The RRCO Council is a group of dedicated volunteers. All Council representatives are voted on to Council by the membership.
Chair ~ George Hatch
How did I get started in Reflexology? After I retired from GMD (General Motors Diesel Div), where I built locomotives and LAV (light armored vehicles), I thought I would drive a school bus part-time. One day when sitting at home talking with my wife, a flyer was put in our mail box. This flyer was put out by the city of London. As I was looking through it I saw this course for reflexology. I asked my wife ‘what is reflexology’ and she said that she thought it something to do with the feet. I looked it up on the internet and thought this is really interesting. So, I took the ten week course the city was putting on. This course was not designed to make you a reflexologist. It was an introductory course.
I enjoyed learning about reflexology so much, that I decided to take the regular course with Holt’s School of Natural Healing. I graduated in Feb 2009 and Dec of 2009 I was voted on the RRCO Council. One year later I became the Chair of the RRCO. I have over 10 year experience in running meetings and organizations, including the St Vincente de Paul society, countless number of Toastmasters meetings and sitting on two of their councils. I have also taught a number of work shops for Toastmasters. I’m currently the President of the Ontario Chapter of the Knights on Bikes (Knights of Columbus)
As Chair of the RRCO I intend to take us to the next level.
God Bless. George J Hatch RRPr
Vice Chair ~ Jacqueline Fairbrass
My interest in Reflexology began in the early 1980′s when my daughter was diagnosed with ‘Hyperactivity’, now known as ADHD. After exploring diet and herbalism, I found Reflexology a wonderful way to help her calm down and become more relaxed. I took a course and have never looked back. Although my studies were to enhance my family life, in 1993 I changed directions on my career path and once again hit the classroom to study Reflexology. In 1995 I developed the Fairbrass Reflexology Routine and wrote my own Holistic Foot Reflexology course: the Fairbrass School of Complementary Therapies was born! (Now known as the School of Complementary Therapies, education division of Feeling Absolutely Fabulous LLC.)
In 1996 I joined a group of Reflexology enthusiasts and we founded the Reflexology Registration Council of Ontario. After taking a few years off to explore other passions, I returned to Council in 2010 and am delighted to be part of this dynamic team.
I continue to practice Reflexology at home and professionally and have personally trained hundreds of Reflexologists and several Instructors. I believe in educating people to take their health and wellness into their own hands.
Stay fabulous, Jacqueline Fairbrass RRPr, Licensed Hypnotherapist & Holistic Health Consultant, Rev.
Corporate Secretary ~ Kirsten Blok
I, Kirsten Blok, sole owner of Blok’s HANDS Of Healing Holistic Center, have been studying and practising reflexology, both enthusiastically and passionately since 1994. The capital letters of HANDS in my business name is also an acronym that stands for HOLISTIC, ALTERNATIVE, NATURAL, DETOXIFYING AND SPIRITUALITY (Of Healing). Thus, the true hands that heal.
I believe in the concepts of reflexology so vividly that I decided to make it my sole career even when no one in my community seemed to know anything about this magical, ancient healing art.
I realised quickly that the basic reflexology course offered by the only place in Canada to learn reflexology at the time, I knew of, was not enough skill and knowledge, in my opinion, to pursue a lifetime career in reflexology. I searched for organisations outside of North America only to find the ICR or the International Council Of Reflexologists. From there, I was able to attend advanced workshops around the world in reflexology and soon found out how behind Canada seemed to be.
To further my knowledge, I took advanced pathology in reflexology and teaching courses through the Reflexology Association of Canada or RAC for many years. However, I was still hungry to learn and offer more, so I enrolled in the IMI or Irene’s Myomassology Institute School to even further my skills in health modalities. The electives for this program had many avenues but I studied meridian based courses and bio-energetic studies like prana in reflexology, shiatsu, applied kinesiology, craniosacral therapy, etc. to add to my myomassology career. I then also kept learning in Canada as well by taking Therapeutic Touch and Aromatherapy Certifications.
Now, I felt better prepared to start a fulltime career after three years of continuous study. Hence, my seven years as the in-house therapist at a local factory began. I was involved in helping to reduce lost time due to injuries and absences from sick time, repetitive strain injuries, speeding recovery and mostly, reduce WSIB costs.
