About

The Naturopathic Students’ Association (NSA) Executive Council is the elected student government representing students at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM). Since 2009, the NSA has been subdivided into the Naturopathic Students’ Society (NSS) and the Naturopathic Students’ Union (NSU), each with their respective presidents and executive council. Forming two groups within the NSA allows the organization to be more focused, effective, and efficient. The NSS is directly responsible for initiating and directing activities that promote spirit and student involvement at CCNM. The NSS represents students in matters regarding extracurricular services provided by CCNM and their affiliates, and will communicate and build relationships with other schools and student bodies. The NSU exists to represent the interests and concerns of CCNM students regarding their academic and clinical education. The NSU represents the students of CCNM in the provincial and federal associations, and, through these associations, represents students in legislation affecting the profession.

2011 - 2012 NSA Executive Council

Back Row: Andrew Krause, Lauren Hungler, Greg Sikorski, Andrea Quirion, Ashley Weber, Erin Wiebe
Middle Row: Elaine Lewis, Ann-Scarlett Cooper, Kristi Prince, Katie Smith, Julie McClure
Front Row: Chelsey Corrigan, Alison Chen, Anthony Gucciardi, Destiny Spurrell

NSS President - Kristi Prince

nsa_nsspresident[at]ndnet.ccnm.edu

The NSS President serves as the official representative of the Naturopathic Student‘s Society (NSS) and the student body.  I provide direction to all NSS committees in the execution of their respective mandates, and serve as the chair of all student assemblies.  I am involved primarily in the initiation and creation of events that encourage interprofessional education, build community, and promote spirit at CCNM.  I am also in constant contact with the NSU President to direct NSA activities, as well as with student services, faculty, and academic administration. 

NSU President - Elaine Lewis

nsa_nsupresident[at]ndnet.ccnm.edu

The NSU President serves to support the executive members of the NSU in effectively representing the student body. The fundamental priority is the advocacy and attention to student concerns by ensuring that the student voice is well represented by each position on the NSU. I am in constant communication with the NSS, Administration, Student Services and Faculty in order to facilitate student activities and maintain transparency at every level. I am confident that the elected NSU will continue to prioritize the evolving needs of students and implement strategies to keep students engaged and unified. I look forward to a fulfilling and inspired year!

Chair of Council (NSS & NSU) - Lauren Hungler

nsa_cocouncil[at]ndnet.ccnm.edu

The Chair of Council coordinates all activities between the two branches of the NSA; the NSS and NSU. The responsibilities of Chair of Council are to establish meeting agendas, perform administrative duties, chair each meeting and create effective communication between the NSA. In addition, the role of Chair of Council is to maintain an up-to-date copy of the constitution as well as oversee the NSA elections and changeover.

VP Internal Communications (NSS & NSU) - Ann-Scarlett Cooper

nsa[at]ndnet.ccnm.edu

The VP Internal Communications facilitates communication between the NSA and the student body.  I notify students of upcoming events using the NSA forum on Moodle, coordinate the “Weekly Digest”, oversee publication of the student newspaper “The Vine”, maintain the NSA events board, and update the NSA website.  It is my responsibility to route your inquiries to the appropriate NSA member.  Please email me or find me in the halls if you have any questions, or if you have an event you would like to share with your fellow CCNM students!

VP Internal Communications - Vine (NSS & NSU) - Kaylee Alton

nsa_vine[at]ndnet.ccnm.edu

The Vine has been a growing asset to creating community at CCNM. This year we've added this new position to the NSA to help with communication within the school. My role as VP Internal Communications will be to attend all meetings for the NSS and NSU, take minutes and advocate for the events and happenings within the school to be advertised in the Vine. I oversee the Vine and its publication both in print and on the NSA website. The Vine is a medium to share student-run events or interests about naturopathic medicine and our school community. We encourage students to write articles on topics that have intrigued them or events they are holding. If you have something you'd like to publish in the Vine, email our editor. If you have any questions about how it is put together or policies surrounding the Vine, feel free to contact me. 

