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ROCK CLIMBING –
A JOURNEY OF
CONFIDENCE
THE KEY TO
KITCHEN SUCCESS
DESIGN TRENDS
IN JEWELRY
TIME SAVING
TIPS FOR MEAL
PLANNING
COMMUNITY
AWARENESS
Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter
ETOBICOKE REGION
VOLUME 1 | January 2016

EDITORS’ LETTER
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Women of Merit magazine honours extraordinary
local women with real stories who have achieved
notable success personally or professionally. These
stories are informative, interesting and inspiring
and are intended to represent each woman as a
role model for others in the community. Merit
Publishing celebrates these success stories. We are
pleased to introduce the people and the passion
behind the profession.
If you or someone you know would like to be
featured in the 2017 Women of Merit Magazine,
please contact us for more information at:
etobicoke@womenofmerit.ca
@womenofmerit
EDITOR:
Danielle Rabbat
EDITORS-IN-CHIEF:
Carly Kuntz, Lesley Warren and Janet Weldon
DESIGN:
Lesley Warren Design Group Inc.
PHOTOGRAPHY:
Rabbat Photography, Danielle Rabbat
COPY EDITING:
Historical Branding Solutions, Sarah Frisse
PRODUCTION & DISTRIBUTION:
Cober Evolving Solutions
In May 2014, I attended a networking conference for
Women in Business. While there, I picked up an issue
of Women of Merit. I thought, “Finally, a magazine that
was created to promote, empower and inspire women!”
The magazine featured women who were accessible
and approachable.
In January 2015, I became the first licensee for Women
of Merit. I wanted to promote, inspire and empower
women who lived and worked in Etobicoke, like me. I also
thought this magazine would be a fantastic opportunity
to meet amazing women in my community. I was right!
Over the past year, I have had the pleasure of meeting
with dozens of vibrant women who are doing great things
in our region. As you read through their stories, I hope
you will feel inspired and empowered. I was pleasantly
surprised by how much I learned from each of these
women – through their articles and interviews.
Our article authors are experts in their fields and they
share with us some wisdom that they have learned along
their journey. Silvia owns a rock climbing gym with her
husband and talks about overcoming fears. Vanessa is
a chef and gives us some practical tips for success in
the kitchen. Deborah is a jeweler who provides some
great advice for repurposing old jewelry (since many of
us have family heirlooms hidden away). She mentions
ways we can use jewelry to honour and remember our
children’s childhoods. Sherry owns Supperworks – a
fantastic time-saving solution for busy parents who want
to feed healthy meals to their families. Finally, we have
Ernestine’s Women’s shelter – a sanctuary for women
and their children escaping violence. Ernestine’s stands
up for women, protects children and inspires its residents
to start a new life away from violence and abuse.
The women featured in our profiles were all highly
recommended as Women of Merit. Their stories are
inspiring and motivational.
I noticed Dr. Sky Naslenas was rated among the top 10
dentists in the world on “Rate My MD” and if you read her
profile, you will see that she succeeds by helping others.
I met Ellen Adjor-Annei when I worked for Snap’d
Etobicoke as a photographer. I was very impressed with
the musicianship of her students.
Katie Breitkreuz has been my RMT for almost 10 years.
A massage from Katie is like no other. Once you have
had one, you will want to keep going back.
Vanessa Carty is a powerhouse of positivity! The children
lucky enough to be enrolled at her gym simultaneously
develop confidence and skills.
Doris Chung and I have encountered each other at many
events and conferences for female entrepreneurs. Read
about how she is growing the family printing business by
offering more products and building a community for authors.
I have heard wonderful things about Melissa Johari from
many people. Melissa provides counseling services to
couples, individuals and families and makes a positive
impact on people in many ways.
Finally, read about Diana Nicorescu, who moved here from
Romania a few years ago. She did not have a job when she
arrived, but was determined to make things work and, as
a financial consultant. She reached the top 5% of first and
second year consultants in her company within only one
year of working there – and she is still in her 20s.
We learn a lot through sharing our stories and I hope
reading through the profiles in this magazine will give
you the confidence to share your own story and, in turn,
inspire someone else. You may have an office job or be an
entrepreneur or stay home with your children, but no matter
what you do, you have a story and you too have merit.
If reading these stories and articles triggers a connection
for you please contact me at Etobicoke@WomenofMerit.ca.
I hope you will feel empowered reading through our
inaugural issue of Women of Merit Etobicoke.
Sincerely,
Danielle
ETOBICOKE REGION
ELLEN ANNOR-ADJEI
Musical Arts Academy 6
DORIS CHUNG
Publisher Production Solutions 16
KATIE BREITKREUZ
Toward Health Massage 10
MELISSA JOHARI
The Couple Wellness Expert 18
DR. SKY NASLENAS
Royal York Orthodontics 4
VANESSA CARTY
The Little Gym of Mississauga 12
DIANA NICORESCU
Investors Group 20
ROCK CLIMBING –
A JOURNEY OF CONFIDENCE..........2
THE KEY TO
KITCHEN SUCCESS...........................8
DESIGN TRENDS
IN JEWELRY.....................................14
TIME SAVING TIPS
FOR MEAL PLANNING.....................22
COMMUNITY AWARENESS
Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter.....................25

overall fitness. I was a new and improved person – ready
and willing to take on adversity.
ROCK CLIMBING –
A JOURNEY OF
CONFIDENCE
While in the fiery throes of giving birth to my youngest
daughter at home, I was surprised when the inspiration
of fighting through a difficult rock climbing route entered
my mind. Climbing at that level is like executing a perfect
dive – complex and precise – but without the advantage
of rehearsing the specific moves. Believing I am able to
be successful in rock climbing translated directly into my
having the confidence and ability to labour naturally and
give birth to my child.
Climbing is an integral part of my life, and has been,
since I started climbing at an indoor climbing gym over
15 years ago. My sister, who also climbs, gave me a
membership as a gift after a breakup. She knew it was
an important time to rebuild my self-esteem. I began
Top Rope climbing with her and her partner, and was
quickly hooked. Top Rope climbing is a style of climbing
high walls where the climber is secured to a partner
(known as a belayer) by a rope that runs from the
climber to the belayer through an anchor at the top of
the wall. Unfortunately, since there were three of us, this
meant that there was a lot of downtime while we each
waited to take our turn. Not wanting to sit, I decided to
try climbing the boulder wall. Bouldering is a solo climb
that doesn’t use any ropes or harnesses. Since there is
nothing to protect the climber from falling, the boulder
wall is not as high as the Top Rope wall and there are
thick mats on the floor in case of an unplanned landing.
Bouldering was a great option for me because I could
get a more intense workout in a shorter period of time
than I could on the Top Rope wall. I was amazed how
quickly my self-confidence improved in many aspects
of my life as I continued to overcome the challenges
of the boulder wall. I quickly saw improvement in my
technique, the difficulty of grades I climbed, and my
Climbing presents both a physical and mental challenge
to a climber and requires them to dismantle any negative
self-talk. If a climber starts a climbing session with
excuses such as, “I’m scared of heights” or “I have
no upper body strength,” the negativity will discourage
them, making it impossible to beat the challenges
of the climb. Even once a climber is on the wall, the
mental aspects are as difficult as the physical demands
of climbing. In the crux (the most challenging part of
a route), the climber must dissect moves quickly to
figure how to make the next move, or suffer burn out. A
climber must decide if the crux is a physical, mental or
technical challenge and knowing when to stop working
on a challenge before negative thoughts come to mind
is very important.
Robyn Erbesfield-Raboutou is an inspirational world
champion climber, mother, and climbing gym owner
from Boulder, Colorado. In her words, “I don’t think I
have a weakness as a climber. I don’t think I have a
weakness as a person. I don’t look at life that way. I
think I’m full of strengths. Sure, there are sometimes
difficult moments where I need to find a solution, but I
don’t look at it as being weak.” Facing the challenges
presented by rock climbing directly correlates to and
benefits other aspects of a climber’s life. Rock climbing
helps build physical strength, mental toughness,
resiliency and self-confidence. All of these traits are key
attributes in facing the many challenges that people
face in their daily lives.
Rock climbing is a wild journey of facing our fears, testing
our limits, taking risks, learning to trust, and determining
how to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
At Boulderz, we want to be a partner on that journey.
We are a fun, family-focused facility – climbing is for
everyone, no matter their skill level and it doesn’t feel
like exercise! Drop in anytime and find out what you
can accomplish.
Photo Credit: Andrew McBurney
ABOUT THE
AUTHOR
Silvia McBurney
Owner
Boulderz Climbing
Centre
boulderzclimbing.com
3 o’clock on Twosday | 40 x 30 | oil on canvas | OLAF
2 | VOLUME 1

DR. SKY NASLENAS
CAREER
Royal York Orthodontics
Owner
EDUCATION
B. Sc. (Honours) (University of Toronto)
Doctor of Dental Surgery (University of Toronto)
Hospital for Sick Children Hospital Residency Diploma
(University of Toronto)
Orthodontic Specialty Diploma (University of Toronto)
M. Sc. (University of Toronto)
Fellow of Royal College of Dental Surgeons
(University of Toronto)
How did you decide to become an orthodontist?
