Farhan Dhalla, B.Sc, B.H.Sc, PT
Physiotherapist
Farhan integrates his diverse background to create an all-encompassing approach to rehabilitation & fitness and is well-known for his versatile approach to treatment methods and modalities. With over 15 years as a licensed physiotherapist, Farhan has treated thousands of patients of different ages and from various health & exercise backgrounds including some of Canada’s top professional, Olympic and National level athletes. Farhan was voted Canada’s Best Fitness Instructor for 2010 and he’s appeared as a Fitness Presenter throughout Canada, the US, Finland and Australia. He’s an author and has been a guest of numerous television shows nationwide as fitness expert. He can also be seen daily on “In Shape with Sharon Mann” on FIT TV in the United States and Caribbean.
Farhan is a former Reebok University Master Trainer, a current Can-Fit-Pro certified Fitness Instructor Specialist, Personal Trainer Specialist and YMCA trained Fitness Leader. Farhan has a Bachelor of Science (Biology) from the University of British Columbia and a Bachelor of Health Sciences Physiotherapy from McMaster University.
Dr. Villerma D’Ugo, Hons.BA, M.A., DC
Chiropractor
Past recipient of the North York Mirrors People’s Choice Gold Medal Award for “Best Chiropractic Center” in North York, Dr. D’Ugo is passionate about her profession and provides her patients with an integrated approach to maximizing their health and wellness.
Over her 9 years as a Chiropractor, Dr. D’Ugo has worked with diverse populations and age groups, including elite amateur and professional athletes. She’s previously been a part of the medical support team for Skate Canada at the National Qualifying Challenge and has extensive experience working with children, pregnant and elderly patients as well as those involved in motor vehicle accidents. Dr. D’Ugo utilizes various manual therapy techniques including Diversified, myofascial release therapy and Graston technique. Integral to her approach to rehabilitation is exercise prescription.
Dr. Villerma D’Ugo completed an Honours Bachelors of Arts degree and a Masters of Arts degree at the University of Toronto. She then obtained her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. She is a member in good standing of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, the Ontario Chiropractic Association and the College of Chiropractors of Ontario.
Dr. Stacey Nolan, B.Kin, DC, CPT, IDFA Pro Figure Athlete
Chiropractor
Dr. Nolan’s strong passion has kept her heavily involved in the wellness industry for over 15 years as a chiropractor, fitness instructor, personal trainer, swim instructor and athlete. She graduated from McMaster University with a Bachelor of Kinesiology degree before obtaining her Doctor of Chiropractic degree at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College.
As an athlete, Stacey has participated in numerous sports including basketball, volleyball, swimming, track and field, cheerleading, gymnastics, dance and bodybuilding. Her most recent accomplishments include winning her professional status with the International Drug-Free Athletics Association as a figure competitor and qualifying for the Ontario Physique Association Provincial Championships.
As a licensed Chiropractor and Certified Personal Trainer, Stacey is committed to providing high quality care to all of her clients. Her eclectic and ever expanding array of services include body sculpting, functional training, rehabilitation training and nutritional support. Therapeutic treatments in her clinical practice include acupuncture (candida), ultrasound therapy, electrotherapy, myofascial release therapy, instrument-assisted soft tissue therapy and spinal manipulative therapy with her hands as well as adjusting instruments.
Nicole Benjamin, B.Sc.Kin, M.Sc., PT
Physiotherapist
Nicole’s passion towards injury prevention and healing came from her strong athletic background which included competing as a member of both York University and the University of Toronto’s varsity track and field teams. Nicole’s treatment approach incorporates her background in exercise and sport with her knowledge of physiotherapy to help her clients regain their full potential. She believes in empowering her clients and giving them the tools necessary to heal themselves and restore mobility and function. In her spare time, she enjoys running, flag football and playing the piano.
Nicole graduated with a Masters of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Toronto in 2009. Previously, she completed a Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology and Health Science and a certificate in Fitness Assessment at York University. Nicole has a keen interest in orthopaedics and sports physiotherapy and has treated a variety of clientele from elite athletes to non-athletes. She’s completed the Level I Manual Therapy course from the Orthopaedic Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association as well as numerous continuing education courses since graduation including those in manual therapy and acupuncture.
