Meet our Team
Delivering on the Promise of Exceptional Footcare for All Ages. We believe in providing professional service with a personal focus. Our greatest strength is our team. Together, we embrace a culture of excellence and fulfill our commitment to be the best and offer the best to every patient every day. We like that.
Get to know our team by clicking below!
You’re Invited…
We welcome you to experience the family-friendly atmosphere and culture of personal attention from professionals who care. The Oakville Foot Clinic offers the best in footcare, equipment and environmentally conscious surroundings.
J. Richard Werkman
D.Ch., B.Sc. Podiatric Medicine (Registered Chiropodist)
J. Richard Werkman, D.Ch., B.Sc. Podiatric Medicine is a Registered Chiropodist licensed under the Chiropody Act with the College of Chiropodists of Ontario and is a member of the Canadian Federation of Podiatric Medicine (CFPM), The Ontario Society of Chiropodists (OSC) and The Oakville Chamber of Commerce.
In addition to being registered for routine and specialized footcare, Rick completed his B.Sc. Podiatric Medicine with electives focusing on the areas of Sports Medicine and Injuries, Microbiology and Podopharmacology. Rick is also Licensed for Nail Surgery, Local Anesthesia, and Injections to the foot.
J. Richard Werkman has been a part of the profession since 1991 and in private practice full time since June 2000. Rick has earned a reputation for excellence and is recommended by many physicians and others in the health care community. He provides exceptional foot care to everyone from the young to the elderly and professional athletes to active individuals. Rick is also skilled at providing care to individuals of all abilities.
Credentials/Certification
- University of Sunderland, England –B.Sc (Podiatric Medicine)
- Toronto Institute of Medical Technology (Michener Institute of Applied Sciences) Chiropody ProgramFirst graduation class for soft tissue surgery and local
- anesthetics.
- Ontario Chiropody Program Certified in Local Anesthesia and Nail Surgery
- The Michener Institute – Local Anesthesia and Injections for Chiropodist (2013)
- The Michener Institute – Pharmacology for Chiropodist (2010)
- Awards – Ontario Society of Chiropodists
- The Molly McCartney Award
- First-Year Award for Clinical Excellence
- Second-Year Award for Clinical Excellence
Professional Presentations:
- Expert Panel Member at the 2019 Ontario Society of Chiropodists’ Conference
- Canadian Health Care Anti-fraud Association (CHCAA) 2017 – 2018 and 2015 Annual Conference. Educator and Board Member on behalf of the Ontario Society of Chiropodists
- Pri-Med Canada (formerly Primary Care Today) 2017. Educator and Board Member on behalf of the Ontario Society of Chiropodists
Continuous Learning:
- Annual Heart & Stroke – Basic Life Support (BLS) (CPR and AED) recertification
- Annually attends CPR (C) recertification
Studies
- Annual Canadian Federation of Podiatric Medicine (2004 – 2016, 2019, 2020)
- Injection Workshop (2022)
- Ontario Society of Chiropodists (OSC) Annual Conference (2016 – 2022)
- Dermatology From the Knee Down – Valeant Canada (2016)
- Canadian Association of Wound Care – Advances for the Management of Diabetic Foot Complications (2016)
- Ontario Society of Chiropodists (OSC) Surgical Skills Seminar (2013, 2015)
- HPRAC & Practice Management Workshop (2014)
- Local Anesthesia and Injections for Chiropodists – The Michener Institute for Applied Health Sciences (2013)
- Pharmacology for Chiropodists – The Michener Institute for Applied Health Sciences (2011)
- CFPM & AAPPM Practice Management Seminar – CFPM (2010)
- Forefoot Cadaver Surgery – The Podiatry Institute (2009)
- Biomechanics of the Foot and Lower Extremities – CFPM (2009)
- Paris Laboratory Orthotic Seminar (2009)
- Furthering his degree – B.Sc. Podiatric Medicine-University of Sunderland (2008)
- Low-Intensity Laser Therapy
- Podiatry Conference at Sea (2007)
- Diabetic Neuropathic Foot, Dr. J. Contreras-Ruiz, M.D (2005)
- Foot Biomechanics & Orthotic Therapy – PFOLA (2004)
- Challenges in the lower extremities – Langer Inc. (2004)
- 78th Ontario Podiatric Medical Association Convention (2002)
- The Challenge of the Diabetic Foot – AOFAS (2000)
Professional Memberships
- Canadian Federation of Podiatric Medicine (CFPM)
- The Ontario Society of Chiropodists (OSC)
- The Oakville Chamber of Commerce
Committees and Administrative Appointments
- Board of Directors: The Ontario Society of Chiropodists (OSC)
Kelley North
D.Ch.
