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MEET YOUR HEALTHCARE TEAM
Oak Medical Arts is operated by local health professionals who are dedicated to providing the best health care services possible. Behind our doors, you'll meet the most down-to-earth, caring, educated, and professional health care workers in Thunder Bay. We are dedicated to helping you and your family with all of your health care needs in a collaborative, supportive environment.
SUPPORT
Supporting local means that you care about the community that you live in
JOBS
We provide over 70 team members with work in our community
COMMUNITY
Helping build a healthier community, one day at a time.
CHIROPRACTORS
JUSTIN
STACHOWICH
Chiropractor
Dr.Stachowich was born and raised in Thunder Bay, ON where he graduated from Hammarskjold High School, and received his Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology from Lakehead University. Justin went on to further his education and received his Doctorate of Chiropractic at Parker University in Dallas, Texas graduating in 2014!
TESNI
STEFANATO
Chiropractor
Tesni is passionate about getting people to feel their best! She supports individuals with both acute and chronic injuries and focuses on future injury prevention. She strives to create a safe, comfortable road to recovery for patients. Tesni received her Doctorate of Chiropractic from Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College and her Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology and Bachelor of Psychology from Lakehead University.
DYLAN
MORGAN
Chiropractor
Dr. Morgan received his Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay in 2017 and graduated with Cum Laude distinction.in 2020 from the Chiropractic college at Northwestern Health Sciences University in Minnesota. Dr. Morgan likes to encourage activity from patients and is passionate about staying fit to maintain a healthy lifestyle. He's usually found running, working out, playing hockey, fishing and spending time outdoors with friends and family.
FOOT CARE NURSES
LYNDA
GIBBON
Foot Care Nurse
Clinic Manager
Lynda has always had a passion for connecting with and helping people, which led her into a career in nursing, and is excited to continue this through nursing and footcare with Oak!
BREANNA
ATKINSON
Foot Care Nurse
Breanna graduated in 2007 from Confederation College as a registered practical nurse and has . worked in many different areas including complex medical care, orthopaedic rehabilitation, clinical instructing, outpatient clinics and now very excited to add Footcare to her nursing practice! Breanna is a mother of 2 beautiful, very active children. She enjoys travelling, fishing in the summer and taking trail walks with her family and their family dogs.
ALEX
STEIN
Footcare Nurse
Alex graduated from Confederation College as a RPN in 2012 and has worked in various fields to contribute to her experience and knowledge. She enjoys gardening and being outdoors - swimming, camping, fishing, and hunting. She has a small hobby farm which she very much enjoys, especially with having her little sidekick (her son)! Most of all, she loves just spending time with her family and creating memories. Alex is excited to join the team!
SHAZIAH
AGHA
Footcare Nurse
Shaziah graduated from Lakehead University in 2007 receiving her Bachelor's of Science in Nursing degree. Shaziah initially worked as an RN in acute medical oncology at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. She currently works casually on Neurosurgery at TBRHSC. Shaziah received certification from Foot Canada in Kingston and went under clinical placement through Confederation College, and has been working in footcare for the past three years!
ATHLETIC TRAINER
JORDAN
WIEMER
Athletic Trainer
Jordan is a certified personal trainer with a broad history in athletics. Having worked with teams and individuals across coaching, physical development and talent identification in his home country of England, as well as here in Canada. His passion for fitness began through his love of sport, with a background in Soccer and Football. Jordan’s training approach evolved to athlete focused strength and conditioning programming, combined with an emphasis on stability, mobility, and longevity.
KINESIOLOGISTS
HOLLY
OZERKEVICH
Registered Kinesiologist
Clinic Manager
Holly graduated from Lakehead University with a Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology Degree. Since then, she has been practicing as a Registered Kinesiologist, Certified Ergonomic Specialist and a WorkWell Functional Capacity Evaluator. She has a strong passion for health and fitness and exercise as an essential means to improve health, prevent injury and increase overall well-being. Holly spends her spare time with her family enjoying the great outdoors especially time on the beach at camp and fishing and hunting.
MAGGIE
KUZMICH
Registered Kinesiologist
Clinic Manager
Maggie is a Registered Kinesiologist and Lakehead Alumni that is passionate about fitness. Being born and raised in Thunder Bay, she is excited to join the team and make a positive impact on the community's well being. In her spare time she loves getting outside to explore the beautiful surroundings of Thunder Bay and spending quality time with her family.
MICHAEL
MAKELA
Registered Kinesiologist
Michael is a registered kinesiologist with the College of Kinesiologists of Ontario. He graduated with a Master’s of Science degree in kinesiology at Lakehead University in 2020. Michael is naturally competitive whether he is playing a sport or a board game. He is an avid 10-pin bowler and has represented Northern Ontario at national events. During the summer months, Michael can be found on the golf course or barbequing for his family.
MASSAGE THERAPIST
ROB
GILL
Registered Massage Therapist
Rob graduated from Trillium College’s Massage Therapy program in 2014.
