Glow is created on the foundation of an integrative approach with the deep belief that everyone has an innate ability to heal.

Our team works collaboratively to provide you with the best evidence-based care and always looks to the root cause. We build our practices in a heart, gratitude, and patient-centered way so that you are supported and cared for.

Amber Baker

Co-Owner & Nutritionist

Of all the jobs I dreamt of having, a nutritionist was never one of them. I was raised in a meat, potatoes, and canned corn kind of family that never saw many fresh veggies. However, when a family member was diagnosed with an advanced cancer I dove into the world of integrative and alternative care. 

I received my Certified Nutritional Practitioner (CNP) training from the Institute of Holistic Nutrition in 2013 and carry the Natural Nutrition Clinical Practitioner (NNCP) designation through the Canadian Association of Natural Nutritional Practitioners (CANNP). Additionally, I have attained the Certified Holistic Cancer Practitioner (CHNP) designation through Edison Institute of Nutrition. I most recently studied under Dr Aviva Romm in the Women’s Integrative & Functional Medicine Professional Training Program. 

I began my nutrition career working as an online educator developing dietary programs for over 10,000 individuals with LULORA. I was a nutritionist and the Vancouver Island Clinical Director at InspireHealth, a supportive cancer care centre partially-funded by the BC Ministry of Health, from 2013-2019. I worked alongside medical doctors, clinical counsellors, kinesiologists, and a team of holistic nutritionists. I have also been a faculty member at Pacific Rim College since 2015 and teach numerous courses in their three year holistic nutrition diploma and the doula and herbal certificate programs. 

I am passionate about whole foods consumption and menstrual health. My clinical practice focuses on gynecological conditions, fertility, prenatal & postpartum care, menopausal support, and hormone-sensitive cancers. I take an educational approach and seek to empower women to understand the subtle cues and signs of their bodies.

Rachel Mark

Co-Owner & Acupuncturist

I am licensed as a Registered Acupuncturist in British Columbia under the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists. In addition, I hold certifications as a Kinesiologist with the BC Association of Kinesiologists, as a Clinical Exercise Physiologist and High Performance Specialist with the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology, and as a yoga teacher through the Yoga Alliance.

I am grateful to have been introduced to a wise and intuitive acupuncturist in my youth who truly shaped the way that I approached my own health. Since that point, I always had a keen interest in the human body, how it worked and the incredible interconnectedness in its ability to heal. 

This made it a clear transition to enter into the field of Kinesiology, completing my Bachelor of Kinesiology at the University of Calgary in 2007, and my Master of Arts in Kinesiology at the University of Victoria in 2009.  After completion, I wanted to find a clinical setting in which I could apply what I knew as a kinesiologist, with a broader and more integrated type of medicine.  This led me to complete my Diploma in Acupuncture at Pacific Rim College in 2014. I have completed additional advanced training in women’s integrative health through Dr. Aviva Romm’s Women’s Functional and Integrative Medicine Professional Training Program, cosmetic acupuncture in the Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture System by Martha Lucas, sports and orthopedic acupuncture with Whitfield Reeves, and advanced training in acupuncture for the management of cancer-related symptoms.

I feel incredibly lucky to be able to spend my days working with people of all ages and backgrounds to optimize health and integrate a whole-person approach to healing. I have experienced in myself and seen in others the amazing transformations which can be made through education, empowerment and treatment. I truly believe that these powerful forms of medicine can ignite our own healing response and bring us into a brighter, clearer and more radiant state of being. 

Administrative Team

India Edwards

Front Desk Support

I am in my third year studying Recreation and Health Education at the University of Victoria. My second co-op work term is underway here at Glow, I also work as a research assistant and facilitator in the Digital Health Lab at UVic.

I am from Yellowknife, Northwest Territories and I always planned on moving to the west coast for school. I was a nationally ranked competitive squash player and had the opportunity to attend two Canada Winter Games. As well as two Arctic Winter Games for badminton. 

I have ambitions of becoming an occupational therapist after I complete my undergrad. I play on a couple university intramural teams, and I love getting outside as much as I can, especially finding new hikes in the area so if you see me at the desk feel free to share some trail suggestions!

Gillian Jefferson

Front Desk Support

I was born and raised in Victoria and grew up running around Fernwood with my sister. Although I’ve travelled quite a bit and lived in Scotland, Australia, and New Zealand, I’ve always found my way back to our beautiful island. Here, I earned my diploma in graphic design and worked as an early childhood educator. Having always had a keen interest in nutrition, I am currently pursuing my diploma in holistic nutrition at Pacific Rim College and hope to eventually merge my professional backgrounds.

A few of my favourite things include being an auntie, spending time in, on, or around the ocean, reading a good book and discussing it with my book club, long-distance running, cooking and eating delicious food, and watching the Great British Bake-Off.

Practitioners

Dr. Whitney Baxter

Naturopathic Doctor

I understand that health is so personal and we can achieve anything when we feel heard, empowered and understand our treatment options. I take people from feeling limited by their IBS, bloating or hormonal concerns such as PMS, and menopause to feeling in control and confident in their body.

My journey to naturopathic medicine began after working as an exercise physiologist in cardiac rehabilitation. I witnessed the value of a holistic approach to health care and understood that each individual’s physical, mental, and emotional health are interconnected. As a naturopathic physician, I understand that health is a very personal issue. My goal is to spend the time getting to know you and your presenting symptoms so we can achieve your ideal state of health.

I’m particularly interested in the connection between our gut, hormone and nervous systems. As a part of my comprehensive approach to your care, I consider all of these aspects of your health when developing your treatment plan. 

