Dr. Alison Leitch

Family Chiropractor/Acupuncturist/Myofacial Release Provider/Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist

Dr. Alison Leitch is Director of River Oaks Chiropractic and Wellness Centre and a licensed Chiropractor and Acupuncturist.  Dr.  Leitch has completed National Chiropractic examinations in Canada, Australia and the USA.  She has worked with athletes, urban office and rural farm workers and people of all ages in Oakville, Toronto, Calgary and Brisbane, Australia.  As a Chiropractor with experience, Dr.Leitch is committed to promoting optimal health and well being of  her patients.    

Dr. Leitch is a graduate of the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College and has also completed an honors’ degree in Health Sciences at the University of Waterloo.  Dr.  Leitch is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with the National Strength and Conditioning Association.  She is a certified Pre and Post Natal personal training specialist.   Dr. Leitch has completed advanced training the in the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions and repetitive strain injuries using Active Release Technique.  In addition, Dr. Leitch has completed the McMaster University Medical Acupuncture program and phase 1 of the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College Acupuncture program.  Dr. Leitch is a member of the Canadian Chiropractic, Ontario Chiropractic and International Chiropractic Pediatric Associations.  

Dr. Leitch uses a "whole person approach". This approach to wellness means looking for underlying causes of any disturbance or disruption (which may or may not be causing symptoms at the time) and make whatever interventions and lifestyle adjustments that would optimize the conditions for normal function. Using this unique approach and all the expertise and training that she has acquired, Dr. Leitch is able to help you to accelerate and/or maintain your journey to good health.

Dr. Wendy Smith

Family Chiropractor and Acupuncturist

Dr. Wendy Smith graduated from the University of Waterloo with a Co-op Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology, and later a Doctor of Chiropractic from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College.  She gained valuable experience during her co-op degree in ergonomics, teaching, fitness, physiotherapy and sports medicine.  During her time at U. of W. she played on the Varsity Womens' Soccer Team.  While at C.M.C.C. she worked as a Kinesiologist in rehabilitation and as a personal trainer/fitness consultant.  In her spare time, she coached youth soccer and organized the first Womens' Soccer Team at CMCC.

Prior to moving to Oakville in December 2008, Dr. Smith worked in various clinical settings.  For 11 years, she owned and operated a multi-disciplinary clinic in Northern Ontario.  In addition to this, she ran a home based practice for four years.  Dr. Smith has constantly upgraded her skills completing her Diploma in Acupuncture and various courses in Neurology, Auricular-therapy, Reiki, Cranial-Sacral Technique, Neurosensory Reflex Integration, Brain Gym, and Bal-A-Vis-X.  She also completed a post-graduate program in the treatment of children and pregnant women with the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association.

Dr. Smith combines her diverse skills and background to provide personalized care for her patients.  She is trained in various Chiropractic techniques (very gentle to more aggressive) and integrates physiotherapy modalities, acupuncture, and exercise in her practice.  Dr. Smith enjoys working in a team that embraces the mind-body-spirit healing and will refer to the appropriate professional when needed.

Aoife Earls

Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine

Aoife Earls obtained her Bachelor of Science (Honors Psychology, Minor Biology) at McMaster University. Her interest in the communication between the body and the mind led to the pursuit of a Master’s of Science in Medical Science, with a specialty in behavioral neuroscience at McMaster University. During her masters, Aoife investigated animal models of lupus-like disease, and specifically psychoneuroimmunology (the connection between the immune system, the brain, and hormones) which sparked her permanent interest in the connection between the body and the mind in health. Aoife then pursued the field of naturopathic medicine at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto, Ontario. During her internship years at CCNM, Aoife received additional training with HIV/AIDS patients worked on an external rotation in a clinic that specialized in clinical oncology. Aoife is a registered Naturopathic Doctor with the Board of Directors of Drugless Therapy-Naturopathy, and is a member of the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors.

