Barb Brunzell, Play & Empowerment Coach

Certified Martha Beck Wayfinder Life Coach International Coaching Federation, Associate Certified Coach (ACC-ICF)

Partner, Copper Thread Coaching

When you work with a coach, I believe it’s important to know who you’re working with. Selecting someone you can trust, who can hold space for all of your parts and create a safe judgment-free container where you can unravel the mystery of you is key. Picking the right partner to nurture your intuition, as you dream and scheme, and walk alongside you, as you make tough lifestyle changes, is imperative. Choosing a guide to help you navigate your growth edge, someone who can show compassion when you trip and fall, and celebrate your wins as you rise is essential to your success. So, with that said, let’s get started on the trust building. Here’s a bit about me…

My Story

“I hadn’t listened to the whispers, the nudges, or even the slaps across the face I received from the universe. Then one day, it took me out with a two-by-four and I went down and stayed down for a very, very, long time. If I wanted to be happy, healthy and whole, it was time to shed my old skin and embrace the pink underbelly of something new.”

I scribbled these words in my journal, years ago, in the murky depth of burnout. I was a card-carrying member of our hustle-hard, white-knuckling-it-through-life, push-with-pride culture and proud of it. My approach had worked well, that is, until it didn’t.

It took the cataclysmic event of ‘my fall’ to force me to take a long look at myself. Burnout had sucked away my life force and done damage: physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

It may seem like this is the end of the story, but it’s not. It’s just the beginning. The experiences I’ve had and the lessons I’ve learned, created the path that has led me here, to you. And I come bearing gifts, for the tools I have gathered along my winding road to wellness, I now offer in service. The most powerful of them all? Play.

My Philosophy - Serious Times Call for Playful Measures

I will never forget the day I was prescribed play by a shamanic practitioner. The backdraft was real. “What do you mean play? How is that supposed to help? Really, have you seen the state of me, of the world?”

I eventually bought into the concept, because today, I play for a living. As a Play and Empowerment Coach and co-founder of Copper Thread Coaching, I see daily how making room for experimentation and allowing a little wonder in life, maximizes joy and minimizes suffering. It relieves stress and improves brain function. It boosts creativity and innovation. It builds confidence and resilience. It fosters growth, helps us to learn, allows for release and healing, and most importantly, it feels darn good.

How I Work

As a coach, I use play as a gateway to empowerment. I bring a sense of adventure, a healthy dose of humour, and a pocketful of playfulness to all my sessions.

I follow your lead, because deep down inside, you have all the answers. I use my superpower of asking deep, probing questions in a safe and non-invasive fashion, and pair it with my keen ability to hear the truth in what’s not being communicated. I then mirror those messages back, so you can see yourself and your circumstances in a new light.

Armed with this knowledge, and some assistance from my ‘tickle trunk’ of tools, we work together to help you become a creator, instead of a survivor, so you can get from where you are, to where they want to be with ease.

What’s in the Toolkit?

As a multi-passionate human with a “yes, and…” attitude, my list of tools continues to grow. Here’s the highlight reel:

● Martha Beck Certified Wayfinder Life Coach;

● Associate Certified Coach (ACC™) with the International Coaching Federation (ICF)

● Harner Shamanic Counseling ™ with The Foundation for Shamanic Studies. Originated by Michael Harner, and based upon core shamanism, this methodology allows shamanic counselors to work with clients so they can become practitioners of divinatory shamanism and navigate non-ordinary reality;

● Yoga. Psyche. Soul. 300-Hour Yoga Psychology Teacher certified by Ashley Turner;

● Trained in Internal Family Systems Therapy, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), self compassion, grief work, ritual, a host of shamanic methods and more;

● Holds a Bachelor of Journalism from Carleton University and Theatre Arts Diploma from George Brown College.

I have also spent more than 35 years working in the arts and culture sector and creative industries, much of which informs my work today. I’ve been a professional actress, a radio and television arts broadcaster with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, as well as a leader, managing arts marketing teams and creating new cultural products.

Both my professional journey and my personal one, ultimately taught me that the cure to feeling heavy is to introduce some lightness. So if you’ve been thinking about making a change, or you’re looking for support, why not try on your “something new.” I am ready to play, if you are.

Want to Learn More?

If you’re curious and want to read more about my journey, experience and credentials you can find the whole ball of yarn at www.copperthreadcoaching.com/about-barb

Interested in the story of Copper Thread Coaching and all we have to offer? Visit our website at www.copperthreadcoaching.com or check out the Copper Thread Facebook or Instagram pages @Copper_Thread_Coaching for daily insights and tools.

