Category: Meet our Team

Each month we catch up with a team member at Winterberry so our patients and our community can get to know them and their work better. This month we spoke with Regan. We hope you enjoy our quick Q+A!

Regan, tell us about your work at Winterberry — what’s your role?

I work as a Registered Dietitian at Winterberry Family Medicine, where I support individuals in achieving their nutrition and overall health goals. While I see many patients for weight management, I also help people with a wide range of nutrition concerns, including diabetes, heart disease, digestive concerns, food allergies, nutrition during pregnancy, and general healthy eating.

My role involves providing personalized nutrition education, helping clients overcome challenges, and creating realistic, sustainable strategies that fit their lifestyle while still allowing them to enjoy the foods they love.

What led you to become a Registered Dietitian?

I’ve always known I wanted a career that involved working closely with people, and I’ve always been fascinated by the science behind food and nutrition. I love seeing how the foods we eat can have such a significant impact on our health and well-being.

At the same time, food is so much more than nutrition — it’s connected to memories, culture, celebration, comfort, and community. Whether it’s a family recipe that brings back memories or sharing a meal with others, food has a unique way of bringing people together and creating joy.

I also enjoy that no two days are ever the same in this field and that there is always something new to learn!

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

I was drawn to the Winterberry team because our values feel very closely aligned. I really appreciate Winterberry’s “It’s not your fault” approach to weight management, as it reflects a compassionate, non-judgmental perspective that I also strive to bring into all areas of nutrition care.

I also value the strong sense of collaboration within Winterberry Family Medicine. Being part of a team where communication is open and encouraged means I can easily connect with other healthcare providers whenever needed, which ultimately supports more coordinated and effective patient care.

Overall, it’s an environment that prioritizes both patient well-being and teamwork, which is something I really value in my work.

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

While the structure of my days is fairly consistent — often filled with back-to-back appointments followed by charting and communication with the healthcare providers I collaborate with — no two days ever feel the same.

Every patient brings their own unique experiences, questions, and nutrition goals, which keeps my work interesting and rewarding. I love the variety that comes with supporting people through many different health concerns and stages of their journey.

What do you wish more people knew about working with a Registered Dietitian?

I wish more people knew that working with a Registered Dietitian is highly personalized. We don’t just give general nutrition advice — we tailor recommendations to each individual’s preferences, lifestyle, health goals, and challenges.

If someone doesn’t enjoy certain foods or has specific dietary preferences, we work together to find alternatives that fit their tastes and needs. Nutrition is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and both I and the other dietitians at Winterberry are committed to helping people create goals and habits that feel realistic, enjoyable, and sustainable for their everyday lives.

Are there any common nutrition myths or misconceptions you wish patients didn’t have to worry about so much?

One of the most common nutrition myths I hear is that carbohydrates, like bread, pasta, and rice, should be avoided. In reality, carbohydrates are our body’s main source of energy and provide many important nutrients. They can also make meals more enjoyable, satisfying, and culturally meaningful.

Another misconception I hear often is that people living with diabetes should avoid fruit because it contains sugar. Many patients I work with genuinely enjoy fruit but avoid eating it out of fear that it will spike their blood sugar.

However, fruit can absolutely be part of a balanced diet for someone with diabetes, and I enjoy helping patients feel more confident and less fearful about including nourishing foods they love.

What is one small, realistic nutrition habit that can make a meaningful difference for many people?

One small but meaningful nutrition habit I often encourage patients to focus on is thinking about what they can add to their meals and snacks, rather than focusing on what they need to avoid.

It’s often much more realistic (and enjoyable!) to build on the foods you already love instead of feeling restricted.

For example, this might mean adding more vegetables to a meal, including a source of protein with snacks, or incorporating more fibre-rich foods throughout the day. Over time, these small additions can lead to meaningful, lasting changes and help people build a healthier relationship with food without feeling deprived.

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

When I’m not at Winterberry helping patients, you’ll usually find me spending time outdoors. I love going for walks to local coffee shops, gardening, and playing pickleball whenever I can. When the weather isn’t great, I usually opt for coffee and baking at home instead.

I also recently completed my Master’s research project, which I worked on over the course of two years and will be published soon. I’m very excited to share it. My research focused on dietitian involvement in prenatal care, an area I’m very passionate about!

How long have you worked for Winterberry?
I started with Winterberry in October 2021.

Tell us about your work at Winterberry. What’s your role?
My title at Winterberry is Personal Assistant to the Medical Director (Dr. Steven Zizzo). My days start early, making sure everything at home is set up for success. From getting the family organized and out the door to managing the needs of a busy household, no two days are ever the same.