Having grown up in Oakville, Aoife is thrilled to be joining the River Oaks Chiropractic and Wellness Team. In her spare time, Aoife is a classical singer and has spent many years singing with Theatre Aquarius in Hamilton, McMaster University Choir, and the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir; and currently assists cantoring at St. Andrew’s Church in Oakville. Aoife also enjoys cycling, reading, and swimming. In the words of Beecher, “The body is like a piano, and happiness is like music. It is needful to have the instrument in good order.” Aoife looks forward to exploring the health concerns of the Oakville community.

Hina Palan

Registered Holistic Nutritionist

Hina received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from University of Calgary.  She joined the Trillium Health Centre in Mississauga as an Instructor Therapist, providing IBI (Intensive Behavioral Intervention) therapy to children with Autism.  She then pursued her interest in Holistic Nutrition by joining the Canadian School of natural nutrition.  Hina is a registered member of the international Organization of Nutritional Consultants.

Over the past four years Hina has gained extensive experience in organic foods and supplements, assessing her clients needs and providing nutritional recommendations.  Her goal is to help her clients make healthier dietary choices in order to maintain vitality and optimal health.  Hina believes that the connection between body, mind and spirit is an integral part of the health and wellbeing of a person.

Heather Jensen

Registered Massage Therapist

Heather is entering her 10th year as a Registered Massage Therapist.  She has worked with a wide variety of patients, including patients with Parkinson's and Multiple Sclerosis.  She has completed courses in Cranial-Sacral (level 1) with the Upledger Institute, Myofascial Release with Jennings, and she is qualified as an Infant Massage Instructor.  Currently she is working on her Bereavement Education Certificate through the Faculty of Social Worker, University of Toronto.

Jenny Gray

Registered Massage Therapist

Jenny graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bsc. in Physiotherapy and from McMaster University with a B.A. in Gerontology and returned to school recently to complete an Honours Diploma in Massage Therapy at Canadian Therapeutic College.  She has been practicing as a Registered Massage Therapist for 2 years, since retiring from a 30 year career as a Physiotherapist in the Oakville/Burlington area.  Jenny has extensive experience with a wide variety of conditions such as orthopedic, neurological, respiratory and palliative care. She has studied many manual techniques, including Myofascial Release (Levels 1 & 2 under John Barnes), Cranio-Sacral (Levels 1 & 2 under John Upledger), Manual Therapy and joint mobilization (with a variety of teachers),  Soft Tissue Release (under Jim Bilotta), REIKI (Master Level training under William Lee Rand and the International  Centre for REIKI Training in the U.S.).  Jenny is currently completing her certification in Matrix Repatterning (a revolutionary new way of understanding, assessing and treating the body) with Dr. George Roth, founder of this approach to treatment. 

In her spare time, Jenny loves to be out in nature, and especially enjoys learning about and exploring for semi-precious stones and crystals.  She looks forward to joining the River Oaks Chiropractic and Wellness Team and to helping her clients to reach their maximum potential.

Nancy Shoemaker

Registered Massage Therapist

Nancy began her massage career with a Massage Technician Certificate from Mueller College in San Diego.  She has since received her diploma in Massage Therapy from Sutherland-Chan School and Teaching Clinics in 2002.  Nancy is certified (LLCC) to work with lymphedema patients through the Upledger and Chickly Institutes.  She also has experience working with other techniques such as cranial sacral, myofascial release, brain therapy, heart centered therapy, integrative manual therapy and therapeutic touch.
Nancy has over 25 years experience in the health care field.  She also has a Registered Nursing Diploma from Conestoga College and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from the University of Alberta.  She has worked with all age groups but specializes in Palliative Care with cancer patients in Toronto.
Nancy enjoys travelling, cycling and swimming.

Candace Naidoo

Office Manager

Candace Naidoo will be the first face you will see you first enter the clinic.  Candace is there to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Please don't hesitate to ask.

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Photography by:    candace naidoo | PHOTOGRAPHY
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