Annie grew up in Regina, Saskatchewan where she developed a passion for helping others through her love of science and volunteer work in her community. She dreamt of becoming a medical doctor and worked towards her goal by completing her Bachelor of Science with a minor in Nutrition at the University of Alberta in Edmonton.
It was through her participation in sports growing up and as a young adult that she developed a passion for nutrition and healthy living. Believing that she could help others live the lives they truly desired, she sought to continue her education in the healthcare field. It was through her personal experience with chronic migraines that she determined the western medical course was not for her, and subsequently began to research and pursue alternative treatments. It was through the book Total Health the Chinese Way by Esther Ting and Marianne Jas that Annie discovered the field of naturopathic medicine. She had finally found what she was looking for – a well-rounded health care system for her own personal care.
Annie began to work in a private naturopathic office in Calgary to gain more insight and experience within the field. She fell in love with the holistic approach to patient care and the many different treatment options available. She moved to Tempe, Arizona where she completed the doctorate program at the Southwest College of Naturopathic medicine.
Annie continued to develop her love for natural medicine and expand her knowledge by volunteering with groups such as Naturopaths Without Borders and the Sports Medicine Club at her college. She has traveled to Rocky Point, Mexico to give free natural healthcare to the under-served population there and has also volunteered at multiple sporting events with the Sports Medicine Club to provide taping, adjustments and soft tissue work on athletes under the supervision of a licensed physician. She has completed her Level I in Kinesiology Taping and certifications in prolotherapy and PRP injections. She has also completed training in medical esthetics and extra training focusing on women’s health and hormone therapies.
Our bodies are so much more than they appear. They are an interconnected landscape of our thoughts, emotions, experiences, interactions and all of the physical parts of us that make us into one human being. As cliche as it sounds we as human beings are so much more than meets the eye. Seeing us as connected instead fo separate is one of the powerful tools in fostering space for our own healing.
I didn’t understand as a 10 year old having panic attacks – convinced I was dying, a teenager struggling with food, or a university student – dissociated and lonely - why I was feeling this way. I couldn’t understand what was happening inside of me. I couldn’t make the connection between my mind and body and how they were constantly impacting each other. Instead I was scared. Scared of the world we lived in and of being in my own body.
It took being introduced to my own Naturopathic Doctor that truly opened my eyes to how complex we as human beings are. She showed me the way that true healing can happen by supporting both the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual body. She showed me that what I was feeling that felt so confusing and isolating was okay. It wasn’t bad, it just was a reflection of how I was coping or not coping in the world.
After completing my undergraduate degree at Queen’s University, I went on to study Naturopathic Medicine at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine Through my time at CCNM I took a special interest in mental health and the mind-body connection. I also completed a year long internship treating patients with chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia. I have further training in mind-body holistic counselling, Reiki and am a certified Doula.
If you are struggling with an eating disorder, stress around food, depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, chronic illness or just not feeling like yourself I am here to support you.
I work to support the mind, body, and spirit in order to provide the most comprehensive and compassionate care. I am constantly learning about the interconnectedness of these parts of the human being and using them to treat both physical and emotional conditions. I am here to support you no matter what direction your health journey takes.
