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Meet

The Fortify Team

Dr. Nicole Pander

Naturopathic Doctor

Dr. Nicole Pander BSc, ND is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She has the goal of optimizing health in every decade and loves to support women, men, and children.

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Her practice shines around digestive health, chronic health concerns, mental health concerns, and integrative cancer care and she has helped hundreds of people with these concerns. Along with this she also sees a lot of autoimmunity, immune system dysregulation, fatigue and low energy, hormones, skin and aesthetics, weight management, diabetes, thyroid illness, and heart concerns.

Dr. Nicole has additionally completed comprehensive training in Integrative Cancer Care, Advanced IV Nutrient Therapy, Aesthetic Medicine including PRP, Mesotherapy, and Microneedling, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture.

She also strives to teach about prevention and health optimization.

She loves the test not guess approach to determine the root of the problem running lots of labs and functional medicine testing in her practise. Also, she often uses modalities such as IV nutrient therapy, Injections, PRP, Microneedling, targeted supplementation, herbal medicine, and Acupuncture to help patients feel their best. If that is not desired, she is always open to meeting patients where they are at in a different approach.

Dr. Nicole is passionate about wellness and wants to bring her patients hope that they can gain education and confidence on how to better their health with natural medicine.

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Dr. Mekayla Clarke

Naturopathic Doctor

Dr. Mekayla Clarke is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor with a passion for empowering women to take charge of their health and well-being. Specializing in hormones, dermatology, fertility, aesthetic and anti-aging medicine, Dr. Clarke has had the privilege of helping many patients including A-list celebrities and professional athletes optimize their health to look and feel their absolute best. Over the years, she has acquired numerous certifications to ensure she can offer the highest level of care and support to her patients.

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Dr. Clarke’s approach to care emphasizes listening, understanding, and providing a welcoming environment where patients feel confident in their ability to understand their bodies and how to care for them. She believes in the power of creating a strong healthcare team that helps each individual reach their full potential—an approach she brings to life through her practice at Fortify.

In addition to her expertise in hormones and aesthetics, Dr. Clarke offers integrative fertility and reproductive health support for both women and men. Whether preparing to conceive naturally, undergoing treatments like IUI or IVF, or preparing for embryo transfer, her approach is rooted in functional medicine. She utilizes advanced diagnostic testing and root-cause investigations to optimize health before conception, addressing key areas such as hormone balance, nutrient status, gut health, detox pathways, and environmental exposures.

Dr. Clarke encourages couples to begin preconception care 3–6 months before trying to conceive to allow time for correcting imbalances and supporting both egg and sperm quality. Her care plans include personalized nutrition, lifestyle guidance, evidence-based supplementation, and IV nutrient therapies to create the most supportive environment for conception. Beyond fertility, Dr. Clarke’s work focuses on ensuring long-term reproductive wellness and empowering her patients to take a proactive role in their fertility journey.

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Dr. Salma Ladhani

Naturopathic Doctor

With a strong foundation in pediatric and maternal care, gastrointestinal health, metabolic wellness, and nutrition and lifestyle medicine, Dr. Salma, ND offers a comprehensive and personalized approach to both pediatric and family healthcare. Having graduated in 2024 from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) through its two-year bridge program for international medical graduates (IMG), Salma also holds a medical degree from Windsor University School of Medicine in St. Kitts.*

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During her training at CCNM, Dr. Salma excelled in pediatric care at the Schad Naturopathic Clinic and gained valuable experience at a community health center, where she applied naturopathic principles in a broader community context. Her areas of interest include pediatric and maternal health, gastrointestinal health, metabolic health, nutrition and lifestyle counseling, immune support, and preventative care.

Dr. Salma is dedicated to supporting you and your child’s health journey by creating customized nutrition plans, recommending botanical remedies, advising on nutraceutical supplements, and incorporating lifestyle interventions. She is committed to understanding the unique needs and values of each patient, whether they seek support for a specific concern or preventive care.

As a registered member of the Manitoba Naturopathic Association (MNA), Dr. Salma is thrilled to join the Fortify team as a Naturopathic Doctor. She looks forward to providing holistic and individualized care to children, families, and community members in Winnipeg, empowering them on their health journeys.

Please note that Dr. Salma is an International Medical Graduate (IMG) and is not a licensed medical doctor.