Kelley (nee: Johnston) North is a former Registered Chiropodist licensed under the Chiropody Act with the College of Chiropodists of Ontario and is a podiatric assistant member of the Canadian Federation of Podiatric Medicine (CFPM).
Kelley has been a part of the chiropody and podiatry profession since 1990 and was working in publicly funded chiropody clinics from 1990-1998. When the Ministry of Health closed these clinics, Kelley decided to change pace and joined the airline industry. However, feet were still her passion, and she returned to the profession by joining our team. Rick and Kelley started working together at the Welland Hospital in 1990, where Rick was one of her clinical students.
Credentials
- Toronto Institute of Medical Technology (Michener Institute of Applied Sciences) Chiropody Program (1990)
- St. John’s Ambulance Standard First Aid – CPR C – AED training
Studies
- Canadian Federation of Podiatric Medicine Conference (2018)
- 15th Annual Canadian Federation of Podiatric Medicine (2014)
- SIGVARIS – Certified Fitter (April 2014)
- 14th Annual Canadian Federation of Podiatric Medicine (2013)
Kaitlin V. Boven
B.Sc. (Hons) Podiatry, M.Sc. Diabetes (Registered Chiropodist)
Kaitlin Boven, B.Sc. (Hons) Podiatry, is a Registered Chiropodist licensed under the Chiropody Act with the College of Chiropodists of Ontario, the United Kingdom HCPC (Health & Care Professions Council), and is a member of the Canadian Federation of Podiatric Medicine (CFPM) and Ontario Society of Chiropodist (OSC).
Kaitlin has also achieved her license for nail surgery and local anesthesia. She has completed her Honours degree at Queen Margaret University (Edinburgh, Scotland) and has completed her MSc Diabetes.
Credentials
- Queen Margaret University, Scotland – MSc Diabetes with Merit Studies (2017)
- Dissertation: A Randomized Control Trial Comparing Conventional Total Contact Casting, Cushion-Modified Total Contact Casting and Removable Cast Walker in Healing Efficiency in Diabetic Neuropathic Foot Ulcers: An Extended Research Proposal
- Certified in Local Anesthesia and Nail Surgery
- Queen Margaret University, Scotland – B.Sc. (Hons) Podiatry – 4 Year Hons (2015)
Continuous Learning
- Annual Heart & Stroke – Basic Life Support (BLS) (CPR and AED) recertification
- Annual First Aid CPR (HCP) recertification
Studies
- Ontario Society of Chiropodists (OSC) Annual Conference (2017 – 2022)
- Injection Workshop (2022)
- Needling for Verrucae Certificate (2021)
- The Wound Care Certificate: Update for Chiropodists (2018)
- Canadian Federation of Podiatric Medicine Conference (2018)
- Queen Margaret University, Scotland – MSc Diabetes (2017)
- Dissertation: A Randomized Control Trial Comparing Conventional Total Contact Casting, Cushion-Modified Total Contact Casting and Removable Cast Walker in Healing Efficiency in Diabetic Neuropathic Foot Ulcers: An Extended Research Proposal
- Canadian Association of Wound Care – Advances for the Management of Diabetic Foot Complications (2016).
- Total Contact Casting System Training – A casting technique for weight distribution to promote healing of diabetic foot ulcers (2016).
