Our Team
Dr Jennifer Maher (She/Her)
Doctor of Chiropractic
Dr. Jen's passion for health and wellness promotion began in 2001 when she first started teaching group fitness classes at the YMCA in Edmonton. It was an injury received during a Crossfit activity that first introduced her to the wonders of chiropractic care. She completed her undergrad at the University of Alberta and graduated with clinical honours from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, where she met her husband, Dr. Shaun.
Dr. Jen's goals are to make the residents of Sydney and the greater Sydney area the healthiest bunch on the east coast.
"Chiropractors are perfectly aligned to compliment the healthcare system, not only in terms of helping patients who have acute back pain but also in terms of helping people learn how to take better care of themselves and reach their health goals," says Dr. Jen.
Dr. Jen enjoys teaching seniors’ exercises classes. She also has a special interest in perinatal chiropractic, paediatric chiropractic and menopause.
In her spare time, you may see her exploring our island, at the gym, taking in a show at the HAT or playing at the park with her beautiful children and dog.
Dr. Shaun Maher (He/Him)
Doctor of Chiropractic
Growing up in Cape Breton Dr. Shaun enjoyed swimming, sailing, waterskiing, golfing, and downhill skiing. Like many, he left to complete his Bachelor of Science at Dalhousie University. After University he moved to Fernie, BC where he worked as a Chiropractic assistant for many years before being accepted into the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College.
Becoming a chiropractor has given Shaun the opportunity to return home to serve his community and be active in the healthcare of his community members. He aims to help people live the healthiest lives possible through health education, chiropractic care, and above all role modeling the healthy, active lifestyle he promotes.
In his spare time, you may see Dr. Shaun on the golf course, on the ski hill, at the gym, or at the park playing with their two kids and dog.
Dr. Mekenna Bowers (She/Her)
Doctor of Chiropractic
Dr. Mekenna may not be from the area and her family ties to Nova Scotia are a few generations back, but it feels more like home than Ontario ever did. Especially with everyone being so welcoming! A couple years ago she convinced her partner to go on a road trip, camping across Nova Scotia with their dogs, knowing he’d fall in love and be convinced to relocate.
Dr. Mekenna completed her Honours Bachelor of Science with distinction from the University of Toronto with degrees in Comparative Physiology, Biological Anthropology, and Psychology. The skeletal system has always been interesting to her and she debated pursuing anthropology further. However, a well-timed graduate fair sparked her interest in chiropractic for which she then attended the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College.
Dr. Mekenna looks forward to getting to know the people of Cape Breton. She aims to promote a safer and inclusive environment where all patients are a priority. She values open, two-way communication and trust as keys to effective healthcare.
Outside of the clinic, Dr. Mekenna’s time is dedicated to her house full of critters. She’s always happy to talk about them and would love hearing about yours as well! She and her partner, Al, are looking forward to hiking as many of Cape Breton’s trails as they can.
Liv (She/Her)
Registered Massage Therapist
Liv graduated from the massage therapy program at island career academy in 2022, and has been massaging full time ever since.
She has a holistic approach to massage; blending traditional and thorough Swedish techniques, moderate to deep pressure, with a modern and scientific view of human anatomy and mechanics, to provide custom massages that promotes pain relief, relaxation, and improved mechanical function.
Outside of massage, Liv is passionate about her yoga practice, teaching weekly yoga classes, and playing/listening to music.
Susan (She/Her)
Registered Massage Therapist
Susan is a Registered Massage Therapist and a member in good standing with the Massage Therapist Association of Nova Scotia (MTANS).
Raised in Dominion, Susan could almost always be found enjoying some type of physical activity. Climbing, biking, baseball, basketball and rugby were some of her favourites. Although, as an adult, its more likely she's on her yoga mat, hiking or with her softball team. While an active lifestyle provided a sound mind-body connection from a young age, it was her father who sparked a deeper understanding of strength, mobility and injury by sharing his knowledge of kinesiology, eventually leading her to complete her diploma in Massage Therapy.
Susan aims to provide a safe, intentional and specific treatment for each client. By enabling an open flow of communication she is able to better curate a treatment plan that would be most beneficial, while also discussing any goals, techniques and homecare. Holding space for people to feel seen and heard is a very important part of her day to day life.
Dedicated to working with you to have the best possible outcome, Susan uses select combinations of myofascial release, General Swedish Massage, trigger point release, hydrotherapy, stretching, strengthening and cupping.
You may recognize Susan from her time working in the Culinary Arts here on the island. She still loves to cook at home and has a passion for fresh local food, whether farmed or foraged. If the sun is shining she will most likely be found spending time with her children at the beach.
Rendell Witzell MSW, RSW (She/Her)
Counselling Therapy
Rendell's passion for supporting people throughout their life journey is rooted in a family tradition of helping others and giving back to the community. With more than 18 years of experience as a social worker, she has had the privilege of working with individuals across the lifespan in community settings, as well as in mental health and addictions.
Rendell's practice is grounded in a client-centred, relationship and evidence-based approach. She draws from a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing, and trauma-informed practice. She recognizes that every person's experience is unique and tailors each care plan to reflect the individual's needs, strengths, and goals.
