About Aranka

I bet you want to know how to pronounce my name: it’s “Ahh-run-kah”. Technically you’re supposed to roll the “R” but don’t worry if you can’t; I answer to a number of variations and won’t be offended if you botch the pronunciation. Call me Dr. Jones if you’d like to be more formal or “AJ” if you’d rather not.

I grew up in Blue Mountain and Collingwood, Ontario, where I spent my childhood skiing, climbing trees, catching frogs and swimming in Southern Georgian Bay. Surrounded by artists and endless material for inspiration, I spent a lot of time drawing, painting and crafting. The rest of the time I had my nose in a book or spent in the kitchen watching my mom cook. I left this paradise for the University of Guelph to study biological science where I became interested in nutrition and botanical medicine. After seeing a naturopathic doctor for my own health challenges at the time I realized the profession was a natural fit. After graduating I attended the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto. Four years later I completed the Doctor of Naturopathy program and moved back to my hometown of Collingwood where I opened a naturopathic practice. I have been serving the Southern Georgian Bay communities ever since, working in solo practice as well as multidisciplinary settings. After experiencing long COVID in 2022 I took my practice online and now offer telemedicine to people all across Ontario.

I have a special interest in supporting people with digestive disorders, mental health challenges, and people in perimenopause. My approach integrates conventional medical knowledge with evidence based natural, functional and alternative medicine. I educate and empower my patients to separate science from “snake oil” so they can confidently navigate the wellness industry and become advocates for the best possible healthcare.

When I’m not wearing my naturopathic doctor hat you’ll find me skiing, riding my bike to the farmers’ market, hugging trees and forest bating on the Bruce Trail and exploring Georgian Bay on my paddleboard. If you can’t find me I’m probably in my kitchen preparing handmade pasta, tending to my large collection of houseplants, gallivanting around the Mediterranean with my husband or learning to surf in the Pacific Northwest.