Atiya Merchant

Speech-Language Pathologist

Atiya is a Speech-Language Pathologist with many years of experience working with the paediatric population. She has held positions within school boards, regional preschool speech and language programs, and private clinics; supporting babies, young children and adolescents in the areas of speech sound production, late talking, fluency/stuttering, social communication, and developmental conditions, including Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Atiya is passionate about empowering caregivers with the skills and confidence to support their child’s communication development in their own environments. She believes in working closely with families to create goals and care plans that are meaningful, functional, and culturally-sensitive. She does her best to ensure that intervention is engaging and productive by incorporating activities that are fun and motivating. Atiya is happy to collaborate with other professionals involved with clients, to provide a wholistic and person-centred approach.

Atiya completed her Masters of Health Sciences in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Toronto. She continues to pursue professional development opportunities to maintain current knowledge in the field and better serve her clients. Atiya is certified to deliver the It Takes Two to Talk and More than Words parent training programs. She has also completed trainings in PROMPT, PECS, Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) systems, gestalt language processing, and paediatric feeding screening.

Atiya is registered with the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO) and is a member of Speech and Audiology Canada (SAC). When she is not working, Atiya loves spending time with her two young boys, reading, and baking up a storm!

Adriana Marcarian

Registered Massage Therapist

Adriana has been a Registered Massage Therapist with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario for over 23 years. She has a degree in Human Kinetics (Honours) and an advance diploma in Respiratory Therapy.

She is trained in Swedish Massage Therapy, Deep Tissue, Trigger Point Therapy, Cupping, Prenatal Massage, and Infant Massage. She has experience treating people of all ages from newborn to seniors and all sorts of different conditions. She has done a course on massage for “High Risk Pregnancy” and has also trained in Labour Support.

She has worked with athletes and with special needs populations. She believes that all treatments should be unique, personalized, and customized to each individual.

She is very excited to be part of the team at The WOMB Vaughan!

Deepak Deepak

Osteopathic Manual Practitioner

Deepak is a Manual Osteopathic Practitioner who is a highly skilled, and very experienced in the field of healthcare. He holds a diploma in Osteopathic Manual Practitioner (DOMP) from National Academy of Osteopathy, Canada and Master’s in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy from India.

Deepak is a professional member of ACMA (Canadian Alliance of Alternative Medicine) and OOAMA (Ontario Osteopathic and Alternative Medicine Association). Through his professional career of 9+ years, he has worked in many different organizations and hospitals. His main focus during all this time was on Manual Therapy, Ergonomics, Exercise Therapy and thorough assessments. He also holds certificates in Joint Mobilization of the upper and lower quadrants using Mulligan’s concept, Maitland’s Techniques and Neuro Developmental Techniques (NDT).

Deepak believes in the body’s innate ability to self heal and self regulate as described by founder of Osteopathy in year 1874; Andrew Taylor Still. He follows the principle that imbalances in the human structure contribute to, or are directly related to the development and/or maintenance of disease.

Deepak emphasizes the relationship between structure and function of human body. His main focus of practicing Osteopathy remains on through assessment and developing an effective treatment strategy using his skills such as Fascial Stretch Therapy, Cranio Sacral Mobilization, Visceral Mobilization, Muscle Energy Techniques, counter strain and more. He has established expertise in palpation throughout his career. Deepak prides himself on being a great listener, as reported by many clients. He always puts more emphasis on prognosis and maintenance of general body function. His home exercise program serves as a bond between him and his clients. He strives to go the extra-mile with ergonomic advice for his clients.
Deepak has had an ample experience treating patients of all ages and stages including geriatric and paediatric populations, joint rehabilitation units, post surgical rehabilitation, chronic pain clinics, neurological and ante/ post natal exercises.

