Meet Laura
(Not taking on new patients)
Laura Nifo, RMT, RMT Acupuncture & Cupping Therapy
Laura loves the outdoors and volunteering at the local library. She lives a healthy lifestyle and helps others to do the same. She graduated with honors from the Massage Therapy Program at Bryan College.
Laura's clients can attest to her skills in relaxation and deep tissue massage incorporating myofascial release techniques to treat skeletal muscle immobility and chronic pain in the tissues.
In addition to massage therapy, Laura uses acupuncture and cupping to assist in treating her clients' needs. She is passionate about continuing her learning in medicine and looks forward to a lifelong study of this subject.
Meet Markus
Markus Ottonen, RMT - Deep Tissue Massage Specialist & Sports Therapy
Markus is a skilled and dedicated deep tissue specialist with a background in physiotherapy assisting, providing almost a decade of care to his clients, focusing on sports therapy and injury rehabilitation. With a passion for balancing physical exercise and connecting with nature, he also cherishes time spent with his children. Markus has a deep commitment to helping his clients recover from injury, including sports-related issues, by enhancing their range of motion through targeted stretching techniques and personalized home care plans. Markus' expertise in deep tissue massage has earned him recognition, and he was honored with a gold winning in the Readers Choice Whitby/Oshawa awards in 2022, a testament to his dedication and the trust his clients place in his care.
Meet Katie
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Kathryn Stephenson, RMT
With over a decade of experience working in rehabilitation, Kathryn has extensive knowledge in pain management, providing treatments to patients throughout all stages of recovery from surgeries, vehicular accidents, sports and work-related injuries. Kathryn also has a passion for prenatal massage as well as restorative treatments for those looking to relax and unwind. Trained in Swedish massage with a focus on Trigger point therapy, she is known for her intuitive touch and ability to tailor the session to the unique needs of her clients. Kathryn values a natural and holistic approach to healing and wellness, believing that good health is the greatest investment in life.
Meet Jasmine
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Jasmine Vanderwal (R.Ac)
Jasmine Vanderwal is a Registered Acupuncturist in good standing with the College of
Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario (CTCMPAO). She obtained her diploma in Acupuncture and Moxibustion from Eight Branches College of Eastern Medicine in Toronto and is also certified in Cosmetic Acupuncture. Jasmine previously obtained a Batchelor of Arts from the University of Waterloo. Acupuncture can treat a wide range of ailments from stress, sleep, digestive, and hormonal imbalances. Jasmine has a gentle approach and aims to tailor treatments to each individual’s unique needs with the use of acupuncture and other modalities such as auricular treatment, cupping, gua sha, Chinese tongue diagnosis and pulse to help with healthcare and beauty needs. When Jasmine is not in the clinic, she can be found outside in nature or pursing her artistic side
creating visual art pieces.
Meet Michaela
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Michaela Grove, RMT - Massage Therapy & Cupping Therapy
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Michaela is an accomplished massage therapist with years of experience in the field. Specializing in therapeutic and relaxation techniques, she is dedicated to helping clients achieve physical and mental well-being. Michaela is certified in various modalities, including Swedish, deep tissue, and cupping massage, allowing for a personalized approach to each session. Known for her intuitive touch and exceptional listening skills, she creates a warm and welcoming environment where clients can unwind and heal. Passionate about holistic health, Michaela continuously enhances her knowledge through ongoing education and training. Outside of the treatment room, she enjoys meditation and being physically active which further enrich her practice. Whether alleviating chronic pain or providing a tranquil escape, Michaela is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of those she serves.
Meet Sam
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Guangping (SAM) Song, RMT & RMT Acupuncture
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Sam is a Registered Massage Therapist who graduated from the Royal Canadian College of Massage Therapy and brings several years of clinical experience to his practice. He focuses on providing effective, therapeutic treatments designed to help clients reduce pain, restore mobility, and improve overall well-being.
Sam’s treatments typically involve over-the-sheet massage therapy techniques, moderate pressure, and assisted stretching, creating a comfortable and effective experience for a wide range of clients. Many clients appreciate his focused approach to addressing tension and mobility restrictions while maintaining a relaxing treatment environment.
Sam has particular experience supporting clients with conditions such as neck and shoulder tension, back pain, leg pain, sciatica, headaches, knee osteoarthritis, seasonal allergy-related discomfort, and postherpetic neuralgia (shingles-related nerve pain). As an RMT trained in doing acupuncture, Sam may occasionally recommend acupuncture as part of a treatment plan when he feels it could provide additional benefit. However, acupuncture is always optional, and clients are welcome to decline if they prefer massage therapy alone.
