Nutritional Institute | Guest Speakers

Guest Speakers

	Anh (Ann) Tran Master of Science Oriental Medicine and Bachelor in Nutrition (Midwest College of Oriental Medicine); intern at Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (China); Master of Education Psychology and Bachelor of Science in Biology (Loyola); trained in MeiZen (beautiful person) Cosmetic Acupuncture System. She is owner of Points of Wellness Acupuncture and is a Human Resources Officer at Illinois Student Assistance Commission in the Chicago area.
	Andrew Gunther Andrew Gunther, Program Director of Animal Welfare Approved was the senior global animal compassionate product procurement and development specialist for Whole Foods whose team developed the five-step welfare program in the UK. He pioneered the world’s first organic poultry hatchery for chickens and his family managed production for the largest independent organic chicken producer in the UK. Andrew served as the organic voice within the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) poultry working group, is on the Texas State Board of Agriculture’s organic advisory board and is a member of the American Association of Agricultural scientists.
	Anthony Klarich Anthony Klarich was pulled out of depression through Dianetics and was moved to give others hope and help. He is a Dianetics Practitioner at the Hubbard Dianetics Foundation of Chicago. Using Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health and further texts, he has helped people battle depression, anxiety, self doubt and irrational behavior. He is currently Executive over the Public Contact, answering the question “what is Dianetics?”. Tony lectures and conducts seminars to teach the techniques, so that they can be applied to life.
	Beth Greer Beth Greer, Super Natural Mom™, is an award-winning journalist, holistic health advocate and author of Super Natural Home: Improve Your Health, Home and Planet…One Room at a Time (Rodale, 2009). She hosts “The Super Natural Mom Show” on the radio and is former President and co-owner of The Learning Annex, the largest private alternative adult education company in the U.S. Beth is a testament to how making small lifestyle shifts can make a huge difference in one’s health. By using alternative methods of healing, eating a diet free of pesticides and avoiding hazardous chemicals in her personal care and household products, Beth eliminated a tumor without drugs or sugery.
	Brian Therrian Brian Therrian is a professional researcher that has worked with people with Disabilities and has a number of friends that went through unexpected downturns in their lives that required disability assistance. Brian left no stone unturned to try and help them, leading to the creation of The Disability Digest where people can learn Absolutely Every thing you Must Know About Disability All In One Place.
	Byron Richards Bryon J. Richards is a Board-Certified Clinical Nutritionist/Natural Health Expert, is a charter professional member of the International and American Associations of Clinical Nutritionists and has in-depth experience helping thousands of individuals with complex health situations. He is an intrepid health author and journalist, an educator and lecturer and a renowned media guest on radio and TV, having had his own radio show for two years and he has been a featured expert on Fox News Live, CBS Infinity and The Wall Street Journal.
	Cassandra Friedman, Ph. D, LCPC, CADC Cassandra Friedman, Ph. D, LCPC, CADC (Columbia Pacific University, National Louis University, Eastern Illinois University) is a keynote speaker with an engaging style that is memorable and effective. Her speaking engagements are copious. She has authored a number of publications, is listed in Who’s Who Among Human Services Professionals and was Teacher of the Year four times.
	Christopher Gavigan Christopher Gavigan is the Executive Director/CEO of Healthy Child Healthy World. He holds degrees in environmental science and geography from the University of California, Santa Barbara and has extensive graduate training in child psychology and education. Mr. Gavigan has worked as ecology and sciences, as a children and family specialist and is the founder of Pinnacle Expeditions, an outdoor leadership program for teenagers. Through Healthy Child Healthy World, he has launched public awareness campaigns and educational programs educating millions about daily choices and actions that impact our children’s health and our planet’s future.
	Dan Anderson Dan Anderson, Research Specialist at the University of Illinois has coordinated on-farm research, provides leadership for the statewide Organic Production Conference, serves as Chairman of the Illinois Sustainable Agriculture Committee, author of the On-Farm Research Guidebook and A Different Field: Innovative Entrepreneurs in Illinois Farming. He is currently involved in several research projects focused on developing organic farming and local food systems in Illinois.
