Rodrigo Almeida – Osteopath

Rodrigo completed his Masters training at the University College of Osteopathy in the UK. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Science. He also has 20 years’ experience as a Personal Trainer, and 11 years’ experience of teaching Pilates. He draws on a variety of holistic treatment options, such as osteopathic techniques, rehabilitative exercises, shockwave therapy, massage, taping, and dry needling, to develop personalized treatment plans that restore health, healing, and function.

Having suffered many injuries himself, he knows how frustrating and how debilitating pain and injury can be, especially when it impacts sporting performance, quality and of life and day-to-day activities. Every client is treated as an individual, taking the time to understand not only your concerns and problems, the limitations you are facing, but – most importantly – your goals, both in treating your injury and getting you back to what you love doing.

Rodrigo has a passion to teach, guide and support his clients in developing an understanding around injury and rehabilitation, and empowering them with knowledge about the human body with the aim of injury prevention. Originally from Brazil and having been in the UK for the last 20 years, Toronto is now home.

Sporting background: Brazilian capoeira, bodybuilding, swimming, yoga, and Pilates

Interests: cooking (especially plant-based foods), travelling, family time, hiking (even more so when mountains are involved), mindfulness and meditation.

Passionate about: the human body, how it moves, the pathologies that affect it and, crucially, ways to prevent injury … and sharing that golden knowledge with my clients.

Favourite quote: “The greatest ability as human is not to change the world, but to change ourselves”.

Rodrigo Almeida – Osteopath Rodrigo completed his Masters training at the University College of ... Read More

Michelle Begg – Registered Physiotherapist

DSc(PT), CAM(PT)-Certified, BSc(PT)

Michelle’s passion for musical and athletic performance is the foundation of her clinical practice. As an accomplished musician and competitive runner, she has a keen understanding of the complex body mechanics and physical demands that drive performance excellence. Michelle brings many years of clinical experience, a wealth of knowledge and a high degree of cultural sensitivity to her work. She has lived and worked in BC, Ontario, Ireland, and the Middle East in both private practice and hospitals. In her hospital-based practice, she has been a lead physiotherapist for a multi-disciplinary neuroscience team as well as a Clinical Educator in an orthopaedic outpatient department. Additionally, Michelle has been a consultant physiotherapist for the Irish Academy of Music, a medical practitioner at the Toronto Pan Am Games, and has mentored and educated other physiotherapists through courses in Canada and the Middle East.

Michelle offers a wide range of therapeutic treatments including advanced Manual Therapy techniques, Fascial manipulation, and advanced Motor Control training. She is trained in the Integrated Systems Model of whole-body assessment and integrative treatment. Her expertise in body alignment, motor control and core stability has helped many people from professional musicians and top athletes to those just wanting to move more comfortably and overcome the pain and dysfunction caused by muscle imbalances and poor movement patterns. Utilizing a whole-body approach to treatment, Michelle is dedicated to providing patients with the strategies and tools they need to stay active, achieve their goals, and enjoy life to the fullest.

Michelle graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy from the University College of Dublin, Ireland. She completed her Advanced Diploma of Manipulative Physiotherapy from the Canada Orthopedic Association and is a fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy Association. She most recently completed a Doctor of Science in Physiotherapy at Andrews University Michigan.

Sporting Background: Skiing, cycling, running, hiking

Interests: Spending time with family and friends, playing cello and singing in a rock choir

Passionate About: Mindfulness; helping others achieve their personal functional and physical goals

Favourite Quote: “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us” – Emerson

Michelle Begg – Registered Physiotherapist DSc(PT), CAM(PT)-Certified, BSc(PT) Michelle’s passi... Read More

Riley Downie – Kinesiologist

BaSc Kin, MPK

Riley has a Kinesiology background completed at Guelph-Humber as well as a Master’s of Professional Kinesiology degree from UofT. He has years of experience with a wide range of clients on site at clinic environments and in the field working as a strength and conditioning coach with athletes.

He grew up playing soccer at a high level but now plays a variety of sports such as volleyball, flag football, softball, and tennis. He keeps an active lifestyle with sports and working out in the gym.

Sporting Background: soccer, volleyball, weightlifting

Interests: Exercise, traveling, good food

Passionate about: Helping people reach their rehab and fitness goals to move and feel better. Educating clients to empower them to have a better quality of life.