My journey into the Orthodontic profession started
with the scandalous rejection of my application to the
University of Toronto (U of T) Medical School. I had to
choose a different specialty and decided on orthodontics.
My family, who emigrated from Lithuania when I was 14
years old, was outraged and shocked with my decision.
As in many cultures, my parents considered becoming a
medical doctor the highest honour. Many hours of selfreflection
allowed me to push aside societal pressures
and discover what truly makes my heart dance.
Why did you start your own practice straight out of
school?
It was that same determination of staying true to myself
that lead me to open my own orthodontic practice right
after graduating from the U of T Orthodontic Residency
Program. Most new graduates join an established
office to gain some experience before even considering
venturing out on their own. One of my teachers said to
me: “Sky, if you do great work, the patients will find you.”
Risking all of my life’s savings, while pregnant with my
first child, was an overwhelming decision but with my
husband’s support, I knew it was the right thing for me.
I wanted to run a practice that would achieve excellent
results and uphold the highest principles, standards,
and values that would lead to lifelong relationships with
my patients.
In what areas do you specialize?
In addition to simply straightening teeth, we place special
emphasis on working with each child’s craniofacial
growth pattern, while monitoring the development of
proper bite. This ensures that optimal jaw position will
result in proper facial balance. Our adult patients benefit
from functional orthodontics principles that allow the
teeth to be in harmony with facial musculature and
joints while preventing tension headaches, migraines
and temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ) that many
adults encounter in mature dentitions. Our practice
prides itself in providing comfortable and aesthetic
braces, many of which are custom made for our patients.
We use the latest scanning technology to fabricate
custom orthodontic appliances, such as Invisalign and
inside braces, to achieve the desired tooth movement.
We also treat migraine and tension headaches with Botox
injections into hyperactive/tense muscles. Our office has
been a pioneer for these treatment protocols in Ontario.
We now offer continuing education courses to teach other
dentists, doctors and nurses, how to use this neurotoxin
to alleviate tense muscles, providing tremendous relief
for headache sufferers. www.botoxtrainingcentre.ca
What is your approach to patient care?
At Royal York Orthodontics, we believe that a healthy
and beautiful smile can make a world of difference for
many people. I strongly believe that a positive self-image
and increased self-confidence can result from proper
orthodontic care. That belief and the commitment to it,
is the foundation upon which Royal York Orthodontics
is built. I feel very fortunate to have been placed in a
position to advise my patients and to impart, what I
believe to be, the best treatment for them. The greatest
ethical test that we’re ever going to face is the treatment
of those who are at the mercy of our judgment. I believe
that a smile is so powerful that I’ve decided to dedicate
my life to helping others finds theirs. Our goal at Royal
York Orthodontics is to provide orthodontic care at an
elite standard of excellence. We want to deliver that care
in a manner that exceeds patient expectations.
Beyond your clinic, how are you making a difference
in the lives of children?
While pursuing the specialty of Orthodontics, I always
had a special interest in working with children who were
born with craniofacial abnormalities such as cleft lip and
palate, Crouzon Syndrome and Pierre Robin Syndrome.
During my first year of practice, I was asked by the
chairman of the Orthodontic department of the University
of Toronto and the Head of the Craniofacial Department
of Sick Kids Hospital, to join their craniofacial team. It
was an honour to receive this offer because this position
is typically reserved for experienced Orthodontists.
The Cleft Lip and Palate Team at The Hospital for Sick
Children is dedicated to the care of these children and
our goal is to ensure that each child develops to the
best of his or her potential. Children who are born with
facial differences have taught me to enjoy my smile. I am
constantly reminded how comforting a smile is, so I try to
use it wisely and often.
In what ways do you give back to the community?
Every day, I recognize that I am in a fortunate position to
have been given the opportunity to work and succeed in
a field that I am passionate about. I think it is important
to give back to our community in any small way we can.
Some of the ways I try to give back are: offering treatment
pro-bono for less-fortunate children in our community,
accepting students who seek mentorship, and sponsoring
various sports teams and community events.
What is a personal hurdle you have had to overcome?
One of the most difficult personal hurdles I had to
overcome was to admit that I am not the best at
everything – or anything. No matter how hard I work
at it, no matter how talented my teachers and mentors
told me I was, there is almost always somebody who
can do something better. I now look at those who are
better and consider the potential for improvement.
Nobody is the best at everything. Even if you are ‘the
best’ in the world at doing one thing, there are always
other things that you cannot do, and may never be
able to do. Recognizing your limitations does not mean
abandoning your dreams, and it does not mean giving
up on learning new things or improving your existing
abilities. It simply means acknowledging that, as human
beings, none of us are perfect and none of us can do
everything by ourselves.
What makes you happy?
I am happiest at the dinner table, with my husband and
children. Typically, my nine-year-old daughter will lay out
her point of view, and my seven-year-old son will contradict
her just because he has to be contrary to his older sister. I
love those moments! Children are natural-born explorers.
They are free from societal judgments and remind us how
to be happy and enjoy the things that are truly important.
What is something you try to do each day?
Each day I try to be kinder than I have to be. I look
for those moments and delight in the happiness that
unexpected acts of kindness give to others. It gives me
a sense of purpose, pride and a reason to be. My team
members at the office were over the moon to find out
that we were going to watch Madonna in front row seats,
as a gesture of my appreciation for their hard work. My
patients feel tremendous gratitude when I come in to
my office over a holiday weekend to fix a sharp broken
bracket. I look for opportunities to surprise my children
with an early pick up from school, and relish the feeling
when they jump into my arms.
Ever ything in moderation,
including moderation.
– Oscar Wilde
3029 Bloor St.West, Toronto
416 207 0885 | RoyalYorkOrthodontics.com
A DAY IN THE LIFE
My days are scheduled to achieve a balance of professional
and family time (with a little time for myself).
6:30 AM Wake-up to smothering hugs and kisses
from my children.
8:30 AM Arrive at work and prepare for the day.
9 AM–Noon Bend some wires, create some perfect
smiles and make patients happy.
1–5:00 PM Back to work to bend more wires, create
more perfect smiles and make more
patients happy.
5:30–7 PM Pick-up my children and go to their
activities.
7–8:30 PM Family time including eating dinner,
having interesting discussions, doing
homework, playing board games and
practicing the piano.
11:00 PM Reflection and recovery time. Then, time
to sleep.
4 | VOLUME 1
January 2016 | 5

ELLEN ANNOR-ADJEI
CAREER
Musical Arts Academy
Director and Founder
EDUCATION
M.A. (Piano Performance)
(Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory)
Please share a bit about your musical background.
I studied piano from age five and subsequently attended the
Musical College of Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory.
Since I moved to Canada, I have appeared at the Arts &
Letters Club, the Toronto Centre for the Arts, Glenn Gould
Studio, and the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts.
I have taught music since I was in my early twenties in Europe
and North America – both private lessons and coaching for
chamber groups. I was on the faculty of University Settlement
Music and Arts School in Toronto from 1996 to 2011. I
realized my dream of running my own music school in 2012
when the Musical Arts Academy opened in Etobicoke.
Describe the products and/or services that your
business offers.
At Musical Arts Academy, we offer individual lessons,
group and private lessons in piano, voice, cello, flute,
saxophone, trumpet, clarinet and guitar. We also offer
preparation for Royal Conservatory examinations, provide
group lessons in theory, harmony, ear training, music
history, choir, chamber groups and even music for
toddlers. Studio rentals are also available.
What does a student experience when walking into
your studio?
We have a very comfortable and open lobby area, with
lots of windows and a television. There is also a recital
room where we hold meetings, our student’s concerts,
and music camps. There is even a kitchenette where
students and teachers can have snacks and drinks.
Discuss a difficult decision in your life that resulted
in a positive outcome.
One of the most challenging decisions was to open the
music school. I felt confident about being able to share my
knowledge and experience, but I had doubts about the
business side of the project and becoming a businesswoman.
I was very lucky to find incredible, dedicated
teachers who care a great deal and who treat the business
as their own. Three successful years later, I am so glad
that I never gave up during the most challenging times.
We now provide music lessons to over 100 students and
provide employment for thirteen teachers.
What was your motivation for starting your music school?
I wanted to share my skills and knowledge as well as
introduce a different type of musical education – one
similar to my own musical education in Russia. Music
lessons are enriched by meeting with other students
and listening to peers and teachers perform during the
concerts. I wanted to create an environment that motivates
students and instills excitement about the study of music.
I continue to be motivated when I see the successes of
our students. Even my own children, who have become
good musicians, continue to inspire me to spread the
love of music.
Describe some challenges you have faced personally or
professionally. How did you approach the challenge?
As a musician, my role is to master the material, prepare
for concerts, and perform. These tasks are solitary in
nature. I had to also become a business woman to run my
school. This involved a totally different skill set. I believe
that you learn best by putting yourself in new situations;
this includes learning from your mistakes. I had to learn
how to handle different business situations, conflicts
and clients. The challenges which come with running
a business require a high degree of interpersonal skills
and the ability to make decisions in a timely manner. I am
happy I have managed to acquire the business skill set
and thrive in this environment. I mention this to inspire
others who may not feel like they have a “business
mind.” Anything can happen if you put your mind to it!
