Our Team
Our team of licenced professionals is committed to delivering exceptional, high-quality care. To ensure your goals are met, they will work with you to develop an individualized plan to best suit your needs.
Our specialists have treated amateur, Olympic, and professional athletes including members of The Toronto Maple Leafs, The Toronto Blue Jays, The Toronto Raptors, as well as a number of other professional sports teams in Canada, the U.S. and overseas.
Discover our team by searching through specialties.
Elysa Graci is our very own Certified Athletic Therapist who works out of the Mount Sinai Fitness Centre. She is a competitive long distance runner who has run the Boston Marathon twice and has a current personal best of 3 hours and 5 minutes. Other than that she enjoys swimming, strength training and yoga. An Athletic Therapist is trained to assess, treat, and prevent both chronic and acute athletic injuries. Elysa works one-on-one with patients by detecting muscle imbalances and by helping them strengthen specific muscles in order to reduce and get rid of their pain. Her customized strength programs are aimed at very gradually and progressively bringing a patient or client back to doing the activities they once enjoyed, pain-free. She works with people of all fitness levels from competitive runners to the hard-working hospital staff. Whether your goal is to become a faster runner, correct your posture, become less reliant on a cane or walker, or to just become a stronger individual, Elysa will help you get there. Elysa firmly believes that resistance exercise will permanently reduce musculoskeletal pain and prevent future injuries and that everyone at all ages and fitness levels should incorporate strength training in their lives.
Dr. Aksa Ahmed is a Chiropractor at The Rebecca MacDonald Centre for Arthritis & Autoimmune Disease and the Research Coordinator for the University of Toronto’s Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Study at Mount Sinai Hospital. She completed her Bachelor of Science degree with Honours at the University of Toronto, specializing in Biochemistry and Human Biology, and graduated from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College with Clinic Honours in 2015. Dr. Ahmed is a diversified practitioner and is also certified in Medical Acupuncture from McMaster University.
Dr. Ahmed is passionate about leading a healthy and active lifestyle. She is strongly committed to providing exceptional patient-centered, high quality healthcare using a multidisciplinary therapeutic approach. Dr. Ahmed keeps up-to-date with current literature and incorporates evidence-based chiropractic care in her practice.
Dr. Carlo Ammendolia is the Director of the Chiropractic Spine Clinic and the Spinal Stenosis Program at the Rebecca MacDonald Centre for Arthritis and Autoimmune Diseases. He is an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, the Department of Surgery and the Institute of Medical Sciences at the University of Toronto. He is a Faculty member of the University of Toronto Spine Program and The Collaborative Program in Musculoskeletal Sciences and an Adjunct Scientist at the Institute for Work and Health. In 2012, Dr. Ammendolia was recipient of the Professorship in Spine Award from the Department of Surgery in the Faculty of Medicine. He has been in clinical practice for over 30 years and now combines clinical practice, teaching and research in the area of non-operative treatment of mechanical, degenerative and inflammatory spinal disorders with a special interest in degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis.
Dr. Ammendolia is the author of more than 35 peer-review papers, reviews and book chapters and has been the recipient of the “Chiropractor of the Year” in 2015 for outstanding contribution to the profession from the Ontario Chiropractic Association.
Dr. Cepo, a graduate of McMaster University and New York Chiropractic College, is a consultant at the Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Clinic. He integrates his unique experiences as a former Olympic and Canadian National soccer team member to assist individuals and athletes of various abilities with their injury recovery and performance goals. Dr. Cepo has worked with world class athletes internationally at the World Track and Field Championships in Budapest 2004, and with professionals in NHL, CFL, MLS, and Toronto’s dance, theatre and film industries. He is a Rehab Specialty Fellowship candidate and is a clinical instructor for the Contemporary Medical Acupuncture Program at McMaster University.
