Clinic Practitioners

Dr. Montroy, ND is the owner and Medical Director of the Vancouver Island Naturopathic Clinic Inc. She began her studies at the University of Victoria and earned her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) in Toronto, Ontario. Dr. Montroy is board certified in acupuncture, IV therapy, chelation, allergy testing, pharmacology, facial renewal acupuncture and is certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). Dr. Montroy strongly believes in collaborative and integrative health care, blending both western and traditional medicine. Book your free meet & greet 15 minute consultation today.

Dr. Montroy, ND has a passion for family health care with a special interest in infertility, pregnancy, menopause, women's heath and pediatrics including:

• women's primary health care
• natural fertility and IUI /IVF/ ICSI supportive care
• preconception care and post partum depression
• pregnancy, labour and delivery care
• hormonal balancing
• birth control counselling
• breast and women's cancers
• sexually transmitted diseases
• breast ailments
• anti aging
• PMS
• gynecology
• menopause including bio-identical hormone replacement therapy
• pediatric health
• behavior disorders
• heavy metal testing and chelation
• allergy testing and treatment

Dr. Montroy is a peri-natal naturopathic doctor and an active member of the Association of Perinatal Naturopathic Doctors (APND), The Infertility Awareness Association of Canada (IAAC), The Canadian Fertility and Andrology Association (CFAS), Doulas of Victoria and DONA International.

Dr. Montroy is part of the Infertility Awareness Team of Victoria and has helped found and organize the Victoria Infertility Walk and Picnic since 2004. Dr. Montroy has worked in the field of infertility for over 6 years. She has helped numerous couples achieve pregancy from preconception, through IUI/IVF/ICSI and has attended the labour and delivery & birth of their child. As a Primary Care Physician, Dr. Montroy is then able to continue care for all family members for years to come. Dr. Montroy, a mother of two herself, offers a Naturopathic Well Child Program which includes pediatric physical examinations newborn to teen, nutrition and dietary counselling for all ages, vaccination counselling, allergy testing, care of acute health ailments ie. ear infections & colds/flus, food introduction counselling and assessment & treatment of common childhood ailments and behavioral problems. 

Dr. Montroy continues to support the advancement of Naturopathic Medicine and has taught emergency medicine at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine and at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine in Vancouver. She was also an associate professor at The West Coast College of Massage Therapy.  Dr. Montroy is a member of the British Columbia Naturopathic Association (BCNA), the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND), The International Society of Chelation Technicians (ISCT), DONA International, ACAM, and is a member of the Naturopathic Physician's Licensing Examination Association (NPLEX) as an exam writer and evaluator. Dr. Montroy attends regular training sessions at The Institute of Women's Health and Integrative Medicine in Portland Oregon.
 

*Fluent in English and Finnish languages.


Dr. Jasmine Wong, ND

*Dr.Wong is currently on maternity leave. Her locums, Dr. Hitkari and Dr. Holewa will be covering her practice until her return June 2012

Dr. Jasmine Wong, ND completed her pre-medical studies at Simon Fraser University in 2000, obtaining a Bachelor of Applied Science in Kinesiology with a focus on cardiovascular health and rehabilitation. For the next 2 years she worked for the Japanese government as a language and cultural educator in the public school system. Upon returning to Canada, she successfully completed 4 years of the naturopathic medical studies at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto, including 2 years of internship at Canada's largest teaching clinic as well as the Parkdale Community Centre, providing care to people on income assistance. She served on the student body to initiate improvements in clinical education, serving as a liaison between faculty and students. Dr. Wong was also a member of the Naturopathic Sports Medicine Team, providing on-site naturopathic care at various sporting events in Toronto.

Beyond her ND designation, Jasmine has gone on to do advanced training in Intravenous Therapy, Doula services for expectant parents, Bowen Therapy and European biopuncture for pain management and injury, Advanced Cardiac Life Support and has achieved prescribing rights. She is one of the few NDs on the Island that has completed advanced training on First Line Therapy, a comprehensive healthy weight loss and body composition program. She is an avid speaker in the community, providing seminars to the general public as well as various corporate wellness programs. She has undergone advanced training on the proper use of Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy and was recently nominated in the Best of Canada 2010 Awards for Natural Health Practitioners!

