The WOMB Burlington

Angie Stenback

Director

Founders

Angie Stenback is a woman who is inspired by nature, who is passionate about everything she does, and who seeks to inspire the world. It is why she spends most days working alongside an amazing team of experts and leaders in fertility, pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period at The WOMB^™. Her goal is to facilitate in each and every team member a desire to create an environment that is healing, loving and supportive.

Before becoming a birth and postnatal doula in 2006, Angie received her Hons Bachelor of Physical and Health Education from the University of Toronto. She became a pre- and post-natal fitness trainer working with FitMom^™ in Toronto and then started her own baby and me fitness program called Mommy Bootcamp. Angie was also the driving force behind both orthopaedic research, and a wellness initiative and program at a Toronto hospital for 5 years.

After the birth of her 2^nd son, Angie felt inspired to give more of herself to birth work and so trained as a birth doula through DONA International, lactation educator and childbirth educator. She has had the privilege to have received the mentorship of such notables as Pam England and Virginia Bobro (Birthing from Within^™), Jennifer Elliott (HypnoBirthing^™) and Gena Kirby (Rebozo techniques). Angie, with her business partner, Lorri then went on to first found Halton Doula Group in 2007 and then The WOMB in 2014 where Angie takes on the financial, policies and procedures role and especially loves the new, creative projects entrusted in her care.

Angie has birthed 5 children and has been married to her husband, Troy since 1999. If you don’t see Angie at The WOMB^™, you will find her driving her kiddos around to hockey, dance or film school, hiking with her pup through the woods or reading a book.

Lorri Fleming

Director

Founders

Lorri Fleming has a deep interest in nature, travel, health, personal growth and fostering deep connections to family and friends. She knows the importance of connecting to those core values in order to live an inspired life. As a Founder, Co-owner and Director of The WOMB: The World Of My Baby Inc. Lorri loves leading The WOMB culture, communication and marketing initiatives.

Lorri and Scott have been married since 1992 and they are proud parents to their now adult children, Cole (wife Moriah) and Kyra. Her background before becoming a Birth/Postnatal Doula and Parent Educator was coaching wellness and hospitality based companies how to offer an exemplary customer experience to their clients. Her consulting company, Divine Connections offered seminars and coaching across Canada.

Lorri’s long time dream has been to build and run a successful, collaborative wellness company. To help unite a dream team of healthcare professionals who are all passionate about fertility, pregnancy, birth, parenting and self growth. This dream became a reality when she and her business partner Angie Stenback, opened The WOMB in 2014 and this team started working synergistically all under one roof. The dream has now expanded to help more families flourish. Coaching and Mentoring the wholeness centres that now nurture, love and inspire their communities is the most fulfilling part of her role.

Every community and every family deserves The WOMB.

Emma Smith

General Manager

Administration

Emma is the General Manager at both the Milton and Burlington locations, starting with us in 2017 as a member of our Care Team. Having come from a background as a health care professional, Emma is well versed in understanding the needs of clients and practitioners alike. Her shift in focus came as a result of knowing she enjoyed getting to know and talk with every client who came through the door. Emma loves babies and children, and is a mother to her own happy and silly little girl. Ensuring people are well taken care of brings her great joy, and she is always ready with a welcoming smile and bright "Hello!". In her spare time, Emma loves to bake yummy treats to share with friends and family, dabbling in cake decorating, and has an annual Christmas baking day with her sister-in-law.

Samantha Brown

Human Resources Coordinator + Assistant Manager

Administration

Hi! My name is Samantha and I am the Human Resources Coordinator at The WOMB . I am a wife and mother of two energetic toddlers and one fur baby. I have worked in the health and wellness industry as a physiotherapy assistant ⁠and customer service representative for the last 5+ years.⁠
⁠
Two years ago I decided to pursue my human resource certificate in the hopes of using this within the health and wellness industry. During my second pregnancy I was a client at The WOMB and fell in love with the people and the environment, leaving me with the impression that there is ⁠no better place to use my work experience and passion for helping others than at The WOMB.⁠

CJ Pritchard

Care Team

Administration

Hello, my name is CJ Pritchard. I'm one of the many faces you see when you first walk into the Burlington and sometimes the Milton sites.
I come from a line of caregiving and health positions in my work history. I live by the motto "Teach Peace". I was a client of The WOMB before there was a physical location and knew that one day I needed to be a part of The WOMB team.

I'm very happy to serve clients knowing in my heart that we have so much love and knowledge amongst the staff and providers here, it makes my heart smile everyday I'm at The WOMB.

I'm a mother of two beautiful girls ages 7 and 9. I love to teach Yoga as well to all my own mom friends I've met over the years and I can't resist a night out on the town to dance until I simply can't anymore.

Blessings CJ

Natasha Sproule

Child minder + Baby snuggler

Administration

Hello, My name is Natasha. I'm joining The WOMB team as the Child Minder. 

I have been working with children for over 15 years as a dance teacher; specializing in pre-school programming and, as an ECA, working with children as young as 18 months.

I am also a wife and a mom to two school-aged girls, who like to keep me on my toes. 

I look forward to getting to know the children and the parents of The WOMB. 

Abby Cussons

Care Team

Administration

Hi! My name is Abby and I am a member of the Care Team at The WOMB Burlington. I am a graduate of the University of Guelph with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Psychology which allowed me to follow my passion into paediatric mental health and developmental disorders! I'm currently pursuing graduate education in Autism & Behavioural Sciences and hope to one day continue on to studying a Masters in Counselling. 

