Meet Our Team
Naturopathic Doctors
Dr. Justin Lafreniere, ND, Clinical Director
Dr. Justin Lafreniere, ND is the clinical director of West Vancouver Wellness Centre. Given his diverse interests and the scope of his work, his broad, family-focused practice is unique among those of his peers. With a background in biochemistry, Dr. Lafreniere brings insightful advice and therapies for complex metabolic and endocrine disorders, such as diabetes, symptomatic menopause and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Additionally, he is a passionate researcher of autistic spectrum disorders, attention deficit disorder (ADD), as well as pediatric developmental issues. At his practice, Dr. Lafreniere employs a wide range of diagnostic techniques and therapeutic interventions to provide comprehensive, holistic and effective patient-centred care.
Since many patients are looking for a way to regain a more youthful vigour and appearance, Dr. Lafreniere is well-versed in advanced nutrition and anti-aging protocols. These include aesthetic procedures such as cosmetic acupuncture and non-surgical facelifts.
Personal Life
Dr. Lafreniere is an avid mountain biker, rock climber, surfer and backcountry skier. Undoubtedly, it is this ‘minor obsession’ with adrenaline-inducing sports that has led him to his interest in athletic rehabilitation and sports medicine. He has advanced training courses in specific rehabilitation techniques, including prolotherapy and neural therapy.
Dr. Lafreniere is conversationally fluent in Spanish (español) and French (français).
Dr. Lafreniere’s Philosophy
“As a naturopathic physician, I strive to bridge the gap between conventional and alternative medical practices. I empower my patients to understand all of their options and take an active role in their health care in order to benefit from an integrated approach to medicine. Naturopathic medicine is at the forefront of cutting-edge, integrative medicine. Its unique mosaic of paradigms creates a holistic and integrated understanding of the human body in both health and disease. The origin of the term ‘doctor’ comes from the Latin meaning ‘teacher.’ As a naturopathic doctor, my role is to teach. Using my knowledge and skills as a physician, I endeavour to provide up-to-date, efficient and effective, patient-centred health care.”
Curriculum Vitae
Education:
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Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine, Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine (2003-2007)
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Bachelor of Science, Double Major in Biochemistry and Chemistry, University of Victoria (1998-2003)
Clinical Experience:
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Clinical Director of West Vancouver Wellness Centre (2007-Present)
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Volunteer Outreach Clinic, Steeves Manor, BC Housing Project (2007-Present)
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Volunteer Outreach Clinic, Friends for Life (2006/2007)
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Clinical Assistant, Walking Unidos Prosthetics Clinic, Leon, Nicaragua (Summer 2004)
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Day Programs Operator, Extended Care Unit, South Okanagan General Hospital (2002/2003)
Professional Affiliation:
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(CNPBC) College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia
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Board Certifications in Acupuncture, Intravenous Therapies and Prolotherapy
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ALS Certification (2007)
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British Columbia Naturopathic Association (BCNA)
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Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND)
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Naturopathic Academy of Therapeutic Injection (NATI)
Dr. Gaetano Morello, B.Sc., N.D.
Gaetano A. Morello, B.Sc., N.D., is regarded as a leading authority on natural medicine. A graduate of the prestigious Bastyr University, and a board-certified naturopathic physician, he is the author of The Cleanse, Ultimate Inside Out Approach, Whole Body Cleansing, and a contributing author to A Textbook of Natural Medicine, the most definitive text on natural medicine in the world.
Dr. Morello lectures extensively to doctors, pharmacists, health food store personnel and the lay public about the benefits of natural medicine. His knowledge and experience in the clinical applications of the scientific foundations of natural medicine have placed him in demand as a speaker and increasingly as a contributor to health and medical panels, directorships, forums and conventions throughout the world.
