Faculty
Full-Time Faculty
A
Abusamra, Yasmin, PhD
Professor of Biochemistry; Division Director of Human Studies; Department Chair, Basic Medical Sciences
BS, Botany and Chemistry, University of Khartoum, Sudan, 1986; MS, Analytical Chemistry, University of Khartoum, Sudan, 1995; PhD, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, 2002
Alexander, Amanda, ND
Associate Professor of Naturopathic Medicine
BS, Biology/Pre-Medicine, University of Georgia, 2001; MEd, Science Education, Georgia State University, 2006; ND, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (Now Sonoran University of Health Sciences), 2012.
Axelrod, Leslie, ND
Professor of Naturopathic Medicine
BS, Human Nutrition, University of Massachusetts; ND, Bastyr University, 1987; Dipl. Ac, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (Now Sonoran University of Health Sciences), 1998.
G
Gaines, Patricia, ND, RH (AHG)
Professor of Naturopathic Medicine; Department Chair of Botanical Medicine
ND, Bastyr University, 2002.
H
Howell, Pamela, MD
Associate Professor of Clinical Diagnostics; Department Chair of General Medicine
BS, Biology and Chemistry, West Texas State University, 1985; MD, Texas Tech Medical School, 1989.
J
Jonas, Mary Dawn, NMD
Associate Professor of Naturopathic Medicine; Department Chair of Mind-Body, Environmental Medicine and Naturopathic Philosophy
BS, Psychology, Washington University, 1999; MA, Counseling, Webster University, 2001; ND, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (Now Sonoran University of Health Sciences), 2016.
K
Kadar, Gena, DC, MS.MEdL, CNS
Professor of Clinical Nutrition; Associate VP of Program Innovation; Dean, College of Nutrition and School of Mental Health
BA, Humanistic Studies, McGill University, 1998; DC, Southern California University of Health Sciences, 2001; CNS, Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists, 2007; MS, Medical Education Leadership, University of New England, 2016.
Kennedy, Shaun, ND
Associate Professor of Naturopathic Medicine; Department Chair of Nutrition
MS, Psychology, University of Phoenix, 2011; ND, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (Now Sonoran University of Health Sciences), 2016.
L
Langland, Jeffrey, PhD
Professor of Research; Department Chair of Research
BS, Microbiology, Arizona State University, 1986; PhD, Microbiology, Arizona State University, 1990.
Lasku, Arben, PhD
Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
MD, University of Tirana, Albania, 1985; MS, Clinical Pathology, University of Tirana, Albania, 1988; PhD, Clinical Pathology, University of Tirana, Albania, 1994.
M
Melton, Ellen, PhD, LPC-S
Associate Professor & Program Director, MSCMHC
BS, Psychology, Angelo State University, 2001; MS, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Angelo State University, 2003; PhD, Psychology, Capella University, 2005
Mitchell, Jessica, ND, FABNP
Assistant Professor of Naturopathic Medicine; Associate VP of Naturopathic Medicine; Dean, College of Naturopathic Medicine
BS, Psychobiology, Binghamton University, 2001; ND, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (Now Sonoran University of Health Sciences), 2005.
Mundt, Jennifer, ND
Assistant Professor of Anatomy
BA, Biology, University of Minnesota, 2000; ND, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (Now Sonoran University of Health Sciences), 2009.
R
Rodriguez, Odessa Arianna, ND
Assistant Professor of Naturopathic Medicine
Biological Science, Arizona State University, 2010; ND, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (Now Sonoran University of Health Sciences), 2017.
Ross, Kim, DCN, MS, MBA, CNS, CDN, LDN, IFMCP
Associate Professor & Director of Nutrition Programs
MBA, Utica College, 2008; MS, Applied Clinical Nutrition, New York Chiropractic College (now Northeast College of Health Sciences), 2012; DCN, Maryland University of Integrative Health, 2021.
S
Stage, Katrina, ND, RH (AHG), FABNG
Professor of Naturopathic Medicine; Division Director of Therapeutics
BA, Anthropology, Philosophy, Northwestern University, 1996; ND, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (Now Sonoran University of Health Sciences), 2010.
Stoppa, Iginio, ND
Assistant Professor of Naturopathic Medicine
BS, Exercise Science, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, 2015, ND, Bastyr University, Kenmore, WA, 2021.
V
Van Dyke, Amoz, ND
Assistant Professor of Naturopathic Medicine
BS, Nutritional Science, 2008; ND, Bastyr University, Kenmore, WA, 2015; Master of Acupuncture and East Asian Medicine, 2016
Vedeler, Christopher, LAc
Assistant Professor; Interim Department Chair, Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine
BA, Philosophy, New Mexico State University, 1998; MS, Oriental Medicine, Southwest Acupuncture College, 2004.
