Team /tiːm/noun : a group of people working or playing together’ or ‘come together as a team to achieve something’

Our Clinical Team

Dr. Erin Wiley, HBHSc, ND

Naturopathic Doctor & Clinic Director

Dr. Erin Wiley is the Co-Founder and a Clinic Director of the Integrative Health Institute. Erin is passionate about health promotion and integrative medicine and has always believed in leading by example to inspire and educate others to live active and healthy lives. Erin is compassionate, ready to listen, and motivated to offer patients the support they need to achieve their health goals.

Erin has a special interest in digestive health, endocrinology and hormone balance with a clinical focus on fertility, menopause, anxiety, depression, healthy weight loss, detoxification and environmental medicine. Erin is certified in FirstLine Therapy, a personalized lifestyle medicine program centered on therapeutic lifestyle changes, such as nutrition, exercise, and stress management. Erin is also certified in cosmetic acupuncture, a holistic alternative to modern cosmetic procedures. Erin’s clinical background also includes experience working with HIV positive patients at the Sherbourne clinic in Toronto and providing primary healthcare at rural health clinics in South Africa.

Erin is a Naturopathic Doctor and graduate of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. Erin is a former President of CCNM’s Naturopathic Students Association and upon graduation received CCNM’s Naturopathic Honour Award. Erin also graduated with distinction from the Honours Health Science program at the University of Western Ontario. At Western, Erin empowered undergraduate students to pursue healthy lives as the Program Coordinator of the ATTAC Life Health Promotion Program. Erin is a member of the Association of Perinatal Naturopathic Doctors, the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors and the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors. In addition to her work at the Integrative Health Institute, Erin is also actively involved in educating the public about health and naturopathic medicine through speaking engagements and media appearances.

Follow Dr. Wiley on Twitter

Dr. Meghan Walker, HBSc, ND

Naturopathic Doctor

Dr. Meghan Walker is the Co-Founder of the Integrative Health Institute. As a naturopathic doctor, Meghan is immensely passionate about working with people to help them better understand their health and its role in providing an empowered and superior quality of life. Meghan graduated with distinction from both the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) as well as the University of Waterloo, where she received an Honours Bachelors of Science degree in biology with a specialization in reproductive physiology.

While in university and searching for an outlet to facilitate positive social change, Meghan founded the Canadian chapter of Millennium Kids, an international youth empowerment organization that facilitated and taught environmental literacy. She served as the Canadian Program Director for 10 years where she created international development programs, national conferences and in-school programming that fostered youth empowerment and environment leadership. While at CCNM, Meghan served as the Student Governor on CCNM’s Board of Governors and was awarded the Humanitarian Award upon graduation for her community and international development work. Never far from an opportunity to be involved, Meghan is currently serving as a Board member for the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors and is a former board member of the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors.

As a speaker, Meghan provides frequent talks and workshops through her clinic and community on a local, national and international scale. She contributes regularly to the media, having appeared as a guest on CTV, Global and CP24 programming as well as various pieces of print media.

As a clinician, Meghan has a strong interest and post-graduate training in environmental medicine, in particular with respect to cancer prevention and the management of chronic diseases such as Crohn’s and Colitis and autoimmune conditions. As a naturopathic doctor, Meghan is immensely passionate about working with people to help them better understand their health and its role in providing an empowered and superior quality of life.

I believe that we are all more productive in fulfilling our life’s work when our health is available at a moments notice. We all have big plans, children to raise and a mark to leave on the world. In my experience I have seen that ones approach to health and their respect for wellbeing is a manifestation of their true self and sense of worth.

