KYLA FOX, MSW, RSW
FOUNDER & CLINICAL THERAPIST
In my late teens and for years thereafter, I struggled severely with anorexia and an over-exercise addiction. I was in desperate need of medical and therapeutic attention. Due to the lack of immediate and ongoing services available in Toronto for those affected by eating disorders, I could not get the help I needed. I was put on 6-12 month wait lists for treatment and saw countless medical professionals who had very limited eating disorder knowledge and most, I felt, lacked concern for my life-threatening situation. I was told to take medication or I was simply told to “eat”.
Because of my lack of options, I had to learn how to recover on my own – something no one should have to go through. When I was well enough, I enrolled back into University where I was determined to study to become the therapist that I would have always wanted to have had myself.
Over the many years I have been practicing, I’ve dreamt about a way to bridge the gaps in our Toronto system for those affected by eating disorders. The Kyla Fox Centre is the opportunity for people to have clinical therapy and holistic healing right when they need it. It is the opportunity for people to receive treatment from those who deeply understand eating disorders and from those who have immense compassion for those who suffer. It is the opportunity for people to choose the way(s) in which they want to heal so that it meets their personal needs. It is the opportunity to recover. The Kyla Fox Centre is everything that I believe recovery should be about and I hope you will feel the same.
Kyla is a Master’s level clinician with degrees from both the University of Toronto in the Master’s of Social Work program as well as an Honors Bachelor of Arts Degree in Women’s Studies. Kyla is a member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers and is registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. She is also a member of the Academy of Eating Disorders and the National Eating Disorders Association.
Before opening the Kyla Fox Centre in February of 2012, Kyla spent almost a decade in private practice along with running groups in the field. She is a public speaker, writer, educator, advocate and media expert for eating disorders. Because of the years of silence in her suffering, Kyla has made it her mission to get loud about changing the way we understand eating disorders in our culture.
ALEX BECKER RP
PSYCHOTHERAPIST
How did you get here?
I struggled with perfectionism and pressure to perform at an elite level – which showed up in my athletic career as overtraining and restricting. When my athletic career ended, I grasped at things outside myself to define me or deem my self-worth. I held onto my restrictive eating patterns to maintain structure and familiarity while I attempted to transition into a more balanced life. As my relationship with myself strengthened and became more balanced my relationship with food became healthier and more stable as well.
For the past few years, I have worked in a treatment centre for adolescents struggling with addiction. I recognized the added challenge that comes when manifested in food behaviours since it is something that can’t be totally eliminated. As I worked more closely with individuals who struggled in relationship with food, I learned that food was often the solution to something going on internally. In supporting clients in connecting to themselves and exploring all their wonderful qualities they began looking within for answers.
Why do you love working at the Centre?
I love the holistic and integrative approach at the centre. While the treatment at the center honours the relationship with food and body it extends to digging into the root of the issues. I find this approach to be the most impactful and sustaining when working with eating disorders. Additionally, since the centre is an immersed outpatient program, a client can practice a new way of living in the environment that they will continue to live post-treatment. Lastly, I love the collaborative approach that allows us to put our heads together to find the most helpful treatment for each client while learning and growing as clinicians too.
How did you get here?
While completing my Masters degree in Social work, as a student on placement, I had the opportunity to work at an eating disorder clinic in a hospital. I found the work very challenging but also meaningful and important. This opened up a new way for me to understand how mental and physical experiences are connected. I found it interesting to learn how we can often experience a physical need or a need not being met, especially at an early age that can manifest into a mental one and how food can be used as a coping mechanism to deal with difficult feelings. This way of thinking also guided my work in other areas and shed a light on the way most women look at food, as 80% of us struggle with sub-clinical eating disorders.
For the past few years, I have worked in a treatment centre for adolescents struggling with eating disorders, ADHD, and anxiety, and other mental health disorders. I have also worked with adults who have struggled with trauma, illness, symptoms of depression and anxiety, eating disorders, and more. As I worked more closely with individuals who struggled in relationship with food, I learned that the reasons for this happening are beyond our control, however, there is much that can be done in order to make a difference, to think differently of our experiences and to learn how to manage difficulties in a healthier way
Why do you love working at the Centre?
