What To Expect
Patient Process
Aspire Medicine has multiple naturopathic doctors, Family medicine doctors, psychologists, and pharmacists to provide you a well rounded health team. Our team combines their experience and expertise, which is one of the main reasons for our high success rate with our patients. This provides you total health care…All in one place.
Our Naturopathic Medicine Team
Dr. Shane Johnson, NDIntestinal Conditions
Dr. Shane Johnson, NDIntestinal Conditions
His First Patient… When He Was Just 6 Years Old
Born and raised in Red Deer, Dr. Johnson developed a passion for medicine at an early age. When he was 6 years old he helped care for his grandfather, who’s health was ailing due to mustard gas exposure after being in WWII. Dr. Johnson would help him in and out of bed, bring him food, and listen to his stories to keep him company. This experience of helping his grandfather and the bond they developed had a significant impact on Dr. Johnson personally and in his future career choice.
During his undergraduate degree at the University of Calgary, Dr. Johnson jumped at the opportunity to job shadow a Medical Doctor. Walking into the clinic he was excited to take his first step into the world of medicine. Unfortunately, he left the experience feeling disillusioned; “How can you get a patient’s whole story in 8 to 10 minutes?” he thought. This was not what he envisioned medicine to look like and was very disappointed. At a crossroads as to what his future career was going to be, he began researching other medical professions.
Mother Knows Best
On the advice of his mother, Dr. Johnson decided to job shadow a Naturopathic Doctor (ND). The amount of time that the ND spent with her patients, hearing their story, and getting to the root cause of the patient’s issues, were the main things that drew Dr. Johnson to pursue a Naturopathic medical degree.
Dr. Johnson completed his Naturopathic medical program at Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington.
One Of The Few ND’s In Alberta
Dr. Johnson is one of very few ND’s in Alberta to be accepted into a competitive certified 1-year residency in family practice, which he completed at the Southwest Naturopathic Medical Center in Tempe, Arizona. He saw more patients in 1 year of residency than most ND’s see in their first 5 years of private practice.
During his residency, Dr. Johnson was able to work as a naturopathic doctor (ND) but with a similar scope to MD’s, as Arizona licenses naturopathic doctors as primary care providers. Thus, Dr. Johnson was able to prescribe medications, worked in hospitals and other community health centers, in addition to his Naturopathic training. This is where Dr. Johnson saw firsthand the value of MD’s and ND’s working on the same team, and where his vision of the “2 Doctor System” developed; which he would later bring to Canada.
Helping So Many People Who Didn’t Have Insurance
Dr. Johnson worked at a make shift community health clinic that was set up in a church one day per week in Phoenix, AZ. This clinic provided free medical care to individuals who had no health insurance. He will never forget his first day when he turned the corner 30 minutes before his shift started and there was already a lineup of at least 50 people around the church waiting for the doors to open. These patients often suffered from common conditions that had been left without medical care for too long, which was really unfortunate to see. This included individuals with years of uncontrolled diabetes, skin infections that were extremely infected and risked serious surgery or loss of limbs, to children who had never seen a doctor and needed basic medical support. Being able to help so many people who so badly needed it reconfirmed Dr. Johnson’s passion for helping others.
He Excels In Complicated Cases
Dr. Johnson is driven by helping people feel better, so they can live their best life possible. He loves finding the underlying cause of each patient’s disease and set of symptoms, and the investigative work that this brings on, especially in complicated health cases.
He is a member in good standing of both the College of Naturopathic Doctors of Alberta (CNDA) and the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND).
Dr. Johnson integrates herbal medicine, nutrition, IV therapy and lifestyle counseling into his practice. As a result of working with a Gastroenterologist in Arizona as part of his residency, he developed a special interest in digestive issues such as IBS, Crohns, Colitis, GERD, Celiac disease and stomach ulcers. Due to this experience he has a very well rounded education and approach with both natural and conventional medical treatments for intestinal conditions.
High School Sweetheart
Outside of the clinic, Dr. Johnson spends his time with his two sons and his high school sweetheart, Dr. Jennie, a child and teen psychologist. They love spending time as a family outside on the lake, golfing, and playing hockey.
Add Dr. Johnson to your medical team today!
Dr. Jennifer Pilon, NDFertility, Diabetes & intestinal conditions
Dr. Jennifer Pilon, NDFertility, Diabetes & intestinal conditions
Hometown Kid
Dr. Jen Pilon grew up in Red Deer, and graduated from Notre Dame High School. As the child of a registered nurse and an x-ray technician, she was constantly exposed to medical talk and the ins and outs of the conventional healthcare system. She also recognized what a rewarding and meaningful calling it is to be able to help others who need healing, and always knew that she wanted to be involved in some type of health care profession. She was blessed with open-minded parents who regularly used alternative treatments like chiropractic and acupuncture, and from a young age observed the benefit of these treatments and how they could be combined with conventional medicine to achieve optimal outcomes – the best of both worlds!
