InspireHealth's Associate Practitioners, which include practitioners from a wide variety of approaches and modalities, were chosen for their expertise in their particular modality and their heartfelt commitment to integrating a whole-person approach to healing. The Associate Practitioners work in conjunction with InspireHealth's medical physicians to provide integrated care and support for people with cancer and their families. The Associate Practitioners are also available to see non-cancer patients. Visits with the Associate Practitioners are charged on a fee-for-service basis by the individual practitioners.

Ingela Bruke is an Integrated Body Worker with twenty eight years experience, certified at Axelssons Gymnastiska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden. In addition to her body work certification from Sweden, Ingela is also trained in Reflexology, Connective Tissue Massage, relaxation techniques and SHEN. Ingela is a 5th linage Reiki master and teaches ongoing classes.

After graduation from the Axelssons Gymnastiska Institute, Ingela practiced in Sturebadet, the oldest and best known spa in Sweden. Ingela then traveled to Africa to study Hindu meditation with an order of nuns. Upon her return to Sweden, she worked as a massage therapist with a group of doctors who combined western and herbal medicine. Thereafter, she continued to expand and explore the spiritual, psychological and physical aspects of healing by studying SHEN (a physio-emotional release therapy), dance therapy, and lymph drainage massage, which she incorporates into her treatment sessions.

Modalities: Body Work, Energy Work, Support Groups, Relaxation Classes

Walter Lemmo is a registered Naturopathic Physician in B.C. and a Fellow of the American Board of Naturopathic Oncology. Dr. Lemmo has been in private practice in Vancouver since 1999 and has many years of experience specializing in naturopathic oncology. He practices primarily out of his clinic, LEMMO Integrated Cancer Care, located in the community of Kerrisdale, in Vancouver, where he welcomes and helps patients from all over the world.

Dr. Lemmo received his Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington after completing his undergraduate training in Biological Sciences at Simon Fraser University and in Biotechnology at the British Columbia Institute of Technology. Dr. Lemmo is past-Chair (President) for the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors. He is a current member of the College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia, the British Columbia Naturopathic Association, and the American Academy of Neural Therapy. Dr. Lemmo is internationally sought for his expertise in cancer care and has presented as keynote speaker at conferences nationwide and appeared on various media programs.

Dr. Lemmo believes in combining the best of integrative medical approaches along with the best of oncology medicine in caring for people with cancer. He works together as part of a team with all healthcare providers, family physicians, and oncologists. Dr. Lemmo strives to provide patients with compassionate and clear information on the numerous treatments, therapies and methods of testing available for each person since these choices can be overwhelming to both patients and concerned family and friends. In addition to his private practice, Dr. Lemmo is a member of the InspireHealth practitioner team, providing guidance and naturopathic care at Canada’s leading not-for-profit integrated cancer care centre.

To learn more visit Dr. Lemmo online at www.lemmo.com

Modalities: Naturopathic Medicine

Gerard Tan is a Registered Acupuncturist with over 24 years experience in helping Cancer Patients improve their Immune System and Quality of Life. After Pre-Medicine at the University of Regina, Saskatchewan, Gerard went to San Francisco College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and graduated in 1986. He was a Clinical Research Practitioner at the VGH Tzu Chi Institute of Complementary and Alternative Medicine. His best accomplishment is to help any cancer patients at any stage to optimize their health and survival by inspiring them to fundamental basics and acupuncture. Integrating Mind Body and Spirit is the key to Longevity.

Modalities: Acupuncture

Denise Drisdelle graduated from Saint Thomas University with an Honours in Psychology. She worked as a manager in Community Living supporting people with disabilities for 12 years. In 2006 Denise became a Registered Massage Therapist in BC. She took graduate courses from the Dr Vodder School in Manual Lymph Drainage. She has the highest Level III certification in MLD and Combined Decongestive Therapy.

Denise is passionate about this field of work and finds herself fortunate to be able to assist those living with lymphedema. She encourages Manual Lymph Drainage for those who have had cancer treatments as a preventative measure when no lymphedema is present.