Student Governor (NSU) - Laura Brown

nsa_sg[at]ndnet.ccnm.edu

As Student Governor, I am the student representative and a voting member of the Board of Governors (“the Board”). Our Board consists of both naturopathic doctors and a diverse group of professionals that have been elected by the Institute of Naturopathic Education and Research (INER – which oversees CCNM and the RSNC). The Board has a responsibility to the school, the clinic and the profession and is actively involved in establishing the strategic direction of all three. It is an honour to sit on the Board and to represent the students at CCNM. As part of the Board’s new initiatives, I will be meeting with students from all four years in May and November to determine how the school’s major stakeholders are feeling about their education, training and overall experience so that new and outstanding issues can be presented to and addressed by the Board. As Student Governor, my goal is to provide a strong voice for you; thus, I welcome your comments, concerns and/or suggestions regarding topics and issues that you view to be important. I look forward to working with you and believe that together, we can reach new and great heights with our school, our education & training and the naturopathic profession at large. Your voice matters.

VP Academics (NSU) - Andrea Quirion & Katie Smith

nsa_academics[at]ndnet.ccnm.edu

It is the responsibility of VP Academics to oversee the academic experience of students throughout their four years at CCNM. Your VP Academic representatives meet regularly with the four Associate Deans (Curriculum, Delivery, Clinical Education, and Operations and Residency) along with your class reps to discuss any concerns which students may have. VP Academics will then assess the concerns from a global four-year perspective and outline potential changes for discussion. They represent the student body at large by serving as a liaison between students and faculty/administrative staff. Please feel free to approach your VP Academic representatives for any of the following: concerns regarding learning objectives and outcomes, delivery of course material, and suggestions and comments regarding any aspects of a specific course or educational experience at CCNM.  Please don’t hesitate to approach us in the halls, or just send us an e-mail if there are any issues you would like us to bring to faculty and admin.

VP Clinic (NSU) - Ashley Weber

nsa_clinic[at]ndnet.ccnm.edu

I am honored to be your VP of Clinical Education for 2011-2012. As VP Clinic my role is to communicate with those responsible for our clinical education. I am here to ensure open dialogue between students of all years and the Robert Shad Naturopathic Clinic administration and faculty, and ensure your clinical education at CCNM is the best it can be. Please feel free contact me with any concerns, questions or comments you may have with regards to our clinical education!

Student Advocate (NSU) - Nicole Daniels

nsa_advocate[at]ndnet.ccnm.edu

The Student Advocate position was created in 2009 to serve the unique purpose of defending and promoting the rights of CCNM students. As the Student Advocate, I can provide counsel and representation to students when issues arise within the academic and clinical disciplines. This ranges from providing advice for individuals with school related issues to helping students file informal/formal appeals and supporting students through the appeal process.  Students can be assured that all shared information will be kept within strict confidentiality, and that a respectful, unbiased and judgment-free environment will be maintained. I encourage students to contact me for advice or support in regards to any issues they may have, and am happy to address any questions/concerns (feel free to either email me or even stop me in the halls!).

CAND Representative (NSU) - Chelsey Corrigan

nsa_candrep[at]ndnet.ccnm.edu
 

The CAND Representative facilitates the acquisition of resources and opportunities for CCNM students including online databases, active and more extensive preceptor lists, bursaries towards attending the CAND biannual conference, and other educational seminars. They aid in the dispersal of naturopathic medicine across Canada and encourage and help students to spread their interests to less saturated markets upon graduation.

OAND Representative (NSU) - Destiny Spurrell

nsa_oandrep[at]ndnet.ccnm.edu

The Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors (OAND) is the voice and resource for NDs. Working closely with other provinces and the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND), the OAND is a results-based association that supports naturopathic doctors as valued partners in the health care system. The OAND is the backbone in the advancement of provincial regulations and legislation, making it a very exciting time to be joining such a fantastic profession. Membership in these provincial and federal associations is what drives change and also offers considerable benefit to the working ND through marketing, seminars, administration and conferences.  It is my pleasure to represent the OAND in the NSA this year and I will work to keep the lines of communication open as well as integrating innovative ideas to link the students with the OAND, thus offering more experiences for the students. Now is the time for us to shine as NDs and the OAND offers us a collective, organized, and passionate forum to professionally push and achieve change.

