(She/Her/Hers)
Dr. Lorna Ciccone, ND is on parental Leave until December 2024. Dr. Meghan Fowler, ND is her locum who is overseeing Dr. Ciccone’s practice/patients while she is away.
Dr. Lorna Ciccone, ND, (she/her) is passionate about delivering whole-person care in a graded approach. She views whole-person care from a biological, psychological, social and spiritual perspective and believes each of these aspects of a person’s lived experience is important when it comes to health and healing.
She is especially enthusiastic about empowering individuals to own each aspect of their healing process and is trained in conversational techniques designed to evoke this power. Rooted in a trauma-informed lens, Dr. Lorna is committed to delivering health education and treatments designed from the latest in brain science. She uses techniques such as Pain Reprocessing Therapy, mind-body medicine approaches, and therapeutic journaling techniques alongside traditional naturopathic treatments to get to the root cause of an individual’s illness or symptoms. She also loves helping folks find and maintain peak health and wellness through similar techniques tailored to prevent “stuff” from getting in the way.
Dr. Lorna believes in a graded approach to care. She follows the naturopathic ethos by considering the least invasive methods first including dietary and lifestyle changes coupled with addressing emotional health. From there, she considers botanical medicine and supplements, along with manual treatments such as acupuncture and manual muscle treatments. She is also certified in the prescribing of pharmacotherapy and injection therapies, which are thoughtfully considered with the individual seeking care driving their healing process.
As a member of the LGBTQ2SIA+ community, she is also dedicated to health equity and is personally invested in serving the vast needs of our community. Gender-affirming, inclusive care is at the heart of her work.
Special interests include:
- Chronic pain/Neuroplastic pain
- Mental health including: anxiety, depression, phobias, panic disorder, OCD, BPD
- Complex chronic illnesses such as ME/CFS and fibromyalgia
- Long-haul viral symptoms
- Medically unexplained diagnoses
- LGBTQ2SIA+ health
- Athletic and performance health including: ultra-endurance, triathletes, and marathoners
- Whole food, plant-based nutrition
- Neurological Health, including: migraines, Parkinson’s, TBI and post-concussive syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome and gut dysbiosis
In her free time, Dr. Lorna is passionate about biofield science, animal rights, social justice, and exploring the outdoors which she does with her partner and their dog, Zar. She eats a whole foods, plant-based diet and participates in ultra-endurance events. She reads as many books as possible, but particularly enjoys books read on Audible during any commute. She also loves exploring the depths of her own human experience through meditation, expressing anger, and sharing belly laughs.
Dr. Lorna She currently lives on stolen land from the lək̓ʷəŋən peoples, also known as the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations communities also known as Victoria, British Columbia, and she is grateful to be allowed to be on their land through the Douglas Treaties. She supports the continued negotiations between the Te’mexw Treaty members and the Canadian government. She also acknowledges naturopathic medicine’s role in oppression and colonization and will continue to educate herself on the origins of the practices misappropriated from Indigenous and Asian medical systems.
Training, Education and Certificates:
- Advanced Injection Therapies- Part A
- Prescriptive Authority
- Acupuncture
- Naturopathic Advanced Life Support
- Fellow of Integrative Medicine at the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine (current), San Diego, CA
- Fellow of Research at the Consciousness and - Healing Initiative (current), San Diego, CA
- Doctor of Naturopathy, Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Toronto, CA
- Masters of Business Administration, University of Tampa, Tampa, FL
- Bachelor of Science, Barry University, Miami Shores, FL
- Certificate in Health Coaching, Emory University, Atlanta GA
Memberships:
- British Columbia Naturopathic Association
- Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors
- Psychophysiologic Disorders Association
- National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching
Registration/Licensure:
- Naturopathic Physician, College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia
- Naturopathic Physician, Washington State Department of Health
- National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach
(She/Her/Hers)
Dr. Lorna Ciccone, ND is on parental Leave until December 2024. Dr. Meghan Fowler...