Finding A Calling
After graduating with a Bachelor of Science from Thompson Rivers University, Dr. Pilon set out to decide what to do next. She considered nursing, dietetics, and conventional medical school. It was then that her mom suggested “what about looking into being a naturopathic doctor”? After doing some research and reading about the principles of naturopathic medicine, especially those of Treating the Whole Person and Doctor as Teacher, Dr. Pilon knew that this was the job she was meant to do. Naturopathic medicine seemed like such an exciting opportunity to bridge the gap between conventional and alternative medicine!
A Great Orator
Dr. Pilon discovered and developed a passion for one-on-one teaching and group health education through tutoring in high school and medical school and working as a volunteer Diabetes Awareness Speaker with the Canadian Diabetes Association.. It was so rewarding to take concepts that people found challenging or boring and find ways to make them approachable and exciting. She remembers one time in particular when talking to a group of high school students about a healthy diet and how it could prevent type 2 diabetes.
Everyone was looking exceptionally bored…until she did a demonstration using sugar cubes to actually show them how much added sugar was in the pop and frozen carbonated drinks they loved so much. Most of the students were totally shocked, and one in particular even came up and told Dr. Pilon that she would be changing her habits now that she knew what was best for her body. It was so rewarding to be able to help someone incorporate healthier habits at a young age, when it can really make a difference in the long run!
Coaching A Homeless Person Get A Part Time Job
Prior to attending naturopathic medical school at Bastyr University in Seattle, Dr. Pilon worked for several years as a youth employment counselor. Her favorite part of this job was helping teenagers and young adults with “no experience” see that they really did have valuable skills and abilities, and to help them gain the confidence they needed to interview and find a job. She remembers vividly one student in particular who was experiencing homelessness. He was very motivated to get a job and change his situation, but was struggling to see how he could add anything valuable to a workplace.
Together, they sat down and came up with a list of the ways he had shown resilience and motivation in the challenges in his life up to this point. They were able to see together how his difficult circumstances had actually given him a lot of knowledge and skills that were unique and valuable. Dr. Pilon had never been so proud to see someone get a part time job at a fast food restaurant even though it may not seem like a dream job! The skills she learned as an employment counselor have been very valuable as a naturopathic doctor, in helping people to see that they really do have the resources and ability to heal and make sustainable health-promoting changes.
Residency And Shelters… Mental Health, STD’s And Addictions
Ultimately Dr. Pilon’s passion for education resulted in her being selected to participate in a competitive residency program at the Bastyr Center for Natural Health, the teaching clinic of Bastyr University. In this position she supervised naturopathic medicine students as they gained clinical experience providing primary care to patients from a variety of backgrounds. During her residency, she worked in a variety of low or no-cost offsite clinical rotations including a homeless shelter for women and families, a drop-in homeless clinic in Downtown Seattle and a variety of seniors’ centers in the area.
These experiences gave Dr. Pilon the experience of making naturopathic medicine affordable and accessible for people of all walks of life. In these clinics, she worked with individuals experiencing mental health challenges, sexually transmitted infections, diabetes, addictions, and joint and muscle pain. She was also able to see little ones ranging from a few days old to teenagers and help them and their families with everything from weight checks to lice to finding ways to stay healthy while living in close quarters with so many others.
Dr. Pilon has special clinical interest in women’s medicine (menstrual concerns, menopause, infertility, preconception and postpartum care, etc.), diabetes management, cardiovascular concerns (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, etc.), pediatrics and anxiety/depression. She uses many different types of treatments including counseling, clinical nutrition, supplements, herbal medicine, hands-on therapies and referrals for medications when necessary. She believes that the key to creating long-term changes in your health is to take small, sustainable steps.
Home At Last!
After 6 years in Seattle, WA, Dr. Pilon is excited to be back to her home town of Red Deer, but this time she’s bringing a husband and infant daughter along for the ride! She’s excited to be a part of the team at Aspire and to provide care to the people of Central Alberta, whether it’s an old friend or a new face. In her spare time, Dr. Pilon enjoys knitting up a storm, reading anything by C.S. Lewis, experimenting with new recipes (for food and herbal medicines!), and hanging out with her husband, daughter and her dog, a keeshond mix Jovie. She is committed follower of Jesus and strives to honor Him in everything she does.
