FACULTY

Amy Jo Howard, C.H., C.N., N.D., is a graduate of the Naturopathic Institute of Therapies and Education as a Certified Naturopath and a Certified Homeopath. She also has a Bachelor of Science from Central Michigan University in English. Her love for communication, people and natural healing led her to formally study the field of natural health. Amy enjoys specializing in Reflexology, CranioSacral Therapy, Homeopathy, and Colon Hydrotherapy. A good listener and knowledgeable instructor, Amy teaches students how to blend such qualities to enhance skills in this field.

Bessheen Baker, N.D.,the Director of Education and Founder of NITE, has a Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Michigan University and a Doctor of Naturopathy. Her areas of interest include Iridology, Sclerology, Kinesiology, Nutrition, Herbology, Homeopathy, Essential Oils and Meridian Body Work. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience in the field, Bessheen is in high demand as a motivational speaker and has spoken throughout the country on natural health. She brings a lot of energy and humor into the classroom and always finds a way to fit more into your brain than you thought possible!

Beth Bailey Barbeau, B.S., is a Traditional Midwife, Master Childbirth Educator and Resonance Repatterning Practitioner with a Bachelor of Science degree from Antioch College. Beth’s passion for birth spans nearly 30 years and includes midwifing homebirths, attending hospital births in the role of doula and monitrice, and teaching at all levels, from college students to expectant parents and medical professionals, on related topics including infant care and breastfeeding. Beth brings her wonderfully engaging and lively teaching style to the Magic and Anatomy of Birth I & II.

Diane Sack, N.T.E., N.D., graduated from NITE as a Naturopathic Therapist and Educator and is a Doctor of Naturopathy. Diane has a love for healing and also for decorating. She was led to a very special mentor/teacher, Minnie Kansman, who received her Feng Shui training directly from Professor Lin Yun, world renowned author and Feng Shui Master from China. Professor Lin realized that there was a need for a school addressing the needs of modern man and his lifestyles. The principle focus of this school is that intention is the most powerful tool a person can use to redirect chi (energy) in their environment and life. Diane will show you how much fun and how easy it is to bring this ancient 6,000-year-old art of harmony, healing, and prosperity into your life, and, more importantly, to understand how it affects health.

Heather Dexter, N.H.T., Doula, graduated from NITE as a Natural Health Therapist as well as a Holistic Doula. She is currently enrolled in the 4th year Naturopathy program at NITE and will be a Certified Naturopath in August. She is a Certified Bradley Method Instructor for Natural Childbirth Education, a Certified Reiki Master/Practitioner, and Placental Encapsulator. Heather teaches Naturopathy for the Childbearing Year for the Holistic Doula Program. Heather also has a Master of Science in Agriscience and Natural Resources Education and Extension from Michigan State University. Heather enjoys educating couples on deciding what is best for them in their pregnancy, birth, and parenting experience by making well-researched decisions. She also enjoys working with those training to become Doulas to be better prepared to assist their clients.

Jackie Featherly, DIHOM, C.N., N.D., graduated from the prestigious British Institute of Homeopathy in Canada in 1998, is a Fellow of the British Institute of Homeopathy and is presently doing post grad studies. Jackie received her certificate in homeopathy from the National Center for Homeopathy at Johns Hopkins University in 1996. She is also a graduate of NITE as a Certified Naturopath, 2002. Jackie has taught study groups for the National Center for Homeopathy since 1988. She has used homeopathy and studied with world-famous homeopaths for 26 years. She delivers a wealth of information in a systematic way to help students use homeopathy to combat acute and chronic problems—intensive, but fun!

Kathryn Doran-Fisher, C.N., N.D., received her training from NITE and has been practicing in the field of natural health since 2005. Most recently she trained with world renowned author and practitioner, Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride to become a Certified GAPS Practitioner for dealing with the connection between gut health and our mental/physical ailments. Kathryn is an avid researcher and has a deep commitment to a multi-generational approach to healing that inspires and encourages a fundamental transformation in lifestyle and dietary habits. Her special areas of interest include nutrient-dense foods, herbs, and probiotics to support the body’s innate healing potential against gut dysbiois, digestive disorders, intestinal imbalances, and food sensitivities. An honest seeker of the knowledge from midwives, herbalists, and the wise-women traditions that have sustained us through the ages, she integrates this wisdom into Biology; Conception, Childbirth and Childhood; and the Live Food and Healthy Eating courses. Kathryn currently sees clients at Elder & Sage, her herb and natural remedy shop in Grand Rapids, MI where she lives with her husband, Ryan, and their three children.

