2023 Conference Speakers

Learn more about this year’s featured speakers and their session descriptions.

Rhea E. Abbott ND

Updates in Sleep Medicine: Pandemics, Procedures, and Pills

A broad survey of new or updated information in the world of sleep medicine over the last 5 years, including effects of the pandemic, new guidelines on the indications for and use of melatonin, advice on developing a more inclusive lens for sleep disorders (women, neurodivergent, genetic disorders, young children), updates on narcolepsy etiology and treatment, discussion of how we can influence societal/institutional factors that violate natural sleep architecture, and exploration of how sleep deprivation affects our relationships with each other at the levels of community and society.

About Dr. Abbott

Dr. Abbott (Doc Rabbit, to some) has made sleep medicine a growing focus of her practice since 2014, under mentorship of Dr. Catherine Darley, ND (founder of The Institute of Naturopathic Sleep Medicine). She has been a speaker for sleep medicine at both NHAND and NAPCP conferences. In 2021, she moved from Washington State to rejoin her family in central New Hampshire, now operating a sleep-centric practice in Plymouth. **Looking for collaborators for health and wellness retreats coming 2024! Please reach out if you'd like to get involved!**

Alexis Chesney MS, ND, LAc

The prevention, diagnosis and treatment Babesiosis, an emerging parasitic tick-borne disease.

Babesiosis is an emerging tick-borne disease caused by Babesia in the United States. Transmitted by blacklegged (Ixodes scapularis) ticks, the highest incidence of Babesiosis is seen in the Northeast and Midwest. The largest increase in incidence of Babesiosis in the United States from 2011-2019 occurred in Vermont, Maine and New Hampshire. It is well-known that cases of Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia bacterium, are also on the rise. Proficiency in the diagnosis and treatment of Babesiosis is essential because it is caused by the parasite Babesia and therefore requires different diagnostics and treatment from that of Lyme disease.

In this presentation, we will review the history and epidemiology of Babesiosis in the United States. We will discuss how to identify the Ixodes scapularis tick, the main vector of Babesia. We will discuss ways in which to prevent tick bites. The signs and symptoms of Babesiosis will be explained. Laboratory testing for the identification of Babesia will be reviewed. Pharmaceutical therapeutics used in the treatment of Babesiosis such as atovaquone and azithromycin will be reviewed along with contraindications, side effects, interactions and required monitoring. Emerging treatments like high dose pulsed dapsone will be described. Natural therapies will be discussed including contraindications, side effects, interactions with pharmaceutical medications and required monitoring. Recent research on botanical medicine such as cryptolepis and its clinical use will be discussed. Clinical pearls regarding critical thinking and decision making as well as the medical management of a patient with Babesiosis will be shared.

About Dr. Chesney

Alexis Chesney MS, ND, LAc is a naturopathic physician, acupuncturist, author and educator specializing in Lyme and tick-borne disease. Dr. Chesney enjoys getting to the root cause of complex chronic illness and partnering with patients to find wellness and balance in their lives. She practices at Sojourns Community Health Clinic, in Westminster, Vermont and also has a private practice. She is a member of the AANP, Vermont Association of Naturopathic Physicians (VANP), the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) and a founding full member of International Society for Environmentally Acquired Illness (ISEAI). Dr. Chesney served on the Board of Directors and is currently the Naturopathic Medicine Committee Chair for the ILADS. She serves as a preceptor for the ILADEF Physician Training Program. She is the author of Preventing Lyme and Other Tick-Borne Diseases released through Storey Publishing, and speaks on tick-borne diseases at conferences and in the media.

Lindsay Chimileski ND

Your Mind on Nootropic Mushrooms: Ancient wisdom meets exciting new research

Explore the undeniable nootropic mushroom movement and dive deep into the many mechanisms medicinal mushrooms employ to optimize brain vitality. We will outline the traditional uses, constituents we care about and plough through new research on fungi brain allies such as lion's mane, reishi, cordyceps, psilocybe, maitake, wood ear and poria.Medicinal mushrooms can restore balance via impacting the immune system, lipid ratios, blood sugar, hormones, neurotransmitters and oxidative damage. They have the power to revitalize neural pathways, fatigued tissues and entire ecosystems. And unlike any other, they have the capacity to reconnect us to the planet, humanity and ourselves.

