NMHNZ Conference 2022

Franchelle Ofsoské-Wyber is the creator of First Light Flower Essences of New Zealand® – an award winning range of flower essences made from unique New Zealand native plants.

First Light Flower Essences of New Zealand® is the world’s first totally integrated and comprehensive natural non-intrusive holistic therapy system that works with the power of nature and the quantum world of vibrational medicine. It provides holistic support for all aspects of the human makeup: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual.

Franchelle has spent over 50 years researching the holistic healing and metaphysical qualities of plants and was awarded the New Zealand Health Industry Distinguished Service Research and Development Award for “pioneering, developing and establishing New Zealand native flower and plant essences to facilitate holistic healing”.

She is the author of the seminal book The Sacred Plant Medicine of Aotearoa Volume One that restores the ancient universal teachings of sacred plant medicine that are at the heart of the earth wisdom tradition.

Internationally recognised as a spiritual teacher and modern day medicine woman, Franchelle has appeared on a number of local and international TV programmes, documentary films and radio shows as an expert and world authority on sacred plant medicine, shamanism, spirituality and natural healing.

Pharm; Dip Herb Med; MNIMH (UK); MNHAA; FNZAMH; MPS

Did research on antidepressant drugs and serotonin for a Masters degree in Pharmacology (1981).

Deputy Chair, Interim Expert Advisory Committee on Complementary & Alternative Medicine, Australian-New Zealand governments, 2006-2008.

Written multiple articles on research concerning herbal medicine, for Phytonews, ISSN 1175-0251, published by Phytomed Medicinal Herbs Ltd, Auckland.

Written many articles on research concerning herbal medicine, for my blog, www.herbblurb.com

Researched, written and presented extensively on NZ native plants as medicines, from 1998 – 2022.

Swami Karma Karuna is a founding member and director of Anahata Yoga Retreat, New Zealand, and a dedicated, intuitive yoga teacher with years of experience working with a wide range of people.

From an early age, she travelled exploring diverse spiritual traditions; finally dedicating herself to the yogic path, guided by Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati. Swami Karma Karuna has received yoga training in Nepal, India and Australia. She spends 3 months each year living and teaching in India at the home and sadhana place of Swami Satyananda. She also travels internationally part of the year, committed to sharing Yoga Solutions for Life™ – simple & powerful techniques for transformation.

Michelle Mravunac is an experienced naturopath and nutritionist who has worked in private practise for the last 22 years. She has extensive experience treating a range of conditions including autoimmune disease, female reproductive disorders and mental health conditions.

She has completed a Master of Human Nutrition and a Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy). This has led to an interest in contributing to the research on complementary and alternative medicine. 

Michelle also lectures and supervises student clinic in the naturopathic and nutritional medicine departments at Torrens University in Sydney, Australia. She has a passion for teaching and mentoring the next generation of naturopaths.

Grad Dip M4U (U Tas), B Nat (SCU), B Arts (Melb), M NHAA, F ASLM

Sally Mathrick has been practicing naturopathy since graduating from Southern Cross University in Lismore in 2003. Throughout her career she has imbued the sentiments of Deep Ecology, the experiential philosophy which reinforces the interconnectedness between human life and the environment, into her work. In addition to naturopathic practice, Sally has convened conferences, published widely, run cleansing retreats, presented at conferences and events, taught yoga and run community courses. She now lectures at University, and runs Sparkle Well School and retreats.

Lisa is a practicing naturopath specialising in women’s health & auto-immunity in South Sydney, Australia. She has a Masters of Womens Health (UNSW), as well as Graduate Diploma of Applied Science in Naturopathy & Bachelor of Applied Science in Naturopathy, both from the University of Western Sydney. As well as maintaining her private practice, Lisa is an educator working as an academic lecturer & clinical supervisor at Torrens University & Endeavour College of Natural Therapies. She is also contributing writer to a range of Naturopathic industry textbooks.

