You could have predicted that young entrepreneur Nicole da Silva would locate her business in Leaside. After all, she grew up and went to school here, was a fitness trainer at F45 on Bayview, numbers many friends and connections in the community, plus her dad, Tony da Silva, owner of a construction business, was the chief designer of her clinic.
If you ever had a haircut at the Leaside Barber Shop at 423 Sutherland Dr., you know exactly where PALM Health & Wellness is located. In fact, Nicole told me, “A few people have arrived expecting to get a haircut and are now clients.”
Upon hearing she was an acupuncturist – someone who heals with needles, lots of needles – I admit imagining a somewhat unpleasant experience. Perhaps a holdover from the unending pandemic vaccinations. Yet, Nicole in a calm and reassuring voice explained that when she proposes acupuncture to clients, she fully explains the procedure and its benefits. Next, she encourages them to consider it, do their own research, and ultimately decide if acupuncture is something they’d like to try.
As the owner of the wellness clinic, Nicole has assembled a multi-disciplinary team of health professionals. She herself is a graduate of the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, completed the Neurofunctional Acupuncture program at McMaster University as well as courses in pre- and post-partum care. At her clinic, she is the lead chiropractor and acupuncturist. Her team of associates includes four specialists:
- Leann Melegrito is a chiropractor with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Science from the University of the Philippines, majoring in biomechanics. As a former competitive gymnast and dancer, she appreciates the toll activities can take on the body.
- Sean Fernandez is a registered massage therapist and the clinic’s certified fascial stretch therapist, a health modality that improves mobility. His clients range from seniors wanting to remain active to professional athletes, including NBA players.
- Kristina Kajcevski is the clinic’s lymphatic drainage and facial massage specialist. She offers exotically named treatments. She is trained in Brazilian lymphatic drainage, Colombian wood therapy, and face massages that include cupping, gua sha, and buccal massage to assist with relieving the pain of temporomandibular disorder (TMJ), which can cause pain in your jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement.
- Registered Massage Therapist Lisa Beveridge is interested in movement patterns, injury, and rehabilitation. She graduated with a B.A. in Kinesiology & Health Science and Psychology from York University and a diploma of Massage Therapy from the Sutherland Chan School. She integrates manual therapy, movement, and functional exercise to create a treatment plan that suits clients’ goals.
“It’s an exciting time to be in the wellness industry,” says Nicole. “Preventive versus reactive healthcare is a flourishing mindset. Clients want to proactively remain healthy, active and pain free. Just like your car’s oil change, our bodies need regular tune-ups.”
For more info: www.palmhealthandwellness.ca or Instagram @palmhealth.to.
