the BNHC team

Meet our highly skilled team members. At Brooklin Natural Health Centre, each member of our team is committed to your well being.

Chiropractic

Dr. Andrew Brubacher

CHIROPRACTOR

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Dr. Sean Perry

CHIROPRACTOR

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Dr. Jennifer Joucas

CHIROPRACTOR

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Dr. Malcolm Branton

CHIROPRACTOR

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Physiotherapy

Jeffrey Hawn

PHYSIOTHERAPIST

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Lucas Wilson

PHYSIOTHERAPIST

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Massage Therapy

Erin Beckford

MASSAGE THERAPIST

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Kim Orr

MASSAGE THERAPIST

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Thea Matilainen

MASSAGE THERAPIST

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Darren Smith

MASSAGE THERAPIST

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Psychotherapy

Vanessa Robson

REGISTERED SOCIAL WORKER

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Mary Ann Cunningham

REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST

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Makeda Irving

REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST

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Debi Lade

REGISTERED SOCIAL WORKER

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Naturopathic Medicine

Dr. Kim Abog

NATUROPATH

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Office Staff

Natasha Ratcliff

FINANCE MANAGER

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Melanie

OFFICE STAFF

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Melissa Carere

CLINICAL INTAKE COORDINATOR (Vanessa Robson Therapy)

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2 PRINCESS STREET
BROOKLIN, ONTARIO
L1M 1B1

31 BALDWIN STREET #2
BROOKLIN, ON
L1M 0A7

PHONE : 905-655-0752
FAX : 905-655-0753

2 PRINCESS STREET
BROOKLIN, ONTARIO
L1M 1B1

31 BALDWIN STREET, UNIT #2
BROOKLIN, ON
L1M 0A7

PHONE : 905-655-0752
FAX : 905-655-0753

2 PRINCESS STREET
BROOKLIN, ONTARIO
L1M 1B1

31 BALDWIN STREET, UNIT #2
BROOKLIN, ON
L1M 0A7

PHONE : 905-655-0752
FAX : 905-655-0753

BHNC TEAM MEMBER

Dr. Andrew Brubacher, BSC. (KIN), DC

CHIROPRACTOR

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Dr. Brubacher holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from the University of Waterloo, as well as a Doctor of Chiropractic designation from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC). He has also completed the McMaster Contemporary Medical Acupuncture Program and utilizes an integrated approach to care, applying special knowledge in the areas of Ergonomics, Physical Education, Athletic Therapy and Personal Training.

Dr. Brubacher is a member of the Canadian & Ontario Chiropractic Associations and CMCC. Additionally, he has completed the International Federation of Sports Chiropractic, as well as the golf fitness instructor program from the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI).

An active member of our community, Dr. Brubacher is the former team chiropractor for the Brooklin Merchants Senior B Lacrosse Club, the Whitby Fury Jr. A Hockey Team, and coach for Durham Attack volleyball club. He also speaks at various running clinics about injury prevention and treatment at the Running Room.

In his spare time Dr. Brubacher enjoys spending time with his wife and three daughters, playing golf, boating, mountain biking, playing volleyball and leading worship music at Renaissance Baptist Church.

BHNC TEAM MEMBER

Dr. Andrew Brubacher, BSc. (KIN), DC

CHIROPRACTOR

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BHNC TEAM MEMBER

Dr. Sean Perry, BSc. (KIN), DC

CHIROPRACTOR

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Dr. Perry holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology degree from the University of Waterloo as well as a Doctor of Chiropractic designation from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College.

Dr. Perry has varied work experience in Ergonomics, Movement Disorders, Motor Vehicle Injury Assessment and Management, Personal Training and Teaching.

Dr. Perry is an active member of the Ontario and Canadian Chiropractic Associations and the Society for Weight Training Injury Specialists. He is also a former team doctor for the Brooklin Merchants Lacrosse Club.

He has obtained his certification in all levels of Active Release Therapy and is an accomplished provider of this technique.

BHNC TEAM MEMBER

Dr. Sean Perry, BSc. (KIN), DC

CHIROPRACTOR

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Dr. Perry holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology degree from the University of Waterloo as well as a Doctor of Chiropractic designation from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College.
Dr. Perry has varied work experience in Ergonomics, Movement Disorders, Motor Vehicle Injury Assessment and Management, Personal Training and Teaching.

He has obtained his certification in all levels of Active Release Therapy and is an accomplished provider of this technique.

BHNC TEAM MEMBER

Dr. Jennifer Joucas

CHIROPRACTOR

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Dr. Jennifer Joucas holds a diploma in Fitness and Health Promotion and has studied Kinesiology at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT). She completed her Doctor of Chiropractic at the Canadian memorial Chiropractic College(CMCC).