Barb Brunzell, Play & Empowerment Coach Certified Martha Beck Wayfinder Life Coach Internatio... Read More

Cathy Cochrane is a Holistic Nutritionist with a playfully unpretentious approach to food and eating. She teaches you to listen to your body, so you can discern which habits improve your energy and reignite your love of food, while seeking the choices that could calm your symptoms. In this sense, food and your relationship to eating become a doorway to your truest self.

IMAGINE: – a day without the 3 PM slump – a month without the roller coaster of moods and discomfort – enjoying a meal without that rusty-pipe feeling – relaxing after supper without grazing – savouring delicious food without rules or deprivation

Cathy’s gentle guidance helps you bring ease to your meals and find comfort in your body. Improving your nutrition isn’t a formula that can be solved with a 2-week meal plan. Some changes will have an almost immediate impact. Others take time as you ease into a new normal. This is an investment in yourself; a way to discover the results that are much deeper and longer lasting than from any quick fix.

What Cathy offers you is an opportunity to get to know what you need from the inside out. A commitment of self-care that snowballs, because the better you eat, the better you feel, and the better you feel, the more prepared you’ll be for wherever life leads you next.

Cathy Cochrane is a Holistic Nutritionist with a playfully unpretentious approach to food and eat... Read More

Adam Fiore, HOM Registered Homeopath

Registered Homeopath Meditation Teacher Member: CHO, SPHQ, RITMA

Adam is a seasoned Homeopath and Teacher, registered with the College of Homeopaths of Ontario (HOM). Adam has vast hands on experience both in private practice and as a teacher of Homeopathy and Meditation. He currently teaches Homeopathy and Body-Mind practices at the Montreal Institute of Classical Homeopathy (MICH).

Adam has completed certification as a Registered Yoga Teacher and currently teaches Mindfulness Meditation practices to diverse groups. His passion lies in facilitating inner awareness and transformation through in-depth dialogue. He is known for his dedication, insight, patience and compassion.

Adam has a specialization working with situations of chronic and traumatic stress, and maintains a trauma-informed practice. He also works with people of all ages and welcomes families. He has supported children with spectrum conditions and other challenges for well over a decade.

The methodologies Adam applies are rooted in holistic approaches to health with a focus on mental-emotional and spiritual wellbeing. His broader skills in listening, teaching and coaching support people to make significant changes and deepen their connection to the body’s innate healing wisdom.

Adam is a registered Homeopath with the College of Homeopaths of Ontario (HOM), a registered Practitioner with ‘le Regroupement des Intervenants et Thérapeutes en Médecine Alternative’ (RITMA) in Quebec and a member of the SPHQ Quebec.

For further information consult Adam’s website: https://www.adamfiorehomeopathy.com/

Practical Questions

Do you offer virtual video sessions? Yes, I work virtually with clients across the globe. What can I expect from our time together? I am a compassionate listener and aim to make you feel comfortable no matter what the topic or challenge. We will support your path in the deepest way possible, aiming to get to the root of the problem. I will also offer practical and supportive solutions that you can implement immediately. I will follow-up with you and ensure your goals are being achieved.

Who do you work with? I work with individuals of all ages and at all stages of life.

Do you have experience with diverse clients? I work with all types of people, irrespective of their gender, sexual, religious or cultural identity. I value a safe space for clients from all types of backgrounds and life experience.

How about working with children? Yes, I work with children of all ages. I believe taking care of the future generation to be paramount to a healthy society and natural approaches are a safe and impactful addition to their development regardless of age or challenge.

How frequent are sessions for adults? I offer a different options but ultimately it depends on the nature of the problem/concern, our objectives, and your level of motivation. Together, we will make a clear plan to move you forward in your well-being during your first consultation.

Adam Fiore, HOM Registered Homeopath Registered Homeopath Meditation Teacher Member: CHO, SPHQ, ... Read More

Catherine Hanson, RMT, CDT/CLT, Reiki Master Specialty – Manual Lymphatic/Decongestive Therapy, CranioSacral Therapy, Reiki

Realizing society’s growing awareness and need for alternative health care, Catherine was driven towards a holistic approach to wellness. Since 2008, she has been licensed as a Registered Massage Therapist with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario. Also, a member of the Registered Massage Therapists’ Association of Ontario, and the Lymphedema Association of Ontario.

Her expertise includes Manual Lymphatic/Decongestive therapy, CranioSacral therapy, cancer-care and support, rehabilitation, and Reiki. She creates a personalized treatment plan for each of her clients that will best lead them on their journey towards optimum health, vitality, and wellness. She believes in a holistic ‘whole person’ care approach.

Certified with the Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy in 2009 as a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT), and Complete Decongestive Therapist (CDT), Catherine specializes in manual lymphatic therapy, also known as Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), which is a safe approach to effectively cleanse the body’s tissues. It is beneficial by having a detoxifying effect and can be used to effectively treat a variety of different conditions. With the advanced Decongestive Certification, Catherine has complete and thorough training to assist with lymphedema prevention and/or management through: manual lymphatic drainage, compression garments - tips and referral, exercise recommendations - dos and don’ts, and skin care knowledge.