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He/Him/His
Dr. Jaime de Melo is a passionate Naturopathic Physician and Educator in Victoria British Columbia. He is a thorough and meticulous physician that comprehensively assesses patient concerns.
Special Interests:
Dr. Jaime believes that healthy respiration and digestion are foundations to optimal health.
He has a special interest in treating disorders of the Respiratory and Digestive Systems.
He is also skilled at assessing and treating musculoskeletal concerns to help patients with injuries and pain management. He frequently treats patients with:
Asthma, Emphysema, Chronic bronchitis,
Nicotine addiction, Fatigue, Irritable bowel syndrome, Diabetes, Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s disease, Heartburn, Gallstones, Excessive bloating and gas, Allergies, Maldigestion and malabsorption issues, ligament, tendon and joint injuries and osteoarthritis.
In his general family practice he often treats patients with musculoskeletal concerns including low back pain and repetitive strain injuries. He treats infants and children and answers parent questions regarding food sensitivities or allergies, food introduction schedules, and sleep issues. He also treats adults with blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol concerns.
Education:
Dr. Jaime is passionate about education. He thoroughly enjoys answering patient questions and helping to empower them to make positive and healthy decisions.
He holds faculty positions at both the West Coast College of Massage Therapy and Pacific Rim College where he teaches courses on Anatomy and Physiology, Pathology and Nutrition. Dr. Jaime is an engaging lecturer. He enjoys creating dynamic and interactive lectures that blend academic and practical information together.
Dr. Jaime actively participates in continuing education to upgrade his skills and has advanced training in prolotherapy.
Dr. Jaime is a graduate of the University of Toronto and the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine.
Research:
While still a student at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine he worked for the research department there and subsequently for the University of Toronto Institute for Work and Health. His published research is in the area of botanical medicine with a focus on reporting quality guidelines.
Volunteer Work:
Dr. Jaime is passionate about making Naturopathic Medicine accessible to everyone.
As a clinical intern in his final year at CCNM in Toronto he worked at the Sherbourne Health Centre and the Anishnawbe Health Centre – a native healing centre that offers traditional native healing within a multidisciplinary health care model. Both health centres provide free Naturopathic care to marginalized individuals.
Here in Victoria, Dr. Jaime was the founding Naturopathic physician for the Healthy for Life program at Aids Vancouver Island in the Access Health Centre. The Healthy for Life program provided free Naturopathic medical care and more (including need supplements) to individual with low income, some with HIV, Hepatitis C and addictions that would otherwise not have access to appropriate medical care.
Dr. Jaime is currently a supervisor for the Family Naturopathic Clinic, a teaching clinic providing free Naturopathic care to low income families.
Speaking Engagements:
Dr. Jaime loves sharing information with groups. He speaks regularly on a variety of topics including healthy eating, digestive health, immune system health, bone and joint health and heart health. Dr. Jaime speaks to community groups, at lunch and learns, as well as to corporate wellness and support groups. If you would like him to speak to your group please contact him at the Acacia.
Dr. Jaime is a member of the British Columbia Naturopathic Association, the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors and is registered with the College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia.
He/Him/His
Dr. Jaime de Melo is a passionate Naturopathic Physician and Educator in Victoria Bri...
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Dr. Fowler is the Locum for Dr. Lorna Ciccone, ND. Dr. Fowler will be at Acacia Health from October 2024 to December 2024. She will be overseeing Dr. Ciccone’s practice/patients while she is on Parental Leave.
Dr. Fowler has a general naturopathic practice with special interest in
- Digestive concerns and food sensitivities
- Metabolic health
- Stress and burnout
- Women’s health/hormones
- Holistic skincare
- General health concerns
She takes time during each appointment to fully understand your health history, and then works with you to create a comprehensive plan that guides you forward in reaching your health goals.
