our vision
Dr. Andrew Thomson and Dr. Steph Romero knew that Guelph would be the place they would call home after finishing chiropractic school.
Having grown up here, it didn’t take much for Steph to convince Andrew that there was something special about Guelph. From the strong sense of community to the unwavering support of local businesses, it was a no brainer. Realizing that there wasn’t a space that was quite the right fit to begin their careers, they decided to take the leap and create their own.
This is the beginning of our story but do we ever have a vision for what this space can become. We want to create a place where everyone feels welcome, a place where people come together to learn, connect + grow; a place you trust for your health and well-being.
Our vision is deeply rooted in community; our guiding light, our north star.

Not only do we aim to provide exceptional care, our mission is to educate, empower and elevate the health of our community.

our team
We are healthcare professionals passionate about your health + wellness. By creating a team of practitioners from a variety of disciplines, we are able to work together to deliver best practice, evidence-based, individualized care. We all practice a bit differently and have various areas of interest but at the end of the day, we do what’s best for you.
We love what we do...and it shows!
meet team function

Dr. Andrew Thomson
co-founder + chiropractor
A retired rugby player and forever athlete in life.
clinical interests: low back pain, chronic pain, athletic injuries
energetic, optimistic, curious

Dr. Steph Romero
co-founder + chiropractor
Supporting your movement through life.
clinical interests: women’s health, family wellness, implementing lifelong healthy habits
kind, attentive, purposeful
Andrew’s drive to pursue a career in the healthcare field is very similar to that of many. With a background in competitive hockey and collegiate rugby, he experienced his fair share of muscle/joint injuries and concussions.
The value he found from various health professionals was what allowed him to continue to perform day in and day out. While this is what led him towards his journey, it was on that journey where he discovered his true passion. His call to action – to encourage and empower his community to strive to be the happiest, and healthiest versions of themselves.
As a healthcare professional, Andrew’s main goal is to provide his community opportunities. Opportunities to be heard, to learn about the root cause of their pain/complaints, and ultimately the opportunity to heal. As a board-certified chiropractor, functional integrated acupuncture provider, and with supplementary training in functional neurological assessment, Andrew has the knowledge, practical experience, and resources to help you reach your goals.
Aside from his practice, Andrew is most excited to develop, lead, and get involved in various community events and initiatives.
goal in progress: complete an ironman triathalon by 2030
fun fact: his favourite dog breed is a chihuahua
Dr. Steph Romero is excited to be in Guelph providing care to the community she grew up in. With an active upbringing consisting of dancing and playing soccer, she developed an early fascination for the human body and cares deeply about healthy, active living.
She obtained her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College prior to which, she completed her BSc in Kinesiology at Wilfrid Laurier University. Throughout her schooling she was a group fitness instructor teaching bootcamps and spin classes where she witnessed firsthand, the transformative change both physically and mentally that is possible when people find joyful movement and a supportive community.
Her approach to care is simple: listen and learn. Her treatment plans incorporate manual skills, mobility + exercise prescription as well as lifestyle considerations. When you work with Dr. Steph, she will equally be your teammate and biggest cheerleader to achieve your goals – whether that be managing headaches, limiting aches or pains, guiding proper movement, or even holding space for you to decompress from the stresses of life.
She believes that it is never too early or late to start prioritizing your health. She enjoys working with women and girls throughout various stages of life to inspire, encourage and maintain joyful movement. She wants you and your children to show up and grow up with confidence in their bodies and know how to take care of them.
Outside of the clinic, Dr. Steph is a volunteer coach with Guelph Soccer and in her free time, you can likely find her riding her bike, on her yoga mat, working on her golf game or at the park with her chihuahua, Nori.
goal in progress: learning to do a handstand
fun fact: she doesn’t drink coffee – tea gal all the way

Laura Dawkins
registered massage therapist
An advocate of wellness for the mind + body.
clinical interests: stress management, chronic pain, low back pain
thoughtful, creative, patient