Y
Yusef, Ahmad, DC
Assistant Professor of Basic Sciences
DC, Logan College of Chiropractic, Chesterfield, MO, 2008; BS, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 2003
Adjunct Faculty
A
Alfrey, Jennifer, MS, CCN, CSCS*D
BS, Exercise Physiology, University of Utah, 1995; MS, Exercise Science/Nutrition, Arizona State University, 2000.
Ampadu, Nancy, ND
BS in Physiology & Neurobiology, University of Maryland, College Park, 2017; ND, Sonoran University of Health Sciences, 2022; Certification in Fundamentals & Clinical Applications of IV Nutrient Therapy. 2023
Amrine, Craig, LAc
BS, Ceramic Engineering, Alfred University, New York, 1991; MS, Acupuncture, Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture, 2008.
B
Bernier, Brian, ND
BA, Psychology, Saint Leo University, Saint Leo, FL, 2016; ND, National University of Health Sciences, Lombard, IL, 2020
Bethel, Klee, MD
Staff Physician, Neil Riordan Center for Regenerative Medicine
MD, Creighton University School of Medicine, 1986.
Branham, Gary, MDR
BS, Business, Indiana University, Kelley School of Business, 1986; Master of Dispute Resolution, Pepperdine University of Law, Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution, 2015.
Brent, Khristina, MA
BA, Psychology, Governors State University, University Park, IL 2018; MA, Clinical Psychology, Adler University, Chicago, IL, 2023; Doctor of Clinical Psychology, Candidate, Adler University, Chicago, IL
Briante, Carla, MSc., ND
BA, Major Statistics, University of Guelph, 2004; MS, Statistics, University of Guelph, 2005; ND, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (Now Sonoran University of Health Sciences), 2016.
C
Cherpak-Castagna, Christine, CN, CNS, CDN, LDN, BCFWP, CIHC, INHC
BA, Stony Brook University, 2007; DCN, Maryland University of Integrative Health, 2020.
Clough, Kelly, ND
BS, Physics and Economics, SUNY at Stony Brook Honors College, Stony Brook, NY, 2007; ND, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (Now Sonoran University of Health Sciences), 2013.
Coetzee, Oscar, DCN, MS, CNS
BS, University of Pretoria; MS Psychology, LaSalle University; MS Human Nutrition, University of Bridgeport; DCN, Maryland University of Integrative Health.
D
Davis, Mark, ND
BA, Applied Linguistics, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, 1999 ND, National College of Natural Medicine, 2011.
DeGraff, Chanelle, DCN, MS, CNS, LDN
BS, Foods, Nutrition and Wellness Studies, Arizona State University, 2017; MS Clinical Nutrition, Sonoran University of Health Sciences, 2021 ; DCN, University of Western States, 2025.
Desai, Sarika, DO
BS, Health Promotion Studies, University of Southern California, 2004; DO, Western University of Health Sciences, 2008.
DiCampli, Jesika, ND
BS, Interdisciplinary Health Services, Saint Joseph’s University, 2000; ND, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (Now Sonoran University of Health Sciences), 2006.
DiFrancesco, Tara, MS, CNS, LDN
BS, Psychology and Mental Health, Worcester State University; MS, Nutrition and Herbal Medicine, Maryland University of Integrative Health.
Donohue, Whitney, ND
BS, Kinesiology, California State University, San Marcos, 2010; ND, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (Now Sonoran University of Health Sciences), 2018.
Durney, Michelle, NMD
BA, Psychology, North Carolina State University, 2004; MA, Counseling Psychology, Bowie State University, University of Maryland, University College, Asia, 2008; ND, Sonoran University of Health Sciences, 2024.
E
Ewald, Jaime, ND
BS, Biological Sciences, Wright State University, 2000; ND, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (Now Sonoran University of Health Sciences), 2006.
F
Fine, Anne Marie, ND
Bachelor of Business Administration, University of Notre Dame, 1983; ND, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (Now Sonoran University of Health Sciences), 2000.
Freeth, Stephanie, MBA
BA, English, Princeton University, 1997; MBA, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, 2002.
G
Gerstel, Johanne, ND
BS, Psychology and Biology, Arizona State University, 2011; ND, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (Now Sonoran University of Health Sciences), 2019.
Gouge, Laura, ND
BS, Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, 2010; ND, National College of Natural Medicine, Portland, 2015.
Grise, Diane, ND
BS, Human Biology, Indiana University, 2009; ND, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (Now Sonoran University of Health Sciences), 2013.
