Dr. Samantha Ristimaki BSc ND

Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine

Dr. Samantha Ristimaki is the chief medical officer at Bronte Wellness Boutique. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Guelph majoring in Nutrition and Neutraceutical. Her passion for health led her to pursue a four-year graduate degree at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto where she graduated with Honours as a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine. Dr. Ristimaki is a member of the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors, the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors, and is registered and licensed with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.

Dr. Nicole Purdie ND

Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine

Dr. Nicole Purdie is an associate naturopathic doctor at Bronte Wellness Boutique. She received her undergraduate degree from McMaster University majoring in Kinesiology, with a minor in psychology. Her experience and passion for working in the health and wellness field as a personal trainer and her background in the science of the human body led her to attend the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, where she earned her graduate degree as a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine. She is registered and licensed with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario, and a member of both the Ontario and Canadian Associations of Naturopathic Doctors.

Dr Victoria Posavad ND

Doctor of Naturopathic Medicin

Dr. Victoria Posavad is a naturopathic doctor at Bronte Wellness Boutique. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Science in Medical Sciences from Brock University. The pursuit of a medical approach that balances evidence and clinical insight, while honoring empathy and the healing power of the therapeutic relationship, led her to earn her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. Dr. Victoria Posavad is registered and licensed with the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine.

I practice with a strong focus on whole-person care, addressing not only the physical, but also the mental and emotional aspects of health. Through thoughtful conversation and targeted testing, I work to identify the ‘why’ behind your health concerns. I believe in working collaboratively with patients to uncover the root causes of their symptoms and to create personalized, evidence-informed plans that are practical and sustainable. My goal is to empower individuals to take charge of their health journey, no matter where they’re starting from.

Although devoted to aiding patients on any health journey with any health concerns, I have particular interests in digestive health, histamine intolerance, mast activation syndrome and fibromyalgia. Additionally, I have a passion for women’s health, which led me to obtain a certification in pelvic floor therapy. Through this certification, I developed an interest in treating urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and post-pregnancy care.

Beyond the clinic, you can find me enjoying one of my many hobbies such as reading, doing a puzzle, or going to the gym. I love being outside, whether that’s going for a long walk or planting a vegetable garden. My favourite thing to do is to laugh with my loved ones while trying something new!

Dr. Sarah White ND

Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine

Doctor White earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Ottawa and a four-year Doctor of Naturopathy degree from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. She is a member of the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors (OAND), the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND) and is registered and licensed with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.

Caleigh Kierstead M.OMSc

Osteopathic Manual Practitioner

Caleigh is an Osteopathic Manual Practitioner and a graduate of the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy (CAO). She is a member in good standing of OSTCAN / OOA (Ontario Osteopathic Association).

A former professional ballet dancer and a STOTT Pilates Instructor Trainer, her own journey with Osteopathy began when dealing with dance-related injuries. Her passion for continuous learning and helping others led her to go on to complete her Master in Practice of Osteopathic Manipulative Sciences at the CAO. With over a decade of experience in the movement and rehabilitation field, Caleigh recognizes the importance of having a comprehensive and individualized approach to health and wellness.

Osteopathic manual therapy is a gentle, holistic approach that emphasizes the interrelationship between the body’s systems. By considering the unique anatomy and physiology of each individual, treatment focuses on addressing the root cause rather than just the symptoms. Caleigh looks forward to demonstrating to you how Osteopathy can support your journey towards optimal health and well-being.

Beyond the clinic Caleigh enjoys creating healthy food, soaking up the sun, and sitting down with a captivating book.

Joanne Girardin MSW RSW

Psychotherapist and Counsellor

Joanne Girardin has a Masters of Social Work with a specialization in mental health. She earned a Bachelors of Arts with a major in Psychology and a Masters in Social Work. Joanne has also earned her certificate in Sport Social Work. Joanne is a member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW) and is registered in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW).

Maria-Eugenia Ricote M.Ed., R.P., C.C.C.

Registered Psychotherapist 

Maria-Eugenia is a a Registered Psychotherapist and Counsellor. Maria-Eugenia works with people individuals, couples and families who are looking for support with issues of an emotional, interpersonal, well-being and mental health nature.
Maria-Eugenia believes that individuals can thrive, and that they have the power to re-write their lives the way they envision it. Narrative Therapy is the foundations of her practice. She strives to create an emotionally safe, genuine and warm environment where clients can feel free, heard and understood. Maria-Eugenia believes in her client’s uniqueness, as each person has their own story which has shaped their present experiences. She helps her clients re-author a new narrative that is more fulfilling and in line with their values and preferred self. The goal of her therapeutic approach is to support individuals in witnessing their strengths to gradually heal the situations that are influencing them. She acknowledges the broader social, cultural, and systemic context that surround people’s lives. She works under a feminist, anti-oppressive lens along with an equity, diversity and trauma informed practice.

Outside of clinic life, Maria-Eugenia enjoys spending time with her family and has a new found passion of paddling and the outdoors.

Sarah Cowans MSW RSW

Psychotherapist and Counsellor

Sarah Cowans earned an undergraduate degree from Mount St. Vincent University in 2007 and a Masters of Social Work degree from Wilfred Laurier University in 2011. Since graduating, Sarah has worked for non-profits, government agencies, healthcare and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP). She is a member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW) and is registered in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW).

