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Our Staff
Janette Gemmell
SASKATCHEWAN BRANCH REGISTRAR/
ADMINISTRATOR
Janette began with the Western College of Remedial Massage Therapies Inc., in 1994, and started as the receptionist. Through the years, working here has given her much knowledge of the massage field and what its purpose is. Her position is broad, and her responsibilities include many administrative operations including serving as the College Registrar and maintainance of policies and procedures. She has one year in Business Administration through the University of Regina and then completed Office Education through Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science Technology. She has always been interested in the administration office environment as well as health related professions. She likes working with the people here and seeing the students succeed in their careers is a great joy. Working at the College gives her the opportunity to work with both her areas of interest. She has many personal interests, and enjoys many different athletic events, along with spending time with family and friends.
Julie Harvey
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Julie's Husband's passion for the field of massage wore off on her and she began working as an Administrative Assistant at the college in 2009. She began her career in the administration field through the Office Education Program at SIAST in 2000. Julie has worked extensively in the administration office environment as a Medical Receptionist and a Municipal Clerk/Administrator. She brings these experiences in organization, preparation and interpersonal communication to her role in student services.
Having a healthy and active lifestyle is very important to Julie. She enjoys camping, biking, cross country skiing and hiking with her husband Michael and their son, Tyson.
Ronald P. Taylor
R.M.T., M.D., LMCC., CCFP(EM)
Dr. Ron was born and raised in Regina, SK. He completed high school at Campbell Collegiate in 1983. He spent several years after graduating working for the city of Regina, travelling, and coaching basketball. Following an extended trip to Australia and New Zealand he enrolled in the massage therapy course offered by Abe and Don Enterprises at the same time that Wayne Baiton enrolled in the same course. Dr. Ron completed the course and purchased an existing massage practice and worked full time as a massage therapist for the next 3 years. During this time he completed further training with Highway #21 Peak Performance Sports Massage and with Dr. Myk Hungerford at the Sports Massage Training Institute in Costa Mesa, California. He became involved with the Western College of Remedial Massage Therapy as an instructor and course and curriculum designer. Together with Wayne Baiton he created the sports massage therapy program at the WCRMT. In 1994 Dr. Ron returned to school as a full time university student with the goal of entering medical school. He was successful in this pursuit and in 2000 he graduated with Great Distinction from the University Of Saskatchewan College Of Medicine. He completed his residency in Family Medicine at the University Of Saskatchewan Regina Site. For the past seven years he has worked as an emergency room physician and in October of 2009 he successfully challenged and passed his emergency medicine exams to receive special certification in emergency medicine. Dr. Ron continues to work in his capacity as an emergency physician and has taken on new responsibilities as the College Of Medicine Regina Site Emergency Medicine Education Coordinator for Clerks and Post Grad/ Family Medicine Residents. Through all of his journeys through medicine Dr. Ron maintained his ties with the WCRMT as an instructor and curriculum designer. He is the former Department Head for Physiology and Pathology and remains as a formal course and curriculum advisor for the school.Outside of medicine and massage Dr. Ron enjoys travelling, exercising, reading, and attempting to renovate and landscape his home.
Michael Harvey
WC(Hon), BPAS, C.E.P., SpMT
INSTRUCTOR
Michael became interested in Massage Therapy as an adjunct to his career as an Exercise Physiologist. He has incorporated both modalities into his philosophy of injury prevention, rehabilitation and wellness promotion. By instructing students of the College in Exercise Concepts and Exercise Rehabilitation, Kinesiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Practical, Michael feels privileged to pass these ideals on to the future therapists. After graduating from High School in Strasbourg, Saskatchewan. Michael attended the University of Regina for four years. In 1995 he convocated with a Bachelor of Kinesiology majoring in Fitness and Lifestyle, and a personal interest in psychology classes. Michael maintains a desire to understand not only what the human body is capable of doing, but also what influences personal choice.
The next two years were spent working as an Exercise Physiologist in Banff, Alberta. designing and implementing employee wellness programs for international management groups. This fullfilled Michael's desire to guide people towards healthy choices. Exercise programming for personal clients, and enjoying an outdoor, active lifestyle filled the remainder of his days in the mountains.
