Faculty Members

John Neumann, W.T., M.T., D.R.H. (ACRHA)
Dr. John Neumann has over 25 years experience in private practice and teaching in the field of Holistic, Preventive, and Complimentary Medicine. His background is in Biology with extensive training in the Medical and Chiropractic Sciences. John is an honorary member and the Canadian representative, for the Spa Physicians Association of Kneipp in Germany. He is specialized in stress management, headaches (migraines and tension), Holistic Reflexology, the Kneipp system of Hydrotherapy, Spa Therapy, Ayurvedic Medicine and Swedish Relaxation Massage. He is the founding member of the Alberta Association of Therapeutic Masseurs, and was the first Clinician in Alberta to introduce a professional code of ethics and malpractice insurance for massage therapists.

John is very concerned about any attempts at the regulation of massage therapy in Alberta based on the unfounded premise of harm to the public. He believes this would devastate the 6000+ full-time practicing therapists, thereby adding pressures on the economy and the health care system. In order to stop this unnecessary regulation he confidently requested the Alberta Occupation Board to investigate the safety of Swedish Massage practice in the 1980’s. After several million dollars and two years of intense investigation the minister concluded; “The practice of Swedish Massage has no risk to public safety and therefore the regulation is not necessary”.

It is in this way that John has been the forefront representation of the underprivileged minorities that regulation targets. Regulation means an increase in training hours similar to Newfoundland, B.C. and Ontario‘s 2500 - 3000 hours which they feel entitles them to treat acute medical conditions. Acute medical conditions must be treated by licensed, medically trained professionals. These programs will be only accessible for those with financial advantages and good English language background. New immigrants and poor minorities will not be acknowledged. In all, he believes massage therapy and the medical profession are distinct and different professions.

The center of his outspoken philosophy is the fundamental value that Massage therapy encompasses compassionate care and intentional healing. He has always voiced his concern in the Calgary and Edmonton bylaw process, as well as, with the Alberta Health and Wellness regulatory board regarding these issues. ~edited by Dr. H.V. Espanioli; www.chiropharma.com

http://www.kliniken.de

http://www.kneippbund.de

Dr. Alla Deriabina, M.D., R.M.T.
Dr. Deriabina graduated as a Medical doctor with a high honor from Novosibirsk State Medical Academy in 1983. She specialized as a pediatric physician. While practicing in the hospital, she has taken and practiced pediatric massage and Russian Massage. She has also graduated from our College. Presently she is working in two Chiropractic clinics, namely Dr. Ernie Cosman/Dr. Lana Cosman, and Dr. Tad Nakai. She is an excellent hands on instructor. Dr. Deriabina has received the utmost praise from students and faculty members alike.

Derek Bryczek, R.M.T.
Derek trained in Poland as a Physiotherapy Technician and worked in a Polish hospital for two years where he specialized in Medical Massage and European Seated Medical Massage techniques. Derek worked at the Canada Olympic Park for several years in the capacity of an Athletic/massage Therapist for the Canadian Bobsled team. As well, he worked at the Canadian Sport Rehab by the University of Calgary. He has been teaching the European Seated massage techniques exclusively at our school, which has been appreciated by all of our graduates.

Dr. Susan Harris, PhD, M.Ed., B.Ed., B.Sc., M.T.
Susan has graduated from Ontario as an occupational therapist. In 1989 her interests grew strongly in massage therapy. She has worked and practiced in various reputable clinics in Calgary. She has also received her Bachelor, Masters, and PhD degrees in the field of Education from the University of Calgary. She has instructed many of our advanced massage courses, including stress management and relaxation techniques. Susan has received the award of excellence in teaching for our college. She has also created the Code of Ethics and Conduct for the instructors and students at our college, which is the highest standard in Canada.

Vali Jalali, R.M.T.
Vali graduated and worked as an engineer for 18 years. His interest grew in massage therapy. He now has 14 years of experience in therapeutic massage. Vali has his own massage clinic at the Southland Leisure Center. He has worked and assisted teaching in our school for the past decade. He is a graduate from every advanced massage course available in Alberta. Over 65% of his patients come by referrals from medical doctors. He has been rated by every class as one of the best instructors in practical techniques.


Calgary Herald Article about Vali

Fereshteh Jalali, M.T., BSc., M.Sc., M.D.
Fereshteh Jalali started her studies at the University of Calgary, where she completed her Bachelor of Science in general biology and a Masters of Science in cardiovascular research. Subsequently, Fereshteh entered Faculty of Medicine at the University of Calgary and completed her degree in medicine. Currently she is a resident in general psychiatry at McGill University in Montréal.

Eric Neumann, C.T.M.
Eric Neumann has been the College Director and Business Manager since 2002. He is currently attending Western State Chiropractic College. Eric's training includes a science major at the University of Calgary, Massage Therapy, Reiki and Spa Treatments. He specializes in Holistic Reflexology. His enthusiastic and compassionate approach to Holistic Health is an essential asset to our college. His involvement for the past three years with AATM concerning the regulation issue has been appreciated by thousands of massage therapists in Alberta.

Dumitru Pietraru, C.T.M.
Dumitru is a graduate of our Swedish Relaxation Massage and Holistic Reflexology programs. His Instructors rated him as our top graduate. Dumitru joined our faculty as an assistant instructor as of Spring 2003. His hands on teaching skills help our students learn more efficiently and quicker. His instruction was much appreciated by the students of our Spring 2003 class. Ever since then, he has been teaching regularly and has become well-known as a posture specialist. He received the best evaluation from his students in recent years and received an award of excellence and appreciation.

Lucy Hares, C.T.M.
Lucy is also a graduate of our Swedish Relaxation Massage, Holistic Reflexology and spa therapy programs. Lucy joined our faculty as an assistant instructor as of Spring 2003. We received great reviews of her performance from our latest graduating class. Lucy is working as a self-employed massage therapist. Lucy has received the best evaluation from her students in recent years and received an award of excellence and appreciation. We are pleased to have Lucy as part of our friendly team.

Lucinda Pearce, C.M.T.
Lucinda Pearce is a top graduate of our Swedish Relaxation Massage program. She is assistant teaching as of Spring 2008 for massage and reflexology. She is also a Eastern Massage practitioner, Herbalist, Reflexologist, and Energy Medicine specialist. She brings 10 years of Holistic health and Eastern body work experience to our school. Lucinda helps students bring intention to what each technique is trying to do, so that they can be in-tune with their clients bodies to be focused, compassionate caregivers. Along with teaching, she works fulltime as a Wholistic Therapist at a few local clinics.

Melissa Neumann C.M.T., C.H.R.
Melissa Neumann is one of the directors of the College. She has graduated from Calgary College of Holistic Health and Clinics Inc. in Swedish Relaxation Massage, Spa Therapy, Holistic Reflexology & Hot Stone Massage. She is the owner of AtwoZ Massage and Spa Supplies. Her compassionate and knowledgeable approach within the industry has made her an essential part of our college.