• Digestive Disorders (e.g. IBD, GERD, IBS) and food sensitivities
• Hormonal health (men and women) and Bio-Identical HRT
• Skin Disorders (e.g. eczema, acne, psoriasis
• First Line Therapy healthy body composition and Weight Loss
• Cardiovascular Disorders
• Autoimmune disorders
• Thyroid Disorders
• Musculoskeletal/athletic injuries and Degenerative conditions (e.g. arthritis)  
• Fatigue and Stress
• PMS and Menstrual Disorders

Dr. Jasmine Wong believes in a patient centered approach to health with comprehensive, individualized treatment plans in which patients are active participants in choosing an approach that works best for them. She also believes in a multidisciplinary approach to health, ready to work with your other health care providers for your optimal well-being. Professional affiliatioclude the British Columbia Naturopathic Association (BCNA), the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND) and the College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia (CNPBC) 


Dr. Shalini Hitkari, ND

Dr. Shalini Hitkari, ND completed her pre-medical studies at the University of Victoria obtaining a Bachelors of Science Degree in Biology.   Upon graduating, she successfully completed her four-year medical program at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine (BINM) in New Westminster, BC.  While attending BINM, Dr. Hitkari gained valuable practical experience treating patients through a two-year internship at the Boucher Naturopathic Clinic, as well as through preceptorships with a number of leading doctors in the field of Naturopathy.  

Dr. Shalini Hitkari has a general family practice and treats patients of all ages, from infants to seniors. Common conditions she treats include, but are not limited to:

·         Women’s health

·         Pediatrics

·         Hormonal imbalances (PMS, Menopause, etc)

·         Depression and anxiety

·         Weight loss and management

·         Digestive disorders (IBS, IBD, etc)

·         Food allergies and sensitivities

·         Fatigue and stress

·         Acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain

·         Immune health

·         Autoimmune disorders

·         Seasonal allergy testing

Dr. Hitkari also has additional training in IV therapy, Bowen Therapy, as well as Neural Therapy. She is enthusiastic about educating parents and children about health, especially preventative medicine, in order to help create happy, healthier families.  Dr. Hitkari is in good standing with the British Columbia Naturopathic Association (BCNA), the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND) and the College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia (CNPBC).  Please call the office to book an appointment today. 

Joyce Barwis, Registered Clinical Counsellor

  Joyce is a master's level, registered clinical counsellor and holds certifications in Family Therapy, Trauma Therapy and Addictions. Joyce graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Human Science from Columbia Pacific University and is a member in good standing with the B.C. Association of Clinical Counsellors and has been in practice for over thirty years. Her career began working with the Ministry of Children and Families providing counselling services to individuals, couples, children, adolescents, and families for eight years. Joyce then began working with adolescents as a youth outreach worker. While this was a very rewarding job it required a lot of evening work which was difficult with having a family. In 1986, she became employed by Pacific Centre Family Services Association. She worked as a counsellor in various programs at the agency for the next seventeen years. In 2003 Joyce began private practice on part-time basis and returned to work with youth and their families at the Cowichan Valley Branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association. 

Joyce continued her studies and graduated from Pacific Coast Family Therapy Training Institute as a Certified Family Therapist, has trained to work with alcohol and other drug issues, and completed a two year program at the Canadian Foundation for Trauma Research and Education. She has also completed advanced training at the CFTR for another two years studying the most recent psychological, physiological, and neurobiological research for working with emotional and shock trauma. Joyce continues her studies in this area of her work.

Joyce describes her philosophy of work by saying: "I believe that the intent of therapy is to support and assist individuals into alignment with themselves and their world, and to re-establish harmony, wholeness and well-being. In addition to regular talk therapy I include a mind/body method of approaching issues, that neither cognitive therapy nor bodywork on their own can resolve. This form of treatment brings people through overwhelming experiences without causing re-traumatization. I approach my work with honesty and respect. It is not easy to begin dealing with life circumstances that have brought pain and discomfort into our lives. It is with this awareness that I strive to build an environment of safety and trust to support the healing process."


