Our Practitioners

Christina Camilleri is described as “one of the best kept secrets of the Okanagan”, well-known by reputation amongst health professionals in the field of nutrition, disordered eating/eating disorders. Many colleagues in various health disciplines around the province speak highly of Christina’s professional contribution and expertise. With over 30 years of clinical nutrition and behavioral counseling experience, extensive training and teaching opportunities, Christina’s vast knowledge and leadership is evident in all she does.

Christina graduated in 1987 from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Applied Science, Honors in Applied Human Nutrition. In 1988 she attended her clinical dietetic internship at Victoria Hospital, London, Ontario. During her internship, she focused on electives that included disordered eating, sports nutrition and cardiology. In June 1988, Christina was hired as a clinical dietitian for the Western Counties Wing War Veterans at Parkwood Hospital in London, Ontario. In working closely with this patient population, it was evident to Christina how the trauma of war correlated strongly with the veterans’ quality of life. As a clinical dietitian, her focus was to manage symptoms of illness through therapeutic meal plans. However, this was only scratching the surface. How do you support someone in trauma to make the necessary dietary changes to improve wellness and quality of life if they really don’t care or feel they have anything to live for?

As a new graduate and someone who had her own life experience with trauma, Christina’s energy and passion to help others sustain a love of life no matter the tragedies or circumstances, prompted her continued education towards behavioral counseling. At Parkwood Hospital, Christina worked closely with the multidisciplinary team. This team consisted of medical doctors and pastoral care, recreational and horticultural therapy, and nutritional support for prevention of illness, disease management and early intervention of disease. This unique treatment approach transferred into her private practice at the Fitness Forum, a high performance fitness facility where she worked with elite athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and individuals suffering from disordered eating and eating disorders.

Sports Nutrition has always been one of Christina’s passions, following naturally from her own enthusiasm for many sports both competitive and recreational. Christina is dedicated to helping athletes become the best that they can be in their sport, and she has often been a pivotal member of an athlete’s support team. She has worked with major league baseball players, CFL football players, junior hockey players, elite ski racers, junior varsity basketball, volleyball, soccer, rugby players, triathletes and more. To be a part of any athletes’ journey is a privilege and honor. The combination of nutritional and behavioral counseling is essential for every individual who pursues the athletic dream!

In 1991, Christina relocated from Ontario to the Okanagan Valley where she used her unique nutritional, behavioral counseling and educational background to support the development of disordered eating programs in both Kelowna and Vernon. Christina became a strong advocate for client centered care and professional development of multidisciplinary teams. She worked tirelessly to ensure that clients and their families could stay closer to home during their treatment process. Liaison with the multidisciplinary hospital team was necessary in developing inpatient eating disorder protocols for youth on pediatrics and adults on psychiatry. Christina’s drive to remain current with best practices through varied educational opportunities, committees, conferences, literature searches, media interviews, international presentations, mentoring and training opportunities contributed to some of the best multidisciplinary outpatient programs in the province.

Since 1992, as founder of Healthy Essentials, Christina’s private practice has remained under the radar, receiving referrals by reputation and word of mouth. The flexibility of being a business owner allowed Christina to enjoy the benefits of raising her family while fulfilling her desire to work in her specialized fields of practice both at her home office and in Vernon. In 2013, Christina resigned after 22 years as Coordinator of the CMHA (Canadian Mental Health Association) North Okanagan Eating Disorder Program. Christina will continue her leadership role in the community as Director of Healthy Essentials Clinic (HEC); an integrative team of experienced professionals who  provide person-centered care for clients and families who seek our unique services. Christina will continue to mentor, train, educate and consult with professionals to help lead the way in community health. She looks forward to growing and building Healthy Essentials Clinic into a larger community of care providers who will help to make her dream of serving all people who desire health, wellness and personal excellence a reality!

For more information on Christina’s professional experience you can review Christina’s CV (curriculum vitae)

Graduated from McMaster University in 2006 in Medicine and pursued Psychiatry residency training at the University of Toronto, graduating in 2011. Heather has been working
in Kelowna, BC from 2011 to present. Heather specializes in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Eating Disorders. When asked why she wants to work for Healthy Essentials Clinic Heather says, “I love to be part of a multidisciplinary team and look forward to incorporating holistic
modalities to provide comprehensive care to clients and families”. 

Hobbies: Skiing

Originally from Alberta, Lindsay graduation from her Psychiatry residency in 2012 and has been working as a General Adult Psychiatrist since. Initially working 6 years in Whitehorse providing both in-patient and out-patient care. Now living in the Okanagan since 2019 and has been working at Vernon Jubilee Hospital and Vernon Mental Health and Substance since then!

