Alex Kidd, BKin, RMT

Chair of the Board
E-mail: board_chair@rmtao.com

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.

Deborah Coburn, BA, RMT

Vice-Chair
E-mail: board_vice_chair@rmtao.com

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.

Dylan Crake, BSc, MSc, RKin, RMT

Secretary
E-mail: secretary@rmtao.com

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.

Ian Kamm, BSc, RMT

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..

Shannon Marshall, RMT

Shannon has been a proud member of the RMTAO for most of her 18-year career. She provides massage therapy to children in palliative care at SickKids’ Hospital since 2007 and has written articles, given presentations about the work and research that she does there. She served as board and non-council member at CMTO from 2017-2021. She is currently finishing her Bachelor of Health Sciences degree at Thompson Rivers University.

Erin Pierson, BHSc, RMT

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.

Catherine Roe, RMT

Catherine graduated from the Durham College Massage Therapy Program in 2020. Motivated by her commitment to community engagement, she quickly assumed the role of a community-based network coordinator for the Durham Region shortly after receiving her registration in the spring of 2021. In this capacity, she has found great joy in connecting with her peers. Presently, Catherine is pursuing a Bachelor of Allied Health Sciences at Ontario Tech University, where she is furthering her knowledge in the delivery of healthcare.

Susan Shipton, MClSc, RMT, CDT

Susan Shipton has been a member of the RMTAO since her student days in 2011 and wants to help our Association continue its strong support and advocacy of RMTs. Her involvement to date has been through education: articles in Massage Therapy Today, webinars, and presentations at the Education Conferences. On a broader canvas, she represents the profession on Team Primary Care, a national initiative to improve interprofessional collaboration in primary health care, with the aim of augmenting the role of massage therapy in early interventions. Susan’s practice in Toronto focuses on working with people with cancer and helping to manage chronic conditions such as lymphedema and chronic pain. She holds a master’s degree in Advanced Health Care Practices - Interprofessional Pain Management from Western University and is the creator of an online continuing education course for RMTs on Oncology Massage. Her first career was in book publishing, during which she served on the volunteer board of IBBY Canada, a not-for-profit children’s literacy organization, including two years as President. www.SusanShiptonRMT.com

Vicente Zabala, RMT

Vicente Zabala, Registered Massage Therapist. Vicente graduated from Sutherland Chan School of Massage Therapy in Toronto in 2012. He has been a member of RMTAO for over a decade. Vicente has seen what RMATAO can do for Therapists, and he knows the potential to help advance the profession. Vicente believes in evidence-based treatment and collaborative treatment planning for our patients. These principles are the standard, and he used these practices in his clinic. He also believes in continuously training and mentoring new therapists to achieve their full potential.
In addition, Vicente is currently a Massage Addict franchise owner located in Toronto. In the last five years operating he’s clinic, He has seen the ups and downs of being a clinic owner and as a therapist. His experience as a therapist and a business owner can bring various views and perspectives as a board member.

/h5>