Our clinical team
Registered Massage Therapist, Guelph/Hamilton
Brook Bennie, RMT, ART
EDUCATION
Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy
EXTRA COURSES
Active Release Technique
CHEK Scientific Core Training
CHEK Scientific Back Training
DTS OLY-WOD Olympic Weightlifting
Brook’s goal is to help everyone live an active pain free lifestyle. Prior to practicing Massage Therapy in Guelph, Brook started helping others by working as a Primary Care Paramedic. He grew up playing as many sports as possible, and excelled in soccer. In his mid-twenties he discovered golf and has immersed himself in the game. Also, Brook has over seven years experience as a personal trainer. Brook previously worked as Head Trainer for the University of Guelph Gryphons Golf team. Brook mainly works in our Guelph location but you can book him for Massage Therapy in Hamilton one day per week.
Chiropractor, Hamilton/Hagersville/Guelph
Dr. Aras Kvedaras, B.SC, D.C, ART
EDUCATION
1992 University of Toronto (Microbiology)
1996 New York Chiropractic College (Magna Cum Laude)
EXTRA COURSES
2006- present Active Release Technique (ART)
Dr David Leaf (Strength Assessment -500 hours)
Kinesiotape level 2
2001, 2002, 2003, 2015 Society of Weight lifting Specialists (SWIS)
Aras is a well known Hamilton Chiropractor. He is considered to be one of the best at treating back pain in Hamilton. Aras is particularly skilled at working with the unique needs of the powerlifting community. He is a Chiropractor that many powerlifters travel to see. He is terribly proud of creating the systems used at the Active Relief Centre and finding the best team around. He is also very proud of his best friend and wife Natasha and his three children (Jacob, Anna and Sam). He has competed at ice hockey, soccer, basketball, volleyball, racquet ball, squash, tennis, skiing (racing), golf, strongman, powerlifting and softball.He was raised in the Lithuanian culture and it has had formative effects.
Physiotherapist, Hamilton/Hagersville/Guelph
Eric Olympico, M.SC.(PT), M.SC (KIN) H.B.KIN, ART, CSCS
EDUCATION
M.Sc. Physiotherapy McMaster University
M.Sc. Kinesiology Western University
Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology Lakehead University
EXTRA COURSES
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with National Strength and Conditioning Association
Full body ART Certified
Eric has been a practicing Physiotherapist since 2011. Eric practices Physiotherapy in Hamilton, Hagersville and Guelph. Eric played on the Minnesota State rugby team and has his black belt in Brazilian Jiujitsu at Joslin’s MMA. He enjoys powerlifting, canoeing, fishing and spending time with his family.
Physiotherapist Hamilton
Caitlin Price (Romaniw), PT, ART
EDUCATION
MSc Physiotherapy- McMaster University
BSc Exercise Science- Georgia State University
EXTRA COURSES
Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist
Diploma of Advanced Orthopaedic Manual and Manipulative Physiotherapy- Level 3 Upper
ART Full Body
SWIS Conference
Practical Orthopaedics for Primary Care
Certified Personal Trainer
Georgia State University:
NCAA Division 1 Track & Field, Cross Country
Soccer: Hamilton Sparta, 1v1 Academy, South Regional.
Caitlin enjoys staying active by working out at the gym, trail running and chasing after her two young children. Caitlin is the platinum winner of the Hamilton Spectator’s People’s Choice Award for Best Physiotherapist in the city.
Chiropractor Hamilton/Guelph
Dr Kristina Santiago B.Sc, D.C.
EDUCATION
2024 Doctor of Chiropractic - New York Chiropractic College (Summa Cum Laude)
2020 BSc Kinesiology (Honours) - McMaster University
Kristina grew up in Guelph, where she excelled as an elite gymnast representing Team Ontario across Canada and the USA. Her journey as an athlete led her to Active Relief Centre, where it not only fueled her success in her sport but also sparked a passion to help others in achieving optimal health and wellness. Outside of the office, Kristina enjoys staying active through activities like yoga, rock climbing, and hiking.
Chiropractor Hagersville
Dr. Sydney Smith, B.SC., MSACN, D.C.
EDUCATION
2014 – McMaster University – Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
2020 – New York Chiropractic College – Master of Science in Applied Clinical Nutrition
2020 – New York Chiropractic College – Doctor of Chiropractic (Summa Cum Laude)
EXTRA COURSES
ICPA – Webster Certification
Active Release Techniques
Motion Palpation Institute Full Spine and Upper Extremity Adjusting
Member of Phi Chi Omega Honor Society
Pediatric Adjustment Trained
After enrolling at McMaster University, Sydney began working as a Chiropractic Assistant for Dr. Kvedaras at the Active Relief Centre Hamilton location. Sydney spent countless hours learning from her mentor and went on to attend New York Chiropractic College where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. Since graduating, Sydney has become an excellent practitioner and a valued member of the Active Relief Centre.