I don't have any kids myself but I love them! I've known pretty much my whole life that I've wanted to work with young kids and families and help them grow into being their happiest and healthiest selves. This is why I am thrilled to be a part of such a positive and diverse team of caring providers who do just that!

I can't wait to welcome you all and be a part of your journey at The WOMB!

Sophie McLeod

Marketing Coordinator

Administration

Sophie Lea McLeod is a mommy, business owner, and performer. She is thrilled to be joining the WOMB's marketing team after having such a wonderful experience attending The WOMB while pregnant with her second of two crazy boys; Wyatt and Beau. Sophie is a musical theatre performer who owns Innovative Arts and The Innovative Academy for the Dramatic Arts, an Oakville based performing arts studio and part-time private arts high school respectively. The highlight of Sophie's career was performing as a dancer in a production of Mamma Mia while carrying her son Wyatt at 7 months pregnant! Sophie is excited to bring her business and digital marketing experience to The WOMB, and to connect with all of the amazing families, practitioners, and staff in The WOMB commUNITY!

Dr. Ashley Petrina

BSc (Hons), DC

Chiropractor

Dr. Ashley Petrina has been a practicing Chiropractor since 2011, after graduating from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic School (CMCC) in Toronto. Prior to that she attended Brock University, where she completed an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Health Sciences. Dr. Ashley is passionate about helping her clients obtain optimal health and functionality in order to achieve a fuller quality of life and is a true believer healing from the inside out. She has worked with individuals of all ages and in all stages of life, although has always had a special interest in women’s health and in pre and post natal care. As a mother of three beautiful children, her life experiences have also allowed her to grow an even great passion in pediatric chiropractic. She is continuing to expand her skill base in the field of pediatric chiropractic, spending a vast majority of her continuing education in that area of study. Dr. Ashley is committed to continuing education and patient education, as she believes knowledge is empowering and pivotal to people understanding their bodies and all of its innate potential.

Outside of Chiropractic, Dr. Ashley loves spending time outdoors, travelling and living an active lifestyle with her family and friends. She also enjoys cooking and gardening.

Dr. Jessica Santos

DC, ICPA

Chiropractor

Dr. Jessica Santos is a family chiropractor, whose passion lies in working with aspiring, expecting or postnatal mamas, as well as ALL the babes she can possibly handle! While she loves to serve practice members of all ages, she has always held a special love for working with families through the common challenges of pregnancy, parenthood, infancy & childhood – and encouraging families to be able to optimize their life experiences and reach their true potential through chiropractic care.  It is her experience as an 'almost lifetime' chiropractic patient being adjusted from the age of 3, that inspired her to become a Chiropractor herself.

 After completing undergraduate work in Psychology & Kinesiology at both Ryerson & York Universities respectively, she completed her post-graduate degree as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in 2017 from Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC). She has completed multiple additional qualification courses through the ICPA (International Chiropractic Pediatric Association), most notably being her Webster Certification designed to support optimal neurological function and structural alignment throughout mama's pregnancy, and to encourage baby's innate impulse and ability to get into an ideal position for birth. She is also certified, and has extensive experience working with the PIPS (Pediatric Intraoral Palate Specific) technique and associated bodywork, which is intended to identify and treat suspected or confirmed intraoral dysfunction related to tethered oral tissues (such as tongue tie and lip tie), TMJD, and poor tongue function (both pre and post revision). Her work with infants has allowed her to gain a wide-ranging familiarity working with infants with both common and uncommon infancy and childhood complaints, ranging from colic, reflux and torticollis – to retained primitive reflexes, cerebral palsy, and neurodivergent conditions. Most recently, Dr. Jess has become a Certified Pre and Post Natal Coach (CPPC), allowing her to foster another passion of raising the standard of care for mamas after birth (and beyond) by showing them how to properly regain strength and rebuild their bodies safely and effectively after carrying, birthing and raising their minis.

 Dr. Jess has two little girls of her own, which have inspired her to become passionate about researching, developing, and advocating for true informed choice and freedom through pregnancy, birthing, and child-raising experiences. She strongly attributes her incredible experience throughout pregnancy and birth, as well as her continued family wellness, to routine chiropractic care. She prioritizes continued education to grow her knowledge base, to be able to educate her practice members and her community about our body's innate potential and emphasizes the importance of collaborative care to better serve the families of her community.

 In her spare time, Dr. Jess loves spending quality time with her family and friends, as well as travelling, swimming, paddleboarding, & learning about anything related to life span nutrition, fostering immune function, or natural and chemical-free parenting. She is an ocean lover, is obsessed with pasta, loves playing and watching multiple sports, and loves to meet new people – so don't hesitate to come and say hi! 

Kaili Ets

OT

Occupational Therapists, Sleep Consultants

Kaili is a mama of two, an entrepreneur, a digital course creator, natural wellness guru, & founder of Kaili Ets Family Wellness. She is on a mission to reduce the overwhelm of motherhood, one mama and baby at a time. She helps mom's feel confident in their baby's sleep, development, and reflux, so that they can stop the worry and be a well-rested family. Her approach is developmentally driven, attachment-focused, and evidence informed with an emphasis on empowering mamas to tune into and trust their mama instincts. She also has a
passion for toxin free living and using natural alternatives to health & enjoys empowering families to support their own wellness. Kaili brings with her 12 years of training and experience as a Paediatric Occupational therapist and advanced certifications in Paediatric Sleep & Reflux as well as Infant Craniosacral therapy.

Julie Sparkes

MHSc - SLP

Speech Language Pathology

Julie has been working in the Burlington community for over 20 years as a Speech-Language Pathologist and Certified Auditory-Verbal Therapist.  She received her Masters Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. She is also a Certified Auditory-Verbal Therapist (LSLS Cert. AVT®) through the AG Bell Academy for Listening and Spoken Language.

