Woman in a white lab coat with a stethoscope around her neck standing in front of a table, smiling, with framed alphabet and numbers art on the wall behind her.

Meet Dr. Anya McLaren-Barnett

Hi! I’m Anya, a pediatric respirologist and sleep medicine physician

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.

Your Pediatric Sleep Expert

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

Our Story

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. 

Vertical teal line with five evenly spaced teal circles

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.

TRUSTED PARTNERS

Hamilton Health Sciences and drive logo with tagline "Dare. Research. Innovate. VenturE."
Logo of the Canadian Institute for the Transfer of Knowledge, featuring bold blue letters 'CITE' with a smaller subtitle.
Logo of SOPHIE, Southern Ontario Pharmaceutical & Health Innovation Ecosystem, featuring a stylized flask and atom design.
Logo of Innovation Factory with stylized "X" and text in gray and blue colors.

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. 

Simple illustration of a light blue lollipop with a round candy top and long stick.

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. 

Light blue lollipop icon with a round shape and a straight stick.

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. 

A minimalist design of a light blue circle with a vertical line extending downward, resembling a lollipop.

September 2022

After doing some preliminary market research, I embarked on the creation of SHIP with five sleep consultants from three countries. 

Light blue lollipop on a stick

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!

Simple illustration of a light blue lollipop with a thin stick.

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.