He has written hundreds of articles and has given over 500 medical presentations in the United States, Canada, Australia, Germany and Italy in the last decade. He is a known authority on a wide variety of health topics such as: Complex Chronic Diseases (Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, ME, Lyme Disease), Cardiovascular Disease, Pain Management, Detoxification, Digestion and much more.
He is member of the Quality Assurance Committee for the College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia, and Dr. Morello’s mission is to ensure that Naturopathic Medicine utilizes the highest level of quality care for all patients.
Besides his own busy private practice, Dr. Morello is a Clinician at the celebrated Complex Chronic Disease Program at BC Women's Hospital in Vancouver, treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia ME and Lyme disease. He is the first Naturopathic Physician to hold such a position at a major North American hospital.
Always an advocate of early childhood nutrition, Dr. Morello and his wife, Karlene, support a variety of healthy food initiatives in both Canada and the United States.
Curriculum Vitae
Education:
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Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University received in 1991
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Bachelor of Science Degree (Cell Biology/Nutrition) from the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C. in 1984
Affiliations and Present Positions:
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Clinician Internal Medicine - Complex Chronic Disease Program, BC Woman’s Hospital, Vancouver, B.C.
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Associate Physician - Complement Health Care, West Vancouver, B.C.
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Board Member - Association of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia
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Board Member - British Columbia Association of Naturopathic Physicians
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Board Member - Canadian Association of Naturopathic Physicians
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Board Member - Quality Assurance Committee, Association of Naturopathic Physicians of B.C.
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Member - New York Academy of Sciences
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Scientific Advisory Board - Schwabe North America
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Scientific Advisor - Dr. Murray’s Natural Living
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Scientific Advisor - Stevia First
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Director of Education and Scientific Affairs - Emerald Health Sciences
For a look at Dr. Morello’s list of publications, lectures and media interviews, click here.
Nutritionists
Jirina Sandall, CAIN-RHNP™ - Holistic Nutritionist
Jirina is a Registered Holistic Nutrition Practitioner™ at the West Vancouver Wellness Centre. She earned her title through her studies at the Nutraphoria School of Holistic Nutrition, which granted her accreditation through the Canadian Association for Integrative Nutrition. Jirina is extremely passionate about nutrition and embodies this in her daily cooking projects and research. She believes in taking a holistic approach to nutritional counselling and strives to not only teach her clients but to inspire them to find joy in the power of nutrition too. To complement her nutritional studies, Jirina has also completed a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology, which has expanded her knowledge in the field of health and nutrition vastly. Since starting her career, Jirina has taken a special interest in plant-based nutrition. Whether you are a vegan or vegetarian, or just simply looking to eat more plant-based, Jirina can help you find the most nutritious foods to help support your body through the process.
Personal Life
Jirina loves the outdoors all year round, but especially in the summer months. If the sun is shining, you would be hard-pressed to find her inside. She loves to go camping and immerse herself in nature as much as possible. During the colder months, she spends most of her time in the kitchen creating new, seasonal recipes. Her favourite hobby has always been cooking, which has helped shape her life today.
Services
Jirina offers in-person and remote counselling sessions and also works collaboratively with Dr. Justin Lafreniere to develop comprehensive nutritional plans.
Curriculum Vitae
Education:
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Advanced Diploma: Holistic Nutritionist - Nutraphoria School of Holistic Nutrition (2022)
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Certificate Course in Vegetarian and Vegan Nutrition - Nutraphoria School of Holistic Nutrition (2021)
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Bachelor of Kinesiology: Health Sciences - University of British Columbia (2020)
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Diploma in Holistic Nutrition & Health Coaching - Nutraphoria School of Holistic Nutrition (2019)
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Diploma in Human Kinetics: Exercise Science - Capilano University (2018)
Certifications:
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Certified Holistic Nutrition & Health Coach
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Certified Holistic Nutritionist
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Certificate in Vegan & Vegetarian Nutrition
Professional Affiliation:
Canadian Association for Integrative Nutrition (CAIN)
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