Shawn graduated from Acadia University in 1993 with his BPE with a major in Exercise Science. While at Acadia, Shawn completed a two year Advanced Assessment and Treatment of Athletic Injuries course and served as a student athletic trainer for university hockey, volleyball, and football teams. In 1995, he completed his MSc in Neuroscience at the University of Saskatchewan. Shawn then went on to complete his BSc in Physiotherapy, also at the University of Saskatchewan, graduating with great distinction in 1999.

While completing his university studies Shawn was awarded membership in the Golden Key National Honour Society, and international organization that recognizes scholastic achievement of college and university students.

Following graduation Shawn returned home to Nova Scotia to begin his physiotherapy career. Over the past 15 years he has gained considerable experience treating sport, work, motor vehicle and recreational musculoskeletal injuries in all age groups. He has previously served as the director of the Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Program on the South Shore. He is currently an advisor for Necktronics, an innovative device for assessment and treatment of neck injuries. He previously served as the head clinician for the Workers Compensation Board of Nova Scotia's Multidisciplinary Tier 3 Program. He has also routinely been sought by WCB and insurance companies for second opinion assessments and treatment recommendations for challenging cases.

Shawn has always had a passion for sport,initially as a competitive athlete in hockey, baseball and basketball. He is a previous member of the Acadia Axemen and University of Saskatchewan Huskies basketball teams. Over the course of his career he has had the experience of working with athletes at all levels including Olympic, US and Canadian University, High School as well recreational and youth athletes.

He believes that an informed and active approach to rehabilitation that involves education, exercise and manual treatment form the foundation of any good rehabilitation program. He strives to incorporate an evidence based-approach to his rehabilitation programs.

Shawn is a member of the Othopaedic Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association and the National Strength and Conditioning Association. His current educational focus is completing his Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist designation.