Meet Our Wellness Practitioners

My interest & journey in holistic wellness began in 2014 shortly after being introduced and attuned to Reiki level 1. Throughout 2014-2016 I completed training in several energy therapies including Crystal Therapy and Shamballa. Having developed a passion for treating the energy body in turn led me to pursue knowledge of our physical anatomy and how the two interact with one another. I am trained in General Swedish Massage which consists of techniques & tools to assist with stress management, pain relief and soft tissue rehabilitation. Ideal for those that are feeling over worked and "stuck" in their bodies, dealing with chronic pain or looking to manage symptoms of a chronic illness. My goal for each of my treatments is to provide clients of all ages and genders a comfortable, informed, empowering & therapeutic experience. I have completed trauma informed certifications and offer a safe space for those who are beginning or are on their healing journey. Proud alumna of the Canadian College of Massage & Hydro Therapy (CCMH) where I was apart of the 2019/2020 class. Regrettably CCMH closed their doors permanently in May 2020 during the pandemic. Having 4 months left of the program I completed my final term and graduated from Bryan College in Toronto December 2020. Throughout Massage Therapy School I had the opportunity to spend community outreach hours at Hospice Wellington in Guelph, Portage Elora Addiction Rehabilitation Centre for Youth in Elora and YWCA Affordable Housing for Women and Children in Kitchener Waterloo. I was able to provide treatment for both staff and residents, and gained invaluable hands on experience working with vulnerable members of the community. Registered and in good standing with the CMTO. I am excited to be a part of the collaborative team at Up Yoga & Wellness. I first began my career in the charming town of St. George, ON at STG Health & Wellness, I then pursued working independently and began my massage therapy practice in Paris, ON out of the quaint day spa Studio Edun. I have also spent time practicing at my sisters luxurious clinic Pür Balance Massage and Facial Spa in Cambridge, ON. I continue to look forward to where my wellness journey is leading me and anticipate new tools along the way to implement and provide further effective treatment for my clients.

Hi, I'm Megan! I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with a Masters in Couple and Family Therapy. I work with individuals, couples, and families. In my work as a therapist, I gently hold space for you to reflect upon your life and your relationships. I value therapy as a place to have conversations that feel hard to have elsewhere. I believe it is in having these courageous conversations that you uncover the strength to navigate life’s challenges and begin healing. I lead with compassion and curiosity, striving to foster a space that is nurturing and non-judgmental. I am interested in highlighting your strengths, understanding your experiences, your perspectives, and your hopes for yourself. I also like to laugh—as I think it’s a reminder of our shared humanity. It's common to feel burdened by societal norms and expectations, whether that be related to identity (gender, sexual orientation, race, age, ability, etc) or roles (parent, caregiver, child, partner, employee, friend, etc). Within our sessions, I strive to create a nurturing space where we can examine how systems of oppression and societal expectations influence you. Together, we'll tap into your inner wisdom, foster self-compassion, collaborate to set meaningful goals and work towards changes that empower you to live your life with more authenticity and mindfulness. We are all deserving of care and support. I am guided by an anti-oppressive and trauma-informed framework. I approach my work with a commitment to embrace diverse identities and experiences and I operate from a perspective that is sex positive and queer positive. My previous career as a genetic counsellor has uniquely provided me with an understanding of the healthcare system and chronic illness, as I have experience working in the areas of cancer, prenatal and pediatric genetics. Outside of therapy, I am a parent and partner which also influence my work. I enjoy spending time with my loved ones, lifting weights, learning, taking yoga classes, and being outside in nature hiking or biking. Therapy is a vulnerable endeavour so working with the right person is important. I welcome you to reach out for a free 15-minute consultation to see if we might be a good fit. Credentials Master of Science (MSc) in Couple and Family Therapy - University of Guelph Master of Science (MS) in Genetic Counselling – Arcadia University Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biology – McMaster University Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario 200-Hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training - Heaven on Earth Studio Meditation Teacher Training - Open Heart Project

Sandy is a registered member of the Ontario Osteopathic Association/(OstCan), having graduated the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy in Hamilton in 2023. Sandy was inspired to become an Osteopathic Manual Practitioner after using the modality herself since 2011 to treat long term chronic pain in her lower back and abdomen. Osteopathy has greatly improved her quality of life, and she is excited to share its benefits with others. She believes osteopathy is a key modality in maintaining overall health and mobility. Sandy is also a certified Yoga and mat Pilates Instructor, and level 2 Usui Reiki Practitioner.

I’ve been practicing massage therapy since 2005, and am a graduate of Sutherland-Chan massage therapy school in Toronto. With 18+ years of experience, I pride myself on being a very intuitive therapist and will often pair therapeutic techniques with relaxation techniques into your treatment. The result will have you feeling balanced, relieved and refreshed. In addition to my massage therapy training, I’ve also held a teaching assistant position at the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy and am a certified meditation teacher. Holistic wellness has always been a part of my life from a young age, and I’ve had the pleasure of working in several holistic health studios over the years. This is where I thrive the most, so I am really thrilled to be a part of the team of practitioners here at Up Yoga+Wellness. A Paris resident myself, you’ve likely seen me walking all over town with my two kiddos, or hanging out at the rink every weekend. A large majority of my clients are fellow Mamas and I love welcoming each and every one onto my table for some much needed self-care (because I’m right there with you!). We love supporting all of the small businesses in town, from coffee shops to restaurants to retail stores. Community is everything, and I’m so grateful we live in a great one. I can’t wait to see you around the studio!

Jill is a 500 hr Certified Yoga Instructor, with additional trainings in Yin, Restorative, and Vinyasa, with a strong background in anatomy any physiology from a 18 year career as a Primary Care Paramedic. Jill loves to weave energy medicine techniques from her knowledge of EFT, Eden Energy Medicine and Biofield Tuning into her yoga classes. She believes that yoga is accessible to any age, body structure, and lifestyle.

20+ plus years in Law Enforcement, made room for negative habits, behaviors, and self-limiting beliefs & thoughts to become deeply ingrained into my daily life. A biking accident in 2019 resulting in several broken bones and a punctured lung, landed me a stay in the hospital. A growing interest in nutrition and the direct role it plays in our mental health and our daily mood developed into becoming certified in the field of nutrition, our eating patterns, and rediscovering our relationship with food. Enter a crazy Dutchmen who was setting World Records and for the first time in history, was able to access and influence his Autonomic Nervous System and Immune System. The knowledge that every human is capable of this, set me on a path of further learning and wanting to share this method with others. Becoming certified as a WHM instructor, was a transformative experience and now I wish to guide you in your healing and growth transformation to becoming your higher and true self. "Do the hard and our life becomes easy...Do the easy, and our life will become hard"