Our Doctors
Click on a name to view their bio.
Dr. Ernie Bagnulo, B.Sc.H. (Kin.), D.C., D.Ap.

Dr. Ernie Bagnulo studied Kinesiology at the University of Western Ontario, where he gained an appreciation of the human body and its capacity to function and heal. Once completing his Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology, Ernie went to New York Chiropractic College (NYCC) to pursue his career goals and obtain his Doctor of Chiropractic degree.
While at NYCC, Dr. Bagnulo was exposed to an advanced soft tissue manipulation system called Active Release Techniques (ART). This allowed Dr. Bagnulo to forge his passion of athletics with his chosen profession. Upon graduation in 2003 Dr. Bagnulo worked as an associate chiropractor in a local sports chiropractic clinic in Niagara Falls; here he was able to work with the general population and world class athletes. These athletes were from the track & field circuit, NFL, NHL, MLB players and other amateur and professional ranks. While in private practice he furthered his clinical knowledge by pursuing coursework in Medical Acupuncture, Kinesiotaping and Graston Technque. Dr. Bagnulo is now an instructor in the Contemporary Medical Acupuncture Program at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario.
Dr. Bagnulo prides himself on helping each patient achieve their optimum functional abilities and gives his all to ensure that this happens in a professional, friendly and welcoming environment. In September 2006 Dr. Bagnulo became a clinic partner and co-founded the Wellness Institute of Niagara. This joint venture is the next step in his professional career. He is excited by the fact that he is working in a multi-disciplinary clinic and welcomes the opportunity to help his regular and new patients alike, in achieving their health and wellness goals.
Laura Imola, BSc., ND (Licensed)

After obtaining her Bachelor of Science at the University of Western Ontario, Laura completed the four year full time program at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto. She successfully completed the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Exams (NPLEX), and Board certification for the province of Ontario. Inspired by the Niagara Region, she started her own professional practice of Naturopathic Medicine in Niagara Falls, Ontario.
Her versatile style of practice lends itself well to all health concerns and is suitable for people of all ages. Naturopathic Medicine encourages people to strengthen the fundamental aspects of their health and work to prevent illness, rather than solely treating symptoms.
Due to her interest in the link between mind-body-spirit health, Laura has been actively practicing and studying yoga for over ten years. She became a certified yoga instructor after completing the International Sivananda Vedanta Center month long intensive Teachers Training Course in 2003.
Laura works diligently with each person who wants to utilize Naturopathic Medicine to improve their health. With each visit, discussions about health are encouraged to help build an understanding about health. Through this knowledge, people become more aware of their own vitality, make connections about their health and learn how to take an active roll in establishing sound health. Laura has seen those who willingly contribute effort, and take up the challenge of actively working toward better health, experience the greatest benefit through Naturopathic Medicine.
Dr. Laura Imola has created a blog to shine a light on the little things that create health. "Every WIN-ning Moment" is a fresh, funny and sometimes straight up look at the little things that can make for a healthy life. As a a working professional, a mom, a wife and a ordinary gal, she knows the importance of keeping it simple. When it comes to health, the simple things truly create winning moments.
Check out her blog at www.drlauraimola.wordpress.com
Dr. Matthew Bird, B.Sc.H., D.C.

Dr. Bird attended the University of Guelph where he obtained his Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Human Kinetics in 2004. It was there during his four years of studies that he developed a keen interest in the biomechanics of the human body and its ability to sustain high levels of performance. Pursuing this passion, Matt decided to continue his academic studies at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) in Toronto. In 2008, he obtained his Doctorate in Chiropractic from CMCC graduating Magna Cum Laude with high clinic honours.
During his tenure at CMCC, Dr. Bird was exposed to leading-edge chiropractic procedures and methods including Active Release Techniques, Trigenics, and diversified chiropractic techniques. Armed with these skills, Matt is sufficiently trained to help aid the natural healing ability of the human body in the recovery of musculoskeletal ailments and has applied this knowledge while working with various athletes and clients. For example, he has successively utilized these techniques while working with numerous marathon runners who have participated in various running races across North America, and while serving as team chiropractor for "Team Snow" – a corporate cycling team based out of the Newmarket area.
Dr. Bird's personal involvement in sports over the years contributed greatly towards his decision to become a Doctor of Chiropractic. Specifically, the training and mental and physical skills he developed through competitive rowing in St. Catharines during his high school and undergraduate years forged a strong interest in all-round physical health and wellbeing. Further, Matt's own personal commitment to health and wellbeing in his own daily life contributed to his decision to pursue a career in the health field, and sets an example for others to follow.
Dr. Bird was born and raised in the City of Niagara Falls, Ontario and is very excited that he has the opportunity to begin and practice his new career in the Niagara area. He looks forward to meeting and working with the new and current clients of the Wellness Institute of Niagara.
Denise Botbyl, RMTDenise is a registered massage therapist licienced by the College Of Massage Therapists Of Ontario. She has practiced in the Niagara Region since 2004. She has been part of of the team at the Wellness Institute of Niagara since 2006.
Denise Graduated from Canadian Therapeutic College where she obtained her status as a RMT and hydrotherapist. She has further trained in Acupuncture at McMaster University. Additional training includes courses in Sports therapy, Trigger Point Therapy, Soft TIssue and Myofascial Release and Brain Injury Care. Denise also worked with Hamilton Tiger Cats for a few months after graduating, which inspired her to work with sports injuries and brain injuries.
Massage therapy is a comprehensive intervention involving a range of techniques to manipulate the soft tissues and joints of the body. The purpose of massage therapy is to prevent, develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function or relieve pain. Most of the manual therapies help restore motion, and normalize the bodily functions.
Growing up in the area has kept Denise close to home while deciding to build her practice in Niagara Falls. Denise has always had a passion for wellness and physical well-being which makes her job to help others so rewarding.
Denise is extremely excited to work in a multi-disciplinary clinic as we all work together as a team, to help our patients achieve the best optimal results.
Charlene Kush, BSc., ND (licensed)

