Meet the Bright Team
CHIROPRACTORS
Dr. Vanessa Cotter, BHK, DC (She/Her)
Dr. Vanessa Cotter is a graduate of the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC), achieving her Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) with summa cum laude distinction. Prior to her studies at CMCC, Vanessa completed her Bachelor of Human Kinetics degree with a minor in Psychology at the University of Windsor. During her time in Windsor, Vanessa volunteered with SkateABLE, an organization dedicated to teaching children with physical and developmental disabilities how to skate. This is where she discovered her passion for working with children, which has translated into a strong interest in providing chiropractic care to pediatric patients. Vanessa also has a special interest in pregnancy and postpartum care and supporting parents through each stage of their journey. She is a firm believer that knowledge is power - this continually inspires her to expand her education and skills by completing courses and certifications tailored to these specialized populations.
Vanessa is committed to providing individualized evidence-based care through a comprehensive assessment followed by a personalized treatment plan. Treatment may incorporate chiropractic adjustments and/or mobilizations, soft tissue therapy, medical acupuncture, cupping, and rehabilitative exercises to support your healthcare goals.
As a lifelong athlete, Vanessa has been involved in sports from a very early age, including hockey, soccer, and running. Her dedication to running led her to being named Academic All-Canadian during her time as a member of the University of Windsor Varsity Cross-Country team. Outside of her time at Bright, Vanessa enjoys going to the gym, running on her neighbourhood trails, experimenting in the kitchen, and spending time with family and friends.
Languages spoken include English.
Hours: Monday & Wednesday 12 pm-7 pm; Tuesday & Friday 8 am-12 pm (starting August 12)
Email: vanessa@brighthealthco.ca
book with VANESSA
Dr. Karishma Kapoor, bsc, dc (SHE/HER)
Dr. Karishma Kapoor is a graduate of the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC). Prior to graduating from CMCC and becoming a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic, Karishma completed her Bachelor of Science degree with Honours in Science Psychology at the University of Alberta while working as a Research Associate in the Faculty of Pulmonary Medicine. Her research surrounding the physiology and physical therapy of individuals with asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) has been published and Karishma has gone on to win awards for her conference presentations.
Karishma spent much of her youth outdoors, playing sports, coaching basketball, and discovering her love for health sciences. She completed a Fundamental Movement Skills certification where she developed proficiency at re-training a variety of movements in children, competitive athletes, as well as individuals post-surgery and stroke. Her appointments take a well-rounded and evidence-based approach targeted at improving one’s overall health, minimizing pain and reducing any physical limitations as efficiently as possible. Karishma’s genuine concern for others motivates her to consistently deliver personalized care that leaves her patients feeling confident and resilient in their health.
Karishma’s spare time is often spent at the gym, spending time with family, friends, and her little dog, or reading a book at her favourite coffee shop with a London Fog in hand.
Languages spoken include English, French, Hindi and Punjabi.
Hours: Monday & Tuesday 3 pm-7:30 pm; Thursday 1:30 pm-7:30 pm; every other Saturday 9 am-2pm
Email: karishma@brighthealthco.ca
book with Karishma
Dr. Crystal Draper, BAS, DC (SHE/HER)
Dr. Crystal Draper is an evidence-based chiropractor who has been practicing for 14 years in Downtown Toronto’s Corktown neighbourhood. She provides patients with a variety of treatment options including chiropractic manipulation/mobilization, soft tissue therapy, medical acupuncture, and rehabilitation programs. Every treatment plan is uniquely developed based on your individual needs.
Crystal is constantly looking to expand her knowledge and skills, and believes that “by learning, you will teach; by teaching, you will learn." To learn, Crystal obtained her Doctor of Chiropractic from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC). During her studies at CMCC, she received numerous awards – both for her contributions within the school and academic-related, including clinical honours. Prior to attending CMCC, Crystal completed her Bachelor of Arts and Science degree with Honours in Developmental Psychology and Human Kinetics. Crystal has completed supplemental training in Birth Doula Support and Webster Techniques, Active Release Techniques (ART®), and Contemporary Medical Acupuncture. To teach, Crystal is an Assistant Professor at CMCC, and she has been active in research with numerous peer-reviewed articles and has presented research at various conferences on pregnancy and postpartum back pain. More recently, Crystal joined the Canadian Chiropractic Association (CCA) as the Senior Manager of Professional Practice where she applies her skills as a clinician, facilitator, and researcher to support chiropractors across Canada.