Niki Prespakis-Arfo

Registered Psychotherapist

Niki worked in the corporate world for over twenty years when she decided to fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a Psychotherapist. With heart and hard work, she was able to complete her education while working full-time and raising two amazing children with her supportive husband. As a result, she has been a Psychotherapist for almost four years and continues to study and read about new techniques. ⁠
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Niki is gentle, compassionate and understanding and makes children feel heard. She has been able to help people of all ages but she has a strong connection with children. She is able to use creative and fun approaches for children to learn psycho-educational content like coping skills and mindset changes. Her main focus is on anxiety depression and trauma, however she also likes to focus on helping children develop self-confidence and a strong sense of self. She uses an integrative approach, which means she looks at the individual and uses the therapy to fit the needs of the specific person.⁠
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Niki is so excited to be working at The WOMB and the community it has created. Her first-born cried all day for seven months and health care professionals did not provide any answers as to why. She is looking forward to working with The WOMB team and helping many families thrive!⁠

Stefanie Hall

Yoga Instructor, Prenatal and Children’s Yoga Instructor

Stefanie’s yoga journey began while she was pursuing her undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies at York University in Toronto, where she developed a strong interest in studying the connections between the natural world, social justice and holistic health. ⁠
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She believes that yoga has the potential to facilitate holistic wellbeing and to foster human connections to the earth and the elements. ⁠
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As an educator with the Toronto District School Board for 16 years, Stefanie has developed a teaching philosophy that revolves around students’ lived experiences, self awareness and a celebration of the earth’s beauty. ⁠
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Stefanie’s prenatal yoga classes are inclusive and responsive, with the aim of fostering a practice where the wisdom of yoga can be integrated into the pregnancy journey on and off the mat.⁠
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Stefanie completed her 200 Hour YTT in 2018, Yoga for Runners in 2019, 300 Hour YTT in 2021, Prenatal 85 Hour and Children’s 95 Hour in 2022.

Lisa Dinovitzer

Speech-Language Pathologist

Lisa Dinovitzer is an experienced and passionate Speech-Language Pathologist. She has worked in a variety of pediatric settings with children of all ages. In her practice, Lisa works with her clients and their families to set meaningful and measurable goals. She provides family-centered, play-based interventions. Lisa enjoys sharing her knowledge with families and strives to make her sessions productive, informative, and fun for all who attend! ⁠
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Lisa is passionate about providing early intervention for babies, toddlers and preschoolers with speech and language delays. She has lots of experiencing supporting children with complex communication/medical needs, and implementing Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems. Lisa provides neurodiversity-affirming care for Autistic children. ⁠
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Lisa regularly attends workshops and conferences on a variety of topics to further her clinical knowledge and skills. Lisa has certification in several Hanen parent training programs (including It Takes Two to Talk, More Than Words, and Target Word) and DIRFloortime. She has additional training in many areas including PROMPT, gestalt language processing, and orofacial myology. ⁠
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Lisa received her Bachelor of Health Sciences with an Honours Double Major in Rehabilitation Sciences and Psychology from The University of Western Ontario and completed her Masters of Health Science in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Toronto. Lisa is registered with the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO) and is a member of Speech-Language and Audiology Canada (SAC).⁠

Helen Monge

Birth, Postpartum and Bereavement Doula

Helen is a Birth, Postpartum and Bereavement Doula with over 32 years working with families and children, 18 of those years as a Birth Doula.⁠
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She has many qualifications including: Still Birthday Certification, Safe Passage Full Spectrum Doula Certification, Online First Response Training, Birthing Supernaturally Doula and Trauma Informed Care Certification.⁠
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Helen has diligently worked in a volunteer capacity for many years with the Pregnancy Care Centre providing compassionate care to women facing an unexpected pregnancy alone, giving them prenatal educational support as well as emotional care.⁠
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Sharing a beautiful client testimonial :
“… It was important to have someone trustworthy and knowledgeable to support us during that time and Helen was the perfect fit for our family. Helen’s warmth immediately comforted me from our very first conversation. She’s passionate, genuinely caring and extremely patient. I learned so much from her in our short time together and I always felt supported and cared for. Parenting is a team sport and if you’re new at it you definitely want someone like Helen by your side. I truly can’t recommend her enough or say more great things about how much impact she has had on my family. “⁠
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Yasmeen El Sherbini

Care Coordinator

Yasmeen is currently working towards completing her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology & Health Science at York University, and hopes to pursue a career within the field, specializing in the paediatrics sector. She has always been passionate about health and exercise, and is always open to learning new things about the human body.⁠
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Yasmeen has worked multiple customer service roles, including a waitress role at a high-end banquet hall as well as a retail sales associate at a variety of high-traffic stores. Her other part-time job is in the supplements field, in which her main role is to help customers achieve their health and fitness goals through supplementation. Yasmeen is very excited to be working at The WOMB Vaughan and getting to know everyone!⁠
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Yasmeen’s hobbies include going on long walks, watching TV shows, and travelling all around the world. She is fluent in English, French, and Arabic, and loves learning all about different cultures and languages of the world. ⁠
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Charmaine Hinds

