Dr.Tara Dhanasar

I love being Ajax’s chiropractor more and more each day!

Helping patients meet and maintain optimal health is my goal. I love working with children and adults of all ages to make a positive impact on their health. My practice members include pregnant mothers, newborns, children and teens to business executives and celebrities in film and television! I frequently contribute to corporate wellness programs, give talks as the featured guest speaker for community organizations, and even make my own appearances on television from time to time.

As a wife, mother, step mother, yogi, runner, world-traveller and adventurer, I am busy collecting a portfolio of interesting life experiences to challenge both mind and body. A thirst for knowledge, the commitment to educate and empower, and the determination to make a difference for young and old in the realm of health, all serve as the foundation for my life’s work.

I attended Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia – which is where I am from – and acquired my Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology. It was my full intention growing up to become a medical doctor, more specifically a pediatrician. However, I came to an early realization that medicine is mostly about sickness, disease and overmedicating. I believe it is far more impactful to identify the cause of the disease instead of merely treating its symptoms. This was the catalyst that pushed me toward chiropractic.

I graduated from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) in 2007. After which I spent the following two years working at various clinics across Durham Region and Toronto. In 2009, my husband Raj and I took the plunge and opened our own clinic in Ajax-Pickering. Raj spent the first year and a half working as my chiropractic health assistant. He is now the clinic director.

I took numerous seminars to become a more proficient chiropractor. I studied Thompson Technique and I now have Thompson Drop Tables in my clinic. I took my diploma program with the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), where I learned numerous techniques to work with pregnant women, infants, babies and children. I am also certified in Webster technique. I train weekly with a group of the best Pediatric Chiropractors around the world, known as Epic Pediatrics, and am a member of the National Wellness Foundation.

My journey to become your trusted family chiropractor

Health philosophy and habits

I believe that health is our most precious commodity. I believe that it has to be our choice to live in a wellness model. I believe that people should eat a healthy, balanced diet consisting of locally grown fruits and vegetables, and made at home with minimal preservatives and additives. I believe that people should exercise on a regular basis. I believe that families need to spend more quality time together. I believe that people need a positive mental attitude. And finally, I strongly believe people need regular chiropractic adjustments to ensure minimal interference on their nervous systems.

I receive regular chiropractic adjustments to maintain optimal nerve function and keep active through regular exercise at the gym, yoga and running. I believe in my innate power to function optimally and that the power that made the body, can also heal the body. Of course while I also understand that medical intervention is invaluable in emergency cases, I know that the body deserves the right to heal itself – naturally. I do not support medication unless it is absolutely necessary.

Family – the heart of everything I do

I am lucky to have a truly amazing family in my corner. I have the most supportive and loving husband, who is also my Clinic Director. In my marriage to Raj, I gained two wonderful stepdaughters, Taylor and Kelsey, and they are a joy to be around. Together, Raj and I created Mackenzie and Riley. Blessed with two beautiful homebirths, Mackenzie was received into this world by her father and I was lucky enough to receive Riley all on my own. They teach me so much every day about patience, abundance, humility, and best of all, love.

Thank you for taking the time to learn a bit about me. I honour the opportunity to serve you and your family. Chiropractic is a safe and natural approach to optimal health. Quite simply, chiropractic works!

Living optimally is your best choice, so let's get started! Hope to see you in the office soon.

– Dr. Tara

Dr. Tessa Van Leeuwen-Tyler

I am passionate about serving families in Durham!

I am originally from the small town of Simcoe in southern Ontario, where I grew up on a dairy farm with my five siblings. As you can imagine, it was endlessly busy in my house. I have a strong appreciation for family and it continues to be one of my core values as an adult.

I attended the University of Ottawa where I acquired my Bachelor of Science with specialization in Human Kinetics. I enjoyed playing varsity volleyball and was introduced to the world of Ultimate Frisbee. I played on the university’s Ultimate Frisbee team as well as on a women’s competitive team for three years. I continue to play Ultimate Frisbee and volleyball here in Durham Region.

It has always been my passion to help people live a long and happy life, and when I was introduced to chiropractic I knew that it was my calling. The vision for optimal health and wellness, and the belief in the power of the human body, amazed me and led me to pursue a career in chiropractic. I left Ottawa and moved to Toronto to attend the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College.

While at Chiropractic College, I became interested in the care of prenatal and pediatric patients. I was given the opportunity to work with patients diagnosed with a variety of developmental disabilities at the Aptus Treatment Centre. This is where I learned the importance of chiropractic care for children and adults suffering from a wide range of neurological conditions. I am currently completing further training with the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) to better serve my patients. My passion for working with kids and adults alike continues to grow as I learn more about the benefits of chiropractic care and its importance in attaining a vibrant and happy life.

I am blessed to now be working in a wonderful, family-friendly chiropractic office with others who share a passion for wellness and finding the root cause of problems. I see firsthand the healing that families are able to achieve through chiropractic care, and it is my mission is to save lives through the power of chiropractic.

Discovering my true calling in chiropractic

My home life

In 2016, I married my wonderful husband Jeff in a beautiful beach ceremony on a warm (and stormy) Dominican island. We learned early that we share a passion for being outside and staying active, playing Frisbee, fishing, and walking our dog, Piper. We also love to travel and are eager to explore new places together.

When I moved to Durham, I fell in love with the region for its endless activities, numerous trails, green spaces, lakes and amazing community vibe. I am so proud to be part of this community and I look forward to serving you and your family in your growth toward an optimal, healthy and wonderful life.

– Dr. Tessa van Leeuwen-Tyler