towards her Sport Physiotherapy Certification and is the primary Defy Medical Provider with Guelph United FC. Outside of the clinic, Justine is the communications coordinator on the Canadian Sport Physiotherapy Ontario Division Committee.
Justine received her Bachelor of Kinesiology from the University of British Columbia. She completed her honours thesis in the relationship between lower extremity strength imbalance and injury prevalence in varsity football players. After her fair share of physiotherapy visits over the years, she was inspired to blend her love for sport and science and continued on to pursue her Masters in Physical Therapy at Queen’s University.
Justine has worked with a range of clientele including individuals with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, geriatric populations, front line workers and athletes. Justine is an evidence-based clinician who understands that when it comes to treatment, one size does not fit all. She provides pelvic health services to individuals experiencing pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence as well as other concerns surrounding the pelvis / core in order to empower and guide all genders towards a symptom free lifestyle.
She strives to ensure that your specific goals are met and that you feel both physically and mentally ready to jump back into the activities you enjoy.
When Justine isn’t at the clinic you can find her on her bike, instructing skiing, searching for the perfect pale ale or listening to podcasts.
Estee Black
She/Hers
Estee enjoys participating in all recreational sports, with a particular interest in snowboarding. She loves being part of a team and is passionate about optimizing recovery and athletic performance. Estee completed a Sports Physiotherapy Fellowship after she graduated, where she treated varsity athletes through their athletic seasons. She is currently pursuing her Sports Physiotherapy Certificate, in the hopes of one day working for a professional team.
Estee completed her undergraduate degree in Human Kinetics at the University of Guelph. During this time, she had the opportunity to work as a student trainer for the Men’s Varsity Rugby team, which sparked her passion for treating athletes. Prior to pursuing physiotherapy, Estee spent a year teaching English in South Korea, allowing her to travel and experience various cultures before diving into her career.
After graduating from the University of Western for her Masters of Physical Therapy, Estee completed her Sports Physio Fellowship at UoG. She treated UoG varsity athletes through their athletic seasons and acted as the Lead physio for the men’s soccer, volleyball and wrestling teams. She then transitioned into a role as the Lead Therapist for Guelph United Football Club for the 2022 season, alongside her co-worker Justine Tobin.
Katie Wood
She/Hers
Katie has always been an avid equestrian, having grown up on a breeding farm and competed in the sport of eventing most of her life. Katie is an avid outdoors-woman and hiker. If not on a horse, she spends most of her free time on a trail or on her paddleboard, and has fun with both paddle and hike-in camping trips through the summer. Katie enjoys working with a variety of patients. She has a special interest in equestrian populations.
Katie has always been an avid equestrian, having grown up on a breeding farm and competed in the sport of eventing most of her life. Katie is an avid outdoors-woman and hiker. If not on a horse, she spends most of her free time on a trail or on her paddleboard, and has fun with both paddle and hike-in camping trips through the summer. Katie enjoys working with a variety of patients. She has a special interest in equestrian populations.
Hailing originally from the Kawarthas, Katie completed her undergraduate in Animal Biology from the University of Guelph in 2016, before moving to complete her Masters in Animal Biosciences in 2018. After gaining valuable experience as a veterinary assistant in a local equine practice, she pursued her physiotherapy degree with the University of Toronto.
As a lifetime equestrian, Katie has trained and competed several horses through the eventing levels, and was Ontario Champion in 2010 at the Training level. She also enjoys spending time in the Kawarthas, and spent many years training her parents’ Rocky Mountain Horses and helping prepare them for sale. For the last few years, she’s enjoyed a steadier pace while completing her schooling, exploring local trails and fox hunting with the Eglinton Caledon Hounds on her Thoroughbred, Sparrow.
Beyond physio and her equestrian pursuits, Katie is an avid outdoors-woman and hiker. If not on a horse, she spends most of her free time on a trail or on her paddleboard, and has fun with both paddle and hike-in camping trips through the summer. On a recent trip to Alberta she also found a passion for whitewater paddle boarding between exploring mountains. She intends to continue to train for this sport, now back in Ontario.
