Meet the Team
COUVE is an integrated Health Care Clinic providing the latest evidence-based care and technologies available. Our chiropractors, physiotherapists, and staff are amongst the most qualified musculoskeletal clinicians available.
Dr. Nicholas Russell
Head Chiropractor & Clinic Director
Dr. Russell, a graduate from the University of Western States in Portland, holds a Doctorate in Chiropractic and a Master’s in Sports Medicine. His expertise lies in alleviating nerve, muscle, and skeletal pain through high-quality healthcare. His treatment strategy emphasizes hands-on therapy methods such as chiropractic adjustments, joint mobilizations, and soft tissue treatments, complemented by advanced functional rehabilitation. Dr. Russell is committed to collaborating with his patients to create tailored treatment plans, aimed at enabling them to resume their favourite activities. A Vancouver local, Nicholas pursued his undergraduate studies at UBC, actively participating in the Varsity Golf and Track and Field teams. In his leisure time, he’s passionate about skiing, hiking, and golfing. Nicholas is also dedicated to maintaining a healthy exercise regimen.
Constance Leung
Head Physiotherapist
Constance Leung is a Physiotherapist holding a Master’s in Physical Therapy from the University of British Columbia. She integrates a holistic approach in creating personalized treatment plans for her clients. Her treatment includes manual therapy, education, and exercise to optimize her patients’ function and performance. Constance’s special interest areas are orthopedic injuries, pelvic floor health, pre and post-natal recovery, and athletic rehabilitation. Dedicated to guiding and empowering her patients through their rehabilitation journey, Constance stays active in strength training, indoor cycling, hot yoga, swimming, and running.
Dr. Pamella Balomenos
Chiropractor
Dr. Pamella Balomenos was born and raised in Vancouver, Canada. She pursued her passion for health and wellness by majoring in Medical Sciences and minoring in Psychology at the University of Western Ontario, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Medical Sciences.
Following her undergraduate studies, Dr. Pamella earned her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from the University of Western States in Portland Oregon in 2018. Dr. Pamella moved to Miami, Florida, where she practiced at USA Sports Medicine. There, she had the privilege of treating a diverse range of athletes, from NFL players, MLB players, Olympic track athletes to weekend warriors, enhancing her expertise in sports chiropractic care.
Following her undergraduate studies, Dr. Pamella earned her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from the University of Western States in Portland Oregon in 2018. Dr. Pamella moved to Miami, Florida, where she practiced at USA Sports Medicine. There, she had the privilege of treating a diverse range of athletes, from NFL players, MLB players, Olympic track athletes to weekend warriors, enhancing her expertise in sports chiropractic care.
Dr. Donny Mackintosh
Chiropractor
Dr. Mackintosh believes in an evidence based approach to patient care that includes; active rehabilitation, manual therapy, education and addressing person-specific barriers to recovery just to name a few. Dr. Mackintosh grew up in the Lower mainland and graduated with a Bachelors of Kinesiology degree from the University of British Columbia. He then went on to pursue his Doctor of Chiropractic from Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto.
Paige Wakefield
Physiotherapist
Paige Wakefield earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at the University of Alberta. After graduating with distinction, Paige continued her education abroad, obtaining a Master of Physiotherapy Studies at the University of Queensland in Australia.
In her clinical practice, Paige prioritizes patient-centred care, tailoring treatment plans to meet each individual’s specific needs and goals. She emphasizes patient education, working closely with patients to empower them in their recovery journey. Her approach incorporates evidence-based therapies, manual techniques, and therapeutic exercises to optimize outcomes.
Paige combines her expertise with a genuine commitment to helping patients regain mobility, manage pain, and improve their overall well-being. She looks forward to partnering with you to achieve your rehabilitation goals and return to the activities you love!
In her clinical practice, Paige prioritizes patient-centred care, tailoring treatment plans to meet each individual’s specific needs and goals. She emphasizes patient education, working closely with patients to empower them in their recovery journey. Her approach incorporates evidence-based therapies, manual techniques, and therapeutic exercises to optimize outcomes.