Natasha Costello
registered massage therapist
Small but mighty retired hockey player turned RMT.
clinical interests: low back pain, muscle imbalances, pregnancy
friendly, compassionate, energetic
Laura is a welcoming presence with a dedication to helping clients restore movement and vitality. While obtaining her degree in both Psychology and Education at Nipissing University, she was introduced to chronic pain and its potential implications related to mental health. This fascination of the mind + body connection ultimately led her to earn a Massage Therapy diploma from Eastern College in 2018.
With a soothing touch, Laura is experienced in treating symptoms of conditions such as whiplash, frozen shoulder, sciatica, fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel as well as daily strains on the body. An important part of her practice is educating clients of postural imbalances, remedial exercise, and general home-care to empower clients to take charge in their path to recovery.
Ultimately Laura feels most centered and grounded amongst the Northern Ontario wilderness and strives to bring that same realm of relaxation into her treatment room. If she’s not in treatment, you can find Laura listening to True Crime podcasts, making pottery, or cooking up a storm in the kitchen with a glass of wine. Laura is constantly on the search for thrift store finds where she can refurbish and restore!
goal in progress: become certified in hot stone massage
fun fact: has a polydactyl cat named Thumbs!
Natasha is so excited to be a part of team function! Born and raised here in Guelph, Natasha grew up as a very active kid, playing sports and always having fun outdoors. She played one year of Varsity Hockey before deciding to focus on her studies. Natasha completed her schooling at Mohawk College in Hamilton. She has been practicing as a Registered Massage Therapist since fall of 2021.
As a former athlete and now RMT, she is able to use her knowledge to help individuals with setbacks from injuries and prioritize health and wellness to be able to get back to everyday life. Natasha loves to help improve functionality, mobility, strength, and pain management. She uses various massage techniques such as, Swedish, fascial, cupping, deep tissue, myofascial trigger point and stretching. She will almost always teach clients something new to go home with so they may be educated and invested in their own wellness journey!
Natasha also has an interest in working with pregnant individuals who are going through many different changes both emotionally and physically during pregnancy. From growing pains, to just wanting to relax, Natasha provides a soothing touch.
Outside of the clinic you can find Natasha working on her own health goals, exploring the outdoors with her dog, and spending time with family and friends on the boat.
goal in progress: complete a postpartum & fitness course
fun fact: she owns a Belgian Malinois named Cash

Emily De Silva Piques
registered massage therapist
A pug-loving, anatomy nerd with a passion for fitness.
clinical interests: headaches, chronic pain, sport and exercise-related injuries
spirited, competitive, fun

Elizabeth Manning
registered massage therapist
An adventure seeker with a passion to help empower others.
clinical interests: MSK conditions ranging from general maintenance to complex cases
optimistic, caring, thorough
Emily is a positive and energetic massage therapist with a passion for healing the human body. As a competitive athlete, she spent years playing sports that tested her body and compelled her to want to be her best. While participating in basketball, volleyball, badminton, track & field, as well as downhill skiing, she required treatment on numerous occasions. Fortunately, Emily benefited from time spent with knowledgeable manual practitioners in rehabilitation and injury prevention. During this time, she took a keen interest in the human body and anatomy, ultimately deciding to pursue a career that would allow her to help others both physically and mentally.
Emily’s patient-focused treatment style incorporates general Swedish massage techniques with deep trigger point therapy, myofascial release, stretching, cupping, and joint mobilizations. She has a special interest in sports and exercise-related injuries as well as chronic neck tension and headaches.
Emily always strives to set high standards for herself, whether it is through CrossFit, high-intensity exercise, or yoga. She is an avid reader and is continually researching and learning about topics on self-care and injury rehabilitation. Her knowledge of these areas, combined with her qualifications as a registered massage therapist enable her to incorporate techniques such as breathing, stretching, and muscle strengthening into her integrated approach to client care. When not at work, you’ll find her at a group exercise class, curled up with a good book or enjoying time with her family.
goal in progress: become a fascial stretch therapist + certified reflexologist in 2022
fun fact: her first job was as a pyro-technician
Elizabeth is very excited to begin her career as a Registered Massage Therapist at function health + wellness! She is proud to have been able to call Guelph her home all her life and is pleased to bring her skills to the community. Elizabeth is a graduate of Humber College in the Spring of 2022, where she earned honours and received the highest overall cumulative GPA in her program. These accomplishments reflect her hard work and dedication to the massage therapy profession.
Elizabeth always knew she wanted a fulfilling career helping others. Massage therapy aligned best with her interests as it covers an intensive knowledge of human anatomy, movement and wellness. She has been an active individual starting with dance, tae kwon do, track, basketball and most importantly, soccer – in fact, she currently still playing competitively with Guelph Soccer! Participating in these activities she has experienced first-hand the injuries that can occur. Experiencing these injuries and being surrounded by the circle of rehabilitative care gave her an insight into the importance of prevention and rehabilitation. One of the forms of therapy she received was massage, starting at the age of 14. This is where her curiosity for the human body began!
Elizabeth is dedicated to helping her clients reach their goals. Elizabeth will gain a thorough understanding of your concerns, perform assessments where needed and provide each patient with a treatment plan incorporating each individual’s unique goals, keeping her patients informed through every step. Providing hands-on manipulation of soft tissues and joints in order to develop, maintain, rehabilitate, reduce pain or increase physical function.
Elizabeth has experience aiding in the treatment of symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, rotator cuff injury, and back pain. If your goal is to relax, she’s got you covered there too helping the mind and body.
When Elizabeth isn’t at the clinic you can find her at local artisan markets, on the lake, or spending time with friends and family.
goal in progress: continue adding to her toolbox of knowledge
fun fact: she has experience as a chocolatier