Contributing Author to 2 industry textbooks – Clinical Naturopathic Medicine, Churchill Livingstone, Elsevier.  Advanced Clinical Naturopathic Medicine, Churchill Livingstone, Elsevier

Speaker for Australasian college of Nutritional  Environmental Medicine (ACNEM) November, 2021 – “Prescribing for HPA axis dysfunction”

Speaker for ANP (Association of Naturopathic Practitioners), Naturopathic Summit (UK), September 2021 – Topic: “PMDD”

University Lecturer + supervisor (7 yrs) – Torrens University & Endeavour College of Natural Therapies

Waiting for publication – journal article on “Naturopathic management of PMDD”

Founder and director of Seleno Health and the NZ lead in maca and macamide research with Victoria University of Wellington

Presented over 150 natural health related workshops in New Zealand educating consumers, naturopaths and practitioners about various aspect of health from chronic disease to the science behind ancient plant medicines

14 authorships in peer reviewed journals

4 Years experience in the Pharmaceutical industry – medical liaison in cardiometabolic health

4 years Postdoctoral Research – Heart Research Institute (HRI) Sydney

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PhD Candidate, MHSc (CompMed), BHSc (CompMed), DipNat, DipMedHerb, RGON (Retired)

Jill has been an advocate for integration of naturopathic and herbal medicine throughout her 37-year naturopathic career that stemmed from diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and exit from a general nursing career. Jill’s naturopathic career has been broad and encompassed: clinical practice, community teaching, commercial product development, teaching of herbal medicine and nutrition, academic leadership and program management, and professional association representation.

Career highlights have included representation on several NZ Qualification Authority advisory and governance groups for development and evaluation of national naturopathic and herbal medicine education standards, redevelopment of naturopathic bachelor’s degree program, regulatory application for herbal medicine, NZ representation on World Naturopathic Federation (WNF).

Chair of the WNF Professional Mapping Committee, Jill is currently undertaking a PhD at UTS, her study titled “Mapping the naturopathic landscape: An examination of regulation, education policy frameworks and infrastructures in a global emerging profession”.

Dr Christine Houghton PhD.,BSc.,Grad.Dip,Hum.Nutr.,R.Nutr.

A registered Nutritionist with 3 decades of clinical experience, Dr Christine Houghton holds a PhD in Nutrigenomics and a BSc in Biochemistry from the University of Queensland as well as a Graduate Diploma in Human Nutrition from Deakin University in Victoria.

She is the Founder and Faculty Head of the Institute for Nutrigenomic Medicine and the CEO of the Brisbane company Cell-Logic, a research-based developer and manufacturer of clinically-relevant nutrigenomic formulations.

Her research projects include the application of phytochemicals in human gut, brain and metabolic health, the foundation principles that underpin the Gut Ecology & Metabolic Modulation (G.E.M.M.) Protocol.

In addition to her published works, Dr Houghton is the author of evidence-based courses for practising clinicians, the most recent of which is Conversations in Nutrigenomic Medicine.

• Publication: Graham, K.D., Steel, A., & Wardle, J. (2021). The intersection between models of health and how healing transpires: A metaethnographic synthesis of complementary medicine practitioners’ perceptions. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 1-12.
• Publication: Graham, K.D., Steel, A., & Wardle, J. (2021). Embracing the complexity of primary health care: System based tools and strategies for researching the case management process. Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare, 2817-2826.
• Contribution: co-wrote a chapter with Dr Amie Steel and Rebecca Redmond in the World Naturopathic Federation book: Naturopathy: Practice, Effectiveness, Economics and Safety titled: ‘Researching naturopathy as a traditional system of medicine’.
• Presented at the NHAA International Conference in 2019.
• Been in private naturopathic practice for 18 years and has taught at Endeavour College of Natural Medicine for the past eight years.

PhD Candidate; Master of Psychotherapy; Bachelor of Science (Hons. Psychology); Bachelor of Health Science

Geraldine Headley is a naturopath, hypnotherapist, herbalist, nutritionist, coach and ex-NICU nurse. Geraldine has dedicated her focus, not just as a clinical practitioner, but as an educator and mentor. Geraldine’s programs have been nominated: 2018 BIMA Awards & ANU Awards, 2020 NatEx & Integria Hero Awards, for business & education.
Her extensive industry knowledge helps bring her experiences into her teaching, promoting an unrivalled level of authenticity and guidance, confidence and nurturing with a hint of sass!
Geraldine has quickly become one of Australia’s most prolific mentors for new graduates, those returning to work & part-timers, both locally and internationally.

