2SLGBTQI Inclusive Health and Wellness in Edmonton

Helping people comes naturally to Michelle! As a highly skilled Acupuncturist, Massage Therapist, and Advanced Care Paramedic she is widely recognized for developing unique care plans which draw on her knowledge and therapeutic touch gained across each of these specialized disciplines. Having over twenty years of combined expertise in caring for her patients, Michelle has had a front row seat to observe how stress and emotion affect the mind and body. Complementing her acupuncture services at Red Leaf Wellness, Michelle offers a variety of therapeutic and relaxation massage therapies, including pregnancy massage, myofascial release and myofascial cupping.

Michelle began her health career as a massage therapist, graduating the 2200hr Massage Program at Macewan University in 2001. Being active in competitive sport in her youth, Michelle understood the benefits of massage on sport performance, recovery and injury prevention. She subsequently branched into emergency care and became an Advanced Care Paramedic where she was able to offer a calming presence in stressful, emergent situations. Michelle has always believed that soft skills, an extra moment spent with family, or a hand to hold on the way to the hospital, can be as healing as the specific medical interventions themselves. Working as a Paramedic Michelle saw, and began to question, how it is that people differ in disease and the aging process and why the same drug benefited one person, but not the other. Her lifelong learning journey had her begin to look for these answers in the time-tested practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Acupuncture, thus kicking off another quest for knowledge at MacEwan University’s Acupuncture Program.

Michelle provides care at Red Leaf Wellness as an independent contractor.

Education:

• Diploma – Acupuncture, Macewan University
• Diploma – Emergency Medical Technician (Paramedic), Augustana University
  • Honors standings
• Certificate – Massage Therapy Grant MacEwan College

Licensure:

• RAc, College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA)
• RMT, National Health Practitioners of Canada (NHPC)
• ACP, Alberta College of Paramedics

Dr. Yoko Masuda is a master practitioner – skilled in the rare craft of Japanese style acupuncture – where she incorporates and tailors gentle needling, moxibustion (specific deep heat), therme (heat massage) and cupping into her acupuncture treatment plans. These skills, as well as her reputation for delivering tangible results, make her a sought-after provider, especially in the areas of pain management, sports injuries, orthopaedic injuries and emotional health. Yoko firmly believes that the mind and the body are intertwined in healing and she continually advocates for a healthy lifestyle alongside of the care she provides.

Yoko received her acupuncture degree in Japan and, after working at several clinics in Tokyo, she accepted a staff acupuncturist position with the world renowned Cirque du Soleil touring show. For nearly twenty years, she went on to travel the far reaches of the globe, working on several other productions, and earning the respect of an international group of artists, staff and athletes before eventually selecting Edmonton for her permanent clinical practice. As a former high school physical education teacher, and also as an alumnus of the Japanese national rhythmic gymnastics team (where she competed internationally on numerous occasions), she has amassed an impressive background in sports therapy and physical education, uniquely positioning her to address all manner of orthopedic and performance related concerns.

Outside of work, Yoko enjoys travelling, the outdoors, and spending time with her husband and two elementary-aged daughters.

Yoko provides care at Red Leaf Wellness as an independent contractor.

Education:

• Diploma of Acupuncture, Hanada College, Tokyo, Japan

Licensure:

• RAc, College and Association of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA)

Fluency: 🇬🇧 – English |  🇯🇵 – Japanese

Dr. Lorraine McCarthy is a Naturopathic Doctor with nearly two decades of experience providing compassionate, patient-centered care. Since graduating from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2004, she has served the communities of Ottawa and Edmonton, offering comprehensive solutions to diverse health concerns. Her extensive background includes roles in the regulation of natural health products at Health Canada, serving as a health advisor and physiology instructor at the Guanacaste Waldorf School in Costa Rica, and administering advanced naturopathic care in clinical practice. Currently, Dr. McCarthy resides in Edmonton’s west-end community of Rio Terrace with her husband and three children.

