Dr. Karen Baker BSc, DC
(Chiropractor, Owner)
My first experience with chiropractic was as a child around the age of four. My mother had noticed that I was suddenly walking with a limp. Since she was not aware of my having had a fall or any other injury, she was baffled. Our paediatrician examined me and told my mother that there was nothing wrong. Subsequently, she took me to her own chiropractor who adjusted my low back and hip and plopped me back on my feet
– with no limp!
Later, as a teenager, I had a very temperamental neck. I would frequently get “a crick” and the muscle spasms were so painful that I could barely turn my head. Thankfully, I found a wonderful local chiropractor, and after a couple of adjustments, my discomfort was eliminated. From that point on, I became a regular chiropractic patient. My chiropractor soon treated my whole family and we all benefited from his care for many years. Through these experiences I developed an interest in how the body works and an appreciation for the field of chiropractic.
After completing my undergraduate studies in biology at Queen’s University, I enrolled in Los Angeles College of Chiropractic (now Southern California University of Health Sciences) where I enjoyed the first two years of my chiropractic education. I transferred back to Toronto in 2002, and completed my final 2 years at Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to experience the various approaches and teaching styles of these two different colleges, and to have met and learned from so many exceptional teachers. And I now have chiropractic contacts worldwide.
Upon graduating in 2004, I became licensed in Alberta and practiced in Banff and Calgary for one year. Since my brother, who lives there, is an extreme snowboarder, I spent much of my time in Alberta keeping him and his friends in working order, and ready to “ride” another day. In the summer of 2006, I decided to return to Toronto to build a practice of my own. That practice was Head Heart and Hands Chiropractic Centre in midtown Toronto - the neighbourhood in which I grew up. The following summer I had the opportunity to renovate and rebrand, and the practice became Lifewise Health & Wellness.
By establishing Lifewise I hope to provide the resources and nurturing environment which will enable the people of our community to learn about healthy lifestyles, and then to support them in their endeavours to live healthier lives. As a practitioner, I believe that in order to help people achieve a well balanced life, I must recognize the stage at which each individual is beginning, and meet each of them at that point. I need to establish what their goals are, and then provide guidance and support to help them achieve those goals. This process requires four key components which I will try to provide to every patient: awareness, motivation, encouragement and guidance.
I sincerely hope that you have a positive experience at Lifewise. Please feel free to offer feedback and suggestions at any time. We are always looking for ways to improve and serve you better.
Dennis Newhook, CYT, RMT
(Registered Massage Therapist, Iyengar Yoga Teacher, Acupuncturist)
Dennis began studying bodywork in St. John's, Newfoundland in 1996. After leaving a career as a classical pianist, he devoted himself to studies in the healing arts which have taken him all over Canada to study with some of the country’s most recognized teachers. Dennis graduated with honours from ICT Northumberland College in Halifax where he studied massage therapy, and also holds a teaching diploma from the Yoga Studio College of Calgary and the Iyengar Yoga Association of Canada. Most recently Dennis has completed the Contemporary Medical Acupuncture program at McMaster University in Hamilton. Dennis has served as faculty for The Canadian School of Traditional Thai Massage and co-directed the Yoga Teachers College at the Yoga Gateway Institute in Calgary. Since moving to Ontario in 2005, Dennis has been actively involved with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario where he works as an examiner, subject matter expert, and peer assessor. Making his new home at Lifewise Health & Wellness, Dennis splits his time between massage therapy and teaching yoga. When not in clinic or teaching, Dennis is busy completing his last semester of a BSc in Human Sciences.
(Registered Massage Therapist, Iyengar Yoga Teacher, Acupuncturist)
Dennis began studying bodywork in St. John's, Newfoundland in 1996. After leaving a career as a classical pianist, he devoted himself to studies in the healing arts which have taken him all over Canada to study with some of the country’s most recognized teachers. Dennis graduated with honours from ICT Northumberland College in Halifax where he studied massage therapy, and also holds a teaching diploma from the Yoga Studio College of Calgary and the Iyengar Yoga Association of Canada. Most recently Dennis has completed the Contemporary Medical Acupuncture program at McMaster University in Hamilton. Dennis has served as faculty for The Canadian School of Traditional Thai Massage and co-directed the Yoga Teachers College at the Yoga Gateway Institute in Calgary. Since moving to Ontario in 2005, Dennis has been actively involved with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario where he works as an examiner, subject matter expert, and peer assessor. Making his new home at Lifewise Health & Wellness, Dennis splits his time between massage therapy and teaching yoga. When not in clinic or teaching, Dennis is busy completing his last semester of a BSc in Human Sciences.
Brian Burgess, RMT
(Registered Massage Therapist)
Hi, I’m Brian Burgess. I have been a Registered Massage Therapist in Ontario for
over 10 yrs. Here's some information you might like to know about me:
• In good standing with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario• Worked with performers from: The Lion King, The Producers, We will Rock You, Lord of the Rings and more…
• Experienced in treating:• athletes (various sports related conditions)• business professionals• expecting mothers• students & children• those with TMJD• seniors• People who have survived:• automobile accidents• strokes• amputations• and others with serious work related injuries.~ Helping people achieve physical well-being and encourage overall healing ~
Julia Pilliar BHK, CPT
(Certified Kinesiologist and Personal Trainer, Holistic Life Coach)
Julia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Kinetics from UBC with a minor in Sport and Exercise Psychology. After completing this honours program, she returned to her home town of Toronto to gain experience in the industry, and to further enhance her knowledge and skills. As a certified CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach, Julia believes that every individual is unique and that a specific combination of exercises and nutritional habits will enhance his or her health and well-being.
Julia is currently doing a Masters Degree at U of T in Public Health - focusing on nutrition, with the aim of becoming a Registered Dietitian. In her spare time she is working as a personal trainer and nutrition consultant at Lifewise.