About Dr. Chimileski

Dr. Lindsay Chimileski is a licensed naturopathic physician and acupuncturist. Her whole life she has had an enthralled devotion to exploring the natural world. Naturally, this evolved into interests in herbal medicine, mushrooms, real food nutrition and living a more natural lifestyle. When she learned of naturopathic medicine, and that it was a unique speciality that allowed her to combine her love of nature and understanding human behavior and psychology, she knew it was the right path for her. Prior to her start in medicine, she focused on counseling and psychology while studying Human Development and Family Studies at the University of Connecticut. After falling in love with Traditional Chinese Medicine, she completed a Masters of Acupuncture as well. Dr. Chimileski co-leads ecotours through the Jamaican rainforests, celebrating the traditional ethnobotanical uses of local plant medicines. In her spare time, she enjoys all things nature, gardening, hiking, and practicing yoga.

Steve Clark ND

The Components of Digestion and Their Respective Interventions

Digestion is the mother of the body. In common medicine, the role of digestion is discounted and the treatments tends to be suppressive. Digestion is a complex interaction of nerve function, hormones, acid, enzymes, immune system, bacteria and delicate linings. Naturopathic doctors must understand and treat digestion, to optimize health and remove obstacles to healing. Dr. Steve Clark's goal is to empower Naturopathic Doctors to improve their digestive treatments and help our patients be more healthy and comfortable. This session will include a review of all the steps in digestion. The remainder will be a detailed understanding of interventions for each level of the digestive process including prescriptions, nutraceuticals and herbs. The ability to improve digestion and empower patients is one of our greatest strengths!

About Dr. Clark

Dr. Steve Clark, N.D. is a Naturopathic Doctor, treating patients in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire for 22 years. Dr. Clark, attended the Natural University of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon and graduated in 2001. Prior to naturopathic school, Dr. Clark was involved in Cardiovascular and Immunology research at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Clark is a member of Internal Lyme and Associated Diseases (ILADS) since 2005. Dr. Clark tends to treat complicated cases. Dr. Clark's main philosophy in treating patients is to teach how things work, thus patients are empowered to engage in their own health. Since 2020, especially due to the outbreak of Covid, Dr. Clark has experienced renewed interest in educating everyone, so that we can all do better, with less fear and more knowledge. Dr. Clark loves to cook, mountain bike, garden, paint in acrylics, anything snow and to fix things.

Piper Dobner ND, MS

Postbiotcs + the Microbiome: Why You Need to Care

The microbiome plays a critical role in the health and happiness of our patient populations. As naturopathic doctors, we know the gut is the center of health, and at that center resides an organ system called the microbiome. This organ system has mass implications to health and is under constant attack via environmental and medical exposures (pesticides and pharmaceutical medications). What we do to support, restore, and regain health in the microbiomes of our patients is imperative to their success and health outcomes. Many of us are aware of probiotics, and some are even up to speed on the data using fecal transplant as a restoration tactic, but what if it's simpler than that? What if our theories around diet have been true all along, and the diversity we challenge our patients to achieve, is at the heart of feeding this pertinent organ system that ultimately feeds and nourishes our body? The heart of naturopathy lies within the mystery of the human microbiome, and the approach we often take, perturbs the biome. I'd like to propose a different way. Let's work to restore these biomes, exalt them rather than demonize a few bad actors. The purpose of my talk will be to provide a better understanding of the microbiome, its impact on health, and how we as providers can create better health outcomes working with, not against, this beautiful organ system.

About Dr. Dobner

Piper Dobner is a naturopathic doctor, scientist, entrepreneur, and deeply empathetic person looking to change the world. Piper’s advocacy for healthy ecosystems, whether they are macro or microscopic, factors into all of her work. She has dedicated her life to the restoration of the microbiota of humans everywhere and advocacy of medical autonomy.

Piper is the Co-founder of Thaena Inc., a microbiome supplement company that is driving technology advances in ecosystem restoration. This work emerged from her development as co-founder and Clinical Director of Flora Medicine, a stool bank that provides Fecal Microbiota Transplant for the treatment of antibiotic-resistant Clostridium difficile infection.

Piper’s deepest passion is patient care. Guided by naturopathic philosophy, Piper helps her patients restore balance and empowers them to have ownership of their health. Piper is committed to understanding each individual to appropriately address their needs.

Paul Herscu ND, DHANP, MPH

Remedies that Get Left on the Shelf & How to Use in Clinical Practice

Some homeopathic remedies seem to get all the attention! Dr. Herscu helps attendees think about other effective, relevant remedies for general naturopathic practice. Categories of medicines discussed include: remedies with a larger sphere of influence vis a vis those with a narrower focus; the concept of using ‘acute remedies’ for chronic disease patients and using ‘chronic remedies’ for acute disease patients; and how to effectively use common remedies in patients with uncommon presentations of the remedy. This lecture is appropriate for those less inclined to use homeopathy as well as those who often incorporate the homeopathic prescription.