Paige combines her expertise with a genuine commitment to helping patients regain mobility, manage pain, and improve their overall well-being. She looks forward to partnering with you to achieve your rehabilitation goals and return to the activities you love!
Brennan Vu
Registered Massage Therapist
Brennan takes pride in creating a treatment plan that is patient centered. Techniques that Brennan uses include Swedish massage, trigger point release, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF), joint mobilizations, and stretching. Brennan is a graduate from Langara’s Registered Massage Therapy program, and has been practicing since May 2022. A session with Brennan will typically consist of a thorough assessment, which will lead into manual therapy and active care. When Brennan is not in the clinic, you can catch him hiking, camping, going to the gym, or playing his favourite card game.
Sean Gill
Registered Massage Therapist
Sean Gill graduated from the University of British Columbia with a degree in Environmental Sustainability. After spending several years in the hospitality sector, Sean decided to further his education and attended the Vancouver College of Massage Therapy to become licensed as a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT). The primary massage techniques Sean utilizes include deep Swedish massage, myofascial release, and active release. These techniques aid in reducing sympathetic nervous system activity, promoting muscle relaxation, and managing pain. While his main focus is on the back, shoulders, and neck, Sean recognizes the interconnectedness of the body and emphasizes the importance of treating the body as a whole. When not in the clinic, Sean enjoys spending his time on the mountains in winter, on golf courses in summer, and watching European soccer.
David Twomey
Registered Massage Therapist
David Twomey is a graduate of the Vancouver College of Massage Therapy and was honoured with the Clinical Distinction Award for his exceptional clinical performance and dedication to patient care. David has a special passion for working with athletes across various disciplines, including strongman, powerlifting, and Olympic weightlifting. With over 10 years of experience in personal training, David has dedicated his career to helping individuals achieve their fitness goals.
Outside of his professional life, David is also an avid fitness enthusiast. When he’s not at the gym lifting heavy weights, he enjoys exploring the outdoors, often hiking various mountains with his golden retriever, Echo. David’s dedication to strength sports is reflected in his achievements; he holds two World records and two European records with the World Drug Free Powerlifting Federation (WDFPF), and ten National records with the Irish Drug Free Powerlifting Association (IDFPA).
Outside of his professional life, David is also an avid fitness enthusiast. When he’s not at the gym lifting heavy weights, he enjoys exploring the outdoors, often hiking various mountains with his golden retriever, Echo. David’s dedication to strength sports is reflected in his achievements; he holds two World records and two European records with the World Drug Free Powerlifting Federation (WDFPF), and ten National records with the Irish Drug Free Powerlifting Association (IDFPA).
Maryam Ghasemi
Acupuncturist
Maryam Ghasemi became a Registered Acupuncturist after she received training at the Tzu Chi International College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Vancouver. Maryam received Bachelor’s degree in Medical Radiation Technology in Iran and subsequently completed her Ph.D. and Master’s in Anatomy Sciences. By combining Maryam’s background in Western medicine and her training in Traditional Chinese Medicine, her strengths come to light as she easily relates to patients and assists them to bridge the gap between both models of healing.
As a practitioner, Maryam works with a variety of patients, especially those looking to combat pain conditions; and she is also experienced with treating stress and stress-related symptoms.
Maryam is passionate about helping her patients heal and make lifelong changes to enhance their health!
As a practitioner, Maryam works with a variety of patients, especially those looking to combat pain conditions; and she is also experienced with treating stress and stress-related symptoms.
Maryam is passionate about helping her patients heal and make lifelong changes to enhance their health!
Colby Kozier
Rehabilitation Specialist
Colby graduated from the University of British Columbia in 2024 with a Bachelor of Kinesiology and is a certified member of the BC Association of Kinesiologists. His main hobbies and sports include hockey, soccer, hiking, and backpacking, but he has experience in many other sports as well. Colby is excited to employ his knowledge and experience he has learned in his degree to provide evidence-based care and rehabilitation for clients.