Alexandria Bristow is a holistic nutritionist with Koru Nutrition. Alexandria (or Ali as she is also known) has also worked in a mental health hospital, long term care facilities, and in health food stores. She has also volunteered with children with special needs such as Autism, Down syndrome and ADHD.

She graduated from the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition (CSNN) in 2015, earning the designation of Registered Holistic Nutritionist (RHN). In addition, she studied health sciences at the University of Western Ontario (2010-2014) and graduated as an occupational therapist and physiotherapist assistant from Georgian College (2018). Alexandria has additional training in culinary nutrition, fall prevention, and is currently undergoing her yoga teacher training.

Through these experiences she has gained a special interest in the following areas of nutrition:

• digestive health
• healthy aging
• mental health
• fatigue
• chronic pain
• concussion and brain injury

Ali works as a physiotherapy assistant and OTA at the Abilities clinic in Midland working with clients who have been suffered brain injuries in motor vehicle collisions, assisting with home and schedule organizing, academic support, and follow through with other rehab team members goals for the client.

As a yin yoga instructor, Ali runs yoga retreats in Muskoka and healthy cooking workshops in Barrie on a variety of topics including; anti-inflammatory eating, eating for awesome energy, smoothies and elixirs etc. In her spare time Ali enjoys baking gluten free desserts and going on hikes with her husband and Golden Retriever, Summer. She loves to travel and is always planning her next adventure!

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Languages: Russian

Valeria Burnazov is a registered dietitian who graduated with honours from the Food and Nutrition program from Ryerson University in 2012, and then went on to obtain her Master of Public Health in Community Nutrition from The University of Toronto, graduating in 2014.

Valeria is very passionate about food and nutrition; she believes that it has a direct impact on disease outcomes and longevity, and plays a direct role in many health conditions. She applies both a functional and preventative approach in her nutrition care. She also focuses on the individual relationship with food and adopting the correct psychological approaches. Even the best nutrition knowledge and education requires the correct application in order to be useful. She wholeheartedly believes that a healthy diet is delicious and enjoyable and should be a part of a healthy lifestyle, as opposed to a temporary diet.

Valeria has been working in the field of health and nutrition since 2009. She has experience working in various hospitals in mental health, which also involved the management of other comorbidities such as: obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, renal disease and digestive issues. She has been working with motor vehicle accident victims since late 2020.

Valeria spends much of her spare time updating her nutrition knowledge, and believes in consistent education to be an effective clinician. Although she feels privileged to help others, she finds that she learns as much from her clients, as they learn from her.

Combining her work and internship experience, Valeria has worked in public health, as well as with clients and patients in the following areas:

Metabolic syndrome: Hypertension, Dyslipidemia, Type 2 Diabetes Cardiovascular Disease Dysphagia Renal Health Digestive Health Mental Health, including Eating Disorders Weight loss Motor Vehicle Accidents

Although Valeria finds that much of her spare time is spent on researching nutrition, she also enjoys metaphysics, yoga, meditation, qi gong, spending time in nature, travel and cooking.

Languages: Russian Valeria Burnazov is a registered dietitian who graduated with honours from th... Read More

Lauren graduated in June 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Western Ontario, and earned her Registered Holistic Nutritionist (RHN) designation from the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition in December 2012. Lauren completed her Yoga Teacher Training in 2018 and is an active yoga teacher in her community. As an RHN, Lauren specializes in transforming people’s relationship with food through habit formation, mindful eating strategies, and helping them make better choices to live a healthier life, and feel and look their best! She provides guidance on food choices, supplements and shares meal plans and recipes that fit with the client’s schedule. Using a holistic and phased approach, she helps clients make long-term, sustainable changes to live a healthy, balanced lifestyle.

Lauren’s nutrition focus with her clients includes: • Digestion health • Hormonal imbalances • Weight loss • Healthy habit formation • Detoxification • Mental health • Mindful eating • Brain injury

In her spare time, Lauren loves spending time outdoors and being active with her family and friends. She loves to plan and cook delicious healthy meals and aims to find time for physical activity every day. She realizes the importance of self-care, and that she is most effective at work and taking care of her family when she’s taking care of herself. She makes time for herself every morning to exercise, which helps her to start her day with gratitude and positive energy. One of her favourite quotes: “Courage is not a feeling. Courage is a noun, the strength to go forward even in the face of fear.”