Catherine has a special interest in cancer survivorship, with work experience in cancer support and rehabilitation, volunteer work, and fitness program involvement with Breast Cancer Action (BCA), and the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

Having studied through the Upledger Institute since 2009, and used CranioSacral therapy (CST) in her practice daily, Catherine has witnessed that CST can benefit everyone ~ children, teens, adults, and seniors. It is a light touch, whole-body treatment technique that works with the body’s craniosacral system to support and nourish the central nervous system - improving overall vitality, health, and well-being. CST improves the body’s ability to self-care and can produce profound, positive changes.

As a Reiki Master, Catherine is a true believer that with positive and healing intention, attaining wholeness of Mind, Body and Spirit is possible. With Reiki, she gently balances life energy chakras, to bring health and well-being to her clients.

Catherine maintains an active and healthy lifestyle with yoga, meditation, cycling, gardening, and cooking new healthy recipes with family as her favorite pastimes!

One of Catherine’s favorite quotes: “When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy.” ~ Rumi

Catherine Hanson, RMT, CDT/CLT, Reiki Master Specialty – Manual Lymphatic/Decongestive Therapy, C... Read More

I believe everyone is entitled to be able to have the energy to do the things they enjoy, to do so free from pain and to fully discover their health potential. Naturopathic medicine, and the care I provide my patients, is my way of integrating modern research and medical knowledge with the philosophies of traditional medical arts. My areas of interest are fertility, pain management, digestive health, pediatrics, athletic optimization, and complementary cancer care.

I found my way to naturopathic medicine after spending the majority of my childhood growing up in rural Alberta and exploring nature. During this time I came to realize the inherent power of nature to provide us with the tools to heal ourselves. Learning from the balance evident in nature, I started to develop my own view of healing and medicine, along with a greater appreciation for food as a foundation to our health. Striving to understand the human body and nature at its smallest level I studied genetics at the University of Alberta. During this time I was fortunate enough to work with children with autism and cerebral palsy and as a clinic director for an orthopedic surgeon. This provided me with a greater appreciation of the challenges faced in healthcare, as well as the need for all health care providers to work together to create a health care team.

To be able to provide the care I believe people deserve, I moved to Toronto to attend the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM), a fully accredited naturopathic medical college. I was fortunate enough to take part in an externship in Nicaragua at a non-profit clinic, as well as a pediatric specialty shift during my internship while at CCNM. During the last 6 years working as a Naturopathic Doctor I have attended many different continuing education and training courses in complementary cancer care, pediatrics, genomics and injection therapies to continue serving my patients and community as best as I can.

In my spare time I enjoy being outdoors, playing sports and being active, reading and spending time with my family, friends and my pets.

I believe everyone is entitled to be able to have the energy to do the things they enjoy, to do s... Read More

Steph Kelly, Play & Empowerment Coach

Certified Martha Beck Wayfinder Life Coach International Coaching Federation, Associate Certified Coach (ACC-ICF)

Partner, Copper Thread Coaching

Working with a coach is an intimate, collaborative experience, and it’s important to find a practitioner you’re comfortable with. Here is a bit about me, and how I approach coaching.

About Steph

After plunging into fertility treatments like I was training for the Olympics, life took an unexpected turn.

At the age of 34, I found myself laying in a hospital bed recovering from a total hysterectomy and processing fresh news that after almost a decade of various fertility treatments, our final IVF cycle with a surrogate had failed. She had not fallen pregnant, and we had now fully exhausted our family building options. The timing could not have been more painful.

Burnt out from trying to balance a hectic marketing career and a chronic illness, I was left with a broken heart with no roadmap for what came next.

That’s when I stumbled upon the game-changing tools that became my internal compass and the backbone of my coaching practice. Martha Beck’s books gave me a practical way to figure out what I actually wanted my life to look like—not what others expected, but what my true self genuinely desired.

So, I waved goodbye to the world of marketing and dove headfirst into Martha Beck’s Wayfinder Life Coach Training. Merging Martha’s wisdom with training in Internal Family Systems Therapy and Mindful Self-Compassion has gifted me a powerful toolkit to share with my clients.

Now, I’m providing practical, actionable tools to help you build a life that truly resonates with your authentic desires. Tools I know can help, because they are the tools that helped me. Common Client Focus Areas:

● Navigating Life With a Chronic Illness: Explore ways to find pleasure and joy, even when your body isn’t cooperating.

● Self-Talk and Mindset: Negative self-talk and limiting beliefs quickly derail even the best laid plans. Foster an empowering mindset and embrace self-compassion so you can create meaningful change.