	Dan Rico Dan Rico, ND (Bastyr University), is in high demand as a consultant, known for his scientific and commonsense approach to nutraceutical development, application, design and marketing. Dr. Dan possesses advanced certification in Naturopathic, Homeopathic, Botanical Medicine and Physical Fitness Training. He is one of the youngest practitioners to receive fellowship to The American Nutritional Medical Association and the American College of Natural Medicine. One of the first Wellness Medical Centers (now one of the largest weight loss centers) in Chicago, IL. was formulated by Dr. Dan.
	Deborah McKay Dr. Deborah McKay, ND (National College of Natural Medicine, Oregon) is a board-certified Naturopathic Physician and primary care doctor in Portland, Oregon. She is passionate about hormones including bio-identical hormone restoration therapy and especially diabetes prevention. She maintains a busy private practice in Portland, Oregon, is a hormone consultant who coaches physicians and pharmacists on hormone therapy at ZRT Laboratory. Dr. McKay published “Biomarkers of Wellness, Predictors of Longevity: The Search for Measurements of Good Health in 2005″ and edited “The Workers’ Compensation Handbook” by Gwen Hampton in 1982. She is a frequent community speaker on topics such as nutrition and healthy skin, stress management, nutritonally sound weight loss, “aging in reverse” (anti-aging), and bio-identical hormone balancing. She believes strongly in the principle of “tolle totum,” treat the whole person.
	Donna Gates Donna Gates, an author, international speaker and nutritional consultant wrote her book, The Body Ecology Diet, after years of research, incorporating the most beneficial components of each, leading to her own cutting edge approach to health and healing. Ms. Gates established the BEDROK program (Body Ecology Recovering Our Kids), an autism treatment plan and support. She is frequently recognized in publications and books and The Body Ecology Diet was also chosen as “the best diet of all” in Envisioning a Bright Future, Interventions that Work for Children and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders. She interviews on radio and writes workshops and class articles, per request, by nutritional schools.
	Gregory Saul, Ph. D, ND, NHD Gregory Saul, ND, NHD, Ph. D. changed careers after meeting a woman chiropractor at the airport who suggested he return to school and become a natural health doctor. He followed her advice, obtained his 3 degrees and married her. They have their own clinic healing people naturally instead of with chemical allopathic medicine.
	Helena LaRocco Helena LaRocco, Founder of Foundation for a Drug Free World. The Foundation is a secular, non-profit organization with volunteers in 60 countries, distributing over 50 million effective educational handouts, conducting tens of thousands of drug awareness events and helping people understand the destructive effects of drugs so they can decide not to use them.
	Ian Shillington, N.D. Ian Shillington N.D. (Trinity College) has 33 year + in Research and Data Analysis in Business Organization and Statistical Evaluation. With his growing family, he became interested in maintaining peak health, so delved into both the medical and naturopahtic fields, quickly finding Naturopaths to be a better path. Doc discovered confusion and conflict in the Natural Health field so used his data analysis and evaluation talents attempting to bring some semblance of order. His prime contribution is his discovery of the common denominator of all illness: Stoppage as opposed to Blockage. Doc considers his patients to be his students so they learn to look and evaluate for themselves.
	Jeff Bennert, Ph. D, C.T.N. Jeff Bennert Ph.D., C.T.N. (Doctorate in holistic nutrition, Chatworth College; Bachelor and Master of Science, Clayton College) has spoken to many groups on nutrition and air purification and at conventions as a National Speaker in the U.S. and Canada. Dr. Bennert has formulated nutritional supplements, designed life programs as a holistic nutritional consultant and written several books Plus, he owns and operates both a nationally recognized nutritional counseling center and Air Oasis, an air purifier manufacturing company utilizing “patent-pending nanotechnology.”