I am certified in acupuncture, IV therapy, and hold my prescriptive rights. Aside from this, I have completed additional training in prescribing and monitoring menopause hormone therapy to support women through the perimenopause and menopause transition.

A little about me outside of clinic: I love coffee, a good laugh and running along the ocean.

Malakai Button

Registered Acupuncturist

I am passionate about helping those struggling with hormonal, reproductive, and pregnancy issues and offer a holistic and complementary approach to achieving mental wellness, hormonal balance, menstrual regulation, and healthy pregnancies. My practice is heart-centered and trauma-informed. I seek to create a safe space for you to cultivate wellness and reconnect with your body's innate healing capacity.

I am a Registered Acupuncturist in good standing with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of British Columbia and am a member of the Obstetrical Acupuncture Association. I completed my training at the International College for Traditional Chinese Medicine Vancouver and Pacific Rim College and have received advanced training in Acupuncture for Pregnancy, Labour, and Postpartum, Women's Health, Fertility, and Pediatric Acupuncture. I also hold a Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation with a focus on Mental Health.

When I am not Malakai the Acupuncturist, you can find me being mom to three wonderfully wild children, adventuring on our beautiful island, and attempting to make a small farm out of my backyard.

Rachel Howatson

Registered Massage Therapist

Rachel’s passion for health and wellness has been a lifelong journey, fuelled by her experiences as a competitive volleyball player and pre-professional dancer. Rachel strives to create a safe and supportive space for each person that walks into the treatment room. Embracing a holistic perspective, she is dedicated to guiding people on their path to connecting back to their bodies and ensuring that they are equipped with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

Her approach is focused on the individual as a whole, providing an effective treatment tailored to meet the unique needs of each person.

Alyssa Kelly

Registered Massage Therapist

Alyssa has always derived a sense of purpose from caring for others. Originally completing a Bachelor of Science degree with the intention of pursuing a career in veterinary medicine, she changed paths after experiencing the benefits of massage therapy. In 2023, she graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy and has found massage to be a perfect blend of her fascination with science, movement, and the human body. Her thorough nature and desire to help others motivate her to always keep learning.

Alyssa aims to understand the individuality of each body and to help bolster the body’s innate capabilities to heal through touch, education, and empowerment. Some interests of hers include stress and anxiety reduction, nervous system regulation, mind-body connection, autoimmune disease, and the interplay between mental and physical health. Alyssa’s practice is based on the therapeutic effects of relaxation, while addressing musculoskeletal concerns as needed.

Alyssa’s hobbies include dance, yoga, and baking, but she is happiest cozied up on the couch with a cat in her lap.

Susannah Stewart

Pelvic Health Physiotherapist

Susannah takes a gentle, mind body approach to help you feel more embodied and empowered. She brings yoga, sex education, and nervous system care practices into her work. Susannah recognizes that mental health and trauma impact pelvic health, and she works alongside mental health colleagues to coordinate your care. Her own pelvic floor problem led her to see a pelvic physiotherapist, who sparked her interest in learning more.

Susannah is inspired every day by the courage, vulnerability and healing capacity of her patients. Her practice includes support in the following areas: pelvic pain, (peri)menopause, low back pain, pregnancy and postpartum care, painful sex, urinary urgency and frequency, bladder leaks, pelvic organ prolapse (bladder/uterus/rectum), heaviness to vagina/anus, constipation, painful vulva, preparation for/recovery from gender affirming and other pelvic surgery, and more.

In her free time, Susannah loves to sing, dance, do yoga, swim in lakes, play with fashion, and cuddle with dogs.

Elena Trenholm

Clinical Counsellor

I do not believe that counsellors can be neutral. I show up in-session as myself, tenderhearted, thoughtful and sometimes silly. In this, I hope that you will also feel comfortable showing up as yourself.

I am a Canadian Certified Counsellor and have a master’s degree in counselling psychology.

The care I bring into counselling is larger than the time we will spend together. I am always learning through books, courses and clinical supervision. Some areas where I have completed extensive additional training are sexual health and disability justice.

I view counselling as one way to cultivate space and care for our whole selves.

My counselling style is strength-based, relational and grounded in harm reduction and an anti-oppressive framework. I use a variety of modalities to meet people where they are, including somatic, existential, psychodynamic and cognitive processing therapy. I also work to provide services that are neurodivergent-, queer-, and gender-affirming.

I am currently accepting new clients and offer compassionate and practical care in the following areas:

  • Chronic Stress

  • Chronic Illness

  • Anxiety and Depression

  • Trauma

  • Relationships

  • Exploring Gender and Sexuality

  • Autism and ADHD

  • Self-Esteem

  • Sex and Intimacy

Melanie Young

Registered Massage Therapist

Melanie Young is a graduate from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy (WCCMT) in Victoria. After a career in animal rescue and emergency veterinary care, Melanie was looking for a change in career into something less stressful and more inline with her lifestyle. 

With hundreds of hours of hands on experience, she has had involvement with numerous body conditions such as chronic pain, pregnancy, sports injury, mental health issues, and women's health. She has a large interest in women and menopause, reconnecting the body and mind during this natural body occurrence. She has a passion for bringing awareness and education on the subject of menopause.

Melanie’s techniques include general Swedish massage, trigger point release, myofascial release, and craniosacral therapy. Her treatmentsare build on a foundation of relaxation and therapeutic techniques that encourage mind-body integration and awareness. She enjoys holding a safe space for clients that will help lead to healing and body empowerment.