● Habit Restructuring: Identify old patterns that no longer serve you, and explore new habits to support better health and a happier life. Together we’ll narrow focus, and create personalized structures, accountability systems, and strategies for the tough days.

● Perfectionism and People-Pleasing: Sacrificing our own needs, and expecting outright perfection from ourselves isn’t a sustainable way of being. Learn tools and strategies to help you address perfectionism and prioritize self-care.

● Advocacy Skills: Advocating for yourself at work, or in the healthcare system can be intimidating. Develop confidence, assertiveness and communication skills to advocate for yourself more effectively.

● Navigating Transitions: Big changes, even the positive ones, can be uncomfortable. Get support to help you adapt and thrive during transitions, and weather the discomfort when the path forward isn’t clear.

I can’t wait to meet you, and explore how I can help you get from where you are, to where you want to be.

For more information about my story, toolkit and credentials please visit www.copperthreadcoaching.com

To get a feel for what it’s like to work with me, please check out the Copper Thread Coaching Facebook or Instagram pages @Copper_Thread_Coaching

Steph Kelly, Play & Empowerment Coach Certified Martha Beck Wayfinder Life Coach Internationa... Read More

Born and raised in St. John’s, NL, Jason has always had a passion for health and wellness. It was his own struggles with health that has guided him to where he is today: Osteopathic Manual Practitioner and a Holistic Exercise and Health Practitioner. As an avid athlete and outdoor enthusiast all his life he was drawn to movement, rehabilitation and working to improve the health of himself and those around him.

Jason has been characterized as being compassionate, caring and empathetic with his treatments. Jason’s approach is holistic in nature; he believes everything has the capacity to affect everything! His practice is focused on working with the individual to help them find the root cause of their underlying symptoms and in doing so provide support for a more balanced life. He utilizes gentle structural and functional hands-on techniques and exercise prescription were necessary.

Jason works with all individuals but has a keen interest in working with:

Emotional trauma (i.e. PTSD, anxiety)

Physical Trauma

Pregnancy

Infants and children

Nervous System exhaustion (Fatigue, poor sleep, restlessness, etc)

Digestion (i.e., acid reflux, constipation, slow digestion, bloating, etc.)

At present, Jason and his partner, Kim, who is also an Osteopath Manual Practitioner, have returned to Ottawa to further their evolving careers.

When not at the clinic his other interests include fly fishing, cycling, cross country & downhill skiing and spending time with family and friends.

“Life is like a boomerang, you always get what you throw out”- Paul Chek

Jason King’s Schedule:

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays: 8:30am to 2pm Tuesdays and Thursdays: 8:30am to 3pm

Born and raised in St. John’s, NL, Jason has always had a passion for health and wellness. It was... Read More

I have been teaching yoga and meditation for ten fulfilling years. Being of service to others and helping them achieve their physical and mental health goals is my intention for teaching.

I experience the benefits of yoga and meditation throughout my own daily practice. Personally reaping these rewards drives me further to share these techniques with others. I have a deep understanding of the struggles we all face throughout our lives and therefore an even deeper appreciation for remedying the debris of those struggles, namely stress, anxiety, and tension, that we all hold in our bodies and minds.

Taking a time out from the busy-ness of our lives of doing to focus on being with our bodies and minds in this moment, just as they are, is vital to our health and wellbeing. In my classes we will move, sit, stretch and accept where we are at. Paradoxically it is from this complete acceptance that change can blossom. I am also a certified Mindfulness Practitioner and I bring a solid foundation of evidence-based skills, techniques, and knowledge to my teaching.

”Yoga is not a work-out, it is a work-in. And this is the point of spiritual practice; to make us teachable; to open up our hearts and focus our awareness so that we can know what we already know and be who we already are.” — Rolf Gates

I have been teaching yoga and meditation for ten fulfilling years. Being of service to others and... Read More

Dr. Noah Litvak, ND

Dr. Noah is a dedicated Naturopathic Doctor committed to empowering patients to live vibrant and fulfilling lives. He provides comprehensive support in three key areas: mental health, including anxiety, depression, stress, and insomnia; women’s hormonal health, such as PCOS, PMS, and perimenopause/menopause; and gut health, addressing issues like IBS, IBD, and food sensitivities.

In his general family practice, Dr. Noah also supports a wide range of health needs, including immune health, diabetes management, high blood pressure, cholesterol, and healthy aging, offering holistic care for various health concerns. His proactive and evidence-based approach ensures that patients receive tailored and effective treatments.

Dr. Noah is deeply committed to ongoing professional development. He regularly engages in new courses to stay informed about the latest advancements and best practices in healthcare. His dedication to continuous learning is complemented by his prescribing rights for bioidentical hormone therapy, natural desiccated thyroid, and his completion of intravenous micronutrient therapy training.