From a very young age, Julie has loved spending time with children.   She is grateful to have the opportunity to work daily supporting children and their parents on a journey to learn to listen, talk, and communicate together.  She believes that when you spend time with a child and discover what they love, you can create opportunities to teach them anything.   Throughout each day, we have many teachable moments to communicate with our child.  Julie guides and coaches parents how to use these daily experiences to help their child share what they are thinking and feeling and to communicate confidently.    Julie has a special interest in working with children who are deaf and hard of hearing and supporting children with communication challenges that may impact their ability to produce speech sounds clearly. It brings her so much joy to support the connection between parents and their child as they learn to communicate with each other.

Shannon Macaulay

Registered Social Worker

Counseling Team

Shannon has worked in the helping field for over 15 years. From being a camp counselor for children and their families who are experiencing serious childhood illnesses, to working overseas in west Africa with women and young children in very challenging situations, as well as being a child and youth therapist working with children and women who have experienced trauma.

But it was Shannon's own experience with pregnancy, birth and becoming a mother that her desire to focus on working with families and new parents was born. Her journey into motherhood gave her a first hand experience and appreciation for the challenges and barriers that so many women and new parents face when they bring a child into the world. Shannon's passion for holding safe space to explore, heal and grow in the face of all that becoming a parent presents in our lives is felt through her unwavering compassion and empathy as well as a dash of humor. Shannon draws from a variety of different therapeutic modalities to ensure the right fit for each individual.
Using a strength based approach Shannon is committed to supporting and holding space for women and parents as they walk the (sometimes messy) path into parenthood.

Carrie Stevenson

RSW, MSW, BPsych

Counseling Team

Carrie Stevenson is a Registered Social Worker in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) who holds a Master of Social Work and Bachelor of Psychology degree from Wilfrid Laurier University.

Carrie is passionate about supporting women and families across the life cycle. Sometimes our lives can feel like a roller coaster with shifting demands, new identities, and new challenges. While this journey can be exciting, it can also feel confusing and hard at times. Sometimes we might lose ourselves a little along the way. This is when we need to slow down and take a deep breath. Reaching out for support can be a very effective way to feel less alone and figure out your next steps. Carrie provides a safe, non-judgmental space to explore your emotions and remember who you are.

In her practice, Carrie works with women who are navigating the many transitions that life can bring. From welcoming a new child, to adjusting to work and being a caregiver, the changing partner relationship, parenting across the ages, empty-nest, job change, menopause, and the inherent desire for self-exploration as our identities change, our bodies changes and our wants and needs change.

Carrie also works with couples and families to support challenges that may arise during these life transitions. Often, couples and families aren’t as polarized as it can feel, and a gentle guiding hand can help increase emotional connection and more effective communication.

Dr. Amy Wojtowicz

PhD, Clinical Psychologist

Counseling Team

Dr. Amy is a clinical psychologist, located in Burlington Ontario, with a specialization in maternal mental health. She has a special interest in working with pregnant and postpartum women who are struggling with depression, anxiety, or trauma-related disorders. Utilizing best practice approaches, she also provides support, compassion, and encouragement for women experiencing infertility, pregnancy loss, and birth and reproductive trauma. If you are a mom, or interested in becoming a mom, and you are struggling with feeling overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, guilty, or burnt out, there are treatments available that can help.

The journey of motherhood often comes with unexpected challenges, uncertainty, vulnerability, shifts in identity, feelings of inadequacy, and other worrisome emotions. When our parenting journey does not meet our expectations, we can sometimes be left feeling depressed, overwhelmed, hopeless, fearful, and ashamed. Dr. Amy's goal is to provide a space in which women feel safe to fully express their pain without judgment. Utilizing empirically supported techniques, she helps clients reengage in their life, clarify their values, modify unhelpful thinking patterns, cope with intense emotions, communicate more effectively, enhance problem solving skills, and achieve greater acceptance. She is passionate about helping women increase self-awareness, enhance self-compassion, and rediscover their innate wisdom and capacity for growth and healing. Dr. Amy strongly believes that asking for help is a sign of courage and strength. She looks forward to connecting with you.

Qualifications and Training

Dr. Amy is registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario and received her Ph.D. from the University of Calgary. Before shifting her focus to private practice, she was previously a staff psychologist at St. Joseph’s Healthcare, Hamilton. She previously held an academic position in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences at McMaster University. She is also passionate about clinical training and supervision and has provided clinical supervision for psychology practicum students and residents, psychiatry residents, and other mental health professionals.

Dr. Amy has extensive training in Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, mindfulness, and compassion-based interventions. She is also a certified Daring Way™ Facilitator, an evidenced-based curriculum developed by Dr. Brené Brown that focuses on courage building, shame resilience, reducing people pleasing, setting healthy boundaries, and uncovering the power of vulnerability.

Hayley Bennison

IBCLC

Lactation Consultants

Hayley is an international board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC), instructor at Mohawk College, birth and postpartum doula and Co-Chair of the Halton Baby-Friendly Initiative (BFI). Hayley believes there's nothing more important than the human connection and works diligently to be sure that's at the forefront of everything she does. She puts individual feeding goals first and is dedicated to ensuring you and your infant are well cared for. Hayley also runs the free WOMB Breastfeeding Café drop-in on the 4th Monday of every month to provide a comforting and supportive environment for all Moms.