When he returned to Regina, Michael continued to operate his consulting business and began training at the Western/Wellington College of Remedial Massage Therapies Inc. In 1999 Michael graduated from the Advanced Remedial Massage Therapy program and began working as a Registered Massage Therapist. Michael also spent two years on the board of The Massage Therapists Association of Saskatchewan, volunteering as the Education/Exam Director. This experience would be catalyst in creating his desire to instruct.
Michael has been in professional practice as an Exercise Physiologist since 1995 and as a Rehabilitation/ Clinical Massage Therapist since 1999. He has worked in the areas of injury prevention, wellness promotion, and rehabilitation. His clinical experience includes both individual and multidisciplinary approaches to treatment, involving several interrelated health care professions.
A life filled with play is enjoyed by Michael, his wonderful son Ty and his beatiful wife Julie. Together they enjoy trail running, cycling, swimming, hiking, camping and any other activity involving dirt, water and the ability to self-propel towards a new destination.
Alison Toews WC(Hon), R.M.T.
INSTRUCTOR
Alison lives in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and travels to instruct classes in the Distance Education Program at the Regina Campus. Since completing basic training in 1994 and Advanced training in 1996, Alison has practiced in a busy massage therapy clinic. Alison has instructed classes in Anatomy, Kinesiology and Practical Application in all terms of the program. With a driven interest in Anatomy she has succeeded in developing and supervising a portion of Western College’s Anatomy class and one of the most extensive cadaver study programs in a massage therapy school anywhere. Her professionalism has helped the college nurture a well respected relationship with the University of Saskatchewan. For the constant motivation to help students understand this elemental aspect of their training and the initiative she has demonstrated in the Anatomy Program, Alison was awarded the Wellington College Honors Distinction in 2001. She currently serves as the Anatomy department head lending guidance to the other anatomy instructors. The experience Alison has acquired in her massage practice has been recognized by Wayne and will be a great value for her to instruct practical technique at both the Basic and Advanced levels in the Program. Alison feels extensive examination allows students to meet not only her goals of an instructor, but also the future demands on a massage therapist practicing in the field. To this end, Alison has contributed large amounts of exam bank material for all instructors to draw from. A student in one of Alison’s classes will be faced with a challenging, fair and compassionate learning environment. These are the elements Western College seeks to provide its graduates with entering their chosen field. Heidi Gruetzer, R.M.T. INSTRUCTOR
Heidi Gruetzner realized her interest in massage at an early age. As a child and teenager she would give her family "massages" after long road trips in the old Volkswagen van or after arduous days of work around the house or cottage. However, after high school she decided that while massage therapy would be an interesting career path, a degree in the Arts would be a better idea. After receiving her Arts degree in 2002 with a major in Psychology from the University of Regina she then decided that a marketing diploma would also be a nice additive to her eventual business/career plan. She then moved to Calgary for two years where she completed her business diploma majoring in Marketing from the Mount Royal College. After completing her diploma in 2004 she decided to return to her home town of Regina and after a few years of working in various office jobs she became bored and disliked the idea of sitting all day in an office. She noticed that a colleague at her current place of work had enrolled in the massage program at the Western College. This peaked an interest that had, for a time, been forgotten. After careful consideration and some wisdom from friends and family she enrolled in the full time program at Western College in the fall of 2007. It was during this period where her true passion began to shine. She had found her calling and strived to absorb every little detail from the instructors about the profession which would soon become her vocation. She graduated from the Massage Therapy program at The Western College of Remedial Massage Therapies Inc. campus in the spring of 2009. Since then she has been practicing at a busy clinic in the Cathedral area of Regina and loving it. Currently Heidi assists Instructors in year one fulltime and distance education Exercise Concepts.
Dawne Graham, R.M.T.
