Our Team

Pain Physician

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Dr. Virginia McEwen is a practicing pain physician after a winding career path first as a registered massage therapist, then by a career in nursing initially in oncology and palliative care, followed by remote community health nursing in Indigenous communities of Northern Ontario and Nunavut, which lead her to pursue medicine at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. She is a white settler and is grateful for the role that the North Caribou Lake First Nation has played in her journey into medicine. As a pain generalist, she uses tools that range from pain education, lifestyle teaching, medical management of pain, sleep, and associated mental health conditions. She has a robust spectrum of interventional pain care options under fluoroscopic or ultrasound-guidance, ranging from regenerative medicine to radiofrequency ablation. Virginia has a unique practice with cradle to grave pain care, with interest in developing pediatric pain care alongside her adult practice. She is involved in several research grants, sits on several chronic pain advisory committees, is an assistant professor at NOSM University. She regularly hosts learners interested in pain medicine. In her leisure time, Virginia enjoys sailing with her husband and 2 boys on their sailboat, working in her garden, or skiing in winter.

Pain Physician

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Yuvaraj Kotteeswaran is an anesthesiologist and chronic pain physician. He completed his training in anesthesiology in India and obtained a fellowship in Chronic and Transitional Pain Management at University of Toronto under the mentorship of Dr. Hance Clarke, an internationally renowned leader in the field. His clinical and academic work is strongly focused on regional anesthesia, chronic and transitional pain management. He has travelled the world to Singapore in the pursuit of advanced training in regional anesthesia and to South Korea for advanced interventional pain procedures. His work is driven by a passion for advancing pain medicine and improving patient outcomes through innovation, precision and global collaboration. His interventional pain practice includes procedures under both fluoroscopic or ultrasound guidance. He is quick to adapt the latest advanced techniques in his pain practice such as Botox applications, radiofrequency ablation, cryoneurolysis and regenerative medicine. He employs precision-targeted treatments for chronic pain management, prioritizing safety and efficacy in patient care. He is involved in several research grants and is the site lead for a multicenter trial in transitional pain services for post-surgical pain patients and has given lectures on regional anesthesia and chronic pain nationally and internationally. He is an assistant professor at NOSM University. Beyond his clinical and academic pursuits, he is an avid runner and loves travelling to different countries and make memories with his wife and two kids, one boy and girl.

Clinical Manager

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Tara Kydd, clinical manager, is a Registered Social Worker and educator with over 15 years of experience across the pediatric and adult developmental rehabilitation sectors. She specializes in program development, systems navigation, and interdisciplinary care, with a strong commitment to advancing equity in health and social services. A fourth-generation settler whose great-grandfather established roots in the Kakabeka Falls area, Tara honours Indigenous rights and is committed to reconciliation, relationship-building, and supporting culturally safe, community-based care. Tara worked closely with Dr. McEwen during the pediatric pain pilot project, helping bring it to life, and which paved the way for permanent funding of our pediatric program. She now plays a central role in taking that vision from pilot to realization. As Clinic Manager, she is helping to establish the clinic’s permanent structure, ensuring the delivery of holistic, interdisciplinary services that integrate Indigenous and Western practices and meet the needs of children, youth, and families across Northwestern Ontario.

Outside of work, Tara enjoys reading, bookbinding, baking, spending time on the water, exploring the outdoors on her side-by-side, and relaxing by the fire with her dog.

Occupational Therapist

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Jen Cano, is an Occupational Therapist (OT) with over 35 years of experience working with clients across the lifespan in settings ranging from acute care to rehabilitation to community integration. She also served as Coordinator and Clinical Instructor in the Northern Studies Stream, a partnership between Lakehead and McMaster Universities, where she introduced students to the many advantages of practicing in a northern community. Jen was part of the Pediatric Pilot Program team that laid the foundation for permanently funded pediatric pain care at NICHE. In her dual roles as OT and Quality Improvement Specialist, she is committed to advancing equitable, accessible, and safe care that is informed by both evidence and lived experience. She is passionate about collaborating with colleagues, clients, and families to develop approaches that respect autonomy and context while meeting individual needs. As a settler, Jen is grateful for the teachings she has received that guide her on a Two-Eyed Seeing journey of learning and care. She values the opportunity to live, work, and play on the lands and waters of Northwestern Ontario.

Nurse Practitioner

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Kelsey Hoogsteen is a Nurse Practitioner thrilled to be joining the NICHE Pain Care team. With both personal experience living with chronic pain and professional experience across a variety of primary care, acute care, and community health settings, Kelsey brings a unique perspective to her practice. She has a special interest in mental health, women’s health, and holistic approaches to care; especially in the context of marginalized populations. Kelsey believes it is a privilege to hear her patients’ stories and to walk alongside them on their health journeys—listening, supporting, and helping them find the care they need.

