Meet our Team Archives - Winterberry Family Medicine

Each month we catch up to one of our Winterberry team members to ask a few questions that will help our patients and community get to know them better. This month we headed to our new Winterberry Physiotherapy clinic to meet Tani. Read along with our Q+A to find out more about Tani and all of the great work she is doing!

How long have you been with the clinic?7 years.

I started in Fall 201. I cannot believe it has been this long.

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

I’m a physiotherapist, assessing, treating injuries of musculoskeletal conditions. My treatment plan is tailored to each individual, with the goals of alleviating pain, regaining mobility, strength, and returning to functional activities. I love to hear when my clients say their pain is gone, and they can walk or return to activities they love again.

What is your educational or work background?

I graduated with a Bachelor’s program of Physiotherapy with 2nd Honours from Srinakharinwirot University (SWU), a well-known public University in Bangkok, Thailand. After graduation, I worked at Bangkok Hospital for a year and then moved to Canada. In 2017, I attended Bridging Program at University of Toronto, where I did my clinical placements at St. Catharines hospital and a private clinic in Toronto. I had also volunteered at SunnyBrook St. John’s Rehab, involved in labs and clinical exams at U of T. I had helped with Co-op students and volunteers at the clinic. In March 2025, I spoke at Niagara College to share my clinical experience to students. I have both experience in private clinics and hospital settings, mainly focusing on orthopedics and geriatric clients.

What made you want to work in this field?

Orthopedic rehabilitation is very fascinating to me. Everyday is different. I love helping all my clients. It’s rewarding to me when I hear they feel better.

What is your favourite part of your job?

I love seeing all my clients improve, meeting everyone is an everyday gift for me. Thank you! for choosing us and always coming back, I do my best!When you’re not at Winterberry, what will we find you doing? (Hobbies, etc).I love walking, going to parks with my 2 little dogs, yorkies and toy poodles. I love cooking and enjoy simple things in life. And of course travelling is fulfilling my soul.

How long have you been with Winterberry?

I have been with Winterberry for about 3 and half months and it has been amazing. The staff here are fantastic and very welcoming.

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

I am the Office Assistant at Winterberry Family Medicine. I am responsible for ordering and receiving our supplies in both of our locations as well as our newly acquired physio clinic. It’s my job to make sure that the staff has all the necessary supplies they need so that we can provide the best possible service. I have also been helping our physio and admin team whenever they need extra coverage. I keep our offices tidy and organized and help with troubleshooting tech issues with the help of our IT team. I just try to help the team the best that I can, whenever I can.

What made you want to work in administration?

I got into administration in a very unconventional way and did not know much about the profession. I soon realized that it’s a job that I genuinely enjoy that suits my personality and can utilize my skills. I love a job where I can help people in any way possible.

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

When I was going through my application with Winterberry and researching about the clinic, I was really interested and fascinated by their progressive approach to health care! I love that they were embracing how healthcare has changed so much from what was considered traditional.

Is there an average day in the Administration department at Winterberry?

To be completely honest, no! I think that’s what is interesting about working in administration, you just never know what could happen in your day. There is always something new and something different. I like it because it keeps me on my toes.

What is your favourite part of your job?

Just to piggyback on my previous answer. I really appreciate the spontaneity of my job. Some days I am needed at reception admin or I’m doing behind the scenes administrative work. Other days I am building a chair or running to a store to grab supplies. It’s really fun.

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

When I’m not working, you’ll find me outdoors, out on a hike with my dog, friends, and family, or playing whatever sport I’m currently interested in.

Each month we catch up to one of our Winterberry team members. This month we met with Gillian to find out more about her role at Winterberry and the path she took to get here.

Gillian, how long have you been with Winterberry?

1 year this month!

Tell us about your role and what kind of work you do at Winterberry.

At Winterberry, I work as a Nurse Practitioner in primary care, where I provide comprehensive healthcare services to a diverse patient population.

