OANDCon23

Dr. Marsden, ND is a leader in the field of intravenous infusion therapy and integrative oncology. He is the medical director at the Marsden Centre and the Director of the Centre’s post graduate residency in naturopathic oncology. He is the course author and director for the OAND’s Intravenous Infusion Therapy Certification Course. Dr. Marsden, ND. also sits as the chair of the OncANP’s Principles of Care Committee. He international lecturer on the topic of IVIT and has trained hundreds of naturopathic doctors in the field.

Dr. Carissa Doherty, ND is a CCNM alumni from 2002 and has a special interest in chronic infections such as Lyme Disease, environmental medicine and genetics. She is a cofounder of the Natural Care Clinic with her sister Dr. Sonya Doherty ND. Dr. Carissa Doherty, ND has been invited to lecture beside Lyme Disease specialists such as Dr. Richard Horowitz MD and has even spoken throughout China on chronic infections and environmental toxicity. Dr. Carissa Doherty, ND engages her patients in lifelong learning about their health and attempts to inspire them to control their health through education and action. Over the years, she has mentored many naturopathic students and new grads and shared clinical pearls of 20 years of practicing Naturopathic Medicine. Dr. Carissa Doherty, ND is also a medical advisor for a Canadian supplement company called NFH since 2020. And lastly, she is super excited to be involved with Exceptional ND, a virtual teaching platform to support the naturopathic community. Dr. Sonya Doherty, ND is a Naturopathic Doctor focused on biomedical treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders including autism, ADHD, OCD, PANDAS and Down Syndrome. Dr. Sonya, ND has been practicing as a Naturopathic Doctor since 2003, after completing her pre-medical studies at the University of Western Ontario and her post graduate naturopathic training at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. Dr. Sonya is a board-certified Naturopathic Doctor and member of the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors. Dr. Sonya has completed The Autism Research Institute's Level I and II Defeat Autism Now! training, providing her with the research and expertise necessary to help every child reach their developmental potential. DAN doctors are trained to help treat children with autism as well as other neurodevelopmental disorders. Biomedical treatment is extremely important to Dr. Sonya, both as a mother and as a professional. She is committed to staying current on research and treatments that can benefit children with developmental concerns. After becoming a DAN doctor, she began her training with the Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs. The FMAPS education is a comprehensive training program for physicians at the forefront of medical treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders. The level of mastery that MAPS fellows (FMAPS) achieve in the field of complex pediatric conditions makes them among the best-prepared practitioners in this field. Dr. Sonya, ND is extremely passionate about biomedical treatment. She has been practicing for over 18 years and has treated thousands of children diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders. As the mother of 3 children, she is dedicated to bringing the most current research and advanced treatments to her multi-disciplinary wellness clinic located in Burlington, Ontario, Canada. Dr. Sonya, ND is an international speaker and lectures extensively on biomedical treatment and the prevention of autism and other developmental concerns.

Dr. Velji is a health care leader with a proven track record in fostering the engagement of the patient (service user) and system partners to drive innovative models of care, integrating research and care to drive next practice, and creating cultures to unleash the potential of high performing teams to achieve stellar results. She has implemented innovative health human resource solutions within these models of care to ensure optimal scope of practice of all clinicians. Dr. Velji is currently the Chief of Nursing & Professional Practice and Assistant Deputy Minister for the Province of Ontario. She has held senior leadership positions in several Academic Health Science Centres and has operated a successful consulting company. Dr. Velji is a sought-after consultant for system level projects and has led external reviews of several organizations. She is a surveyor with Health Standards Organization/Accreditation Canada. Dr. Velji’s responsibilities extend to provincial and national leadership. She has held the roles of Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of Accreditation Canada and member of Board of Directors or Health Standards Organization (2012-2018), United Way Campaign Chair for London Middlesex (2016) and as President and Chair of the Board of Directors of Canadian Nurses Association (2014-16). Dr. Velji has cross-appointments to the University of Toronto, University of Western Ontario, University of Ontario Tech University and Nippissing University. She has won several outstanding achievement awards including the Sigma Theta Tau Excellence in Administration award, University of Toronto Distinguished Alumni award, Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) Margaret Comack Award of Excellence in Nursing Leadership, and the Award of Excellence in Teaching (student nominated) from the Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing at University of Toronto. She has been profiled in the boundless banner campaign as an outstanding alumnus of University of Toronto. At the system/global level, Dr. Velji is a consultant to global sites, including East Africa, the Middle East and Asia, for development of policy, credentialing, training, and academic plans.

