Meet Our Team
Juliette Sharone
Owner Transcend Wellness Connection
Juliette is the Owner of Transcend Wellness Connection. Juliette has worked in the health and wellness field for over 15 years. With experience in Community Lifestyle Facilitation, Registered Massage Therapy and Doula Labour and Delivery Support, Juliette has created a space where exceptional practitioners can work together to help and support the community.
Juliette is presently focusing her attentions on growing Transcend and supporting her team along side continuing her own education.
Amy Collins RMT
Registered Massage Therapist
Amy has been practicing Registered Massage Therapy in the Newmarket / Aurora area for over 10 years. After graduating from Queens University with a focus in anatomy, physiology, and nutrition, Amy developed a passion for the miracle of the human body. Amy has always had a keen interest in the alternative health care field, which led her to the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy where she graduated in Registered Massage Therapy in 2006.
Amy uses a variety of techniques and soft tissue manipulations as well as cupping therapy and Reiki to provide a range of effects depending on the unique needs of her clients. Since receiving her Reiki certification in 2010 Amy has been using energy work in all her treatments to address the energetic body. Amy has a passion for life-long learning and is always looking for new ways to grow both personally and professionally in her field.
Amy feels genuinely thrilled to be in a profession where she can assist people in their healing both physically and emotionally. In this fast-paced world where we often dwell in the past or worry about the future, where anxiety levels are at an all-time high, she likes to help guide her clients into present moment awareness while on the table. As a therapist with a beautiful passionate intent to heal others both on a physical and mental plain, Amy will always go over and above by putting her full heart and soul into serving others.
Derek Jurecki, M.Sc., RMT
Registered Massage Therapist
Derek Jurecki has been a Registered Massage Therapist since 1997. He graduated with Honours from the Canadian College of Massage & Hydrotherapy. He holds a Masters Degree in Science from the University of Warsaw.
Derek approaches every case on an individual basis and takes into consideration a number of factors in order to achieve the best results for the client. He has a vast experience with many chronic conditions as well as with sport or other types of injuries.
For a number of years he was a teacher, sharing his clinical experience and knowledge with the students of Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy. Derek is a member in good standing with the College of Massage Therapist of Ontario. He also studied acupuncture at the Toronto School of Traditional Chinese Medicine and The Holt School of Natural Healing.
Questions for Derek can be directed to:
Telephone: (905) 503-1761
Email: djurecki.rmt@gmail.com
Emily Salem RMT
Registered Massage Therapist
Emily graduated from the Royal Canadian College of Massage Therapy and began her career as an RMT in 2021. Emily has practiced thus far in the GTA.
Emily utilizes Swedish massage techniques and facial release in combination with relaxation techniques to create a great balance between relaxation and tension release.
Emily is also experienced in lymphatic drainage and trigger point therapy. Emily has a great understanding of the effects that stress can have on someone's body and with this knowledge she firmly believes that relaxation inducing massage is really important for day to day living and mental and physical health.
Marina Derbedrosian RMT
Registered Massage Therapist
Marina Derbedrosian has been practicing Registered Massage Therapy for over 10 years along side Juliette in Aurora and the surrounding area.
Marina specializes in deep tissue Trigger point therapy for both chronic and acute muscle pain, as well as applying just the right combination of deep tissue techniques with relaxation and stress reduction techniques to offer all the benefits of Registered Massage Therapy in her treatments. Marina's skills are diverse and she will personally design and implement a unique treatment for each individual client. She believes in massage for all ages, whether young or old and is a very popular therapist with children.
Her warm personality lends her well to our paediatric massage clients and our senior clients. In her years of practice she has worked with many young children in school participating in sports. She has seen first hand the benefits of paediatric massage for a child's mind, body and spirit and is currently taking the Doula Labour and Birth Support course to work along side Juliette in this field. Marina is well versed in Pregnancy Massage and Induction Massage as well as Labour and Delivery Support Massage.
Wei-Xiong Cao, R.TCMP, R.Ac, RMT
Registered Acupuncture Therapist
Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner
Registered Massage Therapist
Victor is a Registered Acupuncturist, Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner, and Registered Massage Therapist. He graduated from the Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine in China.
Due to immense support from his family (his grandfather was a very famous TCM doctor), Victor found himself drawn to natural medicine. Inheriting two generations of TCM experience, he specializes in headaches, migraines, hypertension, palpitations, angina, dizziness/vertigo, tiredness/fatigue, insomnia, anxiety/depression/stress, women's health, digestive conditions, acute and chronic pain, soft tissue, joint and nerve pain, and sciatica.
Is acupuncture right for you? Visit www.vchealthconnect.com to find out more.
Brittany Marshall, RMT
Registered Massage Therapist
Certified Graston Technique Provider
Brittany has over 10 years of massage experience, ranging from high end spa environments, to neuro-centered clinics. Utilizing Brittany's additional training over the years, she can incorporate Graston Technique, Traditional Chinese Fire Cupping, Sports Medicine Acupuncture, Lymphatic Drainage Massage & Deep Myofascial Release.