Crystal believes in giving back wherever possible and embraces opportunities to volunteer her time and services. She has been part of the Chiropractic Without Borders mission in the Dominican Republic and worked on the sidelines of various sporting events across North America. Outside of practice, Crystal enjoys returning to her hometown in the Kawartha Lakes to visit with family and friends while appreciating quality time outdoors and on the water!
Languages spoken include English.
Hours: Tuesday & Friday 4 pm-8-pm; Saturday by appointment only
Email: crystal@brighthealthco.ca
Book with Crystal
REGISTERED MASSAGE THERAPISTS
Vinci Leung, RMT (He/Him)
Vinci Leung is a graduate from the Sutherland-Chan School of Massage Therapy. He is trained in myofascial release, Thai and Swedish techniques, deep tissue, relaxation, active dynamic release, and sports massage. Additionally, Vinci completed training in specific techniques to support pregnant patients as well as breast and scar release, which can help improve fascial pliability of breast tissue in post mastectomy and top surgery patients.
Vinci compliments his skills by integrating his personal experience of managing various injuries endured as a desk worker, tradesperson, and personal trainer. He applies these learnings to his practice and is committed to understanding the intricate connection between the body and mind. Vinci’s overarching objective is to empower patients to lead fulfilling lives by mitigating discomfort, and thereby, fostering greater comfort and activity in their daily routines.
Vinci’s holistic approach to health and wellness extends beyond the massage table, making him a dedicated and caring professional committed to enhancing the lives of his patients. Outside of the treatment room, Vinci enjoys spending time with his French Bulldog, hiking, baking, and powerlifting.
Languages spoken include English and Cantonese.
Hours: Thursday 1-8 pm
Email: vinci@brighthealthco.ca
Book with Vinci
Sarah Barton, RMT (she/her)
Sarah Barton brings nearly 20 years of massage therapy experience to the Bright Health Co. team. She graduated from Centennial College with an Advanced Massage Therapy Diploma in 2005 and has been an active member in good standing with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario ever since.
Sarah is an evidence-informed practitioner with a wide variety of experience in rehabilitation, injury management, pre- and postnatal massage, sports massage, and maintenance of soft tissues. She believes in working collaboratively with patients to create personalized treatment plans in order for you to receive the most individualized and focused care.
Sarah has a keen interest in creating a safe space, welcoming all bodies, and ensuring you feel empowered and at ease - no matter if this is your first or 100th time receiving massage therapy. She is committed to sharing resources and insights that can help patients achieve their soft-tissue wellness goals.
Outside of her professional career, you will find Sarah building large scale art projects, creating spaces and events for the community to gather, and getting dirty in her garden tending to vegetables and pollinator plants. She loves all things outdoors and spends a significant amount of time hiking, camping, and exploring in all seasons.
Languages spoken include English.
Hours: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 9 am - 3 pm
Email: sarah@brighthealthco.ca
Book with sarah
Dan Landers, RMT (He/Him)
Dan also brings 20 years of massage therapy experience to the Bright Health Co. team after graduating from Elmcrest College of Applied Health Sciences. During his time as a Registered Massage Therapist, Dan has practiced in various healthcare settings including multidisciplinary, sports-based and motor vehicle accident clinics as well as spas. Working with thousands of patients over the years has given Dan expansive experience with several conditions and presentations.
While Dan has a special focus on deep tissue massage and rehabilitation, he integrates his extensive clinical experience with patient preferences to work collaboratively and ensure individualized care is provided to each patient. This approach, along with his empathetic and compassionate nature, help patients reach their treatment goals.
Outside of the treatment room, Dan enjoys golf and going for walks as well as spending time with family and friends.
Languages spoken include English.