I love the fact that the centre has a multidisciplinary team, and it can offer intense support to clients. I also think that there is always hope for change, for a healthier life, but with eating disorders, this can only be done with comprehensive care and a multidisciplinary approach to healing. I also love the fact that the team is so welcoming and caring, and they will do their best to look out for clients and their needs.
ELIANA GIL, MSW, RSW
CLINICAL THERAPIST
How did you get here?
When I began my career as a social worker I gained a lot of experience working with those impacted by experiences of trauma, addictions and other complex mental health issues in both residential settings and in the community. Often, I would see eating disorders come up in many of the individuals I worked closely with. The lack of adequate support for eating disorders often meant that people continued to suffer in silence and never fully received the support they needed.
My own lived experiences in this area helped me recognize how one’s relationship with food and their body impacted many areas of their life beyond their physical appearance. After completing my master’s degree in social work, I knew that I wanted to support those struggling with eating disorders in a way that was truly client-centered and helped them discover how their eating disorder showed up in their lives beyond food.
Why do you love working at the Centre?
I love working at the centre because it allows me to support clients in a way that is truly individualized based on the unique needs of the person. The centre also helps clients repair all aspects of the eating disorder, not just the physical component. I love working in collaboration with other members of the team who bring so much knowledge to the treatment of eating disorders and who are passionate about the work they do every single day. Most of all, I’m honored to work with the brave individuals that allow me to support them in their journey toward recovery.
VICTORIA CAVALIERE, MSW, RSW
CLINICAL THERAPIST
How did you get here?
As a child, I absorbed so many lessons, rules, and fears about food and weight shared by the adults and other kids around me. These lodged in the back of my mind, and I didn’t question them until many years later when I was working at a University counselling centre. I was surprised at the number of students who came through my office that had been experiencing eating disorders for years and struggling in silence. In order to support these students, I signed up for trainings, and read and listened to as many resources as I could find. Learning about the effects of diet culture and fatphobia on women and girls was a light bulb moment for me. As I learned more about the relationship of shame, trauma, and connectedness to eating disorder symptoms, I became passionate about healing these wounds on an individual and community level.
I completed a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Queen’s University and a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Adler University. I am currently completing a Body Trust® Provider certification.
Why do you love working at the Centre?
I enjoy working at the centre with such passionate and kind colleagues and I appreciate our comprehensive approach to recovery. The thorough circle of care, wrap-around therapeutic services offered to clients, and the flexible and personalized treatment plan over a generic one-size-fits-all. I feel energized working alongside individuals whose approach is anti-diet, weight-inclusive, and trauma-informed.
STEPHANIE PHILLIPS, RP
PSYCHOTHERAPIST
How did you get here?
As a teenager, I used food as a coping mechanism to handle the pressure I felt to perform in athletics and academics. Perfectionism and the burden I felt to do everything on my own led me to an unhealthy restrictive relationship with food. I suffered in silence for many years and did not reach out for the support I desperately needed. I reached a point where I could no longer manage and began to do the work necessary to reclaim my life. I was able to process my life experiences and gain an understanding of my patterns. I developed a healthy relationship with myself and learned to practice self-compassion. I made peace with food and transitioned to a more balanced life.
I have a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and a Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology from The University of Western Ontario.
Why do you love working at the Centre?
Eating disorders are all consuming. Watching clients take back their lives and learn to live in a much more positive way is rewarding. I love the deep commitment each person at the centre has to the well-being of our clients. The centre approaches client care from an understanding that each person is unique. The circle of care approach allows for collaboration amongst professionals to ensure that the needs of each individual are met. This includes healing body and mind. Once we begin to gain an understanding of how food has become negatively intertwined in the clients life, we can start on the path to healing. Unravelling current patterns and creating new, leads to a positive and sustainable change.
ANNE-MARIE RASMUSSEN RP (Qualifying)
PSYCHOTHERAPIST (QUALIFYING)
How did you get here?
During my undergraduate Nutrition degree at Ryerson University, my view of nutrition shifted from a weight-central to a weight-neutral approach after being educated on Health At Every Size (HAES) and Intuitive Eating within my own recovery. These paradigm-shifting concepts changed my entire view of food, nutrition, weight, and health. Throughout my Master’s in Health Science, I dedicated my research and clinical training to the treatment of eating disorders from a nutritional and holistic lens. My goal as a practitioner is to help clients heal their relationship with food and their bodies so that they can reclaim their mental energy and spend it on living a life according to their truest values. I am a Registered Dietitian with the College of Dietitians of Ontario, a regulatory body of allied health professionals.