Lauren graduated in June 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Western Ontar... Read More

From chronic and digestive issues, to cardiovascular disease and women’s and men’s health, Dr. Karm Hans specializes in the treatment and prevention of a variety of health conditions. Karm is dedicated to providing a complete care approach, through a balance of manual therapies, exercise prescription, and patient education.

After graduating from the University of Calgary with a double degree in Chemistry and Environmental Sciences (2002), Karm moved on to complete a Masters degree in Organic Chemistry (2005). Although initially interested in pursuing a career in medicine, Karm’s graduate work was drugs with anticancer properties.

Since graduating from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Torontoin 2008, Karm has developed a thriving naturopathic practice.

Karm believes strongly in the healing power of nature and the innate ability of the human organism to heal itself. She is dedicated to creating long-lasting connections with her patients and consistently guides them on their journey to optimal health - empowering her patients with knowledge and skills, so that they can make healthy choices and maintain their health both now and in the future.

Karm’s experience and area of expertise includes mental health, chronic pain, paediatrics, pregnancy/fertility, cancer and concussion. She teaches health psychology at the Canadian School of Naturopathic Medicine and has previous experience working in the motor vehicle industry.

In her spare time you will find Karm off traveling to a new destination. She loves immersing herself into new environments and exploring the food and culture by going off the beaten path. Karm also has a thirst for continuous learning - whether it is for her patients or exploring creative hobbies such as sewing and drawing.

From chronic and digestive issues, to cardiovascular disease and women’s and men’s health, Dr. Ka... Read More

Thera is a registered holistic nutritionist (RHN) and registered homeopath (HOM). Thera believes that using both modalities gets her patients closer to their healing goals – quickly and permanently. Thera was brought to holistic nutrition and homeopathy through her own experience with her daughter, who has Autism, OCD, anxiety, attention issues, digestive issues, low muscle tone, and the list goes on. She only responded to nutritional and homeopathic intervention after trying many alternative and conventional interventions. She continues to improve.

Thera is one of four founding Homeopaths at Seeds of Hope in downtown Toronto. Practicing at this clinic bi-weekly, this clinic services those with trauma, addiction and mental health. Thera also holds monthly clinics for migrant workers in Beamsville, Ontario. She has also volunteered in Africa where she worked with hundreds of HIV/AIDS patients reducing symptoms related to HIV/AIDS itself (such as nausea, wasting, diarrhea, fevers, sores, weight loss, brain fog, dizziness, fatigue, etc.), opportunistic infections (such as Tuberculosis, pneumonia, Cryptoccocosis, Herpes, Candidiasis, etc.) and harmful side effects of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs.

In early 2019, Thera become a board member of Homeopaths Without Borders (North America). She travels to Haiti every year to hold clinics in remote locations. Her first trip was to Haiti was 1 week after Hurricane Matthew flattened areas of the South-west in October 2016. She was part of an emergency response team where she treated hundreds of patients with physical injury, mental and emotional trauma, grief, skin diseases, digestive issues, infectious diseases especially Cholera and Chikungunya, fungal, vaginal and bladder infections, skin diseases, etc. Thera is part of an Emergency Response Telehealth line for those experiencing symptoms related to the pandemic.

Thera is also an educator for Central East Local Health Integration Network and facilities workshops on chronic pain, chronic disease, diabetes, and powerful tools for caregivers.

Thera’s has experience and her focus is on supporting individuals with the following issues:

• Autism and other developmental disorders
• Mental and emotional health
• Physical injuries and chronic pain
• Infectious diseases
• Neurological conditions
• Diabetes

Beyond her passion for healing others, Thera is an avid long-distance hiker. She has completed many challenging hikes around the world including The Arctic Circle Trail in Greenland, East Coast Trail in Newfoundland, Mt Kilimanjaro to name a few.

