Meet Our Staff

“I’ve always been passionate about instilling a new way of thinking in my classroom. Offering each student a unique learning experience tailored to their individual needs is a critical factor in establishing a successful education program. Our course material isn’t technique-driven or memorized from a textbook. It’s designed to be hands-on, interactive, and really give students a legitimate understanding of human anatomy and physiology.”

The faculty of the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy is spearheaded by Robert Johnston, an enthusiastic and highly motivated clinical teacher and international lecturer, who has proudly devoted his life to the promotion and education of classical osteopathy in North America and Europe.

Robert was trained as a manual therapist in Canada and carried out his clinical internship in the United States. As a graduate of the John Wernham College of Classical Osteopathy in Maidstone, England, Robert had the great privilege of training directly under the late John Wenham– one of the most respected original practitioners of osteopathic treatment– for two years during his post-graduate studies. Since then, it has been his mission to offer a progressive curriculum built on the proven theories and methodologies of osteopathy’s founding fathers and continues to develop mechanical models for the student to approach osteopathic treatments.

With over ten years of experience as a clinical instructor and more than twenty-five years of practice in manual therapy, his well-recognized leadership qualities stem from an early teaching background as a former coach for Belgium’s national hockey league. He possesses a rare talent for inspiring his students to reach the highest-academic levels of academic performance and is committed to offering a supportive and dynamic learning environment that fosters a deeper sense of community in the classroom

Robert lectures in both Europe and Japan on a regular basis. He is also a professional member of the Ontario Osteopathic Association. He is the founder of the current Canadian Academy of Osteopathy, Ontario Osteopathic Association, and the Canadian Institute of Classical Osteopathy.

Wayne is enthusiastic about nutrition, health, and fitness and has been playing competitive sports since he was young. He began training in martial arts at the age of 16 and hasn’t looked back! He has won nine Grand Champion titles, as well as one national title, in tournaments spanning Canada and USA.

Wayne practiced for a short time as a Registered Massage Therapist and decided to further his education to become an Osteopathic Manual Practitioner at the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy. He graduated from the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy program in 2017, and upon graduation was asked to teach at the Academy and now assists Mr. Rob Johnston in the OMM lab at the Hamilton campus.

Wayne is certified by Can Fit Pro as a Personal Trainer Specialist, STOTT Pilates Level 1, STOTT Matt Pilates, STOTT Pilates Reformer, ISP Level 1 Trainer and Can Fit Pro (Nutrition and Wellness), Level 1 & 2 TWIST Conditioning Sports Specific Certification, and TRX (Training Resistance eXercises).

Wayne has retained the business and friendship of loyal clients for years, through his genuine personal care for each client, and by staying on the cutting edge of training. He has provided impeccable services for his clients for 18 years.

Wayne established As Above So Below Osteopathy Inc. in 2018 located in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Wayne works alongside other CAO graduates and current students fulfilling their requirements for clinical practice. He is proud to serve the Niagara Region with Classical Stillian Osteopathic care.

“The dynamic learning experience at the CAO is something I will appreciate for the entirety of my career. Now being able to reciprocate by helping students think their way through clinical problems can be one of the most incredible experiences.”

Matthew first became familiar with physical therapy from playing hockey all over Canada. The experiences of rehabilitation from injury led him to pursue a career in Massage Therapy. After graduating the pursuit of more knowledge and understanding resulted in Matthew attending the M.OMSc program at the CAO. The principles-based education system has left him with a strong clinical foundation and a successful practice in Newmarket, Ontario.

“My goal is to teach students how to work smarter, not harder.”

Brandon is on faculty as a Professor and teaches Osteopathic Principles and Practice/Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine. Before pursuing a career in osteopathy, Brandon earned his honours education in massage therapy at the Shiatsu School of Canada. He then went on to become a respected graduate of the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy and successfully completed the professor training program, in addition to a post-graduate training program in Classical Osteopathy with John Wernham at the John Wernham College of Classical Osteopathy in Maidstone, England.

