I developed an appreciation for a healthy lifestyle during my childhood on Saltspring Island, BC. Inspired by a love of wholesome and delicious food, I chose to pursue a career in nutrition. After graduating from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics, I completed an 11-month dietetic internship through the Vancouver Hospital and Health Sciences Centre in 2001. Following my internship I worked as a clinical dietitian at Vancouver General Hospital in a variety of different areas including general surgery, neurosurgery/neurology, acute medicine, sub-acute geriatrics, long-term care, diabetes and renal dialysis.
During my training and work as a clinical dietitian I saw first hand both the positive and negative aspects of the conventional medical system. While recognizing that conventional medicine was well suited to resolving critical situations, I was struck by the need to have more tools to help my patients with chronic illness. After researching a variety of career options, I was inspired by the principles and scope of naturopathic medicine and enrolled in the four-year program at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine (BINM). I practiced on Commercial Drive in Vancouver from January 2007 – May 2013 before moving to the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island. My Cobble Hill practice has been open since September 2013. I use a wide range of therapies in my practice and enjoy the challenge of individualizing my recommendations to meet the needs and priorities of my patients. I also taught clinical nutrition courses to naturopathic medical students at BINM for 14 years.
In my spare time I enjoy playing with my family, reading, practicing yoga, gardening, hiking and enjoying good food with good people.
I am grateful and humbled to live and work on the unceded traditional territory of the Hul’qumi’num speaking Coast Salish People. Despite being born, raised and educated in this place, I did not have any understanding of the history of this land until much later. I am learning more about the early history, colonization and the traumatic legacy of residential schools by listening to the lived experience of local elders with an open heart and mind. Other local resources that I have found helpful
– The Discourse has a series of stories and articles by local author Jared Qwustenuxun Williams.
– Following and supporting the Stqeeye’ Learning Society in their efforts of land acquisition and the creation of a place to learn and heal