Dr. Joucas is an active member of the Ontario and Canadian Chiropractic Associations.

She has a wide array of experience treating athletes of all levels from team sports to bodybuilding, pre and post-natal women, workplace injuries and motor vehicle accidents.

Dr. Joucas uses an integrated approach to care which includes soft tissue therapy, joint manipulation and mobilization, exercise prescription and education.

In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter and their two dogs. She enjoys staying active whether it’s running, weight training, playing soccer or being at the cottage.

BHNC TEAM MEMBER

Dr. Jennifer Joucas

CHIROPRACTOR

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Dr.Joucas is an active member of the Ontario and Canadian Chiropractic Associations.

She has a wide array of experience treating athletes of all levels from team sports to bodybuilding, pre and post-natal women, workplace injuries and motor vehicle accidents.
Dr. Joucas uses an integrated approach to care which includes soft tissue therapy, joint manipulation and mobilization, exercise prescription and education.

In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter and their two dogs. She enjoys staying active whether it’s running, weight training, playing soccer or being at the cottage.

BHNC TEAM MEMBER

Dr. Malcolm Branton

CHIROPRACTOR

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Dr. Malcolm Branton holds a Bachelor of Kinesiology with honours from the University of Toronto, as well as a Doctor of Chiropractic from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) graduating Summa Cum Laude. He is an active member of the Canadian & Ontario Chiropractic Associations. Dr. Branton utilizes an integrated approach to care in which he prioritizes identifying and addressing the underlying cause of the problem.

Throughout his education, Dr. Branton has spent time furthering his knowledge and is certified in Integrated Needling Acupuncture, Golf Assessment and Treatment for Medical Professionals through Titleist Performance Institute (TPI), Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) and is an Emergency First Responder.

Dr. Branton enjoys working with athletes having trained in many sports throughout his life, including golf, rugby, football, hockey, soccer, and swimming. He is passionate about working with golfers to address and prevent injuries, and optimize their biomechanics to help improve their game. He also provides sideline care for various local and provincial teams, including work with the University of Toronto Varsity Hockey Team during his time there.

Dr. Branton has been raised in the Brooklin community, moving here in 2000, and is passionate about caring for families in the community. In his spare time Dr. Branton enjoys spending time with his fiancée, family and dog Finnegan. He loves to stay active and you can often find him hiking, skiing, swimming, and at the golf course.

BHNC TEAM MEMBER

Dr. Malcolm Branton

CHIROPRACTOR

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BHNC TEAM MEMBER

Jeffrey Hawn

PHYSIOTHERAPIST

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Jeff has been practising as a registered physiotherapist in the Durham Region for 17+ years. After completing his honours undergraduate degree in Life Sciences in 2004, he went on to graduate first-in-class with a Master of Science Degree in Physical Therapy from Queen’s University in 2006. He is a member of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association and a Placement Site Coordinator/Clinic Instructor for the Queen’s physio program.

Jeff has developed a custom approach to treatment that employs practical, rounded, and successful methods for patient recovery. He uses a combination of manual therapy, functional exercise, and education to help clients achieve their goals and avoid injury recurrence. He also employs various taping techniques and is able to consult on the effectiveness of bracing for specific injuries, including custom DonJoy knee bracing for ACL deficiencies or repairs, osteoarthritis, and other relevant, painful knee conditions.

Over the course of his career, Jeff has gained experience and proficiency in treating a wide array of conditions and clients. This includes diverse acute/chronic musculoskeletal conditions, olympic athletes to weekend warriors, workplace injuries, motor vehicle accidents, and simple to complex post-surgical orthopaedic clients. He has specific interest in the impact of postural and ergonomic stresses on the body and health, having also spoken on this topic to the corporate world.

Outside the workplace, Jeff spends his time with his wife and three kids. He enjoys golf, fishing, hockey, and attending church, and is involved in coaching for Whitby Ringette, WMHA, WGHA, and WISC.

BHNC TEAM MEMBER

Jeffrey Hawn

PHYSIOTHERAPIST

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Outside the workplace, Jeff spends his time with his wife and three kids. He enjoys golf, fishing, hockey, and attending church, and is involved in coaching for Whitby Ringette, WMHA, WGHA, and WISC.

BHNC TEAM MEMBER

Lucas Wilson

PHYSIOTHERAPIST

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Lucas holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from the Ontario Tech University, as well as a Master of Physical Therapy Graduate Degree from Western University.

