We believe in supporting local businesses since we are one!

Check out our additional practitioners using our space with their own websites & booking software:

Jennifer Lake, OT – PossibilOT

Occupational Therapist

Jennifer is an Occupational Therapist who has been practicing in pediatrics in the Kitchener-Waterloo area for over ten years. She is a passionate advocate for her clients, someone who knows the resources of the community and actively collaborates with others.

Jennifer has an interest in sensory processing and sensory integration, works frequently with clients with an Autism diagnosis, and an interest in sleep-disordered breathing, it’s impact on feeding and swallowing and its relation to one’s ability to function well on a daily basis.

Jennifer is a mother of two, a resident of KW for twenty years and has volunteered with the Breastfeeding Buddies, Le Leche League KW and in teaching babywearing workshops.

For more information about Jennifer or Occupational Therapy, please click here!

Click here to book with Jennifer!

Jessie Hesch, MSW, RSW – Treefrog Counselling

Registered Social Worker

Jessie holds a Master of Social Work degree, has additional training in working with infants, children and families and is currently completing the requirements for certification as a Certified Play Therapist.

Through the activity of play, Jessie helps children to make sense of difficult life experiences (e.g. divorce, death of a loved one) and navigate the big feelings (e.g. anxiety, anger, sadness) that are often at the root of challenging behaviour. Jessie supports children and their caregivers become more able to cope with how they are feeling, develop insight, emotional intelligence and confidence. Play is a child’s natural way of communicating; we can explore various issues they might find difficult to express in other ways.

Jessie works with both the parents and the children to understand and address the roots of the problem and interpret the behaviour with insight into the underlying emotions, in order to impact lasting change. Jessie believes that the parent-child relationship is the foundation of children’s mental wellness. You are what your child needs. Let me help you build on that foundation.

For more information about Jessie or Child and Family Therapy, please click here! Or email [email protected]

Click here to book with Jessie!

Dr. Sarah Connors, ND & Doula

Naturopathic Doctor & Doula

Ever since she was a child she has wanted to help others with their health. Her stuffed animals and siblings were her first ‘patients’, treated mostly with care, her fisher-price medical kit, and more toilet paper for bandages than her mother would have liked. Later, volunteering at her home town hospital gave her a real love for working with families, as she had the privilege to assist patients from all walks of life. Pairing this realization with the natural approach of Naturopathic Medicine, helping people start and raise their families naturally just made sense to her.

She completed an Honours Bachelor of Science in Health Studies with a minor in Psychology at the University of Waterloo, prior to attending the four year Naturopathic Medicine program offered by the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM). This program is a rigorous combination of fundamental science and Naturopathic modality training. The first two years are predominantly spent studying the basic sciences (eg. Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, etc.) combined with learning the various specific tools of Naturopathic Medicine (eg. Botanical Medicine, Nutrition, Lifestyle modification, Homeopathy, etc.).

She has several areas of interest including: General Family Health, Pediatrics, Women’s Health, Aboriginal health, and Mind-Body Medicine.

She also has experience working with women and their partners as a Birth Doula. She’s thoroughly enjoyed helping mothers and fathers to prepare for the arrival of their little ones, by providing full support before, during and after labour.  She received training specifically in Pediatric Care during her clinical internship at the Robert Shad Naturopathic Clinic, where she regularly saw children, ages ranging from newborn to 18 years of age. She also worked with the Aboriginal population at the Naturopathic satellite clinic out of Anishnawbe Health Toronto for four months of her clinical internship.

She is a member of the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors (OAND) and the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND). 

Click here to book with Sarah!

Jessica Vandermeer, DOMP

Dedicated Osteopathic Manual Practitioner

Jessica is a dedicated Osteopathic Manual Practitioner (DOMP) with extended training in craniosacral therapy. She is deeply committed to helping individuals of all ages, with a special focus on newborns and families. Her approach blends hands-on osteopathic techniques with the gentle, holistic methods of craniosacral therapy to address a wide range of health concerns and promote the body’s natural healing process.

Jessica provides thoughtful care for the entire family, helping to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall well-being. As a mother of three children, Jessica has a particular passion for working with newborns, supporting them through common challenges such as feeding difficulties, colic, and sleep issues. By incorporating osteopathic and craniosacral techniques, she can offer a more comprehensive approach to help improve cranial and nervous system function, ensuring a smooth and healthy start in life.

Her goal is to create a personalized treatment plan that fosters long-term health, balance, and vitality for every family member, offering support throughout all stages of life.

Click here to book with Jessica!

Hillary MacGuire, IBCLC

International Board Certified Lactation Consultant

Hillary is a dedicated lactation consultant and passionate advocate for women’s healthcare. A mother of two, she understands firsthand the challenges of new motherhood, having experienced the impact that a lack of support, misinformation, and isolation can have on a parent’s mental health and confidence. After leaving her career as a CPA in her 30s, she chose to dedicate herself full-time to helping families and babies start out right.

Her mission is to help families “find their feet” and grow into the parents they aspire to be. She believes that it takes a village to raise a child, and in Canadian society, this essential support is often missing. Families are left to navigate parenting—especially infant feeding—on their own. Lactation consultants, like herself, are here to serve as part of your medical team and overall village, guiding parents through the unique challenges they face.

Supported by a skilled team of IBCLCs and pediatricians, Hillary is building a career focused on empowering education and encouragement for families navigating the joys and uncertainties of breastfeeding. She provides judgment-free assistance, ensuring that families of all backgrounds receive the understanding and support they deserve.