Dr. McCarthy’s practice emphasizes empowering patients with natural, evidence-based solutions to achieve optimal health. She is particularly passionate about addressing hormone health, leveraging advanced Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) training through Worldlink Medical to provide individualized care plans for patients navigating menopause, perimenopause, and hormone imbalances. Her focus in this area complements her broader dedication to family health and holistic wellness.

As a mother, Dr. McCarthy understands the deep concerns parents have for their children’s well-being and the desire to find natural, effective remedies. She also recognizes the challenges of caring for aging parents, inspiring her commitment to complementary health practices that support seniors in achieving energy, vitality, and improved aging. Her clinical experience treating a wide range of patients and managing the health needs of her own family enables her to offer empathetic, practical guidance.

In addition to her focus on hormone health and family well-being, Dr. McCarthy’s areas of interest include:

• Supporting children with behavioral concerns through natural and integrative approaches
• Assisting seniors in achieving improved energy, vitality, and overall wellness
• Implementing biotherapeutic drainage to reduce toxic load and support detoxification
• Treating digestive health concerns to improve gut function and overall health
• Utilizing the Bowen Technique for pain relief and recovery from injuries, including concussions

At Red Leaf Wellness, Dr. McCarthy provides a comprehensive, individualized approach to care, ensuring her patients feel supported in their journey to better health. Her dedication to holistic wellness and advanced hormone health training ensures her patients receive the most current, integrative care.

Lorraine provides care at Red Leaf Wellness as an independent contractor.

Education: 

• Naturopathic Doctor, Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine
• Worldlink Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) Coursework

Licensure: 

• Registered Naturopathic Doctor, College of Naturopathic Doctors of Alberta

Allie Kusnierczyk is a passionate Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner with deep clinical experience and strengths in both ADHD care and hormone health. She holds certification in advanced Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) through Worldlink Medical, reflecting her commitment to evidence-informed hormone optimization.

Allie brings more than eight years of diverse healthcare experience, including work in obstetrics, psychiatry, critical care, and emergency medicine. She works with people across the lifespan, with particular skill in diagnosing and managing ADHD and providing thoughtful, individualized attention to neurodevelopmental and mental health needs.

In hormone health, Allie specializes in helping patients navigate hormone imbalances, perimenopause and menopause, and gender-affirming care. Her approach integrates advanced clinical training with a holistic understanding of how hormonal changes affect physical and mental well-being.

At Red Leaf Wellness, she partners with patients to create comprehensive care plans rooted in trust, education, and collaboration. Her dual focus on ADHD and hormone health means she can support the whole person, not just isolated symptoms.

When she is not in clinic or virtual care, Allie enjoys hiking, canoeing, and exploring the outdoors with her husband and their dogs.

Allie provides care at Red Leaf Wellness as an independent contractor.

Education:

• Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner Diploma – Western University, London, Ontario

• Master of Nursing – Western University, London, Ontario

• Critical Care Nursing Certification – George Brown College

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Minor in Psychology – Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario

• Worldlink Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) Coursework

Licensure:

• Nurse Practitioner – College of Nurses of Ontario

• Nurse Practitioner – College of Registered Nurses of Alberta

• Nurse Practitioner – British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives

Dr. Jason Kossowan is a dedicated and licensed Doctor of Acupuncture with the College of Acupuncturists of Alberta, and a distinguished graduate of the Acupuncture program at MacEwan University. Jason’s path to healthcare began with his passion for Chinese martial arts, especially tai chi, which he has practiced since 2005. His journey in martial arts led to a profound appreciation for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and a desire to integrate these classical techniques into solutions for modern health challenges.

Jason is particularly drawn to the treatment of cardiovascular and neurological conditions, as well as sports medicine, where he combines precision with a deep respect for the body’s natural healing processes. His approach is integrative and patient-centered, focusing on meaningful outcomes and a collaborative model of care that bridges Eastern and Western perspectives.

At Red Leaf Wellness, Jason is committed to creating a therapeutic experience that respects the body’s innate wisdom and adaptability. He actively engages patients through tailored treatment plans that address their unique needs, while also exploring the broader health benefits of TCM practices.