I find balance by planning, but I leave room for
spontaneous decisions. I make sure that every day
includes physical exercise – at least half an hour.
Sometimes I practice yoga, or go to the gym, use the
treadmill or go swimming. If it’s a nice day, I just go for
a walk. My husband and I also take ballroom dancing
classes at Arthur Murray’s studio. This is an opportunity
to connect as a couple while learning a new skill that we
will be able to use as we grow older.
Define your personal and professional values.
I believe in delivering the highest quality result in any
circumstance. At the Musical Arts Academy, we employ
the most qualified and personable teachers; we use only
the highest quality instruments. We make sure that we
are cooperating with parents so that our students can
achieve the goals they have set for themselves. Our
teachers are responsible for ensuring that our students
are truly enjoying the musical experience, while they
learn the self-discipline of practicing their instrument.
How has your childhood influenced your approach to
musical education?
I was born and grew up in Moscow during the time of the
Soviet Union and the cold war. When I was five years old,
my mother found me a private teacher to study piano. At
age six I had to audition to get in to a professional music
school. I was accepted and started my journey. We were
there six days a week from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, sometimes
longer. Some kids had to board at the school because they
were from different cities or other socialist countries.
One of the main differences for children attending this
type of school was that, from the age of six, I knew this
would be my profession for life. We were not permitted to
play certain sports like basketball and volleyball because
it could damage our fingers. It was very intense training.
I am very fortunate to be able to have had my education
in Russia because they have extremely high standards
and a very direct and well-rounded approach to musical
education, but sometimes I wonder what it would have
been like for me if I was able to explore other interests
and skills at a younger age.
As a parent, I’m trying to influence my own children to have
dedication and focus. I have to constantly fight outside
influences such as video games and electronic devices.
Describe a big decision that has reshaped your life.
One of the most unusual things I have done was stay in
Canada when I came here to tour as an artist in 1993
with the famous Russian pop star, Philip Kirkirov. At the
end of the tour, when we were on the way to the airport
to board our plane back to Russia, I wondered what it
would be like to live in a different country and learn a
new language. I made an impulsive decision to stay. The
manager of our group helped me start the immigration
process and now, 22 years later, I am fully immersed and
loving life in Canada.
What is something that gives you a daily sense of pride?
My children give me a daily sense of pride. Besides
already having great musical accomplishments, they are
very nice little people. My daughter plays piano, flute
and sings. Her dream is to be on Broadway one day.
My son plays piano, violin, guitar, and saxophone. He
is working toward a career as a violinist. They have both
participated in international music festivals in Germany
and Italy.
In what way does your work add value to the lives of
your students?
I believe that music enriches lives – especially for those
who are dedicated to learning an instrument. It is almost
like learning another language; learning to read and
play music broadens the mind and provides food for the
soul. At the Musical Arts Academy, we have the privilege
of enriching minds through music every day. It is very
rewarding.
Musical Arts Academy
80 Six Point Road, Etobicoke, ON M8Z 2X2
80 Six Points Road, Etobicoke
416 207 0913 | www.musicalartsacademy.ca
A DAY IN THE LIFE
Every day brings new opportunities.
7:30 AM I hear my alarm and try to squeeze in at
least 15 more minutes in bed.
7:45 AM I finally get up and wake up my kids, Evan
and Daniella. They are usually pretty good
in the mornings. While the kids get ready
I make breakfast for them and for my
husband, Richard.
8:20 AM I hand out school lunches and we say our
good-byes. Now I finally have time for myself.
9:30 AM Go to yoga class or practice piano if I
don’t feel like working out. Practicing
piano is a great workout!
Noon Return some e-mails, make phone calls.
1:00 PM I make myself a healthy lunch – usually
salad with chicken and avocado.
2:00 PM I get ready to go to work. I usually have to
be at work for 4:00 PM so there is room to
do some shopping on the way – whether it’s
groceries, clothes, or business supplies.
4:00 PM This is the best time of my day because
I get to see my own children, while I
am at work. The nanny usually brings
them to the Musical Arts Academy after
school. My work day is never the same.
Sometimes I get to teach students or chat
with parents. Other times I have to deal
with administration issues.
8:00 PM Finish work and go home to have a late
dinner and a glass of wine (for stress relief).
9:30 PM I try to talk my children into going to bed.
That usually takes about a half hour.
10–10:30 PM The kids are finally in bed reading. This is
the time to say good-night.
10:30 PM Time for myself or time with my husband.
12:30 AM I try to take a moment to plan for the next day.
1:00 AM Bedtime!
Music is an ar t that
makes our lives rich,
enjoyable and complete.
6 | VOLUME 1
January 2016 | 7

Photo Credit: Imajing Photography
THE KEY TO
KITCHEN SUCCESS
It is a little known fact that the one truly prized possession
of any culinary student, young chef or experienced
master, is their set of knives. They are the one thing that
every chef takes home with them at the end of the day.
They are revered. They are coveted. They are expensive.
A good knife is the key to success in the kitchen.
The handles can be made of a variety of materials and
the blades are made of the traditional steel or the newer
ceramic. They glisten in the bright light of the kitchen
and they are always, always sharp. There are a myriad
of types of knives and each serves a different purpose:
serrated, paring, Chef’s, turning, boning, carving and
more. So, which knife does your inner chef need?
Well, it depends on what task you have in front of you.
If choosing the right knife seems like a daunting task,
remember that even an experienced chef is fully able
to complete the majority of kitchen tasks with only three
knives: Chef’s, paring and serrated.
The Chef’s knife is every cook’s best friend in the kitchen.
The name says it all – this is “the” Chef’s knife. With a
handle of hardened plastic or wood and a blade of eight
to ten inches, this knife can be called upon to handle
the majority of tasks in the kitchen, from dicing onions,
to cutting fruit or meat. While blade length is a matter of
preference, the longer the blade, the more knife there
is to work with. The blade is tapered towards the tip,
allowing the user to use a rocking motion for unfettered
cutting ease. Truly confident chefs have total trust in this
almost hypnotic motion. The surface is wide enough
to not only smash a clove of garlic out of its skin, but
also to shovel up that garlic and place it in the pan. This
one-stop-shop of cutting implements is never far from a
chef’s hand.
Having taken care of the majority of kitchen tasks, you
now want to get into the finer details. This is where
the paring knife comes into play. Often referred to as
the “baby” version of the chef’s knife, the paring knife
is definitely not in the junior league. Mincing shallots,
deveining shrimp or lopping the top off a strawberry is
the fine tuning detail at which this knife excels. Between
three to four inches long, the blade is usually straight,
but can also be curved for specific tasks. With a handle
almost as long as the blade itself, this knife can take care
of any “grunt” work in the kitchen while, at the same
time, having the capacity to carve intricately beautiful
details in fruits and vegetables.
The third part of this culinary triumvirate is the serrated
knife, commonly referred to as a bread knife. Used strictly
for slicing, this knife, with a distinctive toothed blade,
is generally six inches long. With its unique edge, the
serrated knife has the ability to cut through the softest
brioche bun as well as the toughest of sourdough crusts.
By applying gentle pressure and allowing the knife to do
the work, a serrated knife can go from the flakiest crust to
the supple skin of a ripe tomato. And here’s a little secret:
If you are ever in a situation where you are allowed only
one knife to work with, then the serrated would be it. Due
to its ability to cut through everything, it will get the job
done (even if the result might not look all that pretty).
You’ve spent a lot of money on your knives, so don’t
mistreat them. Take care of your investment by never
putting knives in the dishwasher, as the heat will distort
the blade. Always use a wood or plastic cutting board.
Cutting on a ceramic or stainless steel surface will cause
the knife to go dull. A sharp knife is your saviour. A dull
knife will send you packing. You must have a honing
steel in your knife collection to use for your chef and
paring knife. This routine of honing your knife will be
as common as brushing your teeth. A honing steel will
realign the ultrafine metal, straighten the edge and
prolong the life of your knife. Make sure your knife is
sharp before you attempt any of your kitchen prep or do
any slicing and dicing. Sharpening your knife, the act of
grinding down the edge of your blade, only needs to be
done once or twice a year.
So unfurl that leather-bound knife case, or your countertop
knife block, and marvel at the collection of knives it holds
– everything in its place and a place for everything. That is
the key in any kitchen, professional or otherwise, and so it
goes with your knives. If it’s time to reinvest and rejuvenate
your kitchen prowess, start with the three essential blades
that will transform you into a skillful Chef.
ABOUT THE
AUTHOR
Vanessa Yeung
Aphrodite Cooks
aphroditecooks.com
Call or email today to make an appointment. If you do so by May 15, 2016
and mention you saw us in Women of Merit, you will receive a $50 credit.
8 | VOLUME 1

KATIE BREITKREUZ
CAREER
Toward Health Massage
Owner / Registered Massage Therapist
EDUCATION
Massage Therapy Diploma (Sutherland-Chan)
Design Diploma (Ryerson Polytechnical Institute)
Describe the services offered by Toward Health
Massage.