No matter where you are in your parenting journey, Hillary is here to meet you with compassion, understanding, and commitment, offering the gentle, empowering guidance needed to help you thrive. She is excited to make a positive impact on the lives of families in need of support.

To find out more information or to book with Hillary, visit the link here!

Erin Kalau, RMT

Massage Therapist

Erin Kalau provides family-focused massage with a clinical approach. Erin’s original training is in kinesiology and sports injury management. She graduated in 2002 with an Honors B.Sc.Hk and a Diploma in Sports Injury Management from the University of Guelph and Sheridan College and became a Certified Athletic Therapist. She continued her schooling to become an RMT in 2005 and later a certified acupuncturist in 2009. She welcomes all ages from infants to seniors and tailors the treatment to meet each person’s specific needs. She offers a diverse amount of techniques including deep tissue, prenatal, electrical modalities, musculoskeletal acupuncture, and cupping. She looks forward to aiding you in improving your health!

Please note Acupuncture is billed under your massage therapy benefits.

Mobile Massage Therapy is also available upon request. Please contact Erin directly for further information.

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact Erin and she’d be happy to assist.

Click here to book with Erin!

Jeannie MacGregor, RMT

Massage Therapist

Jeannie’s focus is to get people moving by working with their restrictions. She has worked with Elite Athletes and understands the athletic mind of any age group. Her background as a professional contemporary dancer, judo, and synchronized swimmer gives her the knowledge of what the body goes through. She has worked with all ages from baby massage to elderly. She continues with her post-educational studies as well. She uses many massage techniques, from light to deep pressure, trigger point, lymphatic drainage trained, relaxation imagery for anxiety with breath work and meditation, and is Indie Head certified, and Postural Integration to name a few. She cannot wait to meet you and/ or your families. Send in your little athletes too!

Click here to book with Jeannie!

Lena Kim Du, Lisenced Hairstylist

Hairstylist

With over 15 years of experience in the hair industry, Lena Kim Du is passionate about helping people of all ages look and feel their best. She has worked with all hair types and enjoys doing custom haircuts that reflect each client’s unique personality and style.

Lena takes pride in truly connecting with her clients, helping them through the process of discovering a look that feels authentic and empowering. Her new studio suite at Recharge and Play Wellness Cafe offers a clean, welcoming space where comfort, customer service, and privacy come first—perfect for individuals and families alike.

Whether you’re looking for a fresh cut, a new style, or simply a place to relax and feel taken care of, Lena is excited to welcome you!

Take a look at Lena’s availability here!

Christina Page, MSW, RSW, CC-PMH, CC-BRT – Whole Family Psychotherapy

Whole Family Psychotherapy is a trusted local therapy practice offering a safe place to land for all parents and parents-to be, through trying to conceive, pregnancy, postpartum and beyond into the early and later years of raising children.  Their team of Certified Perinatal Therapists specialize in counseling services for parents, and offer individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, group therapy and parenting support sessions.  Therapy services are available to all residents of Ontario, and are offered virtually to make life easier for busy parents, with limited in-person services available out of Recharge and Play Wellness Cafe.

When parents feel WHOLE, family systems thrive!  Free consults, available daytime, evenings and weekends.

Follow @whole.family.psychotherapy on Instagram or learn more about the team at https://wholefamilypsychotherapy.com/

Stephanie Annable, Esthetician

Esthetician

With over a decade of experience as a beauty professional Stephanie is an enthusiastic esthetician. She brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the the world here at Recharge and Play Wellness Café. Let her bring colour and comfort to your visit. She specializes in non-invasive treatments from head to toe focusing on enhancing your inherent beauty with gentle, effective techniques. She has a particular love for Canadian brands and supporting local businesses. Beyond her professional life, she also a proud mom of four incredible children, navigating the wonderful chaos of family life. This unique blend of experience allows her to understand the diverse needs of her clients, providing not only expert care but also a relatable and compassionate approach. She’s dedicated to helping everyone feel their best, inside and out, with a focus on natural and sustainable beauty solutions.

Check her out on Instagram @estie.bestie.stephie and click here to book with Stephanie!

Shani Ellis-Alman, MSW/RSW – Mind. Strong. Live. Free. Mental Health and Wellness.

Certified Counsellor

Shani has a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and a Masters degree from Wilfrid Laurier University in Social
work. She has been practicing as a registered social worker over 15 years, with her career thus far
focusing in mental health and wellness, addiction and maladaptive coping, and concurrent disorders. Shani has worked in DEI, academia, healthcare, crisis and community mental health capacities, developed
and facilitated mental health and addiction groups, as well as gender-specific groups focusing on
gendered experiences.
Shani believes finding the right clinician is so important, someone who you are willing to open up to, someone you can
be vulnerable with, someone who you feel will understand and hold value to your experiences.   On this
journey, she brings openness, humility, empathy and genuineness- never judgement.  And don’t mistake
this vulnerability for a weakness, because it takes the most strength to ask for help, and admit we can’t
do this alone.
You will find that her approach draws a lot from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational
Interviewing (MI), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).  Shani also incorporate elements of mindfulness
and grounding skills to help you manage during times of distress.  She pulls a lot from Maslow’s hierarchy of
needs in terms of developing safety and interpersonal relationships as key to enhancing self-esteem and
finding your true self.

Ready to start your journey? Book with Shani today or check out her website for more information: https://mindstrong.health/

We proudly partner with local roasted Baden coffee to serve delicious coffee at our play café so you don’t need to pick one up on the way or get something out of a machine! We also carry some of their amazing coffee beans whole and ground for you to take home with you!

Click here to find out more about their coffee!