Lucas has a variety of workplace experiences, including an accumulation of 1000+ hours of Physiotherapy practice during his practicums where he was able to provide direct patient care under a large scope of professional settings. In addition, Lucas has provided personal training for 2 years preceding his physiotherapy education, firsthand athletic skill optimization during his kinesiology degree, as well as extensive practical experience refining his manual therapy skills within the Physiotherapy program itself.
Lucas is an active member of the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario, currently holding a Physiotherapy Resident title within this organization.

Lucas is specifically interested in how physical practices derived from Physiotherapy and Chiropractic can intersect with nutritional and psychological protocols, provided by our Naturopathic Doctor and Psychotherapist within our clinic, in providing synergistic benefits to his patients, thereby ensuring maximal health attainment through a truly holistic approach.

BHNC TEAM MEMBER

Lucas Wilson

PHYSIOTHERAPIST

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Lucas holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from the Ontario Tech University, as well as a Master of Physical Therapy Graduate Degree from Western University.

BHNC TEAM MEMBER

Erin Beckford

REGISTERED MASSAGE THERAPIST

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You may recognize my face from being on the other side of the front desk as a part of our awesome admin team. My adventures with the BNHC began in 2010 and, since then, I have completed studies in Fitness & Health Promotion (Durham College), Kinesiology (UOIT, now, Ontario Tech), and most recently, Massage Therapy at Centennial College.

While I have really enjoyed working on the admin team at the BNHC, I always felt the drive to do more for our community. My practice focuses on improving musculoskeletal function through manual therapy and remedial exercise.

For all of you following along the adventure, thank you for the encouraging words along the way, and I look forward to looking after you and your family!

BHNC TEAM MEMBER

Erin Beckford

REGISTERED MASSAGE THERAPIST

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For all of you following along the adventure, thank you for the encouraging words along the way, and I look forward to looking after you and your family!

BHNC TEAM MEMBER

Kim Orr

REGISTERED MASSAGE THERAPIST

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Kim Studied Kinesiology at York University prior to attending the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy, where she graduated in 2000 with her Diploma of Massage Therapy.

She has extensive knowledge in Fitness and Health, resulting from both her studies as well as her personal interests. Kim was a competitive swimmer and competed at a National level in Synchronized Swimming and is also an avid runner, having competed in multiple marathons.

She is particularly skilled in treating injuries from repetitive strain from sports, accidents or posture, as well as Pregnancy-induced Muscular discomfort, Tension headaches, Plantar Fasciitis, and low-back and pelvic muscular imbalance.

BHNC TEAM MEMBER

Kim Orr

REGISTERED MASSAGE THERAPIST

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Kim Studied Kinesiology at York University prior to attending the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy, where she graduated in 2000 with her Diploma of Massage Therapy.

BHNC TEAM MEMBER

Thea Matilainen

REGISTERED MASSAGE THERAPIST

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Thea graduated from Sutherland-Chan School and Teaching Clinic in 2001 and has spent her 17year career focusing on care for the entire family. She has extensive experience treating all ages of clients from newborns to seniors, and everyone in between, providing therapeutic and relaxation massage, hot stone massage and reflexology.

Thea is also an infant massage instructor and pediatric massage therapist. She teaches parents how to massage their children to help with sleep, gas, constipation and relaxation. Thea treats pediatric clients with various musculoskeletal conditions, and issues arising from conditions such as: Cerebral Palsy, Down’s Syndrome and Autism. Thea truly loves what she does, and that passion and experience is evident in her treatments. Thea is available Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and every other Friday.

BHNC TEAM MEMBER

Thea Matilainen, B.A.

REGISTERED MASSAGE THERAPIST

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BHNC TEAM MEMBER

Darren Smith

REGISTERED MASSAGE THERAPIST

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Darren began working at the Brooklin Natural Health Centre in 2006 after leaving a career in software engineering. His work in massage therapy has been a mix of both general maintenance massage and focused rehabilitation in coordination with physiotherapists & chiropractors. He prefers a structural approach to care while blending deep tissue and fascial techniques to address the underlying problem with the usually relaxing nature of massage to provide relief.

In addition to his work at the BNHC, he taught at Centennial College in the Massage Therapy program, teaching courses in fitness & remedial exercise and pathophysiology.

BHNC TEAM MEMBER

Darren Smith

REGISTERED MASSAGE THERAPIST

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In addition to his work at the BNHC, he taught at Centennial College in the Massage Therapy program, teaching courses in fitness & remedial exercise and pathophysiology.