Toward Health Massage provides therapeutic massage
therapy. Treatments can either take place at our Etobicoke
clinic or on-site at a client’s workplace. Each treatment
is customized to the specific needs of the individual by
integrating several modalities such as Swedish massage,
deep tissue massage, ultrasound, myofascial release,
relaxation and breathing techniques and hot stone
therapy. Pregnancy massage is also available. We partner
together with our clients to increase their awareness of
the interconnectedness of mind, body and spirit through
the healing power of massage therapy.
How would you describe the atmosphere you create
for your clients?
Our clinic is a serene and tranquil space. Clients are
encouraged to come in, take off their shoes, forget about
the rest of the hectic world outside, and relax. When
we provide on-site services, music and mood lighting is
brought to the workplace to create a calm and peaceful
environment. The boardroom no longer exists as it has
been changed into an oasis of serenity. Receiving a
massage gives our clients a chance to focus on their own
well-being and let everything else fall away.
How do businesses benefit from providing massage
for their employees?
Clients of Toward Health Massage are proactive in
their health. They actively participate in improving
their own health and well-being. Many of our clients
are businesses within the GTA who value the welfare
of their staff and realize the benefits that are provided
by massage therapy. Massage therapy at the workplace
helps to reduce job-related stress and increase a
sense of well-being. As a result, the work environment
becomes a more productive, positive and calmer space.
What are some practical examples of how massage
has benefited your clients?
I can recall one client who came to see me with severe
tendonitis in his right arm. The pain was so debilitating
that he could no longer carry his briefcase. After several
massage therapy sessions, along with exercises at home,
his arm was once again strong and pain free. He is now
a massage junkie!
At one of my onsite locations, the manager confided
to me that she now schedules her staff meetings on
massage days. There tends to be less absenteeism
among her staff on that day and everyone is so calm
and relaxed that the meetings are quick, efficient and
very productive.
One of my clients had been coming to me for
approximately four months. She was suffering from
recurring lower back and hip pain and had no idea
what was causing it. In the middle of one of her
massage sessions, her face suddenly became very
flushed and then animated. Her entire body tensed for
a couple of seconds, then completely relaxed and she
unexpectedly started crying. She had just experienced
an emotional release and she suddenly realized the
source of her pain. When she was ten years old, she
had fallen off of her bicycle and landed on her hip.
The injury meant that she could not participate in the
upcoming track and field meet. She had been a track
star at her school and felt that she had let everyone
down due to her injury. She never participated in any
track and field events after that fall. The release that
she experienced helped her let go of the emotional
pain she had been suppressing all those years. Her
entire body felt lighter and she has never experienced
the hip pain again.
What motivated you to become a Registered Massage
Therapist?
About 20 years ago, I got whiplash from a car accident
and decided to try massage therapy to help ease the
pain from the injury. I always looked forward to the
treatment and it felt wonderful receiving the massage.
I was euphoric and pain free for many days afterwards!
Those sessions planted the first seed on my journey to
becoming a therapist. I remember thinking to myself that
my therapist had a fabulous job and that I would like to
help others feel better too. Several years later, I decided
to leave my government job and went to school to study
massage therapy.
What challenges did you face while pursuing your
true passion?
When I decided to leave a secure job after twelve years
and pursue a career in the health sector, I faced a
lot of criticism and resistance from fellow co-workers.
They thought I was crazy. I was giving up job security,
health benefits, and a full pension. It was a big risk
and the idea of returning to school full-time without
an income and devoting all of my time to studying
certainly made me anxious. In my heart, I knew it was
the right decision and, once enrolled in the program,
I began to flourish. While studying anatomy, pathology
and physiology was a challenge, I loved the program.
With perseverance and the help of a wonderful study
group, I passed the two-year program and the board
exams. I was ready to start my own clinic but once
again, I felt those butterflies in my stomach. I took the
first steps to working for myself believing in the saying,
“If you build it, they will come.” Well, they didn’t come
right away, but in time they did, and I haven’t looked
back since!
What do you like most about what you do?
I love helping my clients to feel better and educating
them as to how they can become proactive participants
in their own health care and well-being. This not
only empowers my clients, but it also makes me feel
wonderful and grateful that I am able to contribute to
their healing process. I believe that, if we can all help
each other to feel better about ourselves, our world will
become a better place.
What do you do to unwind?
At the end of the day, I love having a 30-minute sauna
to detoxify my body or an Epsom salt bath. I love Epsom
salt! Once I am relaxed and ready for bed, I make a
list of everything I am grateful for that day. I find doing
this little exercise on a daily basis helps me clear my
mind and sleep soundly. I wake up in the morning
feeling wonderful, more mindful of my surroundings and
appreciative of the day ahead. I believe that gratitude
refuels the soul.
What is the best part of your day?
I am a morning person. I love to get up early so I can go
for a walk with my yellow lab, Schatzi, and try to catch
the sunrise. After that, I have my “golden hour” where
I meditate, stretch or do Hatha yoga. I find that starting
the day in this manner sets the pace for the rest of the
day. I don’t like to rush, it stresses me out!
How did your childhood experiences shape the person
you are today?
My parents were immigrants who came to Canada with
very little. They worked extremely hard to provide a
comfortable life for our family. We had a fruit orchard and
as kids; my siblings and I had to help out. My parents had
a very strong work ethic and we all had to work together
to accomplish our family goals. We were taught a variety
of skills which instilled a sense of confidence in me. My
Mom always told me that I could be anything I wanted
to be, as long as I was willing to work hard enough to
achieve it. These words of wisdom have helped me over
and over throughout my life.
If you see a fork in the road - take it!
– Yogi Berra
Toward Health Massage
5150 Dundas St W #304, Etobicoke
416 880 7819
A DAY IN THE LIFE
I look forward to all the opportunities the day ahead
will bring!
6:30 AM Wake up to soft jazz music and a wet
puppy nose!
7:00 AM Take a 30-minute walk with my dog. If
we’re lucky, we can catch a sunrise.
7:30–8 AM I like to do 30 minutes of either yoga,
stretching or infrared sauna.
8–9:00 AM Hop into the shower, have breakfast and
coffee and get ready for work.
9 AM–7:30 PM Work either at the clinic or at an on-site
location. If there are breaks between
clients, I use this time for administrative
jobs such as returning calls, answering
emails, completing paper work, charting
and banking.
7:30 PM Walk my dog. Meet up with friends or
family. At the end of the day I relax with a
glass of wine and reading, watching TV or
painting.
10:30 PM Reflect and review the day, give thanks
and lights out.
10 | VOLUME 1
January 2016 | 11

VANESSA CARTY
CAREER
The Little Gym of Mississauga (TLG)
President of Serious Fun
EDUCATION
B.A. Psychology (University of Western Ontario)
Graduate Certificate, Marketing Management
(Sheridan College)
What is The Little Gym?
The Little Gym (TLG) is the world’s premier experiential
learning and physical development center for children ages
four months through 12 years. Each week, progressively
structured classes and a positive learning environment
create opportunities for children to try new things and build
self-confidence. Our instructors nurture happy, confident
kids in a clean and safe environment through a range of
programs including: parent/child classes, gymnastics,
karate, dance, sports skills development, camps, Parent’s
Survival Night and awesome Birthday Bashes. In all of
our programs, physical activity is a conduit for threedimensional
learning. In every dimension, self-confidence
and a proud smile are evident outcomes. At The Little Gym
of Mississauga, our environment is fun, but our purpose
is serious. As each success builds off the last, parents will
see noticeable improvements in their child’s abilities and
self-confidence, while their children will simply see The
Little Gym as a place to play, laugh and make new friends.
What motivated you to open a TLG franchise?
My father always advised me to work for myself. I was
never afraid to, but I didn’t know what I should do or sell
that I believed in. I am sort of a Jack-of-all-Trades (I can
bake, sew, fix cars and build houses), but I didn’t feel I
did any one thing well enough to create a foundation on
which to build a business. As I got older, I kept feeling a
need to make a difference in my community, specifically
with kids. The first step was becoming a Girl Guide
Leader. Eventually, I was introduced to TLG and felt it was
something I wanted to be a part of. The business model fit
into everything I wanted to accomplish and in a fun way.
What do you like most about what you do?
It is wonderful to have a job that never feels like work. I love
meeting new families and building strong relationships
with them. I love watching the children who come to
TLG succeed in so many big and small ways. From first
having the courage to leave their parent’s side to join the
rest of the kids, to doing cartwheels alone on the beam,
and everything in-between! I love the feeling I get when
I see my team achieving milestones of their own: being
more confident or taking on more responsibilities. I know
they are making connections when I hear kids ask for
them by name.
What is your approach to facing challenges?
One of the most difficult challenges I faced was losing
both of my parents by the time I was 33 years old.
Having no siblings, I was faced with a real sense of
abandonment and felt lost and alone. I spent a lot of
time trying to figure out who I was without them.
Having a child and opening a business were two other
challenges that were both exciting and terrifying at the
same time. In both cases, I had the same feeling of
being thrilled by the process while at the same time not
knowing whether my decisions were always correct.
During each time of challenge, I always try to remember
the advice I received from my parents:
1. Fall seven times, get up eight. This is an old Japanese
phrase that my Mom loved.
2. Start as you mean to go on.
3. If you look good, you feel good. If you feel good, you
look good. So, get up, wash your face, get dressed
and face the day no matter the weather.