Inspired by his grandfather, a family doctor who made a significant impact over his 60-year career, Dr. Noah aims to create a similar positive influence. Witnessing his grandfather’s dedication and success has motivated Dr. Noah to distill complex scientific information into practical, actionable steps for improving health. His goal is to enhance the lives of as many people as possible through his expertise and compassionate care.

Embracing the naturopathic principle of Docere, or “doctor as teacher,” Dr. Noah offers a variety of corporate wellness workshops. These include lunch-and-learn sessions, interactive workshops, and food demo experiences for companies like General Mills, Intuit, and Oakville Hydro. His workshop topics cover:

• Beyond Meditation: Mindfulness for Everyday Life
• Optimal Energy: How to Maximize Your Energy Throughout the Day
• Better Mental Health Naturally in a Socially Distant World
• Everyday Stress Resiliency Series mystifying the Nutrition Label
• Men’s and Women’s Health
• Immune Booster
• Spring Into Action: Effective Goal Setting for a Better You

In addition to his clinical and corporate work, Dr. Noah teaches part-time at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. There, he inspires future naturopathic doctors through his courses in nutrition, psychology, and physical medicine, with a strong emphasis on holistic and evidence-based care.

Dr. Noah Litvak, ND Dr. Noah is a dedicated Naturopathic Doctor committed to empowering patients... Read More

Naturopathic Doctor Certified Laser Therapist Clinic Founder and Director: Ottawa Integrative Health Centre Co-Founder and Editor: From Belly to Baby

Member: APND Association of Perinatal Naturopathic Doctors, OAND, CAND, INER

At the Ottawa Integrative Health Centre, part of the clinic mission is to provide the Best Naturopathic and Integrative Care possible. Administering integrative and individualized care for her patients, and the patients of the clinic is at the core of Dr. Colleen’s every day. As her general practice allows, Dr. Colleen sees patients from birth until the end of life – providing bio-identical hormone therapy, B12 injections, neurological and brain health care, pediatric care, healthy child visits, adult care, and palliative care.

A chance meeting with Dr. Norman Doidge while earning her laser therapy certification ignited Dr. Colleen’s curiosity about our brains, their health, and their ability to repair themselves and grow. Over the past few years her desire to learn more has lead her to attend conferences presented by the Canadian Neurovascular Health Society- the most progressive, patient directed conferences available that present the findings and research related to cutting edge, integrative care for conditions such as MS, ALS, Parkinson’s and TBIs. Being able to feed and nourish brains, and help them heal from trauma is where her heart truly lies.

Although no longer available to attend births as a Doula, Dr. Colleen is passionate about providing care to her pregnant patients, as well as to those struggling to conceive. Much of her practice is focused on helping women and families who are experiencing difficulties in becoming pregnant, and then caring for them through their pregnancies.

Healthy aging strategies, stress management care and health coaching are part of her care with each patient.

Dr. Colleen founded the Ottawa Integrative Health Centre in 2004, and continues her role as the Clinic Director, while practicing as a full time Naturopathic Doctor. In 2010, Dr. Colleen was awarded the Ottawa Business Journals “Top Forty under 40” award – which was an honour that meant a great deal to her. With over 20 years as a practicing Naturopathic Doctor, Colleen is passionate about health, and provides seminars, workshops and lectures to special interest groups, as well as medical students and private industry. A member of both the provincial and national Naturopathic Associations (OAND and CAND) since her days as a student, Dr. Colleen remains engaged in her profession – acting as Chair for the Board of Governors at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (www.ccnm.edu).

Dr. Colleen looks forward to working with you on your own health journey.

Naturopathic Doctor Certified Laser Therapist Clinic Founder and Director: Ottawa Integrative Hea... Read More

Dr. Christine Nguyen, N.D. is a licensed naturopathic doctor with eight years of postsecondary education. Prior to her naturopathic medicine education, Dr. Nguyen completed her Bachelor of Physical Education and Health and graduated with honours from the University of Toronto. She then spent four years studying at the fully accredited Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) in Toronto, followed by successful completion of the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Exam. She holds an active license to practice naturopathic medicine with Ontario-based patients by the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.

Dr. Nguyen has lived, studied and worked around the world including Canada, China, Vietnam, India and now Mexico. Dr. Nguyen was instrumental in organizing the first group externship for naturopathic medicine students at the National Hospital of Traditional Medicine in Hanoi, Vietnam, a World Health Organization-collaborating centre for traditional medicine and the leading hospital of traditional medicine in Vietnam.

Having demonstrated a passion and excellence in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Dr. Nguyen moved to Shanghai where she was able to study under the supervision of well-respected experts at the Shanghai Insight Ancient Chinese Medicine Institute. Her years in China have enabled her to acquire a deeper understanding of the art and science of TCM and the effectiveness of acupuncture for treating a plethora of health conditions.