Dr. Tanya Morin, NDChildren’s & Women’s Health, intestinal conditions
Dr. Tanya Morin, NDChildren’s & Women’s Health, intestinal conditions
Hooked on Vitamin Gummies
Dr. Morin was born and raised in St. Albert, Alberta. Dr. Morin was fortunate to be raised in an environment where her parents were advocates of a healthy diet and lifestyle. She regularly saw both a naturopathic doctor and medical doctor, but there was something extra special about going to see the naturopath and indulging on the yummy vitamin gummies waiting for her in the reception room (& you could often find her sneaking an extra gummie or two). Through her childhood and into early adulthood, Dr. Morin was able to gain a great appreciation for both naturopathic medicine and conventional medicine and their roles in improving health.
Doctor as Teacher
Growing up, Dr. Morin had always wanted to be a teacher and enjoyed working with kids so she obtained her Bachelors' of Education degree with a focus in Elementary Education from the University of Alberta. As part of her undergraduate degree, she was able to spend a semester teaching in China, where she further learned to appreciate traditional Chinese medicine and other perspectives of looking at health. Although she loved the idea of being a teacher, she also quickly fell in love with the nutrition and biochemistry classes she was taking and began to wonder how she could blend her passions for nutrition, teaching, and working with children into one career. Reflecting on her childhood and the values instilled by her mother, she realized she could become a naturopathic doctor! This led her to Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (SCNM) in Tempe, Arizona, so she packed up her suitcases and headed to the United States for four years of sunshine and learning!
MonTanya
After graduating from SCNM, Dr. Morin was long overdue for some snow (Arizona was much hotter than anticipated), so she decided to move to Bozeman, Montana where she completed a one-year general medicine residency at an integrative naturopathic practice. During her residency, she expanded her skills as a naturopathic doctor through collaboration with a variety of healthcare professionals in the community. Dr. Morin understands the importance of integrating naturopathic, conventional, and alternative therapies to guide her patients on their wellness journey.
Back in the Mother Land
Dr. Morin is excited to be a part of the team at Aspire Natural Medicine. She is passionate about delivering effective, realistic, and evidenced-based naturopathic care for her patients. She enjoys collaborating with her patient's existing health care providers to ensure their health goals are being addressed. She focuses on family medicine and enjoys treating a wide variety of conditions. She has special interests in working with children, particularly those with ADHD, Autism, and other developmental or learning concerns. She strives to teach her patients about their health, bringing understanding to not only 'what' we are doing to improve health, but 'why' we are doing it.
When she is not at the office, Dr. Morin enjoys napping and spending time with her cats - Pete and Rudy. She loves to travel and explore the beautiful sights Canada has to offer. She also enjoys snowboarding and experimenting with new kombucha and plant-based cooking recipes! Dr. Morin also considers herself a professional smoothie maker (self-nominated, of course).
Dr. Amoz Van Dyke, NDPain, intestinal conditions
Dr. Amoz Van Dyke, NDPain, intestinal conditions
Growing up on the Comstock
Dr. Van Dyke was born and raised in Northern Nevada. He spent most of his time in the Sierra Nevada mountains in a small historic mining town of Virginia City near Reno and Lake Tahoe. In this small town of less than 750 people he learned the importance of community and service to others. He enjoyed the mountain lifestyle with lots of hiking, biking, camping, fishing, sledding and skiing. He was very active in Boy Scouts and in sports, especially basketball, volleyball, and even an after-school gym hockey league for a number of years. After graduating high school, Dr. Van Dyke served in the United States Army in communications for 4 years. While living in Las Vegas, Nevada, he pursued a career in computer and information technology, becoming very adept at diagnosing and correcting telecommunications systems. In addition to his analytic skills, he was always interested in nutrition and how the body functioned and adapted, which led him to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition with a focus on Sports Nutrition.
What are those tables doing here?
Dr. Van Dyke was raised to utilize food as medicine, which is what drove his passion for nutrition. As a young boy, his family enjoyed making homemade herbal remedies and he was fortunate enough to experience chiropractic care to support his health. Despite growing up with a strong background in using naturopathic methods and principles, it was not until he was halfway through his bachelor program that he discovered there was such thing as a naturopathic doctor. While he was visiting Bastyr University in Washington to explore continuing in a Masters of Nutrition program, he saw the spinal adjusting tables, which peeked his interest – “what are those doing here?”. He began asking a lot of questions to the naturopathic student running the tour and the admissions advisor, to which he discovered all the offerings of naturopathic medicine. From that point on he knew what he wanted to do with the rest of his life which was to become a Naturopathic Doctor. After his trip to Washington, he became more aware of the options for health care and the role & outcomes of using naturopathic medicine versus conventional medicine. He was extremely excited for the next adventure as he pursued the next stage of his career - attending Bastyr University to become a Naturopathic Doctor.