 

• Master of Science in Biotechnology with specialisation in reproductive health (Polytechnic University of Valencia, Spain)
• PhD in Human Genetics (University of Queensland, Australia)
• Publication of >10 peer-reviewed research articles as a first author in the field of clinical genetics
• Currently working as Product Development Lead at Fitgenes (Australian-based nutrigenomics company)
• Lead of the development of multiple multigene DNA-based products focused on health and wellness

Catherine Smith is Program Director for the Bachelor of Health Science – Naturopathy and Western Herbal Medicine (WHM) programs at Torrens University Australia. Catherine holds qualifications in Naturopathy, Health Science, post grad Nutrition, Complementary Medicine and Education. Catherine has worked in education and academic management for over 10 years and has been a qualified naturopath for over 20 years. During the COVID-19 pandemic the Naturopathic and WHM Academic team rapidly implemented a Telehealth Service as a reasonable adjustment to in-person student-led clinical practicum at The Practice Wellbeing Centres. 

BMedMgment ProfHons CM, GradCert Evid-Based CM, Grad Cert (HumanNut),Grad Cert (L&T), BHS (CompMed), AdvDipNat, BA 

Andrew is a Naturopath and professional member of NMHNZ with over twenty years of experience and study across health sciences, nursing, adult education and first aid. He operates a private Naturopathic clinic and has helped hundreds of patients over the past twenty years achieve their health goals. He is a Massey Scholar currently studying towards a Masters in Health Science. 

BHSc, Dip Nat

Tammy Guest does things differently.

As a mentor, multi-passionate entrepreneur, adventurer, and mum of three, she helps empower women go from feeling directionless and overwhelmed to being inspired with a clear plan, to lead a truly unrestricted life.

Tammy is also the founder of the Natupreneur Movement, podcast and Hub, and realised early on in her career as a naturopath that the natural business world needed a shake up.

After helping more than 7,000 clients through her Newcastle-based practice and creating sold out health programs and retreats, Tammy looked around in the profession and saw many other practitioners struggling.

Instead of resting on her profitable practice, she took up the mission to guide 7,000 practitioners to each help 7,000 people through their practices, creating a natural health ripple effect that could potentially impact millions of people.

Now a gifted facilitator, Tammy has the capacity, empathy, and skills to speak to individual circumstances within a group setting. Drawing on more than a decade of experience running retreats in five different countries, online and offline, with up to 280 people at a time, she has the power to magically weave transformational immersive experiences you’ll never forget.

Her life’s quest of the planet, people, and purpose has taken her from the realms of medical science, natural medicine, neuroscience, entrepreneurship and even aviation.

With freedom and adventure now at the core of all that Tammy does, from the tiniest to the grandest, she is a beautiful example of what it means to be in the process of reining and enjoying the journey.

Dr. Debby Hamilton, MD, MPH is a Pediatrician with experience in primary care, integrative medicine, research, speaking and writing. Her education includes an undergraduate degree from Wesleyan University followed by a medical degree from Chicago Medical School, where she graduated with honors. She is board-certified in Pediatrics, Physician Nutrition, and Integrated/Holistic medicine (AIHM), and has a Master of Science degree in Public Health (MPH) where she did research in nutrition.  Dr. Hamilton founded Holistic Pediatric Consulting in Colorado in 2005. Her practice focuses on treating children with chronic diseases such as autism and ADHD and preconception counseling based on her book, Preventing Autism and ADHD: Controlling Risk Factors Before, During & After Pregnancy. In 2017, Dr. Hamilton joined Researched Nutritionals (distributed exclusively by FxMed in New Zealand and Australia), where she focuses on clinical research, product development and education of healthcare professionals. She continues to see patients through Holistic Pediatric Consulting in Colorado and through telemedicine consults.

MD, MPH

Kiran Krishnan is a Research Microbiologist and has been involved in the dietary supplement and nutrition market for the past 20 years. He comes from a strict research background having spent several years with hands-on R&D in the fields of molecular medicine and microbiology at the University of Iowa. He left University research to take several leadership positions in global companies in Business Development and Product Development. Most recently, Kiran is the General Manager for Novozymes One Health America & Microbiome Labs, a leader in microbiome and probiotic research. He is a frequent lecturer on the Human Microbiome at Medical and Nutrition Conferences. He is an expert guest on National Radio and Satellite radio and has been a guest speaker on several Health Summits as a microbiome expert. He is currently involved in over 18 novel human clinical trials on probiotics and the human microbiome. Kiran is also on the Scientific Advisory Board for 7 other companies in the industry. Kiran has published clinical trials in peer-reviewed, scientific journals and several global patents in his name. 