Why do you love working at the Centre?
Being a part of the transformations that clients experience through the trajectory of recovery is the most fulfilling work I could imagine. If you had told me when I first decided to pursue nutrition if eating disorders would be the area I’d end up working in, I might not have believed you- but now, I can’t picture my life any other way.
BRITTANY ALLISON, RD, MHSc
REGISTERED DIETITIAN
LAUREN HOFSTEE RD
REGISTERED DIETICIAN
How did you get here?
I always knew that I wanted to be in a helping profession, so connecting that with my love of food inspired me to go into the field of dietetics. I have a passion for connecting with all kinds of people and have developed this through working with a community health centre, an organization in Guelph that provides resources to people in need, and a local neighbourhood group. I believe that food is so much more than just what we put into our bodies, and that everyone deserves to eat without feeling guilt or shame. My goal is to use a weight-free, health at every size perspective to support people on their recovery journey. I am a Registered Dietitian with the College of Dietitians of Ontario and have a Master's degree from the University of Guelph.
Why do you love working at the Centre?
Being part of clients' recovery journey is some of the most rewarding work I could imagine! Working with such a wonderful and holistic team of people, and supporting each individual client to find peace with food is what drew me to working at the centre.
PENNI KEAN, BSc, MSc, RD
REGISTERED DIETICIAN
How did you get here?
I was drawn to work at the Kyla Fox Center as a wonderful opportunity to help others by merging my clinical nutrition knowledge and holistic perspective.As far back as I can remember I had an instinctive orientation towards natural health and wellness and curiosity about how the body and mind interrelate. I felt inspired to study nutrition in university and was drawn towards holistic healing approaches and helping others.My nutrition practice has spanned over 20 years working in different cultures and health settings with a focus on children, adolescents and their families experiencing complex health and nutrition challenges. Through my personal and work experiences I discovered how unique and complex the relationship with food and self can be and how healing this relationship can empower and transform a person. I wanted to support people on this journey.
Why do you love working at the Centre?
I was drawn to how the Kyla Fox Centre approach to healing eating disorders is rooted in trust, integrated and holistic.
I feel honoured to be part of each client’s journey as well as join such a genuine and dedicated team supporting the recovery of our clients.
NATALY GEORGIEVA, RD
REGISTERED DIETICIAN
How did you get here?
Ever since taking a Foods & Nutrition class in Grade 10, I knew that I wanted to become a Registered Dietitian and never looked back! I completed my undergraduate degree and master's degree in Foods & Nutrition at Western University. I became especially passionate about working with those affected by eating disorders while completing a portion of my dietetic internship at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences, specifically in the eating disorder unit. From there, I went on to work in private practice with the goal of helping clients heal their relationship with food using an anti-diet approach. For me, getting to witness a client's transformation while knowing that I actively helped contribute is the most rewarding work!
Why do you love working at the Centre?
Eating disorder recovery is most ideal when working with a multidisciplinary team because each member has a valuable role to play. I love that working at the centre involves collaboration and client-centered care, and includes contributions from multiple team members; each with their own unique knowledge and shared goal of supporting recovery.
KARRI WILSON, RHN
HOLISTIC NUTRITIONIST
How did you get here?
I have known I was meant to be in a helping profession since my childhood. After college & university, I spent 15 years working in the public service & non profit sectors including positions in addictions, social services, mental health, justice and emergency services. In 2015, I returned back to school and found myself in the holistic world after dealing with my own health concerns. After completing my education to become a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, I worked in different clinical nutrition roles to help others find peace with food & body through a trauma informed & weight inclusive lens. After my own lived experience and a career in supporting others, this is where all my worlds fully connected.
Why do you love working at the Centre?
My passion has always been helping others grow their capacity to build the safety within to come home to their bodies. What called me to the work of the centre is the holistic approach to helping others heal while seeing them as individuals with their own unique needs. I feel so honoured to be part of the Kyla Fox Centre's multi disciplinary team as we support others on their journey of recovery.
How did you get here?