Rob is recently relocated to Thunder Bay from Oshawa, Ontario. For the last 6 years Rob has been a Registered Massage Therapist who enjoys incorporating Trigger Point Therapy into his treatments. Rob looks forward to providing pain and stress relief treatments for all clients.
In Rob’s spare time he can be found exploring the new trails in Thunder Bay with his Alaskan Malamute and Chocolate lab or enjoying a good glass of red wine!
MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELLORS
DANIEL DOOLEY
Registered Psychotherapist
Daniel grew up in Schreiber and left in 2013 to pursue a degree at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay. where he earned an Honours Bachelor of Science majoring in Psychology. In 2020, he entered the Master’s of Counselling Program with Yorkville University in Fredericton NB. His professional interests include Positive Psychology, Strength-based approaches, Abnormal and Developmental Psychology. He is the proud owner of two rescue dogs, a Border Collie and a Great Dane.
NUTRITION
SIMON
BELANGER
Registered Dietitian
Simon graduated from the University of Manitoba in 2017 with a degree in Human Nutritional Sciences. He completed his internship through the Manitoba Partnership Dietetic Education program in 2018 to become a Registered Dietitian. Simons’ passion for nutrition started when he began to exercise at 18, and realized how nutrition played a role in athletic performance and body composition changes. Simon enjoys breaking down nutrition myths and helping people perform their best at their sport.
BREANNA
ATKINSON
Nurse
Optifast Coordinator
Breanna graduated in 2007 from Confederation College as a registered practical nurse and has . worked in many different areas including complex medical care, orthopaedic rehabilitation, clinical instructing, outpatient clinics and now very excited to add Footcare to her nursing practice! Breanna is a mother of 2 beautiful, very active children. She enjoys travelling, fishing in the summer and taking trail walks with her family and their family dogs.
SHAWNDRA
EHELEBE
Pharmacist
Optifast Coordinator
Shawndra has been a Pharmacist for over 14 years. She enjoys providing clinical services while building and maintaining patient relationships to help improve their health outcomes.
When not at work, she’s busy chasing after her two young boys and enjoys exploring the waters of Lake Superior.
ALLISON
DOUDIET
Nurse
Optifast Coordinator
Allison is an RPN and has a passion for a holistic patient centred approach to care. She has a love for animals and the outdoors, especially on a beautiful sunny day. You can likely find Allison spending quality time with her loved ones in her spare time. She also enjoys crafting, canning, and thrift shopping.
NURSE PRACTITIONERS
CALVIN
PELLETIER
Nurse Practitioner
A lifelong resident of Thunder Bay. Calvin attended Lakehead University to study Biochemistry and went on to complete a BScN. He continued his studies with The U of Manitoba Critical Care Program. In 2008 Calvin obtained his Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner at Lakehead U.
Calvin resides with his daughter, and in their spare time can be found traveling the world, hiking, camping, fishing, biking, and working on their rental business.
ASHLEY
AITKEN
Nurse Practitioner
Ashley Aiken (nee Morriseau) is a lifelong resident of Thunder Bay and proud indigenous female from Fort William First Nation reserve. She has three beautiful children, an amazing husband and a cute little pooch named Milo. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, downhill skiing and traveling.
She has worked as an NP since 2013 after completing her education at Lakehead University in various areas gaining vital experience in addictions, mental health, aging/memory issues, transgender care, prenatal care, chronic disease and aging/changes across the lifespan.
KRISTA
MILLS
Nurse Practitioner
Krista worked as a Registered Nurse for ten years in emergency and cardiology before becoming a NP through Queen’s University. She currently enjoys working with the elderly but is looking forward to caring for all ages and expanding her NP skills. In her spare time she likes to read, travel, hike, and camp with family, friends, and her dog.
CHRISTY
TASHJIAN
Nurse Practitioner
Christy (she/her), CPM, NP, graduated from the U of Texas, Austin School of Nursing in 1994 and went on to study midwifery. After working as a midwife in Austin for 16 years, she became a Nurse Practitioner. As a midwife consultant and educator in Austin she focused on group pregnancy care and perinatal support for low-income people of color. She also worked with the LGBTQ+ community in her practices. Christy, her wife Jenni, and their 5 year old moved to Thunder Bay in 2020 and she became registered as an NP. She spends much of her time outside, and an herb crafter, fiber creatrix, hearth keeper, forest therapy guide, She is interested in all aspects of healthcare related to queer/trans folx and women.
ROBIN
LATIMER
Nurse Practitioner
Robin completed her nursing degree at the University of Manitoba in 2003. After practicing in the acute care setting, she completed her Nurse Practitioner certificate through the University of Ottawa in 2008 and worked as a Nurse Practitioner in a family practice. Born and raised in Thunder Bay, she returned home to raise her family in 2011. She's played competitive hockey from a young age and promotes a healthy lifestyle in all aspects of her own life by being active at work and home activities with her children like hiking, biking, skiing, and camping.
