Hi, I’m Janessa; professionally, I’m a naturopathic doctor.
I grew up in the country, just outside of Stratford Ontario, and it was in high school when naturopathic medicine clicked for me. I loved the idea of being able to sit down with patients and take the time to work with them individually to facilitate their movement toward better health and wellness. The more I discovered about naturopathic medicine, the more it reinforced the path I was on to pursue a career as a naturopathic doctor.
Waterloo Naturopath
I always had a keen interest in science, and a million-and-one questions to ask, so naturally, a science degree in kinesiology, studying the human body, appealed to me. I knew a science degree in kinesiology from the University of Waterloo would equip me with the foundation I needed and set me up well for my medical training. I spent four years at the University of Waterloo and earned an Bachelor of Science degree in Honours Kinesiology with a Pre-Health Professions Option. I then went onto Toronto, and spent four years completing a Doctor of Naturopathy degree from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM). While at school, I interned at The Robert Schad Naturopathic clinic in Toronto and at Anishnawbe Health Toronto, where I worked exclusively with an Aboriginal population. While attending CCNM, I also spent time in India studying homeopathy, completing two courses through The Other Song-International Academy of Advanced Homeopathy.
Through my naturopathic medical education, I was trained and educated in how to be a doctor to my patients, and I learned and cultivated my skills in each of the naturopathic treatment areas (modalities). I was trained as a doctor, a naturopathic doctor, within the distinct and unique field of naturopathic medicine.
I'm in good standing with The College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO), as such, I’m licensed to practice naturopathic medicine in Ontario. I've also attained the College of Naturopaths of Ontario post-registration Standard of Practice for Prescribing, although I don't currently prescribe hormones in practice. I am also a member of the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND) and the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors (OAND). Through continuing education, I've also gone on to attain additional education in the areas of Biotherapeutic Drainage, Craniosacral, and Polarity Therapy. I've successfully completed an American Polarity Therapy Association approved five hundred and forty-four hour Level 1 Polarity Therapy Professional Training Program (Associate Polarity Practitioner (APP) education, training, and examination).
Naturopathic medicine has the potential to be a very powerful medicine, allowing for the opportunity to expand beyond the limitations of simply fine, into the transformative expanse of wellness. Within my family practice, at both Stratford and Waterloo locations, I see male and female patients of all ages, and address a variety of health concerns and goals within the context of treating the individual. I regularly incorporate bioenergetic assessment and testing when working with patients. With my keen enthusiasm and affinity for research coupled with my insight into energetic anatomy and physiology (acupuncture meridians etc.), and my use of biotherapeutic drainage, I have special interest in treating gut health concerns, namely Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). I also love working with children!:)
On a personal note, I love to garden! I'm still a novice, but I'm enjoying taking in as much as I can. I also enjoy staying active, expressing my creativity, and a good ol' DIY project! I value forward growth, and continual discovery. I have that itch to always keep learning, deepening my understanding and appreciation.
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As a naturopathic doctor, I'm honoured and humbled to get to play a part in supporting the health and wellness of my patients!