Sam is passionate about continuing education and regularly studies new research and therapeutic techniques. He strives to integrate effective approaches from different therapeutic disciplines to help his clients recover faster and maintain long-term relief. Sam is approachable and welcoming! Please feel free to call him Sam during your visit. He looks forward to helping you feel your best.
Meet Tarah
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Tarah Campbell, RMT - Micro-Point Stimulation Therapy & Hot Stone Massage
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Tarah graduated in 2016, from Medix College, Top of her class.
Licensed RMT Since 2018.
Tarah is a mom of two wonderful children. She loves camping, fishing, the outdoors, road trips and horticulture. She enjoys living a clean & natural lifestyle and is passionate about the profession, learning new skills and helping people meet their bodies needs, facilitate healing and increase well-being.
Capable of adjusting treatment styles from light to deep pressure in order to accommodate a vast range of clients needs/wants. General Swedish, deep tissue, hot stone, cold stone, sports massage and pediatric care are her specialties.
Tarah always goes the extra mile by making slight accommodations and modifications to provide utmost client care and comfort. Tarah won gold in Readers Choice Whitby/Oshawa in 2023.
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"My mission is to help you heal. I want my clients to leave their session feeling better, but my priority is overall health. I will provide suggestions and provide clients ways to help themselves in between treatments."
-Tarah Campbell
Meet Kathy
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Kathy Mills, RMT - Cupping Therapy, Hot Stone Therapy, Lymph Drainage (Vodder Technique), & Indie Head Massage
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Kathy is a graduate of Sutherland-Chan School and Teaching Clinic. In addition to Swedish Massage she is a certified Vodder Level 2 Manual Lymph Drainage Therapist and has additional training in Indie Head Massage, Cupping and TMJ Therapy. She would like to be able to provide a variety of techniques specific to the patient's needs.
These techniques will be beneficial for patient's requiring deep tissue massage, fascial release and stretch therapy, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, post-surgery, diabetes, acute and chronic injury, headaches, insomnia and improved immune function. As well as increased flexibility, range of motion, relaxation and detoxification of the body.
The benefits of regular massage include a reduction in stress, anxiety, pain, muscle soreness and tension.
In her spare time she enjoys travelling, yoga, and spending time with family and her Frenchie and Weiner dogs.
Meet Tyler
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Tyler Webster, RMT - Cupping Therapy & Sports Therapy
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Tyler is a Centennial College graduate with honors, with a deep understanding of anatomy and biomechanics. He possesses a profound knowledge of the human body and is passionate about providing personalized take-home care to complement in-clinic treatments. Tyler excels in offering relief from pain through deep tissue work and relaxation techniques. With his expertise, he is dedicated to helping individuals achieve their wellness goals. Whether it's pain relief or relaxation, Tyler is here to support your journey to better health and well-being.
Meet Kathrine
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Kathrine Vincent, RMT
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Kathrine is a dedicated Registered Massage Therapist passionate about helping clients feel their best through personalized, thoughtful care. She graduated from Medix College of Healthcare in early 2021 and became a licensed RMT in March 2022.
Kathrine focuses on treating postural imbalances that develop from everyday life. Using techniques such as deep tissue therapy, joint mobilization, and fascial manipulation, she works to reduce pain, improve mobility, and restore balance in the body.
She is passionate about educating clients on remedial exercise, anatomy, and injury prevention so they can better understand their bodies and support their long-term health outside of treatment.
Kathrine’s goal is to create a comfortable and inclusive space where every client feels supported. By taking the time to develop individualized treatment plans tailored to each client’s needs, she builds strong and trusting therapeutic relationships.
Meet Gracie
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Grace Clare, RMT
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Gracie graduated from Centennial College Registered Massage Therapy program with honours. She is a new RMT at Village Roots Wellness with a background in nursing, having previously worked in both acute and long-term care. She transitioned into massage therapy to create a better quality of life for herself and her son, while continuing her passion for helping others improve their health and well-being.
Gracie believes massage therapy supports not only the body but the mind, and that it plays an important role in maintaining mental health. Her treatments combine rehabilitative techniques for injury recovery, muscle overuse, and soreness from long days at a desk, while also incorporating elements of deep relaxation to help clients fully unwind.
Meet Jackie
Jackelyn Hurtado - Manual Osteopathic Practitioner
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Jackelyn’s passion for both science and helping people has been the guiding force in her life for as long as she can remember. These two loves naturally led her to pursue a fulfilling career as an Osteopathic Manual Practitioner, where she could blend her intellectual curiosity with her deep desire to support others in their health and well-being.
