Speaker Bios
Dr. Michelle Peris N.D
Dr. Peris is a naturopathic doctor (ND), community builder, speaker, women’s empowerment advocate and mother. Michelle is the clinic director of The Poppy Clinic, a integrative medical clinic that grew to include 8 practitioners in one year. Michelle is also the creator of the wildly popular community health initiative, Rebel Tribe.
Michelle maintains a private practice in the city of Oakville, while also dedicating her time on cultivating a community health programs aimed at health education and women’s empowerment. She believes that connection is essential for optimal health and living a vibrant life. She is passionate about helping women of all ages and life stages how to listen to their bodies and tune into the wisdom inside, helping them create a life that feels good to live, with energy and passion that had been long forgotten.
As an ND, Michelle is immensely passionate about helping women (and their families) become their own best health advocate and believes that empowered, health conscious individuals can achieve a superior quality of life. Michelle graduated from both the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) as well as the University of Calgary, where she received an Bachelor of Arts degree in kinesiology with a minor in contemporary dance.
As a clinician, Michelle’s focus is on women and children, hormone health, and digestion. She is the proud creator of Dr. Mom ND, an online resource for health conscious moms and their natural babies.
When Michelle is not working through health concerns with her patients, you’ll find her sipping bulletproof coffee, hanging out with her tribe which includes her super cool husband, playing with her two young kids, or staying up entirely too late with her husband and a few goofy pets.
Dr. Jill Carnahan, MDABFM, ABIHM, IFMCP
Dr. Carnahan completed her residency at the University of Illinois Program in Family Medicine at Methodist Medical Center. In 2006 she was voted by faculty to receive the Resident Teacher of the Year award and elected to Central Illinois 40 Leaders Under 40. She received her medical degree from Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine in Chicago and her Bachelor of Science degree in Bio-Engineering at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. She is dually board-certified in Family Medicine (ABFM) and Integrative Holistic Medicine (ABIHM).
Dr. Jill was also part of the first 100+ health-care practitioners to be certified in Functional Medicine through the Institute of Functional Medicine (IFMCP). Following residency Dr. Carnahan’s vision for health and healing resulted in the creation of Methodist Center for Integrative Medicine in Peoria, IL where she served as the Medical Director for 4 years. In 2010, she founded Flatiron Functional Medicine in Boulder, Colorado where she has a widely sought after medical clinic with a broad range of service including medical and nutritional consultations, and massage therapy.
Dr. Jill is a 17-year survivor of breast cancer and Crohn’s disease and passionate about teaching patients how to “live well” and thrive in the midst of complex and chronic illness. She is also committed to teaching other physicians how to address underlying cause of illness rather than just treating symptoms through the principles of functional medicine. She is a prolific writer, speaker, and loves to infuse others with her passion for health and healing!
Dr. Carnahan will be lecturing on Toxic Overload from Within: LPS Endotoxemia is a bigger threat than you think
Dr. Carrie Jones, ND, MPH
Dr. Carrie Jones is an internationally recognized speaker, consultant, and educator on the topic of women’s health and hormones. She graduated from the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM), School of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon where she also completed her 2-year residency in women’s health, hormones and endocrinology. Later she graduated from Grand Canyon University’s Master of Public Health program with a goal of doing more international education. She was adjunct faculty for many years at NUNM teaching gynecology and advanced endocrinology/fertility and has been the Medical Director for 2 large integrative clinics in Portland. She is the Medical Director for Precision Analytical, Inc, creators of the DUTCH hormone test.
Dr. Carrie Jones will be lecturing on Understanding the Complexity of Estrogen Detoxification: How Genetics, the Liver, and the Microbiome Come Together and Got Anxiety? How your HPA Axis, Endocannabinoid System, Neurotransmitters and SNPs are Stressing You Out.