Charlene is a licensed and registered Naturopathic Doctor. She completed a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Western Ontario. She graduated as a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine after completing the 4 year medical program at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine.
Charlene has a passionate interest in women's health, pediatrics and digestive health. She strongly believes that prevention and health optimization are the cornerstones to individual health and long-term wellness. Individualized treatment plans may include nutritional counselling and supplements, herbal medicine, homeopathic remedies, acupuncture and Chinese medicine, and lifestyle counselling.
Acupuncture, microcurrent and the Bowen Technique are the main physical therapies she uses to aid the body in correcting physical imbalances, pain relief and lymphatic drainage. Charlene is a trained and certified Bowen Therapist. This gentle muscle and connective tissue therapy works to correct misalignments and allows the body to heal itself with minimal intervention.
Charlene is an active member of the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors, the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors, the Association of Perinatal Naturopathic Doctors and Bowen Canada.
Donata Girolamo, HBA, ND

After graduating from the University of Toronto, with an honours Bachelor of Arts, Donata then pursued her passion for holistic medicine at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto, becoming a licensed and registered Naturopathic Doctor. Her eclectic style of practice benefits all health concerns, with the intention always on targeting the root cause of disease. Donata focuses on an individualized approach to health care, using traditional chinese medicine, western and eastern botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, and lifestyle counselling – all encouraging the body’s inherent wisdom and intelligence. Donata also has advanced training in homeopathy, in First Line Therapy, and is a certified WTS physician. Due to her interest in the link between mind, body and spirit, Donata has taken intensive courses in Vipassana and Mindfulness meditation, and has become a Reiki practitioner.
Dr. Tania Mannella, BSc, DPT (Physiotherapist)

Physiotherapy and the complex relationship between bones, joints, nerves and muscles became a strong interest to Dr. Tania Mannella in high school. A major soccer injury landed her in a physiotherapy clinic for strengthening and stabilization of her ankle joint. Since that time, her desire for musculoskeletal healing, rehabilitation and improving the health of others has become her ambition. Tania continues to be active and involved in many sports. She enjoys bringing her athletic background to patients in the clinic.
Dr. Mannella began her schooling at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Life Sciences. She continued her passion for rehabilitation at the University of Buffalo where she earned the highest degree in her profession, a Doctorate of Physiotherapy degree, graduating with honours, in 2004. Dr. Mannella has worked with all age groups and aspects of physiotherapy. Her years of professional experience have taken her to the acute and subacute hospital setting, into school-based settings with children, into long-term care facilities with the elderly and with a facility offering home care services. Dr. Mannella's most intense interest, however, lies in the field of physiotherapy dealing with orthopaedics; providing treatment for all ages, from birth to elderly and weekend warriors to elite athletes.
Manual therapy, acupuncture, personalized exercise prescription, evidence based assessment and treatment are a few of the techniques used daily to provide a variety of options for individualized treatment to her patients. A lifelong learner and committed to her profession, Dr. Mannella continues to further sharpen her skills in treatment of spinal and peripheral joints by attending advanced training courses on a regular basis.
Dr. Mannella is very excited to bring her past experiences to WIN Rehab & Health Centre and looks forward to providing superior care to a successful multidisciplinary practice. She is happy to serve the residents of the Niagara Region and looks forward to having all patients achieve the most optimal success and independence possible in their treatment.

