Biography

I first learned of naturopathic medicine at the age of 16. Even as a teenager, I knew that there must be some alternative to the existing healthcare system. There must be some way to provide a kind of medicine that honors an individual’s uniqueness, commits to integrity and honesty, and addresses the underlying cause of disease – not just places a band-aid on the symptoms. I was sure then that naturopathic medicine was the way to provide this.

Prior to medical school, I completed a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of British Columbia. In a customized program of psychoneuroimmunology, I studied the complex interplay between the mind/brain, the immune system and hormones in the creation of health and disease. This laid a solid foundation for my medical training at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto, where I developed a deep understanding of the lifestyle, hormonal, dietary, behavioural and psychological changes that need to take place for the achievement of optimal heath and the reversal of disease processes.

Combining a personal passion and building on my philosophy that the best physician is a guide and mentor, I also became a certified personal trainer while in medical school. Additionally, I was on a sports medicine and pain management specialty shift during my 12-month internship. I firmly believe in motivating and empowering individuals to take on the challenges inherent in striving for optimal wellness.

Upon graduation from CCNM my passion and ability was recognized with the “Grassroots Naturopathic Award”. This is awarded to the graduating student that “excels in the field of women’s health, who exhibits a passion and commitment to the foundation of naturopathic medicine and demonstrates compassion and humility in their patient care.” In practice, I strive to combine compassionate patient care with the best of scientific inquiry, medical science and traditional therapies. In addition to performing acupuncture and prescribing botanical medicines, nutritional supplements, homeopathy, and hydrotherapy, I teach individuals how to become ambassadors of their own health through dietary and lifestyle change.

I have also completed additional training in botanical medicine and am a certified Wilson’s Temperature Syndrome practitioner. While in medical school, I interned at Sherbourne Health Centre for 8 months, where I provided naturopathic care to people living with HIV/AIDS. I have experience treating people with a wide variety of health conditions, and have a special interest in anxiety and depression, LGBTQ health, women’s health & infertility, digestive and immune conditions, sports medicine, and vegetarian/vegan nutrition.

Outside of medicine, my many passions include sustainability, exploring beautiful British Columbia, riding my bicycle, cooking and sharing delicious, healthy food with others, practicing yoga & meditation, training for triathlons, and eating kale and 85% organic dark chocolate.