	Jennifer Mercier, Ph. D. Jennifer Mercier, Ph.D. has a BA in Clinical Nutrition (Trinity), Professional Certificate in Massage Therapy (Chicago School of Massage Therapy), Naturopathic Degree (Central States College of Health Sciences) and Ph.D. (Great Lakes College in Natural Medicine). She is extensively trained in many aspects of women’s healthcare issues. Her areas of interest and expertise are Therapeutic Herbals and Nutritional Supplements, Massage Therapy, Childbirth Educator, Doula, Teaching Mercier Therapy, Natural Family Planning, Traditional Midwife (not currently practicing) and Breastfeeding.
	Jim Jordan Jim Jordan is certified in nutritional consulting and Metabolic Typing Advice, plus has specialized training in reading and interpreting hair mineral analysis reports. His journey from lawyer to healing began with his own six-year battle with chronic illness. In his search for health, seeing both conventional and unconventional practitioners, he finally found health through natural therapies addressing underlying the causes. Compelled to share this message of healing, he eventually became a nutrition therapist. He was on staff at The Optimal Wellness Center and in private practice, offering health and wellness seminars and training to health care practitioner. He now has a private nutrition consulting practice in Oregon. On-going education includes a doctoral program in natural healing and completing his naturopathic degree from the Clayton College of Natural Health. ABC News, Chicago, has featured him as a nutrition and alternative health care expert.
	John J. Hanover, DVM John J. Hanover, DVM (U of I School of Veterinary Medicine) is certified by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS), Chi Institute in Veterinary Acupuncture and the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (in animal chiropractic). He has also trained in Homotoxicology, Applied Kinesiology, Western herbs, essential oils, flower essences, and Reiki and has lectured at Harper Colleges, Amazon Herb Conference, Chicago Pet Expo, Mind-Body Spirit Expo among others. Dr. Hanover is a speaker for HEEL, a veterinary consultant for a number of animal nutritional supplement companies and is in private companion-animal veterinary practice.
	Jonathan W. Emord Jonathan W. Emord, Lawyer has practiced constitutional and administrative law, food and drug law, deceptive advertising law and libel law since 1985. He began his career as an attorney in the FCC during President Reagan’s administration. He maintains a conviction to achieve full First Amendment protection for the freedoms’ of speech and press; authored “Freedom, Technology, and the First Amendment”. . .advocating replacing government control over the airwaves; was lead council in holding FDA censorship as unconstitutional. He has many professional and lay publications, the latest being “The Rise of Tyranny.”
	Larry Kohlbaska Larry Kohlbaska had a freak accident, leaving him paralyzed for months. He took vicodine, then hydroquintone, as it was stronger, for 8 months. Larry’s mother then suggested o24, a natural pain reliever she took for severe arthritis. His pain was eventually relieved using o24 exclusively. Since it was such a benefit to him, he now promotes o24 and has helped many others find a natural solution to pain relief.
	Lex Lang Lex Lang is co-founder of the non-profit Love Planet Foundation, dedicated to creating eco-education and awareness, independent philanthropic Love Planet Records, and consciousness based multi-media Love Planet Productions. He is an entertainment professional, music producer and social and environmental entrepreneur. He has produced, directed and voiced mainstream animation and game projects for Universal Pictures, Lucas Arts, Warner Brothers, HBO Pictures, CBS, The Discovery Channel, ABC, National Geographic and more. Lex and his wife, Sandy created H2om-water with intention. He is a certified HADO instructor, trained under Dr. Masaru Emoto.
	Lisa Petty Lisa Petty BA, RNCP is a holistic nutritionist, wellness coach, international speaker and author who enjoys sharing the simple yet important message that beauty equals health. Lisa shares her unique perspective in workshops, seminars, lectures and through her extensive writing. She is a popular contributor to many publications, is a seasoned veteran on radio and TV. She is the author of Living Beauty: Feel Great, Look Fabulous & Live Well. Lisa inspires women and men alike to wake up to the power of the choices they make every day thereby learning how these choices impact their health and well-being.
	Mary Guignon Richards Mary Guignon Richards transitioned from nursing, feeling more like a medication-dispensing machine than a healer interacting with patients, to being a Women’s Health Educator, communicating the need for preventative care and nutrition. She raised four healthy children without medications, with an emphasis on natural health and effective use of supplements.
