Team

Alda Ngo

B.Sc. Dr.TCM Dr.Ac FABORM OBAAM

Co-Owner and Executive Director

Dr. Alda Ngo (she/her) is a licensed and registered Doctor of TCM with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture of BC (CTCMA of BC) as well as a Registered Doctor of Acupuncture with the College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA).

After completing her Bachelor of Science degree in General Biology at UBC, she finished a 5-year Doctor of TCM program at the International College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Vancouver.

Alda has been practising Chinese Medicine since 2005, with a specialization in reproductive medicine and became a fellow of the Acupuncture & TCM Board of Reproductive Medicine (ABORM) in 2008.  She is grateful for the ongoing opportunity to mentor with international leaders in her field, as she continually deepens her knowledge & cultivates her skills through post-graduate professional development.

Alda has worked as an acupuncturist on-site at Vancouver IVF Clinics: Olive Fertility Centre, Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine (PCRM), Genesis Fertility Centre & the former UBC Centre for Reproductive Health.

She has volunteered locally working with children with disabilities & internationally as part of a health outreach initiative with women’s groups in Guatemala. Her Chinese Medical studies also brought her to China, where she completed a practicum at the Anhui University Hospital of TCM in Hefei.

She is currently a Quality Assurance advisor for the CTCMA of BC & Canadian Alliance of Regulatory Bodies of TCMPA. She is also a Senior Member of the International Obstetrical Acupuncture Association (OBAA) and past executive coordinator of the former TCM Association of BC (TCMABC).

Alda is currently part of a research team investigating the benefits of mindfulness for fertility patients through McMaster University. She is an ordained practitioner & student of Mindfulness Meditation in the Tiep Hien Order of the late Zen Master & Nobel Peace Prize nominee, Thich Nhat Hanh. As a Certified MBSR Facilitator with the Centre for Mindfulness Studies, she facilitates mindfulness-based stress reduction programs. For information on upcoming mindfulness programs, please go to www.mindfulnessforfertility.com

Alda’s own reproductive health challenges and her own fertility story deeply inform her practice with patients. She understands the common challenges that her patients face in their health crises – to balance working hard for a desired outcome while having kindness and patience with the body, mind and heart. She has also come to understand what it feels like to hope without desperation, and to take good care of what she has control over, while cultivating a deep sense of peace and acceptance with that which lies beyond her control.

It is her aspiration to help support patients on their journeys toward balance & to empower them to continually cultivate overall well-being and resilience. She facilitates this through a combination of acupuncture, Chinese herbs, functional medicine, overall lifestyle changes, and Mindfulness Meditation.

After over 30 years living on the West Coast, Alda has recently returned to set down roots in Edmonton with her husband Sean & their son Tien. Alda is thrilled to be a co-owner of Whole Family Health, and she is excited to continue to grow her practice under the big wide open prairie skies..

Christina Pistotnik

HHP Dr.Ac FABORM OBAAM

Co-Owner and Clinical Director

Dr. Christina Pistotnik (she/her) is a Registered Doctor of Acupuncture with the College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA).

Before completing the Acupuncture Program at Grant MacEwan University, she completed the Holistic Health Program, specializing in reflexology and acupressure.

Christina has been practising and specializing in reproductive medicine since 2010. She has completed extensive postgraduate training in areas including reproductive health, obstetrics, diagnostics and Chinese herbal applications. Her ongoing commitment to post-graduate professional development continues and she is a fellow of the Acupuncture & TCM Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine (ABORM). She is also a member of the International Obstetrical Acupuncture Association (OBAA).

It’s important to Christina that her patients feel heard and understood. She believes that providing acupuncture treatments is more than just sticking a few needles in the body. It’s rather about really connecting with patients so that they feel empowered, supported and cared for.

Christina was originally drawn to Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine subsequent to being in a car accident. She was unable to find relief and mentally, she felt frustrated, depressed and alone. She wasn’t able to improve her condition and she felt a loss of control.

Acupuncture changed her life. Not only did it relieve her pain, but it also gave her a sense of freedom. Acupuncture empowered her, so that she was finally able to live her life again. This experience inspired Christina to enrol in Acupuncture School so that she could share this same gift of physical and mental freedom as well as empowerment with others.

Ultimately, her passion lies in treating male and female fertility, gynecology, and obstetrics. She has dedicated her practice to supporting men and women to optimize their fertility, and to support patients through pregnancies so that they can achieve their dreams of having healthy, happy families.

Kelsey Shaw

Dr.Ac

Dr. Kelsey Shaw (she/her) is a Registered Doctor of Acupuncture with the College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA).

Graduating from Grant MacEwan University in 2011 with her Diploma of Acupuncture, Kelsey continues to further her education, continuing her studies in gynecology, fertility, gastroenterology, and orthopedics. She is particularly passionate about helping others with digestive disorders and pediatrics, but also specializes in chronic pain, allergies and mental health.