Favourite Quote: “Don’t be upset by the results you didn’t get with the work you didn’t do” – Anonymous

Riley Downie – Kinesiologist BaSc Kin, MPK Riley has a Kinesiology background completed at Guel... Read More

Tristan Kwon – Registered Physiotherapist

BMSc, MScPT

Tristan is a registered physiotherapist who earned his Master of Science in Physiotherapy from Robert Gordon University in Scotland, following his Bachelor of Medical Sciences from Western University. He brings several years of experience in private orthopaedic and sports medicine clinics, where he has worked with a wide range of patients—from desk-based professionals with chronic pain to elite-level athletes recovering from injury.

Tristan takes a movement-based, evidence-informed approach to rehabilitation, combining manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and patient education to reduce pain, restore function, and support long-term recovery. He is particularly passionate about strength training and guiding patients through personalized rehab programs to help them return confidently to their sport, work, or active lifestyle.

His approach to care is collaborative and adaptable, drawing from his experience working alongside sports medicine physicians, chiropractors, and strength and conditioning professionals. Tristan believes in empowering patients through education and working together to help them build the confidence to prevent injury and live well.

Sporting background: Weightlifting, cycling, golf, yoga, breakdancing, snowboarding

Interests: Fitness, reading, cooking, DJing, and spending time with family and friends

Passionate about: Staying active, teaching, continuous learning, and helping others achieve their goals

Favourite quote: “The universe is change; our life is what our thoughts make it.” – Marcus Aurelius

Tristan Kwon – Registered Physiotherapist BMSc, MScPT Tristan is a registered physiotherapist wh... Read More

Ashly Metcalf – Registered Massage Therapist

RMT

Ashly graduated from the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy specializing in high risk prenatal massage in 2005. Currently a 5th year student at the Canadian College of Osteopathy, her treatment goals and techniques have been heavily influenced by the science and art of classical osteopathy. Ashly also utilizes reflexology and Reiki concepts, acknowledging the inter-connectedness of whole body.

Interests: Yoga/meditation, cooking and baking, music, forest hikes

Passionate About: Holistic lifestyle, family, continued learning

Ashly Metcalf – Registered Massage Therapist RMT Ashly graduated from the Canadian College of Ma... Read More

Ruby Patigas – Spa Massage Therapist Practitioner (Non-RMT) & Aesthetician

Ruby began her journey in massage therapy in 2009 and has since cultivated a deep and diverse skill set through ongoing training in Swedish, Aromatherapy, Sports Massage, Hot Stone, Lymphatic Drainage, Reflexology, Thai Massage, Manual Holistic Facials, and Advanced Facial Treatments.

With over a decade of experience, Ruby has worked internationally in world-renowned 5-star hotels, luxury spas, and medical clinics. Her background includes roles as a Senior Esthetician and Massage Therapist at prestigious establishments such as the One & Only Royal Mirage, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, and Jumeirah Golf Estate in Dubai, as well as clinical roles in Canada at Physiomed Medical Clinic and H2O Float Wellness Spa.

Ruby is passionate about helping others feel their best—both physically and emotionally. She is committed to delivering personalized, results-driven care tailored to each client’s individual needs and wellness goals.

Professional Credentials & Affiliations: * Member – PALMT (Philippine Association of Licensed Massage Therapists) * DHA Certified – Aromatherapy & Deep Tissue Massage (Dubai Health Authority) * Extensive International Experience – Luxury Resorts, Day Spas & Medical Clinics

When she’s not in the clinic, Ruby enjoys spending time with family and friends, staying active outdoors, and exploring new places through travel.

Sporting Background: Badminton,running,cycling and swimming.

Interests: Baking, Exploring popular local spots with family and friends

Passionate About: Continuing education and professional growth and helping others to improve their physical and mental well-being

Favourite Quote: When you walk with faith you never walk alone

Ruby Patigas – Spa Massage Therapist Practitioner (Non-RMT) & Aesthetician Ruby began her jo... Read More

Robert Slodownik – Osteopathic Manual Practitioner

Robert is an Osteopath who also holds a Master’s degree in Physiotherapy. He is a Certified Manual Therapist and Massage Therapist. Drawing from all these disciplines, he creates individualized treatment plans—ranging from soft tissue and fascial techniques to joint mobilizations and manipulations—based on what best serves each client.