PHYSIOTHERAPISTS
VINCE
PILEGGI
Physiotherapist
Born and raised in Thunder Bay,. Vince grew up very passionate about sport and activity and spent the majority of his time either on the soccer field or at camp fishing with friends and family.
He developed a passion for health and wellness after spending many hours on the treatment table, and realized how much of a difference good rehabilitation can make in recovering from an injury or ailment. This led Vince to pursue his degree in Kinesiology at Lakehead U. From there, Vince took his career to the next level and pursued a Masters in Physical Therapy at Queen's University.
JP
NABARRA
Physiotherapist
Jean Pierre Nabarra de Benejacq, HBK, BAPsy, MA(ExP), MScPT, MClScPT WH. Born and raised in Thunder Bay, ON, Jean Pierre Nabarra has been an active athlete his entire life, including opportunities to represent his country in several international Rugby and Football tournaments. He attended Lakehead University to complete an Honors Bachelor of Kinesiology, as well as a BA in Psychology in order to better understand the mental aspects of sports and exerciseHe continued his education in Duluth, achieving a Master of Physiology and attended McMaster University for a Master of Science in Physiotherapy. He enjoys exercising at local gyms and hiking with his Blue Merle Australian Shepherd (Einstein), as well as hanging out with family and friends.
PHARMACISTS
JON
POTVIN
Pharmacist
Co-Owner, Mountdale
Jon is a local pharmacist and
co-owner of our Mountdale pharmacy location. He graduated with a doctor of pharmacy degree from the University of Waterloo. Jon is a certified respiratory educator and has a strong passion for educating patients on respiratory health. Apart from pharmacy, Jon loves spending time with his wife and two daughters. He is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys his time spent hunting and fishing.
BRYAN
GRAY
Pharmacist
Owner
Bryan graduated from Dalhousie University in 2013, then returned to his hometown of Thunder Bay where he founded Oak Medical Arts. Over the last 8 years, Bryan and his team have grown Oak to six clinic and pharmacy locations across Thunder Bay. He obtained his MBA from Lakehead University, has been a speaker at many pharmacy conferences across Canada and serves on the OPA board. He recently also opened Carte Blanche Cafe, and in his spare time enjoys playing sports and spending time at camp!
ROBYN
DESPINS
Pharmacist
Executive Director
Robyn graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 2015 and has since worked in community pharmacy in both Saskatchewan and Ontario. In Saskatchewan, she enjoyed providing clinical care in various community pharmacies, as well as being a part of innovative health care teams that improve quality and access to chronic disease care in rural Saskatchewan. Since moving to Thunder Bay and joining Oak, she has enjoyed taking on a role both as a practicing pharmacist and the Professional Practice Manager. She enjoys travelling, sunshine and can always be found with a cup of coffee in hand.
SHAWNDRA
EHELEBE
Pharmacist
Pharmacy Manager
Shawndra has been a Pharmacist for over 14 years. She enjoys providing clinical services while building and maintaining patient relationships to help improve their health outcomes.
When not at work, she’s busy chasing after her two young boys and enjoys exploring the waters of Lake Superior.
TERESA
MIRABELLI
Pharmacist
Pharmacy Manager
Teresa, a graduate of the University of Manitoba, has spent her pharmacy career providing the residents of Thunder Bay with exceptional health care. Teresa appreciates travelling and the opportunity to meet new people and engage with other cultures. She enjoys spending time with her husband, children, two Havanese dogs and can often be found tending her flower garden.
JESSIE
KAJORINNE
Pharmacist
Pharmacy Manager
Jessie is a recent graduate from the University of Toronto, where she was honoured to have been elected valedictorian for her graduating class.
She has a particular interest in the topic of women’s health and is passionate about improving access to/quality of LGBTQIA+ healthcare. In her spare time, Jessie enjoys instructing dance classes at a local studio travelling.
LEADERSHIP
ROBYN
DESPINS
Executive Director
Robyn graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 2015 and has since worked in community pharmacy in both Saskatchewan and Ontario. In Saskatchewan, she enjoyed providing clinical care in various community pharmacies, as well as being a part of innovative health care teams that improve quality and access to chronic disease care in rural Saskatchewan. Since moving to Thunder Bay and joining Oak, she has enjoyed taking on a role both as a practicing pharmacist and the Professional Practice Manager. She enjoys travelling, sunshine and can always be found with a cup of coffee in hand.
BRYAN
GRAY
Owner
Bryan graduated from Dalhousie University in 2013, then returned to his hometown of Thunder Bay where he founded Oak Medical Arts. Over the last 8 years, Bryan and his team have grown Oak to six clinic and pharmacy locations across Thunder Bay. He obtained his MBA from Lakehead University, has been a speaker at many pharmacy conferences across Canada and serves on the OPA board. He recently also opened Carte Blanche Cafe, and in his spare time enjoys playing sports and spending time at camp!