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Outstanding Professionals
Each physician and professional associated with the Copeman Neuroscience Centre has been selected based on outstanding academic and clinical records, as well as on exceptional inter-personal skills.
Clinical Staff
 Dr. Diane McIntosh -
MD FRCPC, Psychiatrist
Dr. McIntosh graduated with distinction from Dalhousie University in Halifax, where she completed an undergraduate degree in pharmacy before completing her medical residency in both pediatrics and psychiatry. She is a clinical assistant professor at the University of British Columbia and since 2004 has been a consulting psychiatrist for the Mood Disorders Clinic at UBC as well as the Post-traumatic Stress Disorder clinic of Vancouver General Hospital.
Prior to moving to British Columbia in 2004, Dr. McIntosh was staff psychiatrist at the Nova Scotia Hospital and later the Clinical Director of the Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Clinic for the Department of National Defense at CFB Stadacona. She also spent two years in private practice in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
As a researcher, Dr. McIntosh has been a principle or sub-investigator in several studies & trials and she is currently the principal investigator in an industry-sponsored study for a new scale used for diagnosing depression. She is also the author of several publications and is active in presenting and teaching to patients, students and physicians, on a local and national level. Her clinical focus is complex anxiety disorders, particularly Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, with an interest in neurobiology and psychopharmacology.
 Dr. Kevin Kjernisted - MD FRCPC, Psychiatrist
Prior to joining the Centre, Dr. Kjernisted was the Medical Director of the Anxiety Disorders Clinic and Director of Research at St. Boniface General Hospital (Winnipeg) in the Department of Psychiatry from 1994 to 2005. He was also an Associate Professor of Psychiatry in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Manitoba since 2000. He received his Medical Degree from the University of Manitoba in 1983.
Dr. Kjernisted conducts research at the Copeman Healthcare Neuroscience Centre on early disease detection and is presently involved in research into mood and anxiety disorders. He has acted as principle investigator in 33 clinical trials investigating compounds for mood and anxiety disorders and has a number of publications in this area. He has also investigated the causes and treatment of social phobia and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Dr. Kjernisted is an internationally-active speaker on the topics of mood and anxiety disorders, the mind-body connection, neurobiology, psychopharmacology, and directions in psychiatry. He enjoys providing continuing medical education about psychiatric disorders and their treatment to psychiatrists, family physicians, and the public.
 Dr. Mary Ross PhD, Registered Psychologist
Dr. Mary Ross, PhD is a registered psychologist. She treats clients struggling with different kinds of life problems, such as trauma recovery, stress, relationship problems, depression and anxiety. Dr. Ross also conducts research at the Copeman Neuroscience Centre on early disease detection.
Dr. Ross is a member of the College of Psychologists of BC and received her training and credentials in Los Angeles, New York and Vancouver. She has over fifteen years of experience providing individual and group therapy and assessments to the Attorney General’s office, the Correctional Service of Canada, multiple hospitals in the Lower Mainland, Forensic Psychiatric Services, and private patients. Dr. Ross is recognized for her expertise and experience working with complex trauma and PTSD, as well as delivering wellness workshops and teaching.
Copeman Healthcare Centre Support Staff
 Dr. Peter House,
Corporate Medical Director
Dr. House graduated with distinction from Dalhousie University School of Medicine in 1968 and he has distinguished himself in general family practice in the Vancouver area since 1970. He was a partner in one of the largest medical clinics in Canada and he helped lead that organization in numerous innovations, including comprehensive computer automation as early as 1980. He most recently acted as Chairman.
Dr. House was a preceptor at St. Paul’s Hospital - University of British Columbia Family Practice Residency Program. He has also been a teacher and facilitator for numerous physician educational programs in addition to acting as a researcher for drug therapies in many Phase II and Phase III clinical trials in the areas of asthma, hypertension, diabetes, gastro-intestinal disorders, arthritis, chronic lung diseases and anti-coagulants. He is a diving medicine specialist and he has developed special interest and expertise in cardiovascular disease, asthma, depression and anxiety disorders.
Active in education, and relentless in his pursuit of clinical excellence, Dr. House has become one of the most recognized and respected physicians in the country.
 Dr. Beth Donaldson,
Family Physician
Dr. Beth Donaldson is a family physician at the Copeman Healthcare Centre. Known for her excellent bed-side manner, Dr. Donaldson takes a strong personal interest in her patients’ health.
