Book an Appointment at Fortify - Complementary Medical Clinic
We’re Winnipeg’s one stop shop for all things wellness — helping you take back authority over your health, whether that’s through Naturopathic Medicine, Nutrition, Mental Health Support, Bodywork, or more.
You’ll find a full list of services below. If you already know what you’re looking for, jump right in. If you don’t, that’s completely normal, most people aren’t sure where to start.
Not sure where to start? Book a free 15-minute Discovery Call with one of our Wellness Assistants. We’ll help you figure out which practitioner and service is the right fit, no commitment required.
Dr. Nicole Pander ND
Dr. Nicole Pander, BSc, ND is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor in Winnipeg, Manitoba, dedicated to supporting patients through every stage of life. She is passionate about helping people navigate complex and chronic health concerns while empowering them with tools to restore balance and vitality.
Her practice emphasizes a strong focus in intravenous (IV) vitamin therapy, integrative cancer care, autoimmune/immune conditions, digestive health, chronic illness, mental health, and overall system optimization. Dr. Nicole has also worked with hundreds of individuals to manage concerns ranging from fatigue, hormonal imbalances, skin conditions, thyroid disorders, cardiovascular health, diabetes, and weight/metabolic concerns. She often refers to Naturopathic Doctor’s as the “gap fillers” when it comes to feeling lost in the medical system.
With additional advanced training in Integrative Cancer Care, IV Nutrient Therapy, Ozone, Acupuncture, as well as Regenerative Aesthetic Medicine (PRP, Mesotherapy, and Microneedling), she offers a wide range of treatment options tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
Dr. Nicole embraces a “test, not guess” approach, using comprehensive lab work and functional medicine testing to uncover the root causes of health issues. She often incorporates IV therapy, targeted nutrient injections, and advanced supplementation strategies to create effective, individualized treatment plans. She also values patient preference and collaboration, ensuring care meets patients wherever they are on their health journey.
Dr. Nicole has helped treat women, men, children, elite athletes, and celebrities in her practise - helping thousands of people get well.
Her ultimate goal is to provide hope, education, and confidence to those seeking to optimize their health naturally and sustainably—empowering them to feel their best in every decade of life.
Dr. Nicole Pander, BSc, ND is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor in Winnipeg, Manitoba, dedicated to ... Read More
Jesse Dzikowicz
(She/Her/Hers)
Hello! I’m Jesse, a Wellness Assistant at Fortify. I’m passionate about helping individuals discover what brings them joy and supporting them in becoming their best selves.
I grew up as an athlete, participating in various sports, and focusing on hockey and ball hockey. I had the honor of representing Team Manitoba and Team Canada. After graduating, I struggled to maintain an active lifestyle outside organized sports. However, I began frequenting the gym, and while the initial transition was challenging, pushing through the soreness and discomfort ultimately led to an incredible transformation. I now feel more energetic, happier, and stronger—both physically and mentally—than ever before.
I’m here to offer guidance and support on your wellness journey, and I’m excited to be a part of it!
Hello! I’m Jesse, a Wellness Assistant at Fortify. I’m passionate about helping individuals disco... Read More
Joël Desilets
Joël takes a calm, compassionate, and individualized approach to nutrition and health. He works with clients to create practical nutrition strategies that fit their unique needs, health goals, lifestyle, and relationship with food.
His areas of focus include digestive and gastrointestinal health, chronic disease management (such as diabetes, kidney health, cancer care), and general health and nutrition counselling. He also has experience supporting older adults and individuals with complex health needs.
Joël brings a diverse clinical background to his practice, having worked in acute care hospital settings, diabetes and renal clinics, as well as long-term care. His experience has given him a strong understanding of how nutrition can play an important role in managing health conditions, supporting recovery, maintaining strength and independence, and improving quality of life.
He believes that nutrition care should be individualized and realistic, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. He takes the time to understand each person’s health history, concerns, preferences, and goals before developing a nutrition plan that feels achievable and sustainable.
