I know the frustration of searching for answers…
and the relief that comes from finding them.
I took the first steps on my path to becoming a Naturopathic Physician quite early in my life, as chronic health issues led my mother to bring me to a naturopathic practitioner at the age of 15. By this point in my life, I had already seen numerous specialists on my journey to uncover the what and why of my health concerns. Despite their experience and expertise, none of them were able to explain what was going on in my body. My visit with the naturopath was completely unlike my past experiences with physicians – this practitioner saw me in a warm, welcoming clinic based on his farm and spoke to me for an hour about my health. While I waited for him to formulate my care plan, I sat in a cozy, plant-filled space that was bathed in natural light and rested deeply.
EVEN BEFORE RECEIVING MY TREATMENT, THIS VISIT FELT MORE RESTORATIVE, NURTURING, AND NATURAL THAN ANY OTHER HEALTH CARE EXPERIENCE I’D HAD TO THIS POINT.
Working with an ND was instrumental for me in terms of understanding my health on a deeper level and it planted a seed in me. This was my first introduction to the understanding of the impact of chronic stress on our physical health, as well as the interconnectedness of our physical and emotional health. This experience bolstered my existing fascination with medicine and the workings of the body, and set me on my path to become an ND.
After I earned my B.Sc (Honours) in Life Sciences with a focus in Endocrinology from Queen’s University, I applied to the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine and graduated as a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine in 2005.
I HAVE BEEN IN PRACTICE SINCE 2005, AND IN 2014 I OPENED THE DOORS OF LITTLE BIRD FARM AND NATUROPATHIC CLINIC, FULFILLING MY DREAM TO CREATE A CALM, HEALING AND RESTORATIVE SPACE WHERE THE PROCESS OF HEALING BEGINS THE MOMENT YOU STEP THROUGH THE GATE.
I AM ONE OF THE FIRST NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIANS IN NORTH AMERICA ACCREDITED AS A MENOPAUSE SOCIETY CERTIFIED PRACTITIONER (MSCP), formerly NAMS - NCMP.
I also hold IMPART certification through the International Menopause Society and am an Associate of the Newson Health Menopause Society. I am currently part of a small Fellowship focused on advancing support of women at the perimenopausal and post-menopausal stage in Canada. As a small cohort we critically review and appraise recent research and build practice guidelines accordingly. I have completed a year long mentorship with Dr. Sharon Blackie, focusing on this life stage as a spiritual rite of passage. I have deeply benefited from my alchemical acupuncture mentorship with Lorie Eve Dechar R.Ac which began in 2008 and is ongoing.
SELECTED ADDITIONAL TRAININGS INCLUDE:
- Somatic Mentorship Level I/II – Developmental Trauma (focusing on polyvagal and attachment theory and working with trauma in a clinical setting)
- Rhythm of Regulation – Foundations of Polyvagal Informed Practice – Clinical training
- Therapeutic Yoga Teacher Training (800 hours)
- Menopause Management - Hormonal Boot Camp (Institute of Women’s Health & Integrative Medicine, Portland)
- Managing Mold Illness
- Reconciliation Through Indigenous Education
- Advanced Clinical Oncology
- Prenatal, Postnatal, and Pediatric Botanical Medicine
A LITTLE MORE ABOUT ME…
- I am originally from Waterloo, Ontario and have spent much of my adult life on Vancouver Island working and exploring the backcountry as a guide, outdoor educator, and tree planter.
- I love to spend my weekends with my partner and our two amazing kids, exploring the beauty of this incredible place we live - hiking in the forest, camping in the mountains, kayaking or canoeing, or tending our farm together.
- I enjoy a regular yoga and meditation practice that nourishes my spirit. Running long distances on trails and spending time in nature are other forms of meditation for me.
- I am proud to be a partner and President of the Family Naturopathic Clinic (FNC) Care Society, a non-profit teaching clinic serving young, low-income families. I have been involved with the FNC since 2007 and served for ten years as the Director of Clinical Education and Clinical Supervisor.
SPEAKING
I love sharing my knowledge and experience with people who are eager to discover what is going on in their bodies and learn how to restore health, balance, and harmony in natural and sustainable ways. I am available to speak to groups, community organizations, conference participants, and wellness retreat audiences, both in-person and virtually, about a range of topics relating to Naturopathic Medicine, health, and well-being.
Potential topics include but are not limited to:
- Introduction to Five Element Theory
- Emerging: Self Healing, Self Care & Seasonal Attunement
- Connecting with Joy & Abundance: Exploring the Fire Element
- Nourishment of Self on a Soul level: Exploring the Earth Element
- Letting Go: Attuning to Fall, Season of the Metal Element
- Taking Shelter: Finding Healing, Depth & Meaning in Winter
- The Architecture of Safety: Working with Trauma in the Treatment Room integrating Five Element & Polyvagal Theory
- An Exploration of Embodiment in a Clinical Setting: Polyvagal Practices for Ourselves & Our Patients
- Navigating the Transition into Motherhood
- Navigating the Perimenopausal Transition
- Emergence: An Exploration of Life After Menopause
- Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause: Vaginal Health in Midlife
- Sexual Health in Midlife
- Hot Flashes: Everything You Need to Know!
UPCOMING PRESENTATIONS
October 2023 Navigating Progesterone Intolerance: Menopausal Hormone Therapy
April 2024 Premature Ovarian Insufficiency: Clinical Assessment & Management
To learn more or book a speaking appearance, please reach out to [email protected].
MENTORSHIP
I offer and teach a healing process that honours the body as a source of wisdom, that engages people with their inner lives, and that empowers us to understand our connection to the world and to each other.
My virtual mentorship is available for Naturopathic Physicians who wish to enrich or develop their practice, and encompasses both personal and professional development. It is available for both individuals and for small groups of 2-4 people, meeting on a monthly or quarterly basis.
To learn more about this opportunity, please reach out to [email protected].