About Dr. Herscu

Dr. Herscu is the author of numerous of books and articles including The Homeopathic Treatment of Children, Pediatric Constitutional Types. He is an international speaker, lecturing extensively in Europe, Asia, and Australia. Dr. Herscu currently chairs the inaugural Massachusetts Board of Registration in Naturopathic Medicine. His interest in public health has led him to track epidemics over the past three decades creating protocols to prepare for and contend with epidemics. In 2008 he established Herscu Laboratory, a multi-disciplinary non-profit medical research center focused on integrating diverse fields of medical and biological science, public health and education. Together with Dr. Rothenberg, in practice since 1986, they founded and teach through the New England School of Homeopathy to help sustain the vitalistic tradition within naturopathic medicine. Dr. Herscu enjoys time with friends and family, hiking rural Massachusetts and spinning around the ballroom dance floor.

Tori Hudson ND

Bonus Pre-Conference Keynote

Case Management of Menopause in Special Populations

Hysterectomy; Surgical Menopause; POI; Breast and Endometrial Cancer Patients.

Women that fall into any of these circumstances require a different and specialized approach with select considerations in regards to indications, cautions, contraindications for hormone therapy. Many questions that will be answered include: Is it safe to use vaginal estrogen in breast and endometrial cancer patients? Do I need to prescribe progesterone with estrogen in women with no uterus? Should women with no ovaries get estrogen therapy? What are the special risks for women with surgical menopause and POI?

About Dr. Hudson

Dr. Tori Hudson, Naturopathic Physician, graduated from the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) in 1984 and has served the college in several capacities, including: Medical Director, Associate Academic Dean, and Academic Dean. She is currently a clinical adjunct professor at NUNM), Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, Bastyr University and the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. Dr. Hudson has been in practice for more than 38 years, is the medical director of her clinic, “A Woman’s Time” in Portland, Oregon, co-owner and director of product research and education for VITANICA and the program director for the Institute of Women’s Health and Integrative Medicine. She is also the founder and co-director of NERC (Naturopathic Education and Research Consortium), a non-profit organization for accredited naturopathic residencies.

Dr. Hudson has been appointed as a faculty member of the Fellowship in Integrative Health and Medicine, Academy of Integrative Health & Medicine.

Dr. Hudson was awarded the 1990 President’s award from the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians for her research in women’s health, the 1999 prestigious Naturopathic Physician of the Year award, the 2003 NUNM Alumni Pioneer Award., the 2009 Natural Products Association Pioneer Award and in 2012 was inducted into the NUNM Hall of Fame. In 2016, she was the recipient of the annual Oregon Association of Naturopathic Physician’s “Living Legends” award.

In 2021 she received the 2020 American Botanical Council’s prestigious Fredi Kronenberg Excellence in Research and Education in Botanicals in Women’s Health Award for 2020.

She is a nationally recognized author (book: Women’s Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine second edition, McGraw Hill 2008), and the Menopause Companion ( Roost Books 2023) speaker, educator, researcher, and clinician. Dr. Hudson serves on several editorial boards, advisory panels and as a consultant to the
natural products industry. She also writes monthly columns and freelance articles for several publications.

Lisa Laughlin ND, MS

Emotional Adhesions: When Trauma is Held in our Fascia

This lecture will look at the ways our body can hold onto trauma and its impact on the fascial system. Pain is one of the most common problems we see in modern medicine. When we experience emotional, physical, or psychological trauma our bodies go into survival mode (aka sympathetic over-drive). When our nervous system is in survival mode it will hold onto things that cannot be processed in the moment and store the trauma on a cellular level. When the trauma is not examined and worked through (energetically, emotionally, and physically) adhesions can start to form within the fascia.

New research demonstrates the importance of an integrative approach to the deep impact of trauma and how it shows up in all disease processes, including mental health disorders. It also shows the impact of emotional stress as a cause of chronic pain syndromes such as fibromyalgia and migraines. These pain neural pathways are shown to change in response to a large stressor or traumatic experience creating a more attentive (sometime hyper vigilant) central nervous system. The shift in the neural pathways can be the cumulation effect of many small life events or larger traumatic events that change the course of a life. This can change the way our glial cells work within our brains and the types of neurotransmitters released into to cerebral spinal fluid. This shifts result in physiological changes in the way our body move, heal, and respond to our environment.

Modalities in our tool box such as craniosacral therapy, homeopathy, drainage remedies, lymphatic massage, and energy work have vital impact on the physiological effects of trauma. These modalities bring the body closer to a healing vibrational state and allow the body to be supported by bringing it back into balance. Patients can also begin to break up these adhesions and create space for emotions to be released at a cellular level. Bringing this awareness into practice can allow physicians to bring a deeper level healing to patients who suffer greatly from their trauma.

