CANT STOP Team
Eric
CAT(C), RMT, CMAG, CSCS
Eric “E” Matias is an Athletic Performance Therapist, effectively integrating manual therapeutic methods and strength training principles to help people achieve their health and performance goals. After graduating from York University’s Kinesiology Program and the Athletic Therapy Certificate Program in 2013, Eric was determined to pursue mastery in his craft. He went on to obtain his certificate as a Registered Massage Therapist, and completed McMaster’s Neurofunctional Acupuncture Program. Eric was working as the Head Therapist with professional and high-level teams, and achieving great results with his athletes through the combination of manual therapy, acupuncture, and exercise. Eager to learn more, he went on to complete McMaster Acupuncture’s Advanced Program. After that, he also spent some time in the Instructors Program, training to be an Instructor and honing his skills among some of the best practitioners.
Admittedly, Eric wishes he were the athlete. This rooted desire is what drives his passion, as he lives vicariously through his clients and helping them reach their goals. Throughout his career, he has remained consistent in the weight-room; learning from S&C Coaches, studying, and training as if he were preparing for competition. It only made sense that he also earn the title of Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist and apply his knowledge and experience to training basketball athletes. He not only aims to help athletes with a fast recovery from injury, but strives to educate and empower them so they can reduce vulnerability to injury. This is achieved through specific and strategic training - catering to the individual’s goals, sport, injury history and any imbalances – so that they can move well and strong.
Eric began his own practice at his home-office in 2017, and has been fortunate to build a steady client base of elite athletes and active individuals completely through word-of-mouth referrals. To continue serving the dream chasers and go-getters, he searched for excellent practitioners to share in the mission. Thus, the CANT STOP Team came together through divine timing. To balance his passion for helping clients in private practice and working team sports, Eric also works part-time at Humber College, where he provides care for the Varsity Teams. When not working, he is likely lifting weights, playing basketball, or spending time with friends and family.
Specialty: Athletic Performance, Sport-injury management and rehabilitation of both acute and chronic conditions, Sport-specific Strength, Power, and Agility Training, Sport-specific return-to-play
Experience: Travels to provide care for Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets), Off-Season care for Eugene Omoruyi (OKC Thunder), Head of Strength & Conditioning for St. Marcellinus Secondary School Senior Boys Basketball, Humber College Varsity Teams & Therapy Clinic, Travelled to provide care for Nik Stauskas (Portland Trailblazers) during the 2018 NBA Offseason, Travelled with Thon Maker (Detroit Pistons) during the 2016 NBA Pre-Draft Workouts, Athlete Institute Therapy Clinic, Athlete Institute Prep Head Athletic Therapist, Orangeville Prep Head Athletic Therapist, Orangeville A’s (NBL Canada) Head Athletic Therapist, Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games Lead Medical Practitioner, Seneca College, various Toronto Rugby Clubs, North Halton Crimson Tide Football Team, Toronto Raptors Basketball Academy, Toronto FC Camps & Clinics, York University Varsity Football Team.
Marwah
CAT(C)
Marwah Hashimi is a Certified Athletic Therapist from Vaughan, Ontario. She completed her undergraduate degree in Physiology and Human Biology at University of Toronto before completing her Athletic Therapy degree at Sheridan College.
Marwah is also a Personal Trainer and Emergency First Responder. She has experience working with competitive athletes such as Varsity Women's Volleyball team, Provincial Youth Soccer and individuals training for Iron Man.
As an AT, Marwah specializes in the assessment and treatment of injuries both on and off the court. ATs use sport medicine to provide faster recovery from injury, improve neuromuscular strength and increase performance for optimal health and sport. A big part of her treatments involve functional movement related to the activities and sports her clients love doing.
Specialty: Exercise prescription and education, S&C for combat sports (Boxing, Muay Thai, MMA), Functional and interval exercise training, acute injury management, manual therapy, concussion rehab, return to play
Experience: Humber College Women’s Volleyball Student Athletic Therapist 2019-2020, Fletchers Meadow Secondary School Student Athletic Therapist Football and Wrestling 2018-2019, Nomads Women’s Rugby, Ontario REX, S&C Iron Man Athlete, various League 1 Soccer Clubs, Mississauga Waterfront Marathon
Jemar
Jemar is a Social Service Worker and has been working with different populations for over 10 years. He has transitioned his focus to supporting youth, and was also a foster parent for 4 years to two teenage boys. As a former University Athlete and current Basketball Coach & Skills Trainer, Jemar truly understands the value of mental health in sport. He has been coaching for 15 years and takes great pride in the mentorship that he can provide for young athletes.
He has been a coach for multiple local club teams and also coached for Community events held by MLSE, Nike, and Jordan Brand. He currently coaches the U15 team at Brampton City Prep and is also a Skills Trainer for ICanBall Academy. Jemar played varsity basketball at Sheridan College for 2 years, and then Wilfrid Laurier University for 2 years. Jemar overcame challenges that many athletes face, including injuries and changes to his role on the teams. He has seen the challenges repeat themselves for athletes who he's coached through the years, and he is dedicated to giving the support he wishes he had. Jemar has identified mental health as the gap in the holistic approach to athlete development and aims to fill it through his supportive counselling.
Julian
Dip., BSc. Hons. Kin., MScPT
Julian began his post-educational journey in 2013 at Humber College where he obtained a diploma in Fitness and Health Promotion. He continued to advance his education at the University of Guelph-Humber, obtaining a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Kinesiology, graduating at the top of his class. Finally he arrived at McMaster University where he completed his Masters Degree in Physiotherapy in 2020.
As a former professional dancer and also personal trainer, Julian understands the importance of exercise and general body movement, putting this aspect of rehabilitation at the forefront of his treatment style. Furthermore, he also understands the benefit that manual therapy, acupuncture and other hands-on treatments can provide for his patients. He enjoys using a multimodal approach, as well as working alongside his colleagues to treat his patients from a wholistic perspective. Throughout his experience, he's worked with a variety of patients ranging in ages, health conditions and cultural backgrounds. He is constantly striving to learn more in his field and come closer to becoming a master in his trade.
Outside of the clinic, you'll most likely see Julian dancing, playing various sports, or going on hikes. If he's not outside, then he's probably spending time with his family or his two cats, which he calls his 'sons'. One of Julian's greatest accomplishments was being a dancer on Team Canada in 2013 and travelling to Denmark to represent his country in the international competition of dance.