Dr. Mary Peric

BScKin, ND, Naturopathic Doctor & Lactation Educator

Naturopathic Doctors

After years suffering with various symptoms due to stress, poor digestion and hormonal imbalances, Dr. Mary was thrilled to discover naturopathic medicine and utilize its therapies to treat the root cause of her symptoms. By personally experiencing the benefits that simple yet powerful changes can make to one’s health, Dr. Mary gained a renewed appreciation for the power and healing capacity of the human body, when it is properly supported with all the necessary tools.

As a naturopathic doctor, Dr. Mary focuses her practice on understanding each patient’s unique health story, identifying potential patterns of imbalance and root cause of disease and developing a customized treatment plan to achieve their individual short and long term health goals.

She has a special interest in helping children and adults with digestive health concerns as well as helping women with their reproductive and hormonal health. Having given birth (in her home!) to her three daughters and having become a lactation educator, she has further become very passionate about making the best possible choices for achieving and maintaining a healthy pregnancy, empowering labour & birth, a gentle, healing transition into the postpartum period and ensuring that children reach their optimal potential for growth and development.

When she is not with her patients, Dr. Mary is sharing her passion for naturopathic medicine with family, friends and those who gather at the various talks and seminars hosted within the community. She loves to educate others on complementary healthcare options (as there are many!) and share her personal and clinical experiences as a naturopathic doctor, wife and mother. She does her best to practice what she preaches in living a balanced life, which includes a passion for spending quality time with family and friends, preparing healthy and delicious meals and staying active!

She hopes that she will have the privilege in meeting you and supporting you on your journey to optimal health!

Dr. Geneviève Puckerin

(Hons) BSc, ND

Naturopathic Doctors

Dr. Geneviève Puckerin brings her love, vibrant energy and expertise in Naturopathic medicine to The WOMB. She completed her undergraduate Honours degree in Health Sciences at Western University, and graduated from The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) in 2019. She is a registered Naturopathic Doctor with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario and is also a certified and practicing Birth Doula. 

During Dr. Genevieve’s fourth year internship at CCNM she developed a special interest in women’s and pediatric health. She has experience treating a variety of conditions including infertility, PCOS, menopause, metabolic syndrome, stress, anxiety, IBS, ADHD, autism, and much more. 

Dr. Genevieve is also very passionate about multi-cultural health and the differences that exist among women and children of various cultures and ethnicities. She has seen first-hand after several trips to Haiti, and working with an indigenous population at her Caledonia clinic, that blanket-approaches to health care is erroneous. 

Dr. Geneviève is here to help guide and support you and your family become the best healthy version of yourselves. Through in-depth discussions to get to the root cause, and individualized treatment plans, she strives to help you meet your goals one step at a time. 

In her spare time, she can be found spending time with her family and friends, exploring the trails with her fiance and fluffy bernadoodle Beau, or cozying up to devour a good book. She loves to travel and volunteer her time to organizations such as Naturopaths Without Borders and WE. 

She looks forward to making a positive mark on your journey of happiness and well-being. 

Cathy Boyce

BSc, Hons Kin, OMP

Osteopathic Manual Practitioners

Kara Egleton

BSc. Kinesiology, MA Exercise & Health Behaviour

Osteopathic Manual Practitioners

“I have a passion for helping people realize the potential that lies within themselves to ignite change and within their physical body to self-regulate, self-heal and achieve balance.”

Kara is a Kinesiologist and Manual Osteopath with over 15 years experience in the wellness and fitness industry. Kara began her wellness journey as a fitness enthusiast and continued to follow her passion with a science degree in kinesiology and certifications as a personal trainer and pilates/ yoga/ barre instructor. She then continued her education with a Masters in Kinesiology (psychology of Health Behaviour and Emotion) and a Diploma in Osteopathic Manual Therapy.

Kara has overwhelming experience helping clients take control of their physical wellness through movement therapy, mobilization and muscle energy techniques. The body has an incredible ability to self-heal and self-regulate with a little encouragement. Kara helps clients with non-invasive techniques that have huge impacts on pain management, injury and pain prevention, stress management and overall wellness.

With a belief in the importance of empowering women for greater wellness, Kara specializes in osteopathy for women (including pre & postnatal), infants and children. As a mother of two Kara has a passion for helping other women along their journey. Fertility, pregnancy, postpartum and new parenthood are experiences that can be supported by osteopathy. This passion has led Kara to study paediatric osteopathy and osteopathy focused on fertility and the pregnancy/postnatal experience.

Kara has a particular interest in cranial osteopathy and finds it to be mentally and physically beneficial to people of all ages in conjunction with other forms of osteopathic therapy. She also offers osteopathy for TMJ therapy for all ages.

Andrea Takahashi

Athletic Therapist, OMP

Osteopathic Manual Practitioners

Andrea began her career as an Athletic Therapist after completing a BSc. in Human Kinetics. After a few years she continued her education to become an Osteopathic Manual Practitioner graduating from the Canadian College of Osteopathy in Toronto in 2003. She has had the pleasure of working with individuals of all ages throughout all stages of life for over 20 years. She has a special interest in treating children, and women pre and post pregnancy to help them attain optimal health and wellbeing.

Sinead Dufour

PT, PhD, Director of Physiotherapy

Physiotherapists

Dr. Sinéad Dufour is Assistant Clinical Professor in the Faculty of Health Science at McMaster University. She completed her MScPT at McMaster University in 2003, her PhD in Health and Rehabilitation Science at Western in 2011 and retuned to McMaster in 2013 to complete a post-doctoral fellowship. She contributes to both the Master of Science in Physiotherapy program and the and Midwifery Education Program at McMaster University. Her current research interests include: conservative and lifestyle approaches to manage pelvic pain, conservative approaches to optimize pelvic health, technologies to support pelvic floor rehabilitation, and interprofessional collaborative practice models of service provision in women’s and pediatric health. Sinéad currently collaborates with faculty from both the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics on various research projects. She was the recipient of one of the International Continence Society Research Awards in 2017, the Elaine Meadows Research Scholar award (American Physical Therapy Association, Section on Women’s Health) in 2018 and is an invited speaker at conferences around the globe.

