Here at The Linden Medical Centre, we aim to create a welcoming atmosphere and deliver exceptional service with a commitment to professionalism. Meet our team!

Dr. Monika Hooper, MD, FRCPC

Monika was born in Saskatoon, but studied linguistics at UBC, and received her medical degree from the University of Alberta in Edmonton. She returned to Saskatoon to complete her psychiatry residency and began her practice by working with acute care patients at both Saskatoon’s Dube Centre, and the emergency room at The Royal University Hospital. After several years working in acute care, Monika co-founded The Linden Medical Centre in Saskatoon and is the medical director for our Edmonton clinic with the goal of being able to offer modern treatments for psychiatric illness that are difficult to access in Saskatchewan and Alberta.

Monika is best known for her infectious laugh and love of chocolate covered pretzels from Starbucks. She is a mother, and a wife who enjoys stressing about her children’s well-being, and making sure her husband is doing the same. When she’s not taking care of her family, you’re likely to find her in a coffee shop absorbing the present and contemplating the future.

Dr. Patrick Jacobson, MD, FRCPC

Patrick was born and raised in Regina. He studied economics and biology at the University of Regina before coming to Saskatoon to complete his medical degree at the University of Saskatchewan. During his medical training he completed a certificate in global health which included experience working in rural and remote communities in Saskatchewan and Australia. He completed his Psychiatry residency in Saskatoon and enjoys providing general adult Psychiatric care at our Saskatoon location.

Patrick enjoys music and occasionally can be caught singing along to songs he does not know the words to. He has an interest in psychedelics and enjoys being in nature. He is obsessed with his golden retriever and his favourite activity is long outings with her and his wife along the South Saskatchewan River.

Dr. Mark Luba, MD, FRCPC

Mark was born in Saskatoon but moved to Regina at a young age where he spent the majority of his life growing up. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in Actuarial Science at the University of Regina before receiving his medical degree at the University of Saskatchewan. He remained in Saskatoon throughout residency training and worked with acute patients at the Dube Centre in Saskatoon before working abroad in New Zealand for a year. Mark is now providing Psychiatry care at our Saskatoon Clinic.

In his spare time, Mark enjoys staying physically active through a variety of activities including squash, yoga, jogging and golf. During the pandemic, he also developed a mild obsession with chess. When he isn’t playing sports or gaming, he often socializes with friends and enjoys quiet evenings with his wife and two cats.

Dr. Sareena Purewal, MD, FRCPC

Dr. Purewal is born and raised in Edmonton, AB. She completed a residency in Psychiatry in Regina, SK at the University of Saskatchewan and graduated in 2018. Dr. Purewal practiced in Regina as a community psychiatrist prior to moving to Saskatoon in 2022 when she joined Linden Medical Centre. Her main areas of practice include general and complex adult psychiatric care at Linden Medical Centre and the ER at the Royal University Hospital. She has a strong interest in rTMS which is also provided at the clinic. Alongside her clinical work, she is actively involved in teaching medical students and residents who often rotate with her in the Saskatoon clinic.

She is married and has the cutest baby boy! In her free time, she enjoys watching TV shows and movies, bike riding, hanging out with her family and friends.

Dr. Venkat Chamarti, MD, FCA, RCSI

Dr. Chamarti’s medical journey has taken him across many landscapes, each enriching his understanding of both medicine and humanity. He began in India as a Medical Officer and Anesthetist, followed by service in Saudi Arabia as an ICU resident doctor. His pursuit of deeper knowledge led him to Ireland, where he trained further in Anesthesia, Intensive Care, and Pain Medicine, and earned his Fellowship from the College of Anaesthetists of Ireland. Now in Canada, he has the privilege of serving rural communities in Saskatchewan as an Anesthetist, and for the past six years, working in Ketamine Clinic at Linden Medical Center, supporting those facing mental health challenges.

Next year marks a special milestone: 50 years of dedicated service in the medical field since his graduation. This journey fills Dr. Chamarti with profound gratitude. Medicine has been more than a profession — it has been a calling, a way to heal not only disease but also to care for each patient with empathy, dignity, and respect. The human connection has always been the most fulfilling part of his career.

In recent years, combining Dr. Chamarti’s medical experience with his certification as a Life Coach has allowed him to contribute even more deeply to mental health care. He sees this as a true blessing, a divine opportunity to walk alongside individuals on their path to healing.