As a passionate advocate for classical osteopathic techniques and manual therapy, Brandon possesses a steadfast commitment to the academic well-being of his students. He’s eager to not only address the tremendous benefits of a drug-less osteopathic treatment approach for curing patient illness and suffering but to also offer ongoing support to his students in order to facilitate professional growth and development.

Brandon is a professional member in good standing with the Ontario Osteopathic Association and Institute of Classical Osteopathy in Dorking, England. He’s also involved with the Ontario Osteopathic Association as a board member at large. Outside of his teaching duties at The Canadian Academy of Osteopathy, Brandon maintains his own full-time clinical practice. His teaching interests include but are not limited to Functional Anatomy, Osteopathic Pathology, Osteopathic Lesionology, Osteopathic Theory, Principles of Treatment, Treatment of Disease, and Osteopathic Technique and Treatment.

Professional Awards and Recognitions:

• Past President of the Ontario Osteopathic Association

“The Canadian Academy of Osteopathy is a great place to learn. You’ll be instantly hooked by the engaging classes, team environment and Rob’s charismatic leadership in the classroom.”

Sheryl graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario (1991) with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She was formerly trained in massage therapy at The Canadian Therapeutic College in Burlington from (2002-2012). Sheryl has been a manual practitioner for over 12 years. During this time, she graduated from the 4 year Master in practice of Osteopathic Manipulative Sciences program at the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy in Hamilton, Ontario (2011).

In 2013, Sheryl completed the Professor Training Program through the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy and is currently a member of the teaching faculty. In addition, Sheryl is a professional member of the Ontario Osteopathic Association and is a Director at Large on the OOA Board of Directors.

Sheryl operates a private practice in Simcoe as an Osteopathic Manual Practitioner.

Lee Jarvis was introduced to the practice of Osteopathic Manual Therapy in his teenage years and has been in love with the theory and practice ever since. Commencing in 2006, Lee attended the McMaster/Mowhawk Nursing program with the intention of gaining skills and understandings of the acute medical patient that would eventually come to benefit his Osteopathic education. Lee obtained his Registered Practical Nursing certificate in 2008 and was shortly after accepted as a student of the CAO. Lee worked as a Registered Practical Nurse specializing in stroke rehabilitation during his first, second, and thirds years of education at the CAO. Lee Jarvis graduated the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy in 2013.

Lee currently teaches anatomy at the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy where he continues to keep his knowledge sharp, up to date, and challenged by current medical discoveries. Lee’s in-class anatomy drawings utilize a visual approach to complement the hands-on approach the CAO takes with educating its students. When Lee is not teaching or drawing he also runs a successful practice in Hamilton.

“Teaching and presentation are two important aspects of the learning. If you don’t know how to present/ disseminate knowledge, you can’t teach and if you don’t know how to teach, you can’t disseminate knowledge. If something is challenging or difficult to understand, trying to change its meaning and seeing it through a different lens often helps with learning. Learning is always bi-directional; you cannot be a good teacher if you don’t learn from your students. Finally, success is always contingent to respect and eagerness to learn”. 

Dr. Rehman is a Ph.D. candidate and currently pursuing a certificate in “teaching skills and learning” from the McMaster University. He completed a fellowship in neurology and MSc in neuroscience from the McMaster University in 2014. Dr. Rehman is experienced in didactic and problem-based learning and integrates small group discussions during teaching. Dr. Rehman has a strong background in anatomy, physiology, and pathology and has excellent skills in the area of neuromuscular examination. He taught neuromuscular examination and history taking to medical students during neurology fellowship. Dr. Rehman is also experienced in writing exam questions, MCQs and OSCE scenarios. His research interests include but not limited to musculoskeletal pain, knowledge translation and patient-doctor communication. He is an approachable person and supports his students for professional growth and development.

Holly Webster graduated and received her M.OMSc from the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada in 2016. Her academic achievements include being the recipient of the AT Still Medal of Honour for scholastic acknowledgment.

