The RMTAO is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. The role of the RMTAO Board is to envision the future of the organization and the profession while ensuring the organizational structure is present for the vision to be achieved. The Board of Directors provide overall strategic direction for the Association and monitor the organization’s performance towards achieving these strategic goals. The Board is also responsible for setting governing policies for the organization and establishing position statements on matters of importance impacting the profession.
Ian Kamm, BSc, RMT
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Ian Kamm has been an RMT for 26 years (Sutherland-Chan grad 1997) in private practice at Donvale Massage Therapy in Toronto and also works as a teacher, both at Sutherland-Chan for 25 years, and by offering continuing education courses across Canada and internationally since 2005. Many of the subjects he’s taught have necessitated a detailed understanding of the regulatory obligations of massage therapists in Ontario. He’s also held administrative roles at Sutherland-Chan Schools Inc., and sat on a variety of education committees there. His membership in the RMTAO dates back to 2002 and a few years ago he began participating in the RMTAO’s school ambassador program, visiting massage therapy programs in the Toronto area to encourage membership in the RMTAO. In addition to growing and maintaining his private practice, He has prior work experience in sales, marketing and administration in publishing and the performing arts.
Alex Kidd, BKin, RMT
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Alex Kidd has been a Registered Massage Therapist for six years, obtaining his diploma in Massage Therapy from Humber College after completing his Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Brock University. Alex has also been involved in Massage Therapy education at Humber College, specializing in research development and therapeutic exercise. Alex has worked toward promoting research literacy and increasing the capability of students in order to enhance their clinical decision-making skills using evidence grounded in research. He has taken pride in the development and promotion of the Massage Therapy profession through his contribution to the Massage Therapy Today magazine and involvement in lobbying at Queen’s Park with the RMTAO. He is also currently acting as a peer-reviewer for the International Journal of Massage and Bodywork.
Dylan Crake, BSc, MSc, RKin, RMT
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Dylan Crake became a Registered Massage Therapist in 2019 in Ottawa, after graduating from Algonquin College. In the past two years of practice, Dylan has made it her goal to make a difference in the RMT community, whether it be guiding both new RMT graduates and Massage Therapy students or volunteering with the RMTAO. Dylan has written numerous articles for Massage Therapy Today, hosted a webinar with the RMTAO and was recognized as a Member of the Month in March of 2020. Dylan hopes to continue to provide mentorship and guidance for new RMTs entering the field and looking forward to being apart of the Board of Directors for the RMTAO.
Susan Bessonette, BA, RMT
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After graduating from Sutherland-Chan in 1996, I spent the first part of my practice in Nova Scotia working with MTANS as chair of the complaints committee. I have been involved in massage therapy education since 1997 in a variety of schools, and am currently teaching at Humber College. I am a member of the RMTAO research committee, co-ordinator of Toronto West CBN, and participated in the Queens park government relations project. I was the recipient of the RMTAO professionalism award in 2017. I look forward to continually encouraging my peers to be a part of the RMTAO by being a member of the Board and working to move our profession forward within the province and on the national stage.
Deborah Coburn, BA, RMT
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Deborah Coburn is a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) and a member of the Registered Massage Therapists' Association of Ontario (RMTAO). She is the proud Co-owner of several multi-disciplinary clinics in the Ottawa area. As a leader in the community, she been working together towards increased inclusion, building networks, and improved working conditions for RMTs. As a board member of the RMTAO, she hopes to continue advocating for therapists and make larger contributions to the profession.
Dr. Erika Kuehnel, DC, RMT, CMAG
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Erika is a Registered Massage Therapist and Chiropractor, who owns and operates a multidisciplinary practice in Milton, ON. She has been practicing massage therapy since 2012 and joined the RMTAO in 2013. She is a passionate advocate for massage therapy and other manual therapy professions, volunteering with the RMTAO School Ambassador program, the OCA advocate program and authoring multiple articles for Massage Therapy Today (the RMTAO publication). Erika believes fiercely that massage therapists are valuable contributors to our current healthcare landscape, and feels her experience with other professional bodies and programs will be an asset in her director position with the RMTAO.
Erin Pierson, BHSc, RMT
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Erin Pierson has been an RMT for 12 years. She studied at the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in New Westminster, BC, completing the 3000-hour program. She began her practice in Vancouver while she concurrently worked in administration and as the assistant to the research chair at the Registered Massage Therapists Association of BC. Upon transferring back home to Orillia, Ontario, she has been working at a multidisciplinary clinic ever since. Erin recently applied her massage diploma towards completing her Health Sciences Degree through Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, BC. Erin is a supporter of evidence-informed practices, interprovincial collaboration and where this profession can evolve to.