- Queen Margaret University, Scotland – Degree of Bachelor of Science Podiatry – 4 years Hons (2015)
- 21st Annual Canadian Association of Wound Care Conference (2015)
- Ontario Society of Chiropodists (OSC) Surgical Skills Seminar (2015)
Memberships:
- Canadian Association of Wound Care
- Diabetes Canada
- Canadian Federation of Podiatric Medicine (CFPM)
- Ontario Society of Chiropodists (OSC)
Stephen Witiuk
B.A. Kin., D.Ch. (Registered Chiropodist)
Stephen Witiuk, B.A. Kin., D.Ch. is a Registered Chiropodist licensed under the Chiropody Act with the College of Chiropodists of Ontario and is a member of the Canadian Federation of Podiatric Medicine (CFPM) and The Ontario Society of Chiropodists (OSC).
Stephen’s interest in podiatric medicine began after he sustained an ankle injury while playing Jr. hockey. Many sports medicine specialists supported the extensive rehabilitation process Stephen endured. Because of this, he was able to establish his understanding of interdisciplinary medicine and appreciate the many aspects involved in successful rehabilitation. This captivated Stephen and sparked his interest in the science of the lower limb and foot. Years later, Stephen has successfully grown from this experience to provide outstanding patient-centered care.
Stephen is available to assess and treat disorders and diseases of the lower limb and foot. He has experience working with acute and chronic conditions, including biomechanical concerns and orthotic therapy, sports injuries, ingrown toenails, resistant wart treatments, general foot pain, nail and skin concerns, pediatric or congenital conditions, and routine nail care. Stephen is also Licensed for Nail Surgery, Local Anesthesia, and Injections into the foot.
When Stephen isn’t working at the clinic, he continues to enjoy playing hockey and spending time with his family and his two pups. He is also an avid golfer who is always looking to get out for his next round.
Credentials/Certification
- Wilfred Laurier University – B.A. Kin. (2015)
- The Michener Institute at UHN – D.Ch. (2018)
- Certified in Local Anesthesia and Nail Surgery
Awards
- Recipient of the Dr. Brian Brodie Research Award – Awarded by the Canadian Federation of Podiatric Medicine (2018)
Continuous Learning:
- Annually attends CPR (C) re-certification
Studies
- Canadian Federation of Podiatric Medicine (CFPM) Conference (2018)
- Ontario Society of Chiropodist (OSC) Conference (2018, 2019)
- Professional Memberships
- Canadian Federation of Podiatric Medicine (CFPM)
- The Ontario Society of Chiropodists (OSC)
Vanessa Pontet
B.Sc.(Hon), D.Ch. (Registered Chiropodist)
Vanessa Pontet, B. Sc (Hon), D. Ch. is a Registered Chiropodist licensed under the Chiropody Act with the College of Chiropodists of Ontario and is a member of the Canadian Federation of Podiatric Medicine (CFPM) and The Ontario Society of Chiropodists (OSC).
Vanessa Pontet graduated from the University of Toronto in 1996 with a B.Sc (Hons) and has completed her Chiropody training at The Michener Institute. Vanessa has been a part of the chiropody profession since 1997.
Vanessa began working at OTMH for the first five years of her chiropody career. In this clinical setting, she built up vast amounts of experience from treating a diverse patient population and was an integral member of the multidisciplinary healthcare team. She routinely provided diabetic footcare talks in the diabetic center as well as diabetic foot screenings.
After her time at OTMH, Vanessa decided to focus on her private practice and has been providing exceptional footcare for over 22 years. She excels in delivering the utmost care to her patients and is committed to determining their treatment plans to ensure peak mobility. Vanessa has also been part of the Runner’s Goals professional care team for almost 20 years. She enjoys the challenge of keeping many of her patients, elite athletes, in their best possible shape for their training and sporting events.
Continuing education is important to Vanessa, so she annually attends Podiatric conferences to keep up to date on the advances in the podiatric field.
Vanessa is available to assess and treat sports-related injuries, various other foot-related issues, including ingrown toenails and plantar warts, and provide custom, prescription orthotics. She is passionate about foot care and displays an attention to detail for each of her patients. Vanessa enjoys the challenge of delivering the best possible care to relieve pain and prevent it from reoccurring.