Select a service from the list on the left
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Sevinj Nazarova

Registered Acupuncturist

Sevinj Nazarova is a Registered Acupuncturist with over 8 years of experience in natural medicine. She previously operated her own clinic, where she developed a deep appreciation for the healing potential of natural therapies.

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Her practice emphasizes restoring balance within the body, and she specializes in treating a variety of conditions, including diabetes and varicose veins. Sevinj has a special interest in women’s health, providing compassionate support for those facing fertility challenges, menstrual disorders, and menopause symptoms.

Her goal is to empower patients through natural, supportive care, enhancing their overall health and well-being. Sevinj looks forward to helping individuals on their journey to wellness.

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Brianne Calais

Registered Acupuncturust

Brianne Calais is a Registered Acupuncturist passionate about helping others find balance and lasting relief through Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Drawing on her training in acupuncture, herbal therapy, cupping, moxibustion, and gua sha, she creates personalized treatments that address both the root cause and the symptoms of illness.

 

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Using tongue and pulse diagnosis, Brianne gains a deep understanding of each patient’s unique internal landscape, allowing her to support healing on every level — physical, emotional, and energetic.

She has a special interest in women’s health, gynecological concerns and mental health blending evidence-informed care with genuine compassion.

Outside the clinic, Brianne loves practicing yoga, spending time with her family, and immersing herself in nature — the same calm, grounding energy she brings to her patients every day.

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Gurpreet Sandhu

Nurse Practitioner

Gupreet is an experienced Nurse Practitioner with a strong background in emergency medicine and primary care. With over a decade of clinical experience across high-acuity acute care settings and community-based outpatient environments, she brings a calm, solution-focused approach to complex patient concerns. She is deeply committed to providing accessible, compassionate, and culturally informed care to individuals and families across the lifespan.

 

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Gurpreet began her career in orthopedic trauma and high-acuity emergency departments, where she developed advanced skills in rapid assessment, triage, stabilization, surgical follow-up, injury management, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Her scope later expanded to include primary care, allowing her to build extensive experience in chronic disease management.

As a Nurse Practitioner, Gurpreet delivers comprehensive, patient-centered care. Her practice includes advanced assessment, diagnosis, chronic disease management, women’s health services, mental health screening, prenatal and well-baby care, health promotion, and minor procedures. She values thoroughness and clear communication and strives to create a welcoming, supportive environment where patients feel heard, respected, and empowered in their health journey.

Her clinical philosophy is rooted in education and prevention. She is dedicated to helping patients understand their health, participate actively in decision-making, and build confidence in managing their well-being. Continuity of care and early intervention are central to her approach and guide her in delivering safe, evidence-based practice.

Gurpreet remains committed to lifelong learning and professional involvement. She has volunteered with the Association of Registered Nurses of Manitoba and regularly participates in national nursing conferences to stay current with evolving best practices. Fluent in English and Punjabi, she is passionate about providing inclusive, culturally sensitive care to diverse communities.

With a strong clinical foundation, steady presence, and patient-centered approach, Gurpreet takes pride in contributing meaningfully to the health and well-being of the communities she serves.

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Shayla Vechina

Mental Health Therapist, MACP, CCC, CC-PMH

Are you seeking support with prenatal/postpartum anxiety, life transitions, postpartum depression or rage? Where society sends us messages about the joy in the pre and postnatal phases, I strive to normalize the conversation about both the happy times and the overwhelming, constantly learning and finding what it means to balance different asks and ever-changing identities.

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Throughout life, we all experience unpleasant and overwhelming emotions. We go through life trying to figure out where and how we fit into the world. I work with clients to find the barriers and connect with their personal value system.

Whether we are transitioning into a new phase of life, deciding to begin a healing journey, or bringing a newborn home, I believe that seeking support takes courage. I am here to create a safe environment for growth, self-awareness and self-compassion for all clients, at all stages of life.

While I specialize in perinatal mental health, I continue to lean into supporting clients outside of that realm of life. I also aim to always offer a compassionate, inclusive, and safe space for clients journeying through body image, anxiety, life transitions and relationship concerns.

Select a service from the list on the left
to view available appointment times

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Melissa Mushikori

Mental Health Therapist, MACP, CCC

Life is a journey that can take us places we may not have ever expected to be. Sometimes things can get heavy and can stop us from moving forward in the way we want to. You do not have to walk alone. I am here to walk beside you and help you put down some of the heaviness so that you can find the freedom you need to push forward.