4. Never give up...ever!
What are your personal values?
I believe that if you change your attitude, you will change
your experience. You can do absolutely anything if you
set your mind to it, keep a positive attitude and put the
work in to make it happen. My gym wouldn’t be where it
is today if I had listened when people said, “why bother”
or “just give up, it’s too much, too stressful” and if I had
taken the easy route and walked away. I chose not to
let those negative messages influence my decisions and
now, every day, I get to hang out with and impact the
lives of more than 300 of the coolest kids, families and
staff members!
I believe you can tell if a business respects their
customers by how clean they keep their facility. I take
a tremendous amount of pride in my gym and the effort
my amazing staff members put in to making sure the
gym is clean from the front door to the back door every
single day. We always put the customers and their
children first. I wouldn’t want my child to go somewhere
that couldn’t be bothered to put in a bit of effort or put
my child’s health and well-being first.
I believe that people, relationships and experiences are
what matter most in life. I’ve learned that money and
‘things’ can’t fulfill the basic needs we have as humans.
What we truly need are meaningful connections with
the people in our lives. A big TV and a nice car won’t
be there to hold our hand when we are sick and won’t
be able to help us up when we stumble and fall. I try
to make connections with every family that chooses to
make TLG of Mississauga a part of their lives and I am
deeply honoured and thankful that they believe in us
and trust us!
What would you say to someone who was in the
process of making a major decision?
1. Trust your instincts. Listen to the quiet voice inside;
when your mind and body are telling you that something
feels right or wrong, there is a reason for that.
2. Listen to your parents. As long as you have a healthy
relationship with them, your parents know you and
have your best interests at heart.
3. Do what’s right for you. Your decisions might
upset those around you but, as long as you aren’t
intentionally hurting others, you have to make the
decisions that are right for you. No one else has
to live your life, so the only people who should be
allowed to influence your decisions are the ones who
have a vested interest in your decisions and who you
trust implicitly.
In what ways are you involved in the community?
I am always interested in being a part of my community
and having a positive impact wherever I can. I have
been a Girl Guide Leader for many years and am looking
forward to returning to active duty in the near future. We
often donate to various charities and schools to help with
their fundraising efforts and have even taken The Little
Gym into schools and local parent groups to support
their efforts to promote health and wellness. We sponsor
a Junior T-ball team in Mississauga and enjoy watching
the kids being active and having fun each week.
What are the top three items on your bucket list?
1. Sell all my belongings and travel the world for a year
with my husband and daughter. Ideally, before I’m
too old to do it and before she’s a teenager and is
embarrassed to hang out with us.
2. Learn to fly a plane or drive a race car or, better
yet, both.
3. Live at the cottage my father built for six months of
the year and then live in Greece, Australia or Fiji for
the other six months!
Star t as You Mean to Go On.
-A common British phrase
2200 Dundas Street East, Mississauga
289 521 1358 | TLGmississaugaeaston.com
Photo Credit: Tanya Szustaczek
A DAY IN THE LIFE
I am serious about FUN!
7:00 AM I try to wake up and start the process of
waking my daughter up and getting her
dressed and fed.
8:20 AM It is time to get my daughter out the door
and to school, hopefully on time.
9:00 AM I am at the gym to start the day with
classes, answering calls and following up
on emails. I am starting to teach fewer
classes as my time is needed to strategize
with my staff, talk with members, run
errands, clean the gym and try to keep
up with everything. I often feel like an
octopus with not enough arms!
4:00 PM I usually think about eating at this point
but it’s too late because classes are
starting again soon!
5:00 PM Evening classes are in progress and run
back-to-back. When I am not in a class,
I am in the lobby answering the phone or
talking with our amazing members.
12:00 AM I usually aim to be heading home by this
time but I usually don’t get there until at
least 1:30 AM.
2:00 AM Finally, I get to bed to start the whole
day over again in a few very short
hours.
12 | VOLUME 1
January 2016 | 13

DESIGN TRENDS
IN JEWELRY
One of the emerging trends in jewelry design is the
repurposing of old pieces to create something new
and wonderful that better reflects the current owner’s
personal style. Typically, a timeless heirloom has been
passed down from a parent or close relative but the style
is old-fashioned. Instead of leaving the piece to languish
in a jewelry box, it can be updated or reinvented to create
a new look that reflects a current aesthetic. Recycling
metal and precious gemstones is a wonderful and costeffective
way to breathe new life into any piece of jewelry.
Recently, a client brought in an engagement ring from
her grandmother that meant a lot to her but wasn’t quite
the look she wanted to wear. The ring was in yellow
gold with a diamond but she preferred rose gold (a
very popular trend right now) and wanted to add more
diamonds. Working together with my client, we decided
on an entirely new design that used the materials from
the original ring. The metal was sent to a casting house
to be melted down, have the colour changed and be
recast in the new design. For the additional diamonds,
the client opted for diamonds from Canada, which are
the only diamonds in the world that can be certified
regarding their origin. This is an excellent choice because
it guarantees that the diamond is a non-conflict gem and
supports the Canadian economy.
Another client came to me to help her repurpose
a sentimental piece of jewelry. She had inherited a
gorgeous diamond broach from her mother but, in this
case, the issue was not the style of the piece. With three
daughters of her own, she wanted each of them to have a
piece of her mother’s legacy. There were enough stones
to take the piece apart and make three beautiful rings
that reflected the distinct styles of each of her daughters.
Now her daughters can all wear the cherished jewelry
their grandmother had once worn.
Whether working with a client to repurpose an old piece
of jewelry or to design a brand new piece, the first step is
always an initial consultation that can last up to an hour.
This ensures that the jeweler has a good understanding
of the main details that are most important to the client.
If precious stones are being incorporated into the
piece, they are chosen before design begins. Lately,
coloured diamonds and sapphires are popular for
engagement rings – unique variations of stones from
yellow and champagne diamonds to purple, green, and
blue sapphires. Gone are the days of traditional white
diamonds being the only option. The sky is the limit for
modern jewelry.
After all elements of the piece are decided, three to
four variations of designs that meet the requirements
of the client are created so that there are many options
to choose from. There are so many ways to capture a
client’s style and personalize custom jewelry, including
incorporating non-traditional elements such as
fingerprints and pictures. Fingerprints are particularly
popular for family pieces. A precious trend is to make a
bracelet or ring using children’s fingerprints, along with
their birthstones, as charms.
One of my clients wanted a pendant made for her
daughter’s graduation. After consulting with her, we
decided to use an old picture that her daughter had
drawn when she was three years old. The result was a
stunning piece that is completely personal and unique.
This process is new to many people and has a number of
different applications including cufflinks and bracelets.
Once the client selects their favourite design, the details
are finalized and the requested changes are made.
When everything is perfect, a wax mold of the piece is
created and then cast in the metal the client has chosen.
Once the metal is polished, the final step is to set the
precious stones. The result is a unique, one-of-a-kind
piece of jewelry that can be treasured for generations.
Working with a reputable jeweler can be a wonderful
and creative experience – repurpose an old piece of
jewelry or create a new piece from scratch. Either way,
you can wear jewelry that perfectly reflects your unique
personality and sense of style.
Custom made rings by Deborah Lavery.
ABOUT THE
AUTHOR
Deborah Lavery
Jeweler
deborahlavery.com
1601 Lake Shore Blvd. W. • Toronto, ON M6K 3C1
T. 416.533.3553 • www.palaisroyale.ca
www.foodstudio.ca
3125 Bayview Ave. • Toronto, ON M2K 1G2
T. 416.250.5893 • www.grandluxe.ca
14 | VOLUME 1

DORIS CHUNG
CAREER
Publisher Production Solutions
CEO and Creative Director
EDUCATION
B.A. (Fine Art) (OCAD University)
Graphic Design Diploma (George Brown College)
What services does your business offer?
We are a printing agency, offering print services for
businesses and entrepreneurs. Our clients are Canadian
publishers, businesses, experts, and authors who require
printed products to market their own products and
services through business supplies, marketing materials,
and published books. We cover all aspects of print
products ranging from books to business cards, including
publishing and professional graphic design services.
What motivated you to carry on your family’s business?
I come from a long line of entrepreneurs and business
owners. I have a passion for design and I knew that
continuing in my family’s printing business was the perfect
fit for me. Although I worked for many other companies,
I knew that one day I would be running my own. My goal
is to expand the company so that we can offer all the
services a publisher may need, along with print services.
My family is my greatest motivation. I want the next
generation of my family to have the same opportunities
that I received from my parents and grandparents. I
would like them to see that success is possible if a person
is determined to achieve it, no matter the setbacks.
What do you like most about what you do?
I love helping my clients create what they envision. I know
people have different areas of strength and weakness. As
someone who is more inclined to artistic creativity, I have great
admiration for those who have a way with words and are able
to write and influence people’s lives with their work. Writing is
not my main talent, but I have the skills to present the work of
a writer's work in a way that is visually appealing to the public.
It is a pleasure to help turn someone’s words into a piece of art.
Every day, I get to work with a great team of people. My
team is still growing, but the team members I have now
really help me by allowing me to work on my business
rather than in my business. My amazing team members
are capable of handling the day-to-day tasks so that I am
able to work on business strategies and develop plans.
