Merlita Cabalse, DOMP
Merlita has always been compelled by the holistic nature of Osteopathy, it’s core understanding that the body heals itself, and the simple but profound idea of movement as an expression of health and life. She believes in finding and treating the cause of pain and dysfunction rather than simply treating the symptoms.
She enjoys treating people of all ages and seeing the improvement in their health. Merlita believes in patient education and treats both structurally and cranially, incorporating a wide range of techniques to suit patients’ needs in everybody in a gentle yet focused way. She also brings her experience of many years in Physiotherapy to her practice. Her goal is to assist in optimizing the patient’s health and well-being through a holistic and alternative approach to health care. In her spare time, Merlita loves spending precious time with her daughter, taking walks, loves to read whenever possible, cooking, and enjoys cake decorating.
Merlita is very passionate about Osteopathy and she is continuing to study postgraduate courses in Osteopathy.
Courses completed:
Visceral Manipulation (VM1) – Barral Institute, April 2018
Listening Techniques: An Osteopathic Approach to Evaluation – Barral Institute, February 2019
Sheelagh Stewart, DOMP
Caring immensely for the comfort and care of others, Sheelagh is so passionate about her work and her connection with every person that walks through her door. Her journey into studying the capacities and complexities of the body-mind complex began 15 years ago and turned toward Osteopathy after struggling with her own chronic physical pain and stress. Her philosophy is focused on the unity and integration of the body as a whole, and its own innate ability toward recovery, healing, and regulation. Sheelagh is a graduate of the National Academy of Osteopathy and continues her studies in manual therapies and integrative care. She joined the graduating class (2016) of the Whole Health Medicine Institute (USA), led by Dr. Lissa Rankin (MD).
“It’s unbelievable how an empathetic person, whose hands convey a genuine sense of concern, can enhance the body’s healing response”
Courses Completed:
- Visceral Manipulation (VM1) – Barral Institute, April 2018
- Craniosacral Therapy (CST1) – Upledger Instititute, November 2019
Elle DeBruin, DOMP
Elle has long been fascinated by the mind-body connection. Before studying Osteopathy, she taught yoga and sought to make it more accessible by offering trauma sensitive classes as well as gentle yoga and chair yoga. Studying Osteopathy gave her the chance to dive deeper into the amazing world of anatomy and physiology and gain an understanding of how crucial movement is to health and vitality.
She is inspired by the core principles of Osteopathy: understanding the body as a dynamic unit rather than merely a collection of parts; recognizing the interconnectedness between its structure and function; and supporting the body’s own innate self-regulating and self-healing capacity. She is lit up by the notion that Osteopathy is a practice of listening to the body and guiding it back into balance rather than imposing on it through invasive measures. It is a gentle and relaxing modality of treatment.
Elle has a special interest in how Osteopathic treatment can address mental and emotional health in addition to physical health (she believes that they are not as separate as we are sometimes led to believe). Her area of research during her schooling was the use of Osteopathic treatment to support those experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder. She is looking forward to engaging in continuing education to build upon her interest in Cranial Osteopathy.
Kari Gamble, Registered Massage Therapist
Kari has been a full time licensed massage therapist since 2015 after graduating from CCMH ( Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy) in Cambridge. She then relocated back to her hometown in Northern Ontario where she meets the needs of her community and offered in-home treatments as well as a clinical setting within a medical facility. She has since moved back to Southern Ontario to continue to fulfill her desire to help others. Kari has a real passion for massage therapy, health, and wellness. She specializes in Swedish, deep tissue, trigger point therapy, sports, and medical-massage. She customizes her massages to your individual needs and has a very caring and professional presence. In her spare time, Kari enjoys spending time with her children and family. She loves sports, especially hockey, and anything that has to do with being outdoors.
Lorna Malacad, Registered Massage Therapist
Lorna attended the College of Massage and Hydrotherapy where she acquired he knowledge in various modalities, such as Myofascial trigger point, fascial release technique, facilitated stretch, therapeutic exercises and hydrotherapy treatment. Lorna also incorporate cupping and hot stone into her treatments.
