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.
2010 - 2011 NSA Executive Council
Back Row: Mark Fontes, Kristi Prince, Chris Ford, Darcie Pawlick, Amel Oudhini, Robin Roeslen, Tony Campbell, Kyla Wright, Janna Levanto, Ashely Weber
Front Row: Josee Boyer, Maria Shapoval, Marie-Andree Nowlan, Tara Lapointe, Chelsey Corrigan, Elaine Lewis, Nicole Daniels
NSS President - Mark Fontes
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. I am also in constant contact with the NSU President to direct NSA activities, as well as with student services, faculty and academic administration when needed.
NSU President - Josee Boyer
nsa_nsupresident[at]ndnet.ccnm.edu
The president of the NSU supports the executive members of the NSU by helping them develop clear, measurable goals and holding them accountable for the responsibilities they take on. Also, coordinating joint efforts with the NSS as well as collaborative efforts with the larger NSA body is a priority. The position helps the council run smoothly by troubleshooting and resolving issues. Essentially, the role of the NSU president is to facilitate the executive members endeavors in fulfilling their roles.
Chair of Council (NSS & NSU) - Darcie Pawlick
nsa_cocouncil[at]ndnet.ccnm.edu
The Chair of Council coordinates the activities of the NSS and NSU. I am responsible for creating meeting agendas and chairing all meetings of the NSA. I also maintain an up-to-date copy of the constitution and ensure that all members are following it. The Chair of Council is responsible for all administrative duties and oversees NSA elections and changeover.
VP Internal Communications (NSS & NSU) - Chelsey Corrigan
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, update the NSA website and take minutes at all NSA meetings. It’s 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 want to share with fellow CCNM students!!
Student Governor (NSU) - Amel Oudhini
nsa_sg[at]ndnet.ccnm.edu
Third time's a charm...I just cannot seem to get enough!! As Student Governor, I am the student representative and member of the Board of Governors. Our Board consists of both NDs and a number of diverse professionals elected by the Institute of Naturopathic Education and Research (INER). INER oversees CCNM and the RSNC. As such, the Board holds a responsibility to the school, the clinic and the profession. It is an honour to sit on the Board and represent the students. As part of this year's new initiatives, the Student Governor now meets with students from all four years in November and May to present to the Board a snapshot of the pulse of CCNM and its students. The purpose is to convey to the Board how its major stakeholders are doing and just where attention needs to be placed. Therefore, to best serve you, please feel free to contact me regarding any comments or concerns that you feel should be brought back to the Board. By working together, we can all help to drive this school, its education and the profession to greater levels. Always remember: your voice matters...
VP Academics (NSU) - Maria Shapoval & Tony Campbell
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.
VP Clinic (NSU) - Tara Lapointe
nsa_clinic[at]ndnet.ccnm.edu
I am very honored to be your VP of Clinical Education for 2010-2011. 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. Please feel free contact me with any concerns, questions or comments you may have with regards to our clinical education, I will be more than happy to help you.
Student Advocates (NSU) - Elaine Lewis & 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. We are eager to build on the progress made thus far by evaluating the unique concerns of students and implementing the strategies that can efficiently address them. As your Student Advocates this year, we will provide counsel and representation to students when issues arise within the academic and clinical disciplines. 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. We encourage students to contact us for advice or support and we look forward to mediating any pertinent issues to our best capacity.
CAND Representative (NSU) - Marie-Andree Nowlan
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) - Robin Roeslen
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) - Chris Ford
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.
VP External Communications (NSS) - Kristi Prince
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. They assume the role of President on the Interprofessional Education Council, in addition to acting as student representative on the Canadian Interprofessional Students’ Network. They ensure the participation of CCNM in events such as the Ontario Medical Students’ Weekend, Med Games, 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.
VP Student Services (NSS) - Kyla Wright
nsa_sservices[at]ndnet.ccnm.edu
I am excited at the opportunity to fulfill the position of VP Student Services for the 2010-2011 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.
VP Social (NSS) - Janna Levanto & Ashley Weber
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!
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2009 - 2010 Executive Council (Past)
Mark Fontes - NSS President
Adrian Nasager - NSU President
Sharon Rutledge - Chair of Council (NSS and NSU)
Christi Hartman - VP Internal Communications (NSS and NSU)
Amel Oudhini - Student Governor (NSU)
Darcie Pawlick - VP Student Services (NSS)
Kristi Prince - VP External Communications (NSS)
Robin Roeslen & Daniela Goode VPs Social (NSS)
Chris Ford - VP Finance (NSS)
Shahnaz Uddin - VP Academics (NSU)
Josee Boyer - VP Academics (NSU)
Lia Sonnenburg - OAND Representative (NSU)
Urszula May - Student Advocate (NSU)
Sarah Goulding - CAND Representative (NSU)
Martha Grant - VP Clinic (NSU)