Saturday

Sunday

Alan Christianson, ND

"Naturopathic Management of Hypothyroidism Best Practices in 2024"

This presentation will delve into the complexities of thyroid disorders, offering a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and management. By exploring Hashimoto's thyroiditis, subclinical hypothyroidism, and overt hypothyroidism, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of these conditions and their impact on overall health. The session will emphasize personalized treatment plans incorporating dietary modifications, nutraceutical support, and medication optimization.

Bio: Alan Christianson, ND, is a Phoenix, Arizona-based Naturopathic Endocrinologist with a focus on thyroid disease. Dr. Christianson was a member of the premier class of Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (Sonoran). He has been actively practicing in Scottsdale, Arizona since 1996 and is the founding physician behind Integrative Health. He is a New York Times bestselling author whose titles include The Metabolism Reset Diet, and the Thyroid Reset Diet. Dr. Christianson is the founding president of the Endocrine Association of Naturopathic Physicians, and is the founding co-president of the American College of Thyroidology. He has trained physicians internationally on the management of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, Graves’ disease, hypothyroidism, and subclinical hypothyroidism. He frequently appears on national TV shows like Dr. Oz, The Doctors, The Today Show, and CNN as well as print media like Shape Magazine, Women’s World, and Natural Health. Dr. Christianson resides in Phoenix, Arizona, with his wife Kirin, and their two children.

Jordan Robertson, ND

"The Sensitive, Hormonal Brain: How Hormone Fluctuations in Perimenopause and Menopause Impact Mood in People with Ovaries"

As we better understand the impact of hormones on brain health and mood, clinicians need a new understanding of solutions and strategies to support patients with ovaries as they navigate hormone changes such as PMS, perimenopause and menopause. In this seminar, Dr. Jordan Robertson ND will share the most recent understanding of hormone-induced mood disorders such as depression and will equip participants with the most evidence-based solutions to support patients through hormonal transitions to reduce the risk of mood symptoms or improve mood symptoms that are already present. Participants will learn to assess hormone-related mood disorders, understand the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical solutions available and will better understand the role of behaviour medicine and lifestyle coaching in this patient population.

Bio: Jordan Robertson is on a mission to elevate integrative and naturopathic medicine to the standards of care that conventional medicine practices while simultaneously solving the unpaid research-labour crisis of Naturopathic Doctors. With a 15-year career in facilitation, research inquiry and critical appraisal at McMaster University, Jordan has taught thousands of students how to be better communicators, work in teams and research nutrition, integrative care, medicine and “space medicine” (that last one while co-facilitating a course with NASA). Jordan is the founder of The Confident Clinician, a database, clinical decision-making tool and home for over 700 full-time members, 60 fellows in her leadership program and over 5000 clinician subscribers to her free integrative magazine, The Stacks. She’s known for helping clinicians see their own potential, inspiring curiosity, vulnerability and “mind-changing” and for giving clinicians the push they need to become the best at what they do. As a retired ND, she’s paving the way for clinicians to love their work, career and (EVEN) critical appraisal of research.

Catherine Darley, ND

"Living in Rhythm: Enhancing Hormonal Health by Strengthening the Circadian Rhythm"

Our circadian system provides the connection between Nature and our health. Human physiology developed throughout history while we were embedded in the rhythms of Nature. Yet, with the wide adoption of electricity and artificial light, we’ve stepped away from the natural environment. Without strong environmental signals, our circadian rhythm can become muted. A less-pronounced circadian rhythm is associated with aging.

Our hormones are expressed in a circadian pattern as well. These hormonal patterns promote the circadian function of each organ system. These relationships are relevant for our treatment of many chronic diseases that are seen in the naturopathic office. For example, glucose control and insulin release have a circadian pattern. When these are altered by circadian misalignment, the risk of metabolic disease and diabetes increases. These principles also play out in thyroid disease, gut microbiota, adrenal glucocorticoids, and the HPA axis.

This dynamic presentation will give you the information you need on these hormonal patterns, and what to do about it in your clinic. We will start with the basics of how our circadian rhythm is synchronized by light and behavioral cues. After discussing the circadian patterns of hormones, we will move on to the diseases associated with misalignment. Shift workers are a model of desynchrony. The training will close with practices to strengthen the circadian rhythm which you can use right away in practice to improve your patients' health.

