07/22/2026
If we've never met before, I'd love to introduce myself. š Hi, I'm Dr. Michelle Heighington, ND.
Looking back, it's funny how life doesn't always take the path you expect.
As a child, I was happiest outdoors, surrounded by animals and nature. I spent countless hours horseback riding, and it was there that I had my first glimpse into natural medicine. I loved helping the vet whenever I could and was fascinated by how simple ingredients could be used to support healing. Learning to make herbal salves for horses sparked a curiosity that stayed with me for years.
Growing up, I always imagined a career in medicine. But like many people, fear and self-doubt influenced my decisions. Chemistry intimidated me, and I convinced myself that medicine wasn't for me. Instead, I pursued a career in law.
Even though I enjoyed many aspects of that work, something always felt missing. That led me to become a Holistic Nutritionist, and one of the most meaningful experiences of my life followedāa medical anthropology internship with the University of Toronto in Namibia. There, I had the opportunity to study the role of nutrition in people living with HIV/AIDS. It reinforced how deeply connected nutrition, lifestyle, environment, and health truly are.
After completing my degree, I met the person who would become both my partner and my biggest supporter, Dr. Joseph Steyr. He encouraged me to believe in myself and pursue the dream I had put aside for so many years. With his support, I returned to school and became a Naturopathic Doctor.
Today, I feel incredibly grateful that every stage of my journey has shaped the practitioner I am. My background in nutrition, law, global health, and naturopathic medicine has taught me to listen carefully, think critically, and always see the person behind the symptoms.
My passion is helping people better understand their health and creating personalized, evidence-informed treatment plans that fit their lives. I have a particular interest in digestive health, women's health and gynecological care, integrative cancer care, and skin health, including cosmetic acupuncture.