Rendell believes that meaningful change begins with a strong therapeutic relationship. Her authentic, compassionate approach focuses on meeting clients where they are, creating a safe, supportive environment where they can feel comfortable, heard, and empowered. Whether you are navigating anxiety, low mood, self-esteem challenges, life transitions, or other concerns, Rendell is committed to walking alongside you on your journey toward wellness.
Outside of the clinic, Rendell enjoys spending time with family and friends, travelling, listening to podcasts, and staying active. Much of her free time is spent at the hockey rink or on the soccer field, enthusiastically cheering on her two favourite players — her sons.
Glennis (She/Her)
Office Manager
Glennis is awesome! You will usually see Glennis’ face around the office. She brightens everyone’s day and if she does not know the answer to your question, she will not rest until she finds an answer!
Jamie Crane (She/Her)
Office Assistant
Jamie was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2012. In learning to reinvent herself after diagnosis the universe gifted her with yoga and some incredible teachers. After four years of practice Jamie decided to became a yoga teacher and completed her training in June 2018. She completed her Chair Yoga Certification in October 2018 and has since has continued to teach, practice and learn. She continues her studies through the Accessible Yoga School based in San Francisco.
You’ll often see Jamie’s smiling face welcoming you from the front desk!
Maureen (She/Her)
Registered Massage Therapist
Maureen's life focus has always been towards health and healing, which is reflected in her daily regimen of rising early, practicing yoga and a disciplined meditation practice. She believes that we must strive to take excellent care of our physical bodies in order to make the most out of life and fulfill our highest purpose. This passion and belief is what led Maureen to Massage Therapy, where she enjoys working one-on-one with clients to encourage the natural healing process and promote mind-body awareness. The profound intelligence of the human body inspires Maureen each day, and she strives to share her enthusiasm with her clients.
Maureen was born and raised in Sydney and has a great love for the natural beauty of the island. In her spare time, Maureen enjoys hiking the trails, reading non-fiction, watching art films, spending time with as many animals as she can find, and lifting weights in the gym.
Kristen Lusk RD (She/Her)
Registered Dietitian
Kristen attended St. Francis Xavier University where she graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition with Honours and Integrated Dietetic Internship. Kristen is passionate about nutrition and its major role in health and wellness. She believes that food is medicine and strives to provide clients with practical knowledge and skills to improve their health by connecting the science behind nutrition to the foods on your plate.
In addition to her role with Island Chiropractic, Kristen works as a Clinical Dietitian at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital supporting stroke patients with malnutrition, swallowing difficulties and tube feeding.
Kristen was born and raised in Cape Breton. She loves the beautiful scenery and nature this island has to offer. In her spare time, you may see her playing pickleball, hiking, camping, paddleboarding, enjoying a board game, or reading a book.
Scott (HE/HIM)
Registered Massage Therapist
Scott is a registered massage therapist who is a member of the Massage Therapists Association of Nova Scotia (MTANS). He is a resident of Sydney who has been a practicing massage therapist for nearly 5 years in a multidisciplinary clinic.
He is community-minded having a background in social sciences and has worked with a wide section of the community in CBRM ranging from youth to senior citizens.
He holds a client centered approach to treatment having treated a wide range of conditions. Tailoring to the needs of patients, he focuses on deep tissue massage, hydrotherapy, myofascial and trigger point release to aid in pain reduction, improved mobility, relaxation and overall wellness.
He enjoys multiple sports and fitness activities, including but not limited to swimming, running and weight training as well as working in the outdoors. Most of all, he enjoys spending time with his wife and children.
Amber (She/Her)
Registered Massage Therapist
Amber is a Registered Massage Therapist, and has been a member of the College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia since graduating in March of 2013 from one of the last 3000 hour programs at Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy in Vernon, BC. She met her husband. Kevin through a colleague in Kelowna, and when he brought her back to his hometown of Sydney, NS to meet his friends and family, she was hooked! After having their son in 2021, they wanted a change of pace, and decided (slowly, haha) to make a big move, and well, here they are! Amber and her family moved to Albert Bridge in August 2025.
**Amber was driven towards massage therapy because of a genuine interest in how the body works, especially in its innate ability to heal itself. The focus of her practice is on the treatment and assessment of musculoskeletal and other soft tissue injuries and dysfunction. She supports self-care; helping you take charge of your own health.**
While utilizing neuromuscular, joint mobilization, muscle energy, Ligamentous Articular Strain and Swedish massage techniques, Amber creates a patient-focused treatment plan that is supported by assessment as well as patient feedback. She has taken education courses for treatment of TMJ issues, gait mechanics, runner’s injuries, and pre and post-natal massage.
**Amber strongly believes that massage therapy is one of the many paths to restoring health and wellness to the body. She is a huge proponent of patient education, which makes the general focus during treatment on movement pattern modification, postural re-education, stress relief and general wellness.**
In her time away from the clinic, Amber enjoys spending time with her family- Kevin, Hudson, their dog Tofu, and cat Pickle. Amber’s heart lives at the beach, especially if a volleyball game or a paddleboard are present. She reads constantly, and is looking to join a book club.
PAIGE SHE/HER)
Office Assistant
Paige Attends Cape Breton university and is studying political science. She loves being outside, long walks and hikes and being out in nature. She also has a deep love for music! Originally from Glace Bay and is always a friendly face at the front desk when you walk in the office!