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I work from a narrative therapeutic standpoint. I focus on a justice oriented feminist approach that focuses on how individuals make meaning of their circumstances. While I mainly work with women I have worked with clients from all walks of life, genders, ages, and sexual orientations. I specialize in relationships, self-betterment, healing from trauma, and anxiety and depression. I help clients re-author their stories and separate their problems from who they are as a person. Clients can take the sessions where they need to and we will work through each focus point at a pace that works for the client.

Everyone has a story that describes how they are experiencing their world, their relationships, and their problems. I will walk alongside you as you take me through your narrative. We will explore your values, your beliefs about yourself, and how you make meaning of these things. Together we will work to thicken your story and discover your desired outcome.

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Emily MacDonald

Mental Health Therapist, MC, CCC

My approach to therapy is solution focused and strength based. I aim to help people use their strengths to create their desired future and collaborate with clients to find ways for them cope with what they are facing.

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I provide services for teenagers and adults coping with a diverse range of concerns. Areas that I have experience in are anxiety, self-esteem, emotional regulation, burnout, and much more.

I use a wide range of therapy techniques and activities so that each session is tailored to the needs of my client. Examples of approaches that I draw from are solution focused therapy (SFT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and internal family systems therapy (IFS). I like to bring a creative approach to my sessions and will incorporate art, movement/somatic, and mindfulness based techniques. I believe that our mind, body, and environment that we live in are all connected to our wellbeing and I bring this mindset to my therapy sessions.

I value creating a judgment free space so that my clients can feel comfortable, heard, and supported. Sometimes life can feel like being a boat on the ocean during a storm. Let’s work together to navigate the rough waters.

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Christine Mackay

Mental Health Therapist, M.Ed., CCC

Christine MacKay’s, M.Ed., CCC, approach to counselling can be summed up in two guiding beliefs: “Grief is everywhere” and “Curiosity will save the world.” She recognizes that grief comes in many forms and degrees—whether it’s the loss of a loved one, the pain of an unfulfilled childhood, a difficult life transition, or even misplacing a cherished object. Christine believes everyone deserves the time, space, and support to process these experiences.

 

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At the heart of her work is a commitment to cultivating curiosity about ourselves and the world around us. This curiosity fosters self-awareness, soothes the mind and body, and encourages self-compassion.

Christine has a strong passion for neuroscience. She often incorporates psychoeducation to help clients better understand how their brains function, empowering them in their healing process. Her approach includes exploring thought patterns, practicing relaxation techniques, and utilizing trauma-informed therapies.

She works primarily in the areas of grief and loss, trauma, addiction, anxiety, and depression. Christine has experience supporting individuals navigating their own struggles with addiction, as well as those affected by a loved one’s substance use.

Above all, Christine offers a warm, supportive, and non-judgmental environment where clients can safely explore, learn, and grow.

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Carlos Beláustegui

Manual Osteopath

Carlos is seasoned Physiotherapist and Osteopathic Manual Therapist with over two decades of experience. Hailing from Argentina, he embarked on a new chapter in Winnipeg in October 2023. While navigating the process of Canadian physiotherapy registration, Carlos brings his expertise to our team as an Osteopathic Manual Therapist.

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In Argentina, Carlos managed his own thriving physiotherapy practice, where he honed his skills in high-performance sports rehabilitation. His impressive resume includes working with elite volleyball teams, professional tennis staff, and serving as a key member of the medical team at the South American Youth Games in Rosario 2022. Not stopping there, Carlos also made his mark as a trainer on the prestigious Paddle World Tour in 2022 and 2023.

Beyond his professional achievements, Carlos finds joy in an active lifestyle. Whether it’s a competitive game of tennis with his wife, Erika, or a spirited soccer match with friends, Carlos thrives in the world of sports. When not on the court, he can be found strolling with his beloved dogs, Telma and Cleo. An aficionado of arts and culture, Carlos unwinds by immersing himself in literature and music, showcasing his musical talents on the piano and guitar during leisurely moments.

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Bryan Cobb

Registered Massage Therapist

Bryan is one of the few Massage Therapists to specialize in trigger point therapy, a form of focused deep tissue massage meant to treat both acute and chronic soft tissue pain.

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Since graduating in 2005 Bryan has worked with people from all walks of life including elite athletes wanting to recover faster or improve performance, to individuals suffering from chronic pain such as fibromyalgia, tmj dysfunction, headaches/migraines.

Bryan has always focused on education and communication with his clients and always strives to make his clients feel heard and respected.