Brittany’s deep passion for health and wellness translates itself through the care she provides her clients. Brittany does not provide massage treatments to clients under the age of 18. Due to her naturally deep pressure, treatments are designed exclusively for adult clients to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Amanda Fares, RMT
Registered Massage Therapist
Doula & Labour Support
Infant Massage Instructor
Lactation Educator
Amanda has always had an interest in natural remedies, massage and women's health issues. Using self massage since middle school to help with stress management, migraines & sports injuries. Because of Amanda's natural inclination to massage during periods of stress it was a seamless transition to massage as a career. Amanda completed the Centennial College Massage Therapy advanced diploma program and has been a practicing RMT since 2012. She has expanded her career to include supporting women through pregnancy, labour and postpartum. Working as a Doula, Amanda has gained extensive experience supporting women in homebirth & natural labour.
Having taken courses and workshops in pregnancy massage, labour support, infant massage, lactation education, exercise for children, and massage for children with neurodiversities, she is well equipped to help with many of the issues that arise from pregnancy to childhood and makes her an invaluable asset to our team.
Stress management support & anxiety focused treatments, along with tension headache treatments and prevention have become a second passion for Amanda, as she has come to appreciate the importance of including them in a natural healthy lifestyle. Amanda is dedicated to providing the best care possible, with an evidence based, integrated approach. Amanda's compassion, humility & flexibility allow her to approach each case on an individual basis.
Alexandra Rooney, BA, RMT
Registered Massage Therapist
Certified Fascial Stretch Practitioner
Alexandra is a compassionate and caring individual who enjoys helping others. She provides individualized treatments to each client, working to alleviate pain so that they can truly live and enjoy their lives.
Alexandra has experience treating a variety of soft tissue injuries, such as chronic pain, whiplash, tension headaches and postural dysfunctions. She is always striving to learn more about the body, including the effects of pain and dysfunction upon it, to better help her clients. Alexandra’s quiet and calm demeanor will allow you to feel truly relaxed during treatments.
Key Qualifications:
- Registered Massage Therapist
- Certified in Fascial Stretch Therapy (Level 1)
Services Provided:
- Registered Massage Therapy
- Fascial Stretch Therapy
Carly Browning BKin, RMT
Registered Massage Therapist
Certified Fascial Stretch Practitioner
Carly graduated top of her class at the Sutherland-Chan School of
Massage Therapy. She also holds a Bachelors in Kinesiology from the
University of Toronto. She has experience with Swedish massage, Thai
massage, pregnancy massage and Fascial Stretch Therapy.
Carly is excited to work with all patient populations, catering her
treatments to each individual’s goals and needs. She is dedicated to
fostering a safe, inclusive and positive environment for all.
Outside of the treatment room, Carly enjoys being with animals
(especially her three-legged dog Scooter), going to vintage markets, and
staying active!
Key Qualifications:
- Registered Massage Therapist
- Certified in Fascial Stretch Therapy (Level 1)
Services Provided:
- Registered Massage Therapy
- Pre & Post Natal Massage Therapy
- Fascial Stretch Therapy
Dorothy Chan, RMT
Registered Massage Therapist
Dorothy graduated from Kikkawa College of Massage Therapy after studying with the Canadian College of Massage & Hydrotherapy in Toronto. In the early part of her career, she had worked in corporate offices, but soon realized that she preferred direct hands-on work with clients.
Dorothy started out as a Personal Support Worker, which helped her smoothly transition into Massage Therapy as her second career. While working with seniors who had complicated diseases and illnesses, she recognized her personal gift of kindness and patience toward her clients. Dorothy also thinks that the body has the capacity to heal with proper nurture and treatment. That’s why she values Massage
Therapy as an option for or as a complement to a client’s health
care – it has numerous benefits for many health conditions.
Dorothy uses integrative therapeutic techniques such as Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, myofascial release cupping, trigger point therapy, Indie head massage and stress reduction techniques to help clients to resolve their body pain and discomfort.
When she’s not taking care of humans, Dorothy enjoys gardening. Under her watchful eye and skilled hands, her plants and flowers grow up healthy and flourish.
“I love to help people improve their health and wellbeing evenmore. I would be happy to answer any questions regarding your health concerns.”
Dr. Elise Damecour, D.C
Doctor of Chiropractic
A 1987 Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College graduate, Dr. Elise has been in practice for over 30 years. As a chiropractor, Dr. Elise is a primary health practitioner specializing in the examination, diagnosis and treatment of neuromusculoskeletal disorders. She currently works as a Clinical Expert with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, also known as W.S.I.B
In 2015, Dr Elise completed her First Responder Certification. In 2014, she acquired certification in Clinical Acupuncture. Dr Elise can also provide her patients with Kynesiotaping and Custom Made Orthotics. Since 2002, she has been involved with the Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board where she acts as an examiner, team leader and Quality Assurance examiner of the clinical competency examinations of individuals seeking licensure to practice chiropractic in Canada. Dr Elise is a registered practitioner with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board to provide programs of care for low back pain, musculoskeletal conditions and shoulder injuries. In 2003, she completed level 1 Orthotics Certification from The Orthotic Group.