Dr. Fowler completed her undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences at MacEwan University before attending the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition to obtain her Holistic Nutrition Certificate. She went on to complete her 4-year Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine in New Westminster at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (Boucher Campus). Dr. Fowler is a member in good standing with the College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia (CNPBC), the British Columbia Naturopathic Doctors (BCND), and the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND).
She has certifications and is licensed in IV therapy, acupuncture and has prescriptive authority.
Outside of the clinic you’ll find Dr. Fowler outside enjoying nature, discovering new coffee shops or at the latest spin and yoga classes.
She looks forward to continuing your care in Dr. Ciccone’s absence and is also happy to welcome new patients to the clinic.
Book a 15-minute meet and greet to start your journey!
Dr. Fowler is the Locum for Dr. Lorna Ciccone, ND. Dr. Fowler will be at Acacia Health from Octob...
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(She/Her/Hers)
If you can not find an In Person appointment time with Dr. Amy Gilchrist and are open to trying a Video appointment, be sure to check out her Virtual appointment availabilities. Dr Amy Gilchrist practices only Virtually/over the phone on Tuesdays! :)
Amy is a primary care naturopathic physician in general family practice with special interest in women’s health. She is also the Clinical Director of The Family Medicine Clinic, a naturopathic teaching facility here at Acacia that provides free naturopathic care to low-income young families. Dr. Gilchrist provides an atmosphere where your health care concerns are addressed in a comprehensive and compassionate way. She works to understand the full nature of each case and the underlying cause of disease. Her treatments uniquely fit each individual patient.
She utilizes proven, non-invasive techniques, primarily; acupuncture, clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, lifestyle counseling, orthomolecular medicine, body work, support counseling, and mind body techniques. Dr. Amy has also received her prescriptive authority and is now able to write or renew a prescription for anything within the Naturopathic Formulary as set out by the CNPBC.
Dr. Gilchrist commonly works with gynecological disorders, hormonal irregularities, fertility concerns, cardiovascular disease, bowel conditions, allergies, auto-immune disorders, skin conditions, weight management, fatigue, headaches. As well she creates protocols to promote health and healthy aging.
Amy comes from a background of local non-profit and international development work, traveling and working abroad extensively. It was through these rich experiences that Dr. Gilchrist cultivated a desire to become a naturopathic doctor.
Dr. Gilchrist received her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) in Toronto. She interned in general practice at the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic and at The Sherbourne Health Centre, a free Naturopathic clinic for people with HIV and AIDS.
She has been involved in several research projects with CCNM and Toronto General Hospital, and has co-authored papers on pediatrics in naturopathic medicine, childhood vaccinations, and HIV and AIDS.
Amy is the proud mother of two little girls, whom she thinks may actually be the cutest girls in the world.
(She/Her/Hers)
If you can not find an In Person appointment time with Dr. Amy Gilchrist and are ...
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Dr. Anita Komonski combines compassionate patient care with the best of scientific inquiry, evidence-informed medicine and traditional therapies. She provides an inclusive space where health care needs are listened to, and creates collaborative, personalized treatment plans.
Though Dr. Komonski sees a wide range of conditions, areas of interest and additional training include:
- Hormonal Imbalances (Thyroid concerns, menopause, women’s health, diabetes, insulin resistance, etc)
- Adjunctive and Integrative Cancer Care
- Chronic Pain Management (chronic back pain, joint pain, arthritis, headaches, etc)
- Digestive Concerns (IBS, IBD, SIBO, chronic indigestion, ulcers, reflux, gall bladder disease, etc)
- Autoimmune disease (rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto’s, ulcerative colitis/Crohn’s disease, lupus, etc)
- LGBTQ health
She holds certifications in advanced IV therapies and chelation, acupuncture and pharmaceutical prescribing authority. She has also practiced Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) for over a decade, which she finds extremely effective for managing musculoskeletal pain. In addition, she is also passionate about customized botanical medicine and strongly believes in teaching individuals how to become ambassadors of their own health through dietary and lifestyle change.
