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Our Team

Cheryl Cooper, B.Sc., ND
Licensed Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine

Cheryl Cooper, B.Sc., ND A graduate of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM), the only accredited school of naturopathic medicine in Canada, Cheryl has been dedicated to helping people improve their health for over 20 years. Her experience in the field of health and wellness includes teaching a variety of fitness and Yoga classes over the years and giving numerous workshops on stress management, weight management, immune health, women's health, detoxification, corporate wellness, and medical anatomy and physiology. Cheryl is also trained as a Doula (birth coach) and studied Mind-Body Medicine at the Harvard School of Medicine in Boston. Her patient-centred approach involves educating and empowering patients to understand and take control of their health. Cheryl's care and compassion earned her the Ina Meares Award for Clinical Excellence and Patient Interaction in 2005.

Now the director of the Vitallife Centre for Integrative Medicine, she has the vision of providing the best care possible for her patients by working with a team of professionals from a variety of disciplines. As a naturopathic doctor she helps patients of all ages to prevent and treat a variety of illnesses including ear infections, colds and flus, digestive disorders, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, environmental toxicity, chronic fatigue, and to deal with numerous women's health matters such as infertility, menopause, PMS, endometriosis, fibroids, menstrual irregularities, pregnancy and childbirth. Cheryl is committed to helping people achieve health, happiness, and balance in their lives.

Martha Ahmadi, ND
Licensed Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine

Martha Ahmadi Martha brings to her naturopathic family practice an interest in Women & Children's health. Since 2005, she has observed the effectiveness of basic naturopathic treatments in addressing a wide array of health concerns including stress management, anxiety, hormonal imbalances, eczema, ADHD, ear infections, chronic immune concerns, digestive disturbances, high cholesterol, and fatigue.

She believes that it is essential to consider the mind & body when providing care for clients, as true healing cannot be realized unless a sense of wellness is experienced in each area. Treatment plans are designed to provide the necessary support for achieving & maintaining optimal health, and can include referrals to other health care professionals. Martha truly believes the power and capacity to heal lies within each individual, and views her work with clients as a partnership�??Martha acting as a guide and catalyst for change, and clients learning how to take control of their health.

Margo Shabinsky Sherman, MSW
Honours Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, York University
Master of Social Work, University of Toronto

Margo Shabinsky Sherman, MSW Margo's genuine commitment to others and her caring manner lead her to the practice of social work, which has provided her the opportunity to make a positive difference in many lives over the course of her career. Building relationships is fundamental to the collaborative effort that she shares with her clients in working with them towards reaching their goals, and in helping them achieve their best health possible.

Margo's interest in her clients extends beyond the walls of her office, as she continues to be moved by the mutual fondness which she shares with many clients long after the completion of their formal counselling. She continues to be so fulfilled by sharing in their process of personal growth. Margo completed a Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto, maintains membership in the Ontario Association of Social Workers and is a registered member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. She has extensive therapeutic experience with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. Margo has trained and worked in a variety of professional settings in both Toronto and Ottawa, including well-respected treatment centres for children and adolescents, world-renowned geriatric facilities, family service agencies, as well as private practice. She continues to engage in professional development in her commitment to maintaining a standard of excellence in client care. Margo's compassion and dedication extends to her large family, her many friends and her community volunteerism. Her range of interests is varied, enjoying a passion for the arts, the beauty of nature, fitness, as well as good food and great company.

Marla Ericksen, B.Soc.Sc.
Integrative Fitness Specialist

Marla's keen interest in optimizing human performance from a holistic perspective has uniquely influenced the trajectory of her education, career and personal path. She has academic credentials in health science, social science and psychology; as well as numerous certifications and professional designations. Marla's contributions to the fitness industry earned her the esteemed title of Canadian Fitness Presenter of the Year in 2002 & 2007 as awarded by the Canadian Association of Fitness Professionals. With an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT 500) designation from Yoga Alliance, Marla facilitates foundation and continuing education training for Yoga teachers nationally. Marla's personal quest led her to intensive study in the fields of transpersonal psychology, meditation and contemplative arts; which she naturally weaves into her professional offerings.

