NMSA

MEET YOUR LEADERSHIP TEAM

2020-2021

Timothy Clayton

International President

Bastyr University, Washington
Timothy Clayton is entering his fouth year in Bastyr University's School of Naturopathic Medicine in Seattle, Washington. He previously served as the Vice President of Bastyr University Washington's NMSA Chapter and the President-elect for NMSA International.
Prior to naturopathic medical school, Tim worked as a copywriter at a social media advertising agency in New York City. Although creative writing was his first love, Tim always knew he would end up in a helping profession. After discovering naturopathic medicine in 2014, Tim knew he had found his profession.
Tim hails primarily from the New York/New Jersey area, but has also lived in New Orleans and Los Angeles. In his spare time he enjoys socializing, playing video games, and attending concerts.

Mickey Brawner

International President-Elect

Bastyr University, Washington
My name is Mickey Brawner and I am a Naturopathic Medical Student at Bastyr University in Washington, currently in my 3 rd year of 4. I am the current president-elect for NMSA International, and serve on several boards including IHPC and ANR.
In addition to the program, I am an active member of the ping pong club and fellow for the meditation club. The naturopathic community is very important to me, and my goal is to support the journey of every student. I am here to help in any way you need, so
please, do not hesitate to ask.

Esha Kaushik

International Chief Administrative Officer

Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine

Esha Kaushik is a third year student at the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona. She graduated from the University in Alabama at Birmingham with a degree in Psychology and Molecular Biology in 2016. Prior to coming to SCNM, Esha pursued a Master’s of Science in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences at Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA.

Her current clinical interests include mind body medicine, Ayurveda and homeopathy. Her hobbies are reading, music and badminton.

 

Evelyn Le

International Chief Financial Officer

Bastyr University, Kenmore

My name is Evelyn Le. I am a fourth year Naturopathic Medical Student, class of 2021, at Bastyr University in Kenmore, WA. Concurrently, I am a grad student in the Executive Master of Public Health at University of Washington in Seattle, WA.

I am from Houston, TX and originally grew up in Vietnam for 15 years. After graduated from Baylor University with a bachelor’s degree focusing on biochemistry, medical humanity, pre-med and honor program in 2016 in Waco, TX, I served as a National AmeriCorps Member in Van Asselt elementary school in Southeast Seattle.

In my free time, I enjoy volunteering, sightseeing, hiking in the nature, cooking and spending quality time with friends and family.

 

Imane Squalli Houssaini

International Vice President for Members 

Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine
Imane is a final year student in the 2-year Bridge Program for International Medical Graduates at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) with a special interest in mental health and sports medicine. She discovered her passion for Naturopathic and Integrative Medicine while she was in medical school in Morocco, her passion grew even more after attending international conferences on integrative medicine.
While she was a medical student in Morocco, she has been involved within the International Federation of Medical Students' Associations (IFMSA) for 5 years as a local and national Vice-President on Internal Affairs before managing one of largest student-run exchange programs in the world at the national and international level. She also served as the NMSA International Chief Administrative Officer during her first year of school at CCNM. 
Her goal as the NMSA International Vice President for Members is to use her leadership experience and skills to bring as much value as possible to naturopathic medical students across North America.
In her free time, she enjoys running, working towards her personal and professional growth, volunteering and spending time with loved ones.

Tara Zwicker

International VP of Communications & PR

National University of National Medicine

Tara is a third year student at National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, OR. She completed an undergraduate degree in biology and chemistry at Wilfrid Laurier University in Ontario, Canada before embarking on a backpacking trip spanning 13 countries across 3 continents. This travel allowed her to volunteer in a variety of capacities (from children with special needs to ecological research in the jungle) and participate in natural medicine practices in both Peru and India. She has lived all across Canada
and has experience managing an integrative health clinic.

Her goal as Vice President of Communications and PR is to unite the voices of students from all the naturopathic schools and to
promote collaboration and community for all NMSA members.

Devin Stone

International VP of Development 

Bastyr University - San Diego

12 Years ago, I graduated UC Riverside with a degree in medical biology and my world in health began. At this time, I started a well-known integrative medicine clinic in Hollywood, CA. During this time, I furthered my education by pursuing a graduate education in Regenerative Medicine from University Utrecht, Netherlands. From here, I went on to obtain other certificates in fields such as nutrition, cancer biology, alternative medicine, drugless medicine, and more. Now I am working on my naturopathic medical degree focusing on Naturopathic Medicine at Bastyr University.

During my professional development, it became very obvious to me that healthcare needed to be looked at from a different angle. It needed to focus more on the fundamental principles of health: health mindsets, good food, clean water, exercise… When these thoughts hit me it drove me into creating a natural wellness and supplement brand that I have been operating for the last four years. During this time it allowed me to find Naturopathic Medicine and for a new opportunity to grow and give back to the healthcare field.