Follow Dr. Walker on Twitter & Facebook
Check out her blog: www.meghanwalker.com

Dr. Marc Bubbs, ND BSc, ND, CSCS, ART

Naturopathic Doctor & Strength Training Coach

Dr. Marc Bubbs N.D. has been working with athletes and active people for almost a decade. As a Naturopathic Doctor and Strength and Conditioning Coach, Marc focuses on the integration of health and exercise, believing that movement is the best medicine. He focuses on a holistic approach, using a combination of traditional Eastern and cutting-edge Western medicine to meet his client’s health and performance goals. Marc spent several years working in London, England as a personal trainer and strength coach for business executives and competitive athletes. He currently works as a sports medical consultant at Laylor Performance Systems and Canada Basketball.

Marc is a graduate of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. Since finishing his studies, he has completed advanced training in Intravenous Therapeutics and Sports Nutrition to optimize his client’s health and training goals. He uses a variety of treatments to help athletes and active people improve their performance, productivity and speed recovery from injury. Marc is a member of the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors and is fully licensed to practice as a naturopathic doctor in Ontario. In addition to his training as an ND, Marc is a certified strength and conditioning coach, yoga instructor, spinning coach, and pilates instructor.

Follow Dr. Bubbs on Twitter
Check out Dr. Bubbs blog: www.naturopathicsportsmedicine.com

Dr. Lisa Watson, BHSc, ND

Naturopathic Doctor

Dr. Lisa Watson completed her pre-medical training at the University of Western Ontario in London with a Bachelors degree inHealth Sciences (BHSc). Following this, she completed the four year full-time program at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto where she received the designation of Naturopathic Doctor (ND).

Lisa first encountered Naturopathic Medicine when investigating her own health issues during her teen years. A natural health care model that supports the body, mind, and spirit for a lifetime was a good fit for this aspiring doctor.

Dr. Watson’s philosophy of practice emphasizes a patient-focused approach where listening to and gaining understanding of a patient’s unique story is a top priority.

Lisa’s practice integrates natural treatments backed by scientific and traditional research to enhance the health of her patients and prevent future illness.

Dr. Watson maintains a general family practice in the Old Town Toronto neighbourhood of Toronto. She welcomes patients of all ages and stages of wellness and has a special interest in adolescent and pediatric health, teen health, women’s health, pregnancy, fertility, menopause, dermatology, headaches and healthy aging.

Dr. Watson is licensed by the Board of Directors of Drugless Therapy – Naturopathy. She is a member of the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors and the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors.

Follow Dr. Watson on Twitter & Facebook
Check out Dr Watson’s blog: www.drlisawatson.com

Dr. Mehran Tabrizi, BA, DC, DO

Chiropractic & Osteopathic Doctor

Dr. Tabrizi is a family chiropractor, osteopath and passionate member of the local community. He has a goal to teach that the pursuit of optimal health and wellness is much more than being symptom free.

“Your first wealth is your health.” – Emerson

Dr. Tabrizi completed his undergraduate studies at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, B.C. where he obtained a bachelors degree in psychology with a focus on cognitive neuropsychology. After completing his stay at SFU, Dr. Tabrizi, like many of us, experienced family sickness. Frustrated by the myopic attitude of his father’s caregivers, he questioned the prevailing attitudes regarding health in our society. This journey led him to change his pursuits both personally and professionally and he went on to obtain his Doctor of Chiropractic from Logan Chiropractic College in St. Louis, Missouri and eventually complete his studies in osteopathy.

After minimizing or eliminating pain and symptoms, attention can be focused on attaining wellness; demonstrated by increasing resistance to disease, aging without disability, optimizing energy, sleeping more soundly and becoming emotionally and physically hardy. When all of these things are in place we are left with a more positive attitude and improved relationships.

Dr. Tabrizi’s philosophy is shaped by his extensive travels to Central and South Asia, Europe and the Gulf States. During these travels he experienced assorted applications of local healing traditions. As a clinician, he is driven by his personal philosophy – There is no monopoly on knowledge and Listen and empower the patient first.