Birth, Postpartum, Fertility and Bereavement Doula

Charmaine is a professional Full Spectrum Doula (fertility, birth, bereavement, trauma informed care, and post-partum care), Childbirth Educator and experienced mom of 5 grown adults.⁠
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She is Cappa International trained, certified through SBD Still Birthday, Birthing Supernaturally and a certified HypnoBirthing International Practitioner.⁠
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She has a wealth of knowledge as a health and wellness advocate, along with tons of personal experience in assisting in a wide range of various birth experiences that range from complications in pregnancy, miscarriage, stillborn, induction to natural home births.⁠
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Dora Weisspapir

Birth Doula

Dora is a birth doula, mother, wife and holistic nutritionist. Her holistic view on life, birth and healing rings true in her practice as she fosters a holistic approach in her offerings. As a birth doula she helps expecting persons harmonize their mind, body and spirit in the sacred journey of pregnancy, labour and delivery.⁠
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Dora’s focus is to provide emotional, physical and educational support to the birthing person to ensure they are the most informed about what labour and delivery looks like, whether it be at home or in the hospital. She uses several modalities to aid with pain management including guided breathing techniques, aromatherapy, and movement.⁠

In her journey to becoming a mother, Dora learned that the knowledge and understanding of the process of birth allows for a more peaceful labour, delivery and postpartum period.⁠
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She is very excited to join The WOMB team of Birth (and Postpartum) Doulas!⁠

Suki Gaetz

Birth and Postpartum Doula

Suki is a woman with a genuine, creative and real approach to life, whose passion for all things Birth and Babies motivated her to begin her next career journey as a fully trained Birth Doula. Suki comes from past work experience in the field of Social Services helping women, children and families advocate for support through difficult stages and experiences of life.⁠
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As a doula, Suki is eager to assist women through their births, so that they can have the kind of experiences that they envision as they go through this beautiful and unpredictable moment. Suki brings an easy-going, kind hearted and vibrant nature to how she works with people and her ability to listen and empathize helps women feel heard and understood.⁠
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As a mother, she is active, funny and always encouraging her children to take risks and go after what they want in life, and maintains this in her own life as well. She strives to be healthy inside and out, is a lover of nature and being outside as much as possible. Suki has recently participated in some races and love new challenges. She adores cooking and baking and is also embarking on writing some children’s books.⁠
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Suki has a natural ability to relate to young children and besides cuddles with her own children who are of teen and pre-teen age, she struggles to find anything in life that makes her happier than holding babies, and this dates back to when she was a very young child. As a Doula, Suki feels honoured to be a part of your birth, as a woman brings a baby into this world.

Zohal Aziz

Care Coordinator

Zohal is an International Baccalaureate graduate and currently a student at the University of Toronto working to obtain a Bachelor’s of Science while studying two majors: Health Studies and Health and Disease. ⁠
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Coming from a very large family, Zohal is very comfortable with expecting mothers, their children, and the prenatal and postpartum journey. She resonated deeply with The WOMB’s mission and was immediately drawn to its nurturing environment. She has become a smiling face at the front and is dedicated to ensuring everyone entering the clinic feels at home!⁠
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Prior to working at The WOMB, Zohal volunteered with various organizations working on a wide range of projects from affordable housing to children’s literacy. These experiences fostered a passion for helping others by providing equitable access to resources individuals and families need to reach their full potential.⁠
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In her free time, you will find her reading, watching movies (anything except a rom-com), playing volleyball, or babysitting her many nieces and nephews.⁠
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You will see Zohar’s smiling face around the clinic and behind the desk – make sure to say hello!