Dr. Givelos completed her Bachelor of Science degree with Honours at the University of Toronto, specializing in Human Biology, and graduated from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College with Honours in 2010. Dr. Givelos combines the various skills attained through her education and experience. As a chiropractor who utilizes soft tissue work and medical electro-acupuncture , she has treated various athletes at a varsity and a professional level. She uses a holistic with the goal of increasing function and reducing pain of her patients, who may need help with their sport or general activities of daily living. Dr. Givelos is currently a Senior Instructor with the Contemporary Medical Acupuncture Program at McMaster University, lead instructor of Advanced Performance Assessment as a consultant with the NHLPA.
Dr. Evelyn Lock is a Chiropractor and Kinesiologist at the Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Clinic. She is certified in Medical Acupuncture from McMaster University. Her practice is a reflection of her background in competitive sports (swimming and dance), Brain Injury & Neurological Rehabilitation, and years of working in a busy Orthodontic office. She has a special clinical focus on the treatment of Sports Injuries, Chronic Pain, Neurological Disorders, and Craniofacial / Jaw Pain.
Dr. Lock’s drive for patient-centred care is inspired by her patients: from recreational to professional athletes, to those that have endured disabling injuries, to those that need to be healthy to provide for their families, students, or community, those injured in combat or in post- surgical pain, to those that want to learn to better move, breathe, sleep, and be healthier.
Recognizing that each person has unique needs and concerns, Dr. Lock creates a specific and personalized treatment plan to meet the individualized goals of each patient. She applies varied techniques to help patients return to functional goals including neuro-functional approaches, acupuncture, manual therapy, corrective exercise prescription, movement therapy, sensory/tactile discrimination, habituation, breathing control, and lifestyle changes.
Dr. Lock is the Head of the Musculoskeletal Division with Bridge to Health | Medical and Dental. This organization brings a mutli-disciplinary health care team to East Africa to work with on-the-ground NGOs to provide sustainable health care programs, clinical and public health education, and patient care to over 10,000 patients during each outreach brigade. Having experienced how well an integrated health team can service patients abroad, Dr. Lock is committed to working in collaboration with her patients, and their health care practitioners to together meet patient goals here at home.
DC, MSc
Dr. Joshua Plener is a chiropractor at the Chiropractic Spine Clinic and the Spinal Stenosis Program at the Rebecca MacDonald Centre for Arthritis and Autoimmune Diseases. He graduated from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College and completed his Masters degree through the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation at the University of Toronto. He combines clinical practice and research within the area of non-operative treatment of spinal disorders, with a special interest in degenerative conditions.
Dr. Plener is the author of numerous peer-reviewed papers and has been the recipient of provincial and national awards within the Chiropractic profession. He is committed to providing the highest quality care within a patient-centered approach.
Jennifer is a Registered Massage Therapist. She graduated from the Massage Therapy Diploma program at Sutherland-Chan School & Teaching Clinic, having previously obtained an honours B.Sc. in Psychology from the University of Toronto.
Jennifer has successfully treated a broad range of patients and conditions: from long-haul truck drivers who have dense back fascia and short hip flexors, to neurosurgeons who experience tension from using machinery with precise repetitive motions, those with computer desk jobs who suffer from Carpal Tunnel or Thoracic Outlet symptoms, weekend warriors recovering from sports injuries, and those whose life stress is manifesting in physical terms.
In addition to musculoskeletal disorders, Jennifer has specific massage training related to high risk pregnancy, scar mobilization post breast surgery, central nervous system disorders such as Parkinson’s and strokes, and providing relief to those undergoing medical treatment for malignancies.
After finishing her studies at the University of Toronto with a degree in Physical Health and Education (BPHE), Marguerite travelled to Ireland where she completed 2 years of college education in Massage and Holistic studies. These diplomas include Sports Massage, Reflexology, Aromatherapy, and Reiki which led to working as a Massage Therapist in Ireland. Following this experience, Marguerite returned to Toronto and became a registered Massage Therapist with The College of Massage Therapists of Ontario.