Dr. Nguyen’s time abroad has also enabled her to live and understand the life of an expatriate, which can present its own unique joys and challenges. She works regularly with diplomats/expats and their families as their health care provider, supporting them with their transitions and navigating their health concerns.

Her particular areas of interest include:

Pain management – helping patients prevent and heal pain brought on by disease, overuse or injury using physical modalities (laser, acupuncture, cupping), nutraceuticals/herbs, lifestyle changes and mind/body awareness.

Fatigue and Stress Management – addressing underlying causes of fatigue, balancing hormones, regulating sleep patterns and stress responses, prioritizing self-care, and building emotional resilience through lifestyle awareness and optimization.

Mental health - Using acupuncture, herbal medicine, diet, nutrition, amino acid therapy and lifestyle counseling Dr. Nguyen engages patient dialogue and addresses underlying contributors to mental health issues including depression and anxiety.

Digestive health – Identifying food allergens and pathogens, supporting and healing the digestive system to get the most of your dietary intake.

Optimizing health – Already amazingly healthy? Dr. Nguyen will review diet, lifestyle, supplements and testing to ensure the removal of any obstacles to living one’s best life. Her life motto when it comes to health: Better Health Today. Good Health for a Lifetime.

Dr. Nguyen works with patients using evidence-based natural health solutions that are safe, effective and reliable with the goal of addressing the root cause. She is committed to continuing education in the field of medicine and is constantly updating her skills and knowledge with advances in research. Additional training or recognition was received in the following areas:

Successful completion of the Ontario Prescribing and Therapeutics Course and the Ontario Prescribing and Therapeutics Examination enabling her to prescribe and administer intramuscular vitamin B12 injections, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, desiccated thyroid, high dose vitamin D3, etc.

Myofascial Release Technique for sports injuries and pain management.

Bioflex Low Intensity Laser Therapy for pain, inflammatory, dermatological or neurological conditions.

First Line Therapy for weight management and disease prevention.

CCNM Award of distinction for her passion and accomplishments in Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture.

Dr. Nguyen believes that empowering individuals to make healthy lifestyle choices is the cornerstone to achieving one’s health and wellness goals. For those already seeing multiple practitioners, she encourages an integrative approach to patient care with open communication between all care providers.

Dr. Nguyen can also be contacted for speaking engagements pertaining to a number of health topics. Her particular passion at the moment is speaking on the topic of emotional resilience, preventing and healing from burnout. Dr. Nguyen speaks English, Vietnamese, and French. Dr Nguyen happily welcomes new and returning patients from Ontario.

Dr. Christine Nguyen’s Schedule:

Wednesdays 10-4pm

Thursdays 10-2pm

*Note: Because Dr. Nguyen is not providing in-person care, if/when deemed necessary or relevant to the assessment, diagnosis and treatment plan, patients may be referred to an ND colleague at the OIHC/another member of one’s health care team for an in-person physical exam/ relevant treatment.

Dr. Christine Nguyen, N.D. is a licensed naturopathic doctor with eight years of postsecondary ed... Read More

Cynthia Nolan Fairweather, Psychotherapist

Counseling and Facilitation for Individuals and Couples

Cynthia Nolan Fairweather has a masters degree in Counseling Psychology, and is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).

Cynthia works with individuals, partners, and children six and older. She is LGBTQ+ and Kink affirming, and available only for remote video and telephone sessions through the OIHC’s secure network.

Cynthia supports her clients through all of life’s questions and changes using a framework of Sell-compassion, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy.

She brings her full skill set to the therapeutic relationship; facilitating, coaching, and supporting her clients through the change moments in their lives.

Cynthia has worked with the Tarot for 35 years, and offers readings separate from her counseling practice. When her counseling clients wish, she is also happy to bring the cards into the therapy session where, like other tools, they may initiate discussions that facilitate greater self-awareness.

Cynthia Nolan Fairweather, Psychotherapist Counseling and Facilitation for Individuals and Coupl... Read More

Cathy Richards is a mom of 3 young kids and a Registered Dietitian with over 19 years of varied experience. Her evidence based practice has involved working with various government departments, including Corrections Canada, The Department of National Defence and 2 different Canadian Universities. She has had a successful private nutrition consulting practice since 2002.

Cathy loves working with her clients by getting them the energy to show up as the best version of themselves and even have some left-over to do the things that bring them joy! Her previous certifications in diabetes education and project management have enabled her to develop group programs that incorporate this knowledge and easily fit into her clients busy lifestyles with simple to implement strategies.

A key component of Cathy’s approach is meeting her clients where they are at - health wise and life circumstances - considering the entire person - not just their food intake. Working with clients to get them healthier and ultimately wealthier.