Sinéad stays current clinically through her work as the Director of Pelvic Health Services at The World of my Baby (the WOMB) in Milton, Ontario. Her clinical practice focuses on optimizing women’s and children’s pelvic health. She is also an associate of Pelvic Health Solutions, an active member the Urogynaecology Committee of the Society of Obstetricians of Gynaecologists of Canada and a proud mother of twins.

Katelin Bell

MScPT

Physiotherapists

Katelin completed her MScPT degree at McMaster University in 2014, and has had a strong interest in Women's Health since prior to graduation. After working with athletes in orthopedics, and with patients dealing with neurological and cardiorespiratory diagnoses, she really began to appreciate how everything is connected to the health and proper function of the inner core and pelvic floor. She has taken courses focusing on urinary & fecal incontinence; pelvic, urological, perineal and gynecological-based pain; pelvic organ prolapse; pre-, peri-, and post-natal health; and women's functional nutrition.

Katelin believes in a holistic approach to care, with a keen interest in integrating gut health to optimize physical health and wellness. She is a huge advocate for educating her clients about pain science, and believes the most effective treatment starts with a positive perspective on recovery.

Katelin can be found outside of the clinic watching her husband on the ball diamond with their fur-baby Floyd, the Irish Wolfhound. She also has a special side interest in couples, maternity & birth photography.

Gerda Hayden

MScPT

Physiotherapists

Gerda graduated from the University of Cape Town, South Africa in 2003 with a distinction in the degree of Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy. She has held numerous leadership titles and is currently rostered with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario to perform internal pelvic exams and is a member of the Women's Health Division with the Canadian Physiotherapy Association.

Gerda has always been passionate about all aspects of women’s health and health care and decided to pursue her interest by becoming a pelvic health physiotherapist while pregnant with her first son. Her holistic approach ensures that she addresses underlying issues and strives to always see the bigger picture. She keeps abreast of the latest evidence based research and applies this to her clients. Her thorough, insightful and effective assessment enables the development of an integrated and comprehensive client-centred treatment strategy.

Gerda has practiced pelvic health physiotherapy in South Africa, the UK and in Canada and has encountered women from all walks of life.

Gerda has a special interest in the perimenopausal stage of life. She can fit pessaries, silicone devices designed to support pelvic organs, and will be offering this service from the Burlington location.

Gerda is the mom of two rambunctious boys and enjoys keeping fit.

Diana Carone

Paediatric Physiotherapist

Physiotherapists

Diana is a Paediatric Physiotherapist who completed her Master of Science Degree in Physiotherapy at Queen’s University in 2011 after completing a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Kinesiology from York University.

Diana discovered her passion for working with children while in school and since graduating has specialized in Paediatrics. During this time she pursued additional training focusing primarily on the assessment of children’s development and Paediatric treatment strategies. She has spent her career assessing and treating children aged newborn to 18 years for various conditions including Torticollis and Plagiocephaly, Cerebral Palsy and a variety of other movement disorders, acute Neurological Disorders, Genetic Disorders, Toe Walking, Low Muscle Tone and strength imbalances.

Diana uses a family centered approach that is play-based and consists of hands-on therapy, parent coaching, individualized home programming and education. She believes that the most important piece to treatment is the knowledge a family has around their child’s needs. Her goal is to help families feel empowered in their pursuit of wellness.

When not working, Diana enjoys spending time with her two children and husband, reading, exercising and meditating. She has experienced first hand how incorporating exercise and meditation into her life has positively affected her mental, physical and emotional well-being and has instilled these practices into her own children’s lives as well.

Brooke Stevens

RMT, BA, RYT, Reiki Master

Registered Massage Therapists

Brooke Stevens is a Registered Massage Therapist from Dundas, ON. She graduated from Oxford College in Burlington in 2016 in the Massage Therapy program. In 2005, she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography and Environmental Studies from Lakehead University. Brooke then went on to complete her Yoga Teacher Training in 2007 in Hatha and Vinyasa Yoga. Brooke has been studying shamanic healing and sacred womens’ medicine and rites of passage for the last decade. Most recently, Brooke was attuned to the Reiki Master Level in 2017.

Brooke has a special interest in helping women transition from maiden to motherhood, as well as adapt to the changes of early motherhood. She holds a current first aid and CPR certification and is a member in good standing with the CMTO. In her spare time, Brooke enjoys yoga, dancing, camping, and being a mommy!

Nicole Legault

RMT

Registered Massage Therapists

Nicole has been an RMT since 2016, and is skilled in prenatal massage, infant massage, lymphatic drainage, fascial work, and infection control & prevention. She has great experience working collaboratively with other practitioners of different modalities to aid in patient rehabilitation.

Gemma Livingston

RMT

Registered Massage Therapists

Gemma is a Registered Massage Therapist. She graduated from triOS college in Massage Therapy in February 2022.  

Gemma is fascinated by the human body and how everything functions, especially when growing another life. She has a strong passion for teaching, and loves sharing the knowledge and wisdom she collects on her learning journey, with others! 

Gemma enjoys camping, being in nature, yoga and spending time with her loved ones, including her two cats!

