The Abaton Team
Welcome to Abaton!
Improving the health of Oakville and its surrounding communities, for this generation and beyond.
History of the name Abaton
The word Abaton is rooted in Ancient Greek Mythology. Asclepius, the Greek God of Medicine, had a healing temple called Epidaurus with an area called the Abaton. Those who travelled far could seek shelter in the Abaton, waiting for Asclepius to visit them in a dream and guide them on their healing journey. At Abaton Integrative Medicine, our goal is to guide you on your health care journey.
Dr. Stephanie Zelembaba, ND
Hello! My name is Stephanie Zelembaba and I am a Naturopathic Doctor and co-owner of Abaton Integrative Medicine. My sister, Denise Handscomb, and I envisioned a healing space where patients would feel like they were at home, and it is great to see this come to light at Abaton.
I began my journey with Naturopathic Medicine at a young age when I witnessed first hand the positive impact it can have on a person’s health. This inspired me to want to share these benefits with others and therefore, pursue a career in Naturopathic Medicine.
My goal as a health care provider is to empower individuals and families to take charge of their health and strive for optimal health. You can often hear me in appointment saying that just because something is common, does not mean it is normal; just because you hear everyone else has XYZ symptom, that doesn’t mean you need to suffer through and accept this symptom. I want patients to feel that they are being heard, that their questions are answered and that they are confident in the decisions they are making for themselves and their family. I love working with pregnancy and post-partum, pediatrics and women’s health from digestion to stress to hormones and everything in between.
After work, you can often find me trying out different restaurants in the area – not without first checking out reviews! If there is a book club in the area I am likely part of it – as it combines two of my favourites – reading and wine. When I’m not at the clinic, you will find me with my son Liam and husband Dusan.
I completed my Bachelor of Science in Applied Health Science (Hons.) at the University of Waterloo and then continued on to graduate from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine with a Doctor of Naturopathy. I am a member of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors and Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors. In part of loving what I do, I am continuously learning and developing my skills. I have additional qualifications and certifications in:
I began my journey with Naturopathic Medicine at a young age when I witnessed first hand the positive impact it can have on a person’s health. This inspired me to want to share these benefits with others and therefore, pursue a career in Naturopathic Medicine.
My goal as a health care provider is to empower individuals and families to take charge of their health and strive for optimal health. You can often hear me in appointment saying that just because something is common, does not mean it is normal; just because you hear everyone else has XYZ symptom, that doesn’t mean you need to suffer through and accept this symptom. I want patients to feel that they are being heard, that their questions are answered and that they are confident in the decisions they are making for themselves and their family. I love working with pregnancy and post-partum, pediatrics and women’s health from digestion to stress to hormones and everything in between.
After work, you can often find me trying out different restaurants in the area – not without first checking out reviews! If there is a book club in the area I am likely part of it – as it combines two of my favourites – reading and wine. When I’m not at the clinic, you will find me with my son Liam and husband Dusan.
I completed my Bachelor of Science in Applied Health Science (Hons.) at the University of Waterloo and then continued on to graduate from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine with a Doctor of Naturopathy. I am a member of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors and Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors. In part of loving what I do, I am continuously learning and developing my skills. I have additional qualifications and certifications in:
- Therapeutic Prescribing and IVIT Certification
- Naturopathic Doula
- HypnoBirthing Childbirth Educator
- Infant Sleep Educator
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Dr. Denise Handscomb, ND
Hi, I am Dr. Denise. I am a Naturopathic Doctor, wife, mama of Charlotte, Lucas and James and Co-Founder of Abaton Integrative Medicine. On the rare occasion I can find a few minutes to myself, you will find me at home with my family binge watching Netflix, glass of Cabernet in hand, taking a little too much advantage of online sales.
I became a Naturopathic Doctor to educate my patients on how they can optimize their health and the health of their family. My passion lies in supporting the health of future generations and because of this I have completed additional training in prenatal and pediatric care, environmental medicine, hormonal and digestive health. My treatment philosophy is assessing the body as a whole and providing a customized treatment plan that focuses on current health concerns, prevention, lifestyle, diet and overall general health goals. My comprehensive approach to practicing means I am able to utilize the various modalities of Naturopathic Medicine, allowing for an individualized treatment protocol.
I am extremely passionate about my work, which makes me a student for life. I also love connecting and meeting new people so you will find me participating in community events. If you ever catch me out at an event or at one of my favorite local restaurants (as my hubby and I are foodies) don’t hesitate to say hello!
I look forward meeting you and accompanying you as you embrace the benefits of leading a holistic and healthy lifestyle.
Qualifications and Certifications:
I became a Naturopathic Doctor to educate my patients on how they can optimize their health and the health of their family. My passion lies in supporting the health of future generations and because of this I have completed additional training in prenatal and pediatric care, environmental medicine, hormonal and digestive health. My treatment philosophy is assessing the body as a whole and providing a customized treatment plan that focuses on current health concerns, prevention, lifestyle, diet and overall general health goals. My comprehensive approach to practicing means I am able to utilize the various modalities of Naturopathic Medicine, allowing for an individualized treatment protocol.
I am extremely passionate about my work, which makes me a student for life. I also love connecting and meeting new people so you will find me participating in community events. If you ever catch me out at an event or at one of my favorite local restaurants (as my hubby and I are foodies) don’t hesitate to say hello!
I look forward meeting you and accompanying you as you embrace the benefits of leading a holistic and healthy lifestyle.
Qualifications and Certifications:
- Honours Bachelor of Science; Specialization in Biology, Minor in Psychology – Western University
- Bachelor of Naturopathic Medicine – Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine
- Registered BioEnergetics Intolerance Elimination (BIE) Practitioner
- Naturopathic Doula
- Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture Certificate
- IVIT Certified
- Environmental Medicine Certificate
- HypnoBirthing Instructor
- Nominated for Oakville Chamber of Commerce’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year
The Abaton Extended Family
Paula Costa
Director of Patient Care
Pam Blanchard
Certified Life Coach, Certified in Alternative Dispute Resolution
Ashley Pickett
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Certified Parenting, Sleep and Babywearing Educator
Melissa Tan, MA, RP, MTA, NMT-F
Registered Psychotherapist and Neurologic Music Therapist
Dominika Gejo
Reflexologist
Dr. Erica Costabile, ND
Naturopathic Doctor
Misa (Michael) Todosijevic, DOMP
Osteopathic Manual Therapist
Erin Lunn, RP
Registered Psychotherapist
Melissa Segreto
Integrative Mental Health Coach & Spinal Flow Practitioner