*Dietitian services are often 100% covered by private health insurance.

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Deidre Riordon is a Nurse Practitioner with over 12 years of diverse healthcare experience. She holds a Masters of Science in Nursing with a Primary Healthcare Nurse Practitioner Diploma, and a Master’s degree in Health Administration from the University of Ottawa.

Deidre has a rich background encompassing primary care, acute care, community care, and palliative care settings. She prioritizes building strong patient relationships, taking time to understand their unique needs while promoting a holistic treatment approach. Deidre collaborates closely with interdisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive patient care, proactively making referrals when necessary.

Committed to continuous professional development, Deidre has pursued additional training in mental health, smoking cessation, and neuroscience nursing. She is excited to delve into integrative medicine and incorporate these approaches into her practice with the aim of improving people’s lives and overall well-being.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Deidre enjoys spending time in nature, reading, and exploring new destinations through travel. She maintains a balanced lifestyle through exercise, yoga, healthy nutrition, and mindfulness practices. Deidre also values quality time spent with her family and friends.

Deidre Riordon is a Nurse Practitioner with over 12 years of diverse healthcare experience. She h... Read More

Emilie Runnalls NP

Nurse Practitioner

Emilie is a Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner providing bilingual (French and English) virtual care to clients of all ages. She has extensive experience in the healthcare sector, having had the opportunity to work in public health, labour & delivery, long term care, hospital nursing administration, and primary care.

Emilie holds an Honours Bachelor of Health Science from the University of Ottawa, a Bachelor of Nursing from the University of New Brunswick/Humber College, a Master of Science in Nursing from Laurentian University, and a Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner certificate from Laurentian University.

Emilie believes in the importance of continuing education and has pursued additional courses in her areas of interest which are bariatric care and weight management, lifestyle medicine, smoking cessation, women’s mental health, geriatrics, and palliative care.

In her spare time, Emilie enjoys spending time with her husband, her two young boys, and her many farm animals.

Emilie Runnall’s Schedule:

Mondays 11 am – 3 pm

Emilie Runnalls NP Nurse Practitioner Emilie is a Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner provid... Read More

Lisa Schneider, RMT, CST-T

Biography

At heart, I am a spiritual alchemist. I enjoy playing in the realm of transformation, and supporting others on their healing journeys. Regardless of whether we are working in the realm of the physical, or metaphysical, I love creating a space for people to tap into their own healing intelligence. Ultimately, my work is divided into two separate streams: things that fit within my registered massage therapy (RMT) scope of practice, and things that don’t.

In my RMT practice, my focus is on the physical causes of pain and illness. Using primarily CranioSacral therapy as a tool, I facilitate the body in the unwinding and releasing of the patterns and restrictions that have led to chronic pain, tension and illness.

In my other work, I am a spiritual explorer, guide and teacher, and have many tools at my disposal to help support others in their deep healing goals, getting to the root of whatever ails them. One of my favourite things to do is to grab a flashlight and explore the shadow. Exploring the unknown and helping people reconnect to the truest aspects of their Self truly gives me joy.

My own healing journey has taken me along a long and winding path. Having personally navigated chronic pain, illness and fatigue, an autoimmune adjacent condition, depression, anxiety, and trauma, my life experience has given me the opportunity to explore many methods and modalities of healing. As a result, not only have I accessed great personal healing, but I’ve harnessed the many challenges that I’ve faced as opportunities to learn and grow. I’ve pursued extensive education and certifications in various things that I personally found beneficial, so that I could then share them with others in the form of my practice.

Formally, I am a registrant of the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario and a member of the Registered Massage Therapists’ Association of Ontario, techniques certified in CranioSacral Therapy (CST) and SomatoEmotional Release (SER) through the Upledger Institute, trained in Visceral Manipulation (VM) with the Barral Institute, chronic pain management with Pain BC, and also extensive training in trauma informed practice through various studies, including the Trauma Informed Practice Institute in BC. I am certified as a shamanic coach and practitioner in Sacred Trust with the RBCS lineage, BC, an associate minister with the Church of Divine Man (Berkeley, California), and have trained extensively with the Berkeley Psychic Institute in order to be able to provide spiritual counselling and clairvoyant readings. I have practiced collaboratively in the field of integrative medicine since 2007 in both Ottawa, ON and Vancouver, BC.

My never-ending education, collaboration with others, general curiosity, and my own personal healing journey, has helped me develop insight into the complexities of chronic pain, trauma and dysfunction as it manifests in the human body, as well as expressions of mental health disorders and patterns of addiction. As a subscriber to the biopsychosocial model of wellness and disease, I believe that chronic pain, tension, illness, and mental health challenges are not just a function of biology and genetics, but rather a result of a confluence of many factors, including our life experiences and belief systems that form how we interact with the world. I am passionate about empowering people to discover their own innate healing ability by redeveloping their intuitive connection to their own body, mind and spirit.