Elimar Martinez

Birth & Postpartum Doula

Elimar is a Birth and Postpartum Doula. After twenty successful but unrewarding years in the corporate world, she found herself interested in pursuing a career that would help her positively impact society.⁠
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It took Elimar some time to figure out exactly what she wanted to do, but she was sure of one thing – she wanted to help families during the birth and the postnatal period.⁠
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When experiencing motherhood herself, she did not have a trusted expert to rely on for guidance and reassurance during pregnancy, childbirth or after, but she finally found The WOMB to educate her, care for her and empower her to live her motherhood journey. Becoming a Birth and Postpartum Doula seemed a perfect match as it allows her to help other moms in each of the stages of motherhood by providing physical and emotional support, care for both parent and babies, and acting as a source for non-biased information.⁠
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Working with The WOMB is not only a way to give back all the support that Elimar received, but it will also help her fulfill her goal of making a positive difference in our community and the lives of the clients she is privileged to work with. Serving families during this beautiful period inspires Elimar to continue learning and improving daily.⁠
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Elimar approaches every job with empathy and absolutely no judgment. She is very comfortable being the person others can lean on in times of joy and crisis, especially when there’s a need for a compassionate, calm presence. She aims to provide a high level of service and wants all of her clients to feel that they have an experienced friend who is warm, relaxed, and thrives under pressure.⁠
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Elimar is also perfectly bilingual in English and Spanish.⁠
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After three miscarriages in a year that remained primarily shrouded in silence and stigma, Elimar also wants to help others break that silence and be a warm, relaxed presence for moms and families dealing with pregnancy or infant loss. To that end, she is also pursuing the Pregnancy Loss Support Program with Doula Canada.

⁠When Elimar is not working as a Doula, she loves spending time with her two boys (husband and son), watching movies, studying math, relaxing at the cottage, or hugging each other. She also loves to exercise, strengthening her body and relieving her busy mind. Every now and then, you’ll catch her in the kitchen baking and decorating cakes with fondant.

Sari Bowrin

Postpartum Doula

As a mother of 4, Sari has always had a love for children, and from a young age, always wanted to be a mom. When she was introduced to the Post-partum Doula industry, she knew it was perfect for her. This was the perfect way for Sari to both work with babies and share her love and knowledge of the joys of parenting with others.

Ever since completing the CAPPA Canada Post-Partum Doula training course in 2007, Sari has been working with and supporting families in navigating the wonderful but challenging time after a new baby, or babies’ arrival. Almost from the beginning, Sari has worked mostly with twins, but each situation and client is an individual and a chance to help a family. The importance for each family to have caring, unbiased, support and accurate information, as they are learning what parenting strategies work best for them, is the basis for her professional philosophy.

Sari’s emphasis on good sleep for the whole family is a result of the exhaustion she felt during the early years of her own children, when she became keenly aware of the importance of good support and regular, quality sleep.

Sari’s goal for all the families she supports is to help them start off on the right foot as well as feel confident and capable of handling whatever challenges new parenthood throws at them moving forward.

Dr. Michelle Zemari

Chiropractor, Acupuncture and Cesarean Scar Release Provider

Dr. Michelle Zemari is a family Chiropractor and Acupuncture provider with a special interest in prenatal, postnatal, and pediatric care. She treats various conditions including but not limited to headaches, back pain, joint and muscle pains, sciatica, pregnancy pains, and pediatric-related challenges.

Dr. Zemari has extensive knowledge and competency in: Adjustments, Mobilizations, Muscle / Myofascial Release Techniques, Acupuncture / Electro-Acupuncture, Cupping Therapy, TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation), Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Therapy, Athletic Taping, Exercise Rehabilitation, & MPS Dolphin Neurostim (All scars including C-Section Scar Release Treatment).

Approach to Care

Dr. Zemari strives to keep the patient’s lifestyle and present health at the centre of each interaction. Through active collaboration she provides her patients with the highest quality of care. She believes in the importance of helping her patients achieve optimal health through conservative pain management, exercise rehabilitation, and injury prevention.

Prenatal, Postpartum & Pediatric Care

Dr. Zemari invites you to bring your infant for an assessment so she can support you with challenges such as torticollis, plagiocephaly, breast or bottle feeding, and delayed developmental milestones and more.

Dr. Zemari works with her patients to ease pregnancy related discomforts. She uses the Webster Technique to establish alignment and balance in the pelvis to encourage optimal fetal positioning. She is passionate about providing care that allows for a quick and smooth labour and delivery.