For the last few years, Bryan has started to incorporate meditation and contemplative practices into his treatments as a way of treating the whole being and reconnecting body and mind.

When Bryan is not treating patients he loves spending time with his family, is an avid meditator, and a workout enthusiast.

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Mia Ackermann

Registered Massage Therapist

Mia Ackermann is a registered massage therapist passionate about the human body and its interconnectedness, Mia is dedicated to providing relief and healing.

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With a holistic approach, she combines various massage techniques to restore balance and functionality. Mia’s empathetic nature and personalized treatment plans create a safe and nurturing environment for her clients. Continuously expanding her knowledge, she stays up-to-date with the latest advancements in massage therapy.

Mia empowers her clients with self-care techniques and lifestyle modifications for long-term wellness. She loves to educate her clients on how their bodies were in order for them the take charge of their growth.

Mia has completed a Manual Lymphatic Drainage course which has furthered her education in how the lymphatic system impacts the rest of the body. MLD can be very beneficial for pain-management, lymphedema, other inflammatory issues, post-surgery, anxiety and so much more. If you are interested in the benefits and how MLD could help you – ask Mia at your next treatment and she’d love to answer your questions!

Trust Mia to help you live a pain-free, fulfilling life.

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Vineet Sidhu

Registered Dietitian

Vineet is a Registered Dietitian (RD) and a neuroscientist, passionately working to help her clients find freedom in food. She examines how diet is affected by thoughts, feelings, and circumstances to help her clients achieve their health and wellness goals by developing intuitive connections between food, body, and mind.

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Vineet individualizes her nutrition counseling to fit her client’s unique health conditions and often busy lifestyles. ​Vineet prides herself in being a weight inclusive practitioner and believes that health is attainable at any weight, shape, or size. In her practice, she utilizes a number of nutrition counseling techniques to help her clients discover the joy in food.

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Vanessa Pondy

Registered Health Coach

My name is Vanessa and I am a Registered Health Coach who is passionate about making wellness accessible for all! Pulling from knowledge in root-cause medicine and evidence-based psychology strategies, I partner with my clients to co-create a plan that will build self-efficacy, foster self-awareness, and utilize client’s inner strengths to break through their health barriers.

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I acknowledge that each client is whole, and are the true experts of their own lives. Each client is resourceful and will see that they hold the answers to which they are seeking, becoming the fuel driving their own change. As an ally to your health journey, I will help turn your “why” into your “how.

Through consistent support, targeted education, and a client-centred approach, I help clients create long-lasting habits to no only succeed, but feel empowered to take charge of their long-term health and wellbeing.

What is your health for? Let’s find out together!

Jesse Dzikowicz

Wellness Assistant

Hello! I’m Jesse, a Wellness Assistant at Fortify. I’m passionate about helping individuals discover what brings them joy and supporting them in becoming their best selves.

 

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I grew up as an athlete, participating in various sports, and focusing on hockey and ball hockey. I had the honor of representing Team Manitoba and Team Canada. After graduating, I struggled to maintain an active lifestyle outside organized sports. However, I began frequenting the gym, and while the initial transition was challenging, pushing through the soreness and discomfort ultimately led to an incredible transformation. I now feel more energetic, happier, and stronger—both physically and mentally—than ever before.

I’m here to offer guidance and support on your wellness journey, and I’m excited to be a part of it!

Kendra Friesen

Wellness Assistant

Welcome to Fortify. My name is Kendra and I would love to help you get acquainted with Fortify and assist you as you move along your health journey.

My own health journey has been full of twists & turns alongside my 4 kid’s journeys. I’ve had the opportunity to walk through re-occurring infections, chronic migraines, autoimmune disease, neurological anomalies (and the list goes on) all in my own home.

 

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I’ve experienced health professionals that were helpful as well as those that were not so helpful. What brings me so much joy, is how the wellness team at Fortify works together to find what works best for each individual.

Kyleigh Johnson

Wellness Assistant

Jared Vanderveen

Director of Fortify Foods

Jared Vanderveen is a lifelong learner with an appetite for information. He is interested in all things biology and holds a bachelor of science. If he isn’t glued to a pair of birding binoculars or hanging out with friends, he is likely to be found reading.

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Jared loves preparing and sharing food and drinks with friends, and believes that good food and good community prompt health and strength for everyone. As Director of Fortify Foods Jared hopes to reach out to others via the medium of healthy and delicious food, inviting them to care for their bodies and for each other.

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of the Fortify movement?