Having graduated from Calgary with her Doctor of Medicine, Dr. Donaldson received further specialized training in women’s health issues, including, gynecology, breast health and osteoporosis.
She has several years of practice as a woman’s health specialist and family physician having worked at BC’s Women’s Hospital and other medical clinics in BC.
In addition to her family medicine practice, she has researched and authored several papers on women’s and general health issues.
Dr. Donaldson is certified in Breast Health and Osteoporosis Management, Advances in Labour and Risk Management, Advanced Trauma and Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Newborn Resuscitation.
 Dr. Michael Koehle,
Sports Medicine Physician
Dr. Michael Koehle is a sports medicine physician and exercise physiologist. He obtained his medical degree from the University of Toronto, and his PhD in Exercise Physiology from the University of British Columbia.
Dr. Koehle sees clients at the Copeman Healthcare Centre for any exercise-related injury or illness. As an exercise physiologist, he works with a team of kinesiologists to tailor exercise programmes to individual client needs.
Dr. Koehle is Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of British Columbia and an active researcher in exercise, altitude and diving physiology. He is the physician for the Canadian National Women’s Field Hockey Team and a volunteer physician for the Whistler Ski Patrol and the Himalayan Rescue Association in Nepal.
 Dr. Tasha Bienert,
Family Physician
Dr. Tasha Bienert is family physician at the Copeman Healthcare Centre. As a family medicine graduate from University of Calgary, she was a select recipient of the nationwide Family Medicine Leadership Award. Dr. Bienert also has a Masters of Art degree in the field of technology in education.
In addition to her expertise in family medicine, Dr. Bienert maintains a special interest in dermatology. She has researched and authored several dermatological papers, including one on skin cancer prevention that was presented at the Canadian Dermatological Association’s Annual Conference.
Dr. Bienert is also an experienced educator, having taught nursing students in Vancouver and high school students in Calgary. Tasha continues to pursue excellence in communication and care with individual patients and in group settings.
 Behnad Honarbakhsh,
Physiotherapist
Behnad Honarbakhsh is an experienced physiotherapist having worked at several sports therapy and physiotherapy clinics in BC and the National Sports Institute in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He is a Program Coordinator and Instructor at UBC’s School of Human Kinetics outreach programs and has been a Trainer at UBC’s Varsity Athletics in field hockey and alpine skiing. Behnad continues to consult with various sport teams in the community.
Behnad graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Master of Physical Therapy and a Bachelor of Human Kinetics in Exercise Science. He has also completed a graduated certificate in Orthopedic Manual Therapy at Curtin University (Perth, Australia). He is certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist from the National Strength and Conditioning Association, and a Sports First Responder from the Canadian Red Cross. Behnad also has a Seniors Fitness Instructor certification from the University of Western Ontario.
 Nina Hirvi,
Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist
Nina Hirvi, RDN, CDE is a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist. At Copeman Health Care Centre, she counsels clients and speaks on a wide range of topics. Her passion is to encourage practical healthy eating solutions, and chronic disease prevention and management. She regularly makes a TV appearance on Global (Vancouver) Saturday Noon News and The Shopping Bags on WTN.
Nina obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Dietetics from the University of British Columbia and an accredited internship from Vancouver General Hospital. One of her special interests is in Diabetes Education and she is now a “Certified Diabetes Educator”.
Nina has worked in both the public and private sectors over the past 13 years. She has provided practical nutrition solutions to several thousand clients both individually and through seminars across Canada. She has also served as a consultant to many large corporations.
When it comes to eating, Nina follows her own philosophy – You have a choice about what you eat, so let’s make it count!
 Sarah Westmacott,
Clinical Dietitian
Sarah Westmacott is a clinical dietitian. She graduated with honours from the University of Western Ontario with a Bachelors of Science degree in Foods and Nutrition. Sarah has five years of experience working as a clinical dietitian in BC and Alberta.
Sarah holds a membership with the College of Dietitians of British Columbia and is a member of the Dietitians of Canada. She is FoodSafe Level One Certified and received training as a Certified Lifestyle Educator.
Prior to joining the team at the Copeman Healthcare Centre, Sarah implemented a Therapeutic Lifestyle Management program aimed at delaying the onset of disease through nutrition, exercise, and stress reduction at a Vancouver-based clinic.