Gathering more knowledge
Always interested in gaining more information, Dr Van Dyke also completed a second degree program at Bastyr University, earning a Master of Acupuncture and East Asian Medicine. He was able to attend a 3-week externship in China observing herbal and acupuncture treatments at ChengDu and Shanghai University hospitals. He discovered that the combination of using natural medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine allowed for an even deeper understanding of complimentary and integrative healing systems. Dr. Van Dyke completed three years of residency, one of which focused on non-opioid pain management. After residency he joined the staff at the Neil Riordan Center for Regenerative Medicine where he treated acute and chronic conditions for all ages with non-opioid pain management including acupuncture, regenerative injection therapies, spinal and fascial manipulation, nutrition, and nature cure. He also taught orthopedics and physical manipulation therapy to medical students at the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (SCNM).
On becoming a Canadian Goose
By happy circumstance while living in Arizona, he met a former SCNM graduate which resulted in him often visiting the Edmonton and Red Deer area over the next few years. After exploring his options, he followed his heart and moved north to Red Deer to continue his particular style of blending naturopathic and traditional Chinese medicines in managing complex conditions and helping people succeed on their health journeys. In his spare time, he enjoys following his passions for cooking a wide variety of foods, watching movies, re-learning how to ski, and spending as much time with his wife and their cats as time allows.
Dr. Van Dyke has held licensure for naturopathic medicine and acupuncture in the states of Washington and Arizona and currently is a member in good standing of both the College of Naturopathic Doctors of Alberta (CNDA) and the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND).
Dr. Iris Clarin, NDADHD support, children's health, intestinal conditions
Dr. Iris Clarin, NDADHD support, children's health, intestinal conditions
Well Traveled
Dr. Clarin was born in the Philippines and immigrated with her family when she was just 2yo first to Germany before finally settling in Calgary, AB. Having traveled around Europe at such a young age gave her an appreciation of different cultures and experiences and food. Although she was the baby of the family, she always had the desire to take care of everyone, especially her grandparents who lived with them. She always knew that she wanted to become a doctor and help others in their health journey.
Naturopathic Medicine Calling
After finishing her BSc. Biology degree, she took a couple of years off to work for Calgary Lab Services in their microbiology department, get married and settle down with her high school sweetheart. Realizing quickly that working under a microscope all day, was not her calling and longing for patient interaction, she decided to continue with her studies. In the process of applying for allopathic medical school, her husband started to have major back problems. Having found relief through chiropractic adjustments, Dr. Clarin went to observe a treatment, and having discussed her primary goal of prevention and lifestyle medicine, the chiropractor suggested she investigate Naturopathic Medicine. After reading the principles of Naturopathic Medicine, she knew she found her calling within her calling.
First Do No Harm
First Do No Harm stood out to her the most and has been her guiding principle since entering the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine and in the 10 years that she has been in practice. Her approach is always less is more, looking for root cause and working with the body's innate ability to heal to minimize harm (side effects) and increase success (return to health). In her decade of practice, she has also realized that all areas of health (Body, Mind, and Spirit) must be addressed, which has led her to pursue a Master’s in Counseling and work with a Spiritual Director.
Continuing To Learn
She has continued her education with getting Certified as a Bowen Health Therapist, taking Lymphatic and Craniosacral courses, being the first doctor in North America to be certified in Turbo Acupuncture (classical Chinese style) by its creator Dr. Thay Joe (MD, DDS, TCM) and doing a month-long internship at the world-renowned True North Center (Water Fasting/Vegan SOS free center) in California 2019. She also loves to volunteer her time at Church and as a Cycle for Sight organizer with Fighting Blindness Canada.
Family
Outside of the clinic, you will find her at the mercy of her hubby and two amazing “kids” (both double digits) who know more than mom and dad, trying out the newest restaurant, beating her family at Karaoke and Just Dance and enjoying the great outdoors hiking. Dr. Clarin continues her passion for travel that started at an early age with family in tow and visiting friends throughout the world. She is most excited to be returning to Red Deer where she practiced for 6 years and to the community she has grown to love and call her professional home.
