Birth Doula

The WOMB (World of my Baby) Vaughan is a multidisciplinary, collaborative, integrative health centre specifically focused on pre & post-natal care as well as babies and families.

The right candidate will be warm, nurturing, and client focused with a love for babies. They will be certified as a Birth Doula (DONA or CAPPA or equivalent) and have experience with attending births in hospital, home, and helping clients to establish birth plans and preferences.

Other responsibilities may include…

Knowledgeable care for mom/parent(s), providing both emotional and physical support (non-medical).
Client education – breathing techniques, birthing positions, birth plan
Empowering partners to be a part of the birthing process
Continuous support in home or hospital throughout labour and birth
Breastfeeding support if applicable when baby arrives
May include additional comfort measures such as tens machine, robozo, etc
Preparation and organizational support
Refer clients to the appropriate care provider if any areas of concern are noticed
Phone and email support as needed
On call leading up to estimated due date

Other duties are to be discussed with client at time of contract signing

This is a part-time contractor position with the ability to build your desired caseload.

Reliable form of transportation is required as the role involves travelling to clients’ homes and hospital.

To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to info@thewombvaughan.ca

Pediatric Physiotherapist

The WOMB (World of my Baby) Vaughan is a multidisciplinary, collaborative, integrative health centre specifically focused on pre & post-natal care as well as babies and families.

We are currently seeking a Pediatric Physiotherapist to join our team! We are going into a busy time of year and looking for someone to start ASAP!

The right candidate will be warm, nurturing, energetic/friendly, and client focused with a love of working with babies and children. Specific pediatric training and experience preferred. Training/shadowing/mentoring could be available for the right candidate. Must be in good standing with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.

Part time (2-3 days/ week) with the ability to create your own schedule. Ideal schedule will include either a Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday.

We offer the following:
– Full time client care team DAILY to book clients, answer questions, and process payments
– Beautiful, home-like, clean clinic
– Air purifier in the room
– Level 3 medical masks available upon request (not required unless preferred by client) and all cleaning supplies provided
– Jane booking system
– Online charting
– Social media presence
– Prime opportunity to make a name for yourself in this market and grow your practice in a collaborative team environment including other Pediatric practices such as SLPs, OTs, Chiropractors, and more!

To apply, please send your resume and cover letter telling us why you would be a great fit for this position to info@thewombvaughan.ca

Carly Snyders

Baby Massage, Baby Yoga, and Pilates Instructor

My name is Carly Snyders. I have been working with children ages newborn til 15 years and Postpartum parents for nearly 20 years now. I worked in an international school as a TA first. The past few years I have shifted my focus to teaching Baby Massage, Baby Yoga (& Milestones), and Postnatal Pilates.

Having settled back in Canada in 2022 after 10 years in the UK, I was surprised to see the lack of activities for parents with small babies. I am so excited to be able to share my classes here in Canada. I started up classes in the Georgian Bay Area and now I’m so happy to be able to offer my classes in the GTA!

Jaquie Dason

Postpartum Doula

Jaquie Dason is a Postpartum Doula who received training through CAPPA, she is also a New Parent Educator and Infant Sleep Consultant. Jaquie’s own postpartum experience drove her to support new parents. Her entrance into motherhood was not at all what she expected. She was absolutely overjoyed but also felt completely overwhelmed, exhausted and alone. As she experienced her first and second postpartum journeys, her personal growth as a mother led her to recognize her passion for supporting moms through this stage of life.

Jaquie focuses on the mother-baby dyad and offers compassionate support and guidance to new parents and families during the first few weeks or months after the birth of their baby. Her goal is to help new parents make a smooth transition to life with a baby and provide them with the support and confidence they need to thrive during this special and challenging time.

Chantelle Colwill

Client Care Team

My name is Chantelle and I am a Medical Office Administrator graduate from Medix College. I’ve always aspired to helping others and being the point of contact with clients. I am a mother of 4 amazing children which allows me to relate heavily to the ins and outs of everything that TheWOMB provides. I instantly was drawn to this clinic and its nurturing environment. I have always been passionate in helping families with their fertility/pregnancy/postpartum journey. Prior to TheWOMB I worked at Lawrence Bathurst X-ray and ultrasound where I gained a lot of experience providing the utmost care towards clients. I am extremely excited to begin working with TheWOMB and getting to know the staff and clients. In my spare time I enjoy going for walks, baking, and of course spending quality time with my children.