A postnatal chiropractic visit will also aid in easing the discomfort placed on the muscles and joints while caring for your little. Dr. Zemari looks forward to being a part of her patients’ journey into motherhood by providing them the most comfortable prenatal and postnatal experience that protects the health of both the infant and the mother.

Dr. Zemari’s Qualifications include:

• Doctor of Chiropractic, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College

• Honours Bachelor of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa

• Contemporary Medical Acupuncture, McMaster University

• Member of the ICPA (International Chiropractic Paediatric Association)

• Webster Technique (Prenatal Care) Certified

• Advanced Pediatric Bootcamp & PIPS Intraoral Technique Certification

• DONA Trained Birth Doula

• DONA Trained Postpartum Doula

• Thompson Technique Course

• Maternal Education Program with Dr. Crystal Draper

• MPS Scar Release Therapy using the Dolphin Neurostim, to help release all types of scars including c-section scars

• GrowCo Postpartum Rehab (currently completing)

Randi Kepecs

Occupational Therapist and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)

M.Sc.OT, OT Reg. (Ont.)

Randi Kepecs is an Occupational Therapist and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant who has devoted her career to practicing in paediatrics; working with a wide variety of vulnerable populations including those who have, or are at risk for, delays in their development. Randi considers all areas of an infant or child’s development from a functional perspective.  She uses a fun, play-based approach to promote a child’s skills and independence, while coaching caregivers to feel confident in their abilities to support their children in their own environment; including the family home, child care, school, or out in the community. 

Randi has a deep passion for providing care and support to families in a holistic, inclusive, compassionate, and non-judgemental manner that meets a family where they are at and focuses on an individual’s strengths while working towards their own goals for optimal development.

Randi has always had a special interest in infant and child feeding, which grew exponentially after she gave birth to her first son; with whom she experienced many feeding challenges.  It was her own successful experience with International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) that inspired her to add lactation support to her own practice, in order to help families meet their own unique feeding goals.

Randi received a Specialized Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology in 2007 and a Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2010.  In 2019, following the birth of her second son, she began the journey towards certifying as an IBCLC. Randi completed her clinical placement at The International Breastfeeding Centre (Newman Breastfeeding Clinic) where she obtained over 500 hours working with hundreds of breast/chest feeding families. In 2021, Randi graduated from the Lactation Medicine program and passed the International Certification Exam in the spring of 2022.

Randi is registered in good standing with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario and holds memberships with the Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists and Ontario Association for Infant and Child Development.  Throughout her career, Randi has completed many trainings, certifications, and additional continuing education opportunities to update her skills, knowledge, and expertise, and she utilizes evidence-based best practices in her work.

Outside of her love for all things children and Occupational Therapy, Randi is a proud mother to two beautiful boys and her Golden Retriever, Wrangler. She enjoys spending free time with her wonderful husband, family and friends, watching movies, and eating delicious food!  Randi is thrilled to be a part of The WOMB Vaughan and loves supporting the community that is so close to her heart!

Christina Gouveia

Registered Massage Therapist

BA., CMTO, RMTAO

Christina proudly graduated from Sutherland Chan Massage School & Teaching Clinic in June 2011. In addition, Christina is also trained in Therapeutic Breast Massage therapy, Scar Tissue Release therapy and HydroTherapy.⁠

Christina’s treatment style includes moderate to deep tissue pressure, scalp massage, abdominal massage, which is key for anyone who sits for prolonged periods of time – dynamic passive relaxed myofascial release, dynamic stretching techniques and trigger point release.⁠

Christina is able to use Therapeutic Breast Massage to treat general breast/lymphatic circulation issues at any age including blocked breast milk ducts, any chest wall surgery, such as lumpectomy, breast reductions, augmentation, mastectomy, double mastectomy, reconstruction, pace maker, heart bypass surgery scars and more.⁠

She uses manual scar tissue release therapy to assess and manipulate the surrounding tissue, incorporating passive dynamic stretching. She also uses hydrotherapy such as paraffin wax and heat to achieve a better treatment outcome. So helpful for our Cesarean mamas!⁠

⁠Christina uses elements of Hydrotherapy in all her treatments such as hot and cold modalities to increase the tissue pliability and circulation. These consist of steam towels, heating pad, paraffin wax or hot stone for point specific heat treatments. She also incorporates cryotherapy with cold towel compresses or ice cubes- massaging dynamically to reduce inflammation, swelling & edema.⁠

⁠Christina aims to make patient care her top priority, reassessing at each treatment to ensure your goals are being achieved. ⁠

Pauline Pioro-Renard

Registered Massage Therapist

RMT, BSc., Kinesiology

Pauline is a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) with a focus on pregnancy and babies.