On a personal level, I love having the ability to have
flexible hours and work from a variety of locations: my
home office, a client’s office, or downtown at Soho
House. Since I am a solo parent, this flexibility helps me
balance the needs of both my business and my family.
What feedback have you received from clients?
I was delighted when my client, Rebecca E., wrote: “I
continually rely on Doris to assist me with design work
and printing services for my growing business. She is
energetic and extremely efficient in delivering high
quality products. Her experience in working with varied
clientele also provides her with a unique marketing
perspective that she is willing to share. Her expertise and
recommendations have been invaluable.”
I was especially gratified when Ron P. wrote “In the
world of publishing and design, few are as talented and
professional at Doris Chung. Her ideas, experience and
expertise are invaluable in ensuring I get the best possible
product. When it comes to a relentless pursuit of quality for
important publishing, printing and design projects, Doris
is my chief partner.” This makes what I do so worthwhile.
Where do you see your business in five years?
In the next few years, I want to be sure that I am able to
scale my business to offer every type of printed product,
from a wedding invitation (design and print) to selfpublishing
services, to even large format printing, with
my personal customized touch.
I see myself enjoying the challenge of a growing business with
several full time employees in a very relaxed and professional
office/retail space. I want to be sure that this space is in
Etobicoke or at least the West end of Toronto. Not only do
I want this office and retail space, but I would like to have a
space where writers can meet, write, and collaborate – where
they can sell their book and/or have their first book launch.
Expanding the business and the product/service offerings
is something that I strongly desire. Growth can be a fast
or slow progress. As much as I would like to be further
ahead on my ideas and plans for my business, I feel that
it’s better to pace any growth, never forgetting to place
priority on current clients and current orders.
What are your keys to success?
As an entrepreneur, I work hard, but I know when to take a
break. There is no benefit to my clients or to my family if I
burn myself out. Although I want to be available to my clients
(which means the occasional “off hours” email or phone
call), I make it a priority to maintain work hours that are
separate from my personal time with my family and friends.
In business, I always try to keep things professional and
not take things personally. This is probably one of the
most difficult things for me to remember, but there is no
reason to think that, because a situation happened in my
business, it happened to me personally.
What business lessons have you learned that you
would share with other entrepreneurs?
The most important lesson is one that I learned from my
father – you have to know how to do something before
you can hire someone else to do it for you. While working
for my father at his bindery, I watched him set up the
bindery machine. I was shocked that he knew how to
do this as I had always just seen him behind the “boss’s
desk.” He explained that, in order to run a company well,
a business owner needs to know how everything is done.
To be a good leader, I believe that an entrepreneur should
have a strong understanding of every employee’s role. In
a small business, employer-employee relationships are
much more informal and each team member’s role is a
lot more fluid. Knowing the foundation of your employee’s
tasks will allow you to give better feedback and be more
helpful should they need assistance.
Who inspires and motivates you?
I have met a lot of entrepreneurs and business owners
at networking events, conferences and retreats. It is
inspiring to hear the stories and motivations of other
entrepreneurs and business owners. During times
of setback and frustration, it is so valuable to be able
to draw on the experiences of other entrepreneurs.
Knowing that they have faced similar challenges and
then succeeded, gives me the motivation to stay focused
and positive through a difficult situation.
What are the top three items on your bucket list?
1. Travel the world (with Paris at the top of the list!)
2. Maintain optimal work/life balance.
3. Help find homes for every rescue dog that needs one.
How are you involved in your community?
I am always looking for ways to give back to my
community. After my child was born, I started organizing
toy drives on behalf of CHUM City Wish. We collected
toys in the lobby of my North York condominium and
delivered them to the warehouse in Mississauga. When
I moved to Etobicoke, I collaborated with a friend who
had a retail store to help collect the donations. Although
I am not personally involved in organizing a toy drive any
longer, I encourage everyone to participate by donating a
toy or by organizing a campaign.
Recently, my family became a foster family with Save
our Scruff – a rehome and rescue agency for dogs. Our
family loves animals and already had two dogs of our
own, including one rescue dog. I found out about Save
our Scruff at a dog festival and even though I am always
tempted to adopt more dogs, I knew we had found the
perfect way to get involved – before we knew it, we had
been approved to become a foster family!
Thirtieth Street, Etobicoke
416 286 2525 | www.publisher-ps.com
www.selfpublishing.today
Photo Credit: Tracey Nolan
A DAY IN THE LIFE
As ordinary as this day seems, each day is exciting
and challenging.
Between Wake up and ease into my morning with
5–6:00 AM Breakfast Television, CBC radio or reading.
Some of my reading can be text messages
or emails from my mobile device.
6:45 AM Get dressed / ready for the day.
7:00 AM Make breakfast (which is really making
coffee), pack lunch, feed dogs and let
them out.
8:00 AM Somewhere in this hour, I take the kids to
school, settle the dogs and send out messages
to clients based on morning emails.
9–11:00 AM Depending on the day of the week, this is
normally when I call or visit clients.
Noon I usually take my lunch around noon – either
with a client or with my team. On occasion,
I’ll work through lunch with my meal sitting
right next to me.
1–3:00 PM I spend my afternoons working on client
projects, layout or design of their books,
or working on the business.
3–5:00 PM The kids finish school around this time, so
I make final calls to clients and wrap up
my day with any final follow up messages.
6:00 PM Prepare dinner for the family and myself.
7:00 PM Tidy up and do chores around the house.
9:00 PM I end my day with some reading and relaxing.
The only way to do great work
is to love what you do.
– Steve Jobs
16 | VOLUME 1
January 2016 | 17

MELISSA JOHARI
CAREER
The Couple Wellness Expert
Owner
Couple Wellness Weddings
Owner
EDUCATION
M.S.W. (Wilfrid Laurier University)
B.A. (Hons. Psychology) (University of Western Ontario)
Certified and licensed Wedding Officiant (Ontario
Association of Professional Wedding Officiants)
Externship in Emotionally Focused Therapy
(International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally
Focused Therapy)
Facilitator in Prepare/Enrich
Certified Hypnotherapist (National Guild of Hypnotists)
Theraplay, Level One (The Theraplay Institute)
What are your specific areas of expertise?
I provide counseling services that focus on strengthening
and healing relationships as well as helping individuals
overcome the emotional obstacles that are preventing
them from achieving their personal goals.
With a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of
Social Work, I have extensive experience in various
counseling techniques. Additionally, I use a number of
proven counseling models. When working with premarital
couples, I use the Prepare-Enrich program and offer
services as a wedding officiant to perform the wedding
ceremony as well. Relational Life Therapy and Emotionally
Take one step ever y day towards your
goals and one day you will wake up to find
that you have achieved them.
-Anonymous
Focused Therapy are two counseling programs I use for
couples therapy. Finally, I offer attachment therapy for
children and youth. I use Theraplay and other interventions
to help strengthen the bond between child and caregiver,
particularly with adoptive families.
What is your vision regarding healthy relationships?
My vision is to see a greater awareness in the community,
the city and the province, of the need to foster healthy
relationships as early as possible. This means parents
modeling positive relationship skills at home, children
learning those skills in school, and engaged couples
doing premarital counseling.
What experiences led you to become a therapist?
I have always had a passion for helping people. My parents
separated when I was young which meant that I did not
grow up having role models for healthy relationships. I was
drawn to reading self-help books on relationships and taught
myself relationship building skills. When it came time to
pursue a university education, I initially started in a science
program, planning on becoming an orthodontist. However,
my early interest in developing positive relationships and
helping others, found a match when I took Psychology as
an elective. I switched my major and began to build on the
reading I had been doing outside of my formal studies.
As I moved from studying to practicing, I realized that my
passion was working with couples. I know first-hand the
pain that divorce and conflict causes families and my goal
is to help prevent relational breakdown whenever I can.
What motivates you most about working with your clients?
Helping couples have solid, healthy, happy marriages is what
motivates me every day. I truly believe that couples can learn
the skills needed to maintain or regain closeness in their
relationships. They can learn how to identify negative cycles
in their relationship and make the choice to be vulnerable,
patient, curious and respectful with each other, which
ultimately brings the couple closer together. This helps each
individual achieve their optimum wellness and also allows
them to be effective role models for their children and within
the community. I feel proud when they can take the tools and
resources provided, manifest their personal or professional
ambitions and strengthen their relationships.
What approach do you take in your work?
My approach can be described as compassionate,
nonjudgmental and encouraging. While authentically
listening to my clients, I am able to best support and
challenge them to achieve their personal goals and
reach their utmost potential.
What do your clients have to say about your
counseling services?
I am humbled to hear how I have made a difference in my
clients’ lives. I have had couples tell me that I have saved
their marriage. I have premarital clients who come back
for annual check-ins knowing that taking a proactive
approach to their relationship is the best way to create a
strong foundation for a lifetime together. Youth that I have
worked with have also told me that I have helped them to
better manage their anger and emotions and get along
better with their parents. Individual men and women
have told me how helpful they have found our sessions
to be, whether it was with overcoming sadness, anxiety
or anger, improving body image, being more assertive,
improving family relations, achieving vocational goals or
feeling less stressed, among other benefits.
What are your plans for the future?