After several years of practice, Dr. Komonski’s continued interest into the mind-body connection led her to become trained in medical hypnosis and hypnotherapy. She has found hypnosis to be an effective treatment for many conditions, including: anxiety, chronic pain, addictions, stress management, digestive concerns, overcoming fears, and many more. She continues to be humbled by the power of the subconscious mind to aid in healing.
Prior to naturopathic medical school, Dr. Komonski completed a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of British Columbia. In a customized program of psychoneuroimmunology, she studied the complex interplay between the mind/brain, the immune system and hormones in the creation of health and disease. She then attended the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto, graduating in 2008, receiving an award for excellence in women’s health and compassionate patient care.
After many years running a busy multidisciplinary clinic in Vancouver, serving as clinical faculty at Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine, and several years serving North Vancouver Island, she is now happy to call beautiful Victoria home.
Outside of medicine, her many passions include sustainability, practicing yoga & meditation, tending to plants, riding her bicycles, exploring beautiful British Columbia, cooking and sharing delicious, healthy food with others, and snuggling her beautiful little girl.
For more information about Dr. Anita Komonski and her practice, please visit her website – http://www.drkomonski.com
Dr. Anita Komonski combines compassionate patient care with the best of scientific inquiry, evide...
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Keara has always had a strong interest in nutrition thanks to her upbringing with health-conscious practices and diverse culinary experiences. This has paved the way for her understanding the connection between food and well-being.
Keara completed her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition at the University of Saskatchewan and is a Registered Dietitian with the College of Dietitians of British Columbia. Her experiences include community nutrition, acute care, outpatient counselling and health education.
Special interests include:
- Food and body relationship
- Disordered eating
- Habit transformation
- Meal planning
- Food and mood
Keara is a firm advocate for weight inclusivity, body neutrality and client-centered care. She is deeply committed to fostering an environment that is inclusive of the LGBTQ2SIA+ community, and continues to expand her knowledge on culturally safe practices. Keara has a strong focus on ensuring that all clients feel not just heard, but truly seen and validated.
In her free time, Keara finds solace in the simple joys of life, whether it’s immersing herself in nature, breaking a sweat at spin classes, experimenting with new recipes or learning tunes on the guitar.
Keara looks forward to the opportunity to work with you, guiding you towards your goals while nurturing a positive and empowered relationship with food.
Keara has always had a strong interest in nutrition thanks to her upbringing with health-consciou...
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(She/Her/Hers)
Dr. Michelle Payne is a naturopathic physician with a passion for mental health, women’s health and fertility. She uses evidence based, integrative and personalized medicine to help her patients achieve the highest level of health. Dr. Payne works with patients with a wide variety of conditions including:
- hormonal imbalances (menopause, PMS, thyroid issues),
- mental health concerns (depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, insomnia)
- autoimmune diseases
- fertility issues
Dr. Payne works with her fertility patients by providing support for preconception, natural conception, IUI, IVF, and pregnancy. She works with both male and female fertility and is experienced in treating a wide variety of conditions that can interfere with conception and pregnancy including PCOS, endometriosis, recurrent miscarriage, poor sperm quality or quantity, and undiagnosed infertility.
Dr. Payne uses a combination of dietary & lifestyle counseling, acupuncture and botanical therapy to create a personalized, effective and feasible treatment for her patients. Dr. Payne is licensed to prescribe pharmaceutical drugs when necessary and works to collaborate with every member of her patient’s health care team.
Dr. Payne studied Kinesiology at the University of Victoria and graduated with distinction with a Bachelor’s of Science degree. She graduated from Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine and received the award for highest academic achievement. When not seeing patients Dr. Payne spends her time teaching at West Coast College of Massage Therapy and spending time with her family. Dr. Payne believes there is no greater gifts than health and family, and for this reason it is her passion to help her patients attain the highest level of health and expand their families.