Thera is a registered holistic nutritionist (RHN) and registered homeopath (HOM). Thera believes ... Read More

Jill Jackson is a passionate Certified Nutritional Practitioner who graduated from The Institute of Holistic Nutrition with honors. She is also an active member of the Canadian Association of Natural Nutritional Practitioners.

Her love of nutrition and wellness began at a very young age. She now takes on a wide variety of nutritional consulting clients and endeavors to share her knowledge in a practical and individualized manner. Jill’s father was diagnosed with a brain tumor and she has worked with him on and off since, She also have another close family member with a spinal cord injury. Assisting to support or heal injuries to the brain and spinal are close to my heart.

Jill has worked for a private clinic proving nutrition counselling as well as Fiddle Heads Health and Nutrition as a supplement consultant. Although she appreciates the benefits of many different diets, she has been particularly interested in and studied thoroughly the health benefits of a plant-based diet. Jill has been vegetarian for over 5 years and loves to help others incorporate more plant-based eating habits into their lifestyles.

Her areas of nutritional expertise are: • Sports nutrition • Digestive health • Lifespan nutrition • Mental health • Brain injury • Spinal cord injury

In her spare time she enjoys running & endurance sport nutrition writing & journaling, traveling, and camping.

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Kylie James is the founder and director of Koru Nutrition. As a certified nutritionist and registered occupational therapist, her passion is nutrition and its impact on the brain and brain chemistry.

Kylie became increasingly dedicated to researching nutrition and spinal cord injuries when her 1 1/2-year old nephew sustained a C3-C4 quadriplegia in 2009. In 2011, Kylie and a colleague received a grant from the Paralyzed Veterans of America to research and write a book on nutrition and preventing secondary complications in SCI. She is the Co-author of Eat Well, Live Well with Spinal Cord Injury, a practical guide to help address secondary health complications in SCI through nutrition.

Kylie also has a Bachelor of Health Science in Occupational Therapy from Auckland University in New Zealand. She has 18 years of experience, in New Zealand, England and the last 14 years in Canada, as an occupational therapist in the motor vehicle accident industry. She has maintained senior and managerial roles as an occupational therapist in England and Canada; and has testified as an expert witness as an occupational therapist and for future care reports.

Kylie is a certified nutritional practitioner whose nutrition area of expertise is working with clients with multifaceted problems. including:

• Brain injury
• Spinal cord injury and other neurological disorders
• Digestive issues
• Mental health
• Autism and ADD/ADHD
• Weight loss/gain

Kylie graduated form the Institute of Holistic Nutrition in 2009 with first class honors. Kylie James is also a member of the International Organization of Nutritional Consultants (IONC) and the Canadian Association of Natural Nutritional Practitioners (CANNP).

Nutrition Guest Speaker, Researcher & Author Kylie has presented on the topic of nutrition at the Canadian National Spinal Cord Injury conference, the Niagara Brain Injury conference and the Toronto ABI network conference in 2012. She has also presented on the topics of nutrition and SCI and brain injury at the American Spinal Cord Injury of Health Professionals in Las Vegas and The International Life Care Planning Symposium in Atlanta and the Provincial Brain Injury Conference (Ontario) in 2013. She was also accepted to present at the World Brain Injury Congress in San Francisco in 2014. In 2014 she completed a webinar on nutrition and SCI from the Spaulding Rehabilitation hospital in Boston to 400 people across the world.

Kylie has also been part of research studies in Canada (Brock University) and in the USA (Maryland University). The highlight of her career thus far was presenting at the 20th World Functional Medicine Conference at Harvard Medical School in 2016 and at the 13th World Brain Injury Conference in 2019 in Toronto .

Kylie writes articles for various disability magazines in Canada and the USA on the topics of nutrition. This includes the Ontario brain injury magazine (OBIA review), Kids Today, Sports and Spokes, Paraplegic News, New Mobility and Abilities. She has also been a peer review for the publication of the Pressure Ulcer Prevention and Treatment Following Injury: A Clinical Practice Guideline from the Paralyzed Veterans of America.

