OCA Student and New Graduate Advisory Council Profiles
Position: Year 4 New Graduate Representative
Graduating Year: 2020
College: Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College
Dr. Richa Sharma
I graduated from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) in 2020 and have since been running my practice in Brampton, Ontario. In addition to my clinical practice, I have been teaching at CMCC since 2022. I have certification in contemporary medical acupuncture from McMaster University and graduated from York University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in psychology. I look forward to supporting students and new graduates, along with advancing the profession, as a member of the OCA Student and New Graduate Advisory Council.
Position: Year 3 New Graduate Representative
Graduating Year: 2021
College: Northeast College of Health Sciences (formerly New York Chiropractic College)
Dr. Hailey Saxton
I graduated from Northeast College of Health Sciences (formerly New York Chiropractic College) in December 2021 with my Doctor of Chiropractic and Master of Science in Applied Clinical Nutrition degrees. During my clinical training at Northeast, I had the amazing opportunity to treat Veterans through a clerkship at the Bath VA Medical Center. Here I gained an understanding of the role chiropractors can play in an interdisciplinary hospital setting and became passionate about collaborating with other healthcare professionals. I am now practicing as a locum and independent contractor at a few multidisciplinary clinics in the GTA before beginning the Clinical Sciences Residency Program at CMCC in August 2022.
While attending Northeast, I served as the president of our college’s branch of the Student Canadian Chiropractic Association. In this position, I helped students gain the necessary resources for practicing in Canada and facilitated meetings with experienced chiropractors to discuss life after graduation. Having gone to school internationally, I recognize that it can be difficult for students to access resources and mentorship back in Ontario. I am excited to join the OCA Student and New Graduate Advisory Council to help overcome this challenge and continue assisting others in their transition from student to practitioner. As a member of the council, I also look forward to the opportunity to bring awareness to chiropractic in my community and contribute to the advancement of this amazing profession.
Position: Year 3 New Graduate Representative
Graduating Year: 2021
College: Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College
Dr. Adam Solis
I received my D.C. from Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in 20XX. During my postgraduate studies, I was extremely involved in the student community, holding multiple leadership roles across the Student Canadian Chiropractic Association, World Congress of Chiropractic Students & Students’ Council. I was honoured to be the recipient of eight recognition scholarship awards, including the Ontario Chiropractic Association Award for Outstanding Leadership & Service in both 2018 & 2019 years. After graduating, I recognized a need for diversified, evidence-based chiropractic care in my community and opened my own clinic in my hometown of Oakville. I have since discovered the unique value held by newer graduates with a modern approach to chiropractic, which I hope to share with all my peers. My goal in serving on the OCA Student & New Graduate Advisory Council is to encourage other students & new grads to take the leap-of-faith in establishing their own practice and help them by highlighting the strategies that have aided my own success (as well as the pitfalls to hopefully avoid).
Position: Year 2 New Graduate Representative
Graduating Year: 2022
College: Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College
Dr. Elizabeth Barr
I’m a graduate of the 2022 class of CMCC, and I look forward to serving on the OCA Student and New Graduate Advisory Council by helping the OCA to support new graduates as they find themselves in a time of uncertainty, transition and stress.
Having worked as a Registered Kinesiologist for several years prior to beginning my chiropractic journey, I’m familiar with the stress, uncertainty and struggle of finding your place and role in the ever-evolving health care landscape within Ontario. During my time with the Council, I hope to provide insight from my time as an R. Kin, and my time as a new graduate to help direct resources and facilitate a smoother and more supported transition for new graduates.
I firmly believe that easing the transition into practice begins with creating deeper, longer-lasting connections amongst students prior to their graduation. This Council is the perfect avenue to foster relationships within our Canadian and international student populations, which will ultimately lead to more connected, supported and confident new graduates. My goal during my time with the Council is to foster the same sense of community that students feel while in school in our new graduate communities. I believe the fostering of relationships between all chiropractic employment types will ultimately help to move the profession forward, improve our standing with other healthcare providers and consequentially increase utilization rates and patient care.