INSTRUCTOR
For Dawne it was always instinctive to relieve pain and discomfort by applying touch, friends and family were always asking her to give them a back rub. When she decided to look for a second career massage seemed to be a natural choice. She enrolled at Western College in 1996, because the college offered a well rounded education and distance education program which fit the time lines of her lifestyle. She read the prospectus but really did no fathom the depth of training required to become a skilled massage therapist. The next three years were spent studying, applying knowledge and studying some more. The educational and hands on requirements were demanding and required dedication, perseverance, time and the patience of both family and friends. She graduated in 1999 with knowledge, skilled hands, a college diploma and many friends. Today She has a part time practice at the Meta Systems Natural therapies and also works full time in the banking industry. Since graduation she has worked for the college as an Outreach supervisor, practical examiner, and joined “the instructor training program”. She joining the staff as the Basic Practical Distance Education instructor in the Fall of 2003. In the future, she hopes to develop her teaching skills and to broaden her teaching areas. Continuing education is an important part of Dawne's life, and over the past few years she has taken a number of CE credits, all of which increased her therapeutic abilities. She also have a number of accreditations linked to the financial world: a Certificate in Administration, CSC, PFP, CPH and BME. Family is very important to her and she spends leisure time with her daughter, son, and their spouses and four beautiful grandchildren. Her other interests include camping, swimming, walking her best friend Rajha-dog, and is taking piano lessons with her eight year old granddaughter. Dawne believes there are many areas in which massage therapy has an important application. In all of these areas skill must be accompanied by an understanding of the mechanisms at work. Keep on learning. TanyaOddo,R.M.T. INSTRUCTOR
Tanya always had a desire to help people feel better. After graduating Luther College High School in 1994, she attended the University of Regina completing her first year of Adapted Physical Activity Studies. Deciding that university wasn't for her, she received her Early Childhood education certificate from SIAST in 1995 and worked in daycare until her first daughter was born in 1999. Her second daughter was born in 2001 and after being a stay at home mom for 4 years she decided to return to school in order to have a career that would not only allow her to stay at home with her children but would also help people feel better. She decided that the distance program at WCRMT would allow her the flexibility and time needed to raise her children and go to school. So in 2003, with the support of her husband and family, she returned to school. After graduating from WCRMT in June of 2006 Tanya set up her practice in her home and it has steadily grown. She enjoyed school so much that she wanted to help others in their studies so she began practical examination with the college. In 2009 she oversawthe student outreach program at Wascana Rehab Center and then in 2010 she took the next step and accepted a position instructing the Year 1 Practical class. She is excited for the challenge and growth this new opportunity will bring. When she is not busy working or running her girls to their activities, Tanya enjoys many things.Skiing, biking and being outdoors, especially in the summer sun.
Shannon Howe, WC(Hon), R.M.T.
INSTRUCTOR
Shannon enroled at the Western College of Remedial Massage Therapies in 2000. It was through the guidance of a good friend, her boss, who encouraged her to follow this passion. "Thanks Grant for giving me a little push." Shannon spent much of her first year after graduation of the program working on the exam bank for the Physiology classes and eventually curriculum development with Ron Taylor's guidance. To further enhance her instructional skill set, she completed her Certificate in Adult Education from St. Francis Xavier University in the sping of 2006. A vacancy in the Pathology department came about and Shannon embarked on a new adventure; curriculum development and instruction of the Pathology classes. Most recently Shannon has had her hand at Practical instruction with the Year 1 Fulltime classes and has thoroughly enjoyed this new facet of instruction.
When Shannon is not busy instructing at the College, she maintains a busy practice in the Cathedral area of Regina. Her "baby" is really her pregnancy massage practice "Beautiful Bellies". It is through her mentor Janie Lysack an instructor at the Wellington College of Remedial Massage Therapies in Winnipeg that she discovered this passion within her massage career. "Many thanks Janie".
In her spare time, you can find Shannon attending Rider Games, spending time with her family and numerous nieces and nephews.
Kathy Erhardt, R.M.T.