My role involves: Conducting physical exams, diagnosing and managing acute and chronic conditions, and prescribing medications. Focusing on preventive care by educating patients on healthy lifestyle choices and disease prevention. Collaborating with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated and high-quality patient care.

What made you want to work in the medical field?

I wanted to help people, simple as that.

Was there something special about Winterberry that made you want to be part of the team?

I was drawn to the team based care, and dog friendly atmosphere. Working at Winterberry allows me to build long-term relationships with patients, support their overall well-being, and impact community health through compassionate, evidence-based care.

Is there an average day at Winterberry?

Never! Every day is different, and that is why I love it.

What is your favourite part of your job?

My favorite part of the job is building relationships with patients and helping them make meaningful life changes.

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

Going to the beach, festivals, when I’m not working on home renovations!

Each month one of our favourite things to do at Winterberry is catch up with one of our team members so we can help you get to know them better! This month we’re celebrating Tamara. Read on to find out about Tamara, her role at Winterberry and why she is happy to be part of our team:

How long have you been with Winterberry?

I have been with Winterberry for just over two years.

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

At Winterberry, I am the Administrative Team Leader. I manage our hard working administrative team at both of our Winterberry locations. This consists of creating new protocols with upper management to ensure smooth operations at both locations. I also support the admin team with the daily tasks such as answering phones, checking patients in at the window, and assisting patients with their concerns. I create weekly task lists for both locations and monthly schedules. Any concerns the admin team has is brought to my attention and I assist in having it managed.

What made you want to work in Administration?

I originally received my Business Administration diploma in 2008, but after COVID-19 (and my second child), I wanted to go back to school in the medical field. I love the organization of administration and how we’re on the front lines. So in 2021, I went back to school to specialize in Medical Administration.

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

Winterberry has a lot of programs that most doctor’s offices don’t offer. Weight Management, Research Trials, Mental Health Counselling, to name a few. I really liked the scope of this practice and what we offer to the community.

Is there an average day at Winterberry?

There is NEVER an average day here. Things will be quiet and then, poof, we’re off to the races.

What is your favourite part of your job?

Honestly, there are so many parts I love about my job. The team would be number one. We are more than coworkers, we are family. I also really enjoy the patient interactions. We’re always a friendly face and comfort for patients who may be sick or struggling. This job is so incredibly rewarding.

When you’re not at Winterberry, what will we find you doing? (Hobbies, etc).

When I’m not at work, you will find me with my two boys, probably at a hockey rink. I also run a small business doing makeup in my spare time.

Each month we catch up to one of our Winterberry team members. This month, we spoke with Samantha who is one of our Registered Dieticians and an important part of many of our patient’s lives. We hope you enjoy getting to know Samantha and understanding her important role!

Samantha, how long have you been with Winterberry?

I have been with Winterberry since October of 2021.

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

In my role as a Registered dietician at Winterberry, I have the privilege of collaborating with patients to set realistic, attainable goals that support their overall health.

I believe that nutrition is about more than just the foods we eat—it’s also about enjoyment, celebration, and nourishment. My approach involves helping patients make thoughtful changes to their current eating habits to support a wide range of health goals, including lowering cholesterol, managing blood sugar levels, supporting liver function, addressing gastrointestinal issues, and promoting healthy weight loss.

A core part of my practice is helping patients build a positive and balanced relationship with food. I truly love what I do, because I see how many people feel pressured to achieve a “perfect diet,” often driven by unrealistic expectations. I aim to dismantle those myths and help patients understand that all foods can have a place in a healthy lifestyle—and that nourishing our bodies can, and should, be enjoyable.

What made you want to be a Registered dietician (RD)?

I studied Biochemistry at Brock University, and in my third year, I began to struggle with the idea of working in a lab long term. I was hoping for a career that would allow me to build meaningful relationships and help others directly. When plagued with brain fog whilst studying for an Organic Chemistry exam, it became clear that I was not nourishing my body well (either that, or I’d spent so long studying molecules that I started to lose my own structure!). This turned into a passion for nutrition that I couldn’t ignore, and I decided to pursue a career as a Registered dietician.

