All of our clinical staff members have received specific training in the use of cognitive behavioural therapy for the management of chronic pain. Most have over twenty years of experience working with this patient population.

The EMP is directed by Dr. Jeff Ennis.  He is an assistant clinical professor with appointments in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and the Department of Psychiatry at McMaster University Medical Centre.  He has  specialized training in the management of patients with chronic non cancer pain. Dr. Ennis has dealt with his own chronic pain throughout his clinical life (see articles in resource section). In spite of this he is functionally active, becoming a recognized expert in the management of chronic non-cancer pain. He brings insight into the problems faced by patients with chronic pain while at the same time leading by example.  Dr. Ennis' Curriculum Vitae is available to legal representatives of his patients upon request.

Susan Carreau has over 25 years of administrative experience.  She joined Dr. Ennis and the East End Pain Program team almost a decade ago, assisting in the organization and development of pain management groups and the coordination of the day to day administrative duties for Dr. Ennis' Office.

Debbie Geier is a registered Social Worker with the College of Social Work.  She graduated with her Masters degree in Social Work in 1987, working in psychiatric settings throughout her professional career.  Beginning in 1996, Ms. Geier began providing services through the HSO Mental Health and Nutrition Program in Hamilton, Ontario.  She and Dr. Ennis have been working together since 1992, beginning their first pain program in 1996.  The focus of Ms. Geier's work is to assist patients in coming to grips with the emotional component of pain so that they can move on in their lives and have a better quality of life.

Gilda Ennis is a physiotherapist having received her honours B.Sc.P.T. from the University of Toronto School of Rehabilitation Medicine in 1977. In 1993-1994 she participated in training in cognitive behavioural therapy in pain management at Chedoke Hospital, Hamilton. She has also completed specialty training in "Medical Acupuncture for the Treatment of Pain" and "Acupuncture for Sports Injuries" at McMaster University in Hamilton. After completing a one year program at Humber College Toronto in Human Sexuality, Gilda has been certified as a Human Sexuality Counsellor and Educator.

Sharron Orovan-Johnston is a Registered Nurse with over 30 years of psychiatric experience. She is an assistant professor in the department of psychiatry and neuroscience, McMaster University. Sharron promotes humor as a coping skill to decrease stress and anxiety. She is a well-known speaker at workshops and conferences in Canada, US, England, Norway, Japan and Italy. Sharron is the author of Take the Wheels off your Worry Bus, a book that combines traditional therapy with humor skills to learn about and cope with all types of anxiety.  She has years of experience in cognitive behavioral therapy.

Michele MacDonald Werstuck graduated with her Masters of Science Degree in Applied Human Nutrition. She has worked with the Dairy Farmers of Ontario and the Women's Health Initiative research study at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. Currently, she is a nutrition consultant with the Hamilton Family Health Team Nutrition Program. As a nutrition educator, her role is to help clients develop the skills to achieve their nutrition and fitness goals and better manage their disease conditions.

Michael McGlashon is the program's Tai Chi Instructor.   Michael is trained in Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate:do and Tai-Chi Chaun.  He is skilled in both the Yan style and Chen style of Tai-Chi with over eighteen years as a martial artist.  Currently, he is studying with Master Helen Wu in the Chen style of Tai Chi plus the fan and sword.   He brings to the Tai Chi component of the pain program a great deal of patience and skill, helping patients who are fearful of movement, develop improved mobility through the ancient martial art of Tai Chi.
Shiela Gamble is the aquatherapist for the East End Multidisciplinary Pain Program.  She offers many years of experience, working with patients who have physical challenges.  She brings skill and patience to the pool.
Chronic pain is often associated with a major depression.  We can treat chronic pain with antidepressants.  Dr. Ennis has had many years of experience treating chronic pain and depression.  He is an expert in the use of opioids, or narcotics.  Antidepressants can help with the pain, but Dr. Ennis recognizes that it typically does not help with the chronic pain.  Dr. Ennis has struggled for many years with chronic pain.  Learning to cope with pain is the most important skill you can learn to manage your chronic pain.  Dr. Ennis has been written up in newspapers and journals.  Dr. Ennis has had multiple surgeries and serious illness that he has learned to cope with.  He he can do it, so can you.  Chronic pain does not have to end your enjoyment of life.  Dr. Ennis will teach you how to cope with chronic pain, and depression.  If necessary he will prescribe narcotics or opioids, or antidepressants.