Serving the community has been an honour. Every day in medicine is a privilege — not just to treat ailments, but to touch lives and make a meaningful difference.

Dr. Matt Johnson, MD, CCFP(FPA), FRCPC

Matt was born and raised in Regina, SK. He moved to Saskatoon to complete medical school at the University of Saskatchewan, where he met and eventually married his wife, Desiree. Following graduation, they both undertook their residency in Family Medicine in Prince Albert before returning to Saskatoon. Matt extended his expertise by subsequently completing another residency in Anesthesiology. Here at The Linden Medical Centre, he takes great pleasure in cultivating quality patient-physician relationships in both our Saskatoon and Edmonton locations. Witnessing the substantial improvements that interventions can make in the lives of his patients.

Outside the medical realm, Matt enjoys traveling, playing board games and cards, and spending time with his family.

Dr. Desiree Rouleau, MD, CCFP(EM)

Desiree was born in Medicine Hat, Alberta, and moved to Saskatoon to complete an undergraduate degree in physiology then medicine at the University of Saskatchewan. She completed her family medicine residency in Prince Albert, then returned to Saskatoon to train an extra year in emergency medicine. Desiree has practiced in the emergency departments across the three hospitals in Saskatoon since 2017. She was very excited to join the Linden Medical Center to supervise ketamine infusions in 2022 and finds this the most rewarding part of her medical practice. She enjoys building relationships with patients and seeing their improvement at the Saskatoon Clinic.

When Desiree is not at work, you can find her running after her two young kids and taking her poodle, Bernie out for walks. She has a passion for travel, trivia nights, and also loves checking out the Saskatoon food scene.

Dr. Randi Ramunno

Dr. Jackie Perrot

Dr. Jess Bruce

Zach Macnab, Lead RN

Zach started his career as a Registered Nurse in 2017 in the Lloydminster Hospital. Zach spent the next portion of his career in Saskatoon working in intensive care units. After gaining some experience working with more complex patients, Zach decided he was missing the connection side of patient care. He joined the team at The Linden Medical Centre in the summer of 2019, where he enjoys being able to foster a closer connection with patients while being on the cutting edge of mental health treatment. He now splits his time between both our Saskatoon and Edmonton clinics.

While Zach isn’t working, you can find him running on the Meewasin, spending time in the gym, or traveling to Turtle Lake to visit his family.

Brooke Macnab, RN

Originally from Swift Current and raised on a farm just 30 minutes north, Brooke holds a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing. Currently, she divides her time between part-time work in the NICU and her responsibilities at both the Saskatoon and Edmonton clinic locations. Brooke takes great joy in witnessing the gradual transformation of people’s mental health, considering it as a genuine privilege to be part of their mental health journey.

In her free time, Brooke enjoys engaging in activities such as spin classes, golfing, and spending quality time with her dog, Sadie. Exploring new eateries is a favourite pastime, especially when it comes to satisfying her sweet tooth. If you ask her, the coconut cheesecake from Filosophi holds a special place in her heart.

Erica Vermette, RN

Erica was born in Northern Saskatchewan. She is a registered nurse who is highly empathetic and passionate about the human body and its wisdom and capacity to heal. She values holistic approaches and plant medicine to well-being. She is a firm believer that altering one’s state of consciousness is conducive to deep emotional, physical healing, rewiring your brain, and self-exploration. Erica has trained with Phoenix Alumni, TheraPsil, and is an active member of the Canadian Psychedelic Association. She has over a decade experience working within Mental Health/Addictions, End of Life and Dementia Care. Erica works in our Saskatoon clinic.

On her days off, she likes mushroom-foraging, biking, camping, paddle boarding, practicing hot yoga, and hiking with her nephew, Chello (staff terrier). She also loves traveling, the great outdoors, and believes nature is the absolute best medicine. Her favorite foods are ramen, buddha bowls, and anything breakfast related. She loves mushroom coffee and all the adaptogenic mushrooms.

Hailey Sim, RN

Hailey was born and raised in Kindersley, SK. She completed her Bachelor of Nursing at the University of Lethbridge, AB, in 2015 and has spent the past 10 years working in emergency departments across Saskatchewan and Alberta. Currently, she works in the ER at Royal University Hospital and in the post-anesthetic recovery unit at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital. Hailey also enjoys working at the Linden, where she appreciates the friendly and supportive atmosphere created by the team—including employers, physicians, and front staff. Her colleagues value her time, knowledge, experience, and feedback. For Hailey, the camaraderie at the Linden is a real bonus! She loves interacting with the patients and getting to see their support dogs! She believes it’s amazing to help them on their journey with Ketamine therapy to have a better quality of life. Hailey truly cherishes being part of that journey.