Laura Johnson, M.T., is a graduate of NITE as a Therapeutic Bodywork Practitioner. She has extended her education to include Muscle Release Technique, specialized chair massage and additional advanced techniques. Laura has had her own massage therapy practice since the late 1990s and has built a strong clientele in eastern Michigan. Students enjoy the extra techniques that she shares from her years of experience.

Nancy Fodor, C.N., N.D., graduated from NITE with a diploma as a Certified Naturopath. She is also a Certified Natural Health Practitioner who has over 20 years experience in natural health. Nancy, who is also a Certified Colon Hydrotherapist, studied iridology under Dr. Bernard Jensen and has spent time at the Optimum Health Institute learning maximum health benefits. Nancy teaches our Live Food Class. Being a “farm gal” and raising 4 children, she has the ability to have several things going at the same time (which is very helpful when doing Live Food presentations). Down-to-earth, friendly and helpful are only a few ways people describe Nancy.

Nia-Avelina Aguirre, C.N., N.D., W.M.M., is a graduate of NITE. Her childhood inspirations included Eulle Gibbons (the wild herb guy), Paul Bragg, and Jack La Lanne. She has been in the natural health, fitness and wellness profession since 1983 and is always inspired to learn more. She holds degrees in Exercise Science and Sports Medicine from Eastern Michigan University; took classes from the naturopathic Bastyr University; is a certified Wholistic Manual Medicine Practitioner; and holds numerous certificates in energy therapies and in the movement arts. She currently sees clients at her offices in Ann Arbor and Chelsea.

Michelle Barber, M.T., C.N., N.D., is a graduate of the Naturopathic Institute of Therapies and Education as a Therapeutic Bodywork Practitioner and Certified Naturopath. Michelle has had a lifelong love for education; after five years of university studies she found her true calling at NITE. The field of Naturopathy combines all of Michelle’s passions including health, nutrition, fitness, and a love of learning. As an instructor at NITE, she is excited about helping others learn to live their best life.

Nicole Paquin, C.N., N.D., is a graduate of NITE. She also has a degree in social psychology and psychology from Western Michigan University. Her interests include teaching Vaccines and Environmental Poisons and Environmental Poisons II. Nicole is devoted to helping her students understand all aspects of naturopathy and how they combine into physical and emotional health.

Jill Matson, is an author, artist, musician and widely recognized expert and composer in the emerging field of Sound Healing. She has written four books and produced six CD’s that combine intricate Sound Healing techniques with her original Award winning musical compositions. The CD’s use ancient & modern techniques – with sound energy & special healing frequencies to achieve profound benefits.

Suzy Sikora, N.D., is a certified traditional Naturopathic Doctor, Consulting Hypnotist, eclectic herbalist, and owner of Sustainably Well, LLC.  She is a graduate of the University of Michigan-Flint, in addition to Naturopathic Institute of Therapies and Education. She teaches both private and free public classes on a variety of health and healing topics throughout the year at the Flint Farmer’s Market, and conducts a four-month introduction to herbal medicine program each year. She provides private consultation at her office in the historic Paterson Building in downtown Flint.

Barbara Nurenburg, C.N., N.D., received her certification as a Naturopathic Doctor from the NITE. She attended Blue Heron Academy, where she received her National Certification as a Medical Massage Therapist as well as completing and receiving her certification as a Holistic Health Practitioner. Barbara’s passion lies in educating herself and empowering others to learn how to allow the body to heal itself using natural means through the Holistic approach. She applies her years of education and training and believes in educating each person as an individual, designing a specific plan unique to them.

Christina Roy, M.T., N.H.T., has been practicing massage therapy and studying natural health for over 15 years. She began teaching classes on natural health including Young Living essential oils and Nature Sunshine products at the age of 17 and has continued her passion for teaching by joining the Naturopathic Institute in 2014 as the Bodywork Instructor for the Naturopathic Program. For the past 14 years, Christina has owned and operated Hands on Health ~ Massage & Wellness in Farmington Hills, MI. She is currently a 3rd year student at NITE and is scheduled to receive her Doctor of Naturopathy Diploma in February of 2016. Her energy is contagious and her passion for teaching massage and bodywork is second to none. You will feel her joy and love for this field in each class you have with her.

Sarah Mokma, N.H.P., has earned her Natural Health Therapist certification from NITE and is currently finishing the 4th year program to be a Certified Naturopath. She has also been trained in the Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy which is an ancient healing technique from Belize that enhances fertility, digestion and reproductive health. Also trained as a Reiki Practitioner, Sarah loves teaching about the body’s energy system and the many ways to support it. Her general love for communication, learning, and people inspire her teaching both at NITE and in her daily work with clients and the community. Sarah hopes to inspire and empower each student and client on their journey as NITE has inspired and empowered her.