Dr. Cynthia Heavener, D.C
Doctor of Chiropractic
Dr. Cynthia Heavener is dedicated to providing her patients with gentle,
effective chiropractic care in a friendly, relaxed environment. She
graduated from Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in 1986, and has
been practicing in Aurora for more than 22 years. Her goal is to improve
the quality of her patient’s lives by providing quality chiropractic
care.
Dr. Tina Canto, BSc, ND
Naturopathic Doctor
Dr. Tina received her Doctor of Naturopathy Degree from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) in 2022, where she completed 4 years of post-graduate studies, including 1 year as a naturopathic intern at the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic. CCNM is the largest naturopathic medical education provider and the leading naturopathic research institution in North America. Before this, Dr. Canto received her Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences from McMaster University. Dr. Canto also went on to complete further training and certification via the Ontario Prescribing and Therapeutics Course. She is licensed to administer vitamin B12 injections, prescribe desiccated thyroid, bio-identical hormones, as well as Intravenous Infusion Therapy (IVIT).
Dr. Canto is in good standing with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO), is a member of the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND), and is a member of the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors (OAND).
The special focus on individualized care is what drew Dr. Canto to naturopathic medicine as she believes that everyone is different and treatments should reflect that! As a naturopathic doctor, Dr. Canto is excited to work with people towards achieving their health care goals.
She is fascinated by the complexity and resilience of the human body, and looks forward to educating people about health and wellness. Dr. Canto has special interests in gut and skin health, hormonal health, endocrine health, fertility concerns, sports medicine, and pain management.
Samantha McGrath, MA
Registered Psychotherapist #009802
With over twenty years of experience as a helping professional, Samantha is equipped to provide meaningful counselling designed to foster change and healing. Using a collaborative model, she offers a calm and reassuring atmosphere within which clients can discover and create their own solutions to overcome personal struggles. Her work is grounded in a profound appreciation of individual strengths. Her approach is to work with sensitivity, compassion, and care while maintaining a great respect for the resilience of the human spirit.
She offers one to one counselling for children, teens and adults. She has extensive training and experience to address a wide range of issues including individual therapy for addictions, child/adolescent psychotherapy and family therapy. She believes that an individual’s body, mind, and spirit are integrated and must be given the opportunity for healing through self-care, support, and education.
Although she adheres to a person-centered solution focused framework; her approach to counselling incorporates elements of other therapeutic perspectives depending on the issues to be resolved and your individual needs. Her counselling approach, then, may include, but is not limited to cognitive-behavioural therapy, narrative therapy, humanistic, existential, emotional freedom techniques, family of origin work, expressive arts, play and art therapy. She will work from whatever frame she thinks would be of greatest benefit to you and will collaborate with you to determine the most helpful approach.
Have questions? Contact Samantha by email: samantha@smcgrathcounselling.com
Madeleine Chevalier
Holistic Transformation Specialist
Our clients have often tried everything to deal with consistent emotional or physical pain, with no long-lasting results. However, by creating a custom plan with Apana Bodywork; they are seeing amazing and lasting results, and wishing they’d come to us sooner! Apana Bodywork helps people heal and thrive from anxiety & depression, stress & trauma, chronic pain, and grief & loss.
To achieve this we customize a plan using Trame Vibrational Therapy, Hands-on Qi Gong clearing, and Muscle Activation Techniques (MAT). Madeleine will design a unique treatment course to meet your personal needs and/or objectives as you continue to heal. Madeleine has the tools to dig deeper than some traditional health models to bring you to a state of wellness, both physically and emotionally.
Vida Nasser, R.H.N.
Registered Holistic Nutritionist
As a Registered Holistic Nutritionist (R.H.N.) specializing in the gut-brain axis, Vida focuses ondigestive and mental health. She collaborates with clients to identify their unique health imbalances and helps to rebalance their body systems through customized evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle protocols.
These tailored protocols address clients' individual health concerns and combat unwanted symptoms, assisting them in regaining their health. She is extremely passionate about health and wellness and assists clients in stabilizing blood sugar levels, balancing moods, managing weight, increasing energy, managing stress and anxiety, balancing hormones, combating digestive discomforts, improving sleep, addressing skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, understanding what foods are nourishing and supportive for their bodies, learning how to live a more toxic-free lifestyle, and more.
She emphasizes that digestive health is connected to all other body systems and requires proper nourishment and balancing to ensure optimal functioning. She is a strong advocate that without proper gut health, it is inevitable that all body systems will suffer, leading to symptoms beyond digestive discomforts that deter clients from living the life that they want.
Additionally, being a licensed lawyer in Ontario and Alberta, she is committed to empowering clients to become strong advocates for their health and is passionate about educating them on the interconnectivity of their body systems.
