Massage Therapy has been present in Kathleen’s life in numerous forms and in varying degrees of influence. It was first introduced to her when used in conjunction with Physiotherapy treatment as a young teenager. This in-depth and holistic approach to medicine sparked Kathleen’s interest in a career within the realm of Health Sciences. While studying Kinesiology at Western University, Kathleen became familiarized with the various career paths available for a Kinesiologist. Her interest in working with clients in a hands-on environment has led to her becoming a Registered Massage Therapist.

Having graduated from the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy (CCMH) in 2014, Kathleen has thoroughly enjoyed being directly involved in the therapeutic effect of alternative medicine.

In June of 2020, Kathleen completed coursework to become a Certified Aromatherapist and enjoys incorporating aromatherapy into her massages upon request.

Massage Therapy has been present in Kathleen’s life in numerous forms and in varying degrees of i... Read More

Dr. Amani El Sawaf, Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine

Dr. Amani El Sawaf is a licensed naturopathic doctor, board-certified from the College of Naturopaths in Ontario. Dr. El Sawaf completed conventional medical school training in Egypt, graduating with an honours degree and joined the rheumatology residency program at Cairo University, Egypt. There, she was trained on diagnosis and management of autoimmune diseases and arthritis using chemotherapy, biological treatment and rehabilitation care. Dr. El Sawaf went on to obtain her Master’s and a Doctorate degree in rheumatology. She was promoted to a professor of rheumatology before leaving Cairo University.

Dr. El Sawaf has practiced rheumatology for over 20 years, during which she published 27 scientific research articles in recognized medical journals, including Lancet and BJR. She has since devoted her time and efforts to studying naturopathic medicine to help people support their physical, mental and emotional health. She graduated from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2019. Since then, she found a great advantage in supporting patients as compared to her previous training, where she did not practice this type of medicine. Dr. El Sawaf is interested in other areas of naturopathic medical care that include but are not limited to women’s health, rheumatology and autoimmune disorders.

“The greatest medicine of all is to teach people how not to need it.” - Hippocrates

Dr. Amani El Sawaf, Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine Dr. Amani El Sawaf is a licensed naturopathi... Read More

Joy Friesen is a Registered Social Worker who holds degrees in Master of Education and Master of Social Work. She offers over 10 years of experience in working with children, adolescents, adults, and families and approaches therapy as a supportive journey with clients, working towards their therapy goals. Joy provides a sincere and compassionate space for clients to feel known, heard, and validated so they can start taking control of their lives again. Joys areas of focus are: Addictions | Anxiety & Depression | Child & Adolescent Mental Health | Coping Strategies | Emotion Regulation | Grief | Life Transitions | Pandemic Stress | Parenting Support | Self-Compassion | Self-Esteem | School Challenges | Work Stress & Burn Out The theoretical approaches that Joy offers for therapy are: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy | Dialectical Behavioural Therapy | Internal Family Systems | Mindfulness| Motivational Interviewing | Solution Focused Therapy | Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

“The most powerful words are “me too” because these words make you feel that you are not alone in your journey.”

Joy Friesen is a Registered Social Worker who holds degrees in Master of Education and Master of ... Read More

Dr. Marissa Gelinas, Chiropractor & Clinic Director

Dr. Gelinas completed her degree in Kinesiology from Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo and following this obtained her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from the prestigious Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto. With over a decade of practical clinical work, Dr. Gelinas has extensive experience She has worked in medical clinics, multidisciplinary allied health centres, fitness facilities, Orthopaedic & Chiropody clinics, with indigenous communities, in Motor Vehicle Accident Clinics and is now living out her dream as the Clinic Director at Durand Integrated Health Group. She passionately supports a team-based model of care that provides options for patients to reach their unique health potential. Dr. Gelinas is available for appointments on a part-time basis (please call to book) and oversees care plans at the clinic in order to give each client the best possible experience.

“The good physician treats the disease; the great physician treats the patient who has the disease” – William Osler

Dr. Marissa Gelinas, Chiropractor & Clinic Director Dr. Gelinas completed her degree in Kine... Read More

Andrea Howe, Registered Dietitian & Plant-Based Chef

Andrea is a passionate Registered Dietitian, dedicated to improving the health and well-being of her clients. Whether you have long-term or short-term goals, Andrea will work one-on-one with each client to ensure they have the proper tools for success.

Andrea attended Culinary school with a nutrition focus at George Brown College, where she developed her knowledge of food and its role on our health. She then went on to attain her Bachelor of Science degree at Western Ontario in Food and Nutrition. This inspired her to advance her nutrition career and become a Registered Dietitian. She completed her Dietetic Internship at Hamilton Health Sciences where she became passionate about helping her patients and clients with an evidenced-based approach.