Kylie is also a competitive athlete and has competed for her country at a National and International level. In her spare time Kylie enjoys cottaging, wake boarding, playing touch rugby and golf, running, working out at the gym, yoga and doing F45. She loves to travel and has been to over 45 different countries. As a busy mom of 2 she loves to spend time with her kids and family and loves “family games nights” and family “dance offs”.

Kylie James is the founder and director of Koru Nutrition. As a certified nutritionist and regist... Read More

Jodi Katzin B.Sc.OT, B.A. (psych) Psychology Eating Coach

Jodi Katzin is a Registered Occupational Therapist and a Eating Psychology Coach. She specializes in Mind Body Nutrition and Dynamic Eating Psychology principles. She helps to uncover the emotions around your unwanted eating behaviours, negative body image, desire to lose weight and for those that have a poor relationship with food.

With 18 years of case management and occupational therapy experience she has many skills that she brings to the table (literally) to help guide and support you in your healing journey If you are a chronic dieter? Have you been searching for years and years for the “magic” solution to all of your health concerns? Are you constantly looking for a quick fix and specific plan to follow for your diet and exercise? Do you struggle with overeating, binge eating, emotional eating, chronic dieting, or food restriction? Jodi will partner with you on your healing journey and help you become more aware and in tune with your emotions. Together she will explore why “how” you eat can be just as important as “what” you are eating. Jodi has a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Psychology from York University, Bachelor of Science in Occupational therapy from the University of Toronto and graduated as a Mind Body eating Coach for the Institute for the Psychology of Eating.

Jodi is a mom to three amazing, active, high energy, loving, hockey playing boys. She loves reading, watching mindless reality TV shows, walking, my Peloton, yoga, attending retreats, connecting with friends and other like-minded women, drinking wine and eating chocolate!

Jodi Katzin B.Sc.OT, B.A. (psych) Psychology Eating Coach Jodi Katzin is a Registered Occupation... Read More

Denise Lalonde is a holistic nutritionist with Koru Nutrition. Denise believes that nutrition is the foundation on which you build your health, and how you restore and maintain your body’s natural balance. She helps clients to improve their health and well-being by understanding the powerful health benefits of natural nutrition.

Denise graduated with honours from The Canadian School of Natural Nutrition (CSNN), with the designation of Registered Holistic Nutritionist (R.H.N.) in 2011. Denise also holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Western Ontario. Denise teaches sport nutrition, anatomy & physiology, and culinary certificate courses, as well as marking case studies at CSNN.

Denise’s areas of specialty are:

• weight loss
• women’s health
• sports performance for youth athletes digestive issues
• chronic pain
• brain injury
• mental health

Denise was involved in the launch of a new employee fitness programs at three London-area hospital sites (University hospital, Victoria hospital and South Street campus) for over 12,000 employees.

Denise is also a published author, public speaker and essential oils educator. Her book Dreaming Big Being Bold: Volume 3 was published in 2017 and it was an international best-selling book series. Dreaming Big Being Bold: Inspiring Stories from Trailblazers, Visionaries and Change Makers is a collection of engaging stories written by entrepreneurs and professionals who are making an impact. Volume 3 is full of inspiring stories from people who have shown courage, innovation and have big dreams to impact the world in their own unique way.

Denise is also a published medical research associate in pediatric cardiology, which involved studying obese youth who had corrective heart surgery at birth and evaluated outcomes of interventions in fitness and nutrition.

Denise is passionate about fitness and exercise. She is a certified personal trainer, a certified fitness instructor, C.O.R.E.™, certified indoor cycle instructor, and a certified TRX trainer. In her private practice, Denise enjoys providing holistic health and fitness services to a very diverse range of clients of all ages.

In her spare time Denise loves to work out at the gym, do yoga, create culinary creations in her lab, otherwise known as her kitchen. She enjoys family game nights, hiking, netflix binges, reading, and personal development (webinars or learning professionally and personally). As a mom of two kids Denise also specialises in being a chauffeur and social events manager.