Andrea Strang

Certified Child Sleep Consultant and Gentle Sleep Coach

Sleep Consultants

Andrea is a Child Sleep Consultant and Certified Gentle Sleep Coach as well as a Postpartum Doula and mother of three. She started her sleep practice in 2004 after supporting families as a Postpartum Doula for many years. Since then, Andrea has completed several training programs starting with Naturally Nurturing in the UK and the Gentle Sleep Coach Certification program with Kim West. Since has helped over 5000 families get better sleep, including providing over 10,000 hours of in-home sleep support.

In her sleep practice, Andrea uses a variety of methods and tailors sleep plans to take family values and child temperament into account. She believes in offering support to children as they learn the important skills for a good night's sleep, employing the gentlest methods possible with the goal of seeing results in a time frame that is reasonable for each family. Sleep coaching methods include coping strategies, sleep nurturing and gentle sleep coaching when appropriate, focusing on supportive, responsive methods such as fading and cue-based strategies.

Philosophy: Offering gentle support and sleep help for families while promoting secure attachment. Supportive of breastfeeding, attachment parenting, co-sleeping, infant mental health and informed choice.

Becky Soehner

Certified Infant Sleep Educator

Sleep Consultants

Becky is a certified Infant Sleep Educator and mom of two. Her introduction to the world of infant and child sleep began during her first pregnancy, when she and her husband attended a prenatal sleep education class. It was eye opening to gain knowledge and insight on normal infant sleep behaviours, and the science behind it, beyond the anecdotal stories and general sleep assumptions in our society. Parenting a very challenging sleeper fueled her passion to help other families navigate the roller coaster of infant and child sleep, and provide parents with the knowledge of what is normal, tools to implement during challenging times, and strategies for striking a balance between the fundamental needs of baby, and the equally as important wellness of the parents.

Becky's approach to sleep starts with education, and she is excited to provide a Prenatal Sleep Education class through The WOMB! Each child is unique and every family is different, and so all sleep support is customized, working together with parents to create a strategy that works best for them. Becky's goal is to create positive associations with sleep for the child, while balancing the needs and well being of tired parents.

Angela Delfranco

Yoga Instructor

Instructors

Angela trained as a dancer in Contemporary Modern dance along with other forms to a professional level at the Toronto Dance Theatre. She was awarded a scholarship at the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance.

Her experience reached a new level after giving birth to her first child. She studied at the internationally acclaimed BirthLight for Perinatal Yoga and Baby Yoga with the founder Françoise Barbira-Freedman in the UK in 2004. Her training continued with a certification for Pilates through the Pilates Institute UK, YogaKids foundation, Stott Pilates Total Barre and is a Certified Yoga Teacher from The Yoga Centre of Burlington.

Angela offers simple yet precise instruction to keep the student safe in a pose and allow them to feel capable during the practice. She studied and develops modifications that aim to build strong alignment so participants feel progress. She hopes to guide those who work with her to nurture and trust their inner guru.

Angela leads classes at The WOMB Burlington teaching Prenatal and Fertility Yoga to guide women through yoga to develop inner-strength during times of immense growth. If that’s boosting fertility, conscious conception or adjusting priorities for baby, when a woman is nurtured and balanced, she can focus on what’s important now and lead a powerful life. Through movement, including breath, visualization and meditation embraced on and off the mat, this intention will foster confidence and a strong positive mind and body at any stage of Motherhood.

Angela is also part of the Pelvic Health Physiotherapy team led by Dr. Sinead Dufour to teach Pelvic Health Yin Yoga and Barre for Pelvic health. She loves taking her two teenage girls on adventures and encouraging them to have healthy lifestyle habits.

Char Dudek

Fitness Specialist

Instructors

Charmaine is a Certified Personal Trainer who turned her interests into a passion when completing her Health Wellness and Fitness Diploma at Mohawk College in 2018. Char is part of the pelvic health team led by Dr Sinead Dufour and continued educating and keeping herself current through pelvic health certifications and workshops.

Char began instructing the Mommy Bootcamps and fell upon the love of helping and educating women on Pelvic health. Char facilitates the Bringing Back your Core Workshop and The Pelvic Health Pfilates classes at The WOMB - at both the Milton and Burlington locations.

Char is a mother to her son, daughter and Furbaby Hope. She enjoys spending most of her summers staying active camping, hiking, biking or relaxing on the beach with her family and Friends.

Karen Mcwilliam

Doula Team Lead, Birth and Postnatal Doula, Childbirth Educator

Administration, Doulas, Instructors

Karen is a DONA-certified birth & postnatal Doula, certified Mongan Method HypnoBirthing® practitioner, and creator of The McWilliam Method™ childbirth prep classes. She is a certified prenatal yoga teacher, trainer, breastfeeding educator and sleep educator. Karen offers private, group, and virtual birth prep classes as well as in-person and virtual doula support. Karen is also the founder of the “Life With Baby™” course designed to help families prepare for the myriad of changes that come with a new baby. All of Karen’s offerings are richly steeped in a wisdom born from 16+ years of nurturing and empowering families during this exciting and transformative time.

Karen’s extensive training spans 16+ years. However, Karen’s shine is found within her intuitive and organic approach. She has a special way of creating a customized suite of support services to suit your birthing time needs. What will you need? It is likely you don’t know. But trust Karen to read the energy in the room and know in her bones what combination will be right for you and your family. Intuitive, wise, and grounded, Karen will be there to offer the stability and centering energy you need during this time.

