Speaker Biographies

Our speakers are internationally recognized experts in natural medicine and science, committed to providing world-class, clinically relevant information that can be immediately integrated with existing modalities for a complete holistic approach.

Robert Abell, N.D., L.Ac.

RRobert Abell, N.D., L.Ac., received his Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of Colorado, Boulder in 1985. He received his Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine (NCNM) in 1993 and his Masters in Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine in 1994. Dr. Abell currently practices and resides in Arkansas with his wife Lisa and their daughter Elise.

Mikhael Adams, B.Sc., N.D.

Dr. Adams received his Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in 1981. He practiced for 10 years in Seattle, and is now in private practice in Milton, Ontario. Dr. Adams uses drainage, nutrition, homeopathy, acupuncture and auricular medicine as his primary therapeutic tools. He is the president of the International Association of Auricular and Bioenergetic Medicine, past president of the North American Association of Auricular Medicine and has studied extensively with Dr. Paul Nogier in France. He taught Clinical Pathology at the Northwest Institute of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine from 1987 to 1993 and has been giving workshops internationally on auricular medicine since 1984.

Felice L. Gersh, M.D.

Felice Gersh, M.D., is an award-winning, double board-certified physician, educator, and author, with degrees from Princeton University and Keck USC School of Medicine. She trained as an OB/GYN resident in L.A. before accepting a fellowship in integrative medicine at the University of Arizona School of Medicine, where she currently serves as a member of the Consultative Faculty. She lectures both nationally and internationally, in China, England, the Philippines, Dubai, Oman, Japan, South Africa, India, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. Her first book, “PCOS SOS,” is an Amazon #1 best seller. Her second, “PCOS SOS Fertility Fast Track,” was just recently published. As the medical director of the Integrative Medical Group of Irvine, California, she leads a team of holistic practitioners in the care of women.

Penny Kendall-Reed, N.D.

Dr. Penny Kendall-Reed, N.D., is a naturopathic doctor in Toronto. After graduating from McGill University in Neurobiology, she earned a degree in Naturopathic Medicine from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, where she received the Dr. Allen Tyler Award for Most Outstanding Clinician. Dr. Kendall-Reed is the author of five national best-selling books, and recently released her latest, “Fix Your Genes to Fit Your Jeans,” which she co-authored with her husband, Dr. Stephen Reed. She was voted Naturopath of the Year in 2013, and in 2018 received the “Top Naturopathic Doctor” award in Canada. Dr. Kendall-Reed is the creator of the integrated genetic platform GeneRx.ca. She analyzes and interprets genetic profiles to design personalized health programs for patients worldwide. She is a medical consultant for Pure Encapsulations^® and Douglas Laboratories^® and is a member of the scientific board for PureGenomics^™.

Nigel Plummer, PhD

Nigel Plummer, Ph.D., earned his doctorate in microbial physiology from the University of Surrey in the U.K., and began his career at Pfizer working on the development and manufacture of antibiotics. This commitment to R&D has continued in the academic sphere, as his research group has published more than 100 original scientific papers in the areas of the human microbiome, probiotics, and omega-3 fatty acids. In addition, they have published 24 full human RCTs on the impact of probiotics on many aspects of human physiology and pathology, and this investment in R&D continues to break new ground.

Chris Spooner, B.Sc., N.D.

Dr. Spooner received his B.Sc. in Biology from the University of Victoria and his Naturopathic Degree from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. In 2005 Dr. Spooner completed the first Post-Doctoral Fellow in Environmental Medicine at the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine Environmental Medicine Center of Excellence with Dr. Walter Crinnion. He served as a board member and vice chair of the College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia for 12 years. Currently, Dr Spooner is a KOL with Atrium Innovations. His previous medical advisory board experience includes Qu Biologics, Integra Nutrition, MedReleaf, True Leaf Medicine International, Heritage Cannabis and Pharmacielo.

Dickson Thom, DDS, N.D.

Dr. Thom is one of the founders and medical directors of the American Center for Biological Medicine and the American Center for Alternative Medicine in Scottsdale, Arizona. He is a graduate of the University of Toronto (dentistry) in 1974, the Ontario College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto (N.D.) in 1986, and the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland (N.D.) in 1989. He has been in practice for over 40 years with a primary focus on the management of chronic disease, including autoimmune disease, neurological conditions, gastrointestinal health, and endocrine disorders.

Samuel F. Yanuck, D.C., FACFN, FIAMA

Samuel F. Yanuck, D.C., FACFN, FIAMA, is CEO & director of education at Cogence, LLC, an online functional immunology education company. His clinical practice in Chapel Hill, NC, focuses on functional immunology. He’s also an adjunct assistant professor at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Program on Integrative Medicine.