What is your educational and work background as an RD?

I transferred to Ryerson University, where I enrolled in the Food and Nutrition Program, and later completed the Professional Masters Diploma in Dietetics at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto. During this time, I not only learned to nourish myself, but I also discovered an immense joy in helping others do the same.

My Gastrointestinal Disorders Rotation provided valuable experience that I’ve applied to help Winterberry patients manage an array of digestive disorders. Additionally, through my Pediatric Rotation, I developed skills that I’ve applied to assist the youngest Winterberry patients with picky eating and the introduction of solid foods. I also have experience nourishing the most vulnerable of newborns, having worked at McMaster Children’s Hospital in the Neonatal ICU. There, I collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to calculate nutritional needs and prepare feeds for premature neonates.

I understand you are now a Certified Bariatric Educator, what kind of work do you do in that role?

Yes! Early April 2025 I obtained my Certified Bariatric Educator Certification and am very grateful for the knowledge and perspective that I gained. Obesity is a chronic disease rooted in brain neurochemistry and requires a multifactorial approach to care.

As a Registered dietician and CBE, I strive to provide client-centered care, helping patients set realistic dietary and activity goals aimed at fostering sustainable lifestyle changes.

My approach focuses on health rather than weight alone, encouraging patients to pay attention to improvements in their energy levels, how they feel, and key metabolic markers such as blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Recognizing the genetic, environmental, social, and psychological factors that impact weight, I ensure that my care is individualized to meet the unique needs of each patient.

What made you want to pursue the Certificate in Bariatric Education?

In my experience as a Registered dietician at Winterberry, I often see patients feeling discouraged and struggling with weight management. “I’m eating lots of fibre and protein and walking daily. Why isn’t the weight coming off!?” Despite making dietary changes and incorporating regular activity, many find it difficult to reach their goals, leading to frustration. I felt it was essential to deepen my understanding of the metabolic, environmental, genetic, and psychological factors that influence weight so I could better support my patients. Through this journey, I’ve gained a greater appreciation for the role of psychological interventions, pharmacological therapies, and surgical options in helping patients manage obesity as a chronic disease.

What makes Winterberry a unique place to work?

The Winterberry team has been welcoming, supportive, and accommodating from day one. I feel that I have the autonomy to create individualized Nutrition Care Plans for my patients, with the support of an exceptional healthcare team to provide multidisciplinary support as needed. I value my remote work that supports work-life balance, increased productivity, and reduced commuting stress.

Is there an average day at Winterberry?

An average day at Winterberry begins with logging into work, checking my emails, and reviewing and screening the patients scheduled for the day. Today, for example, I had a new intake with a patient on Ozempic who is working toward weight loss goals. They shared that physical limitations impact their ability to stay active, which often leads to reliance on take-out foods. Together, we explored simple strategies to optimize their protein intake and discussed bulk meal preparation to help make the healthy choice the easy choice.

Later, I met with a patient for a follow-up who has a history of bariatric surgery who I helped manage significant gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, including stomach pain and bloating. Although they had been doing well from a nutritional standpoint with managed GI symptoms, seeing a number on the scale that didn’t align with their expectations left them feeling discouraged and ready to “throw in the towel.” Our session focused on challenging the “all or nothing” mindset and reinforcing the understanding that health encompasses much more than just a number on the scale.

Throughout the day, I ensure that all nutrition encounters are accurately documented in our EMR system and communicate with other members of the care team as needed. I also make time to stay current with the latest evidence by reading scholarly nutrition articles and consulting Practice-based Evidence in Nutrition (PEN), ensuring that my interventions remain relevant, practical, and evidence-informed. Additionally, I enjoy creating nutrition resources—something I find both rewarding and impactful in supporting patient education and engagement.

What is your favourite part of your job?

