Meet Rachel, one of our valued Nurse Practitioners.

Each month, we connect with a member of the Winterberry team and sit down with them to ask a few questions. These conversations help our patients get to know our team members and better understand the important roles they play in patient care.

Rachel, thanks so much for sitting down with us!

Tell us about your work at Winterberry. What’s your role?

I am a nurse practitioner at Winterberry.

What inspired you to pursue this career?

From a young age, I knew I wanted to go into healthcare. As I explored different roles within the healthcare field, I felt that nursing was the best fit and aligned with how I wanted to give back to my community.

I have always wanted to be an advocate for mental health and women’s health, and being a nurse practitioner has allowed me to do that through a medical lens.

What is your educational and professional background? Where did you study and train?

I completed my undergraduate degree at Laurentian University, and my master’s degree and post-graduate nurse practitioner certificate at McMaster University.

I have also completed multiple continuing education courses through the University of Toronto and other organizations to further my training in mental health and addictions, with a special interest in women’s health.

What made you want to be part of the Winterberry team?

Eight years ago, I worked at Winterberry as an RN, and I truly enjoyed my time here. It felt like the right time to come back as a nurse practitioner.

I also love how Winterberry focuses on a holistic, team-based approach to patients’ health.

Is there an average day in the clinic for you? What does your work typically look like?

An average day at the clinic starts with getting to work, coffee in hand, and reviewing the cases I have for the day. I am very Type A, so I like to set up notes for myself for each patient in the morning.

I usually see about 24 to 27 patients a day, and the concerns can vary from sore throats to ADHD assessments to menopause management. Each day is different.

What’s your favourite part of the work you do?

I have a huge passion for mental health and women’s health. I absolutely love working with individuals for ADHD assessment and treatment, as well as providing assessment and treatment for PCOS and endometriosis.

It is very rewarding to help others gain back their quality of life.

When you’re not at Winterberry helping patients, what will we find you doing?

I am a huge book lover! I am always reading on my Kindle in my free time. My favourite place to do this is at local cafés, where I can sit with a coffee and a sweet treat for hours.

I also love crafting and host a weekly craft night with friends. Most recently, we made charm bracelets and necklaces!