Joël is passionate about helping people feel more confident around food and nutrition through education, collaboration, and compassionate care. Whether someone is looking for support with a specific health condition or simply wants to improve their overall health, he strives to meet each person where they are and help them take meaningful steps toward feeling their best.
Fluent in both English and French
Joël takes a calm, compassionate, and individualized approach to nutrition and health. He works w... Read More
Dr. Salma Ladhani ND
Dr. Salma Ladhani, ND takes a whole-person approach to health, working with patients of all ages to address the root causes of chronic and complex conditions rather than managing symptoms alone. Her clinical focus spans cardiovascular health, metabolic health and diabetes management, weight and hormonal concerns, gastrointestinal health, immune support, and family wellness across all life stages.
Dr. Salma graduated in 2024 from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) through its bridge program for international medical graduates, and also holds a medical degree from Windsor University School of Medicine. This dual training gives her a uniquely well-rounded clinical lens — combining the depth of conventional medical education with the individualized, preventative framework of naturopathic medicine.
Whether you’re managing a long-standing condition like diabetes or cardiovascular disease, looking to optimize your metabolic health, or simply wanting a proactive partner in your wellness, Dr. Salma meets you where you are. She works with patients using evidence-informed tools including clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, nutraceutical supplementation, and lifestyle medicine, all tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Dr. Salma is a registered member of the Manitoba Naturopathic Association (MNA) and is proud to be part of the Fortify team. She is currently welcoming new patients.
Please note that Dr. Salma is an International Medical Graduate (IMG) and is not a licensed medical doctor.
Dr. Salma Ladhani, ND takes a whole-person approach to health, working with patients of all ages ... Read More
Presley Mann
Hello! I’m Presley, a Wellness Assistant at Fortify. I am passionate about helping others feel their best and creating a welcoming environment where every guest feels comfortable and supported. After experiencing my own health challenges over the years, I gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of overall wellness and the positive impact that compassionate care can have. That journey continues to inspire my passion for health and helping others. When I’m not at Fortify, you’ll usually find me at the gym, spending time with my two dogs, or enjoying the outdoors. I’m grateful to be part of the Fortify team and look forward to supporting you on your own wellness journey.
Hello! I’m Presley, a Wellness Assistant at Fortify. I am passionate about helping others feel th... Read More
Sevinj Nazarova R.Ac
Sevinj Nazarova is a Registered Acupuncturist with over 8 years of experience in natural medicine. She previously operated her own clinic, where she developed a deep appreciation for the healing potential of natural therapies.
Her practice emphasizes restoring balance within the body, and she specializes in treating a variety of conditions, including diabetes and varicose veins. Sevinj has a special interest in women’s health, providing compassionate support for those facing fertility challenges, menstrual disorders, and menopause symptoms.
Her goal is to empower patients through natural, supportive care, enhancing their overall health and well-being. Sevinj looks forward to helping individuals on their journey to wellness.
Sevinj Nazarova is a Registered Acupuncturist with over 8 years of experience in natural medicine... Read More
Emily MacDonald
(She/Her/Hers)
MC, CCC
Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, stress, or burnout? Do you find yourself navigating life transitions or exploring your identity? If so, you’re not alone, and I’m here to help.
I am currently accepting new clients and have experience supporting individuals just like you. My goal is to create a safe and supportive space where clients can explore who they are and tackle life’s challenges effectively. I take a holistic approach to wellness, recognizing the strong connection between our mind, body, and environment.
I work with teenagers, young adults, and older adults, tailoring each session to meet individual needs using a range of therapy techniques, including acceptance and commitment therapy, solution-focused therapy, somatic therapy, and internal family systems therapy. I also provide tools like breathing and mindfulness techniques that can be used outside of our sessions.
Consider the following life transitions: - Are you facing a career change, retirement, or stress due to university? - Are you navigating learning more about yourself or feeling uncertain about the direction of your life? - Are romantic relationship or friendship difficulties weighing on your mind? - Is becoming an empty nester creating challenges in your relationships with children or grandchildren?