Kelsey was always drawn towards a more natural way of achieving health and wellness.  When her own health was affected, a friend suggested she try acupuncture. After experiencing the profound healing affects first-hand, she was hooked!

Kelsey is a compassionate practitioner who enjoys getting to know each of her patients, educating them, making them feel at ease and also making them laugh. She supports her patients, taking in all facets of their health. She develops high standard treatment plans, using a gentle approach to acupuncture and incorporating other modalities such as Fire Cupping, Moxa, Tui Na, and Gua Sha.

Kelsey is currently on parental leave.

Catherine Woodlock

Dr.Ac RH DTCM OBAAM

Obstetrics Program Director

Dr. Catherine Woodlock (she/her) is a Registered Doctor of Acupuncture with the College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA) and a Registered Herbalist with the Alberta Herbalists Association (AHA). She is also a member of the International Obstetrical Acupuncture Association (OBAA).

Catherine completed the five-year Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine program with the Dean’s Academic Achievement Award at the Kootenay Columbia College of Integrative Health Sciences in Nelson, BC. She is passionate about offering an alternative and complementary avenue of medicine to women. She has pursued continuing education in the specialties of fertility, gynaecology, obstetrics, postpartum care, paediatrics and trauma.

After a decade spent deeply pursuing her own healing, Catherine has cultivated a dynamic relationship with her health through the gentle and thorough wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Her own personal struggles with women’s health led her to experience gaps in the standard gynaecological model, leading to the discovery that the ancient knowledge of Chinese Medicine supports and enhances all aspects of women’s cycles.

Chinese Medicine has given her a thorough system of treating the body, mind and Spirit, as well as an avenue for her commitment to helping people. She loves working with patients to discover the root of their illnesses, and how they can modify their lifestyle to support healthy new patterns. She essentially supports patients to discover their own unique and ongoing relationship with their health.

Catherine is honoured and thrilled to be practicing this medicine at Whole Family Health. It is her passion to be part of a team that applies the best of innovative research with the nuances of Chinese Medicine to create a healthy environment both within and for the whole family.

She treats her patients through acupuncture, Chinese herbs, cupping, gua sha, moxibustion, lifestyle and dietary therapy. She is consistently seeking to develop her professional knowledge so that she can bring each patient the best standard of care.

Kassidy Finch

Dr.Ac OBAAM

Dr. Kassidy Finch (she/her) is a Registered Doctor of Acupuncture with the College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA).

Kassidy is a graduate of the Acupuncture program at MacEwan University. She enjoys exploring how Eastern medicine can transform a person’s being and outlook on life. She also loves sharing as she continually grows in the knowledge and skill that this ancient medicine has to offer.

From a young age, Kassidy always wanted to work in the health care industry. Her own personal health and healing journey has inspired her to investigate how she can help others with a holistic approach. Kassidy feels that her calling is Chinese medicine, as she deeply believes in the importance of nurturing balance within the body.

Kassidy has a special interest in fertility, reproductive health, digestive disorders, mental health, and musculoskeletal issues. She has a particular interest in supporting patients through IVF, and using acupuncture and research protocols to help with stress relief as well as optimizing the chances of success.

Kassidy is also inspired to work in fertility medicine, as she understands the invaluable meaning of family and the creation of it. Her own mom’s fertility journey has impacted her desire to support families, and her passion for reproductive health.

Kassidy recognizes everyone’s story is unique and she strives to create an empathetic environment with her clients. She is warm and attentive and enjoys providing an optimal diagnosis and treatment plan with attention to key details. Kassidy loves to utilize a variety of modalities to optimize her treatment plans, such as cupping, moxibustion, Tui Na massage, and guasha.

Kassidy is thrilled to be working with a team of skilled and talented practitioners at Whole Family Health. Her passion lies in the collaborative and integrated care that Whole Family Health provides. She believes in the importance of conventional medicine in unity with the holistic benefits of acupuncture, to support a comprehensive healing process.

Kassidy feels fortunate to be in a profession that teaches the ancient ways of healing, and she is excited to share how to self-cultivate these healing practices into daily life.

Cathie Skoropad

RMT

Cathie Skoropad (she/her) is a Registered Massage Therapist with The Natural Health Care Practitioners of Canada

Cathie is a 2019 graduate of the Makami College 3,000-hour massage therapy program, and the recipient of the College’s Letter of Distinction.

Among her former careers, Cathie worked as a tour guide in Great Britain, a journalist, a sports communication officer, and a communications writer for the Alberta Government (Intergovernmental Affairs) and the AHS.

Cathie feels like she’s really come home becoming part of the Whole Family Health team – a warm, caring, and collaborative clinic.

