What made you decide to train as a chiropractor?
I suffered from severe migraine headaches when I was young. I tried everything under the natural sun to find relief, however, chiropractic adjustments were the only treatment that completely relieved the pain. I knew at that point (grade 4) that I wanted to provide this relief to others.
My chiropractor was my primary health care provider since I was born and I received regular adjustments in order to maintain good health, develop optimally, and prevent any illness or disease. I always loved going and felt amazing every time I walked out.
What type of chiropractic care are you focusing on?
I worked with my chiropractor when I was in high school and witnessed so many incredible cases. She would treat people of all ages, pregnant women, little babies, athletes, the list goes on! I remember her visiting her patients in the hospital to check and adjust their newborn children immediately after birth. What a superhero! She would also help pregnant women with breech babies, colicky babies, children who wet the bed, women with breast feeding issues, and women with fertility issues. I have her to thank for introducing me to pregnant and pediatric care.
My passion grew for helping people, and I was certain that I wanted to have a healthy impact on the development and optimization of life.
Where did you go to school?
I went to Grimsby Secondary School in my hometown Grimsby, Ontario. I completed my undergraduate degree in Health Sciences at Brock University. After that, I obtained my Doctorate of Chiropractic from Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. I am really proud to have attended CMCC as it is the only English chiropractic college in Canada and is really competitive. I studied under some of the best chiropractors and brightest scholars that education has to offer.
What do you love about working in Maple Ridge?
I followed the love of my life, Dr. Everett Gerretsen (MR born & raised), to Maple Ridge to start a practice together and haven’t looked back since. I remember visiting Maple Ridge for the first time in my first year of chiropractic school. It seemed similar to my hometown Grimsby (population of 25,000) as it had the small town feel, but also offered services of a big town. By the way, have you seen the gorgeous mountains!? Yeah we don’t have those in Ontario.
Maple Ridge has been wonderful so far. The community is really strong and supportive here. Everyone has been really welcoming and genuine. I can’t get over how small town it actually is, everyone knows everyone! It feels like one big family.
What else would you like pregnant women to know about you?
I strive to remove the clinical/white coat feeling from my practice. I’m committed to transparency, being genuine, and empathetic. I want to be there for all of my patients. If you are having a bad day, you should definitely expect a hug from me. We will definitely laugh together, we might even cry together. I am going to take care of you like I would any member of my family.
Contact Zehra at 604-479-0800 or http://www.mapleridgewellnesscentre.ca