If any of these resonate with you, let’s schedule a meet and greet to see if my practice is the right fit for you.
I value creating a judgment-free space so you can feel comfortable, heard, and supported. Together, we can navigate the rough waters of life.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, stress, or burnout? Do you find yourself navigating life ... Read More
Christine MacKay
Christine MacKay’s, M.Ed., CCC, approach to counselling can be summed up in two guiding beliefs: “Grief is everywhere” and “Curiosity will save the world.” She recognizes that grief comes in many forms and degrees—whether it’s the loss of a loved one, the pain of an unfulfilled childhood, a difficult life transition, or even misplacing a cherished object. Christine believes everyone deserves the time, space, and support to process these experiences.
At the heart of her work is a commitment to cultivating curiosity about ourselves and the world around us. This curiosity fosters self-awareness, soothes the mind and body, and encourages self-compassion.
Christine has a strong passion for neuroscience. She often incorporates psychoeducation to help clients better understand how their brains function, empowering them in their healing process. Her approach includes exploring thought patterns, practicing relaxation techniques, and utilizing trauma-informed therapies.
She works primarily in the areas of grief and loss, trauma, addiction, anxiety, and depression. Christine has experience supporting individuals navigating their own struggles with addiction, as well as those affected by a loved one’s substance use.
Above all, Christine offers a warm, supportive, and non-judgmental environment where clients can safely explore, learn, and grow.
Christine MacKay’s, M.Ed., CCC, approach to counselling can be summed up in two guiding beliefs: ... Read More
Mr. Bryan Cobb
Bryan is one of the few Massage Therapists to specialize in trigger point therapy, a form of focused deep tissue massage meant to treat both acute and chronic soft tissue pain.
Since graduating in 2005 Bryan has worked with people from all walks of life including elite athletes wanting to recover faster or improve performance, to individuals suffering from chronic pain such as fibromyalgia, tmj dysfunction, headaches/migraines.
Bryan has always focused on education and communication with his clients and always strives to make his clients feel heard and respected.
For the last few years, Bryan has started to incorporate meditation and contemplative practices into his treatments as a way of treating the whole being and reconnecting body and mind.
When Bryan is not treating patients he loves spending time with his family, is an avid meditator, and a workout enthusiast.
Bryan is one of the few Massage Therapists to specialize in trigger point therapy, a form of focu... Read More
Brianne Calais R.Ac
Brianne Calais is a Registered Acupuncturist passionate about helping others find balance and lasting relief through Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Drawing on her training in acupuncture, herbal therapy, cupping, moxibustion, and gua sha, she creates personalized treatments that address both the root cause and the symptoms of illness.
Using tongue and pulse diagnosis, Brianne gains a deep understanding of each patient’s unique internal landscape, allowing her to support healing on every level — physical, emotional, and energetic.
She has a special interest in women’s health, gynecological concerns and mental health blending evidence-informed care with genuine compassion.
Outside the clinic, Brianne loves practicing yoga, spending time with her family, and immersing herself in nature — the same calm, grounding energy she brings to her patients every day.
Brianne Calais is a Registered Acupuncturist passionate about helping others find balance and las... Read More
Melissa Mushikori
(She/Her/Hers)
MACP, CCC
Life is a journey that can take us places we may not have ever expected to be. Sometimes things can get heavy and can stop us from moving forward in the way we want to. You do not have to walk alone. I am here to walk beside you and help you put down some of the heaviness so that you can find the freedom you need to push forward.
I work from a narrative therapeutic standpoint. I focus on a justice oriented feminist approach that focuses on how individuals make meaning of their circumstances. While I mainly work with women I have worked with clients from all walks of life, genders, ages, and sexual orientations. I specialize in relationships, self-betterment, healing from trauma, and anxiety and depression. I help clients re-author their stories and separate their problems from who they are as a person. Clients can take the sessions where they need to and we will work through each focus point at a pace that works for the client.