Credentials/Certification
- University of Toronto– B.Sc (Hons)
- Michener Institute of Applied Sciences Chiropody Program
- Ontario Chiropody Program Certified in Local Anesthesia and Nail Surgery
- Certified Sigvaris Compression Therapy Fitter
Continuous Learning:
- Annual Heart & Stroke – Basic Life Support (BLS) (CPR and AED) recertification
- Annual CPR (C) re-certification
Studies
- Annual Canadian Federation of Podiatric Medicine Conferences (1999 – present)
- Biannual University of Toronto Foot & Ankle Symposium (1997 – present)
- Dermatology – Valeant Canada (2014)
- Dermascope Dermatology Conference (2015)
- Canadian Association of Wound Care – Advances for the Management of Diabetic Foot Complications (2001)
- Midwestern Podiatry Conference – Chicago (2011 – 2013)
- Ontario Society of Chiropodists (OSC) Annual Conferences (1997 – present)
- Forefoot Cadaver Surgery – The University of Toronto (2002 – 2006)
- Biomechanics of the Foot and Lower Extremities – CFPM (1997 – present)
- Paris Laboratory Orthotic Seminars
- Low-Intensity Laser Therapy MedX
- Swifter Laser Certification (2019)
Professional Memberships
- Canadian Federation of Podiatric Medicine (CFPM)
- The Ontario Society of Chiropodists (OSC)
Languages
- Vanessa is fluent in Spanish
Lauren Wilkins
B.Kin., D.Ch (Registered Chiropodist)
Lauren is a recent graduate of The Michener Institute Chiropody’s program and has earned an advanced graduate diploma in Chiropody. She is a Registered Chiropodist licensed under the Chiropody Act with the College of Chiropodists of Ontario.
Throughout her time at Michener, Lauren worked in various clinics ranging from private to community health care clinics in Toronto. Lauren gained experience in diabetic nail care, wound care, wart treatments, biomechanics, injections and soft tissue surgery. Lauren has been working at Werkman, Boven as a chiropody assistant and is excited to continue to be part of the team.
When away from the clinic, Lauren enjoys spending time at the cottage, on the beach or on the golf course. She also enjoys spending time with her friends, family & dog!
Lauren has registered with the College of Chiropodists of Ontario and is excited to dive headfirst into her career in Chiropody.
Credentials & Certification
- Completed her Bachelor’s of Kinesiology at The University of Toronto (2019)
- Completed the Advanced Graduate Diploma in Chiropody at The Michener Institute of Education at UHN (2022)
Matthew Collison
BSc(Hons) MRes, MRCPod, FFPM RCPS(Glasg) (Registered Chiropodist)
Matthew trained in the UK as a podiatrist, graduating in 2014 with a first-class honours degree from the University of Southampton. Upon moving to Oakville in 2022, he registered as a chiropodist with the College of Chiropodists of Ontario.
Matthew trained in the UK as a podiatrist in 2014 with a first-class honours degree from the University of Southampton. Following this, he completed an Arthritis Research UK (Versus Arthritis) internship in Triathlon Injury at the University of Leeds and completed a Masters in Clinical and Health Research funded by the UK National Institute for Health Research and passed his exams for membership in the Faculty of Podiatric Medicine at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow. He has served on the faculty board and has been elected a Fellow of the faculty, and currently serves as Director of Communications.
Since qualification, he has worked at a number of London teaching hospitals, including the Royal Free, Guy’s and St Thomas’, and King’s College Hospitals. Matthew has since relocated to Oakville with his fiancée and is registered as a Chiropodist, having passed his Ontario licensing exams. Matthew has a particular interest in biomechanics, sports injuries and orthotics. He has worked with all levels of athletes, from recreational runners to English Premier League footballers, and was the podiatrist to the elite athletes at the London Marathon. Matthew is also an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Chiropody programme at the Michener Institute. Outside of work, Matthew enjoys running, skiing and walking with his dog Elliot.