Yaro Polowianiuk, RMT
Registered Massage Therapist
Yaro Polowianiuk has been a Fitness Institute favorite for years. He is a Registered Massage Therapist dedicated to help you relax, re-align and rejuvenate. Yaro believes that there are many positive aspects to receiving massage therapy on an ongoing basis, and with the busy lives we lead, we can all benefit from a little stress-management. Yaro is an experienced therapist devoted to provide exceptional care by designing an effective customized massage treatment to address your individual needs. Yaro is certified in Electric Therapeutic Point Stimulation (ETPS) used for immediate musculoskeletal pain relief.
Michael Verbovsky, M.A., Dipl. SMS, RMT
Registered Massage Therapist
Michael Verbovsky started his career as a Personal Trainer and Sport Massage Therapist in 1990 working with Olympic and National Level athletes in the Ukraine. With the Fitness Institute since 2004 as a Registered Massage Therapist, Michael now treats a diverse population with a wide variety of therapy needs. Michael continues his work with elite athletes and has worked with some of Canada’s top National and Olympic level talent. In his treatments, Michael effectively applies various techniques including manual massage, lymph drainage, myofascial release therapy, deep tissue, and sport massage.
Michael graduated from the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy and obtained a Diploma with Honors for outstanding academic achievements. Michael also has a Sport Massage Specialist Diploma (Ukraine) and a Masters of Arts degree from (East-Ukrainian State University).
Keya Osborne, B.Sc, RMT
Registered Massage Therapist
Originally a Montreal native and now a Toronto transplant, Keya’s passion for health & fitness inspired her to make the wellness field her profession and become a Registered Massage Therapist. Keya has competed in Fitness Model competitions most recently placing 1st in the over 35 division in the 2009 UFE Competition and 3rd overall and 3rd in the over 35 division in the 2011 UFE Competition.
Keya began her career in a multidisciplinary clinic with her primary patient base being composed of motor vehicle accident patients, workplace injuries and long term rehabilitation patients. After two years in the clinical environment, she then broadened her scope and entered the high-end spa industry in 2006. Keya joined the integrated team at the Fitness Institute to further her professional knowledge and experiences. Included in her massage therapy skillsets are therapeutic, sport, deep tissue and pregnancy massage, myofascial release, trigger point release and hydrotherapy.
A graduate of the Faculty of Massage Therapy at Elmcrest College in 2004, Keya also has a B.Sc. in Marketing from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City and a Diploma in Commerce from Vanier.
Tony Scott, RMT
Registered Massage Therapist
Tony has been a practicing RMT for over 11 years, specializing in sports massage therapy and injury prevention. Tony has been a therapist for the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Toronto Blue Jays as well as athletes from many other NHL, MLB and NFL Teams. Through his experience at both National and International levels, he has worked with many elite amateur and Olympic athletes as they pursued excellence and athletic success in their individual sports.
Tony is a graduate of the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy and is also a Certified Sport Management & Injury Specialist and a Certified Sport Assessment Specialist.
Tarannum Nasser, Stott Certified, ISP, FAMi, TRX, IMS
Certified Pilates Instructor / Integrative Movement Specialist
Tarannum uses the Stott Pilates method which has exercises designed to restore the natural curves of the spine and rebalance the muscles around the joints. The Stott Pilates method places emphasis on scapular stabilization and focuses on five basic principles (breathing, pelvic placement, rib cage placement, scapular movement and head & cervical spine placement).
Tarannum’s interest in human anatomy and movement have become the strength of her teaching. With 8 years of experience as a Pilates Instructor, her compassionate nature, her dedication and her results driven programs, Tarannum has made a significant difference in the lives of her clients (increased muscle mass, strengthened stabilizer muscles, increased core strength, recovery of lost range of motion or joint stability).
Tarannum is a Stott Certified Pilates Instructor and has her Injury and Special Population (ISP) certification, her Integrative Movement Specialist (IMS) certification and her Functional Anatomy for Movement & Injuries (FAMi) certification.
”Thanks for making my muscles happy!”