About Us

Dr. Kevin Brownell’s interest in the chiropractic profession began as a young athlete when he experienced first-hand the benefits of chiropractic care to treat and manage many sport

related injuries—an experience he continues to enjoy today as a professional lacrosse player.

As a longtime resident of Waterdown, Ontario, Kevin values the importance of community involvement and recreational opportunities for our youth, and continues to work closely with both the Hamilton and Burlington Minor Lacrosse Associations, to develop their youth

Programs.

Dr. Brownell completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Science in 2012 from Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he played NCAA Division 1 lacrosse on an athletic scholarship. Dr. Brownell then pursued his education at the Canadian

Memorial Chiropractic College and graduated in 2018. He has played in the National Lacrosse League for 10 years and continues to play today for the New York Riptide in Long Island. 

Dr. Brownell has completed additional training in Medical Acupuncture, Athletic Movement Assessment (AMA), Active Release Therapy (ART), Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Therapy (SMART Tools), and Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS). Dr. Brownell believes this combination of specialized training and skill sets will serve to maximize your success in achieving the most active and rewarding lifestyle possible.

Dr. Taryn

Chiropractor

Dr. Taryn Thomas obtained her Doctor of Chiropractic Degree in 2019 from the

Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) in Toronto. She was the recipient of the Gilbert H. Young Memorial Award for achieving the Highest Academic Grade in her graduating class during her final Internship year. Dr. Thomas also obtained her Contemporary Medical

Acupuncture Diploma from McMaster University as well as her Facial Acupuncture certification in 2019. Previously, in 2015, Dr. Thomas graduated from Western University with an Honours Degree with Specialization in Kinesiology.

From a young age, Dr. Thomas was been fascinated by with the human body, its biology and its resilient ability to adapt and heal with proper care. Her appreciation and keen interest in chiropractic care peaked during her undergraduate years when she began shadowing two chiropractors in her hometown of Timmins, Ontario. She marveled as she observed them helping patients of all ages, who presented with a diverse range of musculoskeletal issues. She saw first hand how the chiropractors restored their function and overall health through their chiropractic care.. She also observed how regular chiropractic treatments can help individuals without any pain, maintain their general wellness and optimal health. 

Dr. Thomas thoroughly assesses and communicates an individualized diagnosis and personalized treatment plan to her patients. She focuses on uncovering and understanding the root cause of her patients’ complaints. Dr. Thomas uses a diverse range of treatment techniques which include chiropractic adjustments and mobilizations, acupuncture,

soft tissue therapy, rehabilitative exercise and education. Dr. Thomas has a special interest in female health, pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation. She understands how pregnancy can

alter a women’s posture and pelvic mechanics, cause nerve irritation and therefore contribute to  pregnancy related discomfort and low back pain. Being certified in the Webster Chiropractic Technique, she provides specific chiropractic therapy to this special population to help improve their overall comfort and biomechanics during and following pregnancy. 

Dr. Thomas is a very health oriented individual who truly values the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle via proper nutrition, sleep, physical activity and mental health. She is a coach at F45 Waterdown and has trained there for the last 3 years. Dr. Thomas has a passion for contributing to the well-being of others through her knowledge of chiropractic care and the above mentioned pillars of health. She also enjoys volunteering with charitable organizations, traveling and spending time with her loved ones in her free time.

Education and Certifications:

• Doctorate of Chiropractic from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (2019)
• McMaster University Contemporary Medical Acupuncture (2019)
• Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture (2019)
• Perinatal Care with Webster Certification (2019)
• Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization—SMART TOOLS (2017)
• Upper Extremity Athletic Movement Assessment (2017)
• Bachelor of Kinesiology from Western University (2015)
  

Aly earned an honours degree in Kinesiology at McMaster University and then attended Oxford Brookes University in England for her Masters of Physiotherapy.

She is a highly motivated clinician in the elite sport space with a passion for keeping athletes in the game and promoting well-being through patient centred care. Sports injuries and rehabilitation are among Aly’s areas of expertise as she draws from her experience working with professional soccer teams in the England such as Wycombe Wanderers FC and Sutton United FC, as well as international rowers at Oxford University Boat Club.

Her aim is to empower her patients throughout their journey to recovery and she takes pride in her treatment philosophy which combines a “hands on” approach with individualized and functional strength and conditioning.

Outside of the clinic you’ll find Aly spending time with her family and enjoying an active lifestyle either cycling, hiking or doing yoga. Aly rowed to a high level in England competing at the European University Rowing Championships, and multiple times at the Henley Royal Regatta. Her experience as an elite level rower has given her insight into the athlete’s psyche and an understanding of the frustration of not being able to compete in the sport you love due to injury. She looks forward to helping you get back to your best at ALTA!

Karli

Physiotherapist

Karli obtained her Masters of Physical Therapy at the University of Toronto after completing her Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology at Redeemer University. Karli has always been fascinated by the intricacies of the human body, and her post-secondary education has served to deepen her passion for exploring and understanding human movement and rehabilitation.

During her time at the University of Toronto, Karli completed clinical placements in cardiovascular, neurological, and orthopaedic physical therapy practice, working with individuals across the lifespan. She has gained skills in manual therapy and has developed a robust understanding of exercise prescription. Karli completed Level 1 MAPclass to further her understanding of postural and movement analysis principles. Karli is incredibly passionate about wellbeing, physical health and fitness and has been a fitness coach and trainer at F45 since 2020. She enjoys pushing her limits in strength training and cardiovascular conditioning workouts and can often be found doing burpees. An advocate for brain cancer research, Karli has completed 55 burpees a day in the month of May for the past two years to raise awareness and funds for Brain Cancer Canada.

Karli was initially drawn to the field of physical therapy because she wanted to be a difference maker in the lives of individuals by helping them achieve more than they ever thought to be possible through movement. Karli believes people are incredibly resilient, and it is her desire to partner with her clients to empower change and instil hope by providing evidence-based and individualized physical therapy assessment and treatment.

Cliff began his career in 1991 as a Certified Athletic Therapist, working with University sports (Mt. Allison Univ) and Junior hockey. Originally from New Brunswick, he moved to Ontario in 1996.

Cliff has worked with athletes for all of his career and has worked in clinical practice for the past 25 years. Completing an advanced massage therapy program at the OCHT in Stoney Creek, Cliff has been a Registered Massage Therapist since 2011 in the surrounding Hamilton/Burlington area. A big hockey fan (and still active in Burlington Oldtimers hockey) Cliff

enjoys working with any and all athletes, from rep sports kids, to weekend warriors and active fitness enthusiasts.

He has an extensive background in Deep Tissue Massage techniques, Myofascial release, Cupping, Soft Tissue Tool Release as well as rehabilitation/muscle balancing/corrective exercise programs, customized for each individual. With 32 total years of experience in clinical therapy

practice, Cliff is looking forward to working with ALTA Spine and Sports Therapy clientele to reach their goals.