	Michael T. Murray, N.D. Michael T. Murray, N.D., is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading authorities on natural medicine. Dr. Murray is a graduate, faculty member, and serves on the Board of Regents of Bastyr University. He is co-author of A Textbook of Natural Medicine, the definitive textbook on naturopathic medicine for physicians, as well as the consumer version – the Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. He has also written over 20 other books including Dr. Murray’s Total Body Tune-Up , The Pill Book Guide to Natural Medicines, and The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods.
	Paul Chek Paul Chek is a world-renowned expert in the fields of corrective and high-performance exercise kinesiology. He is the founder of the C.H.E.K (Corrective Holistic Exercise Kinesiology) Institute and the P~P~S Success Mastery Coaching Program. Paul is a sought after international presenter and consultant, has won numerous awards for his presentations and was rated number one speaker by participants at the 1998 IHRSA conference, out of 85 speakers. He has produced over 50 DVDs and 16 advanced-level home study courses designed for the fitness and clinical professional.
	Peter Glidden, N.D. Peter Glidden, ND (BS Pre-Med, University of Massachusetts; ND, Bastyr) specializes in treatment of chronic disease using Homeopathy, Science Based Nutrition, and Heavy Metal Chelation as clinical modalities where licensed to practice medicine in Washington State. In other states, offers health consultations. Dr. Glidden has appeared on radio, TV and has lectured to thousands of people. His book Understanding Holistic Medicine is to be published in spring of 2009.
	Ralph Fucetola, J.D. Ralph Fucetola, JD (Rutgers), The Vitamin Lawyer, has represented well known vitamin brands, advanced healthcare professionals, physicians and alternative practitioners, among others, teaching them to avoid illegal practices while enhancing their ability to provide alternative modalities, nutrients and devices. He is a trustee of the Institute for Health Research and of the Natural Solutions Foundation, Health Freedom and the current state of national and international regulatory developments, including Good Manufacturing Practices and UN agencies such as Codex Alimentarius (the world food code). He is an ordained LifeSpirit minister.
	Renae Nagle, BS, MSW, CHt Renae Nagle, BS (Northern Illinois University), MSW (Aurora University), CHt is a Licensed Clinical Psychotherapist, Certified Hypnotherapist and Health Educator dedicated to treating those who suffer with severe trauma. After her tour as an Army Medic in Europe, she returned to the U.S. obtaining degrees in Health Education, Social Work in Clinical Child and Family Therapy and Certification as a Hypnotist, with certifications for emergency medicine, pain control, oncology or cancer, regression and spiritual hypnosis. Dr. Nagle has extensively studied psychoneuroimmunology (mind/body/spirit connection). She has a clinical practice, engages in speaking engagements and provides a newsletter on hypnosis and its benefits to the public.
	Richard Hagmeyer, D.C. Richard Hagmeyer, D.C. (Palmer) opened Essential Chiropractic where his post-graduate education of pediatrics, sports health, nutrition and phytotherapy has led to a large patient population, being sought as a public educator and a Nutritional Consultant. His methods include Pettibon Advanced Spine and Posture Correction, Gonstead Technique, Activator Technique, Chiropractic Biophysics, Thompson Technique and Palmer Technique. After studying Restorative Endocrinology (Dr. Janet Lang), Dr. Hagmeyer consults throughout the country on testing, nutritional and non-invasive methods to restore endocrine health.
	Rick Shalvoy After Rick completed his first Row for a Cure – A Fight Against Cancer – Rick was diagnosed with malignant melanoma and was fighting for his own life, in addition to fighting for the lives of other cancer patients. Unimpressed with the science behind conventional cancer treatments, he found data pertaining to studies with palladium lipoic complex, the active complex in a liquid dietary supplement with an impeccable track record of safety. Nine months after being diagnosed, Rick’s cancer achieved complete remission and has remained cancer free since October, 1998.More than ten years of “rowing for a cure”, Rick decided the time has come for the truth to be told.