Outside the clinic, you can find Jason refining his tai chi practice or enjoying a board game—especially the cooperative ones that bring people together.

Jason provides care at Red Leaf Wellness as an independent contractor.

Education

• Diploma of Acupuncture, MacEwan University

Certifications/Licensure

• Registered Acupuncturist – College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA)

Empowering individuals to achieve optimal health is at the heart of Dr. Amira Abdelaziz’s practice. As an Ontario-based Naturopathic Doctor, she combines evidence-informed care with a personalized approach to address each patient’s unique health journey. Her expertise spans women’s health, metabolic conditions, hormonal balance, and mental wellness, tailoring solutions that restore vitality, balance, and resilience.

Dr. Abdelaziz believes in integrating modern naturopathic principles with traditional modalities, including Chinese medicine, herbal therapies, and orthomolecular science. Whether supporting patients through fertility challenges, managing chronic health concerns, or enhancing mental resilience, her approach ensures care is as individualized as it is effective.

With an educational background that includes a Doctor of Naturopathy from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, an MSc in Healthcare Management from the Arab Academy for Science, and a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from Cairo University, Dr. Abdelaziz brings a well-rounded perspective to her practice. Her earlier experiences in dentistry and healthcare quality management enrich her holistic understanding of patient care.

Fluent in Arabic, English, and proficient in Turkish, she connects with patients from diverse backgrounds, offering culturally sensitive, patient-centered care. Dr. Abdelaziz is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor under the College of Naturopaths of Ontario and an active member of the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors and the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors.

In her personal time, she recharges by hiking, strength training, and capturing the beauty of nature through photography, practices that mirror her commitment to balance and well-being.

Amira provides care at Red Leaf Wellness as an independent contractor.

Education:

• Doctor of Naturopathy, Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, 2022
• MSc in Healthcare Management and Logistics, Arab Academy for Science
• Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), Cairo University

Licensure:

• Registered Naturopathic Doctor, College of Naturopaths of Ontario
• Member, Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors
• Member, Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors

Stacy Recalla, MScN, NP-PHC is a compassionate and experienced Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner with a strong focus on hormonal health, mental health, and patient-centered care. Certified in Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) through Worldlink Medical, Stacy brings a wealth of experience from over two decades in healthcare, spanning direct patient care, public health leadership, and clinical education.

Her career includes a long-standing role with the Ontario Ministry of Health, where she led major public health initiatives—including immunization strategies, pandemic response, and practitioner training—while also shaping policies that impacted care delivery province-wide. In her clinical practice, Stacy designs personalized programs to support men and women navigating hormonal changes, including menopause, andropause, weight concerns, and emotional wellness. She is currently completing additional certifications in mental health and psychotherapy, further strengthening her holistic, mind-body approach.

Patients often describe Stacy as grounded and deeply attentive—someone who listens with intention and creates space for meaningful healing. Her commitment to integrative, individualized care is felt in every encounter.

At Red Leaf Wellness, Stacy joins both the Hormone Health and ADHD care teams as an independent Nurse Practitioner contractor. With active licensure in Alberta, Ontario, and pending in Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, she plays a key role in expanding virtual care across Western and Central Canada.

Stacy provides care at Red Leaf Wellness as an independent contractor.

Education

• Master of Science in Nursing (MScN) – McMaster University

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) – Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University)

Additional Training & Certifications

• Mental Health Certification for Nurse Practitioners (in progress) – University of Toronto
• Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner Diploma – Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University)
• Cannabis Prescribing & Preceptorship – Greenleaf Medical Clinic & Canadian Consortium for the Investigation of Cannabinoids (CCIC)
• ADHD Management – Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance (CADDRA)
• Medical Abortion Training – National Abortion Federation Canada

Licensure:

• Nurse Practitioner – College of Nurses of Ontario
• Nurse Practitioner – College of Registered Nurses of Alberta

“Care should feel personal, practical, and possible. My job is to listen, make a plan that fits real life, and walk with you until you feel like yourself again.” – Bonnie Noble, NP

Bonnie is a compassionate and experienced Nurse Practitioner dedicated to improving access to high-quality, patient-centered care through both virtual and clinical settings. With over 20 years of nursing experience and a background that spans mental health, primary care, and hormone therapy, she brings a rare blend of clinical insight and human connection to every patient encounter.

