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

Ingela Bruke is an Integrated Body Worker with twentyeight 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

Dr Walter Lemmo N.D. Dr.

Walter Lemmo is a registered Naturopathic Physician in B.C. who has been in private practice in Vancouver since 1999. He received his Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington, a leading institution of integrative and science-based natural medicine in North America.

Before entering Naturopathic Medicine, Dr. Lemmo received 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. While Dr. Lemmo has diverse interests and knowledge in numerous medical fields, currently, he is sought out for his expertise in the area of cancer.

Dr. Lemmo believes in combining the best of complementary and alternative 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 and methods of testing available for each person since these subjects can be overwhelming to both patients and concerned family and friends. While Dr. Lemmo embraces the numerous approaches patients use in the emerging field of integrative cancer care, he more commonly uses botanical medicine, homeopathic medicine, oxidative medicine, neural therapy, nutritional medicine, and various injection & intravenous therapies (i.e. vitamin C, mistletoe) along side fundamental diet & lifestyle approaches.

Please visit his own site at www.lemmo.com for further information about Dr. Lemmo.

Modalities: Naturopathic Medicine

Gerard Tan B.A. R.AC.

Gerard started his learning journey for wellness in Pre-Medicine in Saskatchewan. He later went to San Francisco to study Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and graduated in 1986. He has a diverse background in the field of integrated healing. Gerard studied under Dr. Yu Min Chen, Andrew Tseng, Efrem Korngold and Misha Cohen until 1986 to learn how to help people with immune problems like cancer, AIDS, lupus, multiple sclerosis, hepatitis, etc. He has also studied women's health and fertility with Obstetric Gynecologist Dr. Hsieh. Gerard has over 20 years experience in using acupuncture to help people with multiple serious chronic health problems.

For 5 years, he worked as an acupuncturist and clinical research practitioner with the Vancouver General Hospital Tzu Chi Institute of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the Integrated Care Program. He was an instructor and clinical director for Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine in a Vancouver College of TCM.

Gerard's passion is educating patients to empower their own innate healing abilities, and encouraging them to utilize the mind, body and spirit energies to obtain optimum wellness.

Modalities: Acupuncture

Denise Drisdelle

In 1995 Denise 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.

Joanne Morgan

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.

Sony [Sassona] Baron

Sony [Sassona] Baron is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC #2936) and an educator. She is a facilitator of PSYCH-K® body and energy work; she is trained in Meridian Energy Therapy; Satir Systemic Therapy; Emotional Focused Therapy for couples (EFT); Narrative Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Her post-graduate education includes two Master degrees in Education and in Counselling Psychology.

Her work experience includes working with pre-school children and their parents, teaching in college and university, working with addiction and mental health clients, working with clients who have health related issues, and doing relationship work with couples.

Through her personal life and her professional experience, she has learned that hurt can heal, and that people have inner resources and wisdom to guide them in difficult times. She works with respect, collaboration and professionalism to help people, so they don’t have to face their difficulties alone.

She provides a place where clients and their thoughts, feelings and actions are listened to seriously and are not judged. With a deep sense of passion and conviction for her work, she works with clients on spiritual, psychological and physiological levels to help them find inner peace, meaning, connection, and love.