	Rob Streisfeld Robert Streisfeld, N.D. (Southwest College) has a B.S. in Human Biology (State University of NY at Albany) and is also a gourmet natural foods chef. He is a consultant at Personal Health Design, Inc., a national educator, lecturer and trainer at Garden of Life, Inc and has been a guest on radio and TV, plus lectures at conventions and in academic institutions for chefs, nutritionists, students and doctors. Doc Rob authored the book “A Healthier Ever After.”
	Roger Parent Roger Parent has been involved in the complimentary health field for over 20 years. He has worked in the nutritional supplement industry in wholesale and retail sales, as a holistic practitioner, and taught in medical trade schools at the College of Southern Nevada from 1999 – 2007. A strong interest in preventative health and curiosity about nature’s complex nutritional resources keeps him continually studying and exploring nutritional approaches to health. He is currently the national trainer for HealthAid America.
	Ruth Hoskins, Ph.D., H.H.S., LCSW, BCD Ruth Hoskins, Ph.D., H.H.S., LCSW, BCD, Director of Relaxation International and Health Freedom America provides education and training and disseminates information on stress management, critical incident stress, holistic health, and complimentary medicine. A licensed psychotherapist and trainer for fortune 500 companies, Ruth is recognized in the 2005 National Register of Who’s Who in Executives and Professionals and in the 2008-2009 Cambridge Who’s Who. She is an adjunct professor at Chestnut Hill College teaching Health Psychology, The Mind-Body Connection. Ruth provides her expertise to the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation and American Red Cross Disaster Mental Health Team and provides support to local hospice. She is a national speaker on the integration of body, mind, and spirit and is author of several books and audios.
	Sally Fallon Sally Fallon (MA from UCLA and BA from Stanford) is a journalist, chef, nutrition researcher, homemaker and community activist. She is author of the best-selling Nourishing Traditions: The Cookbook that Challenges Politically Correct Nutrition and The Diet Dictocrats. She and her colleague, Dr. Mary Enig, are frequent contributors to holistic health publications and co-authored Eat Fat Lose Fat. Ms. Fallon is founding president of the Weston A. Price Foundation, founder of A Campaign for Real Milk and president and owner of NewTrends Publishing.
	Sandy Fox Sandy Fox is co-founder of the non-profit Love Planet Foundation, dedicated to creating eco-education and awareness, independent philanthropic Love Planet Records, and consciousness based multi-media Love Planet Productions. She is immersed in the alternative healing energy work of vibrational therapies. Sandy and her husband, Lex Lang, created H2om-water with intention. She is a certified HADO instructor, trained under Dr. Masaru Emoto.
	Ted Ingram Ted Ingram, former businessman and restaurateur, was associated with the food industry for over 20 years. He is a self-taught, true natural foods chef and registered dietitian. Ted currently specializes in oncology nutrition and is on staff at Block Medical Center, which is considered the country’s only true Integrative Cancer Care Center.
	Theresa Dale, Ph. D, DNS, C.C.N., N.P. Theresa Dale, Ph.D, DNS, C.C.N., N.P is a Certified Clinical Nutritionist, Traditional Naturopathic Practitioner and BioEnergetic Medical Consultant. She is also Founder, California College of Natural Medicine (Dean) and The Wellness Center for Research & Education Inc. BioResonance Research. Dr. Dale is an inventor, is host of her own cable health talk show, has been interviewed on national TV, is a world-class speaker in Germany, England, and U.S. and has healed herself of three incurable diseases. She has authored two books and curriculum for the first “Homeopathic Endocrinology” training.
	Victoria Smith Victoria Smith is a Board Certified Holistic Practitioner, specializing in rebalancing the body so it functions optimally, as nature intended. When allopathic medicine didn’t resolve her health problems, she looked to holistic healing, found it intangible and not explained well by practitioners. She proceeded with her own education and research, finding that most alternative therapies are based in science and that toxicity, the digestive tract, and immune function are the major cause of extreme imbalance in the body.