Denise Lalonde is a holistic nutritionist with Koru Nutrition. Denise believes that nutrition is ... Read More

Diana graduated from Ryerson University with a Bacheolor’s of Applied Science in Nutrition. She completed her dietetic internship from the Toronto Shared Internship in from Lakeridge Health. She worked as a renal dietitian (in hospital), home care dietitian, Diabetes Educator and in a medical practice seeing a variety of patients with different conditions and diseases. In the fall she plans on getting her Certified Bariatric Educator credentials.

She can devise a realistic meal plan, strategies to eat well on the go, how to meal plan, and most importantly how to make this a habit and to not have to second guess your choices. She will educate you on how to eat well and help you navigate better food options. Depending on the client’s needs, what is discussed is very individualized. Diana has strategies to help with weight loss and management that will be useful for the rest of your life. She approaches her patients with real-life solutions and lifestyle changes based on your needs. Her biggest strength is making weight loss manageable and realistic.

Diana lives in Barrie, Ontario and keeps busy with her three children, personal fitness, skiing, golfing and reading. When time permits she loves to travel, camp and be outside.

Diana graduated from Ryerson University with a Bacheolor’s of Applied Science in Nutrition. She ... Read More

Dr. Rupa Salwan ND is a health advocate and naturopathic doctor. She uses a research-backed approach to health, along with knowledge of traditional practices.

We all deserve to live a life fulfilled; a meaningful life that you can cherish for years to come. There are a lot of obstacles that can make us physically tired and mentally drained, one being our health. However, Dr. Rupa believes that simple and effective medicines have the greatest potential to transform our health.

She is interested in getting to know you and what you want out of life. She believes in meeting you on common ground and working together to solve your health problems. Often times a minimalistic approach to health changes are easier to implement, thereby allowing you to take charge of your health long term.

Dr. Rupa’s area of expertise includes: Hormone support - thyroid, PMS, painful periods, menopause and bio-identical hormone therapy Managing stress and adrenal dysregulation Acute and chronic pain management Chronic illnesses - migraines, autoimmune disease, arthritis and chronic fatigue Digestion support and food sensitivity testing.

Rupa received her training at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) in Toronto, Canada. While pursuing her dream career she completed clinical internships at the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic, Brampton Naturopathic Teaching Clinic and the Holistic Healing Arts Centre in Brantford. She is in good standing with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario, the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors and the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors.

Prior to naturopathic medicine, Rupa studied at McMaster University, where she graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Science degree. She studied Life Sciences and had a special interest in biochemistry and nutritional studies.

Dr. Rupa Salwan ND is also the founder of the Wildflower Health & Wellness clinic.

Outside of the clinic she enjoys good food, good books, spending time with family & friends, travelling and taking her dog, Mack, on long hikes.

Dr. Rupa Salwan ND is a health advocate and naturopathic doctor. She uses a research-backed appro... Read More

Languages: Arabic

Jumanah Sbeih graduated with a B.Sc. in Clinical Dietetics from Bowling Green State University in the United States in 2005 and worked as a dietitian for several years before returning to school to study holistic nutrition. Jumanah graduated from the Institute of Holistic Nutrition in October, 2018 and has more than 15 years of clinical in North America as well as in international venues.

Jumanah is passionate in helping clients achieve their health goals. She worked for different health clinics as well as a Nutrition Consultant for after-bariatric surgeries. Her work is mainly to improve eating habits for patients, prevent depletion of minerals and vitamins, emotional eating balance, decreasing inflammation and provide weight management consultations. She worked also for campaigns to improve food habits for people with budget constraints and organized multiple workshops for balancing blood sugar, weight gain/weight loss, and achieving hormonal balance.

Previously, Jumanah opened her own practice. She was the director and lead nutritionist of JSS Nutrition Clinic providing one-on-one services for clients with blood sugar imbalance, weight problems, digestive issues, Endocrine imbalance, family nutrition and autoimmune issues.

