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.

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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.

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.

Luc

CAT(C)

Luc Comiré is an Athletic Therapist who graduated from Sheridan College. He has hands-on experience working with a range of high-performance athletes of varying age groups. His practical experience includes working with Excel Hoops Prep Basketball, Toronto Rock Professional Lacrosse, Team Canada Open Masters Ultimate Frisbee, Next Gen National Beach Volleyball, University of Toronto Varsity Volleyball, and Mount Carmel High School Varsity Football and Lacrosse.

He is passionate about manual therapy and exercise-based rehabilitation, focusing on helping athletes recover from injuries and optimizing performance through personalized care. Luc is a dedicated athlete himself, playing ultimate frisbee at both a professional and international level. With Team Canada he recently traveled to Australia for the World Ultimate Championships (WUC). Professionally, he plays for the Toronto RUSH of the Ultimate Frisbee Association (UFA). He spends many hours each week training to stay at the top of his game, bringing a personal understanding of the athlete’s mindset and the demands of elite competition to his work as a therapist.

Quiara

CPT, FIS, CNC

Quiara "QuiQui" Payne is a dedicated health and fitness professional who aims to empower individuals to achieve their wellness goals through personalized training and lifestyle coaching. What started out as a passion for fitness quickly turned into a career, where she was able to obtain many certifications in personal training, performance enhancement, nutrition and more! She believes in using evidence-based programming to address the needs of each client, and help them build strength, endurance and cultivate healthy habits. QuiQui has worked with a wide range of clients, from beginners looking to adopt a healthier lifestyle to athletes aiming to enhance their performance.

Outside of her work life, you'll find QuiQui dancing, cooking/baking and spending quality time with her family and cats! She is a professional dancer who has competed on national and international stages since age 12 and is a backup dancer in many celebrity music videos!

Dana

MScPT, BASc Kin, Dip.FHP

Dana Licorish (she/her) is a physiotherapist who received her MScPT graduate from McMaster University. She also holds a degree in Kinesiology and a diploma in Fitness and Health Promotion from the University of Guelph-Humber. As a former varsity rugby player, Dana developed a passion for sports physiotherapy and is now committed to helping clients recover and excel.

Originally from Scarborough, Ontario, with Caribbean roots, Dana is also involved in research on health inequities in the physiotherapy field. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting, hiking, and exploring new interests.

Warm, approachable, and driven, Dana strives to empower her clients to achieve their health and wellness goals.

Essence

Personal Trainer, Nutrition Coach

Essence is a certified personal trainer and nutritionist who takes an athletic and functional approach to training. She’s works with clients navigating injuries, chronic conditions, weight loss, strength building, and pre/postnatal wellness.

Her coaching style goes beyond just the physical. Essence is passionate about developing mental toughness and tapping into the inner strength that comes with committing to a lifelong journey of health and wellness. Her goal is to help clients move with purpose, build resilience, and feel empowered in both body and mind.

Outside the gym, you’ll find her cooking, reading, painting, or grounding herself in nature —always exploring new ways to stay creative and connected.

Jackie

Jackie Ngo is a Certified Athletic Therapist who graduated from Sheridan College and is dedicated to helping athletes recover, perform, and stay in the game. He has worked with high-performance teams in rugby, soccer, basketball, and volleyball — including Sheridan Varsity Women’s Soccer, Team Ontario 15U Boy Basketball, Brampton Honey Badgers, Seneca Varsity Women’s Volleyball, and Team Ontario White volleyball. He currently serves as the Athletic Therapist for F.O.R.M. Basketball Academy.

Jackie combines hands-on manual therapy with exercise-based rehabilitation to restore function and build resilience. He believes movement is the foundation for recovery and long-term athletic development, empowering athletes to return stronger than before.

Outside of work, you’ll find Jackie in the weight room, playing volleyball with friends, or relaxing with a binge-worthy anime series.