Practicing full-time since 2013, Marguerite enjoys incorporating her skill set into each treatment, as needed. Most recently, she completed a 120 hour course in Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) through Dr. Vodder School International and is a certified Combined Decongestive Therapist (CDT). Through both MLD and CDT techniques, she can treat people who present with Lymphedema. In addition, MLD is helpful for a variety of conditions - sinusitis, arthritis, repetitive strain injury, injury healing and edema (swelling) reduction, and stress reduction. Alongside these conditions, she also has experience in treating patients with neurological conditions (post-stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, Guillain-Barre Syndrome) and treating patients following orthopedic surgery.
Marguerite practices with a patient centred and holistic focus, spending time to listen and help the client achieve greater health through both treatment time and self-care/remedial exercises.
In her spare time, she enjoys incorporating movement and exercise through cycling, swimming, running and weight training, as well as spending time with her springer spaniel, Tucker.
Dr. John Theodoropoulos earned his Medical Degree at Queen's University and completed his residency in Orthopaedic Surgery at McGill University. He completed a Fellowship in Sports Medicine at the University of Illinois Chicago and completed his Masters of Science in Cartilage Regeneration at the University of Toronto. Dr. Theodoropoulos is currently an Assistant Professor of the Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Surgery at the University of Toronto.
He is the Medical Director of the Dovigi Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Clinic (DOSMC), a non-profit institute dedicated to the treatment, prevention and research of sport related injuries. He is also clinical head of University of Toronto Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Program (UTOSM) and Director of the Fellowship Program mentoring 8 National and International Fellows annually.
As a distinguished and invited speaker, presenter and lecturer, he has contributed locally, provincially and nationally at meetings and conferences on topics such as ACL reconstruction, cartilage repair and tissue engineering and arthroscopic shoulder repair.
Dr. Theodoropoulos is the Head Orthopaedic Surgeon for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Blue Jays. He also consults for many local amateur and professional athletes and was part of the medical team at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Hockey Tournament.
Based at Women’s College Hospital with a cross appointment at Mt Sinai Hospital, Dr. Tim Dwyer’s surgical practice encompasses open and arthroscopic surgery of the knee, shoulder, hip and ankle. His knee surgery focus is on primary (hamstring and BPTB) and revision ACL reconstruction, the management of cartilage and meniscal lesions, disorders of the patellofemoral joint, as well as other ligament reconstruction about the knee. His shoulder practice encompasses all complex shoulder pathology, including shoulder instability and rotator cuff pathology, including the surgical treatment of massive rotator cuff tears. Dr. Dwyer performs hip arthroscopy for labral tears and CAM impingement, as well as ankle arthroscopy for OCD and chondral injuries of the talus.
Dr. Tim Dwyer’s primary research focus is on the assessment of surgical competence, which is the basis of his PhD thesis at IMS. He designs and validates assessment methods, aimed to establish a minimal level of competence in both residents and fellows. This research occurs within the setting of Competency-Based Medical Education, a medical training model that was developed and established by the Division of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Toronto.
Dr. Dwyer’s other main focus is assessing competence in the performance of technical procedures. Much of this work occurs outside of the operating room, at WCH’s state-of-the-art arthroscopic simulation laboratory. Dr Dwyer’s research develops novel surgical simulation models for both sports medicine and other subspecialties, allowing trainees to both acquire and demonstrate the ability to perform complex technical procedures, prior to performance in the operating room.
Tim also performs research in sports medicine, especially in regards to knee and shoulder surgery. He is involved in clinical trials for massive rotator cuff defects, shoulder instability and ACL reconstruction, as well as shoulder and knee osteoarthritis. He also supervises basic science projects that focus on complex shoulder instability, and the reliability of measurement as it pertains to clinical practice.
Dr. Tim Dwyer is the team orthopedic surgeon for the Toronto Football Club (TFC).