Having to move through some difficult life experiences, including a house fire due to an electrical fault, Cathie was led to pursue healing and well-being. After her own journey, she was compelled to help others.

Cathie was inspired to pursue studies at the Canadian Acupressure College – Five Elements program on Vancouver Island, and achieved Level II Reiki with Victoria’s Queenswood Holistic Healing and Spiritual Society. These explorations brought Cathie to her current career as a Registered Massage Therapist.

She has had the privilege of working as an RMT with a diverse clientele, including both professional and amateur athletes, musicians, and professional drivers. Cathie particularly likes working with those who are looking for relief from everyday stress, aches, and pains.

A life-long learner, Cathie is halfway through a BSc in Human Ecology at the University of Alberta (super-slow track!). Most recently, she completed a Rehabilitation Massage Workshop with Dr. Lanre Salami.

In her spare time, Cathie is a 12-year volunteer with the Canmore Folk Music Festival, and is now in her 16th year of fostering for the Edmonton Humane Society.

Cathie is grateful to be a part of the Whole Family Health team, and always looks forward to meeting new clients.

Kathryn Flynn

BA BEd

Kathryn (she/her) is a Certified Nutrition Consultant.

Kathryn holds a Combined Honours Bachelor of Arts & Education degree from the University of Western Ontario & is currently pursuing a Masters of Science in Nutrition from the University of Bridgeport.

Having seen both sides, first as a patient and then as practitioner, Kathryn found healing and truth in whole foods, relaxation, and many of the techniques of Chinese medicine. Kathryn’s journey through the wonderful world of holistic healing began when she had the opportunity to meet Dr. Randine Lewis, author of The Infertility Cure and The Way of the Fertile Soul. Kathryn’s journey continued from Randine Lewis to Paul Pitchford, author of Healing with Whole Foods.

Over the past decade, Kathryn has used a functional nutrition approach: therapeutic foods, regular exercise and relaxation practices to guide her patients to greater health. She is passionate about using nutrition and lifestyle to help patients meet their health goals. Today she uses both Eastern and Western nutritional therapies in a three-tiered approach that guides clients toward improved levels of balanced health.

Kathryn is the author of the cookbook Cooking for Fertility and co-author of The Fertile Secret. She frequently presents on Hormone Health and Fertility. She is trained in the healing benefits of whole foods by Paul Pitchford, author of Healing with Whole Foods, and has worked extensively with Dr. Randine Lewis, author of The Infertility Cure, to develop the Fertile Soul’s integrative nutrition program for reproductive health.

As the founder of FertileFoods.com her intention is to support men and women from the childbearing years all the way to the family dinner table by prioritizing relaxation, pleasure, exercise, healthy foods and high quality nutrient supplementation.

Kathryn believes that the most important aspect in our relationship with our bodies and food is pleasure. Pleasure tells us whether or not we are moving in the right direction with the choices we are making. So many of her clients have struggled with dietary and lifestyle restrictions that take the joy out of eating and cooking. Kathryn believes that a healthy relationship with food involves enjoying what we are eating and finding healthful choices that improve our wellbeing.

Kathryn is delighted to offer virtual holistic nutritional consultations through Whole Family Health.

Harley Mo

Office Administrator & Patient Coordinator

Harley (she/her) holds a diploma in Business Administration from NAIT and she is very excited to be a part of the Whole Family Health team.

Bringing a wealth of experience, Harley is also happy to find a way to foster the holistic approach that she values, into her work as an administrator.  She is deeply influenced by her upbringing, with her family engaging in massage and acupuncture treatments for wellness. This background has instilled a profound appreciation for holistic health practices in her.

Harley believes that life is an ongoing journey of self-exploration and she takes great joy in pushing her own limits to embrace challenges. This philosophy permeates through her daily life, from maintaining a rigorous workout routine to engaging in various adventures, such as skydiving and rock climbing. These experiences are not only exhilarating, but they also serve as a testament to her belief that life’s true essence lies in exploring our edges to discover inner strength.

Harley is genuinely looking forward to continuing to explore & learn how she can support clients & elevate their wellness journey experience at our clinic.

Stephanie Haeubl

Office Adminstrator & Patient Coordinator

Stephanie (she/her) earned a BSc in Biological Sciences and Psychology with distinction and a Certificate in Sustainability from the University of Alberta. She is now pursuing a diploma in Massage Therapy at Grant MacEwan University, blending her passion for learning and commitment to the well-being of others.

Stephanie is dedicated to expanding her skill set to better contribute to the holistic health of those she serves, with an eagerness to make a positive impact on people’s lives.

Outside of work and her studies, Stephanie enjoys spending time with her friends and family, fostering her social relationships and striving to maintain a balance in all areas of life. Stephanie is excited to bring her blend of scientific knowledge, passion for helping others, and appreciation for life’s simple joys to create meaningful and transformative experiences for clients.

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