Dr. Peter Jones, PhD
Peter J. Jones holds a Canada Research Chair in Functional Foods and Nutrition and the University of Manitoba, where, as of 2005, he serves as Director of the Richardson Centre for Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals. Dr. Jones is a full professor in the departments of Food Science, and Human Nutritional Sciences. Before 2005, he was a professor at McGill University serving as Director of the School of Dietetics and Human Nutrition from 1994-1999.
Dr. Jones has previously served as President of the Danone Institute in Canada and a Vice-President of the Danone Institute for Nutrition based in Paris. He also has served as Chairman of the Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals Board of the Vancouver-based Forbes Medi-tech group. Dr. Jones also has sat on the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, World Health Organization, and United Nations University (FAO/WHO/UNU) Expert Consultant Panel for Energy and Protein Requirements in Human Nutrition.
Dr. Jones' research interests cover cholesterol, fat, energy metabolism and Nutrigenetics. He has applied novel stable isotope methodologies to examine the response of these areas of metabolism to dietary intervention. His research group has been active in exploring the dietary determinants which control cholesterol biosynthesis absorption, and turnover in humans, as well as how plant sterols act in functional foods as cholesterol-lowering agents. Other areas of research have included re-establishing energy needs in sub-groups of the Canadian population and exploring which fats confer optimal health during weight reducing diets. Dr. Jones has published over 300 peer-reviewed research articles and reviews in international journals, as well as chapters in leading nutrition textbooks.
Dr. Barbara Weiss, HBBA, ND
Dr. Barbara Weiss, ND is a graduate of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (2006) and a Certified Bowen Therapist. In addition to her private practice at the Port Hope Health Centre, Barbara is a medical consultant for Nutritional Fundamentals for Health and a Director for the Northumberland Community Health Centre (formerly Port Hope CHC).
Barbara is active in the Naturopathic community having served as the Chair of the Board of Governors for the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM). She currently serves as a member of the Program Advisory Committee for CCNM and is a Director for the Ottawa Integrative Cancer Centre Foundation. She is committed to projects aimed at advancing the profession.
Dr. Barbara Weiss’ clinical focus is on gastrointestinal conditions, liver disorders, hormonal issues and healthy aging. Having been diagnosed herself with AI liver disease in 2002 she has been passionate about increasing the awareness, understanding and importance of being proactive when it comes to liver health.
She is a regular speaker for the Canadian Liver Foundation and has been featured in Best Health Magazine, The Globe & Mail and Canadian Healthcare Network – the online journal for The Medical Post and Canadian Healthcare Manager.
Dr. William Shaw, Ph.D
Dr. Shaw received his Ph.D. in biochemistry and human physiology from the Medical University of South Carolina and is board certified in clinical chemistry and toxicology. Dr. Shaw has supervised large endocrinology, nutritional biochemistry, toxicology, and immunology departments in positions at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Smith Kline Laboratories. As the Director of The Great Plains Laboratory, Inc. in Lenexa, Kansas, he specializes in providing diagnostic tools aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders, mitochondrial disorders, neurological diseases, chronic health issues, and immune diseases.
SPEAKING HISTORY
William Shaw, Ph.D., is a frequent speaker at autism, environmental, and nutritional conferences worldwide. As Director of The Great Plains Laboratory, Inc., he also sponsors many conferences annually throughout the world. Below are some of the many conferences where he has presented.
Integrative Medicine for Mental Health (IMMH)
Physician’s Round Table
Orthomolecular Medicine Today
Treating Autism
American College for the Advancement of Medicine (ACAM)
American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM)
Autism Society of America (ASA)
Pan American Allergy Association (PAAA)
Academy of Integrative Medicine (AIM)
International Society of Orthomolecular Medicine (ISOM)
Restorative Medicine
Autism Today
Autism Education Network
Fibromyalgia Coalition International
Defeat Autism Now (DAN!)
