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.
Dayna Kain is a Registered Physiotherapist who earned a Bachelor of Kinesiology in 2012 and a Master of Physical Therapy in 2014 from Western University. She has extensive experience assessing and treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions and supporting individuals in incorporating physical activity into their daily lives.
Dayna is passionate about helping children, youth, and their families build healthy, active lifestyles. As part of the HEAL Program, she takes a compassionate, family-centred approach, empowering children to improve their strength, confidence, and physical function while finding enjoyable ways to be active.
Dayna is passionate about supporting children and youth on their healthcare journeys and is excited to be lending her expertise to the HEAL Program.
Anu James is a registered social worker. She holds a masters of social work from Wilfrid Laurier University, a masters in clinical psychology from Christ University in India, and a graduate certificate in autism and behavioural science.
Within the HEAL Program, Anu focuses on the mental health aspects of paediatric care, helping families navigate emotional well‑being, coping and the impacts of chronic health conditions. Her work supports engagement in care, reduces stigma‑related distress and strengthens emotional functioning through a trauma‑informed, strengths‑based lens.
In addition to counselling, Anu provides psychosocial assessment, care coordination and advocacy. She works with families to access referrals, funding and community resources, aiming to reduce barriers and support continuity of care within a complex health‑care system.
Daniela is a Research Coordinator with experience supporting research in academic, biotechnology, and clinical settings. She holds master's and PhD degrees in Neuroscience from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Brazil, and completed part of her PhD and her postdoctoral training at Western University.
As a member of the HEAL Program, she works closely with children, families, clinicians, and research teams to support high-quality, participant-centred research. She is committed to making research accessible, fostering meaningful participant engagement, and contributing to studies that advance knowledge and improve child and family health.
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.