Dr.Tabrizi can be reached at mtabrizi@integrativehealthinstitute.ca

Yvette Marcek, RMT

Registered Massage Therapist

Yvette Marcek is a Registered Massage Therapist whose practice has evolved over the past 11 years. She understands that the body must be respected on many levels and that each person who comes for treatment has unique requirements and goals.

Having worked in different environments with many different populations, Yvette has learned from her vast number of clients. Clients have ranged from infants to elderly, pre to post-natal women, healthy to injured and those suffering from terminal illness. Yvette has worked specifically with clients suffering from eating and sleeping disorders, substance addictions as well as chronic conditions such as repetitive strain injuries.

Yvette’s technique is an embodiment of her belief in massage therapy and the influence of her fortunate opportunities for world travel and an incorporation of her journey’s cultural diversity. She has worked around the GTA, Turks and Caicos, Rome and has volunteered at a not for profit community birthing centre in Bali.

Yvette’s priority is to create a safe, healing, and positive environment for therapy. She is particularly passionate about educating people about posture, believing that consciousness of our physical body and the world around us is an integral part of maintaining our health and happiness.

Her post-secondary studies include the University of Waterloo and Sutherland-Chan School for Massage Therapy. She is also a Certified Infant Massage Instructor and has taught mothers, fathers, grandparents and other caregivers. Despite viewing laughter as the best form of medicine, Yvette sees the healing of massage therapy and touch as an international language, spoken without barriers and greatly benefiting anyone willing to join the conversation.

For more information about Yvette or massage therapy at the Integrative Health Institute, contact Yvette at ymarcek@integrativehealthinstitute.ca

Andrea Szanto, RMT

Registered Massage Therapy

It was at the age of 17 that Andrea discovered the untapped power of alternative healing. Struggling for years with a severe digestive condition, Andrea began researching natural forms of healing after medical specialists were unable to help alleviate her suffering. Andrea always had a passion for alternative forms of healing, but it was this experience that inspired her to pursue an education and career as a Holistic Practitioner, which was focused on massage, reflexology, Reiki, clinical aromatherapy and nutrition.

After completing her training, Andrea practiced at a Natural Health and Wellness Spa in northern Ontario, where while specializing in digestive disorders, she had a personally enriching opportunity that enabled her to treat a diverse clientele including the elderly, pregnant women and clients with anxiety-related conditions. It was there, while working with fellow practitioners, that she was subsequently exposed to a more holistic application of yoga. This led Andrea to complete teacher training at the Sivananda Yoga Ashram in the Laurentian Hills of Quebec.
After spending time in Montreal teaching yoga, Andrea decided to further compliment her holistic training by pursuing Registered Massage Therapy at ICT Kikkawa College, graduating with Honours.

As a Registered Massage Therapist, Andrea has worked with a wide range of clients, from Toronto Marathon runners to individuals afflicted with conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinsonism, cerebral palsy and PWA (people with AIDS). Andrea facilitates a holistic approach to therapy by designing a treatment style that addresses both the physical and energetic states of her clients. She utilizes Swedish, Thai and myofascial release techniques, blended with extensive modalities drawing from her wide-ranging background. Her experience as a Sivananda yoga teacher allows her to keep her clients aware of postural dysfunction and nutritional well-being. She encourages her clients desire to remain involved in their own healing experience as she continues to educate and empower them by providing comprehensive tools to assist along their healing journey.

For more information about Andrea or massage therapy at the Integrative Health Institute, contact Andrea at aszanto@integrativehealthinstitute.ca

Amanda Mroz, RMT

Registered Massage Therapist

Amanda Mroz is a Registered Massage Therapist who graduated from the Sutherland-Chan School and Teaching Clinic in 2011. She is registered with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario and is a member of the Registered Massage Therapists Association of Ontario. Amanda also holds a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Biology and Philosophy from Trent University.

Amanda was drawn to massage therapy because of its combination of art and science. Her technique combines an extensive knowledge of the body with an intuition that allows her hands to feel what the clients’ tissue needs.