About Dr. Laughlin

Dr. Lisa Laughlin is a Naturopathic physician in Hartford, CT. She runs a private practice with a focus in neuroendocrine and hormonal regulation. Her specialized modalities are craniosacral therapy, homeopathic drainage, and functional nutrition. Dr. Laughlin graduated UBCNM in 2013 with her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine and Masters in Human Nutrition. She is an adjunct professor at the Physician Assistant Institute in Bridgeport for their clinical nutrition and integrative medicine courses. She works with her patients to create a healing environment and loves to teach them how their bodies work so the patient has an active part in their healing. In her free time she likes to recharge by spending time in nature, doing yoga, water sports, and meditation.

John Neustadt ND

Natural Strategies that Improve Brain Chemistry

Your brain contains a mind-blowing number of nerves—about 1,200 cubic centimeters of nerves, which is only a bit larger than a quart of milk (946 cubic centimeters). In an instant, your miraculous CNS can be moving your arms and legs, thinking about what you’ll have for dinner, remembering a conversation you had yesterday or a memory from elementary school, figuring out a problem, talking to a friend and feeling love, hope and joy. Doing those jobs for you are four primary chemicals: dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine and acetylcholine. ADHD, depression, cognitive decline, decreased motivation and other symptoms are caused less than optimal amounts of these hormones. Learn natural strategies that increase these important neurohormones to improve focus, memory, energy, mood and recall.

About Dr. Neustadt

John Neustadt, ND is President of the supplement company Nutritional Biochemistry, Inc (NBI, nbihealth.com), which he started in 2006 when he couldn’t find products with the doses or combinations of nutrients shown in clinical trials to work.

He received multiple US FDA Orphan Drug Designations for the potential treatment of rare diseases. He hosts the Delivering Health podcast, is a member of the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation Corporate Advisory Roundtable and VP of the California Naturopathic Doctors Association.

Dr. Neustadt wrote four books and more than 100 published research reviews. He was recognized by Elsevier as a Top Ten Cited Author in the world for his work, is coauthor of the textbook, Foundations and Applications of Medical Biochemistry in Clinical Practice and was a contributing editor to the textbook, Laboratory Evaluation for Integrative and Functional Medicine. His latest book is, Fracture-Proof Your Bones: A Comprehensive Guide to Osteoporosis.

Jen Stout LICSW, MLADC

Trauma Informed Care

This session will introduce concepts related to Trauma-Informed Care by understanding how traumatic experiences in childhood have implications for individuals throughout the life span and how we, as providers and health care organizations, can address the impact of trauma with our patients in a therapeutic and healing way.

About Jen Stout

Jen Stout, LICSW, MLADC is Clinical Supervisor at The Doorway at Wentworth Douglas Hospital, an assessment, referral, and treatment program for substance use disorder. Jen has been working in community health and community mental health, with a focus on the treatment of substance use and trauma in marginalized groups, for 20 years. She teaches the Substance Use Disorder classes for the MSW program at the University of New Hampshire and is currently pursuing a PhD in Social Work, focusing her research on the experience of mothers with substance use disorder who are seeking reunification with their children in the Child Welfare System.

David Winston RH(AHG)

Analgesia: The Search for Effective Pain Relief - Botanical and Nutritional Protocols

The search for effective, safe and non-addictive pain medication is an age-old quest. Studies show many people, especially the elderly, the poor, people of color and women are under-treated for chronic pain. While herbs are not as powerful as opiates and other pharmaceutical medications, they can offer safer and often highly effective pain management. In this talk we will discuss how specific herbs can relieve specific types of pain, how to combine herbs to create a synergistic effect and reduce inflammation, pain perception and spasm and how botanicals can enhance the effects of pharmaceutical pain medications. The focus of this class is to give the clinician the precise tools needed to manage pain with herbs, so we will learn to describe the types and nature of pain, the location of the pain and the most effective combinations of herbs to treat pain syndromes.

About David Winston

David Winston, a Clinical Herbalist with 54 years of training in Chinese/Western/Eclectic/Southeastern herbal traditions, has been in clinical practice for 47 years and consults with physicians and researchers worldwide. David is the Dean of David Winston’s Center for Herbal Studies, is an internationally known lecturer at medical schools and symposia and the president of Herbalist & Alchemist.

David is a founding member of the American Herbalist Guild, and is on the ABC and AHP Advisory Boards. He's authored several books including Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina and Stress Relief, and is a member of the AHPA Expert Advisory Council for the Botanical Safety Handbook.

His awards include the NPA Clinicians award in 2013, he was the Mitchell visiting scholar at Bastyr University in 2018, he received a DSc(hc) degree from NUNM in 2019 was and the AHPA Herbal Insight award winner in 2023, honoring 50+ years teaching about herbal medicine.