Deidre Montague

Yoga Instructor

Deidre “Dee” Montague is a yoga instructor who loves sharing her passion for yoga with others. She discovered yoga as a way to support her mental health and well-being, and she decided to become a teacher to help others do the same. Dee’s prenatal classes are designed to nurture the physical and mental health of pregnant mamas/bodies.

Dee also teaches parent/baby yoga classes, which are a great way for new parents to bond with their babies, relax, and have fun. Dee has also completed a 95hr kids yoga training, which covered yoga for infants right through to teens. Dee enjoys introducing babies to some gentle yoga poses and movements during some of the parent/baby classes.

Dee’s most important goal is to create a community that honours diversity and inclusion. She is looking forward to meeting you!

Nicole Switzer

Postpartum Doula

The beginning of motherhood was not what Nicole had pictured. Her own birth and postpartum experience led her to want to help and support other mothers. Her baby spent time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and it was very hard on her to be away from her son for so long which led to her feeling very alone, isolated, and overwhelmed. Nicole’s experience in the NICU is what led her to want to assist parents through what can be a very difficult time

Nicole is a very caring, compassionate and understanding Postpartum Doula who received training through DONA international. Nicole is
excited to support and empower new parents and assist with integrating a newborn into their home.

Kristyn Apothecary

Sleep Coach

Kristyn (she/her) has been practicing in the world of sleep medicine since 2010. Over the years she has found working with infants & children to be her passion.

Having earned the designations of Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT- Sleep Tech), Certification in Clinical Sleep Health (CCSH), Infant Mental Health, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy- Insomnia (CBT-I), as well as her certification in Pediatric Sleep by the BRPT. She is currently completing the Baby-Led Sleep & Well-Being Specialist course & the Breastfeeding course (through Mohawk College).

With years of experience working directly with physicians, parents & patients, she has provided compassionate & family-centered care. In sharing knowledge with families about normal sleep, breastfeeding & co-sleeping she wants to ensure that they feel supported to make decisions that are best for their unique family.

The sleep support methods incorporate contact, closeness, being supportive & responsive. The approach fosters a secure attachment relationship & connection that extends beyond sleep; to an empowered parenting journey where you feel supported in following your instincts & choices. Sleep support is unique, holistic & comprehensive.

In her spare time, she enjoys being with family & her beloved dog, Lexy. She is also an avid reader & enjoys traveling when she can. Catching a sunset, going to a concert, or learning a new instrument are some of her favorite things!

Kristyn looks forward to helping you feel confident & supported along your little one’s journey to a better night’s rest.

Zakira Saleh

Fertility Doula

The process of trying to conceive can be overwhelming and many couples/individuals don’t know where to begin.As a Fertility Doula, Zakira is here to support you on your journey to Parenthood.
Whether you are starting out with natural conception by using the Fertility Awareness Method, or seeing a Fertility Specialist by using Assisted Reproductive Technology (IUI,IVF) she is here to help you feel empowered on your fertility journey.She will guide you by determining your Fertile Window, as well as clarify results, medications, and any new diagnosis. Her passion for fertility comes from both personal, as well as professional experience.She has worked with an OBGYN for almost 10 years and went through fertility treatments (IVF) to conceive her son. She has also experienced recurrent pregnancy losses which allows her to understand the pain that comes with a miscarriage(s). She will work as your guide, support person, and mentor on your path to parenthood and provide you with emotional support as needed.

Alicia Mandel

Psychotherapist

Alicia holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the CRPO (College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario).

Alicia is trained and informed by different therapeutic approaches, such as Internal Family Systems, Emotion-Focused therapy, psychodynamic and Acceptance, and Somatic-based therapies. She provides a safe space for clients to explore and work through the issues they bring to therapy, whether they’re struggling with depression, anxiety, grief, postpartum or relationship issues.

Alicia’s goal is for the clients to gain a better understanding of themselves and their struggles as well as to provide the skills and tools necessary to help her clients progress in and outside of therapy.