Dr. Rajesh Ragbir, ND holds an undergraduate degree from the University of the West Indies and obtained his naturopathic education from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. He is strongly rooted in the principles of naturopathic medicine and is passionate about teaching sustainable health and healing. He uses herbs, supplements, homeopathics, hydrotherapy, acupuncture, IV therapy and mind-body medicine. Mind-body medicine involves using the mind’s ability to heal the body as gently as possible, as quickly as possible and as totally and sustainably as possible. One of Dr. Ragbir’s areas of expertise is working with people to manage and eliminate stress. Dr. Ragbir is part time faculty at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. He is a member of the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors as well as the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors and is licensed and in good standing with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario. He writes articles for The Independent, a bi-weekly community newspaper, about various health topics and modalities of healing. When not serving people through teaching and naturopathic medicine, he loves to spend time with his young family. He can also be found playing football (soccer) on the green fields of our fair city and is an avid table tennis player and cricketer.

Dr. Penny Kendall-Reed, ND is a Naturopathic Doctor in Toronto. After graduating from McGill University in Neurobiology, she earned a degree in Naturopathic Medicine from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, where she received the Dr. Allen Tyler Award for Most Outstanding Clinician. Dr. Kendall-Reed is the author of five national bestselling books, and recently released her latest, “Fix Your Genes to Fit Your Jeans,” which she co-authored with her husband, Dr. Stephen Reed. In 2013 she was voted Naturopath of the Year and in 2018 was the recipient of the top Naturopathic Doctor Award in Canada. Dr. Kendall-Reed is the creator of the integrated genetic platform GeneRx.ca. She analyzes and interprets genetic profiles to design personalized health programs for patients worldwide.

Dr. Kim Bretz is a naturopath and leader in the profession. She is a passionate speaker, consultant and adjunct faculty at the University of Waterloo, School of Pharmacy in CAM care and interprofessionalism. Her area of focus is the microbiota & gut health due to a potentially unhealthy love of our bacteria & discussing the Bristol stool chart. She has done the Monash Low FODMAP certification program and is a member of the European Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility. She has also run continuing education for healthcare professionals for over a decade and is the owner of the Gut Health Incubator, a continuing education platform designed to make practice easier for a wide range of gut-focused practitioners. She is a storyteller & ardent fan of teaching through the combination of clinical experience and evidence-based research.

Dr. Joe Klassen, ND graduated from Bastyr University of Naturopathic Medicine in Seattle, Washington, in 2005. A licensed Naturopathic Doctor in Alberta and member of the College of Naturopathic Doctors of Alberta, Dr. Klassen is also a board certified colon hydrotherapy instructor and practitioner. Since 2014, Dr. Klassen has worked as the clinician support specialist for LifeLabs and Rocky Mountain Analytical. In this role, he uses his experience in alternative and conventional lab testing to train and support NDs, MDs, nurses and other regulated health professionals in understanding lab tests and results. Prior to practicing naturopathic medicine, Dr. Klassen graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Commerce degree. After a marketing and finance career with a Fortune 500 company, he decided to make a radical change and enter the field of natural health. This experience has given him a real–world perspective on health challenges in our community, and a realistic approach to health when relating to patients with challenging work and life demands. Dr. Klassen teaches anatomy and physiology, cellular biology and pathology at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition in Calgary. He can often be found presenting educational seminars to the general public at local health food stores, community groups or events on topics such as hormone health, stress, allergies, digestive dysfunction, childrens’ health, fertility and more. Dr. Klassen is actively involved in his community and supports several projects with the Friends of Fish Creek Provincial Park Society. He is an active Rotarian with the Rotary Club of Calgary Heritage Park and is the Treasurer for the College of Naturopathic Doctors of Alberta Executive Committee.

Dr. John Gannage holds an active medical license in good standing with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). He is considered an expert in the field of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), and is regularly requested to offer his opinion regarding the current standard of care and best practices within his professional domain. Dr. Gannage founded and is currently the Medical Director of Markham Integrative Medicine, where he has been emphasizing prevention and treatment of chronic disease through nutrition, detoxification, immune system modulation and reduction of oxidative stress since 1998. Dr. Gannage has a special focus in assisting children and families affected by developmental issues, including autism, using biomedical therapy. Dr. Gannage has been a member of the Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs (MAPS) for several years, and has been awarded MAPS Fellowship in recognition of his extensive training and knowledge in this field. Still, the majority of Dr. Gannage’s practice is for chronic illness and conditions among adults, for which he has both learned and developed specific protocols from a Functional Medicine perspective. In particular, Dr. Gannage has become known for his special interest in Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), mast cell instability, histamine intolerance, and the role of each in chronic disease. Dr. Gannage consults virtually with patients from around the world with these conditions, and has developed comprehensive educational programs on the management of mast cell instability and histamine intolerance for both patients and practitioners.

