Meet Our Team

Dr. Richard Thompson obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in Kinesiology (Hon) from the University of Western Ontario in London, with particular academic focus in biomechanics and human physiology. He earned his Doctor of Chiropractic from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) in Toronto, where he maintains an ongoing relationship as a member of the college.

Dr. Thompson has been actively involved in competitive sports since early childhood. Having played competitive volleyball, hockey, and soccer, his interest in Chiropractic was formed early thanks to the various sports injuries that came with the territory. As such, his current day practice involves a special area of interest in sport related injury and performance.

Dr. Thompson’s clinical practice has been based on first determining a clear and concise diagnosis before an evidence based treatment plan is implemented and thoroughly discussed with the patient. By looking at the overall cause for pain and injury, rather than the symptoms the injury evokes, his various treatment modalities and techniques can be applied very specifically and effectively for a quick resolution of the problem(s). Dr. Thompson attributes much of his clinical success to being a certified practitioner in Active Release Techniques® for over 10 years, which has taken his palpation, diagnostic, and treatment skills to the next level. He maintains his ART® credentials annually at seminars throughout North America where he works with elite athletes from all over the world. He also became an Ironman® Network Provider after completing onsite training and treatment at the Ford Ironman in Phoenix, Arizona in 2011.

Dr. Johnston graduated from Acadia University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology with honours. He continued his education at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) where he obtained his Doctorate of Chiropractic degree and graduated cum laude. During his clinical internship, Dr. Johnston spent both rotations at the CMCC Campus Clinic learning from two well established Chiropractic Doctors, while treating a variety of acute and chronic injuries in the North York Community.

Dr. Johnston was born and raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia where he was heavily involved in the athletic community, his main passion being basketball. He competed at a high level throughout his youth, being named team captain on all four successive Basketball Nova Scotia provincial teams, including the 2013 Canada Games Team. Throughout his athletic endeavors, he used Chiropractic Care to overcome sport related injuries, and also as a preventative measure to encourage and maintain optimal health. The combination of the success of his personal Chiropractic care, his passion for human anatomy, biomechanics, and his drive to help others caused him to pursue a career in Chiropractic.

Dr. Johnston believes in and is committed to evidence based medicine and taking the time to provide patients with the education and knowledge required to have a better understanding of the source of their pain and/or injury. His desire to further his education in manual care techniques led him to receive his certificate in Functional Integrated Acupuncture from Dr. Scappaticci and Kazemizer Shark® Full Body Hands-On Workshop from Dr. Kazemi.

Dr. Johnston adopts a patient-centred approach to treatment while using an array of manual techniques such as manipulation and mobilization, soft tissue therapy and acupuncture, as well as patient-specific active rehabilitation exercises and education.

Originally from Three Rock Cove, NL, Dr. Fitzpatrick first came to Halifax to work towards a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology at Dalhousie University as a Loran Scholar. During her studies at Dalhousie, she had a particular focus in human anatomy, physiology, and ergonomics. This keen interest of how the body functions, combined with an athletic upbringing led Dr. Fitzpatrick to pursue a career in Chiropractic. She then received her Doctor of Chiropractic upon graduating Cum Laude and Clinic Honours from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) in Toronto. Dr. Fitzpatrick then received her Contemporary Medical Acupuncture Diploma from McMaster University in Hamilton and has also completed postgraduate training in soft tissue therapy and foot biomechanics.

Upon graduating from CMCC, Dr. Fitzpatrick returned to Halifax where she and Dr. Richard Thompson founded Active Approach Health & Wellness Centre in 2006. Dr. Fitzpatrick has a particular interest in pre and post natal care and treating infants and children. She is currently completing her full pediatric certification through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA). Dr. Fitzpatrick applies an evidenced based approach and focuses on patient centered care to provide the most effective treatment for her patients.

Gillian Scott graduated in Toronto, Ontario in 1993 with a Diploma in Professional Shiatsu Therapy (2200 hrs) from The Shiatsu School of Canada (SSC) Inc. After graduating, she joined The Toronto Pain and Headache Clinic where she practiced for 8 years in a multidisciplinary environment along with Doctors of Chiropractic and Acupuncture. Gillian was asked to train as a teacher upon graduation from SSC and became an instructor for the Shiatsu practice/theory certificate program for 7 years. She has taken advanced professional development courses and workshops in Chinese & Japanese acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping and holistic nutrition as well as tai chi, qi gong, and Iyengar yoga and meditation.

In 2003, she decided to reside in Halifax where she attended the Massage Therapy Diploma Program (2200hrs) at International Complementary Therapies (ICT) Northumberland, with a special interest in Swedish massage techniques, orthopedic testing, and sports massage. In the past 7 years, her continuing education certification has focused on hand and foot treatments, reflexology, LaStone Therapy®, neuromuscular integration and structural alignment (NISA), full body myofascial techniques, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction techniques.

Bringing 20 years of clinical experience to Active Approach Health & Wellness Centre, Gillian continues to practice as a non judgmental, effective Shiatsu and Massage Therapist within the healthcare community of Nova Scotia. She is an active member of the Massage Therapy Association of Nova Scotia (MTANS) and The Nova Scotia Association of Reflexology Practitioners (NSARP), and past board member of The Shiatsu Therapy Association of Ontario (STAO).

Katie attended ICT Northumberland College for massage therapy. Upon graduating she was awarded the MTWPAM award for a graduate who best exemplifies the science as well as the art of massage. Katie is also a proud member in good standing of the Massage Therapy Association of Nova Scotia. Her education sparked a strong passion for anatomy, clinical assessment, biomechanics, and rehabilitation. Furthering her expertise, Katie has completed specialized courses and electives in myofascial release, sports massage, visceral fascia treatments, and suikodo.

Her practice integrates orthopedic testing and an intuitive approach to address the underlying causes of dysfunction, focusing on holistic care and long-term relief. Katie is committed to treating each patient as a unique individual, guiding them on their healing journeys through personalized treatment and education.

Growing up in Brackley Beach, Prince Edward Island, Katie’s competitive biathlon background, which included competing in the 2019 Canada Games, along with her personal experiences with chronic pain, sparked her early interest in manual therapy. Inspired by her yoga practice, athletic training, and experiences with various manual therapists, she decided to become a practitioner dedicated to helping others heal and thrive. In her spare time, Katie practices yoga, breathwork, and meditation. She is also an avid artist, creative writer, and poet. With a love for the outdoors and a background in wildlife conservation, she enjoys hiking and sharing plant (and anatomy) facts with friends.