Tanner is a physiotherapist with a deep background in athletic performance, injury prevention, and strength training. With a Master’s of Science in Physiotherapy and a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Dalhousie University, plus certification as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), he combines clinical expertise with over a decade of hands-on training experience. He’s worked with varsity teams at Saint Mary’s and Dalhousie University across football, hockey, rugby, basketball, volleyball and track, as both a Strength & Conditioning Coach and an Athletic Trainer. Tanner has extensive experience treating sport-related injuries and designing performance based rehab programs to help you recover from injury and get back to peak performance.

Tanner is a physiotherapist with a deep background in athletic performance, injury prevention, an... Read More

Jacob Halloran (He/Him) holds a BSc (Honours) in Medical Sciences and Bioethics from Dalhousie University and earned his Master of Physical Therapy from the University of Western Ontario in 2022. He served as captain for both the Dalhousie Tigers and Western Mustangs Cross Country teams during his studies, and has returned as an assistant coach with the Tigers since graduating. Professionally, Jacob has a particular focus on working with runners to navigate injuries, effectively manage training loads after time off, and optimize performance in competition.

His clinical expertise includes dry needling, concussion management, advanced manual therapy techniques, and post-operative and return-to-sport training and planning. Jacob is also currently completing his Sport Physiotherapy Certificate to further enhance his skills in working with athletes. Jacob takes a patient-centered approach to rehab, recognizing that injuries impact not just movement but confidence and overall well-being. Whether guiding an athlete through a structured return-to-run plan or helping someone regain pain-free mobility, he tailors treatment to each individual’s goals.

Outside the clinic, you can usually find Jacob training for the next Cabot Trail Relay with his Slow Ships teammates or enjoying fika (a Swedish coffee ritual) at a café around the city.

Jacob Halloran (He/Him) holds a BSc (Honours) in Medical Sciences and Bioethics from Dalhousie Un... Read More

Erik Merchant is a Physiotherapist with a Master’s degree in Physiotherapy and extensive experience in strength and conditioning, rehabilitation, and performance. He blends hands-on treatment with tailored exercise programs that get people back to doing what they love and keep them there. His approach combines manual therapy, targeted strength training, and education, all backed by the latest research to deliver lasting results.

What sets Erik apart is his commitment to truly personalized care. He takes time to understand each client’s unique goals whether that’s competing at a high level, staying active at work, or simply enjoying pain-free movement and creates treatment plans that are practical, engaging, and effective.

Drawing on his own experience as a Canada Games athlete and Acadia varsity soccer player, as well as his role managing injured athletes as the outsourced Physiotherapist for the Halifax Wanderers, Erik understands both the demands of competition and the challenges of recovery. He’s passionate about helping athletes and active people not only return to play, but also build resilience to prevent future setbacks.

Outside the clinic, Erik keeps his competitive edge alive playing soccer year-round and skiing in the winter.

Erik Merchant is a Physiotherapist with a Master’s degree in Physiotherapy and extensive experien... Read More

Neil is a physiotherapist with experience treating a wide range of clients, from competitive athletes to older adults. He has worked closely with basketball, football, and golf athletes, helping them recover from injury, improve performance, and return to sport safely. Neil also has a strong background working with geriatric populations, focusing on mobility, balance, and maintaining independence. An active individual himself, Neil enjoys golfing, playing basketball, running, biking, and swimming, which shapes his practical, movement-focused approach to care. He completed a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at Dalhousie University in 2023 and recently completed his Master of Science in Physiotherapy at Dalhousie University. During his time at Dalhousie, he spent five years as a student athletic trainer with the Dalhousie men’s basketball team.

Neil is a physiotherapist with experience treating a wide range of clients, from competitive athl... Read More

Drew Stratton is the Founder and Owner of Forte Physical Therapy and Forte Performance, serving as Director of Rehab and Performance. A Physiotherapist and Strength and Conditioning Coach, Drew uses a human movement–based approach to health, rehabilitation, and performance. He works collaboratively with the Forte team to oversee patient care, guide clinical decision-making, and ensure seamless integration between physiotherapy and performance training.

With advanced training in movement screening, assessment, and strength and conditioning, Drew focuses on whole movement patterns to help people restore function, build strength, and return to activity with confidence. For over two decades, he has worked as an Exercise Physiologist and Strength and Conditioning Coach with youth, varsity, and elite athletes, as well as active adults at every stage of their journey.

As a former Dalhousie varsity and professional basketball player (Australia and Canada), and a long-time elite basketball coach, Drew understands firsthand the demands of high-level performance and the process of returning from injury. Today, his role blends hands-on clinical care with behind-the-scenes leadership and collaboration, ensuring every client at Forte benefits from a coordinated, evidence-informed approach to rehab and performance.

Whether you are recovering from injury, managing pain, returning to sport, or looking to elevate your strength and resilience, Drew and the Forte team are committed to helping you move forward with clarity and purpose.

Drew Stratton is the Founder and Owner of Forte Physical Therapy and Forte Performance, serving a... Read More