Hours: Saturday 10 am - 2 pm
Book with Dan
ACUPUNCTURIST
alysha saks, r.ac (she/her)
Alysha Saks is a Registered Chinese Medicine Acupuncturist (R.Ac) who graduated from The Academy of Integrative Medicine. Alysha has a Bachelor’s degree in East Asian religion, and her passion lies within the realm of East Asian philosophy, which is what attracted her to Chinese medicine. She believes that Taoist and Buddhist concepts, such as mind-body connection and conscious awareness, in conjunction with acupuncture and bodywork are what the western world needs more of.
Alysha takes a holistic approach, assessing the body as a whole, looking into the cause of symptoms, rather than solely treating the visible symptoms. Pain management and injuries (both acute and chronic), hormonal imbalance and women’s health, immunity, digestive complaints, emotional and mental imbalance, and nervous system regulation are a few of her focuses.
During a Bright acupuncture appointment with Alysha, she will hold space, guide, and support the restoration of balance and harmony to your internal landscape. Most importantly, she will help you understand your own body, and teach you how to listen to the subtle yet important messages that it gives you.
Languages spoken include English.
Hours: Monday 2-7 pm; Friday 12:45-7 pm
Email: alysha@brighthealthco.ca
BOOK with alysha
NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR
Dr. Jodi Larry, ND (She/Her)
Dr. Jodi Larry is a graduate of the Canadian College of Naturopathic College (CCNM) and has brings 18 years of experience to the Bright Health Co. team. In addition to her naturopathic training, Jodi is also a certified yoga teacher and training by Brene Brown to facilitate and teach her curriculum and research.
Jodi approaches naturopathic care holistically with five foundational pillars driving her education and treatment protocols - they include clean food, movement, self-compassion, emotional regulation, and community. She believes that when the whole individual is taken into consideration - the physical, hormonal, emotional, mental, and spiritual - impactful changes in one’s health can occur.
Jodi is a mother of two very busy and passionate boys, but in her free time, she loves to practice yoga, travel, spend time in nature and be active outdoors. She also enjoys live music and going to festivals and concerts.
Languages spoken include English.
Hours: Wednesdays from 10 am-6 pm
Email: jodi@brighthealthco.ca
Book with Jodi
PELVIC & ORTHOPEDIC PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Grecia Alaniz PT, PhD(c) (she/her)
Grecia is a skilled physiotherapist with more than 7 years of clinical experience in pelvic health. Her passion lies in supporting pregnant and postpartum parents by equipping them with the necessary knowledge and tools to navigate their pregnancy, birth experience, and postpartum recovery.
She also has a particular interest in helping individuals dealing with complex pain conditions. As someone with endometriosis, Grecia recognizes the importance of treating the entire person, not just their symptoms. Through her extensive training in pelvic health, Grecia has extensive expertise in evaluating and treating various urogenital and ano-rectal conditions, including urinary incontinence, vulvodynia, interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome, and lichen sclerosus. Grecia is also a fierce advocate for all things pelvic health, focusing on awareness and education. She is committed to destigmatizing pelvic health conditions, encouraging open discussions, and building a safe, informed, and supportive community.
Grecia holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Master of Science in Physiotherapy from McMaster University. Currently, she is completing her PhD at Western University and doctoral research fellowship at The Wilson Centre, where her research focuses on the utilization of fetal surveillance technologies in managing pregnancy and childbirth. She is a member of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, specifically the Orthopaedic Division and Women's Health Division, as well as the International Association for the Study of Pain and the International Pelvic Pain Society.
In Grecia’s free time, she enjoys reading a good book, exploring new restaurants and cafes in the city, playing tennis, or going to a pilates class.
Languages include English and Spanish.
Hours: Wednesday 1-7 pm and Saturday 10 am - 2 pm
Email: grecia@brighthealthco.ca
Book with Grecia
LACTATION CONSULTANT
TAYA GRIFFIN, IBCLC (SHE/HER)
Taya Griffin is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) that has been passionate about helping parents achieve their breastfeeding goals for over 10 years.
Taya is a graduate of the International Breastfeeding Centre's Lactation Medicine Program and in 2019, she attended the IBCLC Master Class in New York to learn additional techniques to help breastfeeding parents and their babies.
Languages spoken include English.
Hours: Friday 9:30 am-11:30 am