Dr. Shadi Nahas - Director of Research

Dr. Shadi Nahas (née Monemdjou) received her PhD in biochemistry from the University of Ottawa, where she made important discoveries in the area of insulin resistance and Type 2 Diabetes. This was followed a post-doctoral fellowship at the Banting and Best Diabetes Research Centre at the University of Toronto, for which she received a University of Toronto Fellowship award and a Canadian Diabetes Association Post-Doctoral Fellowship. She then worked in the area of patent law, providing technical expertise in the area of biotechnology.

Shadi brings practical experience in the worlds of research and industry as research director of the Seekers Centre. Currently, she is the site research coordinator for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Trial to Assess Chelation Therapy (TACT) heart study. This is an international multi-million dollar US-funded study which is looking at the use of chelation therapy in people who have heart disease. She also collects data on our patients and their outcomes for internal analysis and future publication.

Catherine Larrivee - Executive Director

Catherine joined the Seekers Centre as Executive Director in 2011.  As Executive Director, Catherine is directly responsible for Administration, Strategic Planning, Finance and Communications.  Prior to joining the Seekers Centre, she was the General Manager at Rama Lotus Yoga Centre, one of the largest yoga centres in Canada.  In addition to her background in health and wellness, Catherine worked in business development for various software and technology companies and has spent over 10 years in small business management prior to joining the company.  Her role at the Seekers Centre combines a wealth of business experience with a passion for holistic healing.

Catherine has a BA in Social Sciences with specialization in Economics and Psychology from the University of Ottawa.

Madeline Rodriguez - Office Assistant

Biography and picture to come shortly.

Ashleigh Donato - Administrative Associate Team Leader

Originally from Winnipeg, Ashleigh graduated from the University of Manitoba in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Ottawa has been home for the past 7 years, where she lives with her young daughter. Her longstanding interest in complementary and alternative medicine makes her happy to be a member of the Seekers Centre team.