President

Dr. Payam Kiani, ND, FABNO is a naturopathic doctor and the founder of Nova Health Integrative Medicine, a naturopathic clinic located in southern Ontario, Canada that uses evidence-informed complementary medicine in its approach to patient care. His clinical focus is naturopathic and integrative oncology for the treatment of individuals diagnosed with cancer, and his goal is to improve quality of life, increase treatment success, and reduce cancer reoccurrences for his patients. He is also the developer of the ND Access Program, a model of care that allows individuals with low income to access naturopathic care that would otherwise not be possible.

Dr. Kiani completed his training as a Fellow of the American Board of Naturopathic Oncology (FABNO) in 2013. He graduated with distinction from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (2005) and prior to that completed his Bachelor of Science degree in biology and psychology from McMaster University (2001).

For nearly a decade he was a member of clinical faculty at CCNM, where he supervised naturopathic interns and residents on various clinical shifts, including those at its Integrative Cancer Centre. He is a frequent public speaker on various health topics and a guest lecturer in the academic program at CCNM. More recently, he has been working with the OncANP Board to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion within the association and the profession at large.

Vice President

My background includes tenure at Cancer Treatment Centers of America, now City of Hope, where I became adept at leading a team, developing programs, and engaging in scientific exchange.  My appointment as the Integrative Liaison for the Prostate Center of Excellence demonstrates my passion to be a part of a team that is driving innovative integrative therapies. 

As the Residency Program Manager at CTCA, I am proud to share that we engaged and inspired residents resulting in a nationally recognized program by which other programs are benchmarked to this day.

Secretary

Dr. Ellen Conte is a naturopathic doctor and clinical researcher with a focus in integrative cancer care. Ellen practices at Halifax Naturopathic Health Centre, and is an associate researcher with the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine and the Patterson Institute for Integrative Oncology Research. Her research evaluates the effects of a complementary and integrative approach to cancer care. Ellen’s work has been published in peer-reviewed medical journals and presented at academic conferences.

Ellen received her degree in biochemistry from the University of Ottawa before obtaining her Doctor of Naturopathy from The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. She then completed a 2-year oncology-focused residency at the Ottawa Integrative Cancer Centre. Ellen is board certified in naturopathic oncology through the American Board of Naturopathic Oncology. Ellen is Chair of the Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physician’s Research Committee and is a member of the editorial review board for the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors Journal. She is a member of the Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians and Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors, is registered in good standing with the Nova Scotia Association of Naturopathic Doctors and the College of Naturopaths of Ontario, and is a Fellow of the American Board of Naturopathic Oncology.

Ellen lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia with her husband and daughter.

Treasurer

Zachary O. Kadro, ND, MPH, is a naturopathic physician and staff scientist at Fred Hutch Cancer Center in Seattle, Washington, in the Division of Supportive Care’s Integrative Medicine Program and the Division of Public Health Sciences’ Cancer Prevention Program. Dr. Kadro is a member of the University of Washington Physicians group and a teaching associate at the University of Washington School of Medicine in the Department of Medical Oncology. Dr. Kadro holds a Bachelor’s in General Studies from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, a Master’s in Public Health from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree from Bastyr University, Seattle, WA.

Director

Lise Alschuler, ND, FABNO is a Professor of Clinical Medicine at the University of Arizona where she is the Associate Director of the Fellowship in Integrative Medicine at the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine. She received her undergraduate degree from Brown University, Providence RI in 1988. Dr. Alschuler obtained her naturopathic medical degree from Bastyr University in Seattle WA in 1994 where she completed her residency in general naturopathic medicine the following year. She is board certified in naturopathic oncology and practices naturopathic oncology out of Naturopathic Specialists, LLC. Dr. Alschuler is past-President of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and a founding board member, Past-President and current Board member of the Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians. Since 2010, Dr. Alschuler has co-hosted a weekly podcast, Five to Thrive Live!. She has been an invited speaker to more than 200 scientific/medical conferences, has authored numerous articles and book chapters, and has been an investigator on several research studies. Dr. Alschuler has co-authored two books, Definitive Guide to Cancer, now in its 3rd edition, and Definitive Guide to Thriving After Cancer. She envisions a world where all individuals with disease are offered personalized integrative care and are empowered to live exuberant and meaningful lives. Dr. Alschuler calls Tucson, AZ home.

Director

After obtaining my medical degree and moving back home to Toronto, I discovered Naturopathic Medicine and fell in love with the practice and principles of Naturopathy. In becoming a Naturopathic Doctor, I obtained a real appreciation for the connection I was able to make with patients, while helping them obtain their health goals.

After graduating from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) and being accepted into the CCNM Clinical Residency Program, I became CCNM's first Oncology Focused Resident.

It was during that time I learned how to integrate natural therapies with conventional cancer treatments, while working with various oncologists at Sunnybrook, Markham Stouffville, and Stronach Regional Cancer Centre at Southlake hospitals.

Director

Founder of Nolia Naturopathic Medicine, Dr. LaDeana Jeane began her integrative practice with the intention to have a greater impact on the health and well-being of her patients. With over a decade of experience, Dr. Jeane leads with a holistic approach, combining the best of naturopathic and conventional medicine to care for her patients and guide them toward better health outcomes. 

Her key areas of expertise include naturopathic oncology and supporting those who are navigating health challenges related to their diagnosis or treatments. In particular, she focuses on treating cancer patients undergoing surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, as well as helps them recover from treatment and reduce their risk of recurrence. Her background and training offer a unique perspective on women’s specific healthcare needs throughout all phases of cancer survivorship.

Director

Dr. Heidi Lucas is Naturopathic Doctor specializing in integrative cancer care for the past 20 years. She combines conventional and natural medicine to provide personalized treatment plans to heal from the side effects of treatments, enhance treatment outcomes, strengthen the body, improve quality of life, and enhance overall health.

Dr. Lucas provides consultations for cancer patients and their families in all stages of cancer from recent diagnosis and active treatment to the maintenance phase, as well as those with a strong family history of cancer. 

Many of her cancer patients continue in her care for ongoing family medicine concerns as Dr. Lucas is known for her depth as a clinician and her commitment to patients’ lifelong wellness.

Director

Dr. Heather Wright ND FABNO is a graduate of Bastyr University (’05) and is the President of the Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians (OncANP). She currently works with oncology patients, is a lecturer and writer, and a consultant for integrative oncology research projects. Dr. Wright brings several years of executive board work as immediate past vice-President of the OncANP and 12 years of hospital-based naturopathic oncology care to her current role. Dr. Wright also has specialized training in the management of pancreatic cancer and in cancer research. She has co-authored several clinical trials to assess the benefit of natural approaches combined with conventional cancer treatment. During her pre-medical studies, Dr. Wright worked in the Harvard Mallinckrodt Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry Laboratory as lab manager and research assistant to Dr. James Wang, who identified topoisomerases. After graduation from Bastyr, Dr. Wright worked in her hometown hospital and cancer center in upstate NY and subsequently in a cancer treatment hospital in Pennsylvania. Dr. Wright now sees patients in Philadelphia, PA and is owner at Goodapplewellness.com.

Dr. Wright is also currently a Research Director for KNOWoncology.org, a database that educates on integrative oncology research and offers naturopathic oncology support literature. Dr. Wright is passionate about educating patients and clinicians on evidence-based, natural therapies in cancer care with a focus toward improving quality of life and outcomes. She believes in a health care model that honors patient choice to utilize integrative care and works collaboratively with providers to achieve that.