I grew up on a sheep and strawberry farm outside of New Liskeard, a small town in Northern Ontario. The outdoors were literally my backyard. It was where I found refuge. I played in creeks and built forts in the summer and cross country skied in the winter. It was during this time that I learned the value of spending time in nature for one’s mental and physical health.
It was this love of nature that led me to the University of Guelph where I studied Environmental Engineering. I wanted to heal the world and protect it from harm. Let’s just say the program wasn’t what I thought it was going to be. However, during a microbiology class I discovered my fascination with life and the functioning of the body. I thought about pursuing conventional medicine, but I had never felt healthier for having taken a medication. I wanted to know why people got sick and how to address that so that afterwards they were stronger and less likely to get sick again. It was through friends of my mother’s that I learned there was such a thing as naturopathic medicine, and it was exactly what I had been looking for. I applied to the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) as soon as I could.
At CCNM I knew I had found my true calling. I couldn’t study enough; I loved it and still do. I was excited to find solutions for anxiety, depression, PMS/menopause, fatigue, cancer support, osteoporosis, and cognitive decline, issues which I had seen affect my own friends and loved one.
After graduation in 2001, I moved to London where I established a successful practice. I also was an instructor of Anatomy and Microbiology at Fanshawe College for several years and a speaker for the Osteoporosis Society. In my spare time I have shared my passion for naturopathic medicine through various speaking engagements which have included talks to the Women’s Institute, the University of Western Ontario, Ontario Health and Safety Nurses Association of Ontario, St Joseph’s Hospital, and the Arthritis Society of Canada.
I keep current on the latest research by attending seminars of internationally acclaimed doctors which you can see in my continuing education section.
As of July 2015 ND’s who have completed the Ontario Prescribing and Therapeutics Certification Course and passed the exam, as I have, are allowed to prescribe some restricted herbs, intramuscular injections (B12), higher doses of vitamins like vitamin D (>1000 IU), vitamin A (>10,000 IU) and folic acid (>1mg), as well as desiccated thyroid hormone, and bio-identical hormones. Currently, NDs are limited to bioidentical progesterone & estrogen cream. I have a collaborative relationship with a nurse practitioner if you need access to other bioidentical hormones such as testosterone and DHEA.
When I’m not helping people unravel their health issues (my most happy place), I’m at my son’s sporting events, reading or educating myself with more courses, walking our dog, or doing numerous other activities to take care of my physical and emotional wellbeing. Life is about balance……
I’m grateful for every day I get to be of service and make a difference in people’s lives.