Everyone has a story that describes how they are experiencing their world, their relationships, and their problems. I will walk alongside you as you take me through your narrative. We will explore your values, your beliefs about yourself, and how you make meaning of these things. Together we will work to thicken your story and discover your desired outcome.
Life is a journey that can take us places we may not have ever expected to be. Sometimes things c... Read More
Vineet Sidhu RD
Vineet is a Registered Dietitian (RD) and a neuroscientist, passionately working to help her clients find freedom in food. She examines how diet is affected by thoughts, feelings, and circumstances to help her clients achieve their health and wellness goals by developing intuitive connections between food, body, and mind. Vineet individualizes her nutrition counseling to fit her client’s unique health conditions and often busy lifestyles. Vineet prides herself in being a weight inclusive practitioner and believes that health is attainable at any weight, shape, or size. In her practice, she utilizes a number of nutrition counseling techniques to help her clients discover the joy in food.
Vineet is a Registered Dietitian (RD) and a neuroscientist, passionately working to help her clie... Read More
Mia Ackermann
Mia Ackermann is a registered massage therapist passionate about the human body and its interconnectedness, Mia is dedicated to providing relief and healing.
With a holistic approach, she combines various massage techniques to restore balance and functionality. Mia’s empathetic nature and personalized treatment plans create a safe and nurturing environment for her clients. Continuously expanding her knowledge, she stays up-to-date with the latest advancements in massage therapy.
Mia empowers her clients with self-care techniques and lifestyle modifications for long-term wellness. She loves to educate her clients on how their bodies were in order for them the take charge of their growth.
Mia has completed a Manual Lymphatic Drainage course which has furthered her education in how the lymphatic system impacts the rest of the body. MLD can be very beneficial for pain-management, lymphedema, other inflammatory issues, post-surgery, anxiety and so much more. If you are interested in the benefits and how MLD could help you - ask Mia at your next treatment and she’d love to answer your questions!
Trust Mia to help you live a pain-free, fulfilling life.
Mia Ackermann is a registered massage therapist passionate about the human body and its interconn... Read More
Dr. Mekayla Clarke ND, MCSP
Dr. Mekayla practices exclusively via Telehealth some months of the year, can’t find a time that suits you? Call the clinic to help navigate the schedule
Dr. Mekayla Clarke is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor with a passion for empowering women to take charge of their health and well-being. Specializing in hormones, dermatology, fertility, aesthetic and anti-aging medicine, Dr. Clarke has had the privilege of helping many patients including A-list celebrities and professional athletes optimize their health to look and feel their absolute best. Over the years, she has acquired numerous certifications to ensure she can offer the highest level of care and support to her patients.
Dr. Clarke’s approach to care emphasizes listening, understanding, and providing a welcoming environment where patients feel confident in their ability to understand their bodies and how to care for them. She believes in the power of creating a strong healthcare team that helps each individual reach their full potential—an approach she brings to life through her practice at Fortify.
In addition to her expertise in hormones and aesthetics, Dr. Clarke offers integrative fertility and reproductive health support for both women and men. Whether preparing to conceive naturally, undergoing treatments like IUI or IVF, or preparing for embryo transfer, her approach is rooted in functional medicine. She utilizes advanced diagnostic testing and root-cause investigations to optimize health before conception, addressing key areas such as hormone balance, nutrient status, gut health, detox pathways, and environmental exposures.
Dr. Clarke encourages couples to begin preconception care 3–6 months before trying to conceive to allow time for correcting imbalances and supporting both egg and sperm quality. Her care plans include personalized nutrition, lifestyle guidance, evidence-based supplementation, and IV nutrient therapies to create the most supportive environment for conception.
Beyond fertility, Dr. Clarke’s work focuses on ensuring long-term reproductive wellness and empowering her patients to take a proactive role in their fertility journey.
