GIVE PAIN A VOICE
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Our Team of Researchers and Specialists 

Yanekah Jacobs -  Acting Director

Yanekah graduated with honours from the Women & Gender Studies program at York University,  where she investigated and exposed various issues related to Chronic Pain. Currently pursuing a Master's Degree in the Critical Disability Studies program, Yanekah's advocacy focuses on both the lived experience of people suffering with chronic pain,  and their caregivers. Her research evaluates the social, political and structural issues related to these experiences,  in an effort to increase education ignite attitudinal reform and encourage better health care options and practice for those living with Chronic  Illness.
Kevin Byer ~ Kineseologist
Remedial Exercise /  Stretching & Strengthening Consultant

Kevin is a graduate of the Kineseology and Health Science Program
at York University,  with an Honours Bachelor of Arts. He excels in
teaching  strengthening and range of motion exercises to patients.
Kevin is involved with THE YOUTH WELLNESS NETWORK which leads
health , wellness & meditation days for students and has developed his own HERO workshop.


Bob Schubring ~ Engineer
Invisible Hand Films

Researcher/ Patient Advocate/  Consultant

Following his graduation from Wayne State University in 1980, Bob performed chemical synthesis at the former Michigan CancerFoundation, worked for a hazardous-waste reduction firm and pioneered a line of cleaning solvents that could be fermented in aerated water, rather than burnt.  He is currently a partner in " Wonder Trans - media."

Thomas Kerber ~ Inventor
President of K
.A.R.
Pain Tech Researcher / Consultant

Kerber Applied Research Inc. ( KAR)  has been an innovative research and development company for over 30 yrs., specializing in electronic design and development, as well as creating prototypes from conceptual ideas- through to finalized products. Tom was successfully awarded a patent on "heat transfer, " and is awaiting further patents for the treatment of cancer using  high powered LEDs (PDT-Illumacell ) and the treatment of pain, using a filtered broad spectrum of light called GENESIS Health Light.
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Tina Petrova ~ Director Producer of film "Pain Warriors",       a movie which examines the invisible crisis of Chronic Pain in North America, and its devastating toll on society. 
​
Tina has been an invited speaker at many Institutions and Schools - including the United Nations, World Bank D.C, TED X Youth, Gilda's Club, University of Toronto and CAMH (Canadian Assoc. for Mental Health). 
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Dr. Howard Jacobs ~ Pain Medicine Specialist
D.A.A.P.M., L.R.C.P., S.I.,M.I.C.G.P.

Pain Medicine Specialist/ Consultant

Dr. Jacobs has been involved in the evaluation and treatment of chronic spinal, head, neck and facial pain for over 18 years.  He is a Diplomat of the American Academy of Pain Management , past President of The Canadian Academy of Pain Management and past Chairman of the Section of Chronic Pain Physicians of the Ontario Medical Assoc. 
Dr. Jacobs is a qualified  expert in the area of chronic pain management
at the Financial Insurance Services Commission of Ontario and the  Ontario court system. 
Mark Tsai ~ Advanced Manual / Manipulative Physiotherapist
Physiotherapy / Chronic Pain Consultant

With extensive experience in Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, Mark is the Director of Woodbine Physiotherapy. He specializes in the treatment of degenerative & chronic conditions,  as well as in restoring various tissue mobility. He employs Neuromuscular , Acupuncture and IMS Techniques to address pain, neuropathic and myofascial dysfunction. His special interest is treating  Lumbar and Sacroiliac Joint dysfunction.
​Maria Guadagnoli-Closs ~​​
Pain Researcher and Pain Activist 

Given the complexity of pain and chronic pain, Maria became a PhD candidate in Critical Disability Studies at York University in Toronto, Canada to further investigate and analyze pain in relationship to this field of study and its impact on individuals and society. Simultaneously, her drive to inspire and motivate others has led to her becoming an Internationally Recognized Certified Tutor through the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) and a part-time Instructor at Seneca college of Applied Arts & Technology, where she provides instructional and remedial services as well as skills development for a diverse populous of students with and without disabilities, at the post secondary level.
Linda Tenenbaum ~ Tai Chi Teacher
Gentle movement Consultant

​Linda Tenenbaum is  certified Tai Chi teacher, a published author and a local Toronto artist. Her book "BREATHE" - Beginners Tai Chi for kids available on AMAZON, continues to inspire both children and adults alike,  with its charming hand drawn illustrations. Linda is known for her senior's gentle tai chi classes,  which she adapts for those who live in chronic pain and those who have previous surgeries or injuries.

​Alex Schenker~ Bodywork Therapist
Martial Arts teacher

Health and Wellness Consultant

Alex is a qualified Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu Martial Arts Instructor
and Certified Shiatsu Therapist. He is the Former President of the Zen Shiatsu Society of Canada and Co -founder of the Shiatsu Therapy Society of Canada.
Donna Poulidis~ Yoga Teacher
 Yoga for Chronic Pain / Consultant

Donna is a certified Yoga Teacher , Fitness instructor and the Director/ Founder  of Prana Fitness in the Beaches ,  Toronto Canada. Donna brings her personal yoga, meditation and breath awareness skills plus her extensive knowledge of working with physical limitations,  to Giving Patients A Voice
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Sandra Kwan,   R.Ph.,BSc.Phm.~ Pharmacist/ Consultant  
Sandra Kwan- Pharmacy Owner, Metabolic Medicine consultant, and Compounded Medicine specialist, graduated from the University of Toronto. She is well versed in homeopathy, functional and metabolic medicine. She is a member of the American Association of Anti Aging and was previously awarded a Compounding Pharmacy award by the PCCA,  in 2009. Torrance Compounding Pharmacy has 2 locations in Toronto and works regularly with Pain Physicians, preparing individualized compounded formulas for inflammation and pain control.
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