Dr. Natasha Montroy, ND

Dr. Natasha Montroy, ND is the founder and medical director of The Vancouver Island Naturopathic Clinic Inc. She began her studies at the University of Victoria where she took her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. In 2000, she relocated to Toronto where she attended the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) for four years earning her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine.

As part of her training, Dr. Montroy gained invaluable experience while undergoing internships at a variety of health and wellness settings, including: The Victoria Pain Clinic, The Toronto Western General Hospital, LAMP, and People With Aids Clinic in Toronto. Upon her return to Victoria, she founded the Vancouver Island Naturopathic Clinic. 

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 board certified in acupuncture, IV therapy, chelation, facial renewal acupuncture and is certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).

Dr. Montroy is a member of the British Columbia Naturopathic Association (BCNA), the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND), The Infertility Awareness Association of Canada (IAAC), The Canadian Fertility and Andrology Association (CFAS), The International Society of Chelation Technicians (ISCT), DONA International, ACAM, Association of Perinatal Naturopathic Doctors (APND) 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, an educational and research organization whose mission is to provide advanced training to primary health care practitioners and to conduct and support clinical research in women's health and natural therapies and integrative medicine. 

Dr. Montroy, a mother of two (Tia and Anya), has a passion and special interest in the care and treatment of infertility, preconception care, pregnancy, labour and delivery supportive care, children's health from newborn including: well child examinations, vaccination counselling, allergy testing, food introduction counselling and treatment of numerous childhood ailments, women's health care including: gynecological disorders, sexual difficulties, STI's, birth control counselling, breast diseases, anti-aging therapies, weightloss, menopause, hormonal imbalance, PMS, cycle related mood disorders. She 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) and DONA International.

Dr. Montroy is the clinical director of the Vancouver Island Naturopathic Clinic and has recently designed and coordinated the expansion of the clinic services to include registered massage therapy and registered clinical counselling.

*Fluent in English and Finnish languages.


Dr. Jasmine Wong, ND

Dr. Jasmine Wong, ND completed her pre-medical studies at Simon Fraser University, 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 and serving as a liason 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 Doula services for expectant parents, Bowen Therapy and European biopuncture for pain management and injury . 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 compositon program.

Dr. Wong has a general family medical practice, treating people of all ages for concerns that are both acute and chronic in nature, with a focus on the following areas:
- Digestive Disorders (e.g. IBD, GERD, IBS) and food sensitivities
- First Line Therapy Healthy Body Composition and Weight Loss
- Skin Conditions (Eczema, Acne, Psoriasis)
- Thyroid Disorders
- Fatigue
- PMS and Menstrual disorders, Hormonal health (men and women)
- Musculoskeletal/athletic injuries and Degenerative conditions (e.g. arthritis)

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 affiliations include the British Columbia Naturopathic Association (BCNA), the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND) and the College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia (CNPBC).

* Fluent in English and Cantonese languages

Dr. Shalini Hitkari, ND

Dr. Shalini Hitkari, ND completed her Bachelors of Science Degree in Biology at the University of Victoria. She also successfully completed a 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. She also has additional training in IV therapy, bowen therapy as well as neural therapy.

Dr. Hitkari was raised in Victoria, BC, and decided to return to this family-oriented community to practice. As a Naturopathic Physician, she focuses on family healthcare, treating patients of all ages to promote Naturopathic Medicine across multiple generations. Dr. Hitkari is enthusiastic about educating parents and children about health, especially preventative medicine, in order to help create happy, healthier families. 

Dr. Hitkari is particularly interested in women’s health and can assist in treating infertility, menopause, PMS, and other women’s health conditions.   Additionally, she is knowledgeable about treating digestive problems, including GERD, IBS, IBD, food sensitivities, and colitis, as well as skin conditions, weight management, fatigue, stress and anxiety.

Dr. Hitkari is in good standing with the British Columbia Naturopathic Association (BCNA) and the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND). Please call the office to book an appointment today.

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 Therapist with the British Columbia Art Therapy Association (BCTA). She is a member of The Infertility Awareness Association of Canada (IAAC), The Canadian Fertility and Andrology Association of Canada (CFAS).

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.

Jody’s education and training includes:

• Master of Counselling (University of Calgary)
• Art Therapy Diploma (Vancouver Art Therapy Institute)
• BA Psychology (Trinity Western University)

• Trauma Focused Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (TF-CBT)
• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Anxiety Disorders
• Using the DSM IV with Children and Youth
• Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About the DSM IV
• Advanced Motivational Interviewing 
• Gottman Level 1 (couples counselling)
•  Infertility Counselling Certificate (in progress)

 
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 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."


Michelle Hnilica, Registered Massage Therapist

Michelle Hnilica, RMT is 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. While at WCCMT, Michelle worked with a variety of patients whose conditions ranged from acute to chronic. She found working in the Arthritis, Parkinson’s and MS clinics to be especially rewarding. 

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.

Michelle is experienced in treating a wide range of conditions including arthritis, sports injuries, pregnancy and infant massage, motor vehicle accidents, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s, tension headaches, insomnia, stress, constipation, tendinitis, chronic fatigue syndrome and TMJ disorder.

As part of her multi-focus practice, Michelle believes in educating patients and encouraging them to become active participants in their healing process. She also believes in working together with her patient’s other health care providers to meet their goals. 

Vanessa Martell, Registered Massage Therapist

Vanessa Martell RMT, completed her studies in Massage Therapy in 2005 at the West Coast College of Massage Therapy (WCCMT), a 3000-hour program. Her training included studies in Swedish Massage, Myofascial Release, Sports Massage, Trigger Point Therapy, and introductory levels of Craniosacral Therapy, Manual Lymph Drainage and Pregnancy/Infant Massage. Vanessa also has extensive training in movement, specifically 12 years of training in classical ballet and 4 years professional experience with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and other small performance groups. To compliment her movement skills she also has seven years of Pilates background with 5 years of instructing experience. She believes her extensive movement knowledge will compliment her hands on therapy, and be a great asset to her massage therapy treatments. 

Currently Vanessa has taken a keen interest around perinatal care within her practice. She has completed her Doula training through Mothering Touch here in Victoria, BC and is working towards her DONA (Doulas of North America) certification. Vanessa has also recently completed one of five courses offered through Paula Jasper in Pregnancy Massage and is currently continuing to complete all 5 by this fall. The course topics include:

·      Infant Massage

·      Pregnancy Massage

·      Post Ceaseran Treatment

·      Complicated Pregnancy

·      Labour and Delivery

Vanessa looks forward to applying her new interest and focus, as well as continuing her practice in previous treatments in chronic pain management, whiplash, sports massage, and regular health maintenance per individual needs.  She believes working in a multi-disciplinary setting allows for continual growth in knowledge for both her patients and herself, and is excited to be a part of Vancouver Island Naturopathic Clinic.  

Karly Fraser, Office Manager

Karly, our local Canadian Kiwi, is the backbone to the Vancouver Island Naturopathic Clinic. As the office manager, Karly is the first friendly face you will see when you walk through our doors. Karly ensures the smooth operation of the administrative details that makes our clinic run efficiently.

Karly was born in Canada and raised in New Zealand where she developed a love for horses and completed her University education in Equine Farm Management. She has herself used natural medicine from an early age. Karly continues her education in natural therapies and is currently completing her education in First Line Therapy to soon be our new FLT Coordinator to assist the doctors in the implementation of the program. Her professionalism and warmth will  welcome you as soon as you step through our door.