As a Personal Trainer and Nutritionist, Julia works with each individual to develop a plan of action specifically tailored to individual needs, goals, and abilities. Her aim is to educate and empower individuals to take control over their own well-being. When prescribing physical activity, she chooses functional exercises to balance muscle groups and a combination of aerobic and anaerobic activities to balance the nervous system.
Nutritionally, Julia practices Metabolic Typing. This form of nutrition counseling is based on the belief that every person has a different ratio of macronutrients and micronutrients that will optimize his or her vitality. Biochemical individuality can be established through an assessment of how the mind and body respond to various foods, and this should determine one’s food preferences.
Julia looks forward to helping you realize your personal wellness plan!
Sarah Dobec, BA, CNP
(Holistic Nutritionist)
Sarah is much like you. She realized that she wasn’t feeling her best and decided to take her health into her own hands. With the help of a few alternative health care practitioners she was able to find a better balance in her life through whole foods and exercise.
Sarah received her Bachelor of Arts from McMaster University. She is a Holistic Nutritionist and graduated from the Institute of Holistic Nutrition with First Class Honours. Sarah has a private practice in Toronto, An Apple A Day, she is an on-site nutritionist at The Big Carrot Natural Food Market and she works with the team at Lifewise Health and Wellness. She aspires to restore her client’s health through whole foods and a focus on the mind, body and spirit.
In 2009 Sarah became certified as a Lifestyle Therapist through the First Line Therapy program. FLT compliments holistic nutrition and is very effective for clients dealing with diabetes, heart conditions, obesity and high cholesterol.
Sarah is a published author with articles on health and travel in Vitality Magazine, The Toronto Star, HANS and suite101.com. She is an educator, speaker and organic farmer. Sarah spent 5 months volunteering on an organic farm where she experienced food from seed to harvest and all the weeding in between!
She currently divides her time between her Holistic Nutrition practice, working in a health food store, writing, performing workshops and her tour company Field Trip—Connecting City Folk To Their Food Source. Sarah has worked with The Ontario Centers of Excellence, Blue Mountain, The Toronto District School Board and the University Health Network in Toronto.
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Sarah on her blog:
Keep up to date on what's happening at Lifewise - Follow us on our blog:
416.482.3340
Dr. Suzanne Crix DC
(Chiropractor)
Congratulations on making your health and wellness a priority! The confidence that many have shown in selecting me as their family chiropractor and sharing their experience with others is greatly appreciated. I am always excited about the chance to help more individuals discover better health, naturally, through principled Chiropractic care.
My mission is to empower my practice members to live at their optimal potential by detecting and correcting spinal subluxations to restore nerve function. I view each person as a unique individual, with his or her own specific needs and concerns. I encourage spinal check-ups for children to eliminate any potential interruption in their development and I embrace questions because educated patients are the healthiest patients.
I am fortunate to have parents who taught me that health comes from within through healthy living and a balanced lifestyle. With now over 15 years of professional experience, my philosophy on health drives everything I do, from the services I provide my patients, to the way I raise my own children, and to the continuing education and personal growth I pursue. Some of my personal interests include marathon running, tennis, skiing and yoga.
I received my Doctorate of Chiropractic degree from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College after completing an honors degree in Life Sciences at Queen's University and a diploma in Athletic Therapy. While in school, I worked in a sport’s injury clinic as a therapist and was the trainer for a professional soccer team. My chiropractic career began in Australia, where I treated patients in a variety of clinics as a locum doctor, and worked as an associate doctor in a well-established family clinic for over 2 years. After gaining some wonderful experience abroad, I returned home to Leaside to embark on creating my own chiropractic practice.
Adjusting Hours:
Tues 3pm - 6pm
Wed 8am - 1pm
Thurs 3pm - 6pm
Fri 8am - 1pm
Sat(*alt) 9am - 2pm
Adjusting Hours:
Tues 3pm - 6pm
Thurs 3pm - 6pm
Sat 10am - 12pm
Treating Hours:
By Appointment
Treating Hours:
Saturday 9am - 2pm
(These hours to be extended soon.)
Treating Hours:
By Appointment
Treating Hours:
By Appointment
Instructors
Dennis Newhook - Yoga Lab (Iyengar)
Julia Pilliar - Core-Cardio Bootcamp
Sarah Ashley - Pilates
Courtney Sunday - Restore Yoga, Gentle Hatha, Thai Yoga Massage
Nancy Woodward - Zen Stretch (Yin), Yoga 4 Runners
Stephanie Maxwell - Restore Yoga, Yin
Danielle Dodham-Wright - Pilates
Sarah Tomlinson - Restore Yoga, Gentle Hatha, Thai Yoga Massage
Mandy McLeod - Gentle Hatha, Hatha Flow
Alya Naumova - Restore Yoga
THAI YOGA MASSAGE - Offered By:
Courtney Sunday CYT
Courtney is a Hatha and Ashtanga teacher who believes in the power of working with the body to help to relax the mind. She has a great interest in alignment and play and after having trained in the Czech Republic and Thailand and working in Switzerland and Italy believes on drawing on many different sources for inspiration and delight. She is also available to work with individuals with Thai yoga massage which is facilitated stretching with acupressure techniques. She is thrilled to be joining the talented team at Lifewise!
Sarah Tomlinson CNHP CYT
Sarah has been working as a Holistic Practitioner for over 8 years. Some of her favorite modalities include: Aromatherapy, Thai Yoga Massage, Reflexology and Reiki. After building her own Yoga practice and discovering the profound change it created in her personal life, she took her Yoga teacher training at Yogaspace in Toronto. The combination of all of her studies has given Sarah a Holistic practice of quality and richness.
“The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease.”