Marla shares her experience with a creative and passionate spirit; whether she is teaching fitness, yoga or meditation, coaching a private session, or training fitness professionals and yoga teachers. As an authentic expression of her life experience; Marla is a compassionate professional with a diverse background who is able to provide a unique approach to personal empowerment. Marla's practice is based on providing information, guidance and support in ways that encourage and empower her clients to live gratifying and satisfying lives �?? physically, mentally and emotionally.

Erin Whyte
Registered Massage Therapist

Erin draws on five years of past clinical experience and her own experience of being a "body in motion" when it comes to her therapy practice. Her desire to impact people's lives is echoed in her motto, "I want to work with people, not on people".

Her active lifestyle in sports and love of the outdoors allows her to bring first-hand experience of muscle function and dysfunction to the table. Mountain biking, kayaking, running and ultimate frisbee all provide their own physical challenges that she draws upon to help her treat others with similar issues.

As a registered therapist, her own body biomechanics are paramount in sustaining longevity in the workplace; this provides a solid base for understanding postural imbalances, repetitive strain and issues that arise due to stress in any work environment.

As a supervisor for Algonquin College's Student Outreach at the Ottawa Mission her passion for providing safe, compassionate touch to individuals who may have experienced otherwise are met in weekly interaction with the residents of the shelter. She believes that touch is a cornerstone in society's ability to be empathetic towards one another and to feel nurtured in our individual lives. To this end she strives to bring to all treatments an element of trust, safety and unbiased care.

Irma Boyle, DMH, B.A. Psych
Doctor of Medical Heilkunst, Homeopathy

Irma successfully treats of all types of health issues using the medicine of Homeopathy and the medical system of Heilkunst. This principled medical system is successful at treating the cause of health issues, removing symptoms and improving health on all levels - physical, emotional, mental & soul/spiritual. Heilkunst goes beyond the basics of homeopathy to encompass a full medical approach.

Consider Heilkunst for:
     - Health Issues, disorders, diseases, ailments: Physical, emotional, mental, soul/spiritual
     - Anxiety, Stress
     - Insomnia, low energy
     - Overwhelming Emotions
     - Development Issues or concerns for children/adolescents
     - Unhealthy Behaviours
     - Hormonal Issues
     - System, functional disorders

Special areas of Interest include: Autism Spectrum Disorder, eating disorders, learning/developmental issues, children's issues, depression, hormonal issues, gut issues, emotional issues, confidence issues, support during periods of change.

Consultations include:
     - Nutrition and lifestyle aspects
     - Physical, mental & emotional aspects
     - Medicine for treatment of the causes
     - Treatment of the whole person
     - Health education and understanding

Sample Results:
     - Removal of symptoms
     - Healthier body, organs, functions and systems
     - Improved physical, emotional, and mental health
     - Increased confidence, potential, energy
     - Healthier relationships

Dr. Katrina Ostafichuk
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine

Dr. Katrina Ostafichuk is thrilled to be back in her hometown and joining the Vitallife team. Katrina, Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, graduated from Queen's University with a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree and then decided to follow her passion for medicine and for helping others and attended the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. She graduated as a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine and has been in practice for the past six years. She has had the pleasure of running her own successful clinic in Banff, Alberta and then returning to her home province of Ontario and continuing in Brockville.

As a primary health care practitioner, Katrina is trained and enthusiastic in treating patients with acute conditions, chronic illnesses, women's health issues as well as pediatric care. Some of the most common conditions she treats includes: colds and flu, ear infections, headaches/migraines, hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, skin conditions, digestive health issues, environmental sensitivities, menopause, infertility, PMS, insomnia, ADHD, etc. She focuses her practice on prevention and treating the cause of disease not simply the symptoms by using naturopathic therapies, which include clinical nutrition and diet and lifestyle counselling, herbal medicine, traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture, homeopathy and hydrotherapy. She is also trained and accredited in facial rejuvenation (cosmetic) acupuncture procedures.

Customer Service

Andrea Graziani, Business Manager