H
Hamdan, Saeed, MD
MD, General Medicine, Minsk State Medical University, Minsk; MS, Obstetrics & Gynecology, National Medical University, Russia, Moscow; PhD, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Russia State Medical University, Moscow; MS, Health Informatics, UAB, Birmingham, Alabama.
Hanna, Susan, DNP, MSN
MA, Clinical Psychology, Santa Barbara Graduate Institute; MSN, Saint Louis University; DNP, Frontier Nursing University
Hartwell, Lillea, ND
BS, Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, 2015; ND, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine & Health Sciences (Now Sonoran University of Health Sciences), 2019
Harvey, Phillip, PhD, RD, CNS, FACN, FISSN
BA, Biology, California State University, Northridge; MSPH, Nutritional Sciences, UCLA, School of Public Health; PhD, Nutritional Biochemistry, Colorado State University.
Hilton, Jeffrey, MS
BA, Marketing, University of Utah; MS, Integrated Marketing Communications, Northwestern University.
Hodges, Romilly, MS, CNS, CKNS, CDN, IFMCP, mBANT, CNHC
BS, Management, University of London Royal Holloway College, 2002; MS, Human Nutrition, University of Bridgeport, 2015.
J
Johnson, Arthur, EdD, EdS, MEd
MEd, University of Florida; EdS; University of Florida; EdD, Florida Atlantic University.
Jones, Feather,
Massage Therapist, Boulder School of Message Therapy, 1978; Certification, Clinical Herbalist, Santa Fe College of Natural Medicine, 1982.
K
Kaplan, Steven, ND
BA, English Literature, University of California at Los Angeles, 1983; MA, Mass Communications (Radio-TV-Film),California State University, Northridge, CA, 1996; ND, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (Now Sonoran University of Health Sciences), 2016.
Klein, Rachel, ND, DC
Doctor of Chiropractic, National University of Health Sciences, Lombard, IL, 2012; Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, National University of Health Sciences, Lombard, IL, 2013.
Kovalchik, Jessica, DC, MS, LDN, CDN, CNS
BS, Biology, Marywood University, 2009; DC, New York Chiropractic College (Now Northeast College of Health Sciences), 2011; MS, Applied Clinical Nutrition, New York Chiropractic College, 2020.
L
Lane, Jeremy, MSc
BS, Business Studies, Dallas Baptist University, 2015; MSc, Organizational Management, Chadron State College, 2020.
Latzo, Kristin, MS
BS, Food & Nutrition, University of Dayton, 1991; MS, Nutrition, Columbia University, 1994.
Lewis, Danielle, ND
BS, Health Science/Management, Old Dominion University, 1999; ND, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (Now Sonoran University of Health Sciences), 2013.
Lychy, Sarah, ND
BS, Biology & Psychology, University of Western Ontario, Canada, 2019; ND, Sonoran University of Health Sciences, 2023.
M
Mele, Alexandra, ND
BS, Environmental Science, The University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, May 2015; ND, Bastyr University, Kenmore, WA; June 2021.
Merkey, Allison, ND, MS
BS, Nutrition, University of Nevada Las Vegas, 2006; MS, Biology, University of Nevada Las Vegas, 2008; ND, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, (Now Sonoran University of Health Sciences), 2018.
Morse, Michael, ND
Bachelor of Arts in Music, University of Texas, Austin, 2010; Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (Now Sonoran University of Health Sciences), 2017.
Music, Ann, ND
BS, Applied Health Science, University of Wisconsin-Parkside, 2018; ND, Sonoran University of Health Sciences; 2024.
Musset, Jeannette, NMD
BS, Biochemistry, Indiana University, South Bend, 2010; NMD, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (Now Sonoran University of Health Sciences), 2015.
P
Pantermuehl, Jessica, NTP, CHHC
NTP, Nutrition Therapy Practitioner, Nutritional Therapy Association, 2015; CHHC, Certified Holistic Health Counseling, American Association of Drugless Practitioners, 2012.
Patel, Dharti, DMD, FDS RCS (Ed), ND, MSOM, DAcHM
DMD, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, 2002; ND, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (Now Sonoran University of Health Sciences), 2018; MS, Oriental Medicine, Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture, 2020; DAcHM, Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture, 2021.
Pechek, Ashley, PhD, LPC, NCC, ACS
BA, Psychology, Adams State College, 2006; MA, Community Counseling, Adams State College, 2008; PhD, Counselor Education & Supervision, Adams State University, 2018
Perrino, Carie, ND
BS, Nutritional Science, University of Missouri, 2014; ND, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine & Health Sciences (Now Sonoran University of Health Sciences); 2022.