Position: Year 2 New Graduate Representative
Graduating Year: 2022
College: Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College
Dr. Prabhjot Singh
I am a 4th-year intern at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC). My alma mater is Simon Fraser University (SFU) where I received a Bachelor of Science (Honors) in Kinesiology with a concentration in Active Health and Rehabilitation. I have been a part of the Student Canadian Chiropractic Association (SCCA) for the past 3 years, including President for the 2021/2022 year. As a soon-to-be new grad, my goal is to support the student chiropractic community in preparing for practice by providing various resources for success. I grew up in Vancouver, BC, and in my free time, you can find me camping, hiking, biking, swimming, or spending time with my puppy Leia.
Position: Year 2 New Graduate Representative
Graduating Year: 2022
College: Northeast College of Health Sciences (formerly New York Chiropractic College)
Dr. Anastasia Tolfa
I graduated from the Northeast College of Health Sciences (formerly New York Chiropractic College) in December 2022. During my time as a student, I had the opportunity to be involved in my school community in a multitude of ways which included being a class representative and vice president for the Student Canadian Chiropractic Association club. Throughout my education I enjoyed being able to engage with and listen to my colleagues’ thoughts on ways to enhance their educational experience. As a member of the OCA Student and New Graduate Advisory Council, I hope to continue to collaborate with current students and new graduates to provide them the resources and opportunities to enhance both their learning and future careers. As a recent graduate, I understand that many of my peers and future students in my position will be experiencing both an overwhelming amount of excitement and uncertainty surrounding how to navigate this time and the challenges that lie ahead. Whether it is additional qualifications or network opportunities, learning about associateships or the steps to opening one’s own practice for instance, being on this council will allow me to assist others through initiatives that targets these areas. While the rigorous demands of chiropractic school places emphasis on students becoming ethically competent health care providers, it provides only a baseline of knowledge regarding what to do next once you graduate. I hope to help fill these gaps and provide the gateway for current students and new graduates to reach out with any questions they may have.
Position: Year 2 New Graduate Representative
Graduating Year: 2022
College: Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College
Dr. Samantha Billard
Helping others has always been a passion of mine and is one of the main reasons why I chose chiropractic as a career. When I was a kinesiology student at Acadia University, I was exposed to various communities through volunteering, which taught me how important serving the public is to a health care professional.
I am a 2022 CMCC graduate, and within the first year of practice I have recognized gaps in the transition from student to practitioner. However, I have learned through these experiences how to overcome challenges and hope to help others achieve the same. I want to help new graduates in their first few years of practice gain the confidence to tackle any challenge they encounter. The OCA is a great resource that provides support to help new graduates navigate the role of being a practitioner. I want to create more awareness about the supports available for students as they begin the transition into their careers. I am looking forward to serving on the OCA Student and New Graduate Advisory Council and connecting with students and new graduates as they continue their chiropractic journey.
Position: Year 2 New Graduate Representative
Graduating Year: 2022
College: Northwestern Health Sciences University
Dr. Michelle Myre
I’m Dr. Michelle Myre, a 2022 graduate from Northwestern Health Sciences University in Minnesota. With clinic experience spanning various locations in the USA and Canada, I proudly returned to my hometown of Sudbury, Ontario to start my own chiropractic business as an independent contractor. I’m enthusiastic about offering guidance to students and new graduates seeking to follow a similar path in the chiropractic profession. I’m honored to be a part of the OCA Student and New Graduate Advisory Council, where I aim to make a positive impact by sharing my insights and supporting others in the chiropractic community. If anyone has questions or seeks advice, please feel free to reach out to me on Instagram at @thesudburychiropractor.
Position: Year 1 New Graduate Representative
Graduating Year: 2023
College: Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College
Dr. Sayyid Hassan
I am a graduate of the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC), class of 2023, and currently a Chiropractic Sports Sciences resident. This is my second year serving on the OCA Students and New Graduate Advisory Council and I learned a lot about the profession and, what it has to offer from many of the board members last year. During my time at CMCC, I was involved in various clubs and positions, including a class athletic representative, a peer mentor, and a research assistant for a project-based research network. I enjoyed engaging with my classmates, as well as the faculty, and my goal as a new graduate is to give back to the current students, in any way shape or form that I can, with the intent of fostering their growth as mine was fostered by the amazing instructors I had. My goal for being a part of the OCA Student and New Graduate Advisory Council is to help navigate potential opportunities for students and to create more awareness around the chiropractic profession. The OCA is an amazing resource, and, unfortunately, more students and the general public are unaware of its great benefits. I hope to bring more awareness and be part of a change that impacts better student life and the profession.
