First thing you need to know: I’m a Timmins girl, born and raised! I was a shy, quiet, nerdy kid, and I’m still pretty nerdy as an adult. I’m drawn to naturopathic medicine because it combines my love for science with my fascination for age-old wisdom. My first language was French and I am fully bilingual — mes services sont disponibles en français.
Dr. Christine
MEET
My Story
Although I’d been introduced to naturopathic medicine early on through my mother, it wasn't until later on that I realized it was my perfect fit. I obtained my Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Waterloo, initially with the dream of becoming an optometrist. When I realized that optometry was not my calling, I took some time off, worked at a local library, dabbled in Immunology through a Master’s program, and gained some very interesting work experience at the local Public Health lab. A close friend sent me the link to apply to the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in North York, and told me that she felt it would be a great career for me... and she was right.
I graduated with my Doctor of Naturopathy degree in 2014. I always knew that I wanted to move back home to be close to friends and family, and to be able to contribute to this community. After a year of preparation, I opened my clinic in 2015 — and I quickly discovered that there was a real need for care focusing on women's health! I completed my prescribing exam and am qualified to prescribe bioidentical hormones (including estrogen, progesterone, and thyroid hormones). I have a passion for continuing education and am part of the Confident Clinician Club. You can often catch me nerding out at my computer, checking out the latest research on a variety of conditions from asthma to PCOS to vaginal dryness (yes, this is a real issue and I can help!).
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I LOVE baking! I grew up having dessert after every meal and worked in the bakery department of a grocery store in high school. I'm not likely to tell you to cut chocolate out of your diet 😉
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My introduction to meditation was a 10-day silent meditation retreat. I just jumped right in and learned a ton about meditation (and myself) in the process. My practice is far from perfect, but I love having a quick meditation before bed every night!
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I am addicted to the Peloton app. In fact, I have a total girl crush on Rebecca Kennedy and her amazing classes (have you ever tried her hikes? They're such a great workout!). Find me on the app at NDtimmins.
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I love all things tarot cards, moon rituals, and horoscopes. Is it just me, or is there something fun about letting go of the need to feel like we have complete control over our future?
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I played roller derby for over 2 years. I’ve never really been an athlete, but wanted to try something different. I didn't know how to skate at first and I’m not an aggressive person, but I loved every minute of it! (I still have my skates, in case the urge to get back to it ever hits me!)
5 Fun Facts About Me
HOW DOES IT HELP?
What is naturopathic medicine
Naturopathic medicine is a primary health system that blends modern scientific knowledge with natural forms of medicine, many of which have been practiced for centuries. Naturopathic doctors perform comprehensive health assessments and create individualized treatment plans using a wide range of natural therapies — your ND may offer diet and lifestyle recommendations, prescribe supplements or hormones, perform acupuncture, and/or give you some great meditation tips!
At its heart, naturopathic medicine is intended to help stimulate the self-healing processes of the body and mind.
Naturopathic doctors in Ontario are trained as primary care physicians. Our intensive education requires:
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Completion of an undergraduate Bachelor’s degree
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Completion of a Bachelor of Naturopathy at an accredited educational institution
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More than 1,200 hours of clinical experience and more than 3,000 hours of classroom training
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Professional licensing and board examinations
We are regulated under the Regulated Health Professions Act alongside medical doctors, nurses, midwives, and dentists, and we’re able to order nearly 200 different types of lab tests. This allows us to deeply investigate and understand what may be going on in your body, and what we can do to help you optimize your health and start feeling your absolute best.
First, do no harm.
Minimize invasive interventions and use natural, evidence-based therapies.
Remove causes, not just symptoms.
Identify and treat the underlying causes of disease.
Practice preventative medicine.
Assess risks and support optimal health to prevent dysfunction and disease.
Support the healing power of the body.
Remove any obstacles to optimal wellness and stimulate the body’s inherent ability to self-heal.
Treat the whole person.
Address the physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, and social factors which contribute to health, through individualized treatment.
Teach the principles of living your best and healthiest life.
Share our knowledge of healthy living and preventative medicine to empower patients and promote self care.