Denise works on Wednesday at InspireHealth from 9-5pm and other clinic hours are at Grandview Massage Therapy Clinic at 2730 Commercial Drive. To book an appointment call 604-872-1675, email: denisedrisdelle@hotmail.com or visit her website at www.ManualLymphDrainage.ca

Joanne Morgan received her degree in Human Kinetics at the University of British Columbia. She has been practicing as an exercise therapist since 1999. Joanne completed a practicum with the Allan McGavin Sports Medicine facilities and has been working in the field of active rehabilitation with physiotherapists, massage therapists and sports medicine doctors throughout the 8 years. She has received a variety of health and fitness certifications which have helped broaden her scope of treatment options.

She has specialized in active rehabilitation for people living with cancer for over 6 years and has received certifications from Portland and the Rocky Mountain Cancer Institute in Colorado that have earned her the designation of cancer exercise specialist.

Joanne has a very diverse clientele and her work has allowed her to train people from all walks of life. From children with cerebral palsy, to people rehabilitating from motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries or chronic health issues, Joanne has developed innovative and effective programs to invigorate and inspire individuals to get back on track.

Joanne's passion is inspired by helping people achieve day to day goals sometimes taken for granted, as well as empowering them to succeed in attaining their personal fitness goals. By encouraging proper body movement, Joanne believes individuals can achieve the success needed to live active and healthy lifestyles.

Sassona (Sony) Baron is a cancer counselor, a certified hypnotherapy and a facilitator of body energy and meridian therapies. As a therapist, she works with individuals and families living with cancer and grief. She first and foremost sees the person as an individual with strengths rather than a person with an illness. Her respect and compassion are unconditional. Through her experience, Sony believes it is possible to find peace, meaning and hope in spite of living with cancer or with loss.

She is a member of the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (# 2936), the Canadian Association of Psychosocial Oncology (CAPO), the International Psycho-Oncologists Society (IPSO), and the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP).

Her post-graduate education includes two Master degrees in Education and in Counseling Psychology. Her work experience includes teaching in college and university; working with addiction and mental health clients; and working with people who have a cancer diagnosis and their families.

For more information on Sony's practice please view her website at www.sassonabaron.com

Lisa Marie Bhattacharya (Whitaker) is a Holistic Nutritionist (a graduate of Capilano College and The Canadian School of Natural Nutrition), a free-lance health writer, blogger and mother.

She loves working with people and food and passionately believes that the healing potential of food goes beyond our comprehension. She takes great pleasure in seeing her clients embrace and benefit from the unparalleled nourishment of real food; empowering them to take their health back into their own capable hands and to live an authentic and healthy lifestyle.

Lisa Marie’s knowledge of the fundamentals of Eastern Medicine, her clinical experience and her own personal history of health struggles all enhances her knowledge of food and healing. So prepare yourself for lifestyle changes as well as dietary changes specific to your individual needs when working with Lisa Marie. As you progress you will delve deeper into those needs, steadily building a renewed, sustainable diet and lifestyle from the foundation up.

Lisa Marie resides with her family on Bowen Island where she and her husband Shanto provide accommodation as well as specialized healing retreats in their Ocean Light Cottage & Spa. You can visit her website at www.oceanlightcottage.com or you can email her for individual consultations at 604.714.4065 or email at relax@oceanlightcottage.com

Petra Thaddeus is a Yoga Teacher and Support Group Facilitator at Inspire Health. After completing over 1000 hours of Yoga and Meditation training here in her hometown of Vancouver, she decided to focus on Integrated Cancer Care and Support. Petra believes firmly in an Integrated approach and incorporates many styles of yoga into her classes, with an emphasis on Restorative and Hatha Yoga.Petra resonates with and believes strongly in Inspire Health's ability to create new possibilities for patients and endeavors to provide her students with tools for a balanced, healthy, happy and long life. Viva Inspire!