She received a BSc in Kinesiology from York University which serves as the foundation for her additional skills.

Pauline brings with her over 10 years of hands-on experience working with expectant families. Her career in childbirth began as a Birth Doula in 2011. Since then, she has helped hundreds of women prepare for childbirth by providing education, advocacy skills, and physical and emotional support throughout her clients’ pregnancies and births.

Pauline became a Registered Massage Therapist in 2017 after completing a two year program at the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy. She also completed the Trimesters Pregnancy Massage training, which included a placement at Sunnybrook Hospital in the High Risk Pregnancy Unit.

Pauline’s work with babies began in May 2021 when she received her certificate in Craniosacral Therapy with a specialization in infants from the Beames CST Training Centre.

Pauline’s earlier work was in Aquatics. Her most memorable experience from that era was providing therapeutic swim lessons to children at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital in Toronto.

When she is not working, Pauline and her husband keep busy with raising their kids who range in age from toddler to teenager. They enjoy the outdoors and serving their community year round.

Pauline was thrilled to join The WOMB Vaughan in 2020. Through her skills, experience, and collaboration with what she believes is an exceptional multidisciplinary team, she loves to help foster healing and wellness to The WOMB Vaughan community.

Liron Kvaterman

Pelvic Health Physiotherapist

Liron has always had an interest in pregnancy, labour and delivery, and postpartum care. These interests naturally transitioned into a passion for pelvic health physiotherapy while in school and during her clinical placements.

Liron has completed the Pelvic Health certification through Pelvic Health Solutions and continues to broaden and strengthen her knowledge and skills through continuing educational courses. Liron is highly motivated and inspired to continue her professional and clinical development in the specialty of women’s health. She strives to empower all women through all stages of life.

Liron completed her undergraduate degree in Biology at York University in 2018, followed by a Master’s in Physiotherapy in 2021 from Glasgow Caledonian University in the United Kingdom. She is excited to join the team as a resident physiotherapist!

Apart from physiotherapy, Liron loves Latin dance, being outdoors, cooking and dogs.

Mark Levine

Manual Therapist, Craniosacral Therapist

B.A., R.M.T.

Mark has been in practice since 1990 and has come to be widely recognized as a skilled and compassionate practitioner and teacher of craniosacral therapy and its related osteopathic manual practices of visceral manipulation, myofascial release, joint mobilization and matrix repatterning.

Mark’s strongest competencies with infants and children are the result of working with thousands of clients over the last 32 years.

Mark graduated Summa Cum Laude from McMaster University in 1988 with an Honours B.A. in Philosophy, plus most of a B.Sc., then graduated in 1990 from the Canadian College of Massage & Hydrotherapy.

Mark taught anatomy and physiology at the college, and developed and taught a course on self care for massage therapists. He then also assisted in teaching many of the craniosacral therapy courses for the Upledger Institute and the Cranial Therapy Centre with Robert Harris.

Mark is committed to lifelong learning by attending and teaching courses in osteopathic manual therapies (OMT) such as Craniosacral Therapy, Strain/Counterstrain,  Myofascial Release, Fascial Trains, Visceral Manipulation, Muscle Energy Techniques, Joint Mobilization, Applied Kinesiology, Neuromuscular Therapy, Ergonomics, SomatoEmotional Release,  Psychotherapeutic Bodywork, Progressive Muscle Relaxation, Therapeutic Touch, Pediatric Therapy, Working with Special Children, and Patient Active Treatment Approaches.  Most recently he completed a year long practitioner course in Matrix Repatterning with Dr. George Roth.

In the past Mark has practiced with Dr. Robert Gatis, N.D. and Dr. Christopher Hassell, M.D.   Mark also designed, built, owned and was Clinical Director for 7 years of  Wellspring Therapeutics, a multidisciplinary clinic in Newmarket, Ontario offering craniosacral therapy, massage therapy, art therapy, psychotherapy and biofeedback.