I coordinate schedules, manage appointments, oversee household operations, and handle everything from logistics and errands to vendor and staff coordination. I also provide direct support to our Medical Director, including transportation and day-to-day planning.

At the core of my role is making sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes so that both home and professional responsibilities stay on track. It’s a role that requires a lot of flexibility, attention to detail, and often last-minute changes. I enjoy being the person who keeps everything running smoothly.

What motivated you to apply for this role?
I applied for this position because it offered the opportunity to grow professionally while working closely with senior leadership in a highly dynamic environment. Supporting the Medical Director in both professional and household operations requires a high level of organization, discretion, and adaptability. I value being able to oversee the day-to-day household activities and have been able to experience many new places and things. I love being able to grow in a role and develop new skills, with no two days ever being the same.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
What I enjoy most about my job is being able to support others in a way that truly makes their day and life easier. I like staying one step ahead, keeping things organized, and handling all the small details that keep everything on track. It is very rewarding to know I play a key role in keeping both the household and daily responsibilities in order.

Where will we find you when you’re not at work?
Outside of work, I enjoy balancing an active and social lifestyle. I love golfing whenever I get the chance and spending time with my husband, three daughters, family, and friends.

I also love to read, belong to a book club, and am passionate about travel. I’ve had the opportunity to explore some amazing destinations, including Thailand, Italy, Turkey, and Greece.

Each month we catch up with a Winterberry team member in order to help our patients get to know our team better. This month we are happy to introduce you to Alexa, one of our mental health counsellors. We hope you enjoy getting to know Alexa through our quick Q+A:

Alexa, tell us about your work at Winterberry — what’s your role as a Mental Health Counsellor?
Serving as a Mental Health Counsellor at Winterberry, I offer dedicated support to patients and their families while helping to bridge the gap in primary care. I am committed to strengthening the ability of physician teams to recognize and address mental health needs proactively.

What led you to become a Mental Health Counsellor?
I have a deep professional commitment to the field of mental health, driven by a desire to understand the complexities of the human experience and a dedication to serving diverse communities. I believe that timely access to skilled clinical intervention is transformative. My goal is to be a catalyst for change, providing the specialized support necessary to help individuals navigate their challenges and improve their quality of life.

What is your educational and professional background? Where did you study and train?
My professional foundation is built on a comprehensive academic background, including a Social Service Worker diploma from Georgian College and a Bachelor of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University. I began my clinical career as a Counselling Therapist, dedicating four years to supporting a diverse population of youth aged 4–18. Seeking to broaden my clinical scope and impact, I transitioned to the Winterberry Family Medicine team, where I now apply my expertise within a primary care setting.

What made you want to be part of the Winterberry team?
Working as a mental health clinician within a medical setting has long been a primary career objective of mine. Upon discovering this opportunity, I was eager to apply, as the role aligns closely with my professional aspirations. Joining the Winterberry Family Medicine team has provided an ideal opportunity to expand my clinical scope and contribute to a multidisciplinary, well-established medical practice.

Is there an average day in the clinic for you? What does your work typically look like?
In the dynamic environment of the clinic, my daily responsibilities are diverse and ever-evolving. My clinical hours are balanced between conducting initial assessments for new patients and providing ongoing follow-up care. Outside of direct patient interaction, I prioritize thorough clinical documentation and engage in continuous professional development to ensure my therapeutic techniques remain current and evidence-based.

What are some of the ways you support patients in your role?
My approach to patient support is highly individualized, adapting to the unique clinical needs of each person. As a Mental Health Clinician, I facilitate a secure and confidential environment where patients can explore complex emotions, develop sustainable coping strategies, and build deeper self-awareness to navigate life’s challenges.

What do you enjoy most about working in mental health counselling?
Mental health counselling is a dynamic and rewarding field where no two days are alike. The most fulfilling aspect of my practice is witnessing the progress of my clients as they work toward their clinical goals. I am dedicated to supporting these positive changes and helping individuals build tools for long-term success.

What do you wish more people knew about reaching out for mental health support?
One of the most important aspects of my work is helping to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. I strongly believe that seeking support is a sign of resilience, not weakness. It’s important to recognize that everyone experiences periods of struggle, and my goal is to ensure individuals are aware of—and have access to—the supports available to help them navigate these challenges.

When you’re not at Winterberry helping patients, what will we find you doing?
Outside of my work at Winterberry, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and finding balance through personal interests. You can often find me curled up with a good book and a coffee, exploring local vintage and antique shops, or traveling whenever the opportunity arises.

Each month we are lucky enough to catch up to one of our busy team members for a quick chat so we can get to know them better. This week Brittany shared her story of moving from an RPN to an RN which we’re sure you’ll find interesting and inspirational. Enjoy getting to know Brittany!