Dr. Herb von Schroeder is an Associate Professor of the Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Surgery at the University of Toronto with a cross appointment in the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He earned his undergraduate and Medical Degrees at the University of British Columbia and completed his residency in Orthopaedic Surgery and his Master of Science in Cell Biology at the University of Toronto. He completed Fellowships in Hand and Microsurgery at the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and at the Kleinert Institute in Louisville Kentucky.
Dr. von Schroeder’s subspecialty area of expertise is in Hand and Wrist surgery (including trauma, sport injuries, and wrist reconstruction). He has published over 100 scientific articles and book chapters in his field and frequently travels nationally and internationally to teach and lecture on topics relating to Hand and Wrist surgery. He has a busy academic and tertiary care practice at the University Hand Program and at the Dovigi Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Clinic at Mount Sinai Hospital. He is a consultant for the WSIB Specialty Clinics, Toronto Maple Leafs, the NHL, NHL Players Association, Cleveland Clinic Canada, and consults on many local and international amateur and professional athletes.
Katrina Dekirmendjian is a Canadian Certified Physician Assistant. She graduated from the Consortium of Physician Assistant Education at the University of Toronto. Prior to this professional program, she graduated Magna Cum Laude from North Park University in Chicago, IL with a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training. Following, Katrina completed a year-long Athletic Training Residency program with the Orthopaedic Teaching and Research Foundation in Chicago, IL. She served as a physician extender and surgical assist to a Sports Medicine Physician and Orthopaedic Surgeon. During this training she became certified as an Orthopaedic Technologist specializing in the fitting and application of immobilization devices.
Katrina’s passion for health and wellness developed at a young age participating in multiple sports. During her undergraduate degree, she was the captain of her women’s collegiate NCAA soccer team. Her goal was to pursue a career that promoted healthy living through physical activity.
As a Physician Assistant with a focus in Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Surgery, Katrina specializes in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of musculoskeletal injuries. She is also a surgical first assist to the Orthopaedic Surgeons affiliated with the Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Clinic. Her passion is to provide patient-centered care to return patients to the activities they love.
Dr. Michael Catapano is a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physician with fellowship training in Sports Medicine and Ultrasound and Fluoroscopic-Guided Procedures. He completed his medical school at McMaster University prior to completing a 5-year Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency at the University of Toronto. He subsequently completed the prestigious Harvard Sports Medicine Fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital and Spaulding Rehabilitation Network whereby he learned advanced non-operative techniques for sports medicine injuries and ultrasound and fluoroscopic-guided procedures. As a sports medicine physician, he has had the pleasure of working with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins, Boston Red-Sox, New England Revolution, New England Patriots and several semi-professional teams and universities including Harvard University and Northeastern University.
Dr. Catapano specializes in the non-operative treatment of sports and musculoskeletal conditions with a specific interest in ultrasound diagnostic and therapeutic procedures including advanced techniques utilizing corticosteroid, prolotherapy, hyaluronic acid and platelet-rich plasma. He also operates out of Sunnybrook Health Science Centre and Holland Orthopaedic and Arthritic Center where he sees patients with sports injuries and high-energy traumas resulting in pain and muscle, tendon, bone and nerve injuries.
Melanie Gordon has over 14 years of experience working as a physiotherapist in orthopaedics and sports medicine. Melanie completed her Master’s of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Toronto after graduating from the University of Ottawa with a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Kinetics.
Melanie has experience in treating patients of all ages and enjoys helping them reach their goals; whether it be returning to a sport or improving their wellbeing. Melanie integrates a variety of treatment techniques into her patient’s treatment plans, which include manual therapy, exercise training, acupuncture and dry needling. Melanie is a certified Pilates Instructor and incorporates pilates-based strengthening to rehabilitate a variety of conditions including sciatica, rotator cuff tendinopathies, postural weakness, osteoarthritis as well as post-surgical strengthening programs. Melanie is also a manual therapist and completed her Diploma of Manual and Manipulative therapy with the Orthopaedic Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (FCAMPT) in 2013. She is certified in Integrative Dry Needling which helps in the management of pain, reducing myofascial tension and neuromuscular conditions. Growing up, Melanie participated in a number of sports including competitive gymnastics, she understands the demands of sports on our bodies and the importance of exercise training for our health and wellbeing.
