Embracing the naturopathic tenant to “treat the whole person,” I combine evidenced-based medicine with the art and wisdom of traditional medicine to empower my patients to achieve their fullest health potential. With modalities including nutrition, traditional chinese medicine & acupuncture, spinal adjustments, herbal medicine, and lifestyle modification, I creates holistic treatment plans to restore, rejuvenate and optimize your health.
Born and raised in the Lower Mainland, I took many paths on my journey to becoming a Naturopathic Physician. I started with the plan of working in the environmental field, leading me to complete a Diploma of Technology in Fish, Wildlife and Recreation at BCIT, followed by a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Geography from Simon Fraser University. I got to travel throughout North America and the Caribbean studying birds, vegetarian and working on environmental restoration projects, developing my love of nature and learning about the connections within it.
A long-time love of yoga, lead me to complete my yoga teacher training in 2006. What I thought was going to be a one-time-a-week opportunity, quickly became a full-time passion. I stepped back from my environmental work and threw myself, wholeheartedly, into yoga. I opened Yoga Spirit, a small-studio in Burnaby, which is still a thriving community today. At the same time, I trained as a doula to support women in pregnancy and childbirth. Developing my knowledge of anatomy, movement and connection through these practices brought me to discover naturopathic medicine as my path. Going back to school as a more senior student was a challenge, but one that I embraced and thrived under. In 2014, I graduated from the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine and am the recipient of the prestigious Nicole Robinson Memorial and Dr. Prytula Scholarships. Most recently, I have completed my Breastfeeding for Healthcare Practitioner Training through Douglas College and am offering breastfeeding support as I work toward my full International Board-Certificate Lactation Consultant (IBLC).
I am the owner of Local Health Integrative Health on Commercial Drive and love being a part of the East Vancouver community. My team and I also bring holistic healthcare to workplaces around the Lower Mainland. I was honoured to be awarded the Best Naturopathic Doctor in Vancouver by the Vancouver Courier Stars Awards in 2018 through 2022. I am an adjunct faculty member at my alma mater in the Physical Medicine Department and love to be able to teach the generation of doctors.
Keeping balanced is really important to me, which is why I keep up with my practice of teaching yoga as well. I have been leading 200-hour Yoga Alliance Certified Yoga Teacher Training programs since 2015 and am the current co-facilitator and co-director of SomaSpirit Yoga. I focus on helping guide and develop excellent yoga teachers with solid depth of knowledge in anatomy, alignment, yoga principles and teaching. In 2019, I co-authored The Evidence-Based Yoga Book which is now available for purchase.
In my free time, I love to be outside, especially in or around the water and spends as much time as possible surfing, swimming or paddling. I can often be found on my yoga mat, in a hammock or hanging out with my family.
I look forward to meeting you soon and helping support you on your journey to health.