Katie enjoys working with a variety of patients. She has a special interest in equestrian populations. She believes solid foundations in the saddle start on the ground, and riders of all ages can benefit from additional cross training outside the arena to optimize their performance and minimize the impact of impairments or injuries in the tack. She recognizes the opportunity that exists for performance gains in equestrian athletes and aims to bridge the gap in this special population.
Frank Kumi
He/His
Frank is a lover of team sports, and continues to play recreational basketball in Guelph. He was a former competitive soccer and basketball player. Frank understands the importance of communication and formulating a game plan to reach a common goal. He prioritizes listening and communicating with his clients to establish personalized treatment plans that align with their goals. Frank places a strong emphasis on educating his clients, prescribing therapeutic exercises, and performing manual therapy and dry needling when beneficial.
Frank grew up in Toronto, where he played soccer and basketball competitively. After experiencing chronic knee pain for several months, he was exposed to physiotherapy and sports medicine which helped to get him back to playing the sports he loved. Frank completed his Bachelor of Kinesiology at York University, where he competed in intramural basketball all four years. It was rare not to find Frank at the basketball court in between classes or at the end of the day, every single day. He then went on to complete his Master’s of Science in Physical Therapy at Queen’s University, where he competed in intramural basketball all two years, and intramural soccer for one year.
Frank’s post-graduate training includes Functional Dry Needling, Acupuncture, Post-Concussion Management, Vestibular Rehabilitation, and Manual Therapy courses through the Orthopaedic Division. He plans to continue taking courses to provide his clients with the best care possible.
Frank has decided to settle down in Guelph with his wife, a Guelphite, and their cat (Afia). He enjoys staying active by playing basketball and going for walks by the river.
Laura Lando
She/Hers
Laura was a Collegiate soccer scholarship athlete, and a member of the National Training Program as a youth soccer player. She now coaches her son’s soccer team, and enjoys cycling, weight lifting, and staying active. Laura divides her time between coaching and growing the amazing people on the Defy team, managing the clinic, treating clients, and taking care of her young family. She has a passion for women’s health across the spectrum, from youth athletes to older individuals looking to stay active.
*Voted Best Physiotherapist in Guelph
Laura started playing soccer at the age of seven while growing up in Brampton, Ontario. By the age of ten, she was playing competitively and she never looked back. She was selected for Team Ontario, and advanced to participate with the National Training Centre of Ontario. A member of the Team Canada U-17 Training Camp, Laura’s soccer career led her to a full scholarship at Fordham University in NY, NY. She excelled on the soccer field, as well as in the classroom. Her passion for sport, her positive experiences in physiotherapy, and her love of health and wellness led her to a career in physiotherapy. Laura received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree at Columbia University in NY, NY. After working as a staff PT, she opened and managed a successful new clinic for her employer SPEAR Physical Therapy.
Laura’s postgraduate studies include courses in Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), Mulligan Concept, Functional Range Mobility Specialist Certification (FRCms), NAIOMT, Kevin Wilk’s Treatment of the Shoulder & Knee, The McKenzie Institute, as well as training in Vestibular Rehabilitation and Concussion Treatment. She is a member in good standing of the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.
Laura caught the triathlon bug from Jared, and has completed multiple triathlons including her first Half-Ironman distance in 2014. Laura truly believes that “exercise is medicine” and can provide numerous health benefits both physically and emotionally. She believes there are ways for everyone to exercise and achieve personal fitness. She enjoys helping people figure out what works best for their lifestyle, understanding that seasons change. Laura has been involved with the Up & Running Program in Guelph as a coach, and continues to try to support the program through fundraising initiatives. When she makes time for herself, Laura enjoys reading historical fiction, exercising outdoors, and spending quality time with her two little boys and husband.
Jared Lando
he/his
Jared is extremely passionate about helping runners get back to doing what they do best. He has completed multiple Ironman-distance triathlons as well as fulfilled his dream of qualifying and running in the Boston Marathon. Within the Defy team, Jared has taken numerous courses on both coaching and rehabilitating runners; combined with his experience in Strength & Conditioning this gives him a unique perspective on treatment of running-related injuries and running performance. Jared also has pursued a dual career in firefighting, and appreciates the unique physical demands of the job.
