About Us
Nakita Rees
Certified Athletic Therapist, Registered Massage Therapist and
Owner of ATFirst Therapy
After completing her undergrad at the University of Waterloo graduating with an Honours Bachelor degree in Kinesiology, minor psychology, Nakita completed her degree in Honours Bachelor of Applied Health Science (Athletic Therapy) at Sheridan College in June 2019. She continued to advance her education and skills with Massage Therapy from the Ontario College of Health and Technology, becoming a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) in October of 2021.
Nakita was born and raised in Cambridge, Ontario. She was a competitive dancer for 19 years, and as the demands and requirements of the sport increased, Nakita’s interest in understanding the human body became greater. Her love for Athletic Therapy only truly developed during her time as a Student Athletic Therapist for various varsity teams during her education at Waterloo University. Being a competitive dancer, and presently an instructor for 9 years, has given Nakita a unique perspective on injury and rehabilitation. After completing her Canadian National Certification, CAT(C), in November of 2019, she waited no time before opening ATFirst Therapy. With her passion, dreams, and the drive to provide the best care for her patients, ATFirst Therapy opened their doors only days after becoming certified.
Throughout the region, Nakita has worked with Guelph University’s Varsity Football Team, and in the Athletic Therapy Clinic at Conestoga College. Nakita is currently contracted with Wishbone Athletics providing field coverage for regional high-school athletics, and is the Head Athletic Therapist for the Guelph Minor Football Association. Nakita has worked with a variety of athletes from elite levels in a variety of sports to the weekend warriors.
Nakita has a “get moving” approach to therapy. Her belief is that we should train our bodies in a funcional way in order to prevent injury and dysfunction in our activities of daily living. Her approach to her athletes is to TRAIN SMART. Providing rehabilitation that combines elements of their sport with considerations of healthy human movement.
“I had my first treatment with Nakita a few weeks ago. She is the first therapist to actually listen to what I needed, and make it happen for me. I felt amazing!”
– Marley Gray
ATFirst Therapy Client