Jodie Pappas CNP, CNAP

Holistic Nutritionist & Clean Living Advisor

Jodie Pappas is a Holistic Nutritionist at Bronte Wellness Boutique. She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology, followed by a post-graduate diploma in Human Resources Management. While working in the corporate world for fifteen years, Jodie constantly felt her heart was misaligned and left to pursue health and wellness after encountering health challenges such as PCOS and infertility, and ultimately one of her children being born with a Congenital Condition. This led Jodie to author a health organization book for parents, pursue her passion to become a Certified Organic Skincare Formulator to create non-toxic skincare and educate others on the impact of toxins inside the body and creating potential for dis-ease, and becoming certified as a Yoga Teacher.

Feeling like there was still a missing piece for Jodie, she went back to attend The Nutritional Aesthetics Alliance and The Institute of Holistic Nutrition to pursue her passion for learning how food can be used as the ultimate medicine for the body. Jodie is a Certified Nutritional Practitioner (CNP) and Certified Nutritional Aesthetics Practitioner (CNAP).

Jodie has a deep passion for women’s health, and at the heart of her practice is the belief that what you put IN your body, ON your body, and how you MOVE your body is a big determinant for longevity, health and vitality. Jodie is ready to help you reach your health goals through personalized nutrition and lifestyle plans that will get you to the next level of health.

When not at the clinic, Jodie leads an active life including yoga, pilates, strength training, walking and hiking, cooking, gardening and traveling the world. Jodie is a wife and mom to three adult daughters and her beloved whoodle.

Ayesha Jackson RMT

Registered Massage Therapist

Ayesha Jackson studied Biological Science at the University of Guelph before graduating with honours at Westervelt College. Ayesha has experience working with young adults and older, for alterations in health including muscle strains, joint sprains, joint restrictions and more. She is registered and in good standings with The College of Massage Therapists of Ontario.

I am committed to empowering patients to develop a greater understanding of their body and lifestyle in order to pursue lifelong health. Health and wellness are close to my heart and I plan to further my education and expand my knowledge of the human body in studying Osteopathy. In my free time, I love to stay active playing volleyball, hiking local trails and adventure camping in Algonquin Park. I also have a passion for cooking love to dabble in culinary arts.

Danielle Mitchell RMT CAT

Registered Massage Therapist & Certified Athletic Therapist

Danielle Mitchell is a dedicated healthcare professional with dual certifications as a Registered Massage Therapist and Certified Athletic Therapist. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Athletic Therapy from Sheridan College, where she graduated. Immediately following her degree, Danielle earned her certification from the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association (CATA). She then pursued further specialization at the Ontario College of Health & Technology, completing the massage therapy program. Danielle is registered and in good standing with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO).

With her diverse background in sports and passion for holistic recovery, Danielle brings a wealth of experience in treating back and neck pain, as well as facilitating rehabilitation for sports-related, occupational, and daily living injuries. Her integrated approach ensures personalized care tailored to each individual’s needs. She is also well-versed in working with clients of all ages, backgrounds, and those on their pregnancy journeys.

Danielle’s mission is to empower her clients to achieve optimal wellness and healing in a warm, supportive environment. Beyond the clinic, she enjoys dance and values quality time with family and friends, bringing a positive, balanced energy to her practice.

Andrea Antaya RMT

Registered Massage Therapist, Reiki Practitioner, Shiatsu Practitioner

Andrea Antaya is a Registered Massage Therapist, Shiatsu Therapist, and Reiki Practitioner at the Bronte Wellness Boutique. In 2003 she graduated from The Shiatsu School of Canada in Toronto with her Diploma in Shiatsu Therapy focusing on Traditional Chinese Medicine and Meridian Line Therapy. She continued her training in 2005 by completing her Reiki Level 2 training under the guidance of her Master, Yvonne Kato in Burlington. She received her Certificate of Registration from the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) after completing her studies in Massage Therapy at the Canadian Therapeutic College (CTC) in 2007. Andrea is also a member of The Registered Massage Therapists of Ontario (RMTAO).

Judice Montana

Holistic Aesthetician

Judice is a holistic aesthetician with a deep commitment to skincare and wellness. She earned her advanced qualification from Spectrum Advanced Therapeutics and holds the Fearless Beauty certification, highlighting her expertise in treating skin of colour and across all gender identities. Her ongoing education includes techniques such as Gua Sha, Microneedling, and Sculpting Facial Massage Techniques, ensuring she provides the most current and effective treatments.

Specializing in acne and addressing the unique skincare needs of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) individuals, Judice combines evidence-based practices with personalized care to meet each client’s specific requirements. Her approach is deeply informed by her personal experiences with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) and eczema. She aims to enhance skin health through a holistic treatment plan that considers both homecare and lifestyle factors, promoting overall well-being and a balanced complexion.

“My clinical approach to skincare focuses on offering a minimalist yet effective care plan that respects your lifestyle and emotional well-being. Having experienced the physical and emotional aspects of my own skincare journey, I am dedicated to providing a supportive and non-judgmental space for your skin’s story. Together, we will create a plan that reveals the best version of you, helping you to embrace thoughtful practices and lifestyle habits, and truly feel like the most authentic version of yourself.”

Outside of her professional life, she embraces an active lifestyle. She enjoys jazz-funk and hip-hop dance classes and treasures time with her family and her adventurous Yorkie, whose playful antics and cheeky charm add a daily dose of humor and fun to her life.

Judice is pleased to offer her services in both English and Spanish.