As a Culinary Trained Plant-Based Chef, Andrea has a special interest in plant-based nutrition for preventative health. She has experience working Sports nutrition counselling, Oncology, Fertility and Menopausal Nutrition, and Weight and Diabetes management. Andrea is committed to patient-centered care and making individualized goals with each unique person she meets.

In her spare time, Andrea can be found doing yoga or creating new recipes for her food blog.

“We become what we think about. Energy flows where attention goes.” -Rhonda Byrne

Andrea Howe, Registered Dietitian & Plant-Based Chef Andrea is a passionate Registered Dieti... Read More

Sheldon Lopes-Pereira, Registered Massage Therapist

Sheldon Lopes-Pereira is a Registered Massage Therapist with a passion for health, anatomy, and physical activity. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology at York University, furthered his education by completing Mohawk College’s Advanced Diploma Massage Therapy program and will continue to be a perpetual scholar for life.

His goals in treatment are to develop a thorough understanding of each client through detailed hands-on assessments in order to create personalized treatment plans, thereby increase functionality, mobility, and improving pain management. Sheldon likes to get to the bottom of the problem before diving into treatment.

Included in his working portfolio, Sheldon has experience working with the Hamilton Tiger Cats, Hamilton Police, cyclists in The Ride to Conquer Cancer, and many specialized outreach programs such as Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice, and the Adult Recreation Therapy Centre. He is excited to continue his involvement in future community programs.

With his passion and personal success with the amazing sport of hockey, Sheldon has also helped develop young hockey players into skilled athletes through skill development and mentorship as a NCCP-Multi Level Sport Coach.

Outside of the clinic, Sheldon enjoys playing hockey, cheering for the Leafs, and de-stressing behind the drums while creating music with friends.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” -Nelson Mandela

Sheldon Lopes-Pereira, Registered Massage Therapist Sheldon Lopes-Pereira is a Registered Massag... Read More

Cristina Palermo is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and Art Therapist. She completed her training in Art Therapy and Psychotherapy at the Toronto Art Therapy Institute and is currently finishing her thesis project on the benefits of art therapy in breast cancer patients and survivors. Cristina has always been passionate about the arts and her own journey as an artist helped her recognize the therapeutic value it holds. In counselling sessions Cristina offers both traditional talk therapy and art therapy as options. Cristina takes a very person-centred, humanistic and organic approach with each of her clients, letting the client guide the direction of each session. Sessions are rooted in mindfulness, meditation, grounding, and cognitive behavioural therapy. Cristina can help clients suffering with anxiety, eating disorders, depression, grief and loss, behavioural and neurobehavioral disorders, brain injuries and mood challenges. She regularly works with adults and also specializes in working with children and adolescents. She has learned that using art and even play in sessions helps facilitate a conversation to talk about difficult experiences, especially in youth.

Don’t think you’re an artist? That’s ok, prior skills are not necessary to participate in art therapy it is inclusive to all ages and genders.

“Art can permeate the very deepest parts of us, where no words exist” -Eileen Miller

Cristina Palermo is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and Art Therapist. She completed he... Read More

Yulian Pavlyuk, Registered Chiropodist

Yulian is a Hamilton local and loves working in his hometown! Yulian attended McMaster University where he obtained his Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences and also completed a senior thesis. Subsequently he went on to study chiropody in Toronto at the Michener Institute at the University Health Network.

Yulian has experience working in public institutions such as hospitals and community clinics as well as in private health care settings like Durand Integrated Health Group. He looks forward to helping you with any and all of your foot and lower limb concerns!

“Health is a vehicle not a destination” – Joshua Millburn

Yulian Pavlyuk, Registered Chiropodist Yulian is a Hamilton local and loves working in his homet... Read More

Sophia Sammy, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Sophia Sammy is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) who has extensive experience with a variety of client demographics. She has worked within a school setting community settings and various clinical settings.

Sophia’s client-centered therapeutic approach encompasses an eclectic array of cognitive, humanistic, and behavioural therapies. She implements CBT, solution focused therapy, art therapy, and spiritually integrated therapy, to name a few.

Sophia possesses a diploma in Child and Youth Care from Sheridan College, a Bachelors degree in Sociology from York University, and a Masters of Arts in Theology with a concentration in Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy from Wilfrid Laurier University.

As per the requirements of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) regarding members of a qualifying status, Sophia receives supervision under Caroline Krupica.