My favorite part of this job is being able to make a meaningful difference in my patients’ lives. Today, I received one of the most rewarding compliments—a patient shared that my nutrition support has truly improved their quality of life, and they expressed gratitude for the thorough and genuine care I’ve provided. Moments like that are why I do what I do, and honestly, that’s all I could ever ask for.

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

When I’m not supporting patients at Winterberry, you’ll find me cooking for my family, taking my daughter to the park, going for walks with friends (latte in hand!), attending church, or planning dinner parties for loved ones. I also enjoy hiking, staying active with at-home Pilates—no excuses!—and unwinding by playing the piano. These moments bring balance and joy to my life and help fuel the energy I bring to my work.

Each month we catch up to one of our hard working and caring team members. This month we had the pleasure of finding out more about Hannah and her work at Winterberry. Enjoy this quick Q+A and join me as we thank Hannah for being part of our team!

Hannah, how long have you been with Winterberry?

I have been working at Winterberry since August 2024, so about 7 months now!

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

I work as an RPN (Registered Practical Nurse) at Winterberry. My role varies from day to day as a clinic nurse. Some days I see patients for in-office appointments including administering vaccinations, checking blood pressure’s, performing procedures such as PAP’s and Diabetic appointments. Other days I work as a phone nurse triaging patients needs and facilitating appointments and referrals over the phone.

What made you want to be an RPN?

Growing up, my mother was a veterinarian who owned her own practice. I was always going into work with her in her clinic and seeing first-hand healthcare being provided to animals! I do have a love for animals, and people would always ask me if I was going to follow in my mom’s footsteps and become a vet. Although that was very tempting, I am a social butterfly through and through and wanted to work with humans as opposed to animals. Being a nurse is the best of both worlds! I get to explore my passion for healthcare and work directly with patients every day and build lasting therapeutic relationships.

What is your educational and work background?

I went to Mohawk College for the RPN program. My program was a specialty program “RPN working in Aboriginal Communities”. I had classes at McMaster as well as a rural Brantford campus.

My work background is emergency medicine. I worked as an RPN in the ER for 4 years prior to starting at Winterberry. I worked locally and did some travel nursing in rural communities in Nova Scotia working in their Emergency Departments.

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

What drew me to Winterberry is the team approach. Our team is composed of RPN’s, RN’s, Nurse Practitioners, Physicians, Registered Dieticians, Mental Health Counsellors, and more! We all work collaboratively together to ensure our patients receive the best healthcare possible. There are endless learning opportunities when working with such a big team. I get to see many different aspects of healthcare and learn how different specialties manage cases. I’ve learned so much in 7 months already! There are so many different moving parts to healthcare, and I feel lucky to be able to learn about other specialties in my day-to-day work as a nurse.

Is there an average day as an RPN at Winterberry?

Every day is different at the clinic. It’s always busy and my schedule changes daily! I’d say an average day includes in-office appointments where I see patients face to face. Appointments that I see most frequently include blood pressures, cervical cancer screening procedures, vaccine administration, blood work reviews, weight-management appointments, and diabetic procedural appointments. But truly, every day is different!

What is your favourite part of your job?

My favourite part about working as an RPN at Winterberry is being able to make patients feel safe and heard. Primary care is essentially preventative healthcare. A major part of what we do is to try to catch problems before they arise. With my background being emergency medicine, I was used to “reactive” healthcare, trying to fix and manage medical problems after they have already occurred. Primary care gives me the opportunity to listen to patients’ concerns and address them to the best of my ability to ensure we stop a problem before it progresses to something serious.

Another favourite part of my job are the people I work alongside. The relationships I have built with my coworkers makes me excited to come into work everyday! We have a great work environment, and I feel lucky to be a part of the team!

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

On my days off, you will always find me with family and friends! Whether that be hanging out in our backyard, going on walks, or having family dinner. My community is the most important thing to me!

Each month we are excited to meet up with one of our team members. This month we sat down for a quick conversation with Anuka, one of our hardworking and skilled Nurse Practitioners. We hope you enjoy getting to know Anuka!