Dr. Mekayla practices exclusively via Telehealth some months of the year, can’t find a time that ... Read More
Nicole Allan
I have a feeling you’ve spent much of your life being the strong one. The one who gets things done, keeps things moving, and takes care of the people around you. But somewhere along the way, you may have started wondering when someone was going to take care of you, too.
And perhaps becoming a parent has brought that question into your relationship in ways you weren’t expecting.
The mental load of raising a family, the invisible labour of keeping a household running, the negotiations around who does what, and the exhaustion of being needed by everyone can quietly change the way you relate to one another. Maybe you’re having the same arguments on repeat. Maybe resentment is building where intimacy used to live. Maybe you love each other deeply, but lately feel more like roommates, co-parents, or colleagues managing a very important family business.
You can love your family and still miss your relationship. You can be grateful for the life you’ve built and still feel overwhelmed by what it asks of you.
I work with individuals and couples, with a particular interest in supporting new parents who find themselves caught in cycles of resentment, recurring arguments, unequal mental loads, and feeling more like roommates or co-parents than partners. Whether you’re struggling to find time for intimacy, feeling disconnected despite being under the same roof, or wondering how you became so misaligned when you’re both trying so hard, therapy can help you understand what’s happening beneath the surface and find your way back to one another.
As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I approach therapy from a systemic and relational perspective. This means we don’t just look at what’s happening between two people; we explore the generational family patterns, expectations, past experiences, and environments that influence how each person shows up in the relationship. Together, we’ll get curious about the cycle you find yourselves in, rather than deciding who is the problem.
One of the beliefs that grounds my work is this: forgive yourself for all of the habits you picked up when you were in survival mode. Many of the ways we cope, communicate, protect ourselves, or respond to one another once served a purpose. Rather than asking, “What’s wrong with me?” or “What’s wrong with us?”, we’ll gently explore what happened, what each of you has been carrying, and what those responses might be trying to protect.
I also believe our bodies often notice what our minds haven’t yet found words for. Anxiety, anger, disconnection, and feeling stuck are not simply problems to eliminate; they can be messages worth listening to. When we begin to understand the relationship between our nervous systems, our experiences, and our relationships, we can create space for something different.
My approach draws from Narrative Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Polyvagal Theory, grounded in warmth, curiosity, and compassion. My hope isn’t simply to help you manage symptoms or communicate more effectively. It’s to understand and heal the experiences beneath them, so you can build relationships and a life that feel more intentional than automatic.
As a mother, wife, and mixed-race firstborn daughter with South Asian and European heritage, I bring both professional training and lived experience to my work. I value the complexity of family, identity, culture, and the many ways our histories shape who we become. My intention is to create a space where you feel genuinely seen, respected, and safe to show up exactly as you are.
I offer in-person and virtual therapy at Fortify, as well as complimentary 10-minute consultations to answer your questions and explore whether working together feels like a good fit.
You don’t have to wait until your relationship is in crisis to give it care. And you don’t have to lose yourselves in the process of building a family.
I have a feeling you’ve spent much of your life being the strong one. The one who gets things don... Read More
Shayla Vechina MACP, CCC, CC-PMH
Shayla works with individuals and couples who may look like they have it all together on the outside, while feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck underneath.
She especially enjoys working with the self-described “Type A,” recovering (or not-so-recovering) people pleasers, and those who have become very good at thinking through their feelings rather than actually feeling them. Shayla creates a warm, non-judgmental space where clients can slow down, get curious about what is happening beneath the surface, and reconnect with what matters most to them.
Drawing from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Shayla helps clients separate themselves from the problems they are experiencing, identify the stories and patterns that may be keeping them stuck, and build practical steps toward the life and relationships they want. She supports individuals and couples navigating anxiety, relationships, self-worth, life transitions, emotional overwhelm, and the many moments when life does not go quite as planned.