Outside of work, Hailey loves staying active and spending time outdoors. She has a passion for cooking, gardening, and taking on creative projects. Most of all, she enjoys quality time with her husband and their 3-year-old son—whether they’re on a sunny vacation, at the lake, or just playing mini sticks. A fan of Greek salad (with extra olives!), Hailey’s favorite travel destination is Bucerias, Mexico.

Brittany King, RN

Erica Chapman

Alexey Deev

Alexey, originally from Tajikistan, earned his medical degree from Astrakhan Medical University and completed residency in gastroenterology. He immigrated to Canada in 2023 and is currently awaiting confirmation of his doctoral degree, while honing his English skills to advance in his medical career. He is passionate about exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and mental health, actively researching its potential impact on patient care. Alexey provides compassionate care, professionalism and dedication to his work as our specialist in rTMS therapy at our PA clinic.

Outside of work, Alex, as he prefers to be called, enjoys Japanese cars and traveling with his wife and children in their favorite minivan from Japan.

Carleigh Homenuk

Moosa Khan

Moosa is a highly skilled neuroscience technician at The Linden in Saskatoon, where they specialize in supporting cutting-edge research into the complexities of the brain and nervous system. Born  in Houston, Texas and raised by the Canadian prairies, Moosa has always demonstrated a keen curiosity about both the frontiers of science and the beauty of art.

Moosa graduated from Centennial Collegiate in Saskatoon Prior to his education as an Anatomist and Pharmacologist at the University of Saskatchewan.

Outside of their professional pursuits, Moosa channels their creativity and attention to detail into the practice of calligraphy. This timeless art form has become a meaningful outlet for them, allowing a seamless blend of discipline and expression. Through their work and personal interests, Moosa embodies a unique synthesis of analytical rigor and artistic sensibility.

Matt Hooper, Manager

Matt is originally from rural Alberta.  He is a Computer Engineering Technologist from NAIT who has been involved in various business adventures since 2009.  Matt co-founded the Linden Medical Centre in Saskatoon and Edmonton with his wife, Dr. Monika Hooper in 2018.  His broad array of skills and attention to detail makes him the Swiss Army Knife of The Linden.  Along with being clinic manager, he takes care of I.T., facility maintenance, and is the clinic privacy officer.

Kristen Penner, Bookkeeper

Jaymie Da Costa, Medical Receptionist

Jaymie, who was born and raised in Castlegar, BC, previously worked at Ophthalmology and Optometry clinics before joining The Linden crew in Saskatoon in 2022. She finds joy in seeing the positive outcomes from treatments offered at the clinic. The lush greenery you see in our clinic is thanks to Jaymie’s love for everything plant related. Her lively personality and sense of humor has always enhanced The Linden’s friendly ambiance.

Off-duty, Jaymie loves nothing more than spending time with her son, Anthonee. She has long been dedicated to advocating for his disease and raising awareness about vision loss in the community. When not daydreaming about Portugal, she’s likely indulging in her favorite food: burgers.

Nikola Bereza, MOA

Nikola, fondly referred to as Niki by her family and friends, was born in Saskatoon but spent most of her younger years in Fort McMurray, AB. Before earning her Medical Office Assistant Certificate in 2020, she worked as a Bridal Consultant/Stylist and Service Warranty Coordinator in the Automotive industry. Niki’s friendly demeanor and readiness to assist anyone at any moment greatly empowers The Linden’s supportive atmosphere in Saskatoon. Niki is driven by a deep passion for making people feel valued and important, be it clients, colleagues, family, or friends.

In her leisure time, Niki loves creating cherished memories with family and friends, and savoring moments with her spouse and their cat, Milky. Her favorite food is pasta, and she finds solace in her camper nestled in the woods whenever possible. Attending live music events tops her list of preferred activities.

Astrid Magallanes, Billing staff

In 2016, Astrid moved to Canada with her family, three years after obtaining her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the Philippines. She discovered her preference for working in office settings through administrative roles at previous workplaces. Working at The Linden in Saskatoon has been a highly enriching experience for her, thanks to the consistently pleasant and wonderful individuals she encounters every day.

Outside work, Astrid enjoys playing with her 2 cats, doing puzzles and binge watching random shows.