The Healthier Weight Team
The PfHW team is comprised of the health professionals noted below.
Our Team
T. Michael Vallis, Ph.D., R. Psych.
Co-DirectorDr. Vallis is a registered health psychologist practicing at the Capital District Health Authority, Halifax, and cross-appointed to Dalhousie University as Associate Professor in Psychiatry and Adjunct Professor in Psychology. He obtained his Ph.D. from the University of Western Ontario, London and his main area of expertise is in…
Full BioTom Ransom, MD MRCSC
Co-DirectorDr Tom Ransom is a staff endocrinologist at the QEII Health Sciences Centre and is an assistant professor of medicine at Dalhousie University. Prior to the study of medicine he obtained undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Toronto in nutrition with the focus of his Master’s research…
Full BioKrista Leck Merner, BScNH Kine, PDt
Manager of PfHW, Professional DietitianKrista received her Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition (Honours) and Kinesiology from Acadia University. She went on to complete her Dietetic Internship and is a registered member of both the Nova Scotia Dietetic Association and Dietitians of Canada. Krista has been working within the fields of fitness and…
Full BioDr. Dayna Lee-Baggley, Ph.D., R. Psych
Psychology TeamDr. Dayna Lee-Baggley (formerly Dr. Dayna Sherry) obtained her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of British Columbia. Dr. Dayna Lee-Baggley (Registration #R0598) provides individual and group therapy at Partners for Healthier Weight where she is an expert in the psychological issues related to…
Full BioSuzanne Farmer, Psychologist (Cand.Reg.)
Psychology TeamSuzy is a licensed Clinical Psychologist (Candidate Register). She completed her undergraduate training at Mount Saint Vincent University, and received a Masters of Science in Clinical Psychology from Acadia University. Suzy’s training is grounded…
Full BioKrista Courtney-Cox, RN, BScN
Team NurseKrista Courtney-Cox began her nursing career after receiving her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Dalhousie University in 1992. She has a unique mix of work experience in acute and chronic disease management in a clinical setting, community health promotion, and research. The majority of her career has been in…
Full BioJoanne Courtney-Walker, RN
Team NurseJoanne Courtney- Walker received her degree in Nursing from Dalhousie University in 1984. She has had a diverse work experience beginning in the bone marrow transplant and cardiovascular units in Vancouver. In 1987 she returned to Halifax and continued her career in the cardiovascular ICU. Joanne has worked in…
Full BioMark Rogers, Professional Dietitian (Candidate)
Nutrition TeamMark Rogers discovered his passion for food and cooking early in life, pursuing an education and career in the culinary arts. Working in restaurants with a commitment to supporting local and sustainable producers sparked an interest in the greater food system, which eventually led him to an education in…
Full BioAndrew Bilz, Physiotherapist
Physiotherapy TeamI graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy at the University of Western Ontario in 2001. After graduation, I worked as a physiotherapist at three different hospitals in rural Northern Ontario, over a span of almost ten years. Having only two physiotherapists in town meant having to cover…
Full BioKrista McLellan
Interim PfHW Manager, Team DietitianAfter obtaining a BSc in Psychology, Krista pursued a career in the fitness only to find out that industry views on health didn't align with her own. Returning to education to pursue a degree in Dietetics, it quickly became clear that the most fulfilling focus for her career was…
Full BioDeidre Dacanay
Physio TeamSince graduating as a physiotherapist in London, England more than 20 years ago, Deidre has enjoyed practising in a variety of clinical settings in the UK & Canada. She has clinical experience in many areas of practice including a more recent focus on treating clients with musculoskeletal & orthopaedic…
Full Bio