Position: Year 1 New Graduate Representative
Graduating Year: 2023
College: Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College
Dr. Kyla Meadley
I am heading into my fourth year at CMCC and will graduate with the Class of 2023. Before starting at CMCC, I had many academic endeavors, most recently obtaining a Master of Science in Global Health at McMaster University. I actively volunteer in international service missions, and since 2015 I have helped lead a Rotary International service project that provides healthcare to Haitian refugees living in the Dominican Republic.
I have been a member of many different student organizations throughout my academic career. I am the incoming President of the SCCA at CMCC and Chair of the SCCA National Board for 2022-2023. Through my various roles at CMCC, as well as serving on the SCCA National Board, I have had the opportunity to immerse myself in the diverse perspectives of Canadian chiropractic students. I have advocated for the needs of chiropractic students in discussions with the CCA, and I look forward to continuing these conversations at a provincial level as a member of the OCA Student and New Graduate Advisory Council. I cannot wait to enter the chiropractic profession next year, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on this council and support the positive evolution of our profession.
Position: Year 4 Ontario Student Representative
Graduating Year: 2024
College: Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College
Courtney Nickel
Chiropractic has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I have seen this profession from many different perspectives and have watched it change and grow over the last 25 years of my life. I have been a chiropractic patient since I was 4 days old, worked as a chiropractic assistant, and am now a member of the Class of 2024 at CMCC. I possess my undergraduate degree in Kinesiology, a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Science and have prior work experience as a Registered Kinesiologist.
As a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, I plan to be an advocate for all students in progressing the field of chiropractic to be one that is all-inclusive and knowledgeable on cultural safety and diversity.
I plan to work with my fellow classmates and students to bridge the gap between being a chiropractic student and becoming a chiropractor in the community. As chiropractic students, we face many unknowns as we transition into practice. It is my passion that, through this OCA Student and New Graduate Advisory Council, we can begin to take those unknowns and make them known. By bridging this gap, we will see confident new graduate chiropractors entering the field, eager to serve the public.
Position: Year 4 Ontario Student Representative
Graduating Year: 2024
College: Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College
Erika Caldwell
I am currently a fourth-year intern at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC). My academic journey began at the University of Guelph-Humber, where I completed a Bachelor of Applied Sciences in kinesiology and a diploma in fitness and health promotion. My time at the University of Guelph-Humber provided me with invaluable insights into health promotion and physical well-being. It’s there that my interest in governance and advocacy was sparked, and I have since been involved in numerous leadership and advocacy roles.
As I approach the end of my academic journey, I am eager to embark on a new chapter of my life. I aspire to support students and new graduates as they transition into practice. I believe in the importance of providing them with access to the wealth of resources that the Ontario Chiropractic Association offers, and I am committed to advocating for additional resources and support systems based on the evolving needs of our community. I am excited to connect with fellow professionals and students over my two-year term!
Position: Year 2 Ontario Student Representative
Graduating Year: 2026
College: Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College
Alina Jandu
I’m a second-year student at CMCC, graduating as a part of the class of 2026. Prior to attending CMCC, I completed my Bachelor of Science in kinesiology at McMaster University. Throughout my academic career, I have been involved in various initiatives and clubs. I have been a part of the CMCC Fitness Club as a group fitness instructor, peer mentor helping incoming students transition to CMCC, and a member of various additional academic and athletic clubs. In my free time, I enjoy staying active, spending time with family and friends, and teaching spin classes.
I have always had a strong passion to support those within my community. As a member of the OCA Student and New Graduate Advisory Council, my main goals include helping current chiropractic students navigate the challenges they face over the course of their journey, easing the transition from being a student to establishing their practice, and promoting the active engagement of chiropractic students and new graduates to further develop the profession. I look forward to offering my support to bridge knowledge gaps and build confidence while serving the Ontario chiropractic community.