 

Poonam Ghalla

International VP of Social Media

Bastyr University California

Poonam Gahlla is a second year Naturopathic Medical Student at Bastyr University California located in San Diego, California. She was born and raised in Orange County and graduated from the University of California, Riverside in 2016 with a major in Business Economics and a minor in Germanic studies, while simultaneously completing the Life Science core curriculum necessary for medical school.

Poonam volunteered for 3 ½ years in the operating rooms at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center, a trauma 1 medical center located in Irvine. She was hand selected to help pioneer a volunteer program to assist in the 18+ state of the art operating rooms. Poonam went on to complete her Masters of Public Health degree in 2017 from California Baptist University.

She has had her fair share of exposure to medical doctors in her life and has always believed that there has to be a better way to help people heal. This curiosity coupled with her determination and passion for helping others heal is what sparked her love for Naturopathic healing. She is very excited about her future and the impact she will be able to make with Naturopathic Medicine. She was the proud recipient of the 2020 NMSA Rising Star Award and the 2020 NMSA President’s Choice Award. She is so excited to be able to serve the NMSA again as the VP of Social Media!

In her free time, Poonam loves spending time with good friends, reading, exploring new cities with amazing food, and listening to great music, especially going to concerts. Poonam continues to chronicle her journey to becoming a Naturopathic doctor in a blog that she has run for a few years called A SoCal Girl’s Journey. She is also very passionate about giving back to those in need, which is why she recently launched a small business, Lyrical Graffiti Online. This not only provides a creative outlet for her, but is also a platform that allows her to give back to those in need.

Carlee Kamar

Chapter President

Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine 

Carlee is entering her second year at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine (BINM), in British Columbia, Canada and is excited to fulfill the Role of, NMSA President for the year of 2020 – 2021.

Before entering the Naturopathic profession, Carlee seized the opportunity to study allopathic medicine in Europe, where she was able to use her leadership skills on the International Federation of Medical Students Association (IFMSA). Although naturopathic medicine was her specific saving grace, pursuing such a profession, did not surface until late into her first year of allopathic medical school. Her passion as an advocate for people’s personal growth grew stronger and knew she needed to further serve her purpose in a new light. Promoting healing, wellness, support, and positivity to enhance an upswing in someone’s life was her driving force. This position will foster the ability to create change in numerous settings. Incremental change leads to societal shifts.

In her free time, you will find her in a yoga room, both perfecting her craft and sharing her knowledge. She also loves using her creativity in the kitchen, the outdoors, and enjoys spontaneous adventures. 

Catherine In

Chapter President 

Bastyr University, Washington

Catherine In is the President of Bastyr University’s NMSA chapter in Kenmore, Washington. She is currently in her fourth and final year of the naturopathic medicine program and works as a mental health counselor for students in her program. She loves that naturopathic medicine offers tools to help explore and unearth each individual body’s strength and resilience at their own tempo. Catherine is a graduate of the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Musical Arts in piano performance and a minor in Gender and Health. Catherine is a first-generation Korean-American and proud introvert. Her favorite ways to recharge include playing piano and cello, cooking (but mostly eating), and hiking in the mountains with her vital 14-year-old pup, Fluffy.

Brittany Ptak

Chapter President

Bastyr University California

Brittany Ptak, a fourth-year student at Bastyr University California, is proud to be serving the NMSA as the BUC Chapter President, having previously held the positions of Integrative Medicine Representative and President-Elect. At Bastyr, she helps to plan NMSA events and is the Retreat Lead for Restore the Vis (through the Association for Naturopathic Revitalization). Her primary goals are to unite the student body and to keep the Vis alive in patient care and in our profession.

Prior to naturopathic medical school, Brittany attended Princeton University where she studied molecular biology, visual arts, and philosophy, was the captain of the women’s varsity volleyball team, led Catholic small groups and planned retreats through the Aquinas Institute, and served as a Student Athlete Wellness Leader. 

Brittany, originally from Orange County, CA, is so happy to be attending ND school so close to home and the beach. When she is not studying, you can find her drawing/painting, playing beach volleyball, out hiking, or scuba diving!

Sumar Chams

Chapter President

Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine

Sumar Chams is a fourth-year naturopathic medical student studying in Toronto, Ontario. She graduated from Western University in 2017 with a Bachelors of Science Honors Specialization in Nutrition and Dietetics. Sumar is currently the 2020-2021 Chapter President of the NMSA at CCNM. Before taking on this position, she was the Integrative Medicine Co-chair in 2018 and the President-Elect in 2019.

