Tracy Cook, B.Sc., N.D.
As a Naturopathic Doctor and individual who walks around on this planet, I have a passion for plants and a belief in living a good quality life. I work hard to teach my children the joys of an active life, to have a connection with the wilderness and a love of learning. My greatest addictions are skiing and hiking, with a good cup of black tea and a good book a close second. (oh, and chocolate!) My garden is languishing since having children, but every year I try to get back to it a bit more. Who can resist fresh raspberries, cherries, peas, carrots and other goodies from the earth? Apart from three years at the University of Guelph for my BSc and four years at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto, I have always lived in the north and though I love to travel I have never been seriously tempted to live anywhere else. Fortunately my husband is a northerner and he has chosen to stay here to work and raise our family. I believe all individuals have the power within to change themselves and their health, to transform…. and all that is needed is some knowledge and encouragement.

Jessica Carfagnini, H.BA, N.D.
I am thrilled to return to the beautiful Northwestern Ontario landscape and the community of Thunder Bay, after 15 years away. I studied psychology at the University of Ottawa and then established myself in my first career as a counselor and advocate for women who had survived violence. After 7 very rewarding years working with the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa I decided it was time to gain more tools to help people on their healing journeys. Naturopathic Medicine was the field of study that drew me in because of the focus on the patient’s empowerment and healing through personal growth and the use of natural and traditional medicines. The “healing power of nature” is something I feel every day when I breathe in the fresh Northern air, smell the pines and cedars or gaze out at Lake Superior sparkling in the sun.

I feel lucky to have been raised in Thunder Bay and even more fortunate to have this opportunity to give back to the community that I love in my new career as a Naturopathic Doctor.

Photos of Tracy and Jessica by Leslie Hill

Trisha Cordes, B.HSc, N.D., L.Ac
I was honoured when my friend and classmate, Jessica Carfagnini, ND, approached me about providing care for her patients while she is on a 6 month maternity leave. We are neighbours of the North...I currently live and work in Kenora and am pleased and excited to be dividing my time between these 2 beautiful communities.
At the age of 12 I moved to Kenora from Guelph, and being surrounded by water and trees, I quickly learned of the healing power that nature truly has. Therefore, I was immediately drawn to Naturopathic Medicine's philosophy to "co-operate with the healing power of nature", when I became aware of it.

After graduating from a 4 year degree in Health Sciences at the University of Western Ontario, my first career with the Kenora Association of Community Living, reinforced for me, to always see the whole person first.
I spend 4 years as a Community Consultant working with adults with either severe mental illness and/or developmental delays. I loved my job and learned so much, yet, Naturopathic Medicine continued to call me.

At the age of 28, I embarked on my new journey at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto. I was so pleased to return to the serene North and I am continually inspired, honoured and moved by the stories people share with me, about their own health journeys, and about the endless power our bodies truly do have. I believe, as Albert Schweitzer said; “Every patient carries her/his own doctor inside”. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to work with such a wonderful, committed team and look forward to the opportunity to inspire people like I have been inspired.

Trish Eaton, RMT
I've been a registered massage therapist for over 4 years and I absolutely love my work. I believe that everyone should make massage therapy part of their wellness routine.
My greatest passion is my family. Spending time with them is my favorite thing to do, whether we are sledding in the winter or planting and harvesting vegetables from our backyard garden in the summer.

Since graduating from CDI College in 2005, I have furthered my education by training in myofascial release. I use this technique in my everyday massage therapy practice, with successful results. The majority of my work with clients has been injury and pathology based. I enjoy the challenge and find it very rewarding to help people recover from pain and illness.

Sandra Dietrich, RMT
My career in massage therapy began to take shape in 2003 when my boys were 9 years old and I decided to return to school. I knew I wanted to work within the health field and after discovering massage therapy I never looked back. I find it very rewarding being a part of my clients journey to a better quality of life. Since graduating from CDI College in June 2005 I have taken additional courses in pregnancy massage, lymphatic drainage therapy, cranial-sacral therapy, myofacial release and NISA (neuromuscular integration and structural alignment). The majority of my clients’ conditions are treatment based with specific areas of concern. I mainly use deep tissue therapy when addressing my clients’ symptoms but also use less aggressive techniques when needed. l look forward to continuing my education, and learning new techniques and alternative ways of helping my clients.

Cara McMaster, registered holitistic nutritionist
I am so excited to be able to share my nutritional knowledge with the community I grew up in. In 2009 my youngest son developed multiple food sensitivities and allergies. Finding the help my family desperately needed was a struggle. I realized that if it was a struggle for me to find the necessary resources it must be for others as well. This realization sparked a passion in me to go back to school and learn how to help my son and others heal with the aid of nutrition. Graduating from the Registered Holistic Nutritionist program at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition in Ottawa has been one of my proudest moments and has changed my life for the better.

I have always had a passion for food. As a child I could spend an afternoon reading through my grandmother's hand written recipes. Some of my most prized possessions are my well used and loved cookbooks! Joining my passion for health and wellness with food and nutrition has led me to create many delicious, highly nutritious recipes of my own.

I strongly believe that everyone is biochemically unique and we all have individual nutritional needs that can change throughout time. There is simply no “one size fits all” nutritional plan! I enjoy teaching people about nutrition and watching the transformation people experience when incorporating nutritionally dense foods into their lifestyles. I strive to teach people that eating a healthy diet of whole, live, natural foods does not need to break the bank and that simplest methods are often the best when it comes to food preparation.

Whether you are interested in incorporating healthier eating into your lifestyle or are struggling with digestive and health issues I look forward to providing you with personalized recommendation and guidance to help you achieve your wellness goals. Let me help you discover the difference healthy eating can make!

Mathias Simao, Osteopathic manual practitioner
I was born in France and grew up in France and Portugal.

I began by studying Naturopathy in Portugal, and after graduating I decided to continue my studies in Osteopathy in England, where I completed the five year program at the British School of Osteopathy. As a student I worked in hospitals and community centres, treating homeless people, HIV positive patients, athletes of all levels, and people of all ages and origins.

I have practiced Osteopathy for four years in both Portugal and France. I have also had the opportunity to teach Osteopathy at the “Instituto de Medicinas Tradicionais” in Lisbon, and to pass onto my students the important concept of holistic health. Health is comprised of physical, psychological and social wellbeing, and although an Osteopath focuses on the physical aspect he/she must never forget the other elements as important factors for a complete recovery.

My approach to Osteopathy is mostly structural, but I also use modalities such as Craniosacral and visceral techniques. During a treatment I explain my assessment of the patient’s health concerns, and create an awareness of how they can help to restore their health. I also give simples exercises and advice to correct postural and/or muscular imbalance.

My assessment takes into account all aspects of the body and patients are encouraged to share with me, any medical exam results (i.e., bloodwork, x-ray, etc.) relating to their primary health concern.

On a personal level, I enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, running, swimming and surfing. This balance helps me understand the expectations of my patients in regards to their quality of life, and allows me to assist them in reaching their goals.

Fore more information on Osteopathy please read this information from the Ontario Association of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners.

If you are curious about Osteopathy and wonder how it can help you address pain and other health problems, I offer free 10 minute consultations. Please call the clinic at 683-7287 to book your consultation.

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