 Sanda Islik,
Diagnostic and Screening Coordinator
Sanda Islik is the Diagnostic and Screening Coordinator at the Copeman Healthcare Centre. She is one of the first healthcare professionals at the Centre to guide clients through their comprehensive health assessments. Sanda conducts non-evasive tests, examinations and lab work for clients enrolled in the Centre’s preventive healthcare plan.
Sanda brings to the Center over five years of nursing experience, including medical office management, emergency, paediatric and palliative care.
 Callie Bland,
Registered Nurse/Lifestyle Coach
Callie Bland is a Registered Nurse at the Copeman Healthcare Centre. She has extensive healthcare experience having worked as a Perinatal Nurse at B.C. Women’s Health Centre, providing advanced care to high risk pregnant women. She also worked in labour delivery and operating rooms for cesarean sections in California and in the Neurosciences ward of Vancouver General Hospital providing bed-side care.
Callie graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and completed a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Victoria. She is certified with the American Heart Association for CPR and ACLS.
Callie is passionate about improving, promoting and facilitating better health outcomes for her clients.
 Hedieh Hafizi,
Kinesiologist / ACSM Exercise Specialist®
Hedieh Hafizi is a clinical exercise specialist with seven years of experience and a number of certifications in Health and Fitness. She completed an internship at the Healthy Heart program at St. Paul’s Hospital and was further certified as an Exercise Specialist with the American College of Sports Medicine.
She obtained her Bachelor of Human Kinetics and Masters of Science degree in cardiac rehabilitation from the University of British Columbia.
Hedieh is qualified to deliver a variety of exercise assessments, rehabilitation, risk factor identification and lifestyle management services to individuals with or at risk for cardiovascular, pulmonary and metabolic diseases.
She is committed to helping clients make healthier lifestyle choices, meet their fitness goals and assist them in their recovery from injuries and chronic conditions.
 Michelle Kaarto,
Kinesiologist / Certified Exercise Physiologist
Michelle Kaarto is an exercise physiologist at the Copeman Healthcare Centre. Michelle obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from Dalhousie University, focusing on the fitness and lifestyle stream.
She received various designations, including Certified Exercise Physiologist, the most advanced health and fitness practitioner designation recognized by the Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology.
Michelle has worked on preventative, executive and occupational health and lifestyle programs for over six years, conducting fitness appraisals and maximal cardiac stress testing, along with test results analysis and reporting.
Michelle is committed to providing accurate fitness assessments and appropriate exercise and fitness programs, and is dedicated to assisting her clients in making healthy lifestyle changes.
 Sarah Peterson,
Clinical Dietitian
Sarah graduated from the University of British Columbia where she received a Bachelor of Science, with honours, specializing in Dietetics. She was then awarded a placement at the Royal Columbian Hospital where she completed her Dietetic Internship.
Sarah is a Certified Diabetes Educator and has specialized in Adult Care, Gestational Care and Insulin Pump Therapy. She is also a BCPRA certified personal trainer and has been involved with many different wellness centres, promoting health through fitness.
Sarah has been a guest speaker for educational facilities such as Langara College and has participated in many community projects including Healthiest Babies Possible. Sarah has authored articles in Canadian Health Style and Flare magazines, and has been involved in the development of nutrition segments for BCTV.
Passionate about health and wellness, fuelled with a love of food, Sarah is dedicated to working with individuals to reach their lifestyle goals.
 Tina Bradley,
Client Care Coordinator
Tina Bradley is a Client Care Coordinator at the Copeman Healthcare Centre. She is one of the first staff members to greet clients at the Centre.
Tina graduated from Douglas College in 1988 from the Medical Office/Hospital Assistant Clerical Course.
Tina has 16 year of experience in medical administration. Prior to joining the team at the Copeman Healthcare Centre, she worked as a client care coordinator at the Seymour Medical Clinic.
 Rose Lanzador,
Client Care Coordinator
Rose Lanzador is a Client Care Coordinator at the Copeman Healthcare Centre. She is one of the first staff members to greet clients at the Centre.
Rose received her diploma from the Medical Office Assistant Program from Douglas College. She also has a diploma in Marketing and Sales.
Rose has eight years of experience in office administration and the customer service industry.
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