Nina Santiago [she/they]

Hi! My name is Carolina, but I go by Nina :)

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The name of my practice is rooted in my personal journey toward living more authentically. For many years, I felt the need to fit into moulds in order to belong, wearing masks that helped me fit in, but ultimately led to burnout, disconnection from myself, and a sense of invisibility. 

 

Over time, I decided to turn away from societal expectations and began listening more deeply to my body, emotions, and intuition. That’s when things started to shift. I learned how to trust the quiet wisdom within, shed the masks I once needed, and step into fuller SELF. Now, I offer a space where others can do the same.

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I bring a wide lens to healing. I'm a multiethnic, twice-exceptional (gifted + ADHD), queer therapist with lived experience of trauma and chronic illness. These parts of me shape how I understand care, not just as something we seek when we're struggling, but a quiet, ongoing presence we all need and deserve. I value authenticity, gentleness, and attuned connection, and I trust deeply in the wisdom that lives within each of us.

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While my roots are in science — I worked as a physiotherapist, nutritionist, and researcher in healthcare for over 15 years — my approach is also shaped by the non-linear, the intuitive, and the unseen. I believe healing happens through the body, through relationships, and through moments of quiet recognition. My presence is calm and emotionally anchored, yet I’m also clear, direct, and unafraid to name what’s true when it serves your healing.

 

I’m not here to fix or rush you, but to walk with you as you come home to who you are.

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Off the Clock...

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I live with two cuddly cats and a partner who shares my love for adventure and long walks in nature. I often find joy through creativity, especially music and art, and I’m endlessly curious about what helps people feel safe, empowered, and whole.

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Education & Training 

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• PhD, Health Sciences - York University

• MA, Counselling Psychology - Yorkville University

• MSc, Health Sciences - UFMS 

• BPT, Physiotherapy - UNIBH

• Certified Holistic Nutritionist, AFPA

• Functional Medicine Practitioner, FMU 

• Certificates in Ayurveda, Homeopathy & Phytotherapy 

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License and Memberships

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• College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO)

• Canadian Association for Integrative Nutrition (CAIN)

• Canadian Clinicians for Therapeutic Nutrition (CCTN)

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