Elena Cartier

Elena Cartier is a Registered Massage Therapist and Osteopathic Manual Therapist

Elena Cartier is a Registered Massage Therapist and Osteopathic Manual Therapist. An impassioned professional with leading interpersonal skills, Elena’s career has seen her distinguish herself across numerous roles as a rare and engaging healing practitioner.

Having spent the earliest years of her career seeking to build up expertise across a wide variety of fields, Elena today enjoys a reputation of a veteran’s experience mixed with a contemporary understanding of modern practice and healing. As a result, Elena’s clients enjoy the benefits of first-class expertise in her field interwoven with an understanding of how to tailor treatment and care to the individual personally using the treatment advantages in CranioSacral Therapy, Visceral Manipulation Techniques and Unique massage with hot steam balls.

In particular, Elena prides herself on treating a client in a way that sees beyond the physical body alone and looks deeper to try and find connection and engagement and to help on an emotional and mental level. Throughout each and every patient treatment is an ethos that serves as Elena’s guiding star: “I don’t like to just cure a problem – I instead prefer to cure the problem and the reason behind it.” This has been Elena’s daily mission for almost 13 years and continues to serve as her inspiration each and every day.

Penina Haboucha

Registered Massage Therapist & Beautician

Penina got her certification in skincare at Tiffany School of Advanced Aesthetics as well as a diploma in Registered Massage Therapy at Pharma Medical Science College. Her passion is to help others look and feel their best.

As a facialist, Penina has honed her skills in providing gentle and effective facial treatments. She specializes in customizing treatments to each client’s unique skin type and concerns, using the highest quality products and techniques to deliver effective results.

Whether you’re looking to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, clear up acne, or simply pamper yourself with a luxurious facial, Penina has the skills and experience to leave you feeling your best.

Her knowledge of massage therapy also allows her to offer a holistic approach to skincare, incorporating relaxation and stress relief techniques to promote overall wellness.

With her warm and friendly demeanor, Penina strives to create a welcoming and comfortable environment for her clients to relax and enjoy a personalized experience that leaves them feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

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!

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.

Aibhne Stranks

Lactation Consultant

IBCLC

Aibhne, or AJ, (pronounced Aiv-nee, an old Irish Gaelic name meaning “river”), is an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant, and is on a mission to make breastfeeding support more accessible to families who need it. She most commonly sees families to resolve issues like slow infant weight gain, decreased milk supply, pain or discomfort when breastfeeding, sore or damaged nipples, and babies having difficulty maintaining a latch, or who are not yet latching. She has worked in diverse situations, such as with premature, sick infants, surrogacy, adoption, induced lactation, tandem nursing, breast refusal, blocked ducts, engorgement and mastitis, as well as breastfeeding twins & multiples, and more. Aibhne offers preparatory prenatal breastfeeding consultations, and also teaches fun Prenatal & Postnatal Breastfeeding Classes.

Aibhne is a member of the International Lactation Consultants Association (ILCA), Canadian Lactation Consultants Association (CLCA), and Lamaze International, and serves as a volunteer on the publications team for ILCA. She completed her Honours Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Guelph in Biomedical Sciences and Neuroscience, and then went on to study at the Centre for Breastfeeding Education in the Lactation Medicine Programme. She had the honour of working with a group of world-renowned breastfeeding specialist pediatricians and lactation consultant mentors, while seeing families during her clinical training at the International Breastfeeding Centre.

Aibhne believes that compassionate and sensitive support in healthcare is essential to the safety and well-being of our children and families. In her appointments and classes, she meets you where you are on your journey and provides personalized, supportive guidance, assessments and family care plans absolutely free of judgement. She uses practical, real life, evidence-based techniques and solutions-focused approaches and education. She is an advocate for informed self-determination in pregnancy and childbirth, and loves working with families to reinvent and empower their breastfeeding relationships.

At home with her daughter Sage, she enjoys creating fun projects in their studio & garden, and exploring the piano. She is the proud owner with her partner of Heart of the Woods Soap Shop, where they create self-care routine gift sets for changing bodies in pregnancy & postpartum, and beautiful bar soaps made for sensitive skin.

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