Our Psychology Team
Dr. Jennie JohnsonChild and Teen Psychologist
Dr. Jennie JohnsonChild and Teen Psychologist
Dr. Jennie has always had a love of people, but it was not until she started babysitting at the age of 13 that she discovered her passion for working with children. In her high school year book, she strongly declared that she wanted to be a psychologist, without actually knowing what a psychologist really did! Thankfully, after her first child psychology class at the University of Calgary, she was hooked and it was then that she decided to become a clinical child psychologist. And, well the rest is history!
Dr. Jennie completed her PhD and internship in Ohio where she mostly worked with inner city youth. After 6 years in the US, Dr. Jennie decided she was ready to move back to Canada. After the birth of her two boys, Dr. Jennie began seeing child psychology in a whole new light. The focus on learning, behaviour, and CBT that was the foundation of her schooling did not fit her experience of parenting. Thus, she sought out an approach that was more developmental and relational in nature, and was rooted in attachment and emotion. She is excited to one day pursue a faculty position with the Neufeld Institute, which is the paradigm she adheres too.
She and her husband, along with their two young boys are proud to once again call Red Deer their home and the couple is passionate about helping people in Central Alberta.
Melissa WatsonRegistered Psychologist
Melissa WatsonRegistered Psychologist
For as long as Melissa can remember, she has held a passion towards psychology and learning about the human experience. This led Melissa to take her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology at the University of Calgary. During the last year of her degree, Melissa worked closely with a professor and community partners to create a research thesis. With the goal of empowering and giving a voice to those who may be struggling, Melissa created, implemented, and analyzed a poverty awareness survey that went live in Red Deer and surrounding areas. This evaluation provided her community partners with a starting point for future strategic planning regarding poverty reduction and alleviation in Red Deer. Melissa is very thankful for this opportunity as it provided meaningful work to her community.
Melissa then completed her Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology through Yorkville University. Through her practicum placement, she really began to see the impacts and importance of healthy attachments, relationships, and restoring connection to oneself. Since the completion of her master’s degree, Melissa now grounds her therapeutic approach in an emotionally focused and insight-based orientation. She loves working with children, teens, young adults, and parents to provide support, comfort, and to walk alongside people on their therapeutic journey. Getting curious about what may be underneath one’s symptoms is where Melissa found her theoretical orientation and provides the foundation to her approach. As a Provisional Psychologist, Melissa is lucky to work alongside Dr. Jennie as her supervisor while attaining her registration hours.
Melissa recently made the move to Calgary but could not imagine no longer working alongside the amazing psychologists that make up Dr. Jennie Psychology Group. She is happy to maintain connection with her hometown through her work and outside of her job, Melissa loves spending quality time with those she loves, getting outside, and curling up at home with a good book on a rainy day. Melissa is currently offering both in person and online sessions.
Brooklyn MoeRegistered Provisional Psychologist
Brooklyn MoeRegistered Provisional Psychologist
Brooklyn was born and raised on a farm outside of Red Deer, Alberta. After graduating high school, she moved to Australia for a year where she worked and traveled. For as long as she can remember Brooklyn has always enjoyed working with people and knew that she one day wanted to pursue a profession in a field that supported the growth and development of individuals. Brooklyn’s own health journey and passion for nutrition led her to complete a diploma in natural nutrition, but she felt like her learning was not complete and there were too many missing pieces. Valuing a bio-psycho-social approach to wellbeing, Brooklyn decided to pursue a degree in psychology, where her focus shifted more towards mental wellbeing.
Graduating from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology, Brooklyn worked closely with a professor and various community partners during her last year to complete a research thesis focusing on evaluating, promoting, and building awareness of developmental assets and resiliency in Red Deer’s youth. This is what initially sparked Brooklyn’s interest in emotional health and the power of connection, and attachment.
Upon completing her undergrad, Brooklyn went on to work in schools as a Community Liaison Work (CLW/family school wellness) which only furthered her desire to focus on attachment and connection. After working in the school system for a couple of years, Brooklyn then decided to complete her Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology degree through Yorkville University. During her practicum Brooklyn primarily worked with teens and adults experiencing crisis and trauma, allowing her to further immerse herself in a topic she is passionate about, but also diversify the age range in which she is experienced working with; However, her work with clients during her practicum remained rooted in an emotion-focused and attachment-based approach.
Shortly after graduating with her master’s, Brooklyn and her husband welcomed their second son. Being a mom to two young boys, Brooklyn finds joy and purpose in seeing and exploring the world through their eyes. With little opportunity for R and R, when afforded the time, Brooklyn can be found, reading and adapting recipes to nourish her young family, sipping a hot coffee and soaking up the warmth of the sun’s rays- no matter the season.