Dr. Sarah Thomson, ND
naturopathic doctor
Morning coffee on the dock is her happy place.
clinical interests: women’s health, fertility + pregnancy, digestion
caring, dedicated, relatable

Dr. Mackenzie Bernhardt, ND
naturopathic doctor
A social butterfly with a completely normal attachment to anything Taylor Swift!
clinical interests: reproductive + menstrual health, pediatrics, and acute pain
educational, curious, collaborative
Dr. Sarah is a Naturopathic Doctor on a mission to educate and empower women in all areas of their health! She has been in your shoes, frustrated and confused about where to go next for answers to her health concerns, which is when she found naturopathic medicine. She then knew she wanted to provide this type of care so that others could start finding the answers they’ve been looking for as well!
As a Naturopathic Doctor, Dr. Sarah is equipped to address a wide variety of health concerns and has a clinical focus in women’s health. Working with women to balance their hormones, optimize fertility and provide support throughout pregnancy and beyond is her passion. Dr. Sarah ND also has a special interest in thyroid health, stress management, and digestive concerns.
Dr. Sarah ND completed her undergraduate degree in Human Kinetics at the University of Ottawa, followed by Holistic Nutrition at The Institute of Holistic Nutrition. She then completed her naturopathic schooling at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, where she also completed internships at the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic and Brampton Civic Hospital. During her clinical year, Dr. Sarah ND was selected as an intern for the fertility and reproductive health focus shift, where she gained invaluable experience working with individuals and couples looking to grow their families.
Regardless of where you are in your health journey, Dr. Sarah ND is excited to support you along the way!
goal in progress: complete additional training in facial rejuvenation acupuncture
fun fact: she’s had the chance to meet Carrie Underwood and Sheryl Crow
Dr. Mackenzie is thrilled to be joining the team at function health + wellness! She has searched for a clinic to call home in Guelph since she was born and raised in this lovely community. A Bachelor’s in Nutritional and Nutraceutical sciences at the University of Guelph led her down the Naturopathic medical route which has changed her perspective on health and wellness in her own life. During her clinical year, she had the opportunity to learn from a renowned ND in Honolulu Hawaii whose focus in sport’s medicine and hormonal health sparked her own interest in these areas. Dr. Mackenzie is trained to treat a range of health concerns, but has a clinical focus in hormonal health (irregular periods, PCOS, PMS, burnout/fatigue), pediatric care, and acute pain/injuries.
She has always been interested in evidence-based medicine and working in a team-based setting. She highly values open conversation and ensuring you feel comfortable speaking about any health concerns or goals. Dr. Mackenzie prides herself on you understanding the why and how of the treatment plan made specifically for you. She strives for balance and moderation in her own life, while working hard to reach a healthy state of being.
Dr. Mackenzie values collaborative care and is happy to meet you where you’re at to reach your specific goals!
goal in progress: gain her IV license
fun fact: If you can’t find her, she’s likely on a pickleball court!
interested in being a part of team function?
We are always looking to connect with enthusiastic, hardworking, community-driven practitioners and people ready to grow professionally and personally.
If you are interested, please fill out the application form below.
