About
The Naturopathic Students’ Association (NSA) Executive Council is the elected student government representing students at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM). For the first time at CCNM, 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.
2010 - 2011 NSA Executive - Election Results
Thank you to everyone who ran for NSA Executive Positions. The results are posted below. The new executive takes over April 1, 2010. Join us on April 5th at common time for closing ceremonies, and to welcome in the new executive!
NSS President: Mark Fontes
NSU President: Josee Boyer
Chair of Council: Darcie Pawlick
VP Internal: Chelsey Corrigan
VP Academics: Tony Campbell & Maria Shapoval
VP Clinic: Tara Lapointe
Student Advocates: Elaine Lewis & Nicole Daniels
CAND Representative: Marie-Andree Nowlan
OAND Representative: Robin Roeslen
VP Finance: Chris Ford
VP External: Kristi Prince
VP Student Services: Kyla Wright
VP Social: Janna Levanto & Ashley Weber
2009 - 2010 Executive Council
Mark Fontes - NSS President
nsa_nsspresident[at]ndnet.ccnm.edu
The NSS President serves as the official representative of the NSS and student body, provides direction to NSS Committees in execution of their respective mandates, serves as chair of all NSS executive meetings and student assemblies, and is primarily involved in the initiation and creation of events that will build community and promote spirit at CCNM.
Adrian Nasager - NSU President
nsa_nsupresident[at]ndnet.ccnm.edu
As president of the NSU, I support the executive members of the NSU by helping them develop clear, measurable goals and hold them accountable for the responsibilities they take on. I coordinate joint efforts within the council and collaborative efforts with the larger NSA body. I also help the council run smoothly by troubleshooting and resolving issues. Essentially my role is to facilitate conditions to help the NSU executive fulfill in their roles.
Sharon Rutledge - Chair of Council (NSS and NSU)
nsa_cocouncil[at]ndnet.ccnm.edu
The Chair of Council coordinates the activities of the NSS and NSU. They are responsible for creating meeting agendas and chairing all meetings of the NSA. They maintain an up-to-date copy of the constitution and ensure that members are following it. The Chair of Council is responsible for all administrative duties. They oversee NSA elections.
Christi Hartman - VP Internal Communications (NSS and NSU)
nsa[at]ndnet.ccnm.edu
The VP Internal Communications facilitates communication between the NSA and the student body. They oversee publication of the student newspaper "The Vine," coordinate the "Weekly Digest" email, maintain the NSA Events board and website, and take minutes at NSA meetings. My position also involves routing your inquiries to the appropriate NSA members. Email me or find me at CCNM if you have any questions for the NSA, or if you have an event you want to share with the rest of the school. You can also ask me if you want to see NSA meeting minutes or would like to attend an NSA meeting.
Amel Oudhini - Student Governor (NSA)
nsa_sg[at]ndnet.ccnm.edu
It is with great honour that I shall be your Student Governor for 2009! As Student Governor, I am a member of the Board of Governors for INER, the Institute of Naturopathic Education and Research. INER is the non-profit organization under which CCNM and the RSNC run. The Board of Governors is a group of elected NDs and other professionals from the community who provide governance through policy and a continuous review of CCNM and our clinic. My position is critical on this board because I represent the NSA and as such the students' perspective, and I am entitled to voting rights. Therefore, to best serve you, please feel free to approach me should you have any concerns or comments that you feel need to be brought back to the Board. In order to continuously develop our profession we need to remember how much the students' voice matters, so speak up!!
Darcie Pawlick - VP Student Services (NSS)
nsa_sservices[at]ndnet.ccnm.edu
The VP Student Services is a voting executive member, and is responsible for events involving the student body, including clubs and information weeks. Various weeks throughout the school year are committed to information topics, such as Women's and Men's Health Awareness Week, Consciousness Week, Kids n' Teens Week, etc. There are clubs available for all kinds of interests, and students are encouraged to start their own clubs.
Kristi Prince - VP External Communications (NSS)
nsa_external[at]ndnet.ccnm.edu
The VP External Communications facilitates and creates opportunities for CCNM students outside CCNM by maintaining open communications with other health professions and organizations. They assume the role of Chapter President for CCNM in the Naturopathic Medical Students’ Association, in addition to acting as student representative on the Canadian Interprofessional Students’ Network. They ensure CCNM participation in events such as the Ontario Medical Students’ Weekend, MedGames, and Collaborative Health Care conferences, where students are provided with the opportunity to mingle and learn with other medical students. Please feel free to contact me with any suggestions or ideas, either by email or by stopping me in the hall.
Robin Roeslen & Daniela Goode VPs Social (NSS)
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, Grafitti 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!
Chris Ford - VP Finance (NSS)
nsa_finance[at]ndnet.ccnm.edu
The VP Finance takes care of all the financial and accounting duties for the NSA. My job is to ensure that your student fees are going to their proper places. If you have any concerns or questions about the NSA or the financial/accounting role within it, send me an email or drop by the NSA office.
Shahnaz Uddin - VP Academics (NSU)
nsa_academics[at]ndnet.ccnm.edu
I am very excited to be your VP of Academics. I have taken on this role to create a positive and enlightening learning experience at CCNM, and act as a liaison between the faculty, administration, and students. It is very important that students’ needs are heard in building a strong academic foundation. Your concerns and suggestions are very important! If you have any questions please feel free to contact me and I will be more than happy to help you.
Josee Boyer - VP Academics (NSU)
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 Academics representative 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 Academics representative 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.
Lia Sonnenburg - OAND Representative (NSU)
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. Join us for the annual conference this year in Toronto on November 13, 2009 as we host David Suzuki along with several other revered professionals. 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.
Urszula May - Student Advocate (NSU)
nsa_advocate[at]ndnet.ccnm.edu
The Student Advocate is a newly created position for the 2009-2010 year. I see this foundational year for the Student Advocate position as one of listening, learning and developing. As Student Advocate my role will be to ensure the promotion and preservation of the students’ rights at CCNM. I will provide advice, support and representation to students in issues related to academic and clinical disciplines or other student rights matters from the unique perspective of a student. This will include but will not be limited to guiding students through the appeal process. As Student Advocate you can be assured that I will function under a strict policy of confidentiality and that all students will be treated with dignity and respect. Simply put, as your Student Advocate I will provide objective, impartial and confidential assistance to you the students, to help you resolve your problems or point you in the direction of someone who can.
Sarah Goulding - CAND Representative (NSU)
nsa_candrep[at]ndnet.ccnm.edu
The CAND Representative facilitates the acquisition of resources and opportunity 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 in the development of ambassador programs to encourage students to spread their interests in their home towns and to return to these less saturated markets upon graduation.
Martha Grant - VP Clinic (NSU)
nsa_clinic[at]ndnet.ccnm.edu
As VP of Clinical Education, my role is to communicate with those responsible for our clinical education. As your liaison, I am responsible for ensuring open dialogue between the students and the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic Administration, whether you are just beginning your journey at CCNM or nearing the end. Please contact me with any questions or concerns.