Meet the Team – Chronic Pain Management Program
Christine Andrus
Occupational Therapist
Christine Andrus, a University of Toronto graduate (1993) in Occupational Therapy, brings nearly two decades of experience to her role as an occupational therapist specializing in chronic pain and mental health. Since 2014, she has been the driving force behind Modern OT’s multidisciplinary chronic pain management program, coordinating up to eight programs per year and working closely with participants, team members, and volunteers. Christine meets individually with participants to assess their pain condition, coping strategies, and daily challenges, while administering outcome measures and preparing completion reports. Present at every session of the four-week program, she blends education and experiential learning, teaching pain neuroscience and self-management strategies like pacing, mindfulness, goal setting, and effective communication. She also facilitates family sessions, fostering collaboration and understanding, and organizes volunteer contributions to share lived experiences that build trust and engagement. With empathy and humor, Christine empowers participants to advocate for themselves, promoting lasting insights and meaningful behavior change.
Daniel Godinho
Physiotherapist
Daniel Godinho, a Registered Physiotherapist, has been passionate about fitness, health promotion, and human anatomy since childhood, studying Martial Arts from age four and training Mixed Martial Arts fighters. After earning a Kinesiology degree from Brock University and a Doctor of Physiotherapy from Macquarie University in Australia in 2018, Daniel gained diverse experience working with post-operative patients in hospitals, sports teams in Australia, and Ontario physiotherapy clinics. Since joining the chronic pain management program, Daniel has taken a relaxed, interactive approach to physiotherapy sessions, teaching participants about pain neuroscience, the differences between acute and persistent pain, and the benefits of exercise for chronic pain management. Dedicated to empowering participants, he provides practical strategies to foster understanding and leaves them with a sense of relief and positivity about their recovery journey.
Robin Hargadon
Psychologist
Dr. Robin Hargadon, a Clinical, Rehabilitation, and Health Psychologist with over 30 years of experience, has worked in hospital-based Pain Management and Rehabilitation Programs in Canada and the U.S., supporting clients such as Canadian Armed Forces members, RCMP officers, and motor vehicle accident survivors. She specializes in helping individuals navigate the intersection of physical injuries, persistent pain, and mental health concerns like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. A strong advocate for multidisciplinary care, Robin ensures clients remain at the center of the team. In the Modern OT Chronic Pain Management Program, she facilitates psychology sessions focusing on the emotional impact of persistent pain, the interplay between pain and emotions, and processing grief to empower participants to live fully despite pain.
Mark Barnes
Pharmacist
Mark Barnes, a graduate of Dalhousie University (1998) and Memorial University of Newfoundland (2001), is a passionate advocate for patient-centered care in pain, substance misuse, and mental health. He co-founded Respect Rx pharmacies to provide stigma-free services and developed Ontario’s fentanyl “patch for patch” return program, now a legal and professional standard. Since the inception of the chronic pain management program in 2014, Mark has valued his role as part of a multidisciplinary, client-centered team, witnessing its profound impact on both physical and mental pain. He educates participants on pain management, medication use, overdose prevention, and tools like medication logs and compliance packaging to empower recovery. With compassion and a relatable approach, Mark reduces stigma, fosters informed decision-making, and reassures clients that the best treatment is the one that works for them.
Charlene Kennedy
Dietitian
Charlene Kennedy, a Registered Dietitian with over 20 years of experience and owner of Kennedy Nutrition, specializes in pediatrics and rehabilitation. Her career began at CHEO, where she developed a passion for helping families and a down-to-earth, realistic approach to nutrition. Focused on understanding her clients’ motivations and barriers, Charlene creates tailored plans to achieve their nutrition and lifestyle goals while preserving or improving their relationship with food. Since 2020, she has been part of Modern OT’s Chronic Pain Management Program, where she leads interactive sessions on nutrition basics and its role in managing chronic pain. Charlene addresses the connection between nutrition and issues like fatigue, depression, anxiety, and gastrointestinal concerns, providing practical tips to inspire positive, achievable dietary changes.
Kimberly Mantas
Yoga Therapist
Kimberly Mantas, a certified yoga therapist, teacher, and trainer, has over 40 years of experience working with individuals, groups, medical teams, and organizations. A former competitive athlete and fitness instructor, Kimberly turned to yoga to heal from a sports injury, car accident, and illness, blending personal experience with professional expertise to support her clients. Since 2014, she has been a key member of Modern OT’s chronic pain management team, leading yoga sessions that integrate accessible techniques for daily living and rehabilitation. Through meditation and movement practices, Kimberly fosters trust, understanding, and ease in the body and mind, helping participants navigate their complex needs. Her compassionate approach reinforces key program concepts like pacing, awareness, and self-advocacy, empowering participants to recognize and respond to their needs in the moment.
Lainy Yasuda
Qigong & Tai Chi instructor
Lainy Yasuda, originally from Japan, is a highly certified Qigong and Tai Chi instructor, holding advanced certifications in multiple Qigong disciplines, including Radiant Lotus Women’s Qigong and Zhang Fu Gong, and is also an Advanced Soma Breath Instructor. With a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu, Pro-Kick Silver in kickboxing, and expertise in Eastern arts like Acupressure and Reiki, she brings a deep understanding of the body/heart-mind relationship to her practice. Since 2014, Lainy has been part of Modern OT’s Multidisciplinary Chronic Pain Management team, sharing the ancient wisdom of Qigong and Breathwork to support health and self-healing. In her program sessions, she introduces participants to Qigong through an engaging experiential practice, guiding them to use breath, movement, and mental focus to enhance well-being and live life more fully.