Bonnie began her career in nursing in 2004 and has practiced as a Nurse Practitioner since 2015. She has worked extensively across Canada, serving diverse populations through her roles with TELUS Health, Science and Humans, and the Government of Nunavut. Her work in hormone health, particularly in supporting women navigating perimenopause and menopause, reflects her deep belief that patients deserve to feel heard, validated, and supported at every stage of life.

Currently completing her Executive MBA in Consulting through the University of Fredericton, Bonnie is passionate about shaping the future of virtual healthcare and integrating innovative models that enhance accessibility and outcomes. She is drawn to organizations that share her vision for growth, collaboration, and technology-driven care that never loses its human touch.

Outside of work, Bonnie lives in Grande Prairie with her husband and two dogs, spending much of her free time outdoors or traveling to their home on the Newfoundland coast. Whether she is working with patients or exploring new coastlines, Bonnie brings warmth, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to helping others live healthier, more balanced lives.

Bonnie provides care at Red Leaf Wellness as an independent contractor.

Education:

• Executive MBA, University of Fredericton, in progress
• Master of Science in Nursing, Trinity Western University, 2012
• Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family and All Ages, Saskatchewan Polytechnic, 2015
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing, University of Alberta and GPRC, 2004

Additional Training & Certifications:

• CTAS 2022; Addictions Medicine Diploma, BCCSU 2017; Buprenorphine Assisted Treatment, University of Toronto 2016; Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support; Law in Health Care Practice, University of South Australia

Licensure:

• Nurse Practitioner: Alberta; Newfoundland and Labrador; Nunavut and Northwest Territories
• Registered Nurse: Saskatchewan

Cora Rennie is a Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist who helps people feel safer, more regulated, and more present in their bodies. She brings more than two decades of personal experience with this gentle healing work into every session. What clients notice most is the sense of calm, clarity, and renewed ease that continues well after they leave the table.

Cora’s journey with craniosacral therapy began over twenty years ago when a single practice session left her body deeply relaxed in a way she had never before experienced. That moment opened her eyes to how profoundly the nervous system responds to safe, informed touch. It also became personal when she saw dramatic improvement in her mother’s migraines and vertigo after just a few sessions with a practitioner.

After completing a rigorous two-year Biodynamic CranioSacral Therapy (BCST) training, Cora has developed a deep understanding of how the body’s own innate healing intelligence can be supported. She holds certification and registration with the Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy Association of North America, and her work is grounded in respect for the body’s natural rhythms and its drive toward health.

Clients come to Cora for many reasons, from ongoing stress and overwhelm to persistent tension patterns, sleep disruption, and emotional holding. Many people report:

• A sense of nervous system calm and safety
• Better sleep and less reactivity to stress
• A feeling of being more settled in their body
• Enhanced capacity to engage with life rather than just survive it
• Support through major life transitions like perimenopause and menopause

Because BCST works with the nervous system itself, clients often find that their whole system begins to feel more coherent and resilient. This can lead to better outcomes with other forms of care too, as the body becomes more able to integrate changes and treatments.

Cora believes that every symptom is part of the body’s effort to protect and to adapt. Her role is not to “fix” you but to offer a supportive environment where your system can experience safety, resource, and deeper regulation. She feels honored to witness the shifts that happen when a body is finally allowed to come into balance.

Her approach is warm, perceptive, and grounded in connection, inviting you to be an active participant in your own healing. Whether you are navigating stress, transitioning through hormone changes, or seeking a more integrated sense of well-being, Cora’s work offers a space to be met, supported, and held with care.

Cora provides care at Red Leaf Wellness as an independent contractor.