Staff

Staff Profiles

Ross Oakes, Principal

Teaches: Introduction to Shiatsu
Ross holds a BA and MA in Religious Studies from Concordia University Loyola Campus, and an Ontario Teachers Certificate from Ottawa University. Ross comes to the Shiatsu Academy of Tokyo with 39 years of teaching experience.

Shiatsu became a great passion in Ross’ life. He received his first treatment about 25 years ago when he was working as a chaplain at a Catholic High School in Mississauga. He knew right away that this was a missing piece he had been searching for in his quest to increase healing and good health in his life. He began with meridian shiatsu and after eight years switched to Namikoshi Shiatsu because he found it to be gentle and produced improved results. Shiatsu cured Ross’ fall allergies completely, and stimulated his energy levels which helped him to perform his job at a higher level. He found it also stimulated his creativity and sharpened his mental capabilities in ways he didn’t think possible.

Kensen Saito became Ross’ therapist and mentor, and in return, Ross helped to write Kensen’s first book, Shiatsu-Doh. Ross also made a commitment to help Kensen to reenergize the school after Ross retired from the Catholic High School in June 2009. In December, 2010, Ross became principal of the Shiatsu Academy of Tokyo.

Ross wants to see shiatsu grow and flourish and see it become a beneficial part of promoting health in people’s lives. To that end, he has begun a health network to promote good health through shiatsu and other healing therapies.

Kensen Saito, Founder of Shiatsu Academy of Tokyo

Teaches: Basic Shiatsu, Chair Shiatsu, Table Shiatsu, Floor Shiatsu, Self Care, Advanced Shiatsu

Kensen Saito Sensei founded Shiatsu Academy of Tokyo in 1990 with the support of Tokujiro Namikoshi, the originator of shiatsu, and his son, Toru Namikoshi. Kensen Sensei holds a BA Law from Keio University, a Shaitsu Diploma from The Japan Shiatsu School, and a Registered Massage Therapist diploma from RMT Toronto.

David Sugarman, Instructor

Teaches: Nutrition, Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Public Health, Environmental Studies, Kinesiology

David Sugarman holds a BSC and a BED from the University of Toronto. He is a Senior Researcher at the Ontario Science Centre and has been an instructor at the Shiatsu Academy of Tokyo since 1994.

Simon Zhang, Instructor

Teaches: Chair Shiatsu, Table Shiatsu, Floor Shiatsu

Simon holds a Diploma in Education and a B.Ed from Shanghai Teachers’ University. He has a Certificate in Tui-Na (Chinese Massage Therapy) and a Shiatsu Practitioner Diploma. Simon has more than fifteen years experience in the field. Currently he is a Shiatsupractor and a manager at Shiatsu Masters. Simon has been the Co-Chair of Shiatsu Diffusion Society for over six years.

Kathy Vance, Instructor

Teaches: FelDenKrais Movement, Communications

Kathy holds a BA from Ottawa University and a Certificate in FelDenKrais from the
University of Toronto’s Guild Program.

Sandy Antunes, Instructor

Teaches: Shiatsu Practitioner Diploma courses, Osteopathy

Sandy is received her Shiatsu Practitioner Diploma from the Shiatsu Academy of Tokyo. She holds a Diploma in Osteopathic Theory and Practice from the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy and a Masters in Osteopathic Manipulative Sciences from the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy. Sandy is currently self-employed as a Shiatsu and Osteopathic Therapist.

Rose Liu, Instructor

Teaches: Eastern Medical Theory

Rose holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Traditional Chinese Medical Science from Chengdu University of TCM.

Anton Komar, Instructor and Supervisor for Shiatsu Courses

Teaches: Chair Shiatsu, Table Shiatsu, Floor Shiatsu, Advanced Shiatsu,  Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology workshops

Anton holds a BSC from the University of Toronto and has spent 25 years as a programmer in the computer graphics and multimedia industry before becoming a shiatsu therapist.   He is a graduate of the Shiatsu Academy Tokyo and is now practicing out of his Q Beach clinic in Meaford Ontario.  Anton has always been an avid participant in various sports, arts and music activities throughout his life. He sprinkles a unique blend of these experiences into his classes.

Donna Oliver, Instructor

Teaches: Tai Chi, Qigong, Meditation

Donna has trained in Chinese internal martial arts Qigong and Meditation since 1988 under Master Andy James, founder of the Tai Chi and Meditation Centre in Toronto, and a Certified Master level instructor. She was a Gold Medal international competitor and is a Certified Medical Qigong Therapist from the International Institute of Medical Qigong (Canadian branch), President of the Taoist and Buddhist Meditation Foundation and Certified Senior Instructor by the Canadian Taijiquan Federation.

Yuka Sekiyama, Instructor

Teaches: Yoga

Yuka received her Yoga Teacher Certification 200RYT  from Yoga on High in Columbus, Ohio.

Deborah Powell, Instructor

Teaches: Reflexology and Business

Deborah holds a BA of Social Sciences from the University of Waterloo. She is a registered Canadian Reflexology Therapist and Instructor and received her training from the Reflexology Association of Canada.

Anjana Thom, Instructor

Teaches: Reiki, Introduction to Brain Gym

Anjana holds a BA and BED.

Liz Kirk, Instructor

Teaches: Aromatherapy

Liz holds a BA in Upper Second Eduction from Liverpool University. She has an Aromatherapist Diploma from West Wind School of Aromatherapy in Toronto.

Edy Goto, Instructor

Teaches: Professional Ethics

Edy is a Lawyer and General Practitioner. She acted both as solicitor and volunteer for the Shiatsu Diffusion Society when she helped set up Shiatsu Academy of Tokyo’s 2,200-hour school program. Edy successfully negotiated between the Shiatsu Diffusion Society and levels of government, and practitioners of Shiatsu and alternative health practices.

Paul Hyman, Instructor

Teaches:  Touch For Health,  Business, Communications

Paul Hyman is president of Brain Fitness International.  Paul is Canada’s foremost integrative functional specialist combining mind/body approaches and brain research, working in conjunction with other healthcare and educational professionals. He works internationally with clients and trains other professionals in his approach. His experiential style of teaching and growing collection of playful toys/teaching aids makes for a fun, one-of-a-kind memorable learning experience.

Administration

Steve Thompson, Administrative Assistant

Steve  holds an Honours BA from the University of Toronto. He is a Folp Program Teacher and a graduate of the National Institute of Broadcasting.