What is your educational and work background?

Prior to my employment at Winterberry, I worked primarily in Emergency as well Community Health Nursing in remote communities. For my education, I completed my undergraduate degree at McMaster University, and my master’s degree at the University of Toronto.

What made you want to be a Nurse Practitioner?

It was mostly my time in Community Health Nursing, my experience working in those communities as a practitioner made me realize how much a primary care practitioner can influence a patient across their lifespan.

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

I knew I wanted to be part of a clinic that emphasized a team-based approach to patient care. I know there are advantages and disadvantages to the model, but in my experience having team-based care ensures that no practitioner works in isolation and there is always support for those tricky cases that inevitably pop up.

What type of work do you do in your daily work with patients?

The same work as all the Nurse Practitioners at Winterberry! We conduct physical exams, order and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe medications, and develop treatment plans. We also provide health education and counseling to help patients manage any acute or chronic conditions.

Is there an average day? If yes, what does it look like?

A typical day involves seeing patients for routine and acute health concerns as well as managing patients with chronic illnesses. I also portion out some time to call patients back with results from any tests that were ordered and do prescription renewals.

What is your favourite part of being an NP?

My favorite part of being an NP is helping a patient solve a problem. It’s not always possible as healthcare can be so complicated, but that moment where I can listen to a patient express a particular concern and then being able to address that concern in a way that meaningfully improves their life is incredibly rewarding.

When you’re not improving patient lives at Winterberry, what will we find you doing?

When I am not at work, I will likely be outdoors enjoying the sun with my wife and our little dog. Unless it’s winter, in which case you will find me indoors waiting for the sun to arrive.

At Winterberry, we love to recognize and celebrate our team and this month, we’re shining our light on Rebecca and Brittney from our Billing Team. In each of these Team Showcase articles we aim to get to know different team members, their backgrounds and their experience at Winterberry. We hope you enjoy this quick Q+A!

Brittney and Rebecca, tell us about your work at Winterberry. What’s your role?

We both do the OHIP billing for the clinic as well as help the administration team when needed.

What is your educational and work background?

We both have college degrees in Medical Office Administration. Rebecca went to Mohawk College, Brittney went to Everest College and both of us graduated with Honors.

Impressive! What made you want to be in the billing department?

Brittney – I wanted a change from the first role I had at Winterberry which was in administration. I expressed an interest in expanding on my Medical Office Administration knowledge and within my first year, was given the opportunity to become part of the billing department.

Rebecca – I really enjoyed the billing portion of my college program and the opportunity was presented to move into the billing department about a year into my career with Winterberry.

What made you want to be part of the Winterberry team compared to other clinics or companies?

Rebecca – My college professor knew they were hiring for my position, and asked if I would like to apply to work for them. I researched the clinic and I really liked their healthcare model so I applied. My 5 year anniversary is coming up in November and I have only grown happier being a part of Winterberry.

Brittney- Working within the clinic has opened up many opportunities to expand and work as a team, which is much different from other clinics I have been apart of. You get to know and love the team you work with and everything that comes with the clinic. It’s been a great 6 years at Winterberry so far, and I am happy to be part of such a wonderful team and to be given the opportunities that have been offered.

We are so lucky to have you both! Is there an average day in the billing department? If yes, what does it look like?

Rebecca + Brittney- The average day will consist of validating health cards and ensuring all day sheets and bills processed to the Ministry are completed in a timely manner.

What is your favourite part of your job?

Rebecca- My favourite part of my job is being able to work with such a great team that make me feel like I’m part of a second family. I enjoy making sure patients are getting the help and support that they need with their health care. We have amazing patients that really appreciate our team and they make sure we know how much they appreciate us.

Brittney- My favourite part of this job would be the team I work with. It’s a great feeling working with some wonderful coworkers which makes our job so much easier. I can’t forget to mention the patients! We get to know them and build trust and confidence so they know that Winterberry will provide excellent care for them.

When you’re not helping Winterberry run efficiently, what will we find you doing?

