Naturopathic Doctors
Dr. Erin Valente, BSc (Kin), Naturopathic Doctor
**Dr. Erin Valente, ND is accepting new patients**
Dr. Erin graduated from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) and is licensed to practice naturopathy in Ontario. She is currently a member in good standing with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario. Dr. Erin previously graduated from McGill University, earning a Bachelor of Science in the field of Kinesiology. She completed her Naturopathic Internship at the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic (RSNC), the Brampton Naturopathic Teaching Clinic (BNTC) and the Sherbourne Health Centre, where she gained invaluable experience helping many on their path to well being. Dr. Erin has successfully passed the Ontario Prescribing and Therapeutics Exam, allowing her to prescribe scheduled substances to further benefit her patients. Additionally, she is able to administer vitamin B12 injections, create customized topical formulas and prescribe select hormone therapies to new and existing patients.
Dr. Erin has a strong passion for Pediatric care, ensuring that parents get the answers and solutions they need to optimize their children’s health effectively and safely. She was selected to participate in the Pediatric focus shift at the RSNC, where she gained invaluable knowledge and experience. Dr. Erin works to optimize the energy and wellness of individuals and their families. To get to know Dr. Erin better, you can visit her website here.
Dr. Odessa Gill, BSc, ND
Odessa Gill is co-founder of Aspire Health and a licensed ND. She is a graduate of the 4-year Naturopathic Medicine program at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto, Canada and has been practicing in Etobicoke and Bloor West Village for 15 years. Prior to studies at CCNM, she received a BSc degree in the field of Microbiology and Immunology from McGill University in Montreal, Quebec. In Toronto, Odessa has experience in the pharmaceutical industry working as a Protocol Writer for Biovail Contract Research Company and at the Hospital for Sick Children in the Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Laboratory. She has also worked as a Naturopathic Consultant for Purity Life Health Products and Loblaw Ltd. in Toronto.
She is a member of the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors (OAND), and Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND).
Areas of interest include Stress Management, Mental/Emotional Health (Anxiety, Depression), Pre-/Post-Natal care and Fertility Management. Dr. Gill is able to perform acupuncture (schedule permitting) on-site for IVF procedures at fertility clinics throughout the GTA.
Pediatric Occupational Therapist
Lucia Cacciacarro, MSc. OT, CIMT
Lucia completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology at the University of Toronto in 2000. She went on to complete a Masters of Occupational Therapy (OT) (with honours) from the University of Toronto in 2002. Since 2003, Lucia has worked at William Osler Health System, providing occupational therapy assessment and treatment for preterm and medically compromised infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, inpatient and outpatient paediatric settings. In this role she assesses infants presenting with breast and bottle feeding problems related to swallowing dysfunction, neurological impairment, gastrointestinal problems and/or facial structural problems. Lucia also assesses feeding problems with older infants related to problems accepting solids and textures. She uses clinical observation and standardized assessment tools to assess the neurodevelopment and play skills of infants and young children. She works closely with caregivers, to teach them the tools to promote both gross and fine motor development, as well as social and cognitive development. Furthermore, Lucia uses sound observational skills to analyze the skills required for children to complete basic Activities of Daily Living and she works in collaboration with children and their families to promote independence and meaningful functioning.
Lucia has a special interest in parent education. In 2012, she completed her Certificate in Infant Massage Teaching (CIMT) with Tina Allen, Liddle Kidz Foundation. Since then she has offered parent workshops on infant massage in both hospital and community based settings. Lucia’s goal is to help parents and caregivers develop confidence and enjoyment in promoting the best possible social, motor and cognitive development in their children.
Lucia’s schedule is as follows:
Saturday (call for available dates) – 10am to 3pm.
Registered Psychotherapists
Melanie Keyes, BMA, BMT, MEd, RP, MTA
Melanie is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, with 25 years experience working in the field of mental health. She holds a Masters in Counselling and Psychotherapy and is currently engaged in the Doctor of Education in Counselling Psychology program at the University of Toronto (OISE) .
Melanie provides an integrative approach to meet the unique needs of each client. She has completed post-graduate training in client-centred and Emotion-Focused therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Couples Therapy, and Group Work in Counselling. She is an Accredited Music Therapist with the Canadian Association for Music Therapy.
Melanie provides a safe, non-judgemental space for clients diverse in age, race, cultural background, sexual orientation, gender identity and functioning ability. She uses a creative, strengths-based approach to help clients make positive changes, manage anxiety and depression, work through loss and grief, develop coping strategies and improve their emotional resilience, relationships, personal experience and perspective.
Megan Hughes, MSW, RSW, M. Ed, RP
Megan is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), as well as a Registered Social Worker with the OCSWSSW. She has a Masters of Education Degree in Developmental Psychology from the University of Toronto (OISE), as well as a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Windsor.
Megan has experience providing psychotherapy to individuals with a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, interpersonal conflict, post-traumatic stress, phobias, and difficulties with adjustment. She uses a variety of evidence-based therapy approaches, including cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) skills, trauma-informed care, mindfulness-based treatment, and solution-focused therapy.
Megan uses a client-centred approach to therapy, through a compassionate, non-judgemental, culturally informed and individualized lens. She empowers individuals to work through life’s challenges and develop emotional well-being by enhancing positive mental health, supporting individual strengths and promoting personal resiliency.
Holistic Nutritionist
Linda Heredia, BHSc, RHN, CCP
As a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Certified Life Coach and Reiki Master & Teacher, Linda works with clients to inspire, motivate and educate them toward a healthier, happier and more energized life.
Linda’s passion for nutrition started at a young age. From her fathers cancer recovery during her childhood to her own struggles with iron deficiency and hormonal imbalances in her teenage years, Linda experienced first-hand the powerful impact diet and lifestyle had on her family’s health. These experiences led her to pursue a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) with a specialization in Health Promotion from the University of Western Ontario.
Linda completed a postgraduate program in communications and began her corporate career in public relations assisting clients in the health and wellness sector. While working long hours in a fast-paced environment, Linda applied her knowledge of nutrition to help manage stress, headaches and back pain.
With her deep-seated passion for nutrition still at the forefront, Linda left the corporate world to pursue a career in holistic health. Already a Reiki & Therapeutic Touch Practitioner and a Life Coach, Linda went on to achieve her designation as a Registered Holistic Nutritionist from the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition where she graduated with Honours. She is also a member of the Canadian Association of Holistic Nutrition Professionals (CAHN-Pro).
Today, Linda uses a personalized approach that embraces the entire individual; she helps clients make sustainable nutrition and lifestyle changes that will empower them to reach their health goals and optimal well-being.
Linda is available at Aspire on some Saturdays. For more information on her schedule, please contact the clinic or book an appointment online.
Clinic Director
Rob Alilovic, LL.B
In his legal practice, Robert learned that a successful business focuses on the needs and expectations of its clients; a doctrine that he has applied to Aspire Health. He strives to make our clinic a positive and healing part of our patients’ regime and is always available should staff or patients have any questions or concerns.
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