INSTRUCTOR
Kathy enrolled in the WCRMT Distance Education Program in 1996 and completed the 3 year program in 1999. As a student Kathy presented a strong motivation for deeper understanding while constantly providing guidance and support for her fellow students. This natural ability and compassion was noticed by her instructors early in her training. Upon successfully completing the course, Kathy undertook the Instructors Training Program, and Wayne felt the beginnings of a strong Instructorial presence in the Pathology class were quickly emerging. Since then, Kathy has taught for WCRMT with a focus in Pathology. 25 years experience as a Medical Laboratory Tech. And an active massage practice at the Regina Sports Massage Therapy Clinic provides her with the necessary skills to help the students at WCRMT understand and utilize the concepts they are taught. Kathy has also instructed components of Hydro-therapy and has performed practical examinations at all levels of the program. In addition to her Instructional responsibilities, Kathy also instructs the First-Aid and CPR classes necessary for Massage Therapy students and therapists to practice safely on the public and various out-reach locations. After 13 years as a fitness leader, Kathy continues to maintain a active and healthy lifestyle.
Thomas Hamilton and Carla Coulson
INSTRUCTORS
Carla Coulson and Thomas Hamilton are Professional Dietitians with Personal Best Nutrition Consultants. They have been counseling athletes and the general population in the area of healthy food choices and eating behaviors since establishing their private practice in 1995. They have developed and been teaching the Nutrition curriculum with the Western College of Remedial Massage Therapies since 1997. Thomas has a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from the University of Alberta, and an Honors Bachelor of Physical Education from Lakehead University in Thunder Bay Ontario. He is a certified Sports Nutritionist with Sports Medicine and Science Council of Canada. He provides sports nutrition education and consulting, in both individual and group settings, for a variety of athletes at various levels throughout Saskatchewan. In addition, he conducts group and individual counseling with several rehabilitation groups in Regina. Carla Coulson possesses a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from the University of Saskatchewan. She is a Certified Diabetes Educator with the Canadian Diabetes Association and works part time with the Regina Health district in Diabetes counseling. Her private practice expertise includes overseeing nutrition aspects of clinical trials for a variety of treatments. Both Thomas and Carla bring years of counseling experience after 8 years in Diabetes Education with the Regina General Hospital. They are proponents of a balanced, practical approach to changing intake and behavior to achieve long term improved health and performance. They have 2 children and enjoy a variety of active hobbies and athletic endeavors throughout the year
Other Staff
OUTREACH SUPERVISION
Susan Baiton, Gus Gianoutsos, Adrianna Gair,
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
Mr. Baiton requests the following individuals be recognized for their contributions to the programs over the years. First, his wife, Susan, who provides him with the inspiration to live life. Mr. Ken Woodward for his work pioneering massage and seeing Canada as a place of opportunity. Mr. Abe Reimer and Mr. Don Bennett for realizing the need for standards in Massage Therapy. Mr. Randy Ellingson who has been as big a factor in the development of the past and current curriculum. Many instructors have played major or minor roles in the development of the Colleges. Mr. Baiton would like to express his greatest appreciation to all of them. Mr. Harry Hawes Mr. Emil Schmuck Mr. Ron Taylor Mr. Stan Duncombe Mr. William Smith Mr. Roger Orr Mr. Keith Brimelow Mrs. Jean Sellinger Mrs. Karen Barker Mrs. Beryl Harper Ms. Patti Josephson Mr. Stuart Oikawa Mr. Eddy Coldwell Ms. Kendra Smicnyuk Ms. Shelley Glenday Mr. George Sowerbutts Mr. Rick Gelsinger Mr. Charles Guarino Mr. Kerri Hilderman Mr. Bryon Kuss Mr. Jacques Dornez Ms. Jeannette LaPlante Mr. Grant Lessard, Mr. Bev Walpole, Mr. Darrell Baiton, Ms. Carla Kelln, Mr. Duane Banman, Ms. Karen Reiss, Mr. Mark Minarik, Ms. Sonia Sandgaard, Ms. Lorena Mazer and Mr. Ian Sweet. The history of our programs goes back to the start of the century. Our continued improvement and enhancement confirm that the establishment of the Western and Wellington Colleges has made a tremendous impression on the industry. We will strive to further advance the programs as we move into a new era. We will continue to enlighten our students and serve the public to the best of our ability.
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