Jody Watson, Registered Clinical Counsellor

Jody Watson is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) and a professional Art Jody has a broad range of experience ranging from mental health and addictions, to working with trauma and anxiety. Jody has worked with individuals, families, groups, adults, adolescents and children and also has experience facilitating educational groups and teaching in a college setting.   Jody’s method of practice is influenced by Dr. Victor Frankl and his belief that life has meaning under all circumstances. As a therapist, she believes that individuals have the ability to find meaning in all that they experience, even in their suffering. She believes that finding meaning is a personal and individual journey; therefore, her approach is client centered and flexible. Therapeutic interventions include, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Humanistic/Existential approaches and Art Therapy. Regardless of the modality, the foundation of therapy is based on the relationship between the individual and the therapist.  

Jody has a special interest in working with individuals and couples that are experiencing issues related to infertility. She personally understands how dealing with infertility can be one of the most heartbreaking experiences that a person can go through, how it can be all consuming, create feelings of isolation, and cause barriers and tensions in intimate relationships. Her goal is to provide you with emotional support, practical information, resources, and encourage you on your journey.     

Registered Acupuncturist

 

Gillian Marsollier M.TCM, R.Ac., C.I.

Gillian, Marsollier completed her 4-year Masters of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture program and provincial registration exam with the BC regulatory board, CTCMA, in 2001.   Her education began at the University of Calgary with the Nursing Program. After completing part of the program, she met someone in the TCM/Acupuncture field and fell immediately connected to the foundation and theories. She then immediately began her studies in the alternative medicine field very early, at the age of 20. Upon graduation, Gillian moved to St. John’s, NL with a colleague and mentored under a well-established practitioner for 1-year.  When the first college of Acupuncture was to open in the East Coast, Gillian was called to instruct and accepted the position. It started in NL were she wrote the bulk of the curriculum for a 3-year program and helped direct the Acupuncture program, graduating 3 years of students. The College promoted her to the position of Program Director and transferred her to Halifax, NS to have the program approved with the Board of Education for NS. She had the great chance of working at an excellent multi-faceted alternative treatment centre while in NS called Pillars of Health. Her practice was booming and very successful.

 

 

Gillian is trained in Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture, Iridology, and has extensive knowledge in Holistic Nutrition. She is currently instructing at the Pacific Rim College in Market Square: Holistic Nutrition, Shi Liao (advanced Chinese nutrition), Tui Na (Chinese Massage), Advanced Clinical Case Studies and clinic supervision.

 

Her vast experience has honed her skills in all areas of acupuncture with a focus in:

·         Stress

·         Emotional blockages

·         Digestive issues

·         Skin complaints

·         Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture

·         Iridology – using advanced and current software/camera, iris

          photographs

·         Musculo-skeletal/Pain

·         Internal medicine

·         Holistic Nutrition/Chinese Nutrition Therapy

·         Chinese herbal medicine and food supplementation

 

Gillian loves working in an integrated model with other health care practitioners. One of her favorite aspects of the practice is allowing a quiet space for a patient to explore their emotions, at the same time helping them to find laughter and lightness!

Michelle Hnilica, Registered Massage Therapist  


Michelle Hnilica, RMTis a graduate of the West Coast College of Massage Therapy (WCCMT) Victoria and registered with The College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia. She is also a member of the Massage Therapists Association of British Columbia.  Michelle works with a variety of patients whose conditions range from acute to chronic. She is experienced in treating a wide range of conditions including overuse injuries, sports injuries, motor vehicle accidents, tension headaches, migraines, back and neck pain, insomnia, stress, constipation, tendinitis, arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, TMJ disorder, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, frozen shoulder, plantar fasciitis, pregnancy and infant massage. Michelle has also completed the basic course in Dr. Vodder’s manual lymph drainage.

Michelle was born and raised on Vancouver Island. She is excited to practice in Victoria where she can share her knowledge and training to help her patients. Over the last two years Michelle has volunteered her time to work at various fundraisers and sporting events around Victoria. She found these to be great experiences and plans to do more in the future. As part of her multi-focal practice, Michelle believes in educating patients and encouraging them to become active participants in their therapy. She also believes in working together with her patients’ other health care providers to meet their goals.