“Whenever you find yourself doubting how far you can do, just remember how far you have come.” - Unknown

Sophia Sammy, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) Sophia Sammy is a Registered Psychotherapi... Read More

Chun Hui (Spring) Shen, Registered Acupuncturist and Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner

Chun Hui (Spring) Shen is a Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac) & Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (R.TCMP). Spring received her education at the Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine (AIM) Academy and the Ontario College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (OCTCM) in Toronto.

Spring’s primary approach to practice is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine, which is the consolidation of the ancient Chinese medical theories of acupuncture, herbal therapy, dietary therapy and Qi Gong exercise/meditation. Her practice places a great emphasis on the treatment of disharmony in the mind, emotions and spirit.

Spring’s nature is one of kindness and compassion, and she has a deep commitment to help people restore their health, improve their well-being and pursue health in mind/body/spirit as a whole. Spring is known to be very attentive and has a calming and empathetic approach with her patients. Spring is passionate about nature and the great outdoors. She likes to practice Qi Gong and Yoga. She is also a certified Thai Yoga Massage Practitioner and Yoga Instructor.

“A chronic disease with a very long history can still be cured, and those who think otherwise have not really mastered the art of acupuncture.” – Nei Jing

Chun Hui (Spring) Shen, Registered Acupuncturist and Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner C... Read More

Victor Simani, Registered Acupuncturist and Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner

Victor graduated as a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine (DTCM) from The International College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Vancouver, and is a Registered Acupuncturist and TCM Practitioner R.TCMP, R.Ac in Ontario. Upon graduation, he pursued post graduate academic studies at the Anhui Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China and followed this with a practice in China.

Victor has now been practicing for over 20 years and through his Traditional Chinese Medicine approach he is able to treat a number of health conditions. His passions are preventative medicine, sports injuries, internal medicine, gynecological conditions including male & female fertility. Victor is also an experienced cosmetic acupuncturist, offering another way to help you feel and look your best!

“Humans live on one-quarter of what the eat; on the other three-quarters lives their doctor” -Egyptian Pyramid Inscription

Victor Simani, Registered Acupuncturist and Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner Victor gra... Read More

Tara Sproule, Registered Massage Therapist

Tara graduated from Kikkawa College in Toronto and began her massage journey!

Tara has over 15 years of practice, working in many types of practice environments including multidisciplinary clinics, spas, medical and neurological clinics. She has experience with a diverse clientele base with a variety of ailments, injuries and treatment needs.

Whether your preference is relaxation or deep tissue, Tara’s technique is very thorough and she likes to locate those difficult trouble spots. Using swedish massage techniques, fascial work, trigger points and stretching, Tara will work with you to ensure you are comfortable and have a great outcome with each treatment.

When Tara is not massaging you will surely find her hanging out with her dog, spending time with her friends & family or creating some form of artwork!

Tara Sproule, Registered Massage Therapist Tara graduated from Kikkawa College in Toronto and be... Read More

Sean Sydor, Registered Psychotherapist

Sean Sydor is a Registered Psychotherapist, MEd in Counselling Psychology from the University of Toronto (OISE), and has a Graduate Certificate in Addictions: Prevention and Treatment from Georgian College. Sean’s work is primarily focused on those who are struggling with life transitions, grief and loss, relationships, anxiety, mood disorders, and substance use. Sean’s approach to providing care is collaborative, and he draws from a number of empirically supported therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), and Motivational Interviewing in his practice. Sean is considerate, patient and thoughtful and his clients feel supported at all stages of treatment.

No matter how long you have travelled in the wrong direction, you can always turn around.” - Anonymous

Sean Sydor, Registered Psychotherapist Sean Sydor is a Registered Psychotherapist, MEd in Counse... Read More

Margaret Wilding, Physiotherapist

Margaret Wilding is a Physiotherapist registered with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario and a member of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association in good standing. She is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario, earning a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy (1987). With extensive training initially and throughout her career in musculoskeletal injury and treatment, she completed further examinations in Acupuncture in 1996 with the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada. She began education into Vestibular disorders and Dizziness in 2010 and Concussion injuries following that. An awareness of need for pain management strategies led to more recent APTEI Persistent Pain Certification.

Margaret has had the opportunity to work in small towns, in hospitals and community physiotherapy clinics, at the YMCA and in multidisciplinary practices. She has also had the pleasure of supervising university students from McMaster University’s Physiotherapy and Redeemer College’s Kinesiology programs.

Margaret has been dedicated to learning and sharing current evidence and best practices with patients and colleagues alike. She brings energy, humour and a firm focus on the goals of her patients as they walk together through injury to recovery.

When not living through pandemics, she plays bass in a band and visits group homes with teenagers. She has recently discovered and recommends camping.

Margaret Wilding, Physiotherapist Margaret Wilding is a Physiotherapist registered with The Coll... Read More