I have a clear vision of opening my own wellness centre
where I will have professionals from various areas and
backgrounds working in collaboration for the well-being
of our clients. It will be a truly synergistic and wholistic
approach for couples and families in the community.
Personally, I would like to do my Doctorate in Psychology
and write books on positive affirmations, premarital
counseling and emotional affairs. I hope these works will
inspire people to invest in their relationships.
What role does mentoring and volunteering play in
your life?
In 2010, my husband, Arleigh, and I volunteered at the
Nairobi Language Institute in Kenya for two weeks. While
we were there, we learned that there was a fee for high
school and that this fee held many students back from
higher education. This situation really resonated with us
on a personal level. I was raised by a single mother and it
was often a struggle financially. She supported my career
ambitions whole-heartedly, but could not afford to pay for
my post-secondary education. Between OSAP and working
part-time throughout high school and university, I was able
to pay my way through university. I was motivated to provide
the same opportunity for education for students in Kenya,
so my husband and I started a scholarship where we sent a
student from the Nairobi Language Institute to high school
every year, for five years. We value helping others in need
and look forward to exploring other opportunities to do so.
In addition to mentoring my therapeutic clients, I have
also supervised six Master of Social Work students from
the University of Toronto. I absolutely love teaching
and mentoring as a field instructor. I enjoy sharing
my knowledge while providing students with various
learning opportunities. Watching them grow personally
and professionally from the start of the school year right
through to the end is always very rewarding for me.
If you could thank someone, who would it be?
I am blessed to have many people to be grateful for in my
life, but I am especially thankful for my Mom. When I was
completely overwhelmed in my first year of university, she
encouraged me to get through it. I remember the exact
moment I was ready to give up; I was crying on the phone
with her, sitting on the floor in the closet of my shared dorm
room. She told me how much she believed in me and was
completely understanding and supportive. I was able to get
through that night, that exam period, that semester, and
ultimately that year. I would say the first year of university
was the toughest and most demanding of all my six years of
post-secondary education. If it wasn’t for that conversation,
I wouldn’t be where I am today. Thanks, Mom.
2428A Bloor Street West, Etobicoke
647 830 -7473 | thecouplewellnessexpert.com
A DAY IN THE LIFE
This is a snapshot of my favourite day: Thursday.
5:30 AM Wake up and get ready.
6:30 AM Give my husband a good-bye kiss on the
cheek while he’s still in bed. Gilli (our
four year old cockapoo) then jumps into
bed with him for extra morning snuggles.
7:00 AM Attend my weekly Business Network
International meeting. I have been a
member since November 2013, and am
currently the Vice President. The meeting
is officially over at 8:30 AM, then we have
one-on-one networking time or committee
meetings.
10 AM–3 PM I am at my full time job as an adoption
worker. As an adoption worker, I find
permanent adoptive homes for children
who are in foster care and then continue
to support the families throughout the
transition. I work later on Mondays and
Wednesdays so that I can be at my private
practice office on Tuesdays and Thursdays
(afternoons/evenings).
5–8:00 PM I go to my private practice office and see
clients, then do some paperwork and
head home.
9:00 PM Arrive home. I usually do some work from
home, work out, meditate or read. My
husband works the night shift, so we try
to spend as much time together as we can
on the weekends.
10:00 PM Bedtime!
18 | VOLUME 1
January 2016 | 19

DIANA NICORESCU
CAREER
Investors Group
Consultant
EDUCATION
B.A. (Dimitrie Cantemir University, Bucharest)
Describe the core services you provide.
In today’s economy, good financial advice is more
important than ever. My role is to work with small
business owners, professionals, individuals and families
to help them make informed financial decisions. I work
with my clients to identify their short-term and long-term
financial goals and help them put together a detailed
plan to achieve those goals. This plan is reviewed and
updated regularly so that my clients will have the financial
resources to realize their goals and stay on track.
What does this process look like?
I consider the entire financial planning process to be a
mentoring process. During the initial stages, I usually ask
a client questions about the various aspects of their life
that have an impact on their financial future. We look
at past experiences and behaviours that are relevant to
their finances and how these will affect the plan and their
ability to stay on track. After that, we look at solutions that
best fit the needs of the client at the time of discussion
and decide on action steps and strategies to implement.
This process continues in a cyclical manner throughout
the rest of the relationship as the plan requires regular
monitoring and recalibration to take into account various
life events and changes in circumstances.
What motivates you most about the work you do?
Working with women to help them develop a solid
financial plan is what motivates me the most. I believe
that women are not encouraged enough to achieve
financial independence. I grew up in Romania – in a
culture where women are not usually involved in the
household financial decisions. I want to help raise the
level of financial awareness among women, so they can
take control of their own financial futures. The women I
come in contact with often experience feelings of guilt
and fear in relation to money. My goal is to help them
move past these negative emotions, understand their
current situation, set realistic goals and develop an
achievable plan.
How do you have a positive impact on the lives of
your clients?
Statistically speaking, the positive impact financial
professionals have on their clients is an increase of
anywhere from 150% to 700% in their financial wellbeing.
Over and above that, what I hear most often from
my clients is an increase in the time they have to spend
with their family, the time they spend doing the things
they love that weren’t possible before, and the extra
years they spend in early retirement.
What are some of the personal challenges you have
experienced as you have built your career?
A few years ago, my partner and I made the decision to
leave my home country of Romania and move here to
Canada. We felt that, here, we had better opportunities
to pursue meaningful careers and build a better life
for ourselves. The 6-month period before we left was
intense as we waited for my residency application to be
approved and worked extra hard to save the money we
would need to live on while we were working on new
careers in Canada. After a couple of months here, I was
offered the amazing opportunity to work with Investors
Group. While I was excited about the possibilities, I was
hesitant to take the risk of starting my own practice at
a time when all my resources had practically run out. I
initially turned down the offer, but with the support of my
partner, my family and the people that are now a huge
part of my team, I realized that this was exactly the work
I wanted to be doing. I have never regretted the decision
and would do it again in a heartbeat.
Currently, I am working towards achieving my
professional Certified Financial Planner designation. It
involves extensive education, a rigorous examination
process, and comprehensive professional and ethical
requirements. Deciding to complete this education while
building a practice was not an easy thing to do; I took on
this challenge with a tremendous amount of excitement
knowing that every day I would get better at what I do
and have more tools with which to help my clients.
How do you deal with difficult challenges?
Fear of failure usually gives me that extra push when I
find myself lost during a challenge. During those harder
moments when that fear paralyzes me, I have a “toolbox”
made up of motivational people and activities that help
me regain focus and push through the situation.
Who is part of your support system?
A big part of my support system is my partner who
supports and guides me through my most challenging
endeavors. Professionally, I have a great support team
that I have access to whenever needed -- the experts and
resources provided by Investors Group are combined
with an incredible sense of mentoring and training.
What small moments boost your confidence?
Little victories like completing a small step of a large
project, receiving positive feedback from a client, having
even a five minute conversation with someone I care
about, finding a reason to thank someone or finding
common ground with all the new people I meet each
day, are all little moments that motivate me to achieve
the goals I have set for myself.
How do you maintain balance in your life?
I strongly believe that the definition of balance is very
subjective and the achievement of balance is timerelevant.
For me, achieving balance requires deciding
what “balance” is for this specific moment in time in
relation to my career and personal life. I do my best to
analyze and prioritize all the things I want and need to
do and make sure my partner and I are in agreement
about any new projects we take on. I also make sure
to schedule time for the important things like quiet
evenings, weekends, holidays and hobbies – times I
might otherwise let myself work.
How are you empowering women to take charge of
their financial futures?
I am part of a fantastic social club whose sole mission
is to help women build wealth. As an ambassador for
this club, my role is to help the members work through
financial challenges and build their financial lives on their
own terms. I also volunteer with a non-profit organization
called hErVOLUTION, which helps provide access to
innovative education and employment services for
girls and young women in STEM (science, technology,
engineering and math) fields. hErVOLUTION promotes
increased government involvement and a change in
attitude towards gender from a young age. One of my
roles is to provide financial literacy courses to girls and
young women.
What advice would you give to anyone wanting to take
control of their financial situation?
There are a number of key lessons that come from
many conversations that I’ve had with my clients. The
first is the importance of tracking spending. Various
studies have shown that tracking anything can have a
profound impact on creating change and this is one of
the first things I work on with my clients. The second is
to project as far into the future as possible. I see many
people who start with an idea with a few figures around
it and consider that a plan. That is when most mistakes
are made because the plan doesn’t look far enough into
the future or account for changing variables. The third
is to talk to a professional who is trained to ask the right
questions and help find the best solutions.
305 Milner Avenue, Suite 701, Toronto
647 995 9377
investorsgroup.com/en/diana.nicorescu/home
A DAY IN THE LIFE
There is no such thing as a typical day for me. It
depends on emails and calls I receive during the day or
various client interactions that may be scheduled, and
other events.
I wake up at 6:00 AM and have my ONE cup of coffee
(trying to limit my caffeine intake at the moment) and
have a healthy breakfast and read something inspiring for
at least 30 minutes. I sometimes go for my morning run.
