Meet the Alderney Chiropractic Team

Chiropractic
Massage
Acupuncture
LaserMedix
Yoga
Pilates
Atlantic Orthotic
Administration

Chiropractic

Dr. Jans Ellefsen,
Chiropractor

“It was like a flash bulb went off in my head,” continues Dr. Ellefsen. “I was in my second year of university on my way to becoming an engineer. That’s when I took a biochemistry elective and the whole concept of the amazing human body and how it works began to enthrall me. I knew I wanted to be involved in the health profession but from an approach that treated the underlying causes of pain and illness and not just the symptoms.” The next two years for Dr. Ellefsen were not only a quest for knowledge, as he completed his science degree, but also to find a health related career that complimented his health care philosophy. “I had streamlined my program towards a career as a medical doctor focusing on preventative medicine. It was then that a friend introduced me to chiropractic and his chiropractor… I was hooked,” smiles Dr. Ellefsen. “I’ve never looked back!”

Dr. Ellefsen completed his science degree at Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) in 1995 with a major in biochemistry and a minor in nutrition. After completing his studies there he was accepted at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Toronto. After completing his four year program and accompanying internship Dr. Ellefsen explains how eager he was to return home and establish a practice. “I always knew I wanted to return to Nova Scotia raise a family and establish a practice.”

Since graduating Dr. Ellefsen has continued his passion for learning and education through regular attendance at seminars and training conferences. He is certified in ART® (Active Release Technique) and has a passion for helping performance athletes achieve their goals and has demonstrated his commitment to this field as the president of the Sports Medicine Council of Nova Scotia (SMCNS).

Dr. Ellefsen spends his time away from the clinic with his lovely wife, two daughters, and two dogs. He and his family are avid skiers. Dr. Ellefsen and his daughters are members of the Martock Ski Race Club and enjoy the competitive edge. Dr. Ellefsen’s other hobbies include sailing, mountain biking, and triathlons. You’ll also find him swinging a hammer or digging up the garden in his back yard.

Dr. Ellefsen believes in maintaining his health through a balanced lifestyle which includes a healthy diet, regular chiropractic and massage care, exercise, lots of water, and plenty of family time.

“Thanks for visiting our site. I look forward to meeting you in person and learning how we may be of service to you. Give our office a call, or email me using the link below and let’s arrange a time to explore your options.”

Yours in Health,
Dr. Jans Ellefsen

Dr. Ellen MacPhee,
Chiropractor and Acupuncturist

Dr. Ellen MacPhee grew up in Summerside, PEI and was heavily involved in Scottish Highland Piping and Dance, as well as school musicals and concert band. She attended St.F.X. University in Antigonish, NS to complete a Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics. The study of human movement was a perfect foundation for her studies to become a Doctor of Chiropractic in Toronto, at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. Dr. MacPhee graduated from CMCC in 2006 and went on to California for an internship in rehabilitative nutritional therapy at the True North Health Center, Santa Rosa.

In 2007 Dr. MacPhee began the process of setting up her own clinic in her hometown, Summerside Chiropractic Clinic. It was her great joy to provide chiropractic, acupuncture and nutritional therapy to the community where she grew up. In July 2008 her family welcomed their first child and things got busy indeed! Her partner’s job took them to the Halifax area in November 2008 and they now reside in Lower Sackville. She continues to participate in the Celtic music community in Nova Scotia and is happy to be close to friends and fellow Xaverian Alumni.

Dr. MacPhee is excited to be part of the health care team at Alderney Chiropractic.

Massage Therapy

Mhairi Fyfe

Mhairi graduated with honours from Kikkawa College in Toronto in 1997. She has taken post-graduate courses in craniosacral therapy, lymphatic drainage, thai yoga massage and reiki. She is going into her second year of a five year program in osteopathy. Osteopaths are specialists in manual therapies which include craniosacral therapy, counterstrain (a form of myofascial release), visceral manipulation and gentle joint manipulation. Osteopaths are holistic practitioners who view the body globally. In other words, they take into account presenting symptoms, but, using tests and a refined palpation, also look further into possible connections between bodily systems to discover the source of the problem. Mhairi welcomes new clients.

Tanya Frenette, RMT

Tanya Frenette is the newest member of Alderney Chiropractic Wellness Center. She is a member in good standing with the Massage Therapists and Holistic Practitioners Association of the Maritimes. She graduated from the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy in Bedford NS in July 2009, upon completion of a 2200 hour program.

She has always been very interested in the health and well being of others and considers herself very lucky to be able to assist client's physical health through massage therapy.

"I look forward to working with you and assisting you in your journey to optimal physical health."

Andrew Thomas, M.Sc. PT, B.Sc. KIN, RMT

Andrew has been interested in the human body, health, wellness and exercise since he first began his post-secondary education; completing an honors degree in Kinesiology from Dalhousie University in 2001. From there, he studied Massage Therapy at Northumberland ICT College in Halifax and practiced for three years as a Registered Massage Therapist.

In 2007, Andrew returned to Dalhousie to further his knowledge of the human musculoskeletal system via the Masters in Physiotherapy (entry-level) program. Participating in various exercise programming projects, as well as a research thesis on Chronic Low Back Pain Treatment Protocols, has left him with the desire to use what he has learned to optimize the health, well being, and overall fitness of his patients. The integration of proper, safe, and functional exercise into his patient’s lives has been the corner stone of his clinical approach. He looks forward to meeting anyone wishing to improve their health, reduce their pain and embrace the beauty of hum movement.

Carol Nickerson, RMT

Carol graduated from ICT Northumberland College after completing a two-year Massage Therapy Diploma. After graduation, she owned and operate Cornwallis Massage Therapy in Cornwallis Park for four years before relocating to California. Carol has also taken and completed Myofascial Release of Cervical and Lumbar spine with Barry Jennings and has her Level 1 Reiki.

Carol has treat many types of injuries, including but not limited to; motor vehicle accident injuries, repetitive strain disorders, muscle sprains and strains for runners, triathletes and cyclists and relaxation treatments to decrease stress and increase circulation.

Acupuncture