*Voted Best Physiotherapist in Guelph
Jared grew up playing competitive baseball and soccer through high school, and then played rugby for Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts. He completed his degree at Manhattan College in the Bronx, New York, graduating with a B.S. degree in Exercise Science. After his undergraduate studies, Jared spent a few years training elite high school and university athletes at a private facility outside of NYC as well as assisting patients and athletes who were rehabilitating from injuries.
With the desire to increase his knowledge, Jared entered Physiotherapy school at Stony Brook University in New York and graduated in 2010 with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy as well as a new passion for endurance sports. Jared has worked in private sports orthopaedic clinics in NYC and Ontario, and he has managed a private concierge physiotherapy company in NYC.
Jared has completed 4 Ironman triathlons, hundreds of other endurance events of all distances including the Boston Marathon. Endurance sports speak to Jared as an athlete and as a Physiotherapist, as he believes that your results are dictated by the work and effort you put into them. He is personally invested in getting the most out of his body and is passionate about helping others do the same.
Jared’s post-graduate coursework includes Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), Functional Anatomy Seminars (FRA, FRCms and FR), Active Release Techniques, Mulligan Concept, NAIOMT, Treating the Multi-sport Athlete, USA Weightlifting Sports Performance Coaching, and many others. Continued learning is not just a weekend course but something he practices on a daily basis for the purpose of giving his patients the best care possible. Jared’s experience with sport, conditioning, and his physiotherapy background gives him the ability to appropriately guide athletes from recovery to returning to sports using high level exercises.
Other than running and biking a lot of miles, Jared defies the stereotype of an endurance athlete and is passionate about getting stronger and lifting heavy weights. He enjoys reading, podcasts, balancing a healthy diet with Oreos, and most importantly not missing a second of time with his two little boys.
Jenny Telfer-Crum
She/Hers
Jenny (she/her) is a recreational fitness junkie and well-being enthusiast. From home workout videos with her mom in her childhood and running in her teen years, to spin classes, belly dancing, bootcamps and traditional strength training in her 20s, and now doing CrossFit and yoga for the last 3 years, to say she enjoys variety is an understatement. As a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist, Jenny combines her love of movement and exercise with specialized training to address a number of pelvic health concerns.
Jenny tailors her approach to each client, depending on your concerns, goals and lifestyle. Using a holistic approach to ‘look outside the pelvis’ while addressing these concerns helps to optimize symptom management and your overall well being. Mental health, stress management, recovery and coping skills are all important factors in her work with clients. Jenny strives to combine passion and compassion in a trauma-informed practice, so you feel comfortable and safe exploring what can be intimate and vulnerable concerns. Her goal is to work with you so that you can understand your body, address your concerns and stop worrying in order to confidently pursue your goals.
Jenny studied Human Kinetics for her Bachelor of Science at the University of Guelph, followed by her Masters of Science in Physiotherapy at McMaster. She immediately took a special interest in Pelvic Health, and has since taken over 20 courses in Pelvic Health in order to address incontinence (bladder leaking), pelvic organ prolapse, and persistent or new pelvic pain including sexual pain, period-related pain and painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis. She loves helping people transition through life’s challenges and transitions, whether that is optimizing pelvic health for fitness or sport performance, providing pre and postnatal care, staying active through menopause, or going through prehab and rehab before and after pelvic or abdominal surgeries, including gender affirming procedures. She also provides pessary fittings to help manage persisting prolapse or incontinence symptoms.
Outside of clinic hours, Jenny is an Educator with Pelvic Health Solutions and Antony Lo, helping other Physios and FitPros to level up their care approaches. As a lifelong learner, Jenny is usually knee-deep in a course, podcast or curled up with her two cats reading a book related to health and wellbeing. Through her own journey with anxiety and stress management, she values looking at the bigger picture in her approach to help her clients truly be well. She also enjoys singing, dancing and spending time outside with her husband Sho and their German Shepherd Mikko (Rantanen, go Avs!).
Dr. Megan Kamphuis
she/Her
Dr. Megan stays active by playing competitive volleyball in Guelph. She also enjoys running, having completed four half-marathon distance races as well as her new challenge, triathlon. She believes in the importance of healthy active living including nutrition, sleep, and movement for both herself and her patients. She strives to teach her patients the importance of whole-body health and how to optimize their function in sport, activity, and everyday life.