It’s very important to me to offer a safe, affirming and non-discriminatory space, and I welcome people of all ages, abilities, sexualities, genders, races, religions, beliefs, backgrounds, and walks of life. As they are my people, I have a particular interest and experience in working with members of the LGBTQ+ community, and those on the neurodiversity spectrum.

For more information, please visit my website www.lisamschneider.com.

Lisa Schneider, RMT, CST-T Biography At heart, I am a spiritual alchemist. I enjoy playing in t... Read More

Dr. Smith’s thirst for knowledge has paved the way to becoming a Naturopathic Doctor. Growing up in a family afflicted with autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, scleroderma), she eventually refuted the belief that there was no cure, and began to question the underlying cause. Through her search for treatments, she stumbled across Naturopathic Medicine, a science rooted in the principle, “Tolle Causam”, meaning “Treat the Cause”. The rest is history. With the support of Naturopathic Medicine, her family saw a reduction in medications and a reversal of symptoms—Dr. Smith saw an inspiring career.

After receiving a Bachelor of Science from The University of Western Ontario, Dr. Smith earned her Diploma of Naturopathic Medicine from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. Throughout her career, she has pursued extensive training in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, which include but are not limited to:

Rheumatoid arthritis

Ankylosing spondylitis

Lupus

Psoriasis

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis

Multiple sclerosis

Lichen sclerosus

To further support the needs of her patients, she has also become a Certified Laser Therapist, earned her prescribing rights for bioidentical hormones and natural desiccated thyroid, and completed training in electroacupuncture. All of these credentials have fortified Dr. Smith’s practice, where her focus remains providing patients with an education on the many benefits of preventative health, and how to achieve a life free of pain and worry.

Dr. Smith is dedicated to educating the public on the many benefits of Naturopathic Medicine in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. She has hosted community lectures, appeared on television, and published several articles.

Dr. Smith is currently accepting new patients. If new to Naturopathic Medicine, she encourages booking a 15-minute complimentary consultation.

“By evaluating all determinants of wellness, I seek to find the root cause of disease and debility, allowing me then to restore health through individualized treatment. It is my personal commitment to treat you, not simply a condition.” (Dr. Jaclyn Smith, ND)

Dr. Smith’s thirst for knowledge has paved the way to becoming a Naturopathic Doctor. Growing up ... Read More

Wenbo Wang is a Registered Acupuncturist and a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Practitioner in Ontario. She was educated in China, Japan and Canada. She is conscientious, and always helps her clients to understand their health related root problems with her rich clinic experience and understandable TCM language.

Come to try acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine to experience effective, quick relief on common diseases, acute or chronic issues such as migraines, neck pain, frozen shoulder, scoliosis, upper or lower back pain, sciatica, arthritis, knee pain, heel pain, digestive disorder, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, fertility issues, and even some complicated diseases.

She helps people to age successfully using natural remedies and medicines. Clients have claimed that the curative effects they had were always remarkable and reliable.

Wenbo Wang is a Registered Acupuncturist and a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Practitioner in... Read More

With a knack for making meaningful connections, Dr. Owen has had a long history of guiding and helping others transform their health. As a Medical Advisor, consultant, public speaker and naturopathic medical graduate, he mentors and educates with a dedicated passion, He is there to be your cheerleader as he helps you achieve your next milestone. He’s ready to shatter that ‘No, but’ mindset with his infectious positivity and energy as he moves you into the lifestyle that has you saying, ‘Yes, and’.

Dr. Owen completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Ottawa while working as a Clinical Researcher for the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO). Initially, he studied the impacts of exercise on paediatric epilepsy before transferring to the gastroenterology team. There, he worked on projects studying the microbiome of children, including the nationwide CIDsCaNN project.

Upon graduation from UofO, Dr. Owen found himself wanting to spend more time with patients than the current system permitted and found his way to naturopathic medicine. As a natural leader and dedicated community contributor, he became heavily involved in generating positive change at CCNM, sitting on various committees and eventually serving as President of the Naturopathic Students’ Association. He was also part of the fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue focus shift team, a group of passionate interns looking to help optimize the health of those suffering from chronic illness.

He is passionate about using the growing field of evidence supporting the clinical benefits of nature. As a public speaker and consultant, he works with corporations and organizations to help them invest in the health of their employees by incorporating nature-focused principles into their workspace.

Dr. Owen is keen about removing health as an obstacle to the success of his patients and strives to be their biggest cheerleader. He’s here to help our community get WISE about their health and the ways through which we can all reflect our best self!

With a knack for making meaningful connections, Dr. Owen has had a long history of guiding and he... Read More