As a future Naturopathic Doctor, Sumar strives to help her patients discover the root cause of their health concerns. As a strong supporter of evidence-based medicine, Sumar looks forward to help build the growing body of complementary and alternative medicine research and provide integrative medical care in a collaborative setting. Sumar is passionate about giving back to her
community and is currently a member of the Interprofessional Healthcare Students Association at the University of Toronto.
Her passion for preventative health and lifestyle stemmed from her experiences working with the Canadian Cancer Society for four years as well as dedicating her time within the interprofessional healthcare space. In her free time, Sumar loves to read, swim at the beach, play basketball and spend time with her big vibrant family.

 

 

Atara Jaffe

Chapter President

National University of Natural Medicine

 

Atara Jaffe grew up in New Jersey, and received a B.A. from Tulane University in Environmental Studies and Psychology.  Through her education, she cultivated a passion for human connection to natural surroundings in order to promote health and wellness for both. 

Atara pursued a career in architectural sustainability before committing to a career in naturopathic medicine. Since making the change into the natural health field, Atara has worked with Chinese herbal medicines and currently works for Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy. She also has her own herbal tea company, works as a tutor and as a representative for plant-based skin care lines.  Atara is currently in her third year at NUNM, pursuing a degree in Naturopathic Medicine and a Masters in Integrative Research. During her academic career at NUNM, she served as the NMSA Cup Coordinator, President-Elect, and is excited to  support the amazing 2019-2020 NMSA board as President to represent our ND students and further their careers through a variety of programming and events. In her spare time, Atara enjoys all things outdoors, gardening, woodworking and exploring her creativity. 

 

 Tara Jakubek

Chapter President

National University of Health Sciences

Tara is currently in her third year at National University of Health Sciences (NUHS) in the windy suburbs of Chicago.
It was love at first sight when she discovered Naturopathic medicine as the core philosophy of this medicine aligns with her vision of true healing. She has implemented this form of medicine to heal her chronic health conditions and wants to educate along with empower future patients to improve their well-being to achieve optimal vitality and their highest potential. Along with her passion for natural medicine she is currently on her second year of completing her Master of Acupuncture degree. In the future she envisions the integration and use of both western and eastern therapeutic approaches to healing in her practice.

She is excited to be part of the NMSA community and looks forward to supporting students and the growth of this beautiful profession. In her free time she enjoys exploring nature, rollerblading, learning new languages and spending time with friends and family.

 

 Rachelle Jean-Paul

Chapter President

University of Bridgeport School of Naturopathic Medicine

 

Shonanate Temoney

Chapter President

Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine

 

Cristina Rivera

Chapter President

Ana G. Mendez University, Turabo Campus, Puerto Rico

Cristina M. Rivera Rodríguez is a four-year Naturopathic Medicine Student in The School of Naturopathic Medicine of in UAGM of Puerto Rico. She is currently the NMSA Chapter President from UAGM in Puerto Rico. Cristina is a graduate of UPR Cayey Campus in Puerto Rico with a Bachelor degree in Biology. She has a big passion for Naturopathic Medicine at the ability it has to help restore help. She consider herself a true believer of the Healing Power of Nature and want to be a guide for her future patients to achieve help. She wants to help build up more the Naturopathic Medicine profession in Puerto Rico and establish healthy and productive relationships with other health care professionals. 

Cristina has a special interest for global medicine, community medicine, vitalism and mental health. She had collaborated with organizations like NWB and NDI. Cristina is a true Caribbean, proud to have Spanish as her first language, which enjoys the sun, the beaches, the rivers and the forest in the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. Traveling is another of her passions. Dancing, cooking, reading and spending time with family and friends are an important part of her life. 

 

 

 

Stephanie Fogelson

NMSA Executive Director

A passionate advocate for the naturopathic medicine profession, Stephanie Fogelson brings nearly 20 years of business acumen to the NMSA. Her background is in new market entry, revenue development and business strategy in several market sectors including Naturopathic medicine. A personal health setback took her away from a career in aviation and a first introduction to naturopathic medicine. This medicine saved her life and gave her an opportunity to successfully have a family. Taking on the role as the Executive Director for the NMSA is a passion-driven mission for her. She is driven by the opportunity to continuing to discover and connect opportunities to students in accredited naturopathic schools across the United States and Canada.

Izabella Castillo

Administrative Assistant

Izabela joined the NMSA 3 years ago as the Conference Coordinator and has since expanded her role to support the students in a way that allows them to grow in their role. Passionate about the holistic approach to healthcare, Izabela’s involvement with the NMSA is to truly allow these students to lead the way in healthcare and provide a true healing for all.