Category: Clinic News

We are pleased to welcome Ashley Reid, RM, to The Health Nest.

Ashley is a Registered Midwife who provides personalized care through pre-conception, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Based in Vernon, BC, she brings a calm, respectful, and evidence-based approach to midwifery care, with a strong focus on informed consent, clear communication, and support that centers each client’s needs and values.

Ashley completed her Bachelor of Health Sciences in Midwifery at McMaster University in 2018. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Guelph. Since entering practice, she has provided full-scope midwifery care in both Alberta and British Columbia.

Before joining Vernon Midwifery at The Health Nest, Ashley served families in Medicine Hat, where she held a leadership role as Practice Lead for Midwives of Medicine Hat. Her background includes experience in both hospital and community settings, along with additional training alongside lactation consultants, prenatal genetic counsellors, community social workers, and OB/GYNs.

Ashley is known for her calm presence and thoughtful approach. She believes people deserve clear information, real support, and time to make informed choices throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery. Her care is grounded in evidence, but it is always personal.

As a parent herself, Ashley understands how meaningful and life-changing this season can be. That understanding shapes the care she provides and the way she supports families through major transitions.

We are proud to have Ashley practicing from The Health Nest as part of the Vernon Midwifery team. Her work adds to the collaborative, family-centered care we value here in the clinic, and we are excited to have her supporting families in Vernon and the surrounding area.

Please join us in welcoming Ashley to The Health Nest!

Free parking is available in the surface lot behind the building. We ask that all visitors only park in the spaces clearly marked as “reserved parking” for The Health Nest.

Here is what the sign looks like for reserved client parking spots: 

Additional parking options nearby

There are additional parking options nearby if our lot is full. The city offers on-street paid parking with meters and mobile payment via the HotSpot app on many streets around the clinic. Street parking can be found along 32nd Street and nearby avenues.

You can also find public parking in the area, such as the downtown parkade at the corner of 31st Avenue and 33rd Street, which offers daily and hourly parking. Nearby surface lots include Lot #55 near Eatology, Impark Parking Lot #78, and O’Callaghan Parking Lot #7 which also offer paid parking options for short visits.

We have some difficult news to share with our Health Nest family and those who have come to know and love our founder and clinic midwife, Carrie Sizer.

Carrie has been diagnosed with a Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), which presents with symptoms similar to a stroke. This has impacted her ability to work and be present with patients as she normally would.

Carrie is currently staying at the rehabilitation unit at Vernon Jubilee Hospital, where she is receiving the professional care and support she needs. She has expressed deep gratitude for the many messages and kind words sent her way. While she does not have the energy to reply, please know your compassion is felt and appreciated.

At this time, Vernon Midwifery is not offering midwifery care. We are actively working on a transition plan and hope to resume service in a timely fashion. We will continue to keep the Vernon Midwifery website updated as we know more.

Thank you for your patience and continued support. Please join us in sending love, strength, and healing to Carrie and her family.

We’re pleased to welcome Evan Berger, RCC, to The Health Nest!

Evan offers counselling through his private practice, Summit Psychotherapy, and is now accepting new clients for individual therapy.

About Evan

Evan Berger is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with a Master of Counselling Psychology. He also holds a Bachelor of Education and brings a unique background that includes hands-on experience in the trades as a Red Seal Boilermaker Journeyman.

His path into counselling was shaped by real-world experience in high-pressure environments, along with academic training in evidence-based therapy. This combination allows Evan to connect in a grounded and practical way with the people he serves.

Areas of practice

Evan works closely with:

• Youth navigating school stress, identity questions, and mental health challenges
• Tradesmen experiencing pressure, burnout, or isolation
• New dads adjusting to the emotional and practical demands of fatherhood
• Areas of focus
• Evan provides counselling therapy in Vernon for individuals facing:
• Work-related stress and burnout
• Anxiety and emotional regulation challenges
• Life transitions and identity shifts
• Fatherhood and parenting support
• Isolation and relationship concerns
• Grief and loss
• Trauma and recovery

His approach supports clients in building resilience, clarity, and a stronger sense of direction.

Treatment approach

Evan integrates tools from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), somatic therapy, and nervous system regulation to help clients better understand how stress shows up in both mind and body. He also draws on mindfulness and body awareness practices to build presence and emotional regulation.

Through values clarification and goal setting, clients gain clarity about what matters most and how to move toward it. Practical stress management and grounding strategies are woven into sessions so clients leave with tools they can use in daily life.

Sessions are collaborative and tailored to each person. Evan creates a calm, steady space where clients can explore challenges, reconnect with their values, and build practical skills that support lasting change.

Book a counselling session with Evan

Evan Berger offers counselling through Summit Psychotherapy at The Health Nest in Vernon, BC. You can check availability and book online through our secure booking system:

We’re grateful to have Evan as part of our growing team and look forward to the support he will provide to individuals and families in our community.

We’re excited to officially welcome Mandy Arora, RCC to The Health Nest! Mandy opened her private practice, Metta Counselling, here in summer 2024, and is now accepting new clients for individual, couples, and family counselling.

About Mandy

Mandy Arora is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with over 20 years of prior experience supporting individuals and families. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and earned her Master of Clinical Counselling (MC) in 2024. Her extensive background includes working as a:

• Family support worker
• Child and youth counsellor
• Career counsellor
• Mental health and substance use counsellor

Mandy’s approach to care is compassionate, trauma-informed, and inclusive. She works from a holistic perspective, drawing on both evidence-based techniques and deep listening. Her goal is to create a safe, nonjudgmental spacewhere clients feel supported, respected, and empowered to move forward in their lives.

Areas of focus

Mandy offers counselling therapy for:

• Stress, anxiety, and emotional regulation
• Parenting support and postpartum transitions
• Relationship and couples counselling
• Substance use and recovery
• LGBTQIA2S+ affirming care
• Survivors of domestic violence
• Life transitions and personal growth

Whether you’re navigating a difficult season or seeking long-term support, Mandy brings calm, grounded energy to help guide the process.

Treatment approach

Mandy integrates a variety of therapeutic approaches into her sessions, including:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
• Mindfulness and self-compassion practices
• Somatic and nervous system regulation
• Yoga and meditation-informed strategies

Sessions are tailored to meet each client where they are. Mandy works collaboratively to build emotional resilience, deepen self-understanding, and support meaningful change.

Book a counselling session with Mandy

Mandy offers both free initial consultations and paid counselling therapy through her private practice at The Health Nest. Please use our online system to book your session:

We’re so grateful to have Mandy as part of the team at The Health Nest, and we’re excited for our community to access the supportive, skilled care she brings.

We’re excited to share that Melanie Rodrigues, RMT is now offering Hot Stone Massage at The Health Nest here in Vernon.

Hot Stone Massage in Vernon

This deeply relaxing treatment combines the therapeutic benefits of massage therapy with the soothing warmth of heated stones. The stones are gently placed and used during massage to help melt away muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote deep relaxation. It’s the perfect option if you’re looking to unwind, relieve stress, or support recovery from chronic tension and fatigue.

Hot stone massage is ideal for:

• Stress relief and nervous system support
• Tight muscles and chronic pain
• Poor circulation
• General relaxation and self-care

Melanie brings over a decade of experience as a Registered Massage Therapist and is known for her calming presence and thoughtful, personalized care.

Ready to try it?

Head to our online booking page to reserve your hot stone massage session with Melanie. Treat yourself… you deserve it!