ENCORE Program

September 24: Kristin Long, "The Role of Physiotherapy Post-Breast Cancer"

Kristin graduated with a Bachelors of Health Sciences in Physiotherapy from McMaster University with honours in 1999 after completing her honours Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics at the University of Guelph in 1994.  Kristin has worked as a Registered Physiotherapist for Eramosa Physiotherapy Associates (EPA) for 15 years, and been Clinic Manager for 13 years. Through her dedication to ongoing education, she has expanded her post graduate orthopaedic knowledge by completing her Diploma of Advanced Manual and Manipulative Therapy in 2004 and, in 2009 Kristin completed her Master’s of Clinical Science in Manipulation at the University of Western Ontario. Her interest in women’s health and evidence based practice lead to the development of EPA’s Post Breast Cancer Program, which has had rave reviews from physicians and patients alike in how it individually addresses the needs of those who have had mastectomies/lumpectomies with the goal of returning to previous activity.  Her commitment to professional development has lead to her involvement as a Professional Associate within McMaster’s Physiotherapy Programme, her credentialing as a Co-Instructor within the Canadian Physiotherapy Association’s post-graduate manual therapy system and guest lecturing at the University of Guelph.  Kristin continues to have a strong interest in orthopaedics, including the spine, shoulder and knee however also stays up to date with current changes in practice regarding treatment for women post breast cancer.

October 1: Kathy Somers, "Smart Stress Management"

Director of the Stress Management and High Performance Clinic in Guelph. Kathy teaches relaxation & stress management skills to groups and individuals in university, health care and corporate settings, to help enhance health and optimize performance.

October 8: Dr. Robin Urekar, "Nutrition for Life"

Dr. Robin is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor with a general family practice in Guelph.

After completing an honours degree in Biomedical Biology at Laurentian University, Robin pursued her naturopathic medical studies at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto. She is a member of the College of Naturopaths of Ontario, the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors, and the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors. Robin’s internship at the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic, was focused on adjunctive cancer care. She currently splits her time practicing and working as a medical advisor for a company producing complementary cancer care products.

As a Naturopathic Doctor, Robin works with patients to address their health goals through comprehensive assessment leading to the root cause of their complaints. Combining a strong knowledge of the power and safety of natural therapies with evidence based medicine; she assists her patients in combining natural and conventional medicines, as well as patients looking for alternatives.

Robin has a general family practice, with a special interest in complementary cancer care, hormone and thyroid balancing, digestive concerns, weight loss, fertility, pre and postnatal support, and women’s health.

October 15: Mary Haggarty, "Laugh for the Health of it"

Mary comes to the Encore program with decades of public speaking experience through her work at her alma mater, the University of Guelph. Her post graduate studies in Recreation Management for Older Adults have taught her to approach Laughter Yoga with an open and loving heart. In addition to Encore, Mary is a regular Laughter Yoga facilitator for the HopeSpring Cancer Support Centre in Cambridge and KW. She has a proven track record of improving the quality of life for her clients. 

It’s not necessary to know yoga for this informative and interactive program. Incorporating yoga breathing with laughter is fun AND uplifting. "Scientific studies show that your brain cannot be sad and happy at the same time" says Mary.

October 22: Dr. Colleen Beaudoin, "Support your Mental Health in the Face of Cancer"

Dr. Colleen Beaudoin is a Registered Psychologist who received her Ph.D. from York University in Clinical Developmental Psychology. Dr. Beaudoin has worked in a variety of settings including community mental health clinics, educational institutions, and teaching hospitals. She has been working in private practice since 2007 and joined Insight Psychology (previously known as Norfolk Psychological Services) in 2015.  Dr. Beaudoin has experience working with a wide range of issues including mood and anxiety disorders, learning disabilities, developmental disorders, adjustment to life stress, loss, or change, self-esteem and identity, behavioural and social difficulties, interpersonal patterns, and parenting practices. She provides assessment, treatment, and consultation services for children, adolescents, adults, and families. To fill her bucket, Dr. Beaudoin enjoys alpine ski racing, playing board games with her family, volunteering at the YMCA, and making time for physical fitness and reading.

October 29: Renata DeForest, Lymphemena Treatment Specialist 

Renata has worked and lived in Guelph since 1999. Currently she practices out of Central Health Care on Gordon Street as well as doing home/nursing visits to those unable to access the clinic due to health reasons.

She received her certification for Combined Decongestive Therapy from the Vodder School International out of Victoria, BC, in 2008 and has practicing Manual Lymph Drainage Bandaging since.

November 5: Valerie Stevenson, "Managing Effects on Skin & Nails, Scar Management and Healthy Self Care"

Valerie’s practice focuses on the health and wellness of individuals by providing truly healthy, genuine, all-natural and effective skin and body care. She understands the importance of caring for oneself, talking time to relax, restore, and treat / maintain the body in a healthy manner. She believes that treating and caring for the skin and body using 100% natural -  whole plant and mineral based sources provides the healthiest and most effective treatment. She takes a holistic approach to her practice, considering the whole person and all aspects that may be influencing skin and nail health. She strives for distinction in the knowledge of healthy natural skin and body care products and approaches to ensure she provides the best possible treatment. Education of healthy skin and body care practices is a key aspect of her practice, as such she regularly conducts workshops and classes in the community. Valerie has been practicing holistic esthetics for over 5 years and carries forward knowledge and experience from an over 15-year career in the natural sciences field.

November 22: Joanne Doyle, Social Work Practise Lead

Joanne has been working in medical social work for 35 years, including assisting many clients who struggle with the challenges of coping with a cancer diagnosis and the repercussions of the treatments they receive. She has been working in the home health care field for 28 of those years and still very much enjoys the benefits and insights that she has the privilege of gaining when people welcome her into their home. Joanne currently works for CBI Home Health and has the contract to provide services to LHIN clients in Waterloo, Wellington & Dufferin counties.