Amanda enjoys working with a variety of clients. If you have pain, stress, postural concerns, musculoskeletal issues, or scar tissue, Amanda would love to be a part of your path to wellness. She has a strong interest in women’s health, specifically breast health and working with scar tissue. She is excited to be a part of the IHI team and is looking forward to working with you.

For more information about Amanda or massage therapy at the Integrative Health Institute, contact Amanda at amroz@integrativehealthinstitute.ca

Christina Gouveia, RMT

Registered Massage Therapist

Christina Gouveia is a Registered Massage Therapist and graduate  of Sutherland-Chan Massage School and Teaching Clinic. Christina has a strong appreciation for alternative medicine and healing. Massage Therapy has always been a keen area of interest, which she is happy to transform into a  career. Prior to massage school, Christina graduated from McMaster University and holds an Honours B.A. in English. She has also worked in the corporate world for 10 years and understands the uniques needs of her urban massage therapy clients.

Christina has a strong interest in myofascial work, with a focus to scar tissue both surgical and injury related, orthopaedic testing, pregnancy massage, temporalmandubular dysfunction (TMD), deep tissue techniques and, of course, relaxation. She enjoys using all of her clinical skills in order to treat a variety of conditions, ages and stages. She has experience treating clients as young as 4 days old and also enjoys working with senior citizens. She also has a clinical aptitude for  conditions including scoliosis, fibromyalgia, pre- & post surgical, pre- & post natal, therapeutic breast massage, repetitive strain injuries, MS and spinal cord injuries.

“I strongly believe that every one holds their true intentions for healing in their minds and that those thoughts become their reality. My intention is to be part of a health care team with a positive influence on a client’s journey to wellness – I am only part of the process, not the end result. Massage therapy is therapeutic touch which can have tremendous health benefits. Massage is not just to pamper or treat one’s self – relaxation is a treatment as well! It is necessary for stress management and overall wellbeing. Releasing tension and taking the time out for #1 is a priority in our busy lives!” – Christina Gouveia RMT

Christina has packed up her things to bring her practice up to Muskoka for the summer, but will be returning to IHI in the fall!  If you would like to reach her while she is away, please contact the clinic directly for information.

Rachel Girardi

Lifestyle Coach

Rachel Girardi, is a psychology-educated-turned-healthy lifestyle coach. Since graduating from the University of Western Ontario with a Masters Degree in psychology, she has worked with many different types of people to incorporate healthy behaviours into their lives. Rachel has worked as a personal trainer for the past two years and over that time has helped clients to reach weight loss, performance and other health goals. Can-Fit Pro and Precision Nutrition Certified, she has a special interest in nutrition and teaching others how to incorporate proper nutrition into their busy lives. Rachel loves to cook and share her recipes with a growing online community at gastronomicfitness.blogspot.com.

Rachel has always had a passion for helping people discover ways to improve their lives. She believes that every person has a unique set of strengths that can help them to reach their health goals. Understanding each person’s individual challenges and helping them to overcome those barriers is her main philosophy. Joining the IHI team, Rachel is excited to be working with a talented group of practitioners to help implement their medical and lifestyle recommendations into their clients daily lives. She can help you with nutrition, fitness and stress reduction, so you can not only achieve but also maintain healthy behaviours. The way she sees it, the Doctors can tell you what you should do to get healthy, and she will be the coach to help you make it happen in your life!

Follow Rachel on Twitter & Facebook
Read more about what Rachel has to offer on her blog: www.completecarecoaching.com

Danielle Denwood, BA CPM

Doula

A doula is a woman who is trained and experienced in the physical and emotional needs of birthing women and families. She understands the physiology of labor and birth and how to help a woman and her partner work with the process.

Danielle is a Certified Professional Midwife, Doula, Interdisciplinary Yoga Teacher, and Chartered Herbologist. She feels honored to nurture and create a safe space for women during their journey to motherhood. It is her intention to support mothers as they take responsibility for their own health and well-being and that of their baby and it is her hope that birth will be a positive, transformative experience for mothers and families, fostering empowerment throughout their lives.