American Environmental Health Foundation (AEHF)
U.S. Autism & Aspergers Association (USAAA)
International College of Integrative Medicine (ICIM)
Institute of Functional Medicine (IFM)
Council on Nutrition (ACA)
Autism One
Autism Alliance
National Autism Association (NAA)
Lyme Induced Autism Foundation (LIAF)
https://www.greatplainslaboratory.com/our-team/
Dr. Shaw will be lecturing on Severe Neurological, Gastrointestinal, and Psychiatric Disorders Caused by Gastrointestinal Overgrowth of Clostridia Bacteria: Mechanism and Treatment as well as Toxic Chemicals and Their Effects on Health
Dr. Ralph Esposito, ND, L.Ac
Dr. Esposito is a naturopathic physician, acupuncturist and functional medicine practitioner specializing in integrative urology, men’s health and hormonal health. His precise and personalized style utilizes a systems biology and precision medicine approach to medicine.
In addition to being a peer reviewer and author in several medical journals, he has authored numerous medical textbook chapters and has designed education modules for health professionals specifically on urological conditions, male and female hormone dysfunction, hypogonadism, exercise, men’s health and sexual dysfunction.
Dr. Esposito has trained at NYU Integrative and Functional Urology Center and also holds a position as adjunct professor at New York University where he lectures on integrative medicine. Currently, Dr. Esposito practices in New York City serving as a medical consultant and research analyst.
Dr. Esposito will be lecturing on Toxic Chemicals and Their Effects on Health
Miranda Tawfik, R.Ph
Miranda Tawfik is a pharmacists & deeply committed patient advocate. As a co-owner of Origins Pharmacy, she focuses all of her efforts on bridging gaps in health care delivery for patients in their communities. Early on in her professional development, she learned the value of a patient-centred rather than a disease-centred approach. By moving beyond the dispensary counters and integrating with other health care providers at the hospital and community level to provide novel, more holistic health care solutions. Miranda takes pride in delivering creative options that push beyond the constraints of the health care system to find solutions that frequently exceed patient expectations.
Miranda’s passion is providing customized medications to optimize therapeutic outcomes for her patients. Using a state of the art sterile and non-sterile compounding facility, she strives to provide novel and effective therapeutic options that are not otherwise commercially available. She is a strong advocate for women’s health with speaking engagements at many health care organizations, TV appearances, and is the author of several articles focused on evidence-based education on the use of compounding to optimize health outcomes. She has received additional certification in areas of clinical interest that include Pain and Palliative Care, Integrative and Functional Medicine as well as Developmental & Behavioural Pediatrics.
Dr. Carissa Doherty, N.D.
Experiencing significant changes in her health using alternative treatments is what committed Carissa Doherty to becoming a Naturopath. Carissa completed her premedical studies in 1998 at the University of Guelph obtaining a Specialized Honours degree in Bio-Medical Toxicology. During her undergraduate years, Carissa was fortunate enough to be one of the first people in Canada to work in product development with inulin, a complex carbohydrate, now used widely in the supplement industry as a pleasant tasting fibre. In 2002, Carissa received her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine.
Carissa and her sister Sonya Doherty, ND opened The Natural Care Clinic in Burlington in 2005. Their approach in treating chronic illness has become world renowned drawing patients to the Natural Care Clinic from all over Ontario, Canada, the United States and Europe.
In addition to a general family practice, Carissa takes a special interest in hormone health, fertility, Lyme disease, methylation medicine and environmental medicine.
Dr. Sonya Doherty, N.D.
Dr. Doherty is a licensed and board certified Naturopathic Doctor who is an active member of the CAND. She completed her undergraduate training at the University of Western Ontario in a Bachelor of Science Honors Kinesiology program. In 2003, Sonya Doherty completed her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto, ON.
Dr. Sonya Doherty’s practice is focused on alternative treatment of Autism, Down Syndrome, ADD, ADHD, OCD, Tourette’s Syndrome, Developmental Coordination Disorder, Dypraxia/Apraxia and learning disabilities. Sonya is a registered Defeat Autism Now! Doctor : She has completed her level I and II with The Autism Research Institute training providing her with the research and tools needed to help each child reach their developmental potential.