In addition to providing clinical care for patients, Melanie is a registered instructor with the Orthopaedic division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association and participates in teaching courses as well as providing mentorship for physiotherapists. In her spare time, she enjoys participating in many fitness activities including tennis, running, pilates.
Kevin recently moved to Toronto and is a graduate from Queen’s University (Master of Physical Therapy) and the University of Waterloo (BSc. Biology & Psychology). Since graduating, he has been across Canada working and travelling in Vancouver before returning home and completing a Sport Physiotherapy Fellowship with the Fowler Kennedy Sport Medicine clinic. During his Fellowship, Kevin worked closely with Western Varsity Football and Men’s Basketball while also attending to a multitude of varsity sports injuries in clinic. Kevin has extensive experience working with high-level athletes in a variety of sports, contributing to their ongoing success and desires to return to the field.
Kevin is dedicated to providing hands-on manual therapy, tailored exercise prescription, and patient education to meet client goals. He has a broad range of experience working with a variety of different patient populations and settings including the assessment and treatment of acute injuries on field, in the emergency room, and in clinic.
Kevin, being involved in competitive lacrosse and basketball, has sustained varying injuries himself and therefore understands the importance of effective strength and conditioning in the prevention of injuries. In his spare time, Kevin enjoys anything active – most recently, you may find him on the golf course or playing catch with his dog Plato.
Credentials:
- Master of Physical Therapy
- KinetoCore Functional Dry Needling (FDN/IMS)
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
- Sport Physiotherapy Canada (SPC) – Sport Certificate
- Specialized Training in Vestibular Rehabilitation
Jeremy completed his undergraduate degree from Wilfrid Laurier University with an Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology, concentrating in Health and Rehabilitation. Building upon this foundation, Jeremy pursued his passion further by completing a Master of Science in Physical Therapy at the University of Toronto, honing his skills in assessing and treating musculoskeletal conditions and injuries.
With a background as a collegiate hockey player, Jeremy understands the physical demands and potential injuries associated with sports and recreation. This firsthand experience informs his empathetic approach when working with individuals recovering from injuries.
Jeremy is passionate about the human body and its ability to adapt and overcome injury. He employs a holistic approach, blending education, manual therapy, and targeted exercises to restore optimal function. Jeremy aims to build a therapeutic relationship with clients that empowers them to pursue their passions and live a life that is meaningful to them.
Beyond his professional endeavours, Jeremy prioritizes finding balance in life, enjoying his daily workouts, and playing sports including hockey, golf, and tennis. He also enjoys exploring Toronto's diverse culinary scene, always eager to discover new restaurants.
Larissa Tutert is a physiotherapist who holds a Master of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Toronto and an Honours Bachelor of Science with a specialization in Kinesiology from Queen’s University. She has extensive training and certifications in the areas of neurofunctional sports performance, male and female pelvic health, and medical acupuncture. In addition to French language proficiency and osteopathic assessment courses, Larissa has pursued internationally recognized post-graduate education in advanced orthopaedics and hands-on therapy, achieving the designation of Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy (FCAMPT).
In addition to direct patient care, Larissa has an academic appointment with the University of Toronto as an Adjunct Lecturer for the Department of Physical Therapy. Through this role, she provides instructional training for physiotherapy students pursuing their Master’s. Larissa is also an instructor for the McMaster University Contemporary Medical Acupuncture program, leading workshops for clinicians on hands-on acupuncture techniques. She helps teach these physicians, chiropractors, massage therapists and other practitioners how to integrate the neurofunctional approach with their patients when treating musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction.
Larissa also develops workshops and provides talks for a variety of health and wellness communities, which have included the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology (Mount Sinai Hospital) and the Maternal Child Nurses’ Interest Group (Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario). She created the Pelvic Health Workshop for the Prenatal Education Department at Mount Sinai Hospital, which she currently instructs to this day.