Since the beginning of time, women have been supporting women through childbirth and the postpartum period. It has been the collaborative effort and experiences of these women that have encouraged and empowered them to transition into motherhood successfully. In our fast-paced modern medical society, we have forgotten this very essential support system that has proven to help women give birth naturally. Danielle is an educated, trained, and caring birth professional whose main objective is to provide informational, emotional, and physical support to women and their partners through pregnancy, labour, and the postpartum period.

Whether the birth takes place in a hospital, birthing center or home whether the baby is delivered by a doctor or midwife, a doula is a valuable asset to any birth team. Research shows that the support of a doula throughout pregnancy optimizes a woman’s chance of having a healthier birth experience and a healthier infant.

To connect with Danielle or to learn more about her services as a doula, you can reach her at ddenwood@integrativehealthinstitute.ca or 647-961-0070.

Our Teaching Team

Kaitlyn Baptist

Yoga Instructor

Having always had an interest in alternative wellness, Kaitlyn’s passionate exploration of holistic health began eight years ago and has culminated in the study of yoga, Reiki and nutrition. Certified as a holistic nutritionist and yoga instructor, Kaitlyn is committed to inspiring, educating and listening to clients through continued support, motivation and compassion as they take hold of their health.

Kaitlyn graduated with an Honours BA in sociology from Bishops University and went on to study Holistic Nutritionist at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition. As a nutritionist and as a clinician, Kaitlyn teaches and encourages the essential ingredients of a balanced, holistic lifestyle, inspiring others to achieve optimal health and vitality by honoring their body’s natural needs. Her clinical practice is inspired by an ongoing fascination with the human body and its potential to heal itself.

Kaitlyns introduction to yoga came from two very wise teachers, her parents. By observing the benefits it brought to their lives and specific health conditions, she was hooked after her first class. Since then she has been exploring different styles, philosophies, and Yoga communities, including the emerging field of Yoga Therapy. Kaitlyn is a certified Yoga instructor with the Canadian Yoga Alliance and teaches in a manner that arouses ones creativity, compassion and sense of empowerment. Kaitlyns dedication to the realization of our inherit beauty and her attention to alignment, enables her students to access the benefits of regular practice, and to enjoy the entire experience Yoga has to offer.

Life is a Celebration of the Heart.

Simone Neilson

Yoga Instructor

From the age of five to nine Simone was part of Canada’s pre-Olympic gymnastics team. Health and fitness have always been a large part of her life. For over ten years she built her own personal yoga practice before deciding to pursue yoga as a career. Certified in Hatha Vinyasa through the Yoga Sanctuary in 2005, Simone pursued by additional certifications in yoga for children, restorative and seniors yoga.

Simone is CPR certified and will have an additional certification this May 2011 to teach pre and post-natal yoga. Her passion for assisting people in their path to well being through yoga comes from her own personal health challenges and having always benefited from the practice of yoga. Yoga has taught Simone to accept the limits of her body while working towards her goals. Yoga means bring together, it helps the body find balance. Her true desire is to help others achieve the goals of greater health and general well being.

Genevieve Pardoe

Pilates and Yoga Instructor

Danielle Denwood

Doula and Pre-natal Yoga Instructor

Alanna Sills

HypnoBirthing Instructor

Alanna is a mother, wife, sister, daughter and educator. As an elementary school teacher in the GTA, she takes great pride in her profession and in her capacity to honor a child discovery for learning. Alanna discovered Hypnobirthing as part of her own pre-natal experience. Although she had initial feelings of healthy intrigue and skepticism, after only one class, she was sold and excited to begin practicing the techniques.