Mark is also a writer with numerous published articles, and a teacher of courses and workshops to both the therapeutic community and to general audiences.

Mark has been on the faculty of Centennial College, having developed and taught the craniosacral curriculum for the Holistic Practitioner / Complementary Care Program.

Mark lectured to and served as editor and language advisor to the board of the International Functional Association – IFUNA – an organization concerned with functional orthodontics.

Mark is a member of the Ontario Massage Therapist Association (OMTA), the International Association of Healthcare Practitioners (IAHP), the American Craniosacral Therapy Association (ACTA), and has been a Registered Massage Therapist (R.M.T.) since 1990.

Mark has two grown up daughters and two grandsons :), and is an avid outdoors enthusiast and adventure cyclist.

Adriana Spassova

Pelvic Health Physiotherapist

Adriana Spassova graduated from Queens University where she completed her Masters of Physiotherapy in 2012. She has worked as an Orthopaedic therapist treating a variety of musculoskeletal injuries with the end goal of improving overall health and strength as well as optimizing individual performance.

During her own pregnancy, she saw a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist which sparked an interest to pursue training in pelvic floor physiotherapy.

Adriana has a passion in treating pre and post-natal patients who suffer from pelvic floor dysfunctions. Adriana is committed to providing the highest quality of care to her patients by integrating evidence-based practice with her clinical experience. Her goal is to help women gain back their core strength and regain control over their pelvic floor muscles.

She believes in implementing highly individualized treatment plans and relies on manual therapy, soft tissue release, exercise prescription, and patient education to help her clients achieve their therapeutic goal.

During her spare time Adriana enjoys working out, skiing (in the winter), travelling, spending quality time with her daughter and husband and enjoying the outdoors!

Rugina Otobo

Postpartum Doula

Rugina is excited to be part of The WOMB team as a Postpartum Doula.  Rugina especially loves working with families for overnight care.  She also has a lot of experience helping support sleep for the entire family.

Rugina is an International Medical Graduate working towards her certification in Canada and hopes to enter Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Her professional understanding, love of babies, and being a mom as well, all give her an in-depth understanding of the process of welcoming a new baby into the home and the extra love, care and support required. She is honoured to help you navigate, transition smoothly and settle into your amazing new role as a parent.

Monica Guo

Registered Massage Therapist

Monica Guo is an empathetic and skilled Registered Massage Therapist in Ontario with expertise in Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, reflexology and acupressure. 

She is focused on therapeutic massage to aid in pain management and approaches every patient with a tailored treatment plan to resolve any pain and discomfort.

Monica is also a Registered Acupuncturist and Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner in Ontario. 

Her focus is on treating the fascia with acupuncture needles to release tension and pain.

Monica’s healing journey from chronic pain is what motivates her in her practice to help others achieve optimal health and wellness.

Sajida Habib

Registered Massage Therapist

Sajida is a Registered Massage Therapist who uses many different modalities while treating her clients. She is passionate about helping women in their journeys throughout their lives.

Sajida has advanced training in Craniosacral therapy including Somato emotional release and Pediatric craniosacral 1. She is training in Visceral therapy  Sajida also uses Ayurvedic massage, Neuromeningeal manipulation and Kinesiotaping when needed. Sajida has taken many self awareness courses and is a Journey graduate. Sajida is also currently pursuing  training in Neuro-coaching. 

Sajida is the founder of Salaam Foundation, which helps single mothers and their children with mental health. 

Sajida enjoys reading and spending time with friends and family, including her three boys.

Meri Sha

Registered Massage Therapist

Meri is a Registered Massage Therapist who graduated from Oxford College.

Meri offers a wide variety of massage such as deep tissue massage, Prenatal massage, Swedish massage, hot stone massage, and is also trained as a Thai Massage Therapist. 

She is very excited to be part of The WOMB Vaughan team!

Kellie Belcourt

Communicative Disorders Assistant

Kellie Belcourt is a Communicative Disorders Assistant who received her Undergraduate Degree in Child and Youth Studies from Brock University as well as her Communicative Disorders Assistant Certificate from Georgian College.