Jumanah’s are of focus include: Autoimmune conditions Weight loss Mental health Blood sugar balancing Adrenal imbalance Brain injury Digestive health Sleep issues Hormonal balance Pre/Postnatal nutrition Childhood nutrition

Jumanah was diagnosed with hypothyroidism (an autoimmune condition) in 2010. As a health professional and nutrition expert, she was able to control the condition and improve her thyroid function through diet and supplementation.

Jumanah enjoys spending time with her daughters; teaching them about wholesome food and healthy eating. Jumanah also enjoys baking and swimming.

Languages: Arabic Jumanah Sbeih graduated with a B.Sc. in Clinical Dietetics from Bowling Green ... Read More

Allison is a certified holistic nutritionist with a passion for educating and guiding her clients. She has extensive functional and conventional training that has given her the tools to empower others to take control of their health. Her professional experience includes working alongside leading medical doctors, naturopaths, chiropractors, and other professionals in the wellness field.

Her love for fitness and nutrition began when she struggled herself over a decade ago. Allison was able to lose 80 pounds, manage autoimmunity, and overcome metabolic syndrome using a balanced food- forward approach. From there, she went on to study and immerse herself in the world of nutritional wellness. Allison has helped hundreds of clients reach their health goals through individualized counseling. Allison’s areas of expertise include: ⁃ Weight Loss ⁃ Digestive Health ⁃ Hormonal Balance ⁃ Cardiovascular Disease Management ⁃ Disease Prevention

Allison is very progressive, always finding the latest science-backed research in the wellness world. In her spare time, Allison loves to listen to podcasts, read, strength train at the gym, practice yoga, and spend time with her Saint Bernard Dog.

Allison is a certified holistic nutritionist with a passion for educating and guiding her clients... Read More

Elena Usdenski is a registered dietitian who graduated with first class honors from Brescia University College in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Foods and Nutrition. She continued her studies and obtained a Master of Science in Food and Nutrition from Western University in 2011. She also holds a Bachelor of Medical Science with a Double Major in Medical Science and Microbiology & Immunology. Elena is very passionate about food and nutrition and the valuable role it plays in optimizing our physical and mental health. Elena works collaboratively with her clients to create individualized nutrition care plans setting realistic and achievable goals which result in positive sustainable lifestyle changes. She believes that small steps lead to big success and lives by the motto “bite-sized changes have supersized results”.

Elena has worked in a variety of settings, including home care, nutritional rehabilitation, long-term care, primary care, and academia. At Brescia University College, Elena taught third year nutrition courses, Nutritional Assessment and Nutrition, Aging and Health.

The nutrition field is constantly evolving and Elena believes staying up-to-date with current research is key to being an effective clinician. Therefore, she is constantly reading scientific journals, attending conferences and webinars, and has taken many courses to further her knowledge.

She is trained in the low Fermentable Oligosaccharide Disaccharide Monosaccharide and Polyol (FODMAP) Diet from Monash University in Melborne, Australia. This diet is the first line therapy for individuals struggling with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Elena has also successfully completed Neurorehabilitation: Assisting Recovery and Function in Everyday Life Following a Brain Injury (Level One) and Neurobehavioural Disorders: Their Origin, Nature and Rehabilitation (Level Two) certificate training programs from Brock University in collaboration with the Ontario Brain Injury Association.

Through her education, dietetic internship, and professional experience, Elena has provided one-on-one counselling to a diverse population group focusing on disease prevention, health promotion and chronic disease management with experience in the following areas:

• Gastrointestinal diseases and digestive health
• Weight management
• Diabetes mellitus
• Cardiovascular disease including hypertension (high blood pressure) and hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol)
• Wound healing
• Food allergies and sensitivities
• Mental health
• Traumatic brain injury
• Spinal cord injury
• Enteral nutrition
• Healthy aging
• Prenatal health
• Introducing solids to infants and picky eating
• Skeletal health

In her spare time, Elena enjoys spending time outdoors with her family hiking, snowshoeing, geocaching and traveling. She also enjoys reading, trying new recipes and unfamiliar foods such as natto, chicken hearts or chicken gizzards!

Elena Usdenski is a registered dietitian who graduated with first class honors from Brescia Unive... Read More