Vicki
Director, Clinic Support & Patient Representative, Certified Compression Fitter
Vicki Werkman is proud to be the Office Manager. She brings the clinic the experience of marketing Rick’s Hamilton practice into a successful business. She also consults for The Bridge Network – a patient management software company in the dental and chiropody fields.
This experience allows her to see different clinics, study divergent office policies and procedures, and bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the practice.
Credentials
- CFPM (Canadian Federation of Podiatric Medicine) Board Member. (2010 – 2018)
- CFPM (Canadian Federation of Podiatric Medicine) Board liaison for Podiatric Assistants (2014 – 2018)
- ODN & AA – Dental Assisting. (1988)
Work Experience
- Certified Tracker Trainer 2006–Present
- Ontario Account Manager–Chiropodists 2007–Present
- Chiropody Practice Partner 1999-Present
- Dental Office Manager 1992-1997
- Dental Receptionist/Assistant 1985-1999
Continuous Learning
- Annual Heart & Stroke – Basic Life Support (BLS) (CPR and AED) recertification
- Annual St. John’s Ambulance Emergency First Aid recertification
- Annually attends ODA exhibitors booth with The Bridge Network-Practice
Studies
- Annual Canadian Federation of Podiatric Medicine (2018, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004)
- SIGVARIS – Certified Fitter (February 2010)
- Diabetic Neuropathic Foot, Dr. J. Contreras-Ruiz, M.D (2005)
- 78th Ontario Podiatric Medical Association Convention (2002)
Professional Presentations
- Annual Canadian Federation of Podiatric Medicine – Ottawa, November 10, 2015
Kaitlyn
Clinical Chiropody Assistant, Certified Compression Fitter
Born and raised in Burlington, Kaitlyn graduated from Mohawk College in 2017. During her studies, she became a shift manager at McDonald’s for seven years, where her excellent customer service and organizational skills contributed significantly to her success.
Kaitlyn joined the Werkman, Boven & Associates team in August 2018 as a Clinical Chiropody Assistant. She ensures an organized and efficient flow of patients in and out of our clinic.
Outside of working at the clinic, Kaitlyn enjoys watching movies, going out with friends, and also staying in with her two cats.
Jackie
Patient Representative, Certified Compression Fitter
Jackie earned her Medical Administration diploma from Westervelt College in 2010. With over 10 years of experience in clinical settings, Jackie efficiently coordinates patient care at Werkman, Boven and Associates.
Jackie’s exceptional customer service skills help assist clients at the reception desk, both within the office and over the phone. She is always willing to greet someone with a friendly hello and warm smile, and she strives to ensure a welcoming and positive clinic experience.
Outside the office, Jackie is most proud of her supportive and loving family. She has a passion for gardening and enjoys putting her two green thumbs to work.
Heather
Clinical Chiropody Assistant
Born and raised in small-town Ontario, Heather now resides in Burlington and is a recent addition to the Werkman, Boven, & Associates team. Heather also graduated from Redeemer University in the spring of 2020, where she attained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Media Studies and Theatre Arts.
This degree refined her skills in organization, communication, and connection with those around her that allow her to thrive within the clinic. Before her time at Werkman, Boven, & Associates, Heather also spent several years working as a Pharmaceutical Technician at Brant Arts Pharmacy in Burlington, where she discovered her passion for administrative work and for delivering strong, compassionate patient service within a medical setting.
Heather began her time at Werkman, Boven, & Associates in January of 2021 as a Clinical Chiropody Assistant. Her energy and organization ensure an efficient and tidy workspace and a friendly experience for all patients visiting the clinic.
Outside of work, Heather enjoys filling her time with hiking, whipping up cookies in the kitchen, and making frequent trips to Value Village. She also holds a passionate affinity for strong coffee, corny sitcoms, and a good charcuterie board.
Articles of Interest
Do You Have Fungal Nails?
Onychomycosis is the medical term for a fungal .....
What’s in a Wound?
A foot ulcer or wound is a common complication .....
Flat Feet: Pancakes Anyone?
Flat feet is a very self-explanatory term. If you .....