Suite 3, 1077 Golf Links Road
Thunder Bay, Ontario
P7B 7A3

(807)344-5242 Phone
(807)344-5042 Fax


Our Staff

Michael Poling – Physiotherapist / Kinesiologist / Ergonomist / Acupuncture Certified / Co-owner
Michael Poling obtained his Degree in Physical Education followed by a Masters Degree in Sports Science (Sports Medicine) at Lakehead University. He obtained a Masters Degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University after practicing as a Kinesiologist for 12 years across Canada. Michael studied gait analysis and orthotics fabrication in California and Spinal Rehabilitation with several nationally prominent spinal surgeons in Toronto and Calgary. Although capable of treating all areas of the body, Michael prefers to focus on spinal (neck and back) cases as well as lower extremity injuries of any sort. He is certified in acupuncture and has completed all courses in the McKenzie, Mulligan, Sahrman and Core Stabilization techniques. He also has training in Myofascial and Soft Tissue Release. His work with Chronic Pain and coursework in Advanced Pain Medicine through the University of Toronto has enhanced his treatment of this complex problem. Michael is an active faculty member of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine since inception, the University of Toronto and a Professional Associate of McMaster University. He was recently selected as a candidate for the first specialty program in orthopaedics for physiotherapists, one of only 40 in Canada to be selected. Michael is also a certified ergonomist, Supreme Court recognized expert at Functional Capacity Evaluation and Kinesiologist.
Jason Taddeo – Orthopaedic Manual Physiotherapist (Part A) / Acupuncture Certified / Co-owner
Jason is a lifelong resident of Northwestern Ontario. He completed his Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology and Interdisciplinary Minor in Gerontology in 2003 at Lakehead University. Following this, he completed his Masters of Science in Physiotherapy at McMaster University. Jason has been working in a variety of private, public and long-term care settings since returning home; currently he co-owns Fairway Physiotherapy, where he practices full-time. Jason is Certified (CAFCI) with the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute and holds a Residency with the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physical Therapists (RCAMPT) in orthopaedic manual physiotherapy. His primary areas of interest are in shoulder-neck pain, temperomandibular pain and lumbo-pelvic dysfunction. He has treated patients between 4 years and 103 years of age. He believes in an active philosophy to patient care, helping patients gain control of their health and prevent pain. In his spare time, he enjoys being active outdoors, golf, fishing and quite family time with his wife and son. His is also active in his profession as Past-President for the NWO District of the Ontario Physiotherapy Association. Jason is also a faculty member with the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM), and lectures in the Clinical Sciences Division. Jason is proud to call Thunder Bay his home and is committed to improving the well-being of its local residents. Direct patient and physician referrals can be made to Jason through the clinic.
Leigh Ann Nevermann – Physiotherapist / Acupuncture Certified
Leigh Ann grew up in Toronto, ON and has lived in Thunder Bay for the past three years. She has been working at Fairway Physiotherapy since May 2008. She graduated with a Masters in Physical Therapy from the University of Toronto and a Bachelors of Science from the University of Waterloo; she is certified in acupuncture by the Acupuncture Foundation Institute of Canada. Her work experience has primarily been in orthopaedics and geriatrics, in both private clinics and the long-term care setting. She has taken specific training in the McKenzie philosophy, manual therapy, acupuncture and sports rehabilitation; she is a member of the Canadian and Ontario Physiotherapy Associations and the Acupuncture Foundation Institute of Canada. Leigh Ann has been involved in the past with the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, where she assisted with facilitating small group learning. She believes in an active rehabilitation process between herself and the patient, where exercise, posture, positioning and education are augmented by manual therapy. This is essential to facilitate improved healing. Outside of the clinic, Leigh Ann enjoys being active, playing soccer, rugby, kayaking and camping. In the past, Leigh Ann participated in the 2008 Fulda Extreme Arctic Adventure! Read More: http://whitehorsestar.com/archive/story/fulda-ice-climb-held-for-the-first-time-in-whitehorse/
Melissa Harvey – Physiotherapist
Melissa Harvey is a physiotherapist that comes to us after two years spent working at the Nipigon District Memorial Hospital. She is a graduate of the McMaster University Master of Science in Physiotherapy program and has a University of Ottawa Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics. In her two years of practice she has gained a great deal of knowledge and expertise working with clients from 4 months old to 95 years old. Melissa believes in working with her clients to achieve their goals and obtain the best outcome possible. She has training in acupuncture, the McKenzie method, the Mulligan Concept, manual therapy and persistent pain management and has used her skills to treat repetitive strain injuries, sports injuries, postoperative conditions, chronic conditions, and spinal conditions. Melissa is currently the President-Elect for the Northwestern Ontario District of the Ontario Physiotherapy Association. In her spare time, Melissa enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, SCUBA diving, and keeping active with many different outdoor activities.
Rachel Hovius – Physiotherapist
Rachel recently moved to Thunder Bay from London, Ontario. She received a Master of Science in Physical Therapy degree from the University of Toronto in 2008, after completing an Honours degree in Kinesiology and Science at McMaster University. Since graduating, Rachel has worked in both the hospital and private clinic settings. Rachel has plans to further her education with postgraduate courses in manual therapy and sports medicine. She has been competitively involved in ice hockey and ultimate Frisbee and still plays recreationally in Thunder Bay. As a new Thunder Bay resident, Rachel has come to love the summer life of hiking, canoeing, and camping, and has embraced the winter through snowshoeing and snowboarding.
Kim Fossum – Registered Massage Therapist
Kim has been practicing as a Registered Massage Therapist in Thunder Bay for 3 years. She came on as part of the Fairway Physiotherapy team when we opened in November of2007. Kim is a member of the Ontario Massage Therapy Association (OMTA) and has been for 3 years. She attended CDI College (now Everest College) in Thunder Bay where she received her Massage Therapy Diploma. Kim practices therapeutic deep tissue and relaxation massages for patients of all ages. In addition, she offers massage for pre-natal pain, work-related and motor vehicle accident related injuries, as well as athletic injuries. She will be joining the staff of Everest College this year as faculty to offer her skills and experience to the student Massage Therapists.