Kellie has a variety of experience working with children and adults of all ages and skill levels, both 1:1 and in groups. She has worked in several different settings within the speech and language field including children with various articulation, motor speech and language difficulties, stroke or Acquired Brain Injury rehabilitation in hospitals, private practice, CDA mentorship as well as in-home ABA and speech and language services.

Kellie has a strong passion for working with individuals with complex communication needs, including Autism and other developmental delays, in which she helps them in reaching their full communication potential. Her interests extend into the areas of articulation, language, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, pre-language skills, rehabilitation and literacy.

Kim Nielson

Birth and Postpartum Doula

Kim is a passionate and intuitive birth and postpartum doula, wife and mom of three beautiful children. With a background in psychology she believes strongly in supporting the mental health of pregnant and postpartum people and that her role as a doula is pivotal. She respects the decisions of the birthing and postpartum person and always provides support in a loving, non judgemental way. She uses her knowledge and experience to help empower her clients and foster informed consent.

Having had a planned VBAC2 (vaginal birth after two cesareans), Kim is especially passionate about supporting birthing people in their decision to choose a vaginal birth after cesarean and navigating all of the decisions, planning and emotional support that it requires.

Kim has completed her birth and postpartum doula training through CAPPA and completed the Birth Doula Program Apprenticeship at Markham Stouffville hospital.

Harper Gunn

Postpartum Doula

Harper is a Postpartum Doula who has received training through DONA International. She is also a third year Nursing student working to complete her Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Throughout her life she has always loved caring for young children and infants! This passion was further developed while working in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Working in this environment taught her about caring for the smallest among us while assisting parents through stressful and uncertain times. Through this experience she learned the immense importance of family centred education and personalized support in the postpartum period.

As a Postpartum Doula Harper is excited about empowering families of all shapes and sizes through compassionate care, education and support.

Brittney Norman

Birth and Postpartum Doula

​​Brittney is a trained Birth and Postpartum Doula as well as a Breastfeeding counsellor. ⁠

Her ultimate goal is to support and educate new parents and families, and help integrate a newborn into your home and lives. 

From a young age Brittney has always been very passionate about childbirth and babies. She has been blessed to have supported those around her having babies throughout the years. She absolutely loves being able to help during such an incredible time in people’s lives as they adjust to parenthood. ⁠

⁠Brittney considers her role to be about making your experience beautiful and as stress free as possible, whether it be your first child or fifth. She recognizes that not all aspects of being a parent of a newborn are easy and as flawless as the movies portray, but that’s why she loves supporting families through this new and exciting time.

Stephanie De Marchi

Client Care Coordinator

Stephanie is a Nutrition and Food Graduate from Ryerson University, with a specialization in Food Security and Preventative Healthcare. She is passionate about studying nutrition patterns and practices related to young children, and plans to pursue additional education to specialize in Pediatric Nutrition. ⁠

Throughout her studies, she has worked multiple positions in customer service and hospitality, focused on creating excellent client experiences.⁠⁠

Stephanie has a passion for developing healthy relationships and habits with food from a young⁠ age through education, reflective conversation and by incorporating fun into cooking. ⁠

Working in a variety of healthcare settings, her diverse experience has enabled her to care for patients, clients and students of all ages. She has worked with Clinical Nutrition at Markham Stouffville Hospital and Revera Retirement Centre, delivering one-on-one personalized patient care. She was also the Community Nutrition Coordinator for young children attending after-school⁠ programs, designing and facilitating nutrition education and cooking programs.⁠

In her spare time, Stephanie enjoys discovering the flavours of the world through travel, gardening, developing new recipes and creating meals that bring families and conversations together. She loves to learn new languages, play team sports, and explore new corners of our Mother Earth.⁠

Stephanie believes that everyone should have access to equitable, quality and sustainable integrative healthcare. ⁠

She is excited to welcome you to The WOMB Vaughan Centre and connect you with the best practitioners and services for you and your family!

Jasmine Santiago

Care Coordinator

After graduating with her Bachelor of Science from the University of Waterloo in 2017, Jasmine began her career at one of the local children’s treatment centres working as clinical administration. After working with several therapists and learning pieces of their practice, Jasmine was inspired by the dedication and compassion within the rehabilitative science practitioner community and d