Mona Morstein, ND
"You May Have Too Much Fungus In Your Gut"
Intestinal Fungal overgrowth is a common and serious dysbiosis in the gut microbiome. Fungal overgrowth can cause significant intestinal signs/symptoms such as bloating and distention, flatus, indigestion, and it can cause numerous systemic signs/symptoms: vaginal yeast, fungal growing on feet/toes/skin, brain fog, headaches, bladder irritation, muscle soreness, and many other symptoms. Thtis lecture will be a comprehensive talk regarding discussing what fungus is, the etiological factors for overgrowth, and how it is best treated in a comprehensive fashion, with diet, supplements, medications, and avoidance of etiological factors.
Bio: Mona Morstein, ND practices naturopathy at Nevy Health in Mesa, Arizona, where she uses nutrition, supplementation, lifestyle counseling, botanical medicine, homeopathy, and other modalities. She taught at the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, where she was Chair of Nutrition at SCNM for 10 years. She wrote and taught the entire nutrition curriculum. She was also the professor for gastroenterology for eleven years and supervised students seeing patients at Southwest Naturopathic Medical Center, the out-patient associated with the school. Dr. Morstein was awarded The President's Award from the AANP in 2012. She is recognized as an expert on prediabetes and diabetes and serves on the editorial board of the Natural Medicine Journal.
Todd Born, ND, CNS
"A Functional Approach to Insomnia"
This presentation reviews insomnia types, common causes, and evidence-based functional and naturopathic treatments. It will cover sleep hygiene, the role of cortisol dysregulation in chronic insomnia, and practical ways to rebalance it for deeper, restorative sleep.
Bio: Dr. Born is a naturopathic physician and Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS), serving as co-owner and Chief Medical Officer of Born Integrative Medicine Specialists, PLLC. He acts as a key opinion leader for Augurex Life Sciences Corp, provides naturopathic care for Karma Docs, and serves as a medical advisor to Kale Health and Network Immunology. Additionally, Dr. Born is recognized as an expert consultant and advisor, both domestically and internationally, to the dietary supplement industry.
He earned his degree from Bastyr University in Seattle, WA in 2010, followed by a residency at the Bastyr Center for Natural Health, which included rotations across its thirteen teaching clinics, Evergreen and Harborview Medical Centers’ Emergency Medicine Departments, the Spine Clinic within Virginia Mason Hospital’s Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and Swedish Hospital Integrative Family Medicine.
Dr. Born has published extensively, appeared on various news and national radio programs, and has delivered expert lectures for organizations such as the National Psoriasis Foundation and the National Arthritis Foundation. He regularly presents at medical conferences nationwide and internationally.
Dr. Born’s clinical focus is utilizing integrative medicine to treat families of all ages who have complex chronic diseases, with a strong interest in difficult and refractory cases of any condition and age. He treats patients throughout the United States and worldwide.
Deanna Minich, PhD, MS, CN, CNS, IFMCP
"Menopause, Natural: Nourish Your Body, Balance Your Hormones"
Navigating menopause doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. In this empowering and informative session, we’ll explore how nutrition, lifestyle, and natural approaches can support hormone balance, reduce symptoms, and help you feel more like yourself again. Whether you're experiencing hot flashes, fatigue, brain fog, or mood swings, this talk will give you practical tools to help you reconnect with your body and feel confident in this next phase of life.
Learn how real food, targeted supplements, and simple daily practices can work with your body naturally restore balance and vitality. You’ll walk away feeling informed, inspired, and more in tune with what your body truly needs.
Bio: Deanna Minich, MS, PhD, CNS, IFMCP, is a nutrition scientist, international lecturer, educator, and author with over 25 years of experience spanning academia, clinical practice, and the dietary supplement industry. A recognized leader in the field of women’s health and hormone science, Dr. Minich has devoted much of her career to advancing integrative approaches to perimenopause and menopause through nutrition, lifestyle, and phytonutrient therapeutics.
She currently serves as Chief Science Officer at Symphony Natural Health, where she leads the Science-Medical Team, oversees scientific communication, and provides educational leadership for the company’s plant-derived nutraceuticals, particularly in the area of female hormonal balance and endocrine health. She has been actively involved in exploring research investigating natural compounds for hormone modulation, including maca, melatonin, and plant polyphenols, and is widely sought after for her expertise in translating complex hormonal research into practical strategies for clinicians and the public.
Throughout her career, she has maintained a functional medicine nutrition practice (Food & Spirit™), which has evolved into a platform for group programs, workshops, and retreats focused on midlife transitions, stress resilience, and hormone harmony. Dr. Minich is the author of seven consumer books on wellness, four textbook chapters, and over 50 scientific publications, with a growing body of work centered on circadian biology, detoxification, and the female endocrine system.
Her academic training includes a Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (1995) and a Doctorate in Medical Science (1999). For a decade, she worked with Dr. Jeffrey Bland, the “Father of Functional Medicine,” and has served on the Nutrition Advisory Board for The Institute for Functional Medicine and the Board of Directors for the American Nutrition Association. Since 2013, she has taught in the Institute for Functional Medicine’s Advanced Practice Module in Environmental Health and a graduate-level course in metabolic detoxification at the University of Western States, frequently integrating insights on hormonal imbalances in toxic exposures and endocrine disruptors.
Dr. Minich is both a Fellow (FACN) and a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) through the American College of Nutrition. She continues to teach extensively across institutions including the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy, Integrative and Functional Nutrition Academy, and the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. She also serves on the Scientific Advisory Board for the Quantum Biology Health Institute, aligning with her interest in the emerging science of bioenergetics and hormonal rhythms.
Stephanie Sperring, CNS, LD, MS
"Nutrition and Autoimmune Disease"
Autoimmune diseases affect more than 24 million Americans and are among the most complex chronic conditions to manage. Nutrition plays a pivotal role in modulating immune responses, supporting gut integrity, and reducing inflammation—yet patients and practitioners often struggle to identify practical, evidence-based strategies. In this engaging session, Stephanie Spering, MS, CNS, LDN, AIP Certified Coach, will explore the science behind nutrition and autoimmunity, including dietary patterns, nutrient deficiencies, and lifestyle factors that influence immune health. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how to personalize nutrition interventions, integrate them into clinical practice, and empower individuals living with autoimmune disease to improve quality of life.
Bio: Stephanie Spering, MS, CNS, LDN, AIP Certified Coach is a Licensed Dietitian and Certified Nutrition Specialist with advanced training in autoimmune nutrition. She earned her Master of Science in Nutrition and has been in practice since 2021, specializing in evidence-based strategies to support immune regulation and reduce chronic inflammation. Stephanie is also a certified Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) Coach Practitioner, equipping her with unique tools to help individuals navigate the challenges of autoimmune disease.
As the founder of Nutrition for Autoimmunity, Stephanie is passionate about helping individuals better understand the connection between diet and immune health. She translates complex science into clear, practical strategies that clients and healthcare professionals can apply with confidence. Stephanie is excited to share her knowledge through speaking and education, with this being her second professional presentation since completing her graduate training.
