Our Staff

Instructors and Teaching Assistants >> Administrative Staff >> Guest Lecturers

Instructors

Dr. Igor Norets, DOMP, RAc, MD (Europe), PhD

Dr. Igor Norets has studied Manual Medicine and Osteopathy worldwide. Igor was trained as a medical doctor – neurologist in the former USSR. He received his Ph.D. degree for the study of lumbar and pelvic pain syndromes related with dysfunctions of sacroiliac joints using manual therapeutic approach. Dr. Norets also travelled Europe studying Manual Medicine and Osteopathy, gaining skills as well as experience. Igor is the President and Founder of Southern Ontario College of Osteopathy. Dr. Norets is the Leading Professor and primary instructor at SOCO and has over 30 years diverse practical experience in clinical medicine, research, and teaching, including training medical doctors in a variety of osteopathic approaches.

Daniel Smikle, DOMP, RKin, CSEP-CEP, Spec. BA (Hons)

Daniel Smikle is a manual osteopathic practitioner, registered kinesiologist, certified exercise physiologist, with a degree from York University and diploma from SOCO with additional human performance training from Sheridan College. Daniel joined the SOCO team as a teaching assistant while covering a maternity leave position and has remained with us since. His eagerness for helping people maintain a healthy lifestyle has extended past his personal fitness practice and lead him to open his private practice as a practitioner alongside SOCO’s private clinic. At SOCO, he helps guide our student clinic and supports student learning in the practical component of our program. Daniel has over ten years in fitness training experience focusing on orthopedics and has additional certification is fascial stretch therapy.

Jessica Ruygrok, DOMP, RMT

Jessica Ruygrok is a graduate of Sir Sanford Fleming College and one of the first graduates of Southern Ontario College of Osteopathy. Jessica graduated at the top of her class and was offered a teaching position immediately upon graduation. Jessica has been a vital part of SOCO’s development ever since. She is now an Assistant Professor and over her twelve years with SOCO, she has developed her own courses and key initiatives to help students prepare for tests and exams, including mock tests, module reviews and exam prep courses. Her role as an instructor, academic coordinator and Head of Admissions, involves maintaining the quality and standards in the education and ethical practice of future osteopathic professionals. Jessica’s passion for osteopathy extends to her own private practice where she specializes in orthopedics, pediatrics and obstetrics.

Administrative Staff

Anna, BSc (Hons.), Program Coordinator

Anna, BSc (Hons.), completed her undergraduate studies, with a focus in Psychology and Criminology at University of Toronto. Anna has been a part of the SOCO team since it was established in 2005. Anna has been an integral part of the founding and opening of SOCO as well as development of the program. She has also worked at the Clarkson Medical Arts Centre since 2004, which eventually became the home for the SOCO student clinic. Her previous administrative experience working in a multidisciplinary office with over 20 medical doctors and coordinating an on-call long-term-care physician’s group helps her manage the ever changing dynamic and needs of a busy institution on a daily basis. Anna also has 12 years of volunteer experience in children’s programming and coordinating a unit as the Head Leader, Contact Guider and Treasurer. Anna has always been closely involved with all aspects of SOCO’s program and has a very intrinsic understanding of how to work with students to meet their individual needs.

Roop, BPT, LSSYB, Program Coordinator

Roop started his journey in physiotherapy and after completing his undergraduate studies, he pursued a career in sales and marketing. He recently graduated from George Brown College, where he pursued a postgraduate degree in marketing. On a day-to-day basis, Roop interacts with students and coordinates communication between staff and administrators. He also manages admissions and creates content for digital communication channels.He speaks Hindi and English fluently and has worked in multicultural and diverse environments.

He joined SOCO in May 2024 and, in his journey here, is available to answer all your admissions and program-related questions.

Vishwa, BA (Hons.), Administrative Assistant

Vishwa graduated from Sheridan College with an Advanced Diploma focusing on Business Administration and Finance. Vishwa has experience in finance, administration, accounting and management. Her experience working for Homesol Building Solutions prepares her to provide excellent student support. Being bilingual in Hindi and English will help Vishwa communicate with our Hindi speaking clientele and students! Vishwa is the newest team member and joined the Southern Ontario College of Osteopathy team in Summer 2023. She now works closely with the student clinic, manual preparations, course registrations, student services and coordinates clinical rotations.

Vishwa will be happy to assist you at the Front Desk when you visit!

Guest Lecturers

Sharmila Gupta, DOMP, RMT, BA

Sharmila Gupta has a degree in Psychology from York, is a Registered Massage Therapist graduating from Everest College and a graduate of Southern Ontario College of Osteopathy. Upon graduating from SOCO, Shar joined the team as a teaching assistant and her dedication to her own studies helped her develop materials to better create many study guides and exam preparation materials to help other students achieve their academic goals. She is qualified in advanced function movement taping and instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization. Using her skills, she finds her passion in helping her patients find a healing balance physically and mentally. Shar has an interest in osteopathic visceral science and is planning to do research in this field. She also has additional certification in concussion management.

Barbara Shaw, DOMP, RMT

Barbara Shaw began her health studies over 25 years ago at the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy, gaining her massage therapy diploma. She received her DOMP from Southern Ontario College of Osteopathy and joined the team as a teaching assistant shortly after. Barbara’s clinical practice experience includes four years as a clinical outreach coordinator and massage instructor with Fleming College and the Canadian College of Natural Medicine. As a life-long learner, she has enhanced her practice through advanced studies in craniosacral therapy, embryological development and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Barbara also leads workshops, wellness retreats as well as professional trainings and is a founding partner of Harmony Health Centre.

Vitaliy Abramchuk, DOMP, RMT

Vitaliy Abramchuk obtained his diploma in Massage and Hydrotherapy from Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy and then completed his Osteopathic training at SOCO after studying at another institution for one year and deciding that SOCO was better suited towards him. Vitaliy completed both his RMT and DOMP training with acknowledgement for outstanding achievements. Upon completing his instructor training he became an Assistant Professor. He continues to have a private practice with a specialty in cranial osteopathy alongside of working with students.

Christy Young DOMP, RMT

Christy Young specializes in craniosacral therapy and has taken a variety of courses in the field. She has guest lectured at SOCO and Massage Therapy schools on the topic.

Susan Railer

Susan Railer, a DO from Quebec and a certified instructor from the Barral Institute has guest lectured on the topic of Advanced Cranial Osteopathy.