On Mothers Day, 2010, my surges began. I laboured throughout the day at home, while wrapping gifts and making cards. I attended our family get-together to celebrate Mothers Day; however, I didn’t quite make it to the meal. We decided to go to the hospital to get checked, but figured they’d send me home and that I’d be back in time for dessert. As it turns out, I was 7cm opened and the only place I was going was the delivery room! Four hours later, our son, Luke, was born. He decided he wanted his own special day and was born at 12:05am, May 9. I fully attribute my gentle, short, calm labour to HypnoBirthing. Through the course I learned about how my birthing body works and how to effectively work with it to have the labour that I was designed to have. While in a very deep state of relaxation, I was supremely focussed on my labouring body, but clearly remember the comments from the nurses in the delivery room, Is she asleep? Is she even IN labour? Could she be any more relaxed?!? I couldn’t help but smile to myself. However, it was the comment made by my baby’s delivering doctor that changed my life. Once I was holding my son in my arms, she turned to me and said, you should be teaching how to give birth.

Alanna is excited to now share her experience and knowledge of HypnoBirthing with as many families, and care providers as possible. Everyone deserves the best possible birth experience and it is her hope to be able to provide the Hypnobirthing tools to your story as well!

For more information visit www.beautifulbirths.ca or contact our HypnoBirthing Practitioner, Alanna Sills, directly @ 289.892.5262

Kavita Chauhan

2Health CPR & Recue Skills Instructor

When 8-years old Kavita jumped in the pool to save her cousin, her journey as a First Aider began and her future revealed itself. Kavita created 2HEALTH in 1992, with a motto:

“More Prevention = Less Treatment”

Now thousands of parents, healthcare professionals and employees are more prepared and rescue-confident – the 2HEALTH way!
2HEALTH’s unique and interactive teaching approach offers participants an enriching, informative and practical workshop. Kavita’s trademark question is: “In an emergency, will you be calm and rescue someone effectively in 60 seconds? If not, then you need first aid training or re-training.”

Our Administrative Team

Meghan Pearson

Administrative Team Leader

Meg Pearson is our new office manager, bringing many years of experience as coordinator with her, after spending twelve years working in live television, and also running administration for various companies and organizations.  Meg also knows a thing or two about keeping life balance; she runs her own culinary education company, MAP Wellness, and also teaches vinyasa flow yoga and culinary classes on the side.  She embraces the title of “Nutritarian”, and is a passionate cook, certified Living on Live Food Raw Cuisine Instructor, and Culinary Nutrition Expert trained with Meghan Telpner’s Cooking Academy.  Meg’s mission in life is simply to “spread the health”!

Meghan is also an avid writer and contributes regularly to Huffington Post Canada, Village Living Magazine, and Living Kitchen Wellness Group’s blog, and takes pride in her role as an active ambassador for Ascenta Health’s NutraVege.

Meghan possesses over a decade of television production experience in varying capacities, having held positions with major broadcasters (Global, MuchMusic, CBC, The Weather Network, CP24, CTV, and CityTV). Meghan is a seasoned live control room operator, with extensive knowledge in the roles of Director, Producer, and Floor Manager.

Marina Dimitrova

Weekend Receptionist

Marina is a graduate of York University with an Honours degree in Social Work, and is Registered with the College of Social Workers. Her love for both social work and nutrition, has led her to study at The Canadian School of Natural Nutrition to become a Registered Holistic Nutritionist.

Previously, she has combined these two passions through her practicum with “The Stop Community Food Centre” where she helped in the reorganization of their Good Food Market, providing access to healthy and affordable food to an underserved community area.

Marina has a strong belief in the mind and body connection and the idea that true healing happens only when looking at a person as a whole.   Her other interests include healthy food, exercise, dance, reading, travelling, cooking, and an intense love of coconut oil.

She is proud to be part of the IHI team and wishes you a warm welcome to the clinic.

Our Advisory Team

Our clinical advisors provide information and context to IHI clinicians. We are pleased to have them as part of our Advisory Team.

Gregory Hall

Medical Doctor & Consultant

Janice Coholan

Pharmacist