Meet Dr. Anya McLaren-Barnett
Hi! I’m Anya, a pediatric respirologist and sleep medicine physician
Your Pediatric Sleep Expert
I’m a pediatric respirologist and sleep medicine physician who believes in equipping children with all they need to live healthy lives so they can maximize their full potential.
Originally from Jamaica, Dr. McLaren Barnett completed her medical training at the University of Toronto where she earned an Honours Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Physiology. In addition to her areas of expertise, Dr. McLaren Barnett’s interests include global health, youth mentorship, patient advocacy and patient education.
1 in 10
Children do not find their sleep refreshing
1 in 5
Children that face difficulties staying awake during the waking hours
1 in 4
Children that are not getting enough sleep
1 in 3
Children that have trouble going to sleep or staying asleep
HOW I GOT HERE
Sleep health is a critical aspect of a child's overall development, particularly during the early years of life.
2021
While on my second maternity leave, I was about 7 years into working as a clinician, researcher, and teacher, authored several research publications, and received national and international awards for my research. Despite this, I felt an inner restlessness about my career and a feeling of 'Is this it?'. Over the next few months, I came to the realization that my inner restlessness was tied to a very strong desire to maximize my potential through service and impact. I reflected on how I could create more impact both within my practice and beyond.
September 2022
After doing some preliminary market research, I embarked on the creation of SHIP with five sleep consultants from three countries.
2011
I graduated from medical school and spent the next 6 years training in pediatric medicine, pediatric respirology and pediatric sleep medicine. During the latter part of those 6 years, I also worked as a pediatrician in the community - resuscitating newborn babies and caring for children with acute medical issues as well as children with respiratory and sleep issues.
July 2022
The Sleep Gap was founded with the mission to close the gaps in pediatric sleep health knowledge and skill set of every professional in the pediatric sleep space. Shortly afterward, a pediatric sleep consultant reached out to me to ask if I had any courses or programs available.
December 2022
The Sleep Health Organization was conceptualized, and as they would say, the rest is history! Welcome and thank you for being a part of this exciting journey!
PRESENT DAY
Founder and CEO of The Sleep Health Organization! Helping existing Paediatric Sleep consultants worldwide take their skills to the next level using our signature method that outlines a comprehensive approach to common sleep issues and conditions.
HOW I GOT HERE
Sleep health is a critical aspect of a child's overall development, particularly during the early years of life.
2011
I graduated from medical school and spent the next 6 years training in pediatric medicine, pediatric respirology and pediatric sleep medicine. During the latter part of those 6 years, I also worked as a pediatrician in the community - resuscitating newborn babies and caring for children with acute medical issues as well as children with respiratory and sleep issues.
2021
While on my second maternity leave, I was about 7 years into working as a clinician, researcher, and teacher, authored several research publications, and received national and international awards for my research. Despite this, I felt an inner restlessness about my career and a feeling of 'Is this it?'. Over the next few months, I came to the realization that my inner restlessness was tied to a very strong desire to maximize my potential through service and impact. I reflected on how I could create more impact both within my practice and beyond.
July 2022
The Sleep Gap was founded with the mission to close the gaps in pediatric sleep health knowledge and skill set of every professional in the pediatric sleep space. Shortly afterward, a pediatric sleep consultant reached out to me to ask if I had any courses or programs available.
September 2022
After doing some preliminary market research, I embarked on the creation of SHIP with five sleep consultants from three countries.
December 2022
The Sleep Health Organization was conceptualized, and as they would say, the rest is history! Welcome and thank you for being a part of this exciting journey!
PRESENT DAY
Founder and CEO of The Sleep Health Organization! Helping existing Paediatric Sleep consultants worldwide take their skills to the next level using our signature method that outlines a comprehensive approach to common sleep issues and conditions.
Join The Sleep Health Intelligence Program today!
SHIP is for Pediatric Sleep Consultants - the ONLY pediatric sleep physician-created certification program for already certified and experienced pediatric sleep professionals.