Sylvi Martin is a Naturopathic Doctor and a Registered Nurse (RN Psychotherapist) who has been practicing in the field of professional regulation for well over a decade. Sylvi has maintained dual practices in naturopathic medicine and nursing. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Laurentian University in 2004, Sylvi practiced acute care psychiatric nursing at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, where she also completed a nursing research fellowship. Sylvi went on to pursue studies in naturopathic medicine, graduating from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2009. In addition to her naturopathic practice, from 2009-2022, Sylvi practiced in professional regulations as a clinical investigator for the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, where she was also a member of their mental health crisis response team. Sylvi has also served as a professional member of the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee for the College of Naturopaths of Ontario since 2015. Since 2016, Sylvi has been offering continuing education courses in ethics and jurisprudence for various associations, regulators and institutions, including the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors, the College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia, the British Columbia Naturopathic Association, the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, and the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, among others.

Dr. Jodie Peacock, ND is a 2006 graduate of CCNM and she currently practices at the Root of Health in Oakville, Canada. Her practice focuses on hormonal health especially fertility and preconception and pregnancy care. Jodie is the founder of the Canadian Fertility show which started in 2018 to help educate the public on the importance of preconception health. She has authored the book titled Preconceived a patient’s resource guide to optimizing health before pregnancy. All to help change the conversation around fertility and the environment to improve the health of our next generation. Jodie is the Chief Naturopathic Medical Officer of NFH a Canadian nutraceutical company.

Sylvi Martin is a Naturopathic Doctor, Registered Nurse (RN psychotherapist), Certified Intuitive Eating Counsellor based in Ontario. Her areas of focus include mental health, eating behaviour, digestive health and providing weight-inclusive care. Sylvi has completed training in Enhanced Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Eating Disorders (CBT-E) through the Centre for Research on Eating Disorders at Oxford, as well as Mindfulness Based Eating Awareness Training (MB-EAT) for clinicians with Dr. Jean Kristeller, PhD. As the developer and facilitator of an 8-week group treatment program, Nourishing Wellbeing, Sylvi incorporates intuitive and mindful eating skills for individuals with eating behaviour concerns who wish to improve their relationship with food. Sylvi speaks regularly on behalf of various associations across North America, including the OAND. Sylvi is a member of the OAND, the Mindful Society Global Institute, the Nurse Psychotherapists of Association of Ontario, and the Rome Psychogastroenterology Group. In her spare time, Sylvi continues her ongoing training as a self-guided chocolate connoisseur, discovering new favourites each month.

Dr. Alexandra Verge, ND is Guelph-based Naturopathic Doctor who has been in practice for over 20 years. Her undergraduate degree in Nutritional Sciences is an area of interest she continues to highlight in her clinical work, particularly given her focus on cardiovascular health developed over the last 10 years. In addition to the OAND/CAND, her memberships include Hypertension Canada, National Lipid Association (NLA), and European Society of Cardiology. Over time, Alexandra has enjoyed various local speaking engagements and recent experiences as podcast guest and educator. In particular, she covered cardiovascular health in menopause for The Confident Clinician membership and delivered a two-day series.

Dr. Iva Lloyd, ND was president of the World Naturopathic Federation from 2014- 2023 and is now the CEO. She has participated in seven WHO Working Groups and the Global Conference for Primary Health Care. Dr. Lloyd is founder and Editor-in-Chief of the website www.ndhealthfacts.org and was editor of the CAND’s journal for thirteen (13) years. She graduated from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) in 2002 where she teaches periodically. Dr. Lloyd has maintained a full-time naturopathic practice since 2002 in Markham, Ontario. Dr. Lloyd has written over eighty articles and has done various seminars both nationally and internationally on naturopathic and energetic medicine. She is the author of four books, including, ‘Messages From The Body – a guide to the energetics of health’, “The Energetics of Health, a naturopathic assessment” and “The History of Naturopathic Medicine, a Canadian perspective” and she wrote the chapter on Naturopathy, Homeopathy and Natural Medicine in Holistic Healing, Theories, Practices and Social Change. She was also one of the lead editors for the Health Technology Assessment on Naturopathy titled, Naturopathy, practice, effectiveness, utility, economics and safety which was published in December of 2021.