My day is filled with client appointments, administration
and marketing. Client appointments are scheduled
whenever it is most convenient for the client from early
morning into late evening. I try to set aside time for meal
breaks, but sometimes have to work while I eat.
Depending on the week, I usually spend two to three
evenings seeing clients or attending networking or
charity events. At least once a week, I schedule some
time for a date night with my partner (usually dinner
and a classical music concert). Saturday and Sunday
morning, and a minimum of two evenings per week are
spent at the gym where I’m training hard for the obstacle
racing season. All of the above is followed by a good
night’s sleep.
Cultivating a garden takes
lots of hard work, but at some point
you have to let the plants grow.
If you have a plan, let it work.
– Carl Richards
20 | VOLUME 1
January 2016 | 21

TIME SAVING
TIPS FOR MEAL
PLANNING
Modern families don’t need an expert to tell them that
their lives are busy. They live it every day! Between work,
school, homework, sports and other activities, it can
seem impossible to do it all and make sure that their
families are eating balanced, nutritious meals. With
some planning and the help of these time-saving tips, it
is possible to accomplish everything on the “to do” list
and enjoy stress-free family meals.
1. Make a family calendar
Most families have some type of calendar to keep
track of activities and appointments. Planning meals
in advance and including them on the calendar is an
easy way to see everything in one place and will help
with grocery shopping. There are some great apps that
can be downloaded that help with meal planning and
generating shopping lists, making the job even easier.
2. Assign tasks
Every person in the family can help with meal
preparation, clean-up and other chores – not just the
adults. Depending on the age of the children, this can
range from helping with setting the table and cleaning
up, to being fully responsible for cooking a meal and
cleaning up. There are many tools online that list what
types of chores children can help with at each age. A
task list and schedule can help alleviate some of the
burden of assigning chores every day and will make sure
that the tasks do not all fall to one person.
3. Create a snack zone
Define a designated area to store premade snacks in the
pantry and fridge. Filling containers with healthy snacks
like chopped fruits and veggies, crackers, cheese and
dried fruit and nuts will make it easier to eat well when
there isn’t a lot of time. Planning snacks ahead of time will
ensure that good snacks are always available and will keep
everyone fueled between meals. Some excellent choices for
healthy snacks are: veggie chips with Greek yogurt dip; fruit
slices with nut or seed butter; trail mix with nuts, seeds,
dried fruit, chocolate chips and cereal; chewy homemade
granola bars; kale chips; and veggies with hummus.
4. Get the kids in the kitchen
Cooking with kids is such an important way to show
them one of life’s most fundamental skills. Make cooking
a fun time to connect as a family. The more the kids are
in the kitchen helping with meal preparation, the more
likely they are to appreciate and eat the food they helped
to make. Young children can start with simple tasks
like stirring and measuring, then work their way up to
chopping and working at the stove.
Staying organized is the key to success. Taking a little
bit of time at the beginning of each week to plan and
get prepared for the upcoming week will help reduce
stress and make it easier to manage a tight schedule.
When selecting recipes for the week, plan meals with
fresh ingredients for the beginning of the week, include
crockpot meals for those nights when everyone will be
rushing out the door, and choose at least one pantry
meal for later in the week that uses pantry staples and
canned or frozen ingredients. This way you won’t need to
shop again later in the week for fresh produce.
While your family’s busy schedule isn’t likely to change,
with a little bit of planning and these time-saving tips,
meal time can be more manageable and less stressful,
making sure that families can enjoy the time they get to
spend together.
For those nights when there isn’t time to shop,
chop and cook or you just want a break, try
SupperWorks. Our healthy, freezable family-sized
meals are designed to help busy people eat well.
At SupperWorks, customers (or a SupperWorks
employee) can prepare up to 12 healthy entrées
that each feed six adult family members. For a
family of four with two small children, these 12
entrées will last about 24 meals.
Veggie-Licious Stuffed Red Peppers
In a large bowl, place:
5 red peppers, halved
1 ½ c. cooked brown rice
1 c. chickpeas
½ c. cheddar-jack cheese
¼ c. green onion
¼ c. mushrooms
¼ c. grated carrots
2 tbsp. parmesan cheese
2 tsp. garlic
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
¼ tsp. pepper
¼ c. sun dried tomato dressing
Stir well, using a large metal spoon. Set aside.
Arrange the red pepper halves, hollow side up,
in a large foil pan. Spoon filling into the red
pepper halves. Top each pepper with 1 Tbsp.
cheddar-jack cheese. Tightly seal large foil pan
with lid. May store in refrigerator until ready to
bake. Bake covered at 350° for 35 min. then
remove cover and bake another 10 to 15 min.
until cheese is golden.
ABOUT THE
AUTHOR
Sherry McLeod
Owner
SupperWorks – Etobicoke
SupperWorks.com
22 | VOLUME 1

Community
Awareness
Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter, an organization run by women, provides support and shelter for women and children
escaping violence. Ernestine’s assists women and children in rebuilding their lives by providing crisis intervention and
a range of wholistic support services, while acknowledging the multitude of issues facing survivors of abuse.
Ernestine’s adapts its services to honour diversity and the unique needs of the individual. Ernestine’s advocates for
early intervention and prevention by promoting awareness and education
Standing up for Women.
Protecting Children.
Please donate and support the women and children
who seek safe haven with us everyday.
www.ernestines.ca
ErnestinesWS
Email engagement@ernestines.ca
Telephone 416 743 1733
24/7 Crisis line 416 746 3701 x 0
ERNESTINE’S WOMEN’S SHELTER
Proving Support for Women and Children
Escaping Violence
If you wonder whether or not your donations and gifts
really make a difference in someone’s life, you should
meet Adam.
When Adam came to us 3 months before his 14th
birthday, he was finally safe from the violence and abuse
that had plagued his young life.
Staying in a shelter isn’t easy and kids like Adam make up
the majority of people who are living in shelters; we have
21 children and youth with us now. Ernestine’s provides
counselling, advocacy and support to the children and
youth residing with us and we will do everything that we
can to ensure that their time here is full of happy memories.
But just being safe isn’t very exciting for a teenage boy.
Adam had to start at a new school. He had to make new
friends and, get used to new teachers. He had to share a
room and he had to turn 14 in a place that wasn’t his home.
When Adam came to stay at Ernestine’s, we got to know
him, as we do all our clients. It didn’t take long for us to
learn that Adam’s passion was NBA basketball. He was
an avid Toronto Raptors fan and, whenever he could, he
watched their games on television, memorized their stats
and talked about them nonstop. He had never seen a
game live; a pair of Raptors tickets was beyond the reach
of his mother, who had traded almost everything she had
in exchange for her children’s safety.
We reached out to our supporters and one of you
stepped up. For Adam’s 14th birthday, Cakes by
Helen baked him a special Raptors cake in the shape
of a basketball. Another generous supporter was able
to provide 2 tickets to an upcoming game. Adam got
courtside seats to see the Raptors play. If you ask him,
he can’t help getting excited about the moment when the
team stepped onto the court: “I heard the music and I
knew they were coming out, but when I turned my head,
they were RIGHT THERE!” And towards the end of the
game, Adam was able to go into the dressing room. He
touched “the rock” and got to sit in his favourite player's
chair – Kyle Lowry's.
Adam knew that he had come to the shelter in order to
start a better life. This experience is something he will
remember for the rest of his life.
When you support Ernestine’s, you help provide safety,
shelter, clothing, food, and counselling to women and
children who are starting a new life away from violence
and abuse. Your gift of $25, $100, $200, or whatever
you can give, will allow children and and their families
to rebuild their lives away from violence. Whether it’s a
new backpack for school, a chance to try snowshoeing
for the first time or even a pair of courtside tickets to a
Raptors game, the money you donate doesn’t just make
a difference in a general way. These gifts change the
lives of people like Adam.
To learn more about Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter
Visit www.Ernestines.ca
Call (416) 746-3701
Mail P.O. Box 141, Station B
Etobicoke ON M9W 5K9
GUIDING PRINCIPLES:
• Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter recognizes the impact
of violence on children and acknowledges that the
rights of children are separate and distinct from
their parents.
• Ernestine’s recognizes each woman’s right to
self-determination.
• Ernestine’s acknowledges that violence can be
physical, emotional, psychological and sexual.
• Ernestine’s is managed by an Executive Director and
is a participatory organization accountable to our
Board of Directors and Stakeholders.
• Ernestine’s operates from a feminist, anti-racism,
anti-oppression framework.
January 2016 | 25

WHAT’S
YOUR STORY?
Reserve your space today
WOMEN OF MERIT (JANUARY 2017)
Etobicoke is one of the most entrepreneurial regions
in Canada. We live in an intelligent community that
is multicultural and economically diverse. Behind
the growth and success of our region is a group of
creative, collaborative, and successful women – each
with their own story.
Women of Merit magazine celebrates the female
leaders in our community. If you or someone you
know is a role model for others with an interesting
or inspiring story to tell, please contact us at
etobicoke@womenofmerit.ca.
Do you want to be in the business of inspiration?
Looking for an extra revenue stream? Merit
Publishing offers exciting business opportunities to
role models in other Canadian communities. Please
contact us for licensing information.
519 404 6460 | infokw@womenofmerit.ca
@womenofmerit | WomenofMerit.ca