 

Current Positions and Advisory Roles

• Microbiome Labs, LLC. – Chief Science Officer
• Nu Science Trading, LLC. – E.V.P. Science and Business Development
• DMS Natural Health, LLC. – Scientific Advisor
• HB Specialty Foods, Inc. – Scientific Advisor
• SilverFern Brands, Inc. – Scientific Advisor
• WR Group – Probiogen – Scientific Advisor
• Sun Genomics Labs – Member, Board of Director
• Body & Eden – Member, Board of Directors
• The Human Longevity Project – Scientific Advisor
• GMOScience.org – Scientific Advisory Board Member

Rachel Arthur is a respected and widely published naturopath and registered nutritionist specialising in integrative nutrition & diagnostics. With over 20 years’ experience in both the clinic and the classroom, Rachel is considered a leading nutritional educator, delivering post-graduate training and mentoring to doctors, pharmacists, dietitians, naturopaths and other health professionals, alike.  She has contributed work to authoritative texts, including all 4 editions of the award-winning:  Herbs & Natural Supplements – An Evidence Based Guide (Elsevier). She delivers a popular monthly podcast Update in Under 30 and a post-graduate mentoring program for clinicians.  Rachel’s ongoing enthusiasm for integrative health and for education make her presentations practical and empowering experiences for attendees.

BHSc, BNAT (Hons 1st)

Carla Wrenn is an Integrative Naturopath & Nutritionist. Completing a Bachelor of Health Science in 2001 and practicing for 21 years.

As a passionate learner Carla also completed postgraduate studies in Integrative Oncology, Autoimmune Diseases and Functional Medicine within Australia and the USA. Carla’s time is spent consulting in the area of complex and chronic diseases, especially Oncology.

Carla is the owner of Peninsula Herbal Dispensary & Naturopathic Clinic, where Carla works with 12 Naturopaths and a support team, who love providing Acute Care, Consultations and lifestyle retail offerings to their Mornington Peninsula community and beyond.

Carla is a passionate advocate for all we have to offer as Naturopathic and Complementary Medicine Practitioners. She values industry collaboration and has spent the last 6 years training over 700 Practitioners in her course Vitae Mosaic – Naturopathic Functional Medicine, a unique and holistic framework for all Health Practitioners to more confidently and effectively treat complex cases and manage chronic diseases.

: Julia is a Professor of Psychology and Clinical Psychologist in the School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing at the University of Canterbury, the Director of Te Puna Toiora, the Mental Health and Nutrition Research Lab, theme leader in the Child Wellbeing Institute, and co-author of The Better Brain jointly published by Penguin Random House and Harper Collins in 2021. Originally from Toronto, Canada, she completed her PhD at the University of Calgary in clinical psychology and in 2000, she immigrated to New Zealand. Her interests in nutrition and mental illness grew out of research showing poor outcomes for individuals with significant psychiatric illness despite receiving standard conventional treatments. For over a decade, her lab has been running clinical trials investigating the role of broad-spectrum micronutrients in the treatment of mental illness, including ADHD, mood disorders, anxiety and stress. Julia has over 140 peer reviewed publications, including in the Lancet Psychiatry, JAMA and the British Journal of Psychiatry and is currently on the Executive Committee for the International Society of Nutritional Psychiatry Research. She has been the recipient of many awards, including the Ballin Award from the NZ Psychological Society for significant contributions to the development or enhancement of clinical psychology in Aotearoa New Zealand, being named as a Woman of Influence in New Zealand in 2015, 2018, and 2021, and a Braveheart award for her contribution to making Christchurch a better place to live. Her 2014 TEDx talk has been viewed over 2.6 million times. She recently created a free EdX online course for the public on mental health and nutrition. She is also a longstanding member of the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal (HPDT). Having witnessed current conventional treatments failing so many people, Julia is passionate about advocating that a good nutritional foundation is central to helping people prevent and recover from mental health challenges.