BHNC TEAM MEMBER

Vanessa Robson, MSW, RSW

Clinical Social Work & Therapist

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Since 2007, Vanessa has had the pleasure of working with children, adolescents, adults, and families to facilitate positive change within their lives. Vanessa’s professional experience includes providing therapy in the culturally-diverse communities of Fort Lauderdale and Toronto. With empathy and a respect for self-determination, Vanessa is committed to building a trusting relationship with her clients so that they feel safe to share their experiences, identify patterns in their lives, and explore opportunities for personal growth. Vanessa's clients often find comfort in her warm smile and use of humour throughout their work together.

Using evidence-based practice to help her clients achieve a wide variety of goals and overcome adversity, Vanessa specializes in: anxiety, stress management, relationships, life transitions, school-related issues, children's mental health, and effective parenting strategies. Vanessa also has extensive experience working with families who have experienced domestic violence and trauma.

Vanessa holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Criminology from Western University and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from Barry University, in Miami Shores. Vanessa is registered with The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) and is a member of The Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW).

Vanessa believes that learning to understand yourself is the most valuable education in life. Making the choice to invest in therapy is the first step towards creating long-term happiness and Vanessa is passionate about being part of this experience with her clients.

To learn more about Vanessa's work, please visit: www.vanessarobson.com

BHNC TEAM MEMBER

Vanessa Robson, MSW, RSW

CLINICAL SOCIAL WORK & THERAPIST

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To learn more about Vanessa's work, please visit: www.vanessarobson.com

BHNC TEAM MEMBER

Mary Ann Cunningham

PSYCHOTHERAPIST

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Mary Ann obtained a Master Degree in Social Work (MSW), with a specialization in Individual, Family and Group work, from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Western University. Mary Ann is a member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Services Workers and the Ontario Association of Social Workers.

Mary Ann is a dedicated Social Worker with 30 years of experience working in collaboration with clients to empower them with the tools needed to develop healthy, and productive lives. She is well-versed in applying combination of holistic, cognitive, and evidence-based approaches to facilitate healing. Mary Ann has assisted adults, children, adolescents, and families by providing a safe, supportive, nonjudgmental, and caring environment. Mary Ann partners with people of all ages and cultures, dealing with a wide variety of issues including relationship issues, grief, parenting challenges, divorce, anxiety, depression, domestic violence, survivors of abuse, and life transitions to achieve positive outcomes.

Mary Ann establishes an environment of empathy, acceptance, warmth, and humour to help clients manage stress, learn new coping skills, change negative thought and behaviour patterns, and build transferrable skills. Mary Ann’s warm, caring, and compassionate approach welcomes people into the therapeutic environment. She has a passion for helping people develop creative ways of understanding and working through life challenges.

BHNC TEAM MEMBER

Mary Ann Cunningham, BSW, MSW, RSW

REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST

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BHNC TEAM MEMBER

Makeda Irving, MA, RP

PSYCHOTHERAPIST

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Makeda earned her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) from Yorkville University in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Since graduating, Makeda has completed training in Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Anxiety Intervention Strategies and The Positive Parenting Program (Fearless). Makeda’s professional experience includes providing individual, group and family therapy in the context of children’s mental health agencies and private practice.

Her clinical work has included children, adolescents, adults and families. Makeda has worked with children and their families that struggle with anxiety, depression, and emotional regulation problems.

Makeda practices from a non-judgmental approach and respect for all. She helps clients share their experiences in safe way.

Makeda is a member in good standing with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and The Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA).

Makeda is available for in-person, video, and telephone sessions.

BHNC TEAM MEMBER

Makeda Irving, MA, RP

PSYCHOTHERAPIST

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Makeda practices from a non-judgmental approach and respect for all. She helps clients share their experiences in safe way.

Makeda is a member in good standing with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and The Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA).

Makeda is available for in-person, video, and telephone sessions.

BHNC TEAM MEMBER

Debi Lade, C.Y.W., B.S.W., M.S.W., R.S.W.

Clinical Social Work & Therapist

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Debi earned a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work (M.S.W.) from York University in 2009 and has since been a member in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers and the Ontario Association of Social Workers. Prior to receiving her M.S.W., Debi worked in the social service sector for over 15 years as a certified Child and Youth Worker in the treatment and prevention of family violence and partner violence. Working with the marginally homed in the shelter system, Debi has provided group and individual therapy to those fleeing domestic and/or partner violence, sexual assault or childhood sexual trauma.

Debi’s clinical work has included children, adolescents, adults, and families. Debi has worked with many young folx and their families focusing on LGBTQ2+ questions and expressions. She’s assisted families as they navigate the challenges and celebrations of parent and child, sibling, and step-family relationships.

Debi’s enthusiasm and engaging approach easily builds a genuine, trusting therapeutic relationship with her clients. Understanding that not everyone can just “talk” about their feelings, Debi makes therapy more comfortable (and fun!) by encouraging her clients to express themselves through creativity, art and journaling.