In the past, Larissa treated elite dancers as an in-house physiotherapist for Canada’s National Ballet School and also worked with competitive national-level cheerleaders. Outside of the clinic, she has enjoyed providing sports medical coverage for events such as Skate Canada, Toronto Marathon, Toronto Rugby Union, Invictus Games, and Canada Cup Squash.
Mark graduated from the University of Toronto with a Master of Science in Physical Therapy. Afterwards, he completed a post-graduate Master’s degree in Advanced Health Care Practice - Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy at Western University. Mark is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy (FCAMPT) and is a member of the Orthopaedic and Sport Divisions of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association.
As a physical therapist, Mark has extensive experience working with athletes and post-surgical patients of all competition levels, ranging from high-performance youth athletes to professional and national-level athletes. Mark also enjoys treating the general population as well, and he works together with his patients to design an individualized treatment plan to meet their needs and goals. Mark employs a variety of treatment techniques, including: joint manipulation, manual myofascial release techniques, acupuncture & dry needling, taping, and personalized exercise prescription in order to get his patients back to their goals as best as possible.
Outside of work, you can find Mark playing tennis, basketball, and Ultimate Frisbee during the summer and snowboarding during the winter.
Dr. David Lawrence is a sports and exercise medicine physician and rural emergency physician. He completed his medical school, family and community medicine residency, and sports & exercise medicine fellowship at the University of Toronto.
Dr. Lawrence is recognized under the Ministry of Health and Longterm Care as a GP Focused Practitioner in Sports Medicine. He is currently completing a Masters of Public Health in Epidemiology at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health. Dr. Lawrence hold’s hospital privileges at Toronto Rehabilitation Institute (University Health Network) and Haliburton Highlands Health Services: Hospital (Haliburton, Ontario).
Dr. Lawrence has clinical experience working with athletes of all ages and levels of experience. Dr. Lawrence has worked with many elite and professional athletes and has volunteered at the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games, 2015 Pan Am and Parapan Am Games, and the 2013 FISU Winter Games (Kazan, Russia).
He is also the Lead Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician for the Toronto Blue Jays and Toronto WolfPack RLFC.
Dr. Fahim Merali is a family physician from Toronto who completed his MSc in Global Health and MD at McMaster University, followed by a Family Medicine Residency and Sports Medicine Fellowship at the University of Toronto. He earned his Diploma in Sports and Exercise Medicine from the Canadian Academy of Sports and Exercise Medicine in 2017.
Dr. Merali specializes in assessment and non-operative treatment of acute (e.g. Sprains, fractures) and chronic (e.g. osteoarthritis, overuse injuries) musculoskeletal conditions. He sees individuals of all ages, including children. He can provide interventional pain management procedures such a nerve blocks, hyaluronic acid injection and regenerative techniques such as PRP for certain indications. Dr. Merali also works with a wide range of both elite and amateur athletes. He currently travels internationally with the Canadian Junior National Men’s Basketball Team, while he has provided preseason and event coverage for organizations such as Raptors 905, Toronto Football Club, National Ballet of Canada, Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, Skate Canada, Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) Beach World Tour, Canadian National Wheelchair Basketball and multiple University of Toronto varsity teams. His special interests include promoting exercise for prevention and treatment of chronic disease.
When he is not working, he enjoys cooking and playing basketball and squash.
Fanny Ip is a registered Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Practitioner and a registered Acupuncturist.
In her practice, Fanny treats patients with many different pain issues including sport injuries, frozen shoulder, headaches, facial pain, nerve pain, postoperative pain, sciatica, and arthritis.
In addition, Fanny has a special interest in treating gastrointestinal disorders, stress/anxiety, and women’s health including fertility issues, morning sickness, breech birth presentation, menstrual issues, and menopause.
Outside of clinic hours, Fanny is involved with her governing body to help enforce and maintain high standards of her profession.
