Heart Fit Clinic Biographies

Tanya has been licensed as a Nurse Practitioner in Alberta since 2015. Her career journey started in 2006 as a Registered Nurse in Cardiology which quickly led to her work in the Coronary ICU for 6 years. She later moved on to the role of Cardiac Navigator at the Mazankowski Heart Institute, where she honed her ability to look at the bigger picture in healthcare; here she realized how complex navigating the system can be for patients who need specialty cardiac care. Prior to coming to the Heart Fit Clinic, Tanya developed a strong clinical acumen as part of the South Health Campus’ Internal Medicine team for the past 5 years. Her experience working with chronic disease was rewarding but also revealing, as she recognized the limits of working within a traditional and reactive setting. This inspired her to educate herself further on prevention, nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle management that could ultimately change the way health care is delivered and improve the day to day sense of well-being for her clients. At Heart Fit, the goal is to “get to the heart of the problem”, making this truly a heart fit for Tanya personally and professionally.

Tanya’s research interests have included the unique symptom presentation of South Asians with coronary artery disease which was inspired by her own father’s journey living with heart disease. Outside of work, Tanya finds joy in cooking, gardening, yoga, hiking, exploring the world, and has a voracious appetite for lifelong learning.

Favorite Quote: “Be the change you wish to see in the world” ~ Gandhi

Zain graduated from the University of Calgary in 2015 with a Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology and then in 2018 with a Bachelors of Nursing. After recognizing the lack of public education on heart disease she began working at Heart Fit Clinic, where she enjoys being able to provide people with comprehensive education about cardiovascular disease. She works closely with patients to understand their health journeys, helping them achieve their health goals, and watching them improve their lifestyles.
Zain also works on an acute cardiology unit with Alberta Health Services which highlights the importance for her to address cardiovascular disease with proper diet, exercise, and education. She is now working on a Masters in Public Health as she is passionate about health inequalities and identifying gaps in the healthcare system. In her free time, Zain volunteers with the Prostate Cancer Center at The Man Van. She also enjoys climbing and can often be found bouldering at The Calgary Climbing Center.
Favorite Quote: “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if only one remembers to turn on the light” ~Albus Dumbledore

Kuira graduated from the University of Calgary in 2020 with a Bachelor in Kinesiology (Honours). While in school she was generous with her time by volunteering at the Sports Medicine Clinic at U of C, the Autism Asberger’s Friendship Society, the Thrive Center and Wellspring Calgary. Her own personal health journey peaked her interest in holistic health and wanting to get to the root cause of her issues. Now working at Heart Fit, she is able to share her passion for learning by educating patients about their heart health. She specializes in providing patients with External Counterpulsation (ECP), one of our leading treatments here at Heart Fit. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling and spending meaningful time with her friends and family.
Favorite Quote: “We cannot become what we want by remaining what we are” ~Max Depree

I am a Program Nurse at the Heart Fit Clinic in Vancouver. I have been a Registered Nurse for seven years with wide ranging experience prior to joining the Heart Fit team in November 2020. I am passionate about preventative medicine, improving people’s vitality and reducing the risk of detrimental health outcomes. It is so rewarding to be part of the innovative, holistic, and individualized approach we use that positively impacts patients’ quality of life.
I love outdoor activities and spending time in nature. In my free time you will find me biking (including commuting to work), running, climbing, swimming, paddling, skiing, hiking, and camping. I also love travelling, learning new things, reading, and spending time with my partner and friends.