(She/Her/Hers)
Dr. Michelle Payne is a naturopathic physician with a passion for mental health, ...
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Far-Infrared (FIR) Saunas use infrared energy to increase body temperature and encourage sweating and detoxification. Repeated heating and sweating through sauna therapy improves circulation, speeds up metabolism and facilitates weight loss, improves tissue oxygenation and wound healing, reduces pain, and improves skin function and tone. Heat from an infrared sauna penetrates deeper into the body than traditional saunas. This causes sweating at lower ambient temperatures, and enhances detoxification of deeper tissue levels. In general, FIR saunas are more comfortable than regular saunas, as the air remains cooler and easier to breath.
Far-Infrared (FIR) Saunas use infrared energy to increase body temperature and encourage sweating...
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Dawna practices Virtually or by Phone for appointments, Dawna is not available for in person services.
Dawna is accepting New Patients at this time.
I am passionate about living and helping you find your way to a more soulful, satisfying and meaningful life experience. I am a true believer in the power of healing, gratitude, positive manifestation and following your dreams. Many of us have had incredible challenges to overcome along the way. The way can be fraught with challenging circumstances, doubt, fear and the powerful voices of the past.
There is good news:
1. You are a survivor.
2. Healing and change are possible.
3. YOU ARE WORTH IT!!!
The path to a more satisfying life often involves a combination of skill building and healing. Professional guidance toward greater self-awareness, decreased mental distress, stress management, pain management, intentional choices, improved communication and emotion regulation are only a few ways counselling can help you improve your life.
For some people, simple changes in attitude and behaviour can mark a turning point in their lives. For all of us, growth is a life-learning experience. We can make a difference in how we experience life. I actively participate in my own journey to health and well-being and have the experience and belief to help you navigate your path too.
I have earned an MA in counselling psychology, a BA in Psychology with a minor focus in Human Development. I have been a Registered Clinical Counsellor since 2011. Some of my work settings have included 12+ years in private practice, 8 years at a Vancouver Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centre and, 8 years providing education and counselling for Problem Gambling on behalf of the Province of BC. I am a staunch believer in education and life-long learning; I usually take at least one post graduate education course per year.
I am pleased to join the team at Acacia Health. It is an honour to join a team of this caliber. I look forward to helping to serve the communities mental and emotional health needs.
Schedule your complimentary 15-minute meet and greet appointment with Dawna to see if she’s the right fit for your needs.
Dawna practices Virtually or by Phone for appointments, Dawna is not available for in person serv...
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(She/Her/Hers)
At our core, humans are relational beings. Emma’s approach to counselling focuses on building a relationship in which you feel heard, seen, and respected. She takes a holistic person-centered approach to counselling that considers the unique factors and influences in your life, both at present and from the past. Whether you are struggling with anxiety/depression, life transitions, relationship challenges, body image issues, or self-growth/identity work, Emma will bring a warm, grounded presence into the room to meet you where you are to support you along your journey.
With her background in both counselling and kinesiology, Emma integrates the connection between the mind and body into each of her practices to create meaningful changes that move you towards your desired state of health and wellness.
In her work as a kinesiologist, Emma believes that movement should be an enjoyable addition to life and not a chore to put on the to-do list. In her clinical practice, she has worked with a variety of clients from children to people in their nineties; people recovering from and/or preparing for surgery, rehabilitating sports injuries, helping people return to work post-injury, and adapting sedentary lifestyles to include more movement. Her passion is helping others find the joy in movement so that it may be a sustainable addition to their lives.
In her personal time, Emma loves all forms of movement (ideally outdoors), knitting (usually trying to finish one of her many unfinished projects on the go), or spending time with her loved ones.
(She/Her/Hers)
At our core, humans are relational beings. Emma’s approach to counselling focuses...
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