Brittany, how long have you been at Winterberry?
I have been with Winterberry since January of 2022 — initially with the Clinic team and then transitioning to our Research team in December 2023.

You’ve recently transitioned from RPN to RN — congratulations! What inspired you to take that next step in your nursing journey?
I’ve always been someone who enjoys a classroom and learning environment, so going back to school was always going to be an inevitable adventure for me. What really made me want to further my nursing career stems back to the height of COVID and the impact that healthcare workers — especially nurses — had on the community. I was working in the hospital at that time, and being able to witness the level of skill and knowledge that the nurses I worked with had was incredible. It was inspiring.

What did the process look like for you to move from RPN to RN?
I completed my bridging program through McMaster University. The program is three years long and consisted of a variety of courses ranging from Indigenous Health to Healthcare Research. The last year of the program focuses on clinical placement, which was a full-time schedule. I was fortunate to have really great preceptors to learn from who supported me and pushed me to apply my knowledge and skills.

The overall experience was challenging at the start. Being in school full time while balancing work was very difficult. Fortunately, I was given a lot of grace and flexibility with my schedule here to pursue the degree. My coworkers were incredibly supportive throughout my schooling.

What does becoming an RN mean to you personally and professionally?
It’s incredibly rewarding in both realms. From both perspectives, it’s the culmination of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice that paid off in the end. Being a nurse means being a lifelong learner.

When you’re not at Winterberry helping patients, what will we find you doing?
My favourite hobby is definitely Dragonboat racing! I started in the summer of 2023 on a charity team and have been racing recreationally ever since. This year will be my first competitive season, where we’ll compete in four tournaments across Ontario.

Alexandria, tell us about your work at Winterberry — what’s your role?
I am one of the members of the nursing team at Winterberry. My responsibilities include supporting the management of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension through monitoring, education, and care coordination. As a nurse, my role also emphasizes preventative health by administering immunizations, arranging and discussing cancer screenings, and promoting early detection and wellness. In addition, I work with parents and families to assess infants’ and children’s growth and development, ensuring age-appropriate milestones are met and addressing concerns early.

What made you want to become an RPN?
In high school, I excelled in math and sciences but was unsure which path I wanted to take. In my senior year, I had an amazing teacher who worked as an operating room nurse for most of her nursing career. Her experiences and stories inspired me to begin a nursing career of my own.

What is the educational background for an RPN? Where did you go to school?
To become an RPN in Ontario, you must complete a two-year college program and then pass a board exam to become registered. I attended Mohawk College for my nursing education, which offered an accelerated 16-month nursing program. I passed my CNO exam in February 2020 and started my nursing career shortly after.

What made you want to be part of the Winterberry team?
All of my previous clinical experience was in hospital-based settings. In hospital care, nursing assessments are often focused on treating acute exacerbations of chronic health conditions. Patients would arrive in crisis, be stabilized, and then discharged home. I was very interested in working in primary care, where I could be part of a team that helps prevent hospital admissions by managing chronic conditions and providing comprehensive, patient-centred, evidence-based care.

Is there an average day in the clinic for you?
An average day in the clinic involves caring for patients of all ages and providing a wide range of clinical interventions. This includes welcoming patients, obtaining and assessing vital signs such as blood pressure, administering injections and immunizations, providing education on cancer screening and health prevention, and answering patient questions to support informed decision-making. Throughout the day, I also assess the growth and development of infants and children, ensure milestones are met, and administer age-appropriate vaccinations.

What is your favourite part of your job?
My favourite part of my job is that I am constantly learning. Each patient and their history is unique and offers an opportunity to learn something new. Guidelines and recommendations are always evolving, which challenges me to stay flexible and continue growing in my practice.

When you’re not at Winterberry helping patients, what will we find you doing?
When I’m not at Winterberry, you can find me with my son, my partner, and our dog, Millie. We love the outdoors and enjoy exploring in all seasons, rain or shine. We especially love camping and going to the beach in the warmer months, and playing in the snow all winter long.

Tell us about your work at Winterberry Physiotherapy. What’s your role?
I am a registered physiotherapist. Essentially, my role is to determine the source of a patient’s pain or dysfunction and identify the factors contributing to it. These can range from lifestyle factors such as stress, poor sleep, or obesity to muscle imbalances and biomechanical issues. Once an assessment and diagnosis have been established, I determine the appropriate treatment to target the factors causing the problem.

What made you want to work in this area of healthcare?
I grew up playing sports as a kid and had injuries that resulted in working with an athletic therapist. As a teenager, I thought it was the coolest job. I loved science in high school, and at every step of my academics I was drawn toward physiotherapy.

