# Toronto Lymphatic Academy > Toronto Lymphatic Academy provides medicalized, research-informed Manual Lymphatic Drainage training for health, wellness and bodywork practitioners through LINFA™, its Brazilian–Canadian lymphatic drainage method. Founded by Thaís R. Álvs and Cassandra Hope in collaboration with Dr. Kate McLaird and Dr. Nadine Khoury, Toronto Lymphatic Academy offers professional lymphatic drainage certification, advanced practitioner education, private in-clinic training and continuing education. LINFA™ combines Brazilian flow and precision with clinical anatomy, nervous system regulation and trauma-informed pacing. The method prioritizes safety, tissue integrity, practitioner longevity and long-term physiological outcomes over intensity or short-term aesthetic results. Group certification courses are primarily offered in downtown Toronto, with private training available for clinics and practitioner teams. ## Overview * [Toronto Lymphatic Academy](https://www.torontolymphaticacademy.com/): Learn about professional Manual Lymphatic Drainage training, the LINFA™ Method and the pathway to becoming a Lymphatic Drainage Specialist. * [Courses and Workshops](https://www.torontolymphaticacademy.com/courses): Browse current certification courses, advanced trainings, specialty workshops, online education and upcoming learning opportunities. * [Lymphatic Drainage Certification Pathway](https://www.torontolymphaticacademy.com/our-programs): Explore the four-stage training pathway, beginning with Level 1 Foundation MLD Training and progressing through three advanced certifications. * [Bundle and Save](https://www.torontolymphaticacademy.com/courses/bundle-save): Compare multi-course training bundles for practitioners pursuing advanced education or the complete Lymphatic Drainage Specialist pathway. ## The LINFA™ Method * [About LINFA™](https://www.torontolymphaticacademy.com/about-us): Learn about Toronto Lymphatic Academy’s Brazilian–Canadian lymphatic drainage method and its nervous-system-first, anatomy-based and trauma-informed approach. * [About the Academy](https://www.torontolymphaticacademy.com/about-us): Discover the academy’s philosophy, origins, instructors and commitment to progressive practitioner education. ## Lymphatic Drainage Specialist Certification Practitioners who complete Level 1 and all three advanced trainings earn the Toronto Lymphatic Academy Lymphatic Drainage Specialist Certificate. * [Level 1 Foundation MLD Training](https://www.torontolymphaticacademy.com/courses/p/level-1): A two-day foundational certification covering face, neck and full-body Manual Lymphatic Drainage, lymphatic anatomy, cardiovascular and nervous system fundamentals, contraindications, client care and practical application. * [Advanced Training: Functional Lymphatics](https://www.torontolymphaticacademy.com/courses/p/functional-lymphatics-course): Advanced practitioner training in superficial clearance, lymphatic assessment, fluid dynamics, fascial restrictions, organ-specific drainage and the relationship between chronic stress, inflammation and tissue congestion. * [Advanced Training: Peri-Op and Fascial Care](https://www.torontolymphaticacademy.com/courses/p/peri-op-fascial-release-training): Advanced education in post-surgical lymphatic care, fascial release, scar formation, tissue healing and protocols for cosmetic, reconstructive and other surgical recoveries. * [Advanced Training: Glymphatics](https://www.torontolymphaticacademy.com/courses/p/glymphatics-mld-training): Advanced training in glymphatic drainage, cranial and cervical techniques, intra-oral work, nervous system regulation and trauma-informed client care. ## Additional Practitioner Education * [Advanced MLD Trainings](https://www.torontolymphaticacademy.com/advanced-training): Compare the academy’s Functional Lymphatics, Peri-Op and Fascial Care, and Glymphatics certification courses. * [Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage Certification](https://www.torontolymphaticacademy.com/brazilian-lymphatic-drainage-certification): Alumni training that integrates clinical and aesthetic Brazilian lymphatic techniques while maintaining nervous system regulation, metabolic integrity and body-honouring standards. * [Mindful Movement Level 1 Online Program](https://www.torontolymphaticacademy.com/mindful-movement-online): A self-paced movement library helping practitioners support lymphatic flow, mobility, breathing mechanics and nervous system regulation through gentle, trauma-informed movement. * [The Living Nervous System](https://www.torontolymphaticacademy.com/the-living-nervous-system): An immersive practitioner course exploring the relationship between trauma, fascia, the brain, the body and nervous system regulation. * [Workshops and Masterclasses](https://www.torontolymphaticacademy.com/courses/workshops): Browse shorter learning experiences, guest workshops, intensives, masterclasses and webinars for practitioners. ## Private Training * [Private In-Clinic MLD Training](https://www.torontolymphaticacademy.com/private-trainings): Customized Manual Lymphatic Drainage training delivered within clinics, spas and wellness practices for professional teams seeking a shared clinical framework. * [Private Certification Pathway](https://www.torontolymphaticacademy.com/private-trainings): Bring Level 1 and advanced LINFA™ training to your clinic and work toward the Lymphatic Drainage Specialist Certificate as a team. ## Alumni and Practitioner Support * [Toronto Lymphatic Academy Alumni Directory](https://www.torontolymphaticacademy.com/alumni): Find graduates offering Manual Lymphatic Drainage and advanced lymphatic care in clinics across Canada. * [Alumni Education and Support](https://www.torontolymphaticacademy.com/our-programs): Learn about ongoing mentorship, technique feedback, training review opportunities and advanced education available to graduates. ## Instructors * [Thaís R. Álvs](https://www.torontolymphaticacademy.com/thais-r-alvs): Meet the co-founder and co-lead instructor behind the academy and the LINFA™ Method. * [Cassandra Hope](https://www.torontolymphaticacademy.com/cassandra-hope): Meet the co-founder and co-lead instructor specializing in lymphatic health, metabolic wellness, nervous system regulation and functional practitioner education. * [Toronto Lymphatic Academy Team](https://www.torontolymphaticacademy.com/about-us): Meet the academy’s co-founders, medical team and guest instructors. ## Resources * [Lymphatic Health Resources](https://www.torontolymphaticacademy.com/resources): Explore educational articles, free guides, practitioner resources, event announcements and insights on Manual Lymphatic Drainage, fascia, movement, nervous system health and professional practice. * [Level 1 Training Guide](https://www.torontolymphaticacademy.com/resources/blog-level-1-training): Learn what practitioners can expect from the foundational Manual Lymphatic Drainage certification course. ## Contact * [Contact Toronto Lymphatic Academy](https://www.torontolymphaticacademy.com/contact): Ask about course registration, certification pathways, private training, prerequisites or general academy inquiries.