Sydney was born and raised in Hagersville, where she grew up figure skating for the Hagersville Skating Club. When not in the office, you can find Sydney walking her dog around town, reading a book, or spending time with her family and her husband, Michael.
Registered Massage Therapist Hagersville
Stefanie White, RMT
EDUCATION
2012 Diploma in Massage Therapy: Canadian Therapeutic College
2012 Diploma in Sports Injury Therapy: Canadian Therapeutic College
ADDITIONAL COURSES
Certificate in Manual Cupping Techniques
Certificate in Therapeutic Ultrasound
Team Therapist: 2010 Stoney Creek Midget AA Girls Hockey Team
Team Therapist: 2011-2012 (National Champions), 2012-2013 Mohawk College Men’s Varsity Basketball
Stefanie grew up in Hagersville, where she currently lives with her family. She grew up playing hockey, at an A/AA level, soccer, volleyball, and field hockey. Stefanie continues to play hockey and baseball and enjoys spending time out on the lake with her family.
Physiotherapist, Hamilton/Hagersville
Amanda Vertesi, PT, ART
EDUCATION
2019 Bachelor of Science (Honours) Kinesiology from McMaster University
2022 Master of Physical Therapy from Western University
EXTRA COURSES
Active Release Techniques (ART) Full Body Certified
ART Nerve
Hike Ontario Certified Hike Leader
CCAA Tiered Exercise Program Certification of Completion
Amanda assisted Dr. Aras Kvedaras and Eric Olympico during her time at McMaster University and is excited to be a part of the team again as a practitioner. Amanda was born and raised in Hamilton and was a past athlete for various rep teams such as Newman Youth Basketball, Mountain Volleyball Club, Hamilton Bengals Lacrosse, and Hamilton Olympic Club Track & Field. Amanda enjoys going on adventures and spending time outside hiking mountains, backcountry camping and exploring local cafes whenever she gets the chance.
Registered Massage Therapist, Hagersville
Jill Williamson, B.SC., RMT, ART
EDUCATION
2005 Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Waterloo
2006 Diploma in massage Therapy: Canadian Therapeutic College
EXTRA COURSES
2010 Functional Capacity Evaluation – Metriks
2017 Active Release Techniques
2011, 2016 David Leaf- Strength Testing and Assessment
2016 Dolphin Neurostim – Microcurrent Point Stimulation
Throughout childhood Jill worked her way through the Royal Academy of Dance Exams earning her elementary level prior to university. She now lives on a farm with her husband and two kids. She enjoys staying active with the kids as they are starting their own sports.
Registered Massage Therapist, Hagersville/Hamilton
Megan Burgio, RMT
EDUCATION
Fanshawe College – Massage Therapy
2018 – Member of the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario
Megan knows how much resistance training and a proper diet can improve her patients’ health and speed recovery. She is committed to helping her patients recover and perform at their best. Megan uses a variety of techniques including deep tissue massage, cupping therapy, TMJ disorder treatment and general Swedish massage techniques. Her goal is to help her patients feel like the strongest, best version of themselves.
Our administrative team
Natasha Dunn-Kvedaras
EDUCATION
1995 University of Prince Edward Island Bachelor of Arts Degree
EXTRA COURSES
Mental Health First Aid, ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training)
Before joining the Active Relief Centre team as the Clinic Manager Natasha was the Director of a Mental Health Program in Prince Edward Island.
Natasha is very pleased to be a part of such an amazing team at Active Relief Centre and is very proud of how her husband Aras has helped so many people over the duration of his career. Aras has also helped as her training partner to secure a silver medal at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships, two national records in squat and bench and Gold, Silver and Bronze medals at the Canadian powerlifting championships in 2015, 2016 and 2017. Most importantly, she is proud of the six kids that she and Aras have together, all with wonderful and unique personalities
Liz Pridham
Lisa Evans
EDUCATION
Honours Business Administration
Lisa is thrilled to be part of such a dynamic team at the Active Relief Centre. Every staff member has played a meaningful part in both her personal & professional growth in some way. She stays active with regular home gym workouts, playing baseball & trail walks with her dog. Lisa also enjoys spending quality time with her son & daughter, cooking & gardening.
Mae Monzon
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts - Creative Writing and Youth Studies
Mae recently joined our Guelph office and her favourite part of the job is connecting with people and hearing their stories and adventures. When she’s not at the clinic, she enjoys family time with her partner and two small children.