Bio: Catherine Darley, ND, is a leader in natural sleep medicine. She combines her knowledge of sleep disorders with her training as a naturopathic physician to bridge these two fields. As a naturopath, her expertise lies in providing natural and effective treatments for sleep problems. She treats people of all ages and especially enjoys working with teens and their families. She founded The Institute of Naturopathic Sleep Medicine, Inc. in Seattle which is dedicated to patient care, public education about sleep health, and consultation with high-risk populations such as first responders. She recently created a series of online courses for people to learn the sleep skills they need to thrive which can be found at SkilledSleeper.com. Dr. Darley regularly writes articles and speaks for professional audiences. She has served as adjunct faculty at Bastyr University and National University of Natural Medicine. In her personal time, Catherine advocates for later secondary school start times and enjoys being outside in nature. You can find her on substack, youtube, and social media @skilledsleeper.

Robyn Giard, ND

"Sex Hormones and the Adolescent Brain: How Hormonal Fluctuations Influence Sleep and Mood Disorders"

In this presentation, we will explore the profound influence of sex hormones on the developing adolescent brain, focusing on their role in shaping mental health. Key sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone significantly impact sleep patterns and mood regulation during puberty. We will examine how hormonal fluctuations contribute to sleep and mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression, using relevant statistics and case studies. Attendees will learn practical strategies for early intervention and creating supportive environments for adolescents. This lecture also considers the ethical, pharmacological, and pain management aspects of addressing mental health in vulnerable youth populations.

Bio: Dr. Robyn A. Giard is a licensed naturopathic doctor passionate about empowering patients through holistic approaches to health and wellness. With a degree from Sonoran University of Health Sciences, Dr. Giard has dedicated her career to integrating evidence-based medicine with natural therapies to foster optimal health and healing.

Throughout her practice, Dr. Giard has developed a special interest in [specific areas of expertise, e.g., hormonal health, adolescent medicine, or chronic illness], focusing on the interplay between lifestyle, nutrition, and the body’s natural healing processes. She employs a patient-centered approach, tailoring her treatment plans to meet the unique needs of each individual.

In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Giard is an advocate for public health education and awareness. She regularly engages in community outreach programs, workshops, and speaking engagements, educating diverse audiences on the benefits of naturopathic medicine and healthy lifestyle choices. Her dedication to advancing naturopathic principles has made her a sought-after speaker and consultant in her field.

Dr. Giard is also committed to ongoing education, frequently attending professional conferences and training sessions to stay current with the latest research and trends in naturopathic healthcare.

In her personal life, Dr. Giard raises a herd of Mangalista pigs, flemish rabbits, a large and ever-growing flock of chickens, and a large garden which reflects her commitment to a balanced and healthy lifestyle. She resides in Deerfield, NH and is dedicated to supporting her community in achieving better health and wellness.

Kaycie Rosen Grigel, ND

"Surviving to Thriving: Helping Breast Cancer Survivors Rediscover Hormonal Balance"

Breast cancer survivors can have a variety of endocrine changes as a result of treatment. Chemotherapeutic agents can severely impact ovarian, adrenal, and thyroid health, and high doses of steroids during chemo can impact the HPA axis. Younger breast cancer survivors will often go through menopause rapidly, and hormone blocking medications can prolong and exacerbate symptoms. In addition to the physical side effects, diagnosis and treatment can be stressful and chaotic and can have a significant impact on mental and adrenal health. Fortunately, this is where our medicine really shines! There are a number of natural interventions that can significantly improve symptoms, build vitality, and decrease the likelihood of recurrence. In this lecture we will discuss the unique health challenges faced by breast cancer survivors, how their hormones can be impacted, and a holistic approach to helping them feel healthy again.

Bio: Dr. Kaycie is a breast cancer survivor and naturopathic doctor who is passionate about helping women find optimal hormone health. She is the creator of Thriving Survivors, a program designed to help breast cancer survivors recover their vitality after finishing conventional cancer treatment. Dr Kaycie is a 2003 graduate of Bastyr University and practices in Golden, CO.