Dr. Megan stays active by playing competitive volleyball in Guelph. She also enjoys running, having completed four half-marathon distance races as well as her new challenge, triathlon. She believes in the importance of healthy active living including nutrition, sleep, and movement for both herself and her patients. She strives to teach her patients the importance of whole-body health and how to optimize their function in sport, activity, and everyday life.
Dr. Megan has played a multitude of sports including baseball, rugby, and badminton but since a young age you could always find her on a volleyball court. She has played both competitive indoor and beach volleyball and competed in provincial and national championships in both sports. She now continues to play competitive volleyball within the Guelph community. Megan also finds joy in running which has led her to complete four half-marathons and recently, her first triathlon. When she is not training, you can find her hiking and golfing in the summer, and skiing in the winter.
Megan completed her Doctor of Chiropractic at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College and her Bachelor of Science Honours at the University of Guelph in Bio-Medical Science and Neuroscience. She has completed research at the University of Western Ontario in Skeletal Biology and the University of Guelph in Spine Biomechanics and Tissue Regeneration. She has also completed additional training in Activator and Thompson technique, Myofascial Release Technique, Kinesiology Taping, Functional Movement Training and Functional Biomechanical Assessment, and Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Therapy.
Dr. Megan believes manual and functional therapy is not just for those who are in acute or long-term pain and that everyone, from pregnant women to retirees, and children to athletes can benefit from education, exercise, and hands-on care to alleviate episodic pain, reduce their risk of injuries or reoccurrence of pain, and improve their flexibility, mobility, posture, and performance.
Andrew Lefler
He/His
Andrew grew up as a multi-sport athlete, particularly excelling at basketball. After high school he developed a passion for ultimate frisbee. Playing Ultimate has led him to compete at the Canadian Ultimate Championships the past 5 years in a row. Andrew has completed rigorous training in Active Release Technique, completing the Full Body certification. The team members at Defy rely on Andrew for his anatomy and soft tissue knowledge and often consult with him on clients’ injuries.
Andrew grew up as a multi-sport athlete, particularly excelling at basketball. He competed at the rep level, while also getting involved with coaching youth basketball. After high school he developed a passion for ultimate frisbee, again excelling as an athlete and a coach. Playing Ultimate has led him to compete at the Canadian Ultimate Championships the past 5 years in a row.
Positive experiences with his own training and athletic rehabilitation influenced Andrew to pursue a career as a Massage Therapist and Performance Coach. He graduated with honours from the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy in 2015. He is also a CrossFit Level 1 Coach. He is a member in good standing of the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario.
Andrew has completed rigorous training in Active Release Technique, completing the Full Body certification. His other post-graduate studies include the following: Functional Range Conditioning Mobility Specialist Certification (FRCms), RockTape RockBlades Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, RockTape Functional Movement Taping, CrossFit Level 1 Trainers, and Power Athlete Methodology.
Andrew can be found living an athletic lifestyle on a daily basis. You will find him training, coaching, or competing in Ultimate Frisbee. He believes that good movement quality is paramount for pain management, and success as an athlete. In his spare time Andrew enjoys training, reading books, playing games, and spending quality time with his wife and their dog.
Alexie (Lex) Michaud
She/Hers
Alexie Michaud, best known as Lex, 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. She is in good standing with the Canadian Athletic Therapy Association and College of Massage Therapists of Ontario.
Alexie Michaud, best known as Lex, 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. She is in good standing with the Canadian Athletic Therapy Association and College of Massage Therapists of Ontario.
Lex’s passion for sports stems from her introduction to gymnastics at the age of four. This sparked her competitive side, which quickly turned into soccer, volleyball, basketball, badminton, track and field – essentially anything she could pick up that did not require skates. Multiple sports, games and practices a week in her teens were accompanied by countless injuries and overall soreness and pain. Excellent rehabilitation and training through her own injuries inspired her to pursue a career in Athletic Therapy and Massage Therapy.