I started to develop disordered eating habits in my early teens and struggled for years with restriction, bingeing, and body image. Nobody knew the internal battle I was experiencing because eating disorders were never talked about when I was growing up and many of the behaviours I was engaging in were actually encouraged by family, friends, and society. I always knew that I wanted a career where I could help people, so fast forward 10 years and I became a Registered Holistic Nutritionist. Through my own recovery, I discovered intuitive eating and it completely changed the way that I viewed nutrition and health. From there I shifted the focus of my practice to an anti-diet and weight-neutral approach. It is now my mission to help as many people as possible repair the relationship they have with food, mind, and body, so that they can experience freedom and joy around food, and feel empowered in their bodies.
Why do you love working at the Centre?
I was drawn to the centre because of the holistic approach to recovery alongside the understanding that eating disorders are very complex and unique to each individual. The work we do here is extremely meaningful and fulfilling, and I am very grateful for that. I also love working alongside such a talented, empathetic, and amazing team!
RAQUEL KING, RHN
HOLISTIC NUTRITIONIST
MIA VINCIC RHN
HOLISTIC NUTRITIONIST
How did you get here?
My relationship and struggle with food and self journey showed me how unique everyone's needs are. My passion to help and curiosity to understand individuals, led me to become a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and pursue a Master's in Counselling. As a trauma-informed nutritionist, my goal is to create a space for clients to be heard and supported. For me, getting to witness a client's transformation and to be at the forefront of their recovery and journey is such a gift.
Why do you love working at the Centre?
It is an honour to support client recovery, hear their stories and be a part of their journeys. I believe, integrative client-centred care through a holistic lens is the hallmark of best client care possible. I enjoy working with a team of passionate and knowledgeable colleagues that place their all to help the clients!
JILLIAN MURPHY ND
NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR
How did you get here?
In my late teens I developed an addiction to running and a condition we now call orthorexia (obsession with healthy eating). It wasn’t well understood back in 2001 and I had a terrible time finding anyone who’d acknowledge that what I was going through was a problem. I just didn’t fit any of the boxes… so I had to climb my way out of that on my own. It was long and challenging, especially as I was studying naturopathic medicine – a profession I love but that tends to perpetuate toxic, weight-centred, health and wellness beliefs. 20 years, a partner, and two kids later I’m proud to say that I’ve worked my way through my food and body issues and I genuinely enjoying living life in this body of mine. I move for JOY, I eat because food is delicious, connecting, and pleasurable, and I’ve focused my naturopathic practice on helping those with food and body issues pursue health from a Health at Every Size perspective.
…
Dr. Jillian Murphy is a registered, licensed Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, having completed the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine’s four-year postgraduate program in 2006. Prior to attending CCNM, Dr. Murphy graduated from the University of New Brunswick with a Bachelor’s degree in Science and Kinesiology. Jillian’s background includes 10 years of general naturopathic practice and over 8 years of working with adults and children in various fields, including intuitive eating and body image. Jillian has dedicated the past 10 years to studying the psychology of eating, the relationship between weight and health, intuitive eating, and the most in-the-know strategies for exiting the diet cycle. She has additional training in CBT and coaching, studying under Ellyn Satter for two years. Jillian works from a Health At Every Size (HAES) perspective.
Why do you love working at the Centre?
I love working on a team! Everything is so much better with friends, amirite?
After working alone for years it feels amazing to be able to collaborate, providing the highest level of care possible.
AYAH NORRIS
HOLISTIC HEALER AND YOGA + MEDITATION TEACHER
How did you get here?
I graduated from business school, and worked in national and international sales and marketing across corporate, start-up, and creative environments. I had some incredible experiences in this career, but also a lot of pressures and stressors. I turned to yoga, meditation, holistic therapies, eastern philosophy and spirituality to find a sense of grounding and balance, and eventually followed the tug of my soul to share these practices with others. I studied holistic healing, yoga and meditation in India, and returned to build my practice in Toronto.
Why do you love working at the Centre?
I love working with clients to help them find a sense of grounding, ease and peace within themselves, feel at home in their bodies, and deepen their connection to their intuitive wisdom. I also love the centre’s holistic approach to recovery and working alongside a talented and compassionate team of practioners.
LAURA GUTIERREZ
HOLISTIC HEALER + MEDITATION TEACHER + COACH
How did you get here?
