Our Pickering Chiropractic Team
Dr. Francine Dallaire, Pickering Chiropractor
Simply put I was a sceptic. I had been such an unhealthy child; I was on antibiotic after antibiotic for my entire first year of life. As a result, my gut was damaged and I suffered from asthma, allergies and eczema. My mom had tried every thing she could to help me but I continued to suffer with poor health. As a teen, my health challenges continued and I experienced severe and debilitating menstrual cycles. Maxing out doses of prescription pain killers never seemed enough to get rid of the pain and again I continued to suffer.
I was involved in a motor vehicle accident while still in my teen years and hurt my neck. My mom’s friend suggested chiropractic. It helped my neck but more amazingly chiropractic helped my body heal and virtually eliminated my severely painful menstrual pains. I no longer was a slave to the severe pain I had endured repeatedly. I never dreamed that chiropractic could do so much for me! That’s why I am a Chiropractor today.
I then began the long journey of learning the science, the art and the philosophy of chiropractic. I began my pre-chiropractic education at the University of Toronto where I studied basic sciences such as organic chemistry, biology, microbiology, basic physiology as well as physics and mathematic courses. I then continued my studies at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto, Ontario. During my four years at CMCC, courses included biochemistry, with a major emphasis on anatomy, human physiology, X-Ray, diagnosis, chiropractic adjusting techniques and patient care in the CMCC public clinic. In addition I completed courses in Pediatric Chiropractic care. After graduating in 1995 I began practicing in Pickering.
I have had the amazing privilege to care for and adjust many infants, children as well as their parents over the years. It is my vision to actively address health issues early and that is why I am hopeful that in following this vision it is possible to improve the health of those in our community. I also have a goal to bring chiropractic to people in other countries that may never otherwise have an opportunity to experience chiropractic and plan on being a participant of a chiropractic mission trip.
Finding balance and harmony with my family life and my practice are always important. As family we love to be active and biking is a big part of our lives. My kids and I also love playing hockey.
I truly believe that so many people have lost faith in their bodies’ innate ability to heal. Sometimes our bodies need help. So many of us have lost our way in this crazy busy world we live in and have neglected our bodies and the very thing that we must hold most precious – our health. I believe after seeing many people’s quality of life change by improving their health through chiropractic care and in conjunction with my own personal healing experience that it is never too late to try something different – it just might make all the difference!
Dr. Thiviya Srikanthan, Pickering Chiropractor
Dr. Thiviya Srikanthan is a passionate chiropractor who focuses on holistic and patient-centred care. Her passion to help others is what drove her to this profession.
Dr. Thiviya studied Life Sciences at McMaster University, where coursework in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Public Health laid a strong foundation for a career in chiropractic care. Following this, she attended the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, completing rigorous chiropractic training and gaining expertise in various techniques. She completed her clinical internships at St. Michael’s Hospital and Sherbourne Health. After graduating, Dr. Thiviya returned to Pickering, where she grew up, to establish her new chiropractic practice.
In practice, Dr. Thiviya primarily employs the Diversified technique, focusing on chiropractic adjustments and mobilizations, soft tissue therapy, active care, and education. Dr. Thiviya’s approach to chiropractic care is both holistic and patient-centered, rooted in the belief that health is not merely the absence of disease, but a state of optimal well-being. The spine and the nervous system have an intricate relationship, and chiropractic care plays a crucial role in achieving harmonious and efficient body function. Dr. Thiviya enjoys working with all ages and various conditions.
Meet Todd Hrycyshyn, D.Ch., Chiropodist/Foot Specialist
A Professional Journey and Passion
Chiropodist Dr. Todd Hrycyshyn brings a wealth of expertise and a compassionate approach to patient care here at Chiropractic Centre for Optimum Health. With experience working in a hospital setting and private practice, he is passionate about helping people and seeing how his care can improve their lives. Seeing patients leave his office feeling better about themselves is a testament to the effectiveness of quality foot care.
Dr. Todd earned an honours Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Waterloo and followed that with specialized training in Chiropody at the Michener Institute for Applied Health Sciences in Toronto. This academic foundation, combined with years of practical experience, equips him with the knowledge and skills to address a wide range of foot conditions and provide targeted care plans for each patient.
An Evolving Perspective on Healthcare
Over his years in practice, Dr. Todd’s perspective on healthcare and podiatry has evolved significantly. Moving beyond textbook approaches, he respects the individuality of each patient, customizing care to suit their unique needs and circumstances. This personal approach ensures his patients receive the most tailored care possible.
When you first meet Dr. Todd, you’ll see he’s a warm, welcoming, and approachable professional. He creates a comfortable environment where patients can openly discuss their concerns and consider remedies. This patient-centric approach fosters trust and collaboration, allowing him to develop customized care plans to address both immediate issues and long-term foot health goals.
Life Beyond the Practice
Dr. Todd enjoys staying active outside of work, particularly as an avid runner exploring the outdoors. Family plays a central role in his life, with quality time spent with his daughter and beloved dogs.
