Dr. Lawrence LaFrance, D.C., F.C.C.S. (c)ART®:
A long time resident of Orillia, Lawrence attended O.D.C.V.I., then the University of Guelph studying Human Kinetics. Lawrence graduated from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (C.M.C.C) in 1984. After graduating, he did a two year residency program which allowed him to obtain a specialty in Chiropractic Clinical Sciences in 1987. He is one of less than 100 such clinical specialists worldwide. After teaching and researching at C.M.C.C for three years he moved back to Orillia. He took over a practice that was almost 40 years old and has since spent hundreds of hours focusing on continuing education in chiropractic, nutrition and personal training. Dr LaFrance is also greatly involved within the community being a Kiwanis member for over 30 years. He is a past president, a past secretary, a board member and chair and co-chair of the auction committee. He was on the board of directors and race director for Pine Ridge Ski Club. Lawrence has coached in the Orillia Lakers Rep basketball organization for almost 20 years and coached the O.D.C.V.I. junior boys team in 2010 and O.D.P. senior boys team in 2015. Dr LaFrance acts as an orthotic consultant for specialized groups such as ski professionals. He has worked with ski professionals at Mt. Tremblant, Blue Mountain and Mt. St. Louis, along with Jim’s ski school (Jim Morris). For 14 years he was the team chiropractor for the Terriers Junior A hockey team and Kings Junior A lacrosse teams. Dr. LaFrance has volunteered for the investment committee for 6 years and the CDC (Community Development Corporation) for three years.
He is a member of the Ontario Chiropractic Association, Canadian Chiropractic Association, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College and a Fellow of Chiropractic Clinical Services of Canada. He has completed a Sports Nutrition Specialty course, has studied active release (ART) and soft tissue therapy.
Dr. Sarah Donaldson, D.C., BHSc(Hons.) Kinesiology, CAC
A returned resident of Orillia, Sarah attended Patrick Fogarty C.S.S, then the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, studying Kinesiology. She completed 3 of her 4 years at University before early acceptance into the chiropractic college in Toronto. Sarah then went on and graduated from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (C.M.C.C) in 2021. Before graduating, Sarah was the 2nd author in a research group investigating correlations with certain food cravings and concussions. After graduating, she studied at the Veterinary Chiropractic Learning Center (VCLC) which is an accredited program allowing her to obtain a specialty certification in animal chiropractic. Although not long out of school, Sarah dedicates much of her time still to continuing education in the form of approved, credited courses, in addition to staying as up-to-date as possible with the best available evidence in her areas of interest including: shoulder rehab, osteoarthritis, chronic pain, and now of course, equine and canine rehab. Sarah is excited to be back in the Orillia area and looking forward to more opportunities to get involved. She has obtained certification in Dynamic Neuromuscular Stability training (A), Functional Biomechanical Assessment, as well as an introduction to Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and concussion rehab. She is an active member of the OCA, CCA, CCO, CMCC, and VCLC.
When not working with the team at Optimum Potential, Sarah keeps herself well occupied with her own hybrid practice (working with people and animals either in-person and/or virtually), training and competing in equine sports, and playing recreational soccer or skiing as the seasons allow.
Nicole Hanna, RMT
After graduating with honors from Bryan College of Applied Health and Business Sciences, Nicole Hanna became registered with the College of Massage Therapy of Ontario. She has participated in many sports and physical activities throughout her life including horseback riding, swimming and jogging and uses her practical knowledge to aid in her clients treatments.
Nicole has experience with a variety of treatments and conditions including sports therapy, deep tissue, joint mobilizations, trigger point release, chronic pain conditions, relaxation and overall wellness. These experiences come from working in a multidisciplinary Sports Therapy clinic. Nicole is additionally certified in cupping massage and Craniosacral Therapy level 1.
By using a variety of techniques, along with home care exercises and stretches, Nicole tailors all treatments to her clients specific needs in order to help them achieve their goals.