When I was twelve years old I was diagnosed with epilepsy, and this was the catalyst
for me to become immersed in the world of health and wellness. Navigating a chronic
illness taught me I had to become my own health expert and advocate, and so I studied
Holistic Nutrition, became certified as a Mindfulness Facilitator, and began to practice a variety of embodiment modalities including yoga, meditation, and breathwork, that have supported my body in healing.
Through my journey, I also experienced high levels of anxiety and stress, and I
struggled with food as a coping mechanism. Embodiment practices have allowed me to tune into what my body needs and heal these patterns and
behaviours. My passion now lies in helping others in their wellness journeys, to support
them mind, body, and spirit, and allow them to be seen and heard for who they are.
Why do you love working at the Centre?
Apart from the meaningful work I get to do, I love the holistic approach the centre takes, allowing clients to be supported by various practitioners and modalities to address their individual needs and complexities. There is a beautiful, compassionate and caring environment at the centre, and a commitment to client care.
ILDIKO SIKLODI
HOLISTIC HEALER, YOGA + MEDITATION TEACHER
How did you get here?
I have been practicing yoga for over 15 years. When I first started, I was working out regularly and yoga seemed like a natural complement to my fitness routine. After a few classes, I was officially hooked. Yoga is so much more than a physical practice for me - it allows me to be more deeply connected, live in the present moment and be mindful in my actions. It became a full mind, body, and soul experience both on and off my mat. Wanting to share this beautiful practice with others, I did my first Teacher Training in Nicaragua and since then, I’ve done flow, vinyasa and core flow trainings as well as meditation, mindfulness and reiki courses. What I love the most about teaching is that I get to share my own practices and through that, help others connect with their own bodies
Why do you love working at the Centre?
I love how the centre has a full holistic approach to recovery and I’m excited to be a part of that journey. I also really enjoy working alongside an incredibly talented team
SASHA SKURKA
ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER
How did you get here?
I discovered my passion for health and wellness through lived experiences which made me realize how interconnected physical and mental health are and how important supporting others who struggle with an empathetic ear can be. After graduating with a BA in History at Western University, this passion propelled me to become a certified Holistic Nutrition and Health Coach. Ultimately, I want people to love their body and it gives me so much joy to help as many people as I can down that path towards self-love.
Why do you love working at the Centre?
Beyond being an incredible and empowering work environment, I feel very privileged to work at the Kyla Fox Centre because of the meaningful work I get to do. What makes this Centre so special is its holistic approach: rather than focusing only on the eating disorders themselves or finding quick fixes, the Centre provides a supportive and compassionate environment for its clients that addresses the complexities of their lives in order to help them in a lasting way.
TRACEY HARPER
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT + INTAKE
How did you get here?
I struggled with my relationship with food and body for a number of years. My family and closest friends did not know the internal struggle I felt daily and I was often encouraged for my so called “healthy” behaviours. People told me I was the picture of “health,” however health does not have a look or a size and what I was doing was not healthy at all. I took exercise and healthy eating to the extreme and was still not comfortable in the skin I was in. I have worked hard to repair my relationship with food and movement over the past ten years. I have been able to leave behind the restrictions that had taken over my life and learn to trust my body’s internal cues.
It is possible to live a full and joyful life!
Why do you love working at the Centre?
I have been following the Centre for a while as I really love their approach with clients. The Centre takes a holistic perspective on care and views eating disorders as so much more than just food and body issues. The circle of care approach that is taken at the Centre made it stand out for me, as well as the focus on individualized treatment plans since no one’s journey to recovery is exactly the same. I also love the collaborative and multidisciplinary approach to helping client’s.
NATALIA BIENIEK
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
How did you get here?
My passion for holistic health began with my own challenges around disordered eating. Having to navigate this on my own was what lead me to pursue a career in holistic health and continue self study around trauma, the body and mind connection.
It has been such an incredible experience to work at a centre that has such an integrative and holistic view on helping people recover. I am so happy to be a part of the team!
Why do you love working at the Centre?
This center is the definition of holistic care. It bridges the gap between body and mind care. You can truly feel how passionate, caring and team oriented each practitioner is. I feel beyond grateful and privileged to work along side such brilliant and empathetic individuals.