Get Started, Schedule Your Appointment Today
Experience the difference of personalized foot care with Dr. Todd at Chiropractic Centre for Optimum Health. Schedule your appointment today and take the first step toward healthier, happier feet!
Dr. Irina Chan
Dr. Irina Chan is committed to helping patients uncover and address the underlying causes of their symptoms through evidence-based natural medicine. She provides personalized treatment options that help patients achieve optimal health and wellness. Dr. Irina strives to create a compassionate and inclusive space where you feel empowered and supported throughout your health journey.
Dr. Irina has completed advanced training in clinical nutrition, nutritional supplementation, herbal medicine, physical medicine, traditional acupuncture, cosmetic acupuncture, intravenous vitamin therapy, vitamin injection therapy, and mistletoe therapy. She utilizes this extensive training to provide comprehensive care for individuals with chronic fatigue, pain, digestive disorders, stress and anxiety, skin conditions, cancer, and other health concerns.
Curious about how you can benefit from naturopathic care?
Dr. Irina is now offering a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your specific health concerns and naturopathic treatment options.
Joanne Miethke, RMT
Joanne has been in our office since 1999. She graduated university with an Honours BA in Kinesiology and has been a Registered Massage Therapist with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario since 1998. She has been dedicated to improving the overall health and well-being of our clients for many years and continues to pursue optimum health for all of her clients.
Joanne focuses on Deep Tissue Therapeutic Massage and also offers treatments in Lymphatic Drainage, Low Light Laser Therapy, Trigger Point Therapy, Ultrasound, Labour Support Massage, Thai Massage, and Bamboo Massage. She takes great interest in her clients’ overall health and in encouraging healthy living leading by example in her own life.
Leigh Puddephatt, RMT
Leigh has been a Registered Massage Therapist since 1996 and working in the Durham Region since 2005. Leigh has experience working a variety of settings and continues her training to keep her skills updated.
Craniosacral Therapy, Reiki and Indian Head Massage as well as Prenatal and Infant Massage are amongst the continued education in Leigh’s repertoire. Craniosacral Therapy for adults and children is among the favourite treatments which Leigh provides. Leigh has been enjoying her work at the Chiropractic Centre for Optimum Health since 2012 and is looking forward to continuing to provide the best of care for her clients.
Kristina Wilson, RMT
Kristina has been working the massage therapy environment for a few years now and has been working with Chiropractic Centre for Optimum Health since 2015.
Kristina provides a therapeutic and relaxing massage by using a variety of techniques. She is dependable, energetic and an ambitious person who is also compassionate with a nurturing touch focusing on the wellness of her clients. She believes that massage therapy is one of the best preventative therapies and should be a part of a wellness plan for everyone.
Kristina also offers Reflexology to her patients. She is committed to remaining current in the health care profession by continuing education, expanding her knowledge base and adopting new therapeutic practices.
Elise Call, RMT
Elise Call completed her education in Massage Therapy at Durham College. During her time at Durham College, she discovered and developed her passion for Therapeutic Massage while gaining multidisciplinary experience in a wide array of clinical settings such as Athletic, Palliative, Substance Abuse Rehabilitation, Youth, and Senior Care.
Her love for Massage Therapy began when she was young! Growing up as a competitive dancer, she sought both Massage Therapy and Chiropractic care to maximize her athletic performance while minimizing the risk of injury. These positive experiences made a considerable impact on her life, thus inspiring her to combine her enthusiasm for Science and therapeutic touch. Now as a Registered Massage Therapist she can in turn share her personal
experience and knowledge to help her patients experience better health.
Her treatment style involves using open communication and orthopedic testing to pinpoint the root of her patient’s concerns. This approach allows Elise to create a treatment plan that addresses not just the symptoms, but the underlying condition as a whole. Additionally, she encourages patients to actively participate in the development and execution of their treatment plans. Elise has an exceptional skill to adapt to patient feedback. She always strives to facilitate an efficient and autonomous healing journey for each patient using Deep Tissue Massage, Trigger Point Therapy, and Orthopedic Massage.
Antonietta Provenzano, Chiropractic Assistant
I have been a chiropractic assistant since 2004. I am one of the smiling faces that will greet you as you enter the office as well as one of the pleasant voices you hear on the telephone. My role as a chiropractic assistant include assisting the chiropractor and helping the needs and concerns of the patients.
I am a wife and mother of three children and a long-time resident of Ajax, Ontario. Prior to working at the Chiropractic Centre, I was a stay-at-home mom for many years. For me, being a mother is the most important role in the world! Spending time with family, dinner with special friends, movie nights, walks by the lake, and travelling are just a few of the many things I love to do.
Laure Thorpe, Chiropractic Assistant
Laura joined our dynamic team in 2017 as a chiropractic assistant. She spent 20 years in the marketing research field then found her passion in the healthcare field. She is one of the first people you will meet at our centre and will guide you through your first few visits as you embark on your journey to optimum health. Laura is our laser and spinal scan specialist.
Laura and her family are long time Pickering residents. She enjoys reading, swimming and long walks at the Pickering lakeshore.