Vanessa Lee
Hello, my name is Dr. Vanessa Lee, ND! I have practiced Naturopathic Medicine (including acupuncture) for 21 years, and Reiki for 23 years. I focus on creating individualized treatment plans for each patient, depending on your history, health needs and preferences. Your plan may include symptom management in the short term, and treatments that address the root cause of issues in the long run, as this blend creates lasting results.
- I listen. I believe that when you have the chance share your story in a non-judgmental space, unexpected answers often arise.
Everyone’s story is a unique & complex puzzle to me, and I love working with people to figure out how their pieces fit back together to make them whole again.
Each patient’s history gives clues to new treatment avenues that may support them in a novel way. I know change can happen when patients are motivated to recognize and put forth effort into their own health, and I am grateful to play a role in their journey towards physical/mental/emotional/spiritual balance.
With age comes wisdom! I’ve come to see that my own health issues over the years have been more than just a burden, but also a gift. The digestive issues, acne & skin problems, seasonal allergies, food sensitivities, stress, muscle tension, back pain, headaches, anxiety, and fatigue… all allow me to understand patients more deeply. My own experiences motivate me to dig deeper in to answer “Why?”.
- Health and personal growth are ongoing journeys.
Naturopathic medicine may help you experience these adventures with more ease and enjoyment.
My Background
- B.Sc. in Cell & Molecular Biology at SFU, Burnaby, BC.
- Naturopathic Medicine degree from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) in Toronto, ON.
- Opened & ran a busy Naturopathic clinic in downtown Toronto for 7 years, focusing on women’s health, digestive regulation, stress management, general healthy living/disease prevention.
- In 2011, a rare opportunity came. My husband (also a Naturopathic Doctor) and I moved near Chicago, Illinois to support to cancer patients undergoing conventional treatments in a hospital setting. I learned how conventional & natural, two seemingly different paths, can work together to safely support cancer patients.
- After our daughter’s birth in 2016, we moved back to B.C. to be close to our families. I joined the Aster Wellness family in 2017, and loved reconnecting with the local community where I grew up!
- I have been doing a lot of personal growth in the past 5 years, and I’m rediscovering what it means to feel centered, now that I’m home.


Saskia Karlen is a third-generation insurance broker specializing in life and health insurance, financial planning, and employee benefits. With a BA from the University of British Columbia, Saskia transitioned from a successful career in marketing to the insurance and financial services industry. She provides personalized insurance solutions and financial planning strategies to individuals and businesses, helping them achieve long-term financial security.