Introducing Toronto Chiropractors
Dr. Farquhar, Dr. Garofolo and Dr. Gallo
Dr. Stacey Farquhar and Dr. Matt Garofolo are a husband and wife team who founded their family wellness centre in 2003. They met at Parker College of Chiropractic in Dallas, Texas and, upon graduating with honours in 2001, they decided to return to Toronto to live and practice. They just welcomed their first child, Madelaine, who was birthed naturally at home with midwives and loved ones. They are passionate about sharing chiropractic and its principles and they look forward to raising their child(ren) holistically.
The doctors founded Hands on Health Chiropractic Wellness Centre in 2003 with the mission of helping as many families as they could; educating their community through gentle chiropractic care that health, vitality and healing come from within; and empowering their practice members to make informed healthcare decisions.
Introducing Dr. Stacey Farquhar
Dr. Farquhar started her scholastic studies at the University of Western Ontario where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. It was during this time that she discovered chiropractic. “I was suffering from terrible menstrual cramping every month,” she says, “and the temporary symptom relief of the doctor-prescribed chemicals didn’t resonate with me since I knew they weren’t addressing the cause of the problem.” A close friend studying chiropractic recommended that she pursue it and the rest is history. “I knew after my first visit that this profession was not only going to help me but it was what I was searching for as a career,” tells Dr. Farquhar.
Dr. Farquhar is passionate about raising healthy, well-rounded children. She has completed hundreds of hours of continuing education in the field of pediatric care with the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association and is certified in Webster’s In-Utero Constraint Technique. Although she enjoys working with people from all walks of life, she has a particular passion for working with the pregnant community and their babies. “I know that raising healthy children actually begins in the womb. When mom’s spine and nervous system is balanced, pregnancy and labour is healthier and less complicated and baby gets the best start possible,” explains Dr. Farquhar.
Her practice encompasses an eclectic mix of families who have actively chosen to incorporate chiropractic care as an integral part of their healthy lifestyle choices. “I strive to provide a relaxed environment to share information so that my patients are free to make informed health care decisions for their families.”
Dr. Farquhar loves being active. She can regularly be found either on a brisk walk, trying a new sport or practicing yoga. Her downtime incorporates a lot of reading, time with good friends, good food and good wine!
“Chiropractic care increases our potential to be our best!” she exclaims. “I welcome you and your family and promise to provide a healthy environment for growth along with the very best care possible.”
Introducing Dr. Matt Garofolo
“I wasn’t a skeptic at all when I discovered chiropractic,” remembers Dr. Garofolo. “In fact, I desperately wanted help because my left arm was going numb up to my elbow. Chiropractic was a really attractive option to me since I was already a vitalist who believed that my body could heal itself naturally. I was so inspired by the results that I decided to become a chiropractor myself.”
Dr. Garofolo began his pre-chiropractic education in Oklahoma City where he studied the basic sciences such as inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, along with basic physiology and anatomy courses.
After completing his study there, he was accepted at Parker College of Chiropractic in Dallas, Texas. During his four years at Parker, courses included biochemistry, a major emphasis on anatomy and human physiology, x-ray, diagnosis, chiropractic adjusting techniques and patient care in the Parker College Public Clinic. He went on to specialize in the Gonstead System of Chiropractic and has over 160 hours of post-graduate education in this very specific system of analysis and adjusting. After graduating in 2001 Dr. Garofolo moved to Toronto, Ontario to marry his sweetheart that he had met at Parker College, Dr. Stacey Farquhar.
“It wasn’t until after about six months of adjustments in chiropractic college that I experienced for myself the true power of regular chiropractic care,” continues Dr. Garofolo. “I realized that my regular sinus and allergy problems that had plagued me for years and had made my life miserable had disappeared. I also noticed that my every-other-month colds and three-times-per-year flues had also disappeared. Since 1998 I’ve had three colds, one flu and one sinus headache… amazing! I was also able to ride my road bike for three hours without any back discomfort at all which was unheard of before then.”
“I understand that chiropractic care and the holistic wellness paradigm are foreign to many people in today’s society. So we make it a point to explain everything in advance, answer questions and attempt to make our office a warm and friendly healing environment. Patients appreciate that.”
“I also know that we live in a time where people are looking for more natural ways of staying vital and creating health in their lives,” smiles Dr. Garofolo. “They want to stay healthy as long as possible and they want to avoid toxic drugs, unnecessary surgeries and hospitals. I understand that way of thinking because that’s what I want for my family as well.”
“Thank you for visiting our site. I hope it can be a source of hope and healing. If you have any questions, please call us or click on the Email the Doctor link at the bottom of every page.”
Introducing Dr. Gina Gallo
Dr. Gina Gallo knew from an early age that she had a passion for helping people as she found herself continuously volunteering in a number of different health care fields. It is through her volunteer work that she discovered the field of chiropractic. Having observed the benefits people were experiencing in each and every chiropractic office she visited, she was compelled to get under chiropractic care and try it for herself.
"This was a pinnacle moment," she explains, "not only did I find an enormous change in the postural aches and pains I was enduring as a stressed university student, it even helped with menstrual issues I had since my early teens! I was thrilled and 'health care' finally made sense - I had finally found an approach that embraced a holistic perspective." Influenced by this experience, she decided to pursue a career in chiropractic.
Dr. Gallo completed her Bachelor of Health Sciences at the University of Western Ontario, and four years later graduated from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College with Clinic Honours. She continues her studies through numerous seminars and literature review to enhance her skills and patient care. Her special clinical interest in children and pregnancy has led her to pursue education through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association. Also, she is certified in the Thompson Technique and in Webster's In-Utero Constraint Technique.
Dr. Gallo feels that "personal well-being comes from within and that positive thoughts and actions can enhance one's current state of health. It really is never too late to be proactive!". She is interested in inspiring people to play an active role in their own health, and wishes to educate others on how chiropractic can play a role in a healthy lifestyle. Individuals from all ages and all walks of life are welcome to the centre, from athletes to expecting mothers.
"I am honoured to join Hands on Health Family Chiropractic. I look forward to working with a team of inspirational health care professionals. I am excited to provide an extraordinary service through quality chiropractic care."
Meet our Staff
Joanna's first career foray was in the hospitality industry where she honed her already natural skills in customer service and management. Currently she is focused on her own goals of achieving a healthy lifestyle, wholeness and a rich family life. She will gladly coo at your babies while you receive adjustment. She looks forward to helping patients in their own quest for wholeness. Her sunny disposition and concern for your well being are a real asset at Hands on Health.
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