Lorna always knew that she was meant to help people. Prior to massage therapy, she was a support worker for 12 years. She helped various patients who suffer from a wide range of conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Parkinson’s, Down syndrome, autism and cancer. She knew it was her calling. This helped her recognized and understand the importance and benefits of regular alternatives to healthcare treatment.
Lorna is a mother of three wonderful children and happily married for 20 years. She is a family oriented individual and enjoys trail biking with family and friends.She believe that it is essential that we invest in our health. Be it stress, muscle aches or chronic pain, she is here to help you attain your optimum health and wellness, one massage at a time.
“An empty lantern provides no light. Self-care is the fuel that allows light to shine brightly” – Unknown
Michelle Dueck, Registered Massage Therapist
Michelle grew up here in KW but did her vocational training (Wellington College of Remedial Massage Therapies) and post-secondary education (Canadian Mennonite University) in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where she began her career. She returned to KW and has been a registered massage therapist in Ontario since 2014.
Michelle cares for people across all spectrums of life and experience; helping ease body stress responses and tension patterns that may or may not be related to posture, repetitive motion, or living with chronic, progressive, or genetic conditions. She loves meeting people where there are at, making connections, and supporting them in finding workable ways to pursue their goals. Building from a foundation of Swedish and remedial massage, her treatments are both relaxing and therapeutic. She has specialized training in pre and post natal massage, and foot reflexology. Special interests include neurodiversity, trauma responses, and most recently interoception.
Outside of work, Michelle prioritizes time with family; actively exploring creation while hiking and camping, chilling together while reading books or doing art, and playing lots and lots of board games.
Candace Wight., Reiki Master
Candace Wight., Reiki Master Candace has been a Reiki Master and practitioner since 2015, completing four levels, trained in the Usui Shiki Ryoho System. In 2017 she added Certified Foot Reflexology Practitioner to her healing therapies.
Candace believes that everyone can and should have the ability to heal in all aspects of their lives. She became a Reiki Master and certified reflexologist because she wanted to be able to aid people on their journey to healing. Through accessing subtle energy systems in the bodies of her clients, she can help bring about rest and relaxation where it is possible. Rest and relaxation in the body can bring about an atmosphere for homeostasis to happen and give the potential for the body to do what it is supposed to do, heal. Heal emotionally, heal physically, heal mentally. In our ever-changing world, Candace thrives on providing a safe space for gentle therapies to be used. We need to take care of ourselves.
When not with clients Candace is an abstract artist, avid gardener, world traveler (with her hubby and child in tow), house renovator, and now a teacher to an 11-year-old daughter.
Priyanka Chandel, PT, Registered Physiotherapist
Priyanka graduated from GND University in 2008 with a Bachelors degree in Physiotherapy. Thereafter, she worked as a Physiotherapist in a Kidney & Urostone hospital where she gained experience in orthopaedics, pelvic rehab and neurology. She has been a Registered Physiotherapist since 2018 working in a private orthopedic clinic, along with geriatric care. She has done advanced courses in muscle pain syndromes and vestibular rehabilitation, which has allowed her to treat a wide variety of patients.
Having always had a keen interest in women’s health, she did specialized training specific to male and female pelvic health. This allowed her to use her skills and knowledge for individuals dealing with pelvic floor dysfunctions including incontinence, pre/post pregnancy issues, prolapse, and other pelvic-related conditions.
Priyanka is dedicated, and believes in listening, understanding the problem and setting up a treatment plan to achieve the goals specific to the patients needs. She utilizes hands on manual therapy, patient education, exercise prescription. This allows her to provide the highest quality of care to her patients by integrating evidence-based practice with her clinical experience. Committed to continuing education, she is always upgrading her knowledge and skills to help her patients more effectively.
When she is not working, she loves to spend time with her family and enjoys anything outdoors to keep her active.