Tricia Bousquet

Full Spectrum Doula

Doulas

Tricia Bousquet is a disciplined, passionate full spectrum doula and Child Educator. With over 30 years of experience working with diverse children with varying abilities, she has mastered the balance of caring for and teaching the whole person. Tricia personifies the comfort and assurance required in child development.

As a wife for 24 years, and a mother of five beautiful girls, she is no stranger to the spiritual, emotional, psychological and physical needs of growing children. Tricia thoroughly and genuinely enjoys being with and supporting families.

Being a life-learner is who she is.  While engaging with her in a conversation, you will find her inquiring, kind, friendly, a quick learner and easy to get along with.

Tricia is committed to continual personal growth and development. She is a positive addition to every environment.

She understands the needs of a new family and wants to come alongside them in this wonderful, yet unpredictable time in their lives.

Natalie Buchanan

Fertility, Birth and Postnatal Doula

Doulas

I fell in love with birth after I had my first daughter. I felt like there was so much I wasn't ready or prepared for, which naturally made me want to study it, and then support women, and families in all things birth. I have a background in sales that I enjoyed for 8 years, but took a leap of faith 2 years ago in following what I am truly passionate about. For me, I believe hands on experience is the best form of learning. So after I did a 4 month course with certification in Fertility, Birth and Postpartum, I studied and shadowed with Karen McWilliam for a year to learn from someone with extensive knowledge and experience as I indulged in the birth world. This is an ever-changing field and I believe it's important to consistently stay at the helm of the industry. I am always open and eager to continue my growth, and I look very forward to connecting with you.

I am honoured to be a part of The WOMB team of individuals who truly want you to prepare, and thrive within your pregnancy and birth journeys.

Liz Daher

Marketing Coordinator, Birth & Postnatal Doula CD(DONA)

Administration, Doulas

Liz has two roles at The WOMB!

First, she is a Certified Birth Doula and Postnatal Doula with DONA International and a member of the Association of Ontario Doulas. As a licensed professional engineer, Liz built a successful career in the nuclear industry before answering the call that had tugged at her heart since becoming a mother - to love and support other parents as they navigate the metamorphosis inherent to pregnancy, birth and beyond. Liz marries her analytical background with her caring nature to bring structure and calm to the process of preparing for birth. A volunteer with the Halton Breastfeeding Connection for several years, Liz also loves running, reading, writing, yoga, travel, coffee, podcasts, and hiking the Oakville trails with her husband and two young kids. She would be honoured to share in your journey and help you define and manifest your ideal experience.

Liz's second role at The WOMB is as Marketing Coordinator! Connect with her on social media and share with her what you would like to see and do at The WOMB!

Suki Gaetz

Birth & Postnatal Doula

Doulas

I am a woman with a genuine, creative and real approach to life, whose passion for all things Birth and Babies motivated me to begin my next career journey as a fully trained Birth Doula. I come 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.

As a doula, I am 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. I bring an easy-going, kind hearted and vibrant nature to how I work with people and my ability to listen and empathize helps women feel heard and understood.

As a mother I am active, funny and always encouraging my children to take risks and go after what they want in life, and I maintain this in my own life as well. I strive to be healthy inside and out, am a lover of nature and being outside as much as possible. I have recently participated in some races and love new challenges. I adore cooking and baking and am also embarking on writing some children’s books.

I have a natural ability to relate to young children and besides cuddles with my own children who are of teen and pre-teen age, I struggle to find anything in life that makes me happier than holding babies, and this dates back to when I was a very young child. As a Doula, I feel honoured to be a part of a birth as a woman brings a baby into this world.

Charmaine Hinds

Full Spectrum Doula

Doulas

Charmaine Hinds has been a professional full Spectrum Doula (prenatal, birth, bereavement, trauma informed care, and post partum care) for the past 25 years. She is often called the baby whisperer because she has a gift with unborn babies - they love her!!

Charmaine was trained through Cappa International and is presently certified through SBD-Still Birthday as a Birth and Bereavement Doula. She is also certified with Birthing Supernaturally.

Her experience as a professional Doula for the past 25 years has created amazing relationships with previous clients and within my community. She has a wealth of knowledge as a health and wellness advocate, along with tons of personal experience that she brings from giving birth to five healthy children. Charmaine also has previous experience in assisting in a wide range of various positive birth experiences that range from complications in pregnancy, miscarriage, stillborn, induction to natural home births.

Additionally, Charmaine teaches Childbirth Education classes, Doula Dance, Hypnobirthing and the Birthing Supernaturally method and loves home births! She takes amazing birth photos as an added feature to capture those special moments.

Tasha Ivanchenko

Birth & Postnatal Doula

Doulas

Tasha is a birth and postpartum doula who is passionate about supporting women and families into finding a deeper connection with themselves as they embark on one of the most transformational experiences of their lives. 

As a new mother, Tasha understands the need for women and community to come together to create a web of support. Tasha invites a gentle approach when facing the grief and sadness that may arise during this time of transformation and will also be there to celebrate all the sweet moments and milestones with the families she supports. Tasha places the parent(s) at the centre of care. With the parent(s) thoroughly supported, they can navigate their journey in a whole and empowered way. Tasha’s approach provides the family with the space and tenderness necessary to be fully in one’s body and honour one’s feelings. Tasha believes that birth work reaches far beyond preconception to birth, in the ways that it touches every aspect of life. 

Tasha completed her training under the mentorship of Sasha Padron at the Centre for Growing Families. Through Sasha’s heart centred guidance, Tasha has developed the skills necessary to remain present with all that arises during this new and tender time. Tasha is happy to weave in creative therapy, journaling, and visualization exercises into the support she provides.

Tasha is so excited to be a part of The WOMB team and cannot wait to walk alongside you on your journey!