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The journey wasn’t easy—osteopathy is a rigorous field requiring dedication, precision, and an understanding of the body’s complex systems. But Jackelyn thrived in her training, emerging as a top student both academically and practically. Her skill and compassion made her a favorite in the school’s student clinic, where she developed a reputation for truly understanding each patient’s unique needs. Her 1,000-hour internship solidified her commitment to addressing the root causes of pain and dysfunction, helping her gain invaluable insight into treating acute and chronic conditions. After graduating, Jackelyn’s expertise earned her a position as a teacher’s assistant, a role she embraced with enthusiasm and care.
For the past eight years, Jackelyn has built a successful career in osteopathy, continuously enhancing her skills with advanced training in areas such as:
- TMJD Advanced Training in Functional - Neuromuscular Activation Therapy
- Craniosacral Therapy
- Cupping & Guasha
- Low Intensity Laser Therapy
- Treating the Obstetrical Patient
- Pediatric Osteopathy
- Proprioceptive Deep Tendon Reflex (P-DTR)
- Reiki​
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Osteopathy Insurance Information
Osteopathy treatments at Village Roots Wellness are provided by Jackelyn Hurtado, Manual Osteopathic Practitioner, registered with the College of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners of Ontario (COMPO).
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Practitioner Details for Insurance Verification
Jackelyn Hurtado
Manual Osteopathic Practitioner
College of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners of Ontario (COMPO)
Certification Number: 00144
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Please note that direct billing is not available for Osteopathy treatments. Payment is required at the time of your appointment, and an official receipt will be provided for you to submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement.
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Some clients insured through Canada Life or Industrial Alliance may not see the practitioner listed within their provider search database. In these cases, claims can typically still be submitted manually using the receipt provided after your appointment.
If you require assistance, our clinic can provide step-by-step instructions for submitting a manual claim. As insurance coverage varies by plan, we recommend confirming your osteopathy coverage with your provider prior to booking.
Meet Donna
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Donna Alleyne, Reflexologist
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Donna has always had a passion for wellness. She is a Registered Certified Reflexologist and Massage Therapist in Ontario, which means she is covered under insurance. Her goal is to always make a difference in a positive way. Treating people & being a part of their story is an amazing gift. Helping heal clients is her way of accomplishing goals. She looks forward to meeting you soon!
Meet Amanda
(Virtual Online Appointments)
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Amanda Newman, OT Reg. (Ont.), Psychotherapist
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Ready to enter your healing era? Whether you are facing a major life transition, struggling with mental health issues like anxiety or depression, or simply seeking personal growth, I aim to help you navigate life's challenges with a tailored approach to address your unique needs.
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My therapeutic approach is rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which emphasizes the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Ultimately, you are the one who knows you best, and my role is not to “fix” you, but to create a safe and non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts and emotions freely.
For the "pathological people-pleasers" out there who excel at helping others but struggle to do the same for themselves, I offer Self-Compassion Informed Psychotherapy. I aim to help you develop a kinder and more supportive relationship with yourself, so that you have the capacity to continue to help others, *and* also be able to do the things that are most meaningful to you.
By integrating evidence-based CBT techniques with Self-Compassion Informed Psychotherapy, I offer a unique style of therapy, working collaboratively with each client to understand where they are getting stuck, and develop personalized strategies for managing life’s challenges.
Meet Kim
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Kim D' Ambrosio, Fascial Stretch Therapy Practitioner
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Kim is a certified Fascial Stretch Therapy practitioner, mom of two energetic boys, and a proud fire wife who understands firsthand the physical and emotional demands of an active, high-stress lifestyle.
She loves being outdoors, staying active, and strength training, movement has always been a grounding force in her life. Through her work, Kim is deeply passionate about helping people overcome pain, chronic tension, and nervous system dysfunction. She believes the body has an innate ability to heal when it feels safe, supported, and listened to.
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Her approach to FST is gentle, intentional, and nervous-system aware, meeting each client exactly where they are.
Kim is especially drawn to working with individuals who feel stuck in their bodies, whether from stress, overtraining, chronic pain, or the demands of everyday life. Her goal is to help clients restore ease, improve mobility, and reconnect with their bodies in a way that feels empowering rather than forceful.
Being outside with her family soaking up moments of calm in nature, moving her body at the gym, diving deep into her TBR book list or watching sports are just some of the ways Kim enjoys her time!
This treatment is not covered by insurance, but we promise you the results will show positively.
Meet Our Administrative Team
These amazing women are who keep Village Roots Wellness running smoothly. They do it all! We couldn't be more grateful to have them on our team. They ensure the practitioners can focus on what they do best. We are lucky to have such awesome people taking care of everything behind the scenes. They fill our home here with positive energy every day.
A big thank you to our clinic manager Shannon & receptionist Bree!
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Reception Phone Hours:
*Outside of these hours, kindly book online*
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Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 2pm
Wednesday 10am - 2pm
Thursday 10am - 3pm
Friday 9:30am - 2pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 10:30am - 6pm