Born and raised in Thunder Bay, Kelsey studied Health Sciences at the University of Ottawa before earning her nursing degree through Lakehead University’s Compressed Nursing Program. She went on to complete a Master of Public Health at Lakehead University and became a Nurse Practitioner in 2020.

Outside of her professional role, Kelsey is the proud mom of three and enjoys life on Lake Superior. She loves cooking, birding, following sports, fishing, camping, and spending time with her family—preferably in or on the water. Kelsey is excited to join this amazing interdisciplinary team and play a role in providing innovative and evidence-based pain care to the residents of our region.

Physiotherapist

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Hello, my name is Kirsten Zapior.  I am a physiotherapist working out of MOVE therapy clinic in Thunder Bay.  I have 15 years of experience working with clients with orthopedic injuries and pediatric conditions.  I have completed training in Functional Dry Needling, manual therapy, myofascial release and craniosacral therapy.  

My treatment approach combines hands-on therapy with exercise prescription and education. My goal is to support clients in addressing their movement dysfunction and resuming their activities stronger and more balanced.

Psychotherapist

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Ruth Mills is the owner of Kaleidoscope Mental Health, where she provides mental health services using a neurodevelopmental lens.  Guided by the principles of curiosity, connection, and creativity, she works with each client to understand their developmental needs and how to best adapt her clinical approach.  Ruth is also studying the mental health needs of children and youth with developmental disabilities as a PhD student in Health Sciences at Lakehead University.  She is registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, and is a member in good standing with the Ontario Association of Social Workers.

Anishinaabe Family Physician

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Boozhoo! My name is Dr. Alexa Lesperance I am an Anishinaabe Family Physician offering private dry needling services within and around the Thunder Bay Region.

I often see individuals who are deeply impacted by loss of function, mobility and pain. As a Resident Doctor I found myself wanting to offer non-pharmaceutical options for ailments that get to the structural root cause of problems including trauma. 

During my Family Medicine Residency I completed myoActivation Training a technique developed by Dr. Greg Siren. This is a needling technique that releases muscles in sustained contraction, fascia under tension and relevant scars with the aim of resolving pain and addressing trauma.  My hope is to help community members to functionally live better. 

Clinical Psychologist

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Dr. Alexandra Drawson, C.Psych. is a clinical psychologist and co-owner of Harmony Health. Her clinical work is grounded in an understanding of how trauma and psychosocial factors impact mental health across the lifespan.

Dr. Drawson is also an Assistant Professor with NOSM University and an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Psychology at Lakehead University. Her research interests are broad and include the impact of sleep and screen use on pediatric mental health, transdiagnostic approaches to the assessment and treatment of mental disorders, rural and northern community wellbeing, and measure development and validation. She has published in many peer-reviewed journals and has presented her work at more than 30 national and international conferences.

Dr. Drawson is particularly committed to improving access to high-quality, culturally responsive mental health care for individuals and families in northern and rural communities. She also has training and experience in supporting athletes with concerns related to performance, injury recovery, and identity.

A Thunder Bay local, Dr. Drawson enjoys spending her free time practicing yoga, honing her baking skills, watching reality TV, and crocheting.

Medical Office Assistant

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Michelle is a medical-administrative professional who supports patients, families, and providers with compassion, efficiency, and care. Since moving to Thunder Bay in 2021, she has continued her long-standing commitment to community involvement, including volunteering with programs supporting people experiencing incarceration and youth-focused initiatives that create spaces of dignity and belonging.

Michelle is motivated by a deep respect for every person’s story and works to ensure each patient feels genuinely seen and supported. She brings strong skills in scheduling, EMR documentation, and patient coordination, along with a steady, empathetic presence in fast-paced environments. She is excited to contribute to this interdisciplinary team and help support patients and families with the highest level of care.

Outside of work, Michelle enjoys life in Thunder Bay with her husband, their three children, and two dogs, whether hiking the Sleeping Giant, spending time by the lake, or exploring the outdoors. She also enjoys skiing, cooking, and sports (especially soccer), and is passionate about contributing to accessible, community-driven care for families across Northwestern Ontario.

Registered Nurse

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Jennifer is a Registered Nurse with many years of experience working as part of an interprofessional chronic pain management team. Through this work, she has developed a strong understanding of the complex and often overlapping challenges faced by people living with chronic pain.

In her community nursing role, Jennifer values the time she is able to spend with clients, listening to their stories and working collaboratively to support their care and goals. She is committed to providing compassionate, patient-centred care that recognizes the whole person, not just their symptoms.

Born in Thunder Bay and raised in Marathon, Jennifer returned to Thunder Bay to attend Lakehead University as an adult learner in the Compressed Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Nursing represents a second career for Jennifer, following 20 years of work as a dental hygienist.

Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys living in Thunder Bay, spending time with family, travelling, and eagerly looks forward to golf season each year.