As an Athletic Therapist, she has provided care to various performance levels and age groups; from Timbit hockey to professional athletes to weekend warriors. She has worked with the 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 experience and education, Lex has a strong understanding of prevention and management of orthopaedic injuries through each stage of the healing process. She uses techniques including soft tissue release, joint mobilization, lymphatic drainage and pain modulation in combination with an individualized exercise plan to restore normal and optimal function.
Alexie keeps active by hiking daily with her dog, Tank, playing recreational league volleyball and swimming. She is also known for never losing a hand of cribbage!
Neel Sanzgiri
he/his
Marketing & Media Coordinator
Neel is a young marketing professional who thrives in pushing the creative envelope. Neel brings previous marketing experiences in the hospitality and entertainment industries to the Defy team.
Originally from Goa, India, Neel traveled to Canada in 2018 to pursue his education in Sports Business Management along with Marketing and Brand Management degrees from Algonquin College in Ottawa. Apart from being a marketing specialist and a content creator, Neel has a passion for Football (Soccer), and has worked with Ottawa City Soccer Club as a Head Coach for youth athletes.
Neel loves bringing his work to life with strong visuals and an organized, thoughtful approach. Earnest, enthusiastic and excited, Neel looks forward to growing within the Defy community by forming valuable relationships both personally and professionally.
Elaine Bryant
She/Hers
Client Experience Manager
Elaine is an avid distance runner, having completed many marathons; her favourite being the Walt Disney World marathon events. Along with running she enjoys paddle boarding, cycling and hiking with her husband, two grown kids, and their family dog Smokey. You will find Elaine at the front with her welcoming smile.
Elaine studied at Sheridan College and practiced as an Athletic Therapist for ten years before starting her family. She then spent 19 years managing a busy law firm in Mississauga where her medical background was highly useful.
Elaine recently moved to Guelph and loves the positive energy the city brings. She enjoys exploring the trails and getting involved in the community. She is excited to be at Defy where she can contribute her passion for a healthy, active lifestyle.
Claire Huckle
She/Hers
Client Experience Coordinator
Originally from the UK, Claire immigrated to Canada nearly a decade ago with a desire to kickstart her international hospitality career. Alongside her degree in Hospitality & Business Management from the University of Portsmouth, she brings with her 10 years of experience in providing quality customer service.
Over the last few years, Claire has been living out West in Whistler, BC, where she reaped the benefits of an active mountain lifestyle. Claire grew up as an avid racquet sports enthusiast, particularly excelling in badminton in her youth. She continues to play badminton and loves skiing, snowboarding, kayaking and biking… aka all the fun activities Whistler is renowned for!
Claire also has some training in massage therapy. She can attest to just how important a supportive rehabilitation plan is in aiding someone’s recovery and overall well-being after a debilitating injury.
Having recently moved to Guelph, she is enjoying the neighbourhood’s perfect balance of city life and small-town charm. Claire is thrilled to be joining the Defy team in the role of Client Experience Coordinator, where she is eager to combine her two passions: hospitality and wellness.
Blake Brand
he/his
Client Experience Coordinator
Blake is a student at the University of Guelph studying Human Kinetics. He has played many sports growing up including hockey, soccer, volleyball, tennis, track and field, and badminton. Blake is an avid volleyball player and is currently a leftside/libero on the varsity Men’s Volleyball team at UofG. He has been playing competitively for 12 years now and has had a multitude of injuries that have ignited his passion for rehabilitation and sports medicine.
In his free time, Blake loves to be outside and work out. When not training with the team, he enjoys playing tennis, skiing, hiking, and loves learning about human anatomy, injury biomechanics, and sports rehabilitation.
Blake joins us after previous experience in other chiropractic and physiotherapy clinics. Upon graduation from the University of Guelph, he hopes to attend Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto. Blake is currently a mentor with the Pearson family Student-Athlete Mentorship (SAM) Program at UofG and loves to help others navigate the challenges of university.
Blake is absolutely thrilled to join the Defy team! He loves the interdisciplinary approach that is present at Defy and the amazing people that create such a great atmosphere around the clinic. He enjoys the individualized plans that are created for each client and the client-centered approach that Defy believes in. Blake can’t wait to welcome you and hear about your goals!