VP Finance (NSS) - Greg Sikorski

nsa_finance[at]ndnet.ccnm.edu

 

If I had a million dollars, we wouldn’t walk to the store

If I had a million dollars, we’d take a limousine cause it costs more

If I had a million dollars, we wouldn’t have to eat Kraft dinner

…But we would eat Kraft dinner...just wheat free and buy really expensive ketchup... fanciest ORGANIC ketchup!! MMMMmmm MMmmmm-MMmmmm

 

The VP finance doesn't just sing songs, I also take care of the NSA finances and accounting tasks. I help make sure your NSA student fees are going to the right places. Feel free to contact me about the NSA or accounting/financing part within it.  

VP External Communications (NSS) - Andrew Krause

nsa_external[at]ndnet.ccnm.edu

The VP External Communications facilitates and creates opportunities for CCNM students outside the College itself, by maintaining open communications with other health professions and organizations. I ensure the participation of CCNM in events such as the Ontario Medical Students’ Weekend, Med Games, and Collaborative Health Care conferences, where students have the opportunity to mingle and interact with other medical students in social and scholastic settings.  Feel free to contact me with any suggestions or ideas, either by email or by stopping me in the hall.

VP Student Services (NSS) - Erin Wiebe

nsa_sservices[at]ndnet.ccnm.edu

I am excited at the opportunity to fulfill the position of VP Student Services for the 2011-2012 academic year and feel honored to fulfill a role as a mediator between the students and the Department of Student Services. The upcoming year is full of exciting prospects providing the opportunity to engage and empower the CCNM community. I hope to foster the growth of our dynamic community through events led by students for students. These events include the bi-annual book auction where students are able to sell/share previously used resources and a biannual Clubs Week where over 20 student-led clubs are displayed and give students a chance to get involved.   Additionally, throughout the year entire weeks will be hosted by volunteer student leaders and devoted to a theme of particular interest within our student body including Sexual Health Awareness, Consciousness, Environment & Sustainability, Kids & Teens Health, Mental Health Awareness, Men’s Health, Women’s Health, International Awareness and Interprofessionalism. If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me or stop me in the halls. 

VPs Social (NSS) - Anthony Gucciardi & Alison Chen

nsa_social[at]ndnet.ccnm.edu

The VP Social position is shared by two students whose goal is to help foster a sense of community within CCNM. Together we coordinate much anticipated annual events such as Unity Summit, Graffiti Pub, and Formal, as well as smaller events in an effort to nurture a sense of spirit and identity within the school. Our aim is not only to provide programming that is memorable and stress-reducing, but ultimately to develop a collaborative and exciting atmosphere which will carry forward into the profession. If you have any ideas, comments or questions, please feel free to approach or contact us!

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2010 - 2011 Executive Council (Past)

 Mark Fontes - NSS President

Josee Boyer - NSU President

Darcie Pawlick - Chair of Council (NSS and NSU)

Chelsey Corrigan - VP Internal Communications (NSS and NSU)

Julie McClure - Student Governor (NSU)

Kyla Wright - VP Student Services (NSS)

Kristi Prince - VP External Communications (NSS)

Ashley Weber & Lauren Hungler - VPs Social (NSS)

Chris Ford - VP Finance (NSS)

Maria Shapoval & Jen McDowell - VP Academics (NSU)

Robin Roeslen - OAND Representative (NSU)

Elaine Lewis & Nicole Daniels - Student Advocates (NSU)

Marie-Andree Nowlan - CAND Representative (NSU)

Tara Lapointe - VP Clinic (NSU)