Our Vision
Red Canoe Pediatrics is a consultative care clinic that seeks to streamline youth and family services for medical and mental health needs in Nanaimo and neighbouring communities.
Our ongoing focus is to improve collaboration between primary care, allied health providers, and community partners. We intend to minimize barriers and improve access to multidisciplinary care through coordination and by locating service providers in a shared space at an accessible location.
Through team-based family-centered care, we strive toward a unified, shared vision in order to build community support and resilience in families in need.
The Story Behind Our Name
[Red] Canoe: A canoe has symbolic meaning from diverse cultural backgrounds. It embodies our group pursuit toward a common goal with the aim of healing, reconciliation, and sharing of cultures. In Indigenous teachings, a canoe is an object that carries, holds and transmits memories, is a source of sustenance and function (permitting exploration and adventure), and enables prosperity in spirit, community strength, and sustainability. Red is also the colour for happiness, vitality, and good luck in the Chinese culture.
Meet Our Team
Dr. Francine Ling
General Pediatrician
MD, FRCPC
Dr. Ling is a general pediatrician providing consulting care for infants to adolescents. She has a special interest in Pediatric Eating Disorders and is involved with the Central Island Eating Disorder Clinic. When her stethoscope is put away, she is a mother of two and enjoys expressing her creativity through gardening, sewing, knitting, and beachcombing. She completed her medical degree and pediatric residency at the University of British Columbia.
Dr. Jennifer Kouwenberg
General Pediatrician
MD, FRCPC
Dr. Kouwenberg is a general Pediatrician who enjoys working with all ages in her practice. She completed her Pediatric Residency at Queen's University in Ontario after completing her medical degree at UBC. She has special interest in neonatal care, anxiety, and eating disorders. She also provides consultant pediatric care at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and the Snuneymuxw Community Health Centre. When not at work, she enjoys outdoor adventures with her family and dogs.
Dr. Falcon is a clinical instructor in the Department of Pediatrics at UBC and is passionate about medical education. She has a broad range of interests, from neonatal medicine to care of adolescents. Dr. Falcon completed her medical degree at the University of Ottawa following a M.Sc. degree at Queen’s University. When not caring for patients, Dr. Falcon enjoys hiking and exploring tide pools with her family.
Dr. Bani Falcon
General Pediatrician
MD, FRCPC
Dr. Falcon is a clinical instructor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of B.C. and is passionate about medical education. She has a broad range of interests, from neonatal medicine to care of adolescents. Dr. Falcon completed her medical degree at the University of Ottawa following a Master of Science degree at Queen’s University. She recently joined the pediatric team in Nanaimo after completing her pediatric residency training at the Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary. When not caring for patients, Dr. Falcon enjoys hiking and exploring tide pools with her family.
Dr. Jane Pegg
General Pediatrician
MD, FRCPC
Dr. Pegg has practiced as a pediatrician for more than 25 years, first training on the east coast in Halifax and then starting her practice in northern B.C. before settling in Nanaimo. She is a general pediatrician with a special interest in pediatric allergy. Dr. Pegg runs the NRGH Pediatric Allergy Clinic with a focus on assessment of serious food allergies and, more recently, treatment through oral immune therapy in collaboration with specialists in Victoria and the Comox Valley. Her career “hobby” is working in Haiti, where she has traveled more than 10 times since the devastating 2010 earthquake. She enjoys working on her French and Creole language skills. Bonjou, koman ou ye? (Hello, how are you?)
Dr. Bhavika Patel
General Pediatrician
MD, FRCPC
Dr. Patel completed her medical degree at the University of Ottawa and pediatrics residency at Winnipeg Children's Hospital through the University of Manitoba. She enjoys all areas of general pediatrics including high risk newborn follow-up, ADHD, mental health, constipation and asthma. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, cuddling with her pets, and catching up on Netflix!
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Dr. Jen McIntyre
General Pediatrician
MD, FRCPC
Locum for Dr. Bani Falcon
Allied Health
Carrie Liske
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Carrie is an Art Therapist. She encourages the use of art in session to facilitate healing and make counselling fun! She specializes in parent support, trauma, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders and FASD. She also has experience working with neurodiverse individuals and their families.
Carrie lives in Nanaimo with her husband and three children. In her spare time, she can be found gardening, creating art and exploring the trails and beaches on this beautiful island.
Danica Molson
Registered Dietitian
Danica completed her degree in Nutrition at the University of Alberta and obtained further training in the Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) approach to feeding. She has dedicated her career to maternal and pediatric nutrition supporting children and families with establishing good feeding practices, growth concerns, starting solids, picky eating, sensory issues, constipation, IBS, managing multiple allergies, nutrient deficiencies, and disordered eating.
Danica is a genuine food lover and believes that a healthy relationship with food should always come first. Whether you have questions about prenatal, postpartum, or pediatric nutrition, Danica can help you and your family find your balance and joy at every life stage.
In her free time, Danica can be found puttering around the garden, baking something delicious with her daughters, and exploring our beautiful island by camping, hiking, swimming and paddling with her family.
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Leah Desnoyers
Registered Professional Counsellor
Leah has worked as a Registered Professional Counsellor (RPC) since 2007. She is trained in Family Therapy, Solution Focussed Therapy, Narrative Therapy, as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She practices therapeutic play when working with children and knows the importance of play and art to build trust and connections with young people.
Leah specializes in children experiencing neurodiversity challenges, grief/loss due to separation/divorce or foster care, anxiety, depression, trauma, learning growth mindset strategies, and social skill building. Whatever stage of journey your family is on, Leah is happy to support your collective wellness goals.
She lives in Nanaimo with her husband, Colin, and their three energetic, loud and loveable children.
Laurie Larkin-Boyle
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Art Therapist
Joining Red Canoe Pediatrics in April 2023
Jen Campbell
Registered Nurse
Full bio coming soon...
Francine Gosselin
Registered Social Worker
Full bio coming soon...
Medical Office Staff
Cassandra
Medical Office Assistant
Cassandra has been working as a medical office assistant for 9 years. She was born and raised right here in Nanaimo. When not at work, Cassandra enjoys spending her time with her husband, 4 kids, 3 dogs and cat. She is passionate about gardening, home improvement projects, music and art.
Debbie
Medical Office Assistant
Debbie is enjoying her new career as a medical office assistant. She is dedicated to her two children, partner, 2 dogs and cat. In her spare time, Debbie enjoys gardening, beach combing and travelling.
Erin
Medical Office Assistant
Full bio coming soon...