What is the educational background of a physiotherapist? Where did you go to school?
I studied kinesiology at Brock University, graduating with a B.Sc. in Kinesiology. I then went on to study physiotherapy at McMaster University, graduating with an M.Sc. in Physiotherapy. Since then, I have completed numerous continuing education courses and certificates, including an advanced practice certificate that focuses on a wider scope of patient health and overall medical management—such as awareness of standards and criteria for ordering and interpreting imaging, medications, and bloodwork.

What made you want to be part of the Winterberry Physiotherapy team compared to other clinics?
My previous role focused largely on assessing and diagnosing while making treatment recommendations, without providing the therapy myself. I worked in this specialized advanced practice role for several years and was looking to get back to a more traditional therapeutic role. Being connected to a family health team with a large interdisciplinary network was very appealing. It’s crucial to have open lines of communication for our shared patients in terms of timely access to diagnostic imaging, bloodwork, and flagging any potential concerns. I had a very good impression of the clinic, team, and culture here during the interview process, and that has certainly been my experience since starting.

Is there an average day in the clinic for you?
Typically, my day consists of conducting assessments and treatment sessions with clients/patients. Assessments involve listening to the patient and determining which physical tests to conduct. This includes a full medical background and subjective history, followed by observation of factors such as posture and gait. I look at movement patterns and range of motion, assess strength and muscle tightness, and then perform palpation and special tests to establish a diagnosis.
Treatments are typically focused on either “loading” or “unloading.” We may initially want to “unload” a structure via rest, ergonomic changes, bracing, activity modifications, or strengthening surrounding muscle groups. “Loading” involves progressively increasing the amount of force that a structure can handle, usually through a series of exercises that increase its capacity. In my view, these are the most important factors. In-house treatment modalities such as soft tissue release, joint mobilizations, shockwave therapy, ultrasound, and TENS are also used to help control pain and promote tissue recovery.

What is your favourite part of your job?
I enjoy the problem-solving aspect of the job and helping people take control of their pain and injuries. It is a very rewarding profession, being able to see people achieve their goals and return to meaningful activities. I’ve always enjoyed working with people and take pride in providing the best care I can.

When you’re not at Winterberry Physiotherapy, what will we find you doing? (Hobbies, etc.)
My wife and I have three children ranging from 7–12 years old. I coach minor hockey, and my kids play hockey, golf, soccer, and gymnastics—that takes up most of my time. Outside of that, I play hockey, enjoy golfing, and like hitting the gym.

Tell us about your work at Winterberry. What’s your role?
I am a Research Admin/Assistant. I support the entire team in Research.

What does a “day in the life” look like for you?
Every day looks a little bit different, but for the most part it’s maintaining a lot of binders (patient files), filing a lot of paperwork, a few spreadsheets to manage, and then a few more binders to take care of for good measure. Research is all about patients and information. Maintaining all the information in the correct manner for each sponsor is critical for the trial outcomes.

What path led you here?
I have a history in Quality Control, both in the construction industry (working in the oil patch in Alberta!) and as a Pharmacovigilance Manager for specialized biologic drug clinics. Patient support programs have very similar tracking and documentation criteria to study/trial work. It was very good preparation for my work here with Winterberry.

Why did you choose Winterberry? What stands out about being part of this team?
Winterberry itself has an amazing reputation among family and friends. When I have told people I am working on the Winterberry team, many people always have such positive comments and feelings associated with the clinic. The Research team — the leadership group in particular — is made up of some incredibly brilliant minds, and it has been a pleasure to support a team that is making such an impact within the Research world as a whole.

What’s your favorite part of your job?
My favourite part of the job is when people appreciate my self-designated title of “Spreadsheet Queen.” True story.

What’s one thing you’ve learned on the job that surprised you?
I have come to a new appreciation for how challenging it can be to navigate recruiting patients for drug studies, given the sometimes very stringent inclusion/exclusion criteria from the sponsors. I’ve watched members of the team keep working on filling up the rosters, and that can be very tricky. The team has been a surprising group of supportive cheerleaders for each other, keeping the positivity high when finding patients has been hard, and it’s been amazing to watch unfold.

When you’re not working at Winterberry, where might we find you?
I have a lot of different interests and hobbies — movies, books, music, art, fibre crafts. Also dogs. I love all the dogs. Lately though, I’ve been trying to learn the intricacies of how to play Magic: The Gathering.

Just for fun: What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
Crazy, random fact: When I was younger, my family and I were flown to New York City where a movie about our family premiered at the United Nations Building. We were flown out for opening night.

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!