Our Team
Jane Sleeth
Hon. B.P. & H.E., B.Sc.PT., C.P.T.
Managing Director, Canada
A former professional tennis player and physiotherapist, Jane was one of Canada’s first Professional Ergonomists and Accessibility Consultants. Over the past 28 years, Jane has been involved in the management and prevention of disability as a physiotherapist; rehabilitation department manager in a large Toronto Hospital; wellness and prevention consultant; case manager and managing director of Optimal Performance. which Jane founded in 1991.
Jane holds an Honours Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology and Physiology from the University of Toronto; and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physiotherapy also from the University of Toronto. While studying for her Hon. B. of P. & H.E., Jane was one of the main researchers for the published study “The Physiological Impact of Exercise in the Cold”, Primary Author R. Sheppard, U of T/DCIEM. After completion of Jane’s B.Sc. in Physiotherapy she was co-researcher for a study conducted at Toronto East General Hospital which was internally published and is entitled “The Impact of Mental Training on Functional and Healing Outcomes of Patients with Carpal Tunnel Release”.
Her work with companies such as RBC, Scotiabank and Bank of America, PwC, Chrysler Canada has led to outstanding results and enhanced ergonomic and accessibility practices. With more than 28 years of experience with numerous industries, Jane leads the OPC team with confidence, professionalism and unique expertise. She and her team are setting examples in an economy where industries are finally realizing that ergonomics and accessibility are crucial components in a successful business.
Jane is a regular and sought after speaker at national and international conferences speaking about how Optimal Performance has collectively taken a unique an innovative approach to the management and prevention of injuries, illness and disability in the workplace which differs from any insurance company or other ergonomic and disability management firms in the country.
Jane has a considerable body of published work and articles in national health and safety; ergonomic; human resources and peer reviewed journals.
Jane is author of the bestselling books.
- Return to Work Compliance Toolkit
- The Internal Ergonomic Program Book
- The “Crisis of Psychological Disabilities in Canadian Workplaces”, Case Studies and Guidance for Human Resource Managers”
- Understanding, Preventing and Controlling Back and Neck Pain
Our Team of Consultants
Leslie Bourne
R.Kin, B.Kin. Post Grad Ergo/Exercise Science Certification
Senior Ergonomic Consultant
Leslie uses her experience as a Registered Kinesiologist & Ergonomist to bring a well-rounded approach to working with clients towards injury prevention and program development. Leslie regularly delivers education and training programs for managers and employees in office, administrative, healthcare and industrial environments. As a Registered Kinesiologist, Leslie has worked extensively in the areas of ergonomics, injury prevention and rehabilitation, chronic disease prevention, and strength conditioning of athletes and employee clients.
At OPC Inc., Leslie has been involved in performing Ergonomic Assessments & Job Demands Analysis for companies ranging from large corporations to small non-profit organizations. Leslie, as Sr Consultant provides quality assurance review of all reports developed by OPC’s National Consulting team.
Leslie holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology from the University of Toronto and a Graduate Certificate in Exercise Science and Lifestyle Management from Humber College.
Recently Leslie completed her Certified Physical Demands Analysist and Certified Functional Capacity Evaluator from the well regarded METRIKS corporation.
Maria Salken
BSc. RN, Post Graduate Certification Ergonomics
Senior Ergonomic & Health Behavioural Consultant
Maria has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with extensive experience working in both mental health. & health Maria completed her post graduate Certification as Ergonomic Consultant in 2018 specializing in job health coaching and injury prevention.
With 16 years of study and performance in ballet, Pilates + Reformer, mindful movement, and spinal mobility, Maria is an advocate of daily movement and Progressive Muscle Relaxation, understanding the complexity surrounding chronic pain and the prevention of musculoskeletal injuries. Along with Maria’s work with Optimal Performance as an Ergonomist, Maria works 1:1 with clients in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to change health behaviours; determine the causes of injury and to guide patients and clients to engage in purposeful and meaningful recovery.
Maria is an adjunct clinical instructor at the University of Toronto’s School of Nursing. She regularly contributes to scientific research for the Ontario Centre for Excellence in child/youth mental health.
Bruce Elmiyeh
R. Kin.
Registered Kinesiologist
Bruce has over 10 years experience in the healthcare industry and provides ergonomic/kinesiology expertise to variety of settings such as offices, public administration, manufacturing, warehousing, health care, retail, educational and food industry. His expertise ranges from conducting various assessments such as Ergonomic Assessment, Physical Demand Analysis, Functional Abilities Evaluation, Post Offer Employment Testing, Job Safety Risk Assessment to providing on-site Job Coaching, prescribing Therapeutic Exercise Programs and instructing Tai Chi.
Bruce’s passion to enhance his knowledge and understanding of workplace health and safety led him to complete a certificate program in Occupational Health and Safety in 2015. He believes that ergonomics directly impact employees and visible results are perceivable when improvements are made.
Bruce’s strengths in identifying ergonomic risk factors in different work settings with his knowledge in kinesiology have vastly contributed to his success and growth as an Ergonomic Consultant.
Bruce Elmiyeh
Kin (Hons), B.Kin, R.Kin, M.OMSc Candidate
Ergonomic Consultant
Allison travelling to a variety of businesses across Southern Ontario. She works with employees face-to-face to educate and improve their workstation functionality, as well as their physical behaviours.
Allison has a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from the University of Toronto, where she vigorously studied the human body and the science of human movement. She is certified in standard first aid CPR/AED and has AODA and workplace health and safety training. She has a range of healthcare experience, from working with Varsity athletes to assisting with joint replacement rehabilitation and physiotherapy. She was awarded the University of Toronto’s J. Harry Ebbs Achievement Award in 2016 and the Ontario Volunteer Service Award in 2017 for her work at Sunnybrook Hospital. Her passion for ergonomics, movement, and giving back to the community stems from her 18+ years of being involved in the competitive dance world.
In addition to OPC, she is a competitive dance instructor and a student at the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy, continuing her passion to help others through art and structural mechanics. Allison believes in the value of multi-disciplinary education, research, and direct experience. Her goal as an ergonomist and healthcare professional is to understand all of the laws governing the human body and thereby master disease and cultivate prevention.