“I wanted to work at HEC so I can see more mild/moderate illness when I feel we have the most chance of helping patients with reduction of symptoms and improve their function. I hope to intervene before their symptoms become chronic and severe. I am also excited to work in a team-based environment where the clinic staff seem excited about their work and dedicated to their patient’s overall wellbeing.”

Hobbies: I love spending time with my family exploring the Okanagan. We enjoy hiking, swimming, and paddle boarding throughout the summer and skiing/snowboarding in the winter.

Originally from Edmonton Alberta, Sarah graduated from UofA MD in 2015, followed by UBC Pediatrics in 2020, and UBC Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism 2023. Specializing in Pediatric Endocrinology Sarah has a passions for obesity prevention and diabetes in children.

Why work at HEC: “I am excited to come on board with a team of like-minded professionals, where we can approach childhood chronic illness with a multi-faceted approach, and in a family-oriented manner.”

Hobbies: Running after my two toddlers! In my spare time I can most likely be found at one of the amazing parks throughout the Okanagan.

Originally from Minnesota, Sandra now resides right here in the Okanagan. With over 19 years of experience, Sandra specializes working with Couples, Youth and Families experiencing relationship issues, mental health challenges and varied struggles. Most recently she works with families experiencing Eating Disorders.

Why work for HEC: “I have always been impressed with the vision and practice model exhibited by HEC.  I also love the location.”

Hobbies: In the summer I love gardening and hiking.  In the winter I love knitting.

Originally from Kelowna, BC. Kirsten lived in Kelowna until the age of 17 then moved to Quebec to study at McGill University.

Her career as a Clinical Dietitian has only just begun, but towards the end of her dietetics studies, she decided to buy land in a small town in Quebec and started a regenerative farm. She continued to farm for roughly 7 years until she decided to change paths in 2020 and move back to B.C. to work as a Dietitian and be closer to family.

“My passion in nutrition is in hormone health and how our food interplays with our hormones, affecting our digestion, mood, energy levels, and overall wellbeing.”

Why work for HEC: “I value and appreciate the collaborative team approach, recognizing that health is a complex balance of many factors. By bringing together expertise from multiple disciplines, it ensures that clients receive comprehensive, well-rounded care, and each team member can pull from the expertise of others, with clients being followed seamlessly without needing to repeat themselves or start over with each care provider.”

Hobbies: I love sports and being outside. I enjoy soccer, volleyball, tennis, hiking, frisbee, cross-country skiing, and swimming in the lake. Thankful to be in the Okanagan to have access to all these things.

Linda grew up and graduated in Devon, Alberta. She moved to BC right after graduation and settled in Richmond initially before moving to Lake Country in 1992, and now calls this home.

Linda Graduated with her Counselling Degree in 2016 and has been working in the field since, specializing in teens / adolescents, women of all ages (50+), job related stress and fatigue, relationship issues and families of special need children.

When asked why she wants to work for Healthy Essentials Clinic Linda says: “I believe in what the clinic stands for, a holistic approach to healing. I feel I have a great deal to offer the clinic and look forward to being a part of a team that will make a difference when it comes to mental illness”.

Hobbies: Camping and hiking

From the Okanagan, Mike Shaw brings a unique background in freestyle skiing to his role at HEC. Formerly the coach of the Canadian Olympic development half-pipe ski team, his life took an unexpected turn on December 16, 2013, when a severe accident left him with a broken neck and incomplete quadriplegia.

Despite his adversity, Mike’s determination and resilience propelled him forward. Mike’s experience of overcoming significant challenges was a profound catalyst for his transition into counselling. 

Grounded in a trauma-informed approach, Mike is passionate about supporting individuals through difficult times. He utilizes evidence-based practices to help clients navigate their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours toward achieving healthier well-being.

Why work for HEC: “I firmly believe in the unity of our minds and bodies in the healing process. Joining the HEC team provides me with invaluable resources and a collaborative environment to better support clients in achieving their treatment goals.”

Hobbies: Enjoys Skiing, hiking, camping, continuous learning, working out, and contributing to the community

Originally from the Bulkley Valley in Northern B.C., Stephanie now calls the Okanagan home. Stephanie first pursued her undergraduate degree in Health and Exercise Science at Okanagan College, Penticton campus and finished at UBCO Okanagan.  Currently in her second year of a two-year master’s program at UBCO, HEC is excited to welcome her into our Practicum Program.   