Rebecca- I love spending time with my family and friends. I enjoy working out/weight lifting, cooking, walking my dog, and going to the movies with my daughter.

Brittney- Outside of the clinic you will find me spending time with my family, as well outdoor activities such as camping and going up north to the family cottage.

Each month we catch up to one of our team members but during this Holiday Season we decided to celebrate our entire team! To do that, we reached out to Rachel, our Human Resources Manager and asked her questions about our team and what makes them special!

This job must give you great insight into the Winterberry team, is that right?

I get the privilege of interacting with the entire team throughout the year for various reasons, including onboarding, any HR or payroll related questions, and more!

How many members of the Winterberry team are there?

We currently have 61 team members and more to be joining us soon!

Thinking about the Winterberry team as a whole, what words would you use to describe it?

Dedicated. Each and every person on our team is willing to go above and beyond to provide excellent patient care, whether that’s through empathetic listening, providing educational resources, and using preventative care practices. Our team strives to work together to benefit our patients and their families.

Health care is serious and important work. What are the ways that the Winterberry team supports each other so each member can thrive and grow?

Each team member knows that if they have a question, they can go to anyone on the team and ask. There are no silly questions when working in the healthcare field. Ensuring that we are providing accurate information to our team and patients is essential. When there are new guidelines or best practices, that is shared among the entire team to make sure everyone is getting the same information and that we are providing consistent care.

What makes Winterberry such a special place for our team members?

We really try to show our team members that we care about them. Whether it’s a quarterly team social gathering, or fun raffles/prizes. We try to make the office an inviting environment, as we see each other almost every day!

Who is the longest serving member of the team?

Krysta, our Operations Manager, and Marijana, one of our Nurse Practitioners, have both been a part of the Winterberry team since 2015!

If you were to give one message to the entire Winterberry team this holiday season, what would it be?

Be kind to yourselves this holiday season and to others. As magical as the holidays can be, for some it can be a tough season. Remembering to keep in mind what’s truly important, is each other.

Each month we shine our spotlight on one of our caring and skilled team members. This month we’re catching up with Dinisha and finding out about what brought to her healthcare and to Winterberry. Enjoy getting to know Dinisha!

Dinisha, tell us about your work at Winterberry. What’s your role?

I work as a Nurse Practitioner (NP) at Winterberry. I see a wide range of patients from newborn to end of life.

What is your educational and work background?

My education consist of a 4 year BScN at York University followed by a 2 year Masters in Family Nurse Practitioner at D’Youville University.

My nursing career started off at Trillium in the oncology and palliative floor where I found a passion for end-of-life care. As I started furthering my education, I took a deep interest in pediatrics and worked along side with a pediatrician for ~2.5 years, focusing on pediatric mental health, GI, cardiac, weight, and dermatology concerns.

What made you want to be a Nurse Practitioner?

After working as a bedside RN for 6 months, I wanted to make an active change in helping people better their lives and overall health. By furthering my education, I was able to be autonomous which allowed me to help make informed decisions with my patients.

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

Winterberry is one of the only clinics I have come across that works as a multidisciplinary team. Working with different nurses who each specialized in different area, mental health counsellors, and dieticians, made providing the best care for my patients well worth it. Having access to such a brilliant team where each person brings something remarkable to the table is astonishing!

What type of work do you do in your daily work with patients?

I obtain a sound history from my patients in order to get to know them and understand them. By giving an extra 5 min and knowing the patient, I am able to make a care plan that fits their lifestyle.

Is there an average day? If yes, what does it look like?

On an average day I see 25-30 patients, and each of them teach me something new daily!

What is your favourite part of being an NP?

I love being an NP because I learn something new everyday. There is no one path to recovery, there are many and being able to make a plan that fits my patient’s lifestyle is what brings me a lot of joy!

When you’re not improving patient lives at Winterberry what will we find you doing?

You will find me working out at the gym, cooking, baking something sweet and playing with my dog, Milo!