Shayla also holds a specialized designation (CC-PMT) in Perinatal Mental Health from Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Trainings, with additional training from Perinatal Collective Support, PESI Canada, and Maternal Mental Health Now. She supports individuals and couples throughout pregnancy and postpartum, as well as those navigating reproductive mental health concerns including preparing to conceive, infertility, pregnancy loss, and other experiences along the reproductive journey.
Shayla works with individuals and couples who may look like they have it all together on the outs... Read More
Carlos Beláustegui
Carlos is seasoned Physiotherapist and Osteopathic Manual Therapist with over two decades of experience. Hailing from Argentina, he embarked on a new chapter in Winnipeg in October 2023. Carlos brings his expertise to our team as an Osteopathic Manual Therapist.
In Argentina, Carlos managed his own thriving physiotherapy practice, where he honed his skills in high-performance sports rehabilitation. His impressive resume includes working with elite volleyball teams, professional tennis staff, and serving as a key member of the medical team at the South American Youth Games in Rosario 2022. Not stopping there, Carlos also made his mark as a trainer on the prestigious Paddle World Tour in 2022 and 2023.
Beyond his professional achievements, Carlos finds joy in an active lifestyle. Whether it’s a competitive game of tennis with his wife, Erika, or a spirited soccer match with friends, Carlos thrives in the world of sports. When not on the court, he can be found strolling with his beloved dogs, Telma and Cleo. An aficionado of arts and culture, Carlos unwinds by immersing himself in literature and music, showcasing his musical talents on the piano and guitar during leisurely moments.
Carlos is seasoned Physiotherapist and Osteopathic Manual Therapist with over two decades of expe... Read More
Vanessa Pondy
(She/Her/Hers)
RHC, NBC-HWC
Hello, welcome!
My name is Vanessa and I am a Registered Health Coach who is passionate about making wellness accessible for all! Pulling from knowledge in root-cause medicine and evidence-based psychology strategies, I partner with my clients to co-create a plan that will build self-efficacy, foster self-awareness, and utilize client’s inner strengths to break through their health barriers.
I acknowledge that each client is whole, and are the true experts of their own lives. Each client is resourceful and will see that they hold the answers to which they are seeking, becoming the fuel driving their own change. As an ally to your health journey, I will help turn your “why” into your “how.
Through consistent support, targeted education, and a client-centred approach, I help clients create long-lasting habits to no only succeed, but feel empowered to take charge of their long-term health and wellbeing.
What is your health for? Let’s find out together!
Hello, welcome! My name is Vanessa and I am a Registered Health Coach who is passionate about ma... Read More
Hana Murji
Rather than looking at symptoms one at a time, Hana considers the bigger picture: nutrition, lifestyle, medical history and lab findings. She uses all of it to build care plans that are individualized and realistic. She takes time to listen, asks thoughtful questions and explains the reasoning behind her recommendations, so patients feel confident and involved in their care.
Hana holds a degree in Life Sciences from McMaster University and graduated from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM). She’s especially interested in how the body’s systems work together, and she brings a thoughtful, evidence-informed approach to patient care.
How Hana Can Support You:
Digestive health: Identifying the underlying factors behind digestive concerns and working toward lasting improvement.
Cardiometabolic health: An individualized approach to supporting metabolic and cardiovascular wellness over the long term.
Integrative cancer support: Supportive care that considers your overall well-being alongside conventional cancer treatment.
Long-term health and well-being: Practical, sustainable strategies that build a strong foundation for your health.
Complex health concerns: Care that helps you feel heard, supported and informed when answers aren’t straightforward.
Whether you’re working through a complex health concern or want to be more proactive about your well-being, Hana is here to help you understand your health and find a path forward.
Hana provides pre-licensed naturopathic care under the supervision of Dr. Nicole Pander, ND, who is responsible for all care provided under her supervision. Hana is working toward independent licensure in Manitoba.
Rather than looking at symptoms one at a time, Hana considers the bigger picture: nutrition, life... Read More
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Located at: 123 Marion Street, #104, Winnipeg
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Need Help? 2042315333 wellness@thisisfortify.com