Stephanie is passionate about the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and social well-being as it aligns with evidence-based approaches in comprehensive health care. Areas of interest include cognitive behavioral therapy, emotion focused therapy, attachment theory, self-determination theory, poly-vagal theory and somatic experiencing.  The mind-body connection is The mind-body connection is an area of interest, and she looks forward to applying her health and exercise science degree to incorporate movement-based interventions when appropriate. 

Why work for HEC: “My background is in the physical health sector.  My focus during my undergraduate degree was utilizing movement for prevention and early intervention in physical health outcomes.  I look forward to applying the skills and knowledge gained during my graduate studies to provide psychosocial support through preventive and therapeutic approaches that address physical, mental, and social health.” 

Hobbies: Growing up in Northern B.C. has instilled a deep love for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, ATVing or simply sitting on a beach or around a fire.  Stephanie is also active in the local running community and enjoys participating in road-racing events ranging from one mile to half-marathons.  Her interest in pursuing formal education in the field of Health and Exercise science was born out of her personal interest in strength-based training.  Stephanie enjoys calisthenics, weightlifting and powerlifting.  When she’s not outside, in the gym, or travelling, Stephanie enjoys reading.

Originally from Vernon, Maddy moved to Kelowna in 2016 to complete her Undergraduate Degree at UBC Okanagan while playing for the Women’s Varsity Soccer Team. She later pursued a Clinical Master of Social Work (MSW) at UBC Okanagan, hoping to bridge her passion for sport, movement, and mental health.

With a background in Health and Exercise Sciences, Maddy has four years of experience as a Kinesiologist and Body-Neutral Fitness Instructor. She is passionate about the mind-body connection and the intersection of mental and physical well-being. Her areas of focus include emotional regulation, anxiety, self-esteem, disordered eating, body image, perfectionism, burnout, and nervous system regulation.

Why work for HEC: “I wanted to work at HEC because I believe an integrated mind-body approach to healing is essential to enhancing human well-being. I’m excited to collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to approach healing and health outcomes through a holistic lens.”

Hobbies: Enjoys hiking, trail running, participating in various group fitness classes, and reading in the sunshine by the lake (My ultimate happy place).

Tracy has a diverse background, a 20+ year journey with rehabilitation and overcoming chronic pain. She combines traditional massage techniques including Fascial; Visceral; Lymph and Craniosacral Therapy to create better circulation, movement and decrease tension and holding patterns. Her training includes a 2 year study in Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy as well as many other courses/workshops in Osteopathy; Breath; Movement & Pilates. Tracy takes professional development  and a “whole body & systems” approach seriously.

Janet is a Physiotherapist and Certified Lymphedema Therapist (LANA) with a strong interest in providing physiotherapy to patients recovering from cancer. This includes treatment for de-ceased range of motion and function, radiation fibrosis, cording, scar tissue management and lymphedema. In 1997 Janet became a Certified Lymphedema Therapist and received her. Lymphology Association of North America (LANA) Lymphedema Therapist designation. In 2020 after over 30 years in private practice Janet completed a 14 month temporary position at BC Cancer Agency in Vancouver as sole physiotherapist. Janet is on the Medical Advisory

Board for the BC Lymphedema Association and is a Clinical Assistant for the UBC Physiotherapy Program Adult Oncology Lab. Janet is currently in the process of relocating to Kelowna and will be working in private practice establishing a cancer rehab program.

Why work for HEC: Excited to offer physiotherapy to all cancer patients and lymphedema patients in the Okanagan Valley as it is currently an under serviced area.

Hobbies: Walking and running in the trails with my golden retriever. 

Tanya first began pilates as training for her figure skating career where she grew up in Saskatchewan. At the age of 14 Tanya discovered her love for teaching children and so began teaching figure skating alongside her own competitive career.

As an adult Tanya turned to clinical pilates while healing a spinal and hip injury. After experiencing how much pilates helped her, Tanya decided to help others.  For the past seven years Tanya has returned to her first passion which is teaching, this time pilates and yoga.

It was a natural progression that Tanya would attract kids for clients. Creating a relationship built on trust, Tanya loves to help people of all ages continue to find more curiosities with their own bodies. Through breathing and mindful practice everyone can make space and find ease in their bodies and minds. Tanya is focused on making rehabilitation fun, as well as strengthening and preventative mobility exercises to live a long and easeful life. 

Hobbies: Tanya loves spending time with her nieces and nephews and baking sourdough in her home mini-bakery.