Debi is available for telephone and video sessions.

BHNC TEAM MEMBER

Debi Lade, C.Y.W., B.S.W., M.S.W., R.S.W.

CLINICAL SOCIAL WORK & THERAPIST

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Debi is available for telephone and video sessions.

BHNC TEAM MEMBER

Dr. Kim Abog, ND

NATUROPATH

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Dr. Kim Abog is a Naturopathic Doctor based in Toronto, Ontario. Kim has been diligently trained to see a variety of acute and chronic health conditions at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine and the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic in Toronto. Kim has a soft spot for treating reproductive health, mental health, pain, and digestive health conditions. That said, Kim unfalteringly provides a YOU-centered approach for every case she deals with.

Driven by the intention to help others get well, Kim always knew growing up that she would be working in the health care field. Kim graduated from the University of the Philippines with a degree in Biology and quite a handful of medical school applications. Early on, Kim questioned the integrity of the medical health care system and the sustainability of the “care” it provides its patients. Kim moved to Toronto, Canada in hopes of finding better education opportunities and eventually discovered the beauty of Naturopathic Medicine. Kim then pursued the journey to become a Naturopathic Doctor, a modern healer. Kim has always been motivated by the hope of making truly caring for oneself reachable and sustainable for everyone. Kim is now practicing as a ND serving the Scarborough and Brooklin, Whitby communities.

Kim strongly believes in the role of the doctor to educate and provide patients with the right tools for better health and not just superficially treat the symptoms. Kim is dedicated to helping people realize the incredible capacity of the body to heal especially when nurtured with: good nutrition, movement, ample medical (conventional and naturopathic) care, conscious health choices, and love and human connection.

More information on Kim’s practice, interests, contact details can be found on her website: www.kimabog.com and www.brooklinnaturopath.ca.

BHNC TEAM MEMBER

Dr. Kim Abog, ND

NATUROPATH

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visit dr. abog's site

More information on Kim’s practice, interests, contact details can be found on her website: www.kimabog.com and www.brooklinnaturopath.ca.

BHNC TEAM MEMBER

Natasha Ratcliff

FINANCE MANAGER

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Natasha has a Finance/Accounting background and joined our team in January 2020.

She lived in the French area of Switzerland for 7 years as an expat, so if you need assistance in French we can offer that as well. She is a mother of two very big, technically "adult" children.

She loves to play pool in her spare time and is ranked one of the highest women pool players in the Durham area! She captain's 2 teams and has been to Las Vegas for the World Pool Championships twice. She loves the competition and will accept any challengers.

BHNC TEAM MEMBER

Natasha Ratcliff

FINANCE MANAGER

request appointment

Natasha has a Finance/Accounting background and joined our team in January 2020.

She lived in the French area of Switzerland for 7 years as an expat, so if you need assistance in French we can offer that as well. She is a mother of two very big, technically "adult" children.

BHNC TEAM MEMBER

Melanie

OFFICE STAFF

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Melanie has years of clinical experience/management under her belt. Born and raised in Montreal Quebec, She started her career as a hairstylist. Melanie made the big move to Ontario in 2002, went back to school to become a Lab technician/ Medical Office Administrator and has since worked in the healthcare. She is a lover of human connection and helping others. She also holds a health & Fitness certification as it has always been a passion of hers to keep herself and others healthy.

Melanie enjoys spending time with her blended family of eight, whether it be movie nights in or a day at the beach, as long as they are together. If she can manage a household of 8, she can manage anything!

BHNC TEAM MEMBER

Melanie

OFFICE STAFF MEMBER

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BHNC TEAM MEMBER

Melissa Carere, BA, CYW

Clinical Intake Coordinator (Psychotherapy)

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Melissa is our team's valued Clinical Intake Coordinator for Vanessa Robson Therapy who responds to new client inquiries and handles Vanessa Robson's client scheduling.

Melissa has 12 years of clinical experience working directly with families as a Child and Youth Worker, as well as the first point of contact for new clients as a Clinical Intake Worker for a large Toronto-based children's mental health agency.

Melissa's outgoing, enthusiastic and energetic personality helps new clients feel at ease and her strong background in crisis intervention makes her prepared to support anyone who takes the brave first step to reach out for help

BHNC TEAM MEMBER

Melissa Carere

CLINICAL INTAKE COORDINATOR (PSYCHOTHERAPY)

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Melissa is our team's valued Clinical Intake Coordinator for Vanessa Robson Therapy who responds to new client inquiries and handles Vanessa Robson's client scheduling.