Tired of struggling to understand and improve your health?
I’ve been there.
I provide the support and clarity you need to delve deeper and regain control of your health.
Ready to work together? Book a free 15 minute Meet and Greet consultation to learn more about me, Naturopathic Medicine, and find out if this is a good fit for you.
How I became a Naturopathic Doctor
A typical student
In 2002 I was a typical university student, wearing sweats, sleeping late, and living on junk food. In my case french fries, chocolate milk, toast, and pizza… I didn’t think much about my health but I always felt like I should eat healthier, I just didn’t know how.
What GOOD feels like
While living in Mexico for a semester, I reached a breaking point. No matter what or how much/little I ate I felt sluggish and bloated most of the time! And cranky too… I would often eat my lunch by mid-morning and then eat sugary snacks or b hangry the rest of the day.
I’d heard a little about the Blood Type Diet months earlier and the information and diet recommendations for blood type O (my blood type) resonated with me. At first I thought it was impossible to change my diet… How could I live without eating wheat when it was the largest part of all my meals? But the idea stuck with me, so I started with a few small changes to eat right for my type and was amazed to experience a nearly immediate and dramatic improvement in my energy, mood, and digestion! Click here to listen to my story in an interview for CBC Radio.
Once I returned to home to Canada, I continued to make small changes to my diet and noticed I no longer needed 9 hours of sleep every night to feel just OK; I was now waking before my alarm every day feeling rested!
And I continued to be less and less bloated and fatigued; I was able to do more with my time and actually enjoy myself. It took some time for me to get used to these changes because I had become accustomed to feeling mediocre or worse most of the time. Once I actually felt GOOD, it was a revelation.
Discovering natural medicine
This experience awakened my curiosity about natural medicine. I graduated in 2003 with an Honours Bachelor of Commerce from Queen’s University and started working in packaged goods by day while learning voraciously about health and wellness in my spare time.
Over the next few years I harnessed the power of natural medicine to further transform my body, mind, and health in ways I never thought possible: From tired, cranky, and sluggish to vibrant, optimistic, and excited about life.
Back to school
After discovering what a Naturopathic Doctor was and watching lots of Oprah who preached to “follow your passion”, I realized that as a Naturopathic Doctor I could build a career that aligned with my interest in natural medicine.
So, I dismantled my life (quit my job, moved multiple times, liquidated my savings, added student debt) and returned to school to become a Naturopathic Doctor.
In 2010 I graduated at the top of my class from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM), winning the Governors’ Award of Excellence for outstanding academic performance.
My practice today
I’ve been in practice since 2010, working with a wide variety of patients like you to dig deeper into their health concerns and find real, long-term solutions to help them feel better AND prevent chronic illness.
Along the way I’ve faced my own health hurdles like Hashimoto’s disease, infertility, burnout, and insulin resistance. Through my education, clinical experience, and personal health challenges I’ve developed my practice approach.
My core beliefs
1. Health is wealth
Health is a life requirement, not just to function, but to live to your full potential! Without health, it is impossible to pursue other goals. Without health, everything else becomes irrelevant. Health is the true measure of wealth.
2. Innate ability to heal
Each of us is a collection of intertwined systems that constantly seek balance. Once we address underlying causes of disease/dysfunction and establish a nurturing environment, our body can regulate itself to resolve and prevent illness.
How I work
Empathy is at the heart of everything I do.
I create a safe, understanding environment where everyone is welcome and valued.
Education is a cornerstone of care.
I help you understand your health. We’ll explore the root causes of your concerns and develop a plan that is effective and comprehensible.
Empowerment is the goal.
Through clear communication and personalized guidance, I ensure you feel informed to make the best decisions for your health.
The Patient Journey
I follow a thorough and personalized process to provide you with the best care:
1. In-depth Consultation:
We start with a detailed discussion about your current concerns, lifestyle, and health history.
2. Comprehensive Assessment:
I may use additional diagnostic testing and physical exams to uncover the root causes of your health issues.
3. Personalized Education:
I provide clear, comprehensive information about your health and proposed treatment, ensuring you understand every aspect.
4. Customized Plan:
Together, we develop a treatment plan that may include diet and lifestyle changes, supplements and herbs, and other naturopathic therapies to manage symptoms, correct dysfunction, and promote healing.
5. Ongoing Support:
We assess your progress, answer questions, and make adjustments to ensure you continue to be empowered to reach your health goals.
Areas of Expertise
I treat a variety of patients of all ages and concerns but have pursued additional education and have a special interest in these key areas:
- Digestive Health
- Women’s Health and Hormones
- Gynecological and Urinary Conditions
- Thyroid Conditions
- Fertility Enhancement
- Pregnancy and Postpartum Support
- Chronic stress, burnout, and sleep
- Metabolic health and insulin resistance
- Personalized nutrition, including the Blood Type Diet, GenoType Diet, and SWAMI GenoType
- Healthspan, disease prevention
Ready to work together?
Book a free 15 minute Meet and Greet consultation to learn more about me, Naturopathic Medicine, and find out if this is a good fit for you.