Lydia Manzini – Office Manager
Lydia manages the office, co-ordinates bookings for the therapists and is always available to assist our patients with their questions. She is usually the first person you’ll meet at Fairway. She’ll assist you from start to finish and find you the earliest available assessment and treatment times. Lydia has been working in physiotherapy outpatient and medical clinics for over 10 years. She has the knowledge and skills to assist you with insurance billings, WSIB patient procedures and assembling the necessary medical information your therapist needs before your consultation.

Sheila Sundell – Registered Massage Therapist (RMT)
Sheila joined the team at Fairway in the fall of 2008. She is an honours graduate of Everest College and a member of the College of Massage Therapists Association (CMTO) and the Ontario Massage Therapists Association (OMTA). She utilizes a variety of modalities and advanced techniques and her continual learning provides for an up-to-date therapuetic approach. After broad travels Sheila is now back home in Thunder Bay and is pleased to welcome new patients.
Amanda Mineau – Physiotherapy Assistant
Amanda grew up in Schreiber, ON and has lived in Thunder Bay for 2 years. Amanda has a diploma in Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Assistants that she obtained in Sault St. Marie College of Applied Arts and Technology. She has been working at Fairway Physiotherapy since May of 2008. Amanda has worked with patients who have orthopaedic and neurological conditions. She has also volunteered with the geriatric population in clinical settings, such as hospitals and nursing homes. Amanda carries out some treatments that have been set in place by the physiotherapist. She is responsible for initiating treatment when patients arrive, supervising patients during exercise programs, applying modalities and she also does the clinics inventory. Outside of work Amanda enjoys hiking, camping, snowmobiling, playing guitar and swimming.


Kolby Ozerkevich- Certified Kinesiologist

Kolby is a graduate from the School of Kinesiology at Lakehead University where he obtained his Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology degree. Kolby joined our team as a contract Kinesiologist working in Ignace, ON. He is responsible for developing and implementing various exercise programs, carrying out treatment plans set out by the physiotherapist and applying specific modalities. He is eager to take on new challenges and opportunities that we can provide for him. Kolby has gained much experience working within various placement settings over the past 4 years and was actively involved with the Stroke Recovery Program at the Canada Games Complex. With these placement opportunities Kolby has gained a substantial amount of experience in the diverse realms of the Kinesiology profession. Kolby is also a Personal Trainer at The Athletic Club in Thunder Bay, where he is able to apply many of the fundamental concepts and principles he has learned through his Kinesiology and educational experience. Outside of work Kolby has always been involved in competitive sports, including football and hockey and still plays recreationally in Thunder Bay. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hunting, fishing, motorsports and golfing as often as he can.


Holly Dodwell – Certified Kinesiologist

Holly grew up in Ignace, Ontario and has recently graduated from Lakehead University obtaining her Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology degree. Through her four years of university Holly has volunteered and worked in an array of settings that has provided her with an extensive amount of experience that she is now utilizing in our clinic. Holly is currently working with our company as a contract Kinesiologist in her home town of Ignace, Ontario. Holly hopes to gain a tremendous amount of experience working with our team. She is excited to take on new challenges while working with a diverse group of patients with varying conditions. Holly’s main duties are to provide and assist patients with exercises and modalities to aid in their rehabilitation. During her free time, Holly enjoys hunting, fishing, working out, and playing ice hockey.



News and Updates

Myths regarding Spinal Decompression

If you have patients who have been talking about “Non-surgical spinal decompression”, you should have a look at this CBC Marketplace investigation on the subject.  It is quite revealing and your patients should be aware!
http://www.cbc.ca/marketplace/2010/stretching_the_truth/main.html

Read More

New Lifting Technique instruction sheet!

We’ve all heard “Keep your back straight and Lift with your legs”, right?   WRONG!  This is a 60 year old statement that has NO basis in fact or evidence.  Have a look at our lifting sheet.  I think you’ll see something pretty different!  THIS is how proper lifting is done.    Poster-Lifting Technique

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Ergonomics -A Basic Guide

Mike Poling, one of our physiotherapists and owners, is also a certified ergonomist for over 20 years. He has prepared a guide to basic ergonomics for workers, employers or health and safety professionals to use. Check it out!

Read More

Mission & Promise to You

  • To provide one-to-one, quality physiotherapy care to you & your family in a timely matter
  • To utilize the best available evidence & research to help you recover
  • To prevent injury & increase your ability to manage your pain
  • To provide convenient, accessible hours of operation to serve you and your family