With nearly 20 years of clinical experience, Robert is dedicated to helping patients recover, sustain, and optimize their health, while improving the way they move and understand their bodies. His own background in sports and personal experience with injury provides him with deep empathy and insight into the rehabilitation process. This helps maximise his client’s results through providing a better understanding of injury mechanics, tissue healing, and the path to restoring and enhancing function—whether for everyday life, recreational activity, or athletic performance.

Robert takes a holistic, patient-centered approach and works with individuals facing a variety of issues, including musculoskeletal sports injuries, recovery from orthopedic surgery, stress and work-related symptoms, headaches and dizziness, and both acute and chronic back pain.

Sporting Background: Team Handball, Rowing, Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Interests: Sports (especially team and combat sports), travel, hiking (especially in Iceland), food, family time

Passionate About: Finding and helping patients to understand the cause of their problems and improving their wellbeing

Favourite Quote: Sometimes a little change can change a lot

Robert Slodownik – Osteopathic Manual Practitioner Robert is an Osteopath who also holds a Maste... Read More

Tayla Spokes – Osteopath

Tayla completed her Osteopathy degree in Melbourne, Australia where she has been practicing osteopathy for the last few years. She also has further training in clinical pilates, as well as myofascial dry needling and cupping. Tayla’s history of high level dancing (as well as her own various injuries), inspired her interest in human movement and passion for health promotion.

Tayla has years of experience working with dancers, helping them to optimise their craft and get back to their passions post injury. Her own understanding of the demands of this sport allows her to cater rehabilitation to common injuries in this field. Tayla also has a specific interest in working with hypermobile populations, helping them to understand their pain, improve quality of life, and working with them to prevent injuries in their chosen sport.

Getting to know clients is an important part of Tayla’s holistic approach, under the notion that a person’s health extends far beyond the treatment room. Her management style encompasses hands-on techniques (including massage, mobilisation, joint manipulation, dry needling, and taping), rehabilitation advice targeted to an individuals needs, as well as empowering clients to take an active role in their wellbeing. Tayla has been teaching clinical pilates for many years, and strongly believes that movement is medicine.

Sporting Backgrounds: Dance (classical ballet, jazz, contemporary), Pilates, Swimming

Interests: reading (particularly fantasy, but won’t say no to historical fiction or a good thriller), gardening, travel, cooking

Passionate about: introspection, learning & sharing that knowledge with others, & helping people get back to the things they love

Favourite quote: “I’d rather regret the things I’ve done than regret the things I haven’t done.”

Tayla Spokes – Osteopath Tayla completed her Osteopathy degree in Melbourne, Australia where she... Read More

Andrea Stephen – Registered Physiotherapist

Andrea holds a B.Sc. in Physical Therapy from the University of Toronto and has well over a decade of experience in both private practice and in the field of high-performance sport.

From 2017 until last year Andrea was highly involved with the Canadian National Track and field team and held the position of Lead therapist for Athletics Canada’s East Hub. In addition to her role in the daily training environment she was a member of the Integrated Support Team (IST) for several high-profile sporting events and continues to be the personal therapist for 2023 World Champion decathlete Pierce Lepage.

She started her career in Para-Athletics (track and field) which resulted in her being the first Lead Para therapist for Athletics Canada. During that time Andrea obtained her international classification certification for intellectual impairment and national classification certification for physical impairment.

In private practice Andrea uses a variety of manual therapy, modalities and exercise progressions to help her clients get back to optimal health and performance. She has a special interest in lower body injuries (hip, knee, and ankle/foot).

Her passion for physio and patient recovery success is apparent. She is also practices in Acupuncture and Blood Flow Restriction Therapy.

Previous Event Coverage * 2023 World Athletics Championships (Personal therapist) * 2020 Olympic Games * 2019 & 2021 World Athletics Championships * 2012 & 2016 Paralympic Games * 2014 & 2018 Commonwealth Games * 2015 & 2019 Pan Am Games

Sporting background: Soccer, SUP, golf and track & field

Interests: Fitness, reading, sports documentaries

Passionate about: Family & friends, travel & health

Favourite quote: Do things you like with people you like, in places you like, as often as you like.

Andrea Stephen – Registered Physiotherapist Andrea holds a B.Sc. in Physical Therapy from the Un... Read More