Jill Corey, ND

"Basics of Gender Affirming Care for Gender Diverse Patients"

Gender Affirming Healthcare (GAHC) is essential for primary care. Many gender diverse patients have a difficult accessing quality and informed care. This often leads to the patient feeling dismissed or forgoing healthcare all together to avoid trauma. This is why I am proposing this topic to the WANP. All healthcare providers need a basic understanding of GAHC. In this presentation we will provide information on how to make your practice more gender inclusive, how to provide basic gender affirming hormone therapy, how to provide surgical referral letters for gender affirming surgeries and provide a basic knowledge of gender affirming surgeries.

Bio: Dr. Corey graduated from Bastyr University in 2104 with a doctorate in Naturopathic medicine. Additionally, they earned a master’s degree of nutrition from Bastyr University in 2009. They have also had additional training in gender affirming care from the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). Dr. Corey founded Transformative Healthcare in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle in 2015. Dr. Corey identifies as gender non-binary and neurodivergent and therefore focuses their practice on the healthcare needs of gender diverse people and neurodivergent people. Dr. Corey provides a whole person and individualized approach to healthcare. They are dedicated to providing a welcoming environment to all individuals that are seeking to improve their health. They strongly believe that all persons no matter race, sexual orientation, gender identity or socioeconomic status deserve access to quality healthcare. Dr. Corey’s clinical interests include LGBTQIA healthcare, trans healthcare, gender affirming healthcare, digestive issues, anxiety and depression.

Lauren Tessier, ND

"Mold & Mycotoxin Induced Endocrine Disruption"

Mycotoxin exposure is emerging as a subtle yet significant factor in endocrine disruption, potentially leading to widespread hormonal imbalances globally. This exposure has been linked to alterations in sex hormones, thyroid function, adrenal activity, and neuroimmune responses. Documented evidence highlights both direct toxic effects on hormone-producing organs and interference in the body’s hormonal responses. This lecture will explore current literature on mycotoxins, alongside clinical correlations, to better understand their impact on endocrine health.

Bio: 

Lauren Tessier, ND, is a Naturopathic Physician actively licensed by the state of Vermont. After earning her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Kenmore, Washington she returned home to New England. It was in central Vermont that Dr. Tessier established a successful integrative health clinic. After a few years of practicing functional & integrative medicine, Dr. Tessier started treating biotoxin illness in 2013 and became a CIRS certified physician in 2016. Motivated by the desire to help more clinicians understand the implications of water damage building exposure, Dr. Tessier joined ISEAI as a founding executive board member in the role of Secretary.

 In response to growing interest in her expertise, Dr. Tessier established “Life after Mold”, the only CIRS certified Naturopathic medical practice east of the Mississippi. Life After Mold services patients suffering from multi-symptom, multi system illness, complicated by co-morbid conditions such as MCS, MCAS, and chronic infections- including Lyme & co infections, EBV, CMV, etc. Dr. Tessier operates two practice locations in Waterbury, Vermont and New York, New York.

The e-booklet “Mold Prevention: 101”, authored by Dr. Tessier has been widely circulated and its suggestions implemented by many worldwide. Dr. Tessier sees patients at her two Life After Mold practice locations and offers consultative support for professionals and clients nationwide.

Geo Espinosa, ND

"Unlocking Naturopathic Potential to Boost Functional Testosterone: Clinical Insights and Case Study"

Abstract coming soon.

Bio: Dr. Geo Espinosa is a recognized global leader in holistic and integrative urology. A board-certified naturopathic doctor (ND) and acupuncturist, Dr. Espinosa is distinguished as the first naturopathic physician to complete postgraduate training in urology at a conventional medical institution at Columbia University under the mentorship of Dr. Aaron Katz from 2005 to 2009. This groundbreaking achievement underscores his commitment to bridging conventional and natural medicine. Dr. Espinosa is a clinical assistant professor at New York University Langone Health, Department of Urology, and founder of the Holistic and Integrative Urology Institute, where he educates healthcare professionals on integrative approaches to urological conditions. He has authored and co-authored numerous research papers published in peer-reviewed journals and several books about prostate cancer and male reproductive health. As Chief Medical Officer and Formulator at XY Wellness, LLC, Dr. Espinosa continues to advance urological and male health with targeted lifestyle recommendations and dietary supplements. Dr. Espinosa hosts the Dr. Geo Prostate Podcast and is a blogger at his popular prostate health website, Dr. Geo.com.