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Professional
Communication, Speech, Literacy, Auditory Processing, Cognitive, & Feeding/Swallowing
Support from the Functional & Person-Centered Perspective of a Passionate, Serial Health Detective
Samantha L Dame
M. SLP, H.B.Sc. Psyc., IHP.2
What is Integrative Health?
By shifting the traditional disease-centered focus to a more individualized, holistic approach, integrative health coaching addresses the whole person, and root causes, rather than just an isolated set of symptoms. I spend time with my clients, listening to their histories and looking at the interactions among genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that can influence long-term health and complex, chronic disease. Functional lab testing is also used to eliminate guesswork, and get to the true source of your issues ASAP. In this way, Integrative Health supports the unique expression of health and vitality for each individual.
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Our society is experiencing a significant increase in the number of people who suffer from complex, chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, mental illness, and autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis.
The system of medicine practiced by most physicians is state-of-the-art in acute care - the diagnosis and treatment of trauma or illness that is of short duration and in need of urgent care, such as appendicitis or a broken leg. Unfortunately, the acute-care approach to medicine lacks the proper methodology and tools for preventing and treating complex, chronic disease.
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There’s a vital gap between available research, and the way doctors practice - particularly in the area of complex, chronic illness.​ Most physicians are not adequately trained to assess the underlying causes of complex, chronic disease and to apply strategies such as nutrition, diet, and exercise to both treat and prevent these illnesses in their patients.
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About Me
Hello friends!
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My journey, just like all of ours, has definitely NOT been a straight line, though it has been a passionate and inquisitive one. I have always had an intense inner drive to acquire as much information as possible, and thoroughly understand the 'why' and 'how' behind EVERYthing - the human brain, body, behaviour, plants, animals, our dynamic earth (I studied geology, astronomy, physics, biology, chemistry, languages, psychology, speech pathology, etc.). The more I studied about the intricacies of our world and bodies however, the more I found gaps and holes in the conventional, Western ways of thinking...
In my early thirties, I started to experience low mood, increased anxiety and sadness, hair loss, difficulty losing weight, acid reflux, and unilateral symptoms of the ears, nose, tongue, and throat, that were all dismissed by my family doctor, as my bloodwork came back "within normal limits", and palpation did not suggest anything alarming. I brought the same bloodwork to a naturopath, who explained how "normal" to a doctor meant I did not have a chronic disease, however my hormonal, nutrient and mineral levels were not at all in ranges appropriate to promote a functioning body. My body was in DIS-EASE and if I didn't make any lifestyle changes, I would definitely develop chronic disease - likely my genetic weaknesses would soon surface. I already had a solid awareness of toxins we are exposed to in our air, water, and food, but now started actively seeking out methodologies proven to work for generations (as far as things are documented) and learned in depth about traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine, and consulting with various naturopaths and health coaches, who together with detoxification, functional lab testing, adequate nutrition, exercise and supplementation, guided me through my journey to allow my body to heal, eliminate my symptoms, help me lose weight, and gain a priceless amount of energy that has allowed me to achieve all of my goals, including sharing the information I learned to help me, to help others!
I have always felt compelled to provide service to others. It started by teaching piano in high school, and developed into PSW work, then becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist. I acquired my Masters degree in in Auckland New Zealand, which provided me such a world-wide understanding of the research. I started out my professional career working at a Children's Treatment Center, and with a School Board working to help families and their infant, preschool, and school-aged children who may have suffered from hearing, swallowing / feeding, speech sound, language, literacy & learning difficulties. I worked with children with autism spectrum disorder, AD(H)D, fetal alcohol syndrome, cerebral palsy, downs syndrome, genetic conditions, cochlear implants / hearing aids, cleft palate, tracheostomies, GERD, behavioural and sensory difficulties. I then worked for a University's private speech and language clinic working with children AND adults, working to improve speech, language and swallowing with people post-stroke, with dementia, Parkinson's disease, motor neuron diseases (ALS), Multiple Sclerosis, and other conditions. I also worked with the local Ear Nose and Throat specialists to provide voice support to people who had voice difficulties / disorders. To complete my well-rounded understanding of both children and adult's health journeys I worked in hospitals with patients requiring swallowing and communication support in all areas from the intensive care unit, to mental health, to rehabilitation units. Throughout all my experiences, I started to see trends in how limiting our education and health systems are in Ontario, and became determined to provide people with the quality care they deserve - advocating for independence, providing patient-centered care, and finding the true root cause and solution for any difficulties- rather than suppressing a symptom or behaviour.
During my personal healing journey, I came across Dr. Stephen Cabral, his detox protocols, and book "The Rain Barrel Effect". His book, and podcast are amazing tools for anyone who wants to learn proven ways to allow your body to heal. I instantly connected with Dr. Stephen Cabral's lessons and overall way of thinking - using functional medicine to "test, not guess" for deficiencies, integrate all medicinal knowledge, and provide the body with everything it needs to heal itself! Our bodies have an innate drive to maintain balance and homeostasis, they just need certain macro and micro nutrients, as well as not being overloaded with stress and toxins to do so! Our bodies are intricate machines that require the right fuel quality and contents to operate efficiently. Poor quality fuel = poor performance, like any machine. It made such perfect sense. I ended up completing his 21 day detox, which to my surprise did NOT involve starvation, and in actuality sneakily instilled great eating and exercise habits that set my body up for optimal functioning!
I am currently Level 2 certified as an Integrative Health Practitioner, though my mission will definitely not stop there. The program I use is based on Dr. Stephen Cabral's proven protocols that are designed to be tailored to the individuality of the person.
For a limited time offer, I am offering a 2 for 1 special, where mothers AND their children can receive a package deal where you will both be provided with personalized plans which are guaranteed to improve both of your quality's of life, bodily function, performance, cognitive function, and behaviours / emotional regulation! Especially with our current life situations, our changes in lifestyles, reduction in human connection, decrease in mental stimulation, increase in toxin exposure, etc., we are all desperately in need of some of the forgotten and wrongfully dismissed guidelines to allow our bodies to be in a state that promotes healing and optimal functioning!
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I am currently providing SLP and/or Integrative Health Practitioner services virtually to everyone, and in-person within an hour of Orillia, Ontario.
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I have been and remain super excited to watch how you will make use of your rediscovered energy and balanced mind and body!
Services
Undiagnosed Symptoms?
Have you and your symptoms been dismissed by a doctor or society as "normal"? If you are suffering from anything less than an energized, optimized body / mind, sign up for a personalized plan on how to regain your vitality and tackle more than you ever have before!
Difficulty Losing Weight?
Does losing weight seem impossible? Tried all of the diets and suggestions around with no luck? Sign up for a personalized plan that will guarantee you not only results within 21 days, but knowledge and habits to continue to not only get the best body you've ever had, but the best health as well.
Have Children who Need Support?
Does your child suffer from behavioural, emotional, social, sensory, hearing, speech, communication, feeding, language, learning, and / or literacy difficulties?
Sign up for immediate information and support that you and your child so desperately have needed
Happy Clients :)
“What struck me, apart from your inventive approach, was your kindness, patience and obvious enjoyment of what you are doing.”
Marian Harvey
"I CANNOT believe the changes that Sam helped me to implement - my body started looking better than it had in my adult life, my skin was more moisturized, my mood was significantly elevated and stabilized, and best of all, I had SO much more energy to spend with my children, family, and even myself!"
"Samantha has always had such a great connection with our son from the very first session. She really has an intuitive way with children, and was able to improve his behaviour while expanding his academic and communication skills."
Meghan Charles
Heather Finch