Pizano, Jessica, DCN, MS, CNS
DCN, Maryland University of Integrative Health; MS, Human Nutrition, University of Bridgeport.
S
Schichtl, Rachel, PhD, RDN, FAND
MS, Nutrition, University of Central Arkansas, 2005; RDN, Nutrition and Dietetic Internship, University of Central Arkansas; 2009; PhD., Family and Consumer Sciences Education, Texas Tech University, 2020.
Schuler, Corey, PhD, DC, MSN, MSHN, EMBA, BSN, ASN
BS, Valparaiso University, 2002; DC, Northwestern Health Sciences University, 2007; MS, Human Nutrition, University of Bridgeport, 2011; ASN, International College of Health Sciences, 2016; MBA, Quantic School of Business and Technology, 2018; BSN, Graceland University, 2019; MSN, Graceland University, 2021; PhD, Faulkner University, 2024.
Sharaf, Sydney, ND
BS, Nutrition Science, Montana State University, 2014; ND, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (Now Sonoran University of Health Sciences), 2019.
Sherlin, Leslie, PhD
BS, Psychology, University of Tennessee, 2000; MS, Psychology, Capella University, 2003; PhD, Psychology, Capella University, 2008.
Swafford, Katy, PhD
BS, Psychology, University of Houston, Central Campus, 1979; MA, Behavioral Science (Family Therapy), University of Houston, Clear Lake City, 1983; PhD, Educational and Counseling Psychology, 1991.
T
Tabares, Amber, ND
BA, Biology, University of Missouri, 2004; MBA, Healthcare, American Intercontinental University, 2006; ND, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (Now Sonoran University of Health Sciences), 2012.
Tately, Molly, ND
BS, Technical Management, DeVry University, 2004; ND, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (Now Sonoran University of Health Sciences), 2021.
V
Vaughan, Karen, ND
BS, Biology, University of South Florida, 1999; ND, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (Now Sonoran University of Health Sciences), 2004.
Volk, Kimberly, ND
BA, Psychology, University of Buffalo, 2001; RN, Associates in Applied Sciences, Alfred SUNY, 1992; ND, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (Now Sonoran University of Health Sciences), 2006.
W
Wiggins, Elizabeth, PhD, LSC, LPC
BA, Christian Counseling, Nazarene Bible College, 2010; MA, School and Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Adams State University, 2012; PhD, Counselor Education and Supervision, Adams State University, 2018
Y
Yarnell, Eric, ND
BS, Natural Health Sciences, Bastyr University, 1994; ND, Bastyr University, 1996.
Z
Zakaria, Lara, PharmD, MS, CNS, CDN, IFMCP
BS, Pharmacy, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, 2003; MS, Nutrition, University of Bridgeport, 2015; PharmD, Skaggs School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, 2020.
Visiting Adjunct Research Faculty
B
Bibak, Emily, PhD
supervising Acupuncturist, Endowed Chair (Gero-Vita); MD (China), LAc, Chengdu College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1983.
D
Daniels, Tyler, PhD, MS
MS, Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, 2009; PhD, Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC
Dirkmaat, Heather, NMD
MBS, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colorado, 2017; MBT, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, 2019; NMD, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (now Sonoran University of Health Sciences), 2022.
R
Riley, David, MD
BA, UNC-Chapel Hill, 1976; MD, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, 1983.
S
Shahabi, Shahram, MD, PhD, Dhom
DHom, Diploma of the Institute of Homeopathy, British Institute of Homeopathy; MD, General Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences University; PhD, Medical Immunology, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
Standish, L, Jeanna, PhD, ND, MSAOM
Ph.D., University of Massachusetts, Amherst; ND, Bastyr University; MSAOM, Bastyr University.
Honorary Faculty
B
Buratovich, Nick, ND
Professor Emeritus
BS, Biology, Saint Mary’s College, 1973; ND, National University of Natural Medicine, 1983.
C
Canvasser, Bruce, ND
National University of Natural Medicine, 1977.
D
Deng, Yong, MD, LAc;
Senior Staff Physician and Professor Emeritus
Supervising Acupuncturist, Endowed Chair (Gero-Vita); MD (China), LAc, Chengdu College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1983.
Dye, John, ND
Professor Emeritus
BA, Whittier College, 1974; ND, National University of Natural Medicine, 1979.
M
Messer, Stephen, MSEd, ND, DHANP
Professor Emeritus
MSEd, University of Pennsylvania, 1974; ND, National University of Natural Medicine, 1979; DHANP, 1988.