Dr. Marina Ybarra is a paediatric endocrinologist at Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), assistant professor at Western University's Schulich School of Medicine, and an associate scientist at the Children's Health Research Institute and the Lawson Health Research Institute.
Dr. Ybarra completed her medical education in São Paulo, Brazil, where she went on to do post-graduate training in paediatrics and paediatric endocrinology. She then earned a master of science, studying polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in adolescents with obesity.
Dr. Ybarra's clinical and research interests are focused on childhood obesity. While in São Paulo, Brazil, she worked at the University's Pediatric Weight Management Clinic and the joint Pediatric Endocrinology and Bariatric Surgery Clinic for youth for over three years. She then completed a two-year research fellowship on childhood obesity at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine at the University of Montreal. These valuable experiences enabled her to establish connections in the Childhood Obesity Research Community and expand her network for future collaborative studies.
Julie Sadler is a registered nurse (RN) with a long-standing career in paediatrics. She is committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care to children of all ages and with various medical conditions.
Educated at Western University, Julie has built a strong foundation in paediatric health care. She combines clinical expertise with a family-centered approach. Her extensive experience spans diverse medical settings, where she collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to support the well-being and recovery of young patients. Dedicated to continuous learning and excellence in nursing, Julie strives to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and their families.
Amelia McHugh is a registered dietitian. She completed her bachelor of science degree in nutrition and dietetics at Brescia University College, followed by a professional master's diploma in dietetics at the Toronto Metropolitan University (previously Ryerson University). She completed her clinical dietetic internship at the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids).
Amelia specializes in paediatric nutrition care, also supporting patients in the Complex Care for Kids Ontario team at Children's Hospital. Passionate about the overall health and well-being of her patients, Amelia enjoys helping patients and families enhance their knowledge of healthy habits. She aims to develop skills and confidence that empower patients to make lasting changes throughout their lives.
Cindy Stewart is a registered physiotherapist. She graduated from Brock University with a bachelor of physical education in 1999 and from Western University with a bachelor of science in physical therapy in 2002.
Cindy has extensive experience as a physiotherapist in community clinics, schools and home care settings. For the past 10 years, she has provided physiotherapy to patients at Children’s Hospital, working closely with multidisciplinary teams in acute paediatric rehabilitation, paediatric rheumatology, and the Bleeding Disorders Program.
Cindy is passionate about supporting children and youth on their healthcare journeys and is excited to be lending her expertise to the HEAL Program.
Mylene Trojman is an administrative assistant with a medical office administration diploma. Since graduating in 2020, she has built her career at LHSC, supporting several pediatricians and connecting with incredible people along the way.
Mylene is passionate about helping others and enjoys getting to know them. She feels grateful to be part of an exceptional team, working alongside those who are deeply committed to the well-being of their patients.
In her free time, Mylene enjoys nature walks, painting, karaoke and admiring (but not eating!) octopuses.
Neil Wills is a clinical coordinator with a master of science in kinesiology from Western University. His research focuses on biomechanics and physiology, with a special interest in musculoskeletal health and physical activity. Neil has clinical research experience in paediatric and rehabilitation settings. He is currently exploring strategies to support youth with chronic health conditions through interdisciplinary care.
Neil is passionate about integrating research into clinical practice to enhance patient outcomes and support families through informed, collaborative approaches. He is excited to be contributing to the HEAL Program's mission of promoting healthy lifestyles and holistic care for children and adolescents.
