Your Kelowna Naturopath
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I never planned on becoming a doctor but my own health journey led me to naturopathic medicine. I grew up in Kelowna, BC. I completed a Bachelor of Arts in English honours at the University of Victoria where I also lived my best book-nerd life while working at the university library for seven years. During that time, I had a lucky encounter with a functional medical doctor who diagnosed and treated the real issues causing my 15-years-long irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The day I learned I could resolve my symptoms was one of the best days of my life. After a few rounds of medicine, my "IBS" had resolved. I became passionate about helping people with chronic symptoms they've been told are "normal" and that "can't be treated."
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With a new-found passion for holistic medicine, I dove into the pre-requisites to apply for naturopathic medical school. I completed my 4-year naturopathic training at the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) in Portland, Oregon. You can learn more about what's required to become a naturopathic doctor here.
Before starting my practice as a naturopath in Kelowna in 2017, I spent a year working exclusively with individuals with Down syndrome, autism, and other developmental disabilities. I'm passionate about this work since I have an older brother with Down syndrome whom I take care of.
I've had a lot of health problems over my lifetime – many of them complex – including mold illness, PTSD, chronic digestive problems, chronic adrenal and uterine problems, and more. While unpleasant to experience, I can appreciate that these experiences likely make me a more compassionate and empathetic doctor.
I'm trained as a general naturopathic practitioner which means I can treat folks of any age experiencing a wide variety of health problems. My current clinical passions include digestive health, mental health, environmental illness (e.g. mold), PTSD, and burnout as I've come to recognize over many years of practice how often these issues are at the core of many health challenges.
Having personal experience with the effect of trauma on health, I've undertaken additional training in Somatic Experiencing Therapy. I'm constantly learning about new ways to help support my patients' physical and mental health.
I've had a lot of health problems over my lifetime – many of them complex – including mold illness, PTSD, chronic digestive problems, chronic adrenal and uterine problems, and more. While unpleasant to experience, I can appreciate that these experiences likely make me a more compassionate and empathetic doctor.
I'm trained as a general naturopathic practitioner which means I can treat folks of any age experiencing a wide variety of health problems. My current clinical passions include digestive health, mental health, environmental illness (e.g. mold), PTSD, and burnout as I've come to recognize over many years of practice how often these issues are at the core of many health challenges.
Having personal experience with the effect of trauma on health, I've undertaken additional training in Somatic Experiencing Therapy. I'm constantly learning about new ways to help support my patients' physical and mental health.
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I am licensed and regulated by the College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia (CNPBC), and I am a member of the BC Association of Naturopathic Doctors (BCND) and the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND).
Outside of my mission to support my patients as a naturopathic doctor, in my spare time, I enjoy swing dancing (aka lindy hop), tap dancing, kayaking, hiking, yoga, cross-country skiing, reading, crafting, cooking, spending time with my friends and family, and hanging with my best furry pals, Rosie and Ginger. |
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**It can be difficult to find a doctor in BC. If you're looking for a primary care doctor in BC who is accepting new patients, I can help. Appointments are available in-person in Kelowna or virtually from anywhere in BC.