Angela Jackson

Birth & Postnatal Doula

Doulas

Angela is a certified Birth and Postnatal Doula, as well as the Doula Coordinator for The WOMB's Doula Team. She is also a certified Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga Teacher and fitness specialist. After graduating from Western University with a degree in Finance, Economics and French, Angela spent 10 years working for a major corporation which landed her in Costa Rica for two years. During her first pregnancy, she fell in love with Prenatal yoga, and felt that there was a need for more positive, nurturing environments for pregnant people. After the birth of her second child, she left the corporate world and completed her yoga training, began teaching yoga part-time and built a Prenatal and Postnatal yoga community in Halton. Soon after, her prenatal yoga students were requesting that she attend their births and doula support happened organically.

Angela served as a Halton Breastfeeding Connection volunteer for several years and has taken many lactation courses. She is passionate about guiding new parents towards their own innate wisdom, strength and intuitiveness.

Angela presently lives in Oakville with her husband, Simon-Peter, and two children, Tessa and Oliver. Angela is the Vice-President of the Crusaders Rugby Club and the head coach of the under 14 girls’ rugby team. She is an avid athlete and a nature lover.

Tammy Manzo

CLD, Birth & Postnatal Doula

Doulas

Tammy is a Certified Labour Doula, and Postpartum Doula with training through INFACT Canada for lactation support. She LOVES doula-ing and is inspired to make a difference in the "birth" community. Tammy has supported many families in the Halton Region, Peel Region and Toronto through the prenatal, labour, delivery and immediate post partum periods. Tammy loves spending time with her busy family, cottage life and scrap booking. Tammy is a mother of three and has an amazing, supportive husband Louie.

Rebecca Almas

Postnatal Doula

Doulas

My name is Rebecca and I am a 45 year old mother of two amazing teenage boys and currently work in the Outpatient Mental Health Program of Oakville Trafalgar Hospital. My own parenting journey has been nothing short of amazing and has challenged and changed me in so many ways. In addition to being a mother, I have spent 22 years of my career working in the various community support roles and the last 16 years specifically  providing individualized care in Mental Health and Addictions. At work,  I have had the opportunity to support women in the prenatal and postnatal period and I found myself drawn to learn more. I have accessed The WOMB and it's vast array of services as I have been able to connect my patients to the services over the years. My journey into birthwork began as I was feeling drawn to expand my professional skills to support women and families in perinatal care. I truly believe in the power of community and working to empower others to embrace change and transform their lives in meaningful ways.  I personally and professionally see incredible value in the idea that " it takes a village" in providing holistic nurturing, love and support to women, babies and their families during these significant life transitions.

Dawn Gunn

Postnatal Doula, Sleep Coach & Lactation Educator

Doulas

Dawn is a Postnatal Doula, trained Sleep Coach, Lactation Educator and has completed a Working with Multiples Advanced Training workshop. Dawn has been empowering families to achieve their desired outcomes for the past 20 years by providing support both practically and emotionally.

While aligning her career in Community Living as a Manager in the Supported Independent Living program, with her career today, as a Postnatal Doula (DONA International), Dawn is continuously developing her knowledge and experience to provide what is best for her clients. With this client-centered focus, Dawn strives to maintain the healthiest nurturing relationships with her clients, while working alongside what matters most to them.

When Dawn is not busy spending time with babies as well as nurturing clients, she is adoring and spending time with her two girls and Husband Josh.

Regina Nakamura

Postnatal Doula

Doulas

Regina is a certified postpartum doula with training through DTC. She found herself searching for a job she truly felt passionate about, so she finally left her administration career and dove into starting a doula business. Her passion for babies and helping moms have always been something she felt called to. She knew she had the ability to see the strength in other women and to empower them in their journey as a new mom. Being a mom of 3 grown daughters she can handle anything with a calm presence. Her specialties include travel doula, over night care, breastfeeding support and twin support. Her goal is to provide a safe, non-judgemental space to support your growing family while focusing on baby’s care and mom’s well being after birth, and all of the challenges and joys that come with it!!

Erica Nedelko

Postnatal Doula

Doulas

Erica is a certified postnatal doula (CPD) with training through Doula Training Canada, a member of the Association of Ontario Doulas, a volunteer and coordinator for the Halton Breastfeeding Connection and continues to pursue updated education for postnatal support topics through various learning mediums. After pivoting almost instantly several years ago from her corporate job to caring for families in the Halton region, Erica considers herself a forever student in this realm of postnatal life. Her passion has become guiding families through ways they can embrace the beauty of early parenthood by providing them time to create space for healing, trust and transition. She specializes in overnight care and families having multiples.

Lesley Neeve

Postnatal Doula, Certified Night Coach & New Parent Educator

Doulas

Lesley Neeve has been a Doula for over 20 years providing non- judgemental, physical, emotional and informational support to hundreds of families in Ontario. She has been married for 25+ years and has 3 daughters. She is a Certified Night Coach, trained Postpartum Doula, New Parent Educator, Childbirth Educator and Birth Doula through CAPPA. Lesley has her PPE Health Care Provider Controls Certificate as well as her Reducing the Risk of SIDS and SUID in Early Education and Childcare Certificate. Lesley continuously attends workshops and seminars on various topics to keep current and up to date in her practice. A Police check and Emergency First Aid and Baby CPR are always up to date.

Lesley provides virtual and overnight support. Lesley has a thorough understanding of the many challenges families may face in the initial weeks/months after your baby or babies arrive. Lesley has worked with many different parenting styles and has experience with twins, preemies, sleep support, postpartum depression and breastfeeding.