My skills sharpened at this factory (Integram Windsor Seating), as all I did was work conveyer line style of one body after another like the mentality of the line worker. Then, after extreme downsizing in the company and the arrival of the CAW, I was let go and forced to start my career elsewhere. And so, by June 17th, 2005, I was back in business with my own practice and teaching service of Blok’s HANDS Of Healing.
As a service to the survival of reflexology in Ontario, I enjoy sitting on the RRCO or the Reflexology Registration Council of Ontario. We are dedicated to keep reflexology of holistic and of professional health care status.
I truly believe that reflexology should be a complementary modality in mainstream healthcare as well as a household name and common home remedy to enhance health naturally. My motto stills stand as “Move over aspirin, make room for the Reflexology chart.” Just remember that large amounts of aspirin can damage the body but, large amounts of reflexology does not! Keep practicing.
Growing together one step at a time! Kirsten E. Blok, RRPr, RMP, Aromatherapist & Certified Teacher of Foot Reflexology.
Treasurer ~ Tamara Angle
My journey into the world of wellness/holistic health started 7 years ago with a cup of bergamot tea on a cold autumn day. ‘”What is that lovely fragrance?” started me on a life changing journey towards becoming a Certified Aromatherapist. I am also a Natural Health Care Practitioner, Registered Reflexology Practitioner and have studied Chinese Medicine, Iridology, Tongue Analysis, and Herbal Medicine (Materia Medica 1, 2 and 3). I am also certified in Hot Stone Massage, Swedish Massage, Lymphatic Massage and Bach® Flower Remedies. I’m currently enrolled in Reflexology Teacher Training with the Feeling Absolutely Fabulous’ Education Division the School of Complementary Therapies. This brings two of my passions together ~ Reflexology and teaching others!
My lovely husband has put up with me and my holistic health passion for the last 25 years ~ bless his heart, and my daughter thinks every Mommy has to study anatomy and physiology and knows how to make ‘monster spray’ and ‘boo boo’ cream. I find the holistic health profession the most rewarding and my passion now is to promote reflexology and spread the word to everyone know how reflexology can make a difference in every day life and our quality of life.
In 2011 I joined the RRCO as a Council member and shortly afterwards stepped into the role of Treasurer. My biggest task since joining the Council has been to review and implement policies and procedures to help stream-line the communication between the Treasurer, the Registrar, the Bookkeeper and the bank.
I have every confidence that I can contribute and make a difference in expanding awareness of Reflexology and the merits of being a member of the RRCO.
Jackie Cave
I have been called a ‘Jackie of All Trades’ because I am certified in many holistic modalities. I am a lifelong learner and my passion lies in teaching others the skills I have learned over the years to help people feel physically and emotionally better and to help put them on the path to fulfilling their soul’s mission.
I was first introduced to Reflexology in my early 20’s when I attended a seminar with my sister in England. It was fascinating when the teacher found a sensitive area on my sister’s foot and showed us the related reflex on a foot chart. My sister went to the doctor’s and found she had a problem in the area indicated by the reflexologist. That was one of the first steps towards my interest in holistic modalities. In 2002 I qualified as a Registered Reflexologist with the RRCO and joined the Council in 2009. I currently am Chair of the Insurance Committee and a member of the By-Law Committee as well as taking an active part in office administrative functions, including proof-reading and editing. I encourage others to join us and make RRCO the best it can be.
Annette Verhey
I am a holistic practitioner who provides aromatherapy, hotstone massage, Indian head massage, Swedish massage and reflexology. I also specialize in advanced foot care. At home I experiment with gluten-free diets, organic cooking, sugarless snacks and other healthy real food items. With my husband and seven children, there is a steady supply of feedback. I am dedicated to raising the wellness factor and giving back to the community that helped raise a child. Since my practice has reached beyond her immediate family, I counsel others to make active decisions for healthy lifestyles. I am eager to use my holistic training and practical experience helping people change their habits one at a time. Reflexology, as a safe, noninvasive treatment, offers the perfect connecting point. As I continue my passion for learning, I enjoy sharing my knowledge with others.
