Therapeutic Approach Health Centre

Yoga

Michael Munro B.Sc.P.T., CIYI, MCPA

Mike has been working in the field of Physiotherapy since 1993 and has been a Certified Interdisciplinary Yoga Instructor since 1998. Mike is currently a registered physiotherapist and offers physio-yoga services to him clients. His background is extremely beneficial in allowing individuals with physical symptoms or limitations the best possible entry into yoga. Mike is active in teaching weekly yoga and meditation classes at the studio. Additionally, Mike is the main driving force behind the 200 hour and the 500 hour yoga teacher training programs run through Therapeutic Approach Yoga Studio.

Massage Therapy

Hillary Pitts, RMT

Hillary graduated from ICT Northumberland College of Massage Therapy in 2001 where she trained in Swedish Massage Techniques. During her studies she received specialized training in Myofascial release. Continuing her education after graduation, Hillary has taken a course in Deep Tissue Massage Therapy, as well as some independent study in Aromatherapy. Hillary is a Member of the Massage Therapy Association of Nova Scotia.

Elizabeth Roper RMT (honors), Osteopathy Student (5th year)

Liz Roper has been a practicing massage therapist for five years. During this time she has also been studying at The Canadian College of Osteopathy, and is currently working on her Thesis to complete the program. Her training included, Cranial Osteopathy, myofascial techniques, muscle energy techniques and Visceral manipulation. Liz Roper is an honors graduate of Northumberland College for Massage Therapy and was the recipient of the award for Clinical Excellence and Professionalism.

Francine Wright, RMT (honors), MLD/CDT Therapist, Osteopathy student

Francine graduated with honors from Halifax's ICT Northumberland College in 2001 then immediately continued her education in Dr. Vodder's Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Combined Decongestive Therapy in Victoria, B.C. Most recently she has taken Level 1 in Craniosacral Therapy and is enrolled as a student at the Canadian College of Osteopathy.

Francine was the owner of All Points Massage Therapy in Halifax and Mahone Bay from 2001 to 2009. Her many years in practice has provided her with extensive experience in the assessment and treatment of many different conditions. Her constant strive for continuing education gives her a vast array of tools and techniques to design the most beneficial treatment plan for her patients.

Psychology

Angela MacKay, M.Sc., Psychologist, Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy Practitioner

Angela MacKay, M.Sc. specializes in child psychology, but also works with adolescents, individuals, and families in the Halifax area. She has worked with a variety of people in diverse mental health settings, including hospitals, the private sector, and abroad in Asia. Angela has experience in counselling the following areas of concern: depression, anxiety, anger management, eating disorders/body image, trauma, behaviour difficulties, self-esteem, addictions, parenting, family conflicts, gay/lesbian/bisexual issues, and communication skills.

 Angela obtained her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Acadia University and went on to complete her Masters of Science in Clinical Psychology at the University of Calgary. She is enthusiastic about her work and creatively draws from both Eastern and Western traditions. Angela also completed training in The Energetics of Mind/Body Healing: Science and Practice, Logosynthesis, and Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy. Angela engages in formal study and practice of yoga, Qigong, and Tibetan Buddhist meditation. She is a member of the Association of Psychologists of Nova Scotia, and is a Registered Psychologist with the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology.

Acupuncture /Omega Health Testing

Karen Ritchie B.S., M.S. Oriental Medicine, L.Ac.

Karen Ritchie is a graduate of the four year program at Southwest Acupuncture College in Santa Fe, New Mexico, receiving her Masters Degree in Oriental Medicine. Karen also passed the exams necessary to receive a Diploma in Acupuncture from the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). Karen established Omega Health Associates in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1995. She has tested over 5,000 individuals using the Omega AcuBase program and has found this to be an invaluable tool for helping others find out about their health concerns. For the past 30 years, Karen has had a passion for educating and empowering others within the framework of integrative medicine, including - nutrition, energetic medicine and meditation. It is her firm belief that the person ultimately heals themselves.

Psychotherapy / Counselling Psychotherapy

Elizabeth Berlasso, Certified Canadian Counsellor, MEd, CCC, NSRPC

Ms. Berlasso has worked in the field of counseling and psychotherapy for over a decade both in private practice and for a variety of community support agencies. Following completion of the Professional Training for Healthcare Professionals in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) at Omega Institute in 1997 she developed the BodyMind Awareness Program. She has also completed the Teacher Development Intensive Program in MBSR at the Centre for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care and Society at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Elizabeth is actively presenting workshops on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction locally.

In addition to working at the Nova Scotia Environmental Health Centre, Elizabeth sees clients privately for counseling and psychotherapy from an emotion-focused perspective for issues related to lifestyle management, psychological trauma, anxiety and depression, and coping strategies related to managing the stress of illness.

Elizabeth is a Certified Canadian Counsellor, and is a member of the Nova Scotia Association of Professional Counsellors. She maintains active training and practice in meditation, yoga, qigong and therapeutic touch.

Other related websites to mindfulness-based stress reduction:

• www.umassmed.edu/cfm
• www.vsa.cape.com/jkzinn

Naturopathic Medicine

Sandra Murphy B.Sc. (Biochemistry), ND

Sandra is a graduate of The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM), a fully-accredited 4-year, full-time professional program in Toronto. She graduated as a recipient of the Presidents Letter for Outstanding Achievement in Asian Medicine Specialty. Sandra is licensed to practice in regulated provinces after completing the comprehensive Naturopathic Licencing Examinations (NPLEX) administred by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners (NABNE) in Oregon. Naturopathic education includes the basic and clinical sciences common to all medical training but also includes studies of holistic and nontoxic approaches to therapy with a strong emphasis on disease prevention and optimizing wellness. Sandra also holds a BSc (Four-year Advanced Major) in Biochemistry from Dalhousie University and previously worked in R&D for MedMira Laboratoires in Halifax developing Rapid Diagnositic testing in the fields of Breast and Prostate Cancer.

Through her residency training, public speaking and working alongside many different types of patients Sandra has had the opportunity to see a variety of conditions affecting person's of all ages.

Nutritional Consulting

Penny Ormsbee
RHN, RNCP, Registered Holistic Nutritional Consultant

Penny graduated from the Natural Nutrition Program at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition. She is a member of the International Organization of Nutritional Consultants and is a contributor to their monthly newsletter. Penny has a special interest in hypothyroidism, digestive disorders, weight loss, nutrient deficiencies, women's health, and the impact of stress on the body.

Penny teaches nutrition and business courses at the Halifax branch of the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition. She also holds monthly wellness lectures throughout the HRM while promoting an integrative approach to wellness. Penny is a columnist for The Source magazine and has written several magazine articles. Penny offers one-on-one nutritional consultations as well as computerized food and environmental sensitivity testing using the BioMeridian screening system. Penny is passionate about her work and is committed to helping her clients and students reach their goals.