She draws a great deal of passion for the profession of Osteopathy from the words and teachings of the founder, AT. Still, and her multiple trips to Kirkville Missouri, which have without a doubt fuelled her excitement and compassion for helping others as a clinician.

She currently holds a faculty position at the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy where she teaches Osteopathic Theory as well as being involved in a clinical supervisory role at the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy Student Clinic.

Her clinical accomplishments include two busy practice locations as an Osteopathic Manual Practitioner in Brantford, Ontario, and, Oakville, Ontario, respectively.

The path that Adam has taken to achieve his current healthcare knowledge and manual therapeutic skills has been full of practical training and real-world experience. Adam’s degree in Kinesiology, Paramedic Diploma, and Massage Therapy Certificate was a precursor to finding his true passion in Osteopathy.

It was only after studying alongside an osteopath that dedicated Adam to focus his energy in the practice of Classical Osteopathy since 2012 at The Canadian Academy of Osteopathy. Currently, Adam runs a private practice in Burlington, Ontario.

Before beginning his studies at the CAO, Marc worked in the field of applied behavioral analysis, first as an instructor-therapist implementing intensive behavioral intervention for children with autism, and later as a group facilitator delivering social skills, communication and parent education curricula.

Marc’s interest in crafting learning environments lead him to complete a Master’s of Science in Education. Marc helps students optimize their learning in the Inductions course, supervises the student clinic, and practices in Hamilton.

Donnie Smith studied industrial engineering at McMaster University. He spent ten years after university racing as a professional cyclist. After racing nationally and internationally he turned to the profession that kept him healthy over his career. He started with Massage Therapy then moved on to get his full Active Release Master certificate. Donnie has been in professional practice for fourteen years and owns a successful clinic in Dundas, Ontario. He completed his M. OMSc with the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy in 2010.

What stands out about the CAO for Donnie is that the school supported him and believed in him and pushed his abilities to be the best that he could be. The CAO staff didn’t let him quit or give up (which wasn’t an option for him anyway as a former athlete one never quits or gives up). Donnie feels the CAO education was and is outstanding. He can converse with any medical health care practitioner or Surgeon and in fact, treats a lot of doctors and has over 60 physicians refer to him as a practitioner.

Donnie has worked with Olympic athletes and professional athletes from around the world. He currently assists the McMaster varsity swim team as the head therapist. Treating osteopathically he has come up with very effective treatment protocols that each swimmer receives weekly. This has allowed the athletes to perform at a higher level with fewer injuries.

“My Osteopathic education led me down the path of understanding how the disease process relates to anatomy and physiology and how Osteopathy can help our patient’s up-build health.”

Andrew graduated in June 1994 from Conestoga College in Business Administration Accounting and had a successful career in the Accounting profession for 12 years. In June 2008 Andrew began his second career as a healthcare professional and graduated with honours from the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy and then obtained his registration with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario. Andrew obtained his M.OMSc designation as an Osteopathic Manual Practitioner from the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy in 2014.

Jonathan comes from a diverse cultural, academic, and technical background. He came to Osteopathy with professional experience in science, agriculture, natural resources management, geomatics, and business. His interest in health and healing began as a youth exploring nature and learning about the healing properties of plants.

Jonathan graduated from the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy in 2016 and runs a full-time practice in Waterloo, Ontario. He serves as a clinical adjudicator and clinical supervisor at the CAO and as a Director of the Ontario Osteopathic Association (OOA).

Kristen Jarvis M.OMSc was a Registered Massage Therapist for 18 years prior to graduating the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy in 2017 and has owned and operated her own Health and Wellness clinic in Welland Ontario since 2004.

Kristen’s passion for understanding the human body and search for a better system of helping patients to find the best health outcomes led her to a career change in 2013 when she enrolled at the CAO. As an Osteopathic Manual Therapist Kristen has enjoyed helping and working with many patient populations including professional athletes, people of all ages, children, and infants.