Amanda Thurlow
I don’t know what it was that made me choose the field of holistic health, I always tend to say it chose me. In early 2003, my Grandfather passed away. He left an inheritance to each of his grandchildren. Upon receipt of this inheritance,
my step-grandmother said to me, “Your Grandpa wants you to use this money wisely and not to squander it on frivolities.” Before my Grandfather took ill, he had a trip planned to Paris, France to visit his brother. He never made it. I thought “what better way to spend the money than to take his trip for him?’
But there was something that was not ringing true about that.
I had picked up the wellness magazine (that I’m sure many of you will know), Alive. Thumbing through the articles and finally to the back where all courses and schools were listed. I saw the word “Aromatherapy” and it resonated with me. It was a program offered by Balnea Institute of Complementary Therapies. I had to call!! I made an appointment to go in and see what they had to offer. Enter Reflexology….
I had never heard of this modality before then and was eager to find out as much as I could, as I found it fascinating!! What better way to learn than take the course? Chris Carrothers was my instructor and she inspired me to dig deeper and learn more. I fell in love with reflexology. So off I went to get case studies done, (what a job). The more feet I worked on, the more proof I had that the feet are indeed mini-maps of your body, and over the years I have come to discover that the feet tell an amazing story about each individual. I was and continue to be amazed by the “referral twinges” when working a particular reflex, the tummy rumbles while working others and the sometimes, emotional response to a treatment.
As a volunteer placement for school I had worked with patients in nursing homes who suffer from dementia and Alzheimers. The response from one woman in particular, (who swore up and down every Tuesday that she had never let me touch her feet, nor did she think she would), was astonishing!! Once I had managed to coax her out of her shoes and stockings, I was able to start my treatment. Every week without fail, she would perk up about 10 minutes into the treatment and say, “You’re the girl with the pretty red lips.” Then she would go on to tell me how much she enjoyed her reflexology!! Amazing. And if you’ll pardon the pun, I was hooked for life!!
I also had client who had a particularly sensitive liver reflex, after asking some questions about her recent health, Some of her answers shot up a red flag for me. This woman was unwell. Understanding that as Reflexologists, we do not diagnose or treat for a specific condition, I strongly urged her to see her Family M.D.
Within week of her appointment she had jaundiced and was on a transplant list for a new liver. I received a phone call from her sometime after our first encounter and she thanked me and credited reflexology for helping to save her life. She said that she was ignoring a lot of what her body was telling her.
After many years of study, I have gone on to get my Holistic Health Therapist Diploma and also my Holistic Esthetics Diploma, both from Balnea. Some of my other modalities include Ayurvedic Head Massage, Bach Flower Level I & II and Clinical Aromatherapy, just to name a few. Reflexology still being my favorite modality. Although coupled with Aromatherapy and Bach Flowers, I have found a beautiful harmony.
As of very recently, I have worked with clients, some of who are post-cancer and one client who is undergoing chemotherapy. This particular client’s Oncologist has recommended that she come in for regular Reflexology sessions to help detoxify her system. This is AMAZING to me!! Integrative health care and mind/body medicine are making their way into the mainstream, how exciting. I am currently working with my client to get some information up in the Cancer Centre and maybe hold a workshop on Reflexology.
So, I guess more often than not, serendipity intervenes and I am exactly where the Universe wants me. I am very appreciative of the people I have met on this journey and the people who have touched my life to help me get there, especially my Grandfather. I look forward to continuing to help put Reflexology on the map and to help whoever I can along the way.
Peter Clemens
I am the newest member to the team of volunteers on the Council. I graduated from the Balnea Institute in Burlington in 2009. To gain valuable experience, I volunteered my reflexology services at the Aids Network of Hamilton from graduation until 2011 and I have developed a sub-speciality in immune building. I am also a former Registered Practical Nurse. I now sit on the Elections and ByLaw Committee and I contribute regularly to our RRCO Facebook page by finding research papers to share.
Eugen Dietrich
Founding member of RRCO. Sits on the Election Committee and the ByLaws Committee.