Dr. Caroline Meyer, ND is a naturopath who is passionate about working with children, teens and their diverse families to make substantial and sustained changes in their health. Her particular clinical interests are in pediatrics, mental health, sleep medicine, mindfulness & integrating trauma. Caroline graduated from the ND program at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) in 2005 where she is currently a part-time academic and clinical faculty member. Caroline speaks and writes extensively about topics related to pediatrics and mental health.

Dr. Arlie Millyard, ND (she/her) is an LGBTQ2SIA+ wellness expert, who helps health and wellness practitioners build more inclusive practices, so they can impact more lives through Heal All Consulting. With over 10 years of lived and clinical experience, and two publications in the CAND Journal, Arlie brings a deep understanding of both the practitioner’s and the patient’s perspective to the table. She practices virtually from her home in Toronto.

Kaleb Einstein Montgomery is a practitioner of traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture. He is the clinical director of fertility Toronto and Collingwood fertility acupuncture clinics, plus Toronto junction acupuncture and Collingwood acupuncture and Chinese medicine clinics. Kaleb runs Kaleb herb co. and works at the Metamorphosis Centre for addictions, and his Collingwood offices are a satellite clinic for l'apothicaire botanique in Medford. Kaleb has taught traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture at ITM, CCNM, and Humber College. He is a mentor at these schools and the midwife program at Toronto metropolitan university (formerly Ryerson). He was the columnist on women's issues for acupuncture today magazine. Over the years, he has been interviewed numerous times for health advice in Now Magazine. In August 2021, Kaleb completed a master's in pain management from the University of Western Ontario. Kaleb has an online course on acupuncture in labour and pregnancy for healthcare practitioners.

Dr. Alison Danby is a Naturopathic Doctor trained in functional medicine, who has focused on immune function and autoimmune conditions for the last 15 years. She is the founder of The Autoimmune Institute, the host of the podcast Autoimmune Simplified, an international professional speaker, educating medical professionals on the collaborative medical care model for autoimmune, and a frequent guest on podcasts. Her mission is to change the paradigm of how we medically treat autoimmune, helping remove the frustration and overwhelm that is common with an autoimmune diagnosis while using collaborative care and helping her clients not only manage their condition but optimize their quality of life. Dr. Alison’s passion is working in both a one-on-one practice and within her autoimmune membership/group programs.

Dr. Rajesh Ragbir, ND holds an undergraduate degree from the University of the West Indies and obtained his naturopathic education from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. He is strongly rooted in the principles of naturopathic medicine and is passionate about teaching sustainable health and healing. He uses herbs, supplements, homeopathics, hydrotherapy, acupuncture, IV therapy and mind-body medicine. Mind-body medicine involves using the mind’s ability to heal the body as gently as possible, as quickly as possible and as totally and sustainably as possible. One of Dr. Ragbir’s areas of expertise is working with people to manage and eliminate stress. Dr. Ragbir is part time faculty at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. He is a member of the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors as well as the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors and is licensed and in good standing with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario. He writes articles for The Independent, a bi-weekly community newspaper, about various health topics and modalities of healing. When not serving people through teaching and naturopathic medicine, he loves to spend time with his young family. He can also be found playing football (soccer) on the green fields of our fair city and is an avid table tennis player and cricketer.

Dr. Iva Lloyd was president of the World Naturopathic Federation from 2014- 2023 and is now the CEO. She has participated in seven WHO Working Groups and the Global Conference for Primary Health Care. Dr. Lloyd is founder and Editor-in-Chief of the website www.ndhealthfacts.org and was editor of the CAND’s journal for thirteen (13) years. She graduated from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) in 2002 where she teaches periodically. Dr. Lloyd has maintained a full-time naturopathic practice since 2002 in Markham, Ontario. Dr. Lloyd has written over eighty articles and has done various seminars both nationally and internationally on naturopathic and energetic medicine. She is the author of four books, including, ‘Messages From The Body – a guide to the energetics of health’, “The Energetics of Health, a naturopathic assessment” and “The History of Naturopathic Medicine, a Canadian perspective” and she wrote the chapter on Naturopathy, Homeopathy and Natural Medicine in Holistic Healing, Theories, Practices and Social Change. She was also one of the lead editors for the Health Technology Assessment on Naturopathy titled, Naturopathy, practice, effectiveness, utility, economics and safety which was published in December of 2021.