Dr. Nigel Plummer, PhD

From Alzheimer’s to Menopause: Exploring the Powerful Impact of the Microbiome on Whole Body Health

The microbiome’s profound and far-reaching influence on our well-being is greater than we thought. From Alzheimer’s to menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, emerging microbiome research is transforming our approach to wellness. 1,2

Join renowned microbiologist Dr. Nigel Plummer, PhD, to explore recent research findings on the microbiome’s multifaceted benefits and ability to support multiple systems. These evidence-based insights will provide you with a broader professional knowledge to better guide your clients.

Key Highlights:
** Gain a stronger foundational understanding of the microbiome while exploring new research on Alzheimer’s and changes during menopause.
** Understand how probiotics modify the microbiome’s impact on health.
** Investigate probiotics’ potential to be a universal solution to optimize health.
** Learn how to avoid common pitfalls when choosing a probiotic.
** Discuss an emerging microbiome trend - Akkermansia muciniphila.

1 Mol Neurodegener. 2023 Feb 1;18(1):9. doi: 10.1186/s13024-023-00595-7.
2 Int J Womens Health. 2022 Aug 10:14:1059-1072. doi: 10.2147/IJWH.S340491.

Disclaimer: This presentation is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

BIO
Dr. Nigel Plummer, Ph.D., earned his doctorate in microbial physiology from the University of Surrey in the U.K., and began his career at Pfizer working on the development and manufacture of antibiotics. This commitment to R&D has continued in the academic sphere, as his research group has published more than 100 original scientific papers in the areas of the human microbiome, probiotics, and omega-3 fatty acids. In addition, they have published 35 full human RCTs on the impact of probiotics on many aspects of human physiology and pathology, and this investment in R&D continues to break new ground.

lab4probiotics.co.uk/our-research

Todd Caldecott, Cl.H., RH (AHG, BCHA), CAP(NAMA)

Untangling the Mind: A Holistic Approach to Dementia

Including Alzheimer’s disease, dementia is a growing global concern, affecting more than 50 million people worldwide. Despite extensive research, the exact causes and effective treatments for dementia remain elusive. Todd Caldecott’s CHNC presentation will explore the multifaceted nature of cognitive decline, examining its roots in amyloid plaques, tau tangles, vascular health, gut-brain interactions, environmental toxins, and chronic infection.

This lecture will delve into the clinical features, pathology and systemic imbalances that contribute to cognitive decline, and the emerging evidence linking lifestyle, diet, and microbiome health to brain function. Attendees will gain insights into the role of prevention and holistic care, including the use of botanicals, nutraceuticals, dietary interventions, and traditional therapies such as rasayana chikitsa used in Ayurveda to promote healthy aging.

Blending ancient wisdom with modern science, Todd Caldecott will offer practical, integrative strategies to support cognitive resilience and neuroprotection. Ideal for practitioners and researchers, this session provides a deeper understanding of dementia’s complexities and actionable approaches to improve patient outcomes.

BIO
Todd Caldecott is a clinical herbalist with 28 years of clinical experience and a deep background in medical herbalism, Ayurveda, and other herbal traditions. He is a registered professional member of the American Herbalists Guild, the National Ayurvedic Medical Association, and the BC Herbalists Association, and is director of the Dogwood School of Botanical Medicine (DSBM). Early on in his career, Todd began to fully appreciate the importance of nutrition, realizing that if a patient wasn’t educated on their dietary needs, they were unlikely to get better with medicine alone. Thus, what was initially a series of handouts and articles supplied to patients became the basis of a book called Food As Medicine, published in 2011, later adapted into a clinical training program offered by the DSBM.

Apart from his passion for holistic nutrition, Todd is steeped in the traditions of Ayurveda, maintaining a close relationship with a group of hereditary physicians in Nepal.

He incorporates many of their artisanal remedies in his practice. Todd currently lives on small herb farm where he also maintains a clinic and dispensary, on the Sunshine Coast of BC.
toddcaldecott.com
dogwoodbotanical.com

toddcaldecott.com/

Andrea Donsky, R.H.N., Published Menopause Researcher, Co-founder, Wearemorphus.com

Perimenopause & Menopause: Working with Clients from a Data-Driven Perspective

In this informative CHNC presentation, Andrea Donsky, a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and CSNN graduate, will share valuable insights drawn from her extensive menopause research, which includes responses from over 15,000 women across North America. With a deep understanding of the challenges women face during perimenopause and menopause, Andrea will explore the critical role of nutrition, lifestyle choices, and supplements in supporting women over 35. She’ll highlight the most common symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and fatigue, while also shedding light on lesser-known symptoms that can impact daily life.

A key focus of this presentation will be the mental health challenges many women face during this transition, including mood swings, anxiety, and depression. Andrea will also address the difficulties women may encounter when seeking support from healthcare professionals, offering practical advice on how to advocate for their health and navigate this significant life stage with confidence.

Bio
Known as the “Menopause Educator and Researcher” to her nearly 350,000+ TikTok followers, Andrea Donsky is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist on a mission to change the conversation around perimenopause and menopause.

Andrea is a 4-time published menopause researcher and entrepreneur with 25 years of experience in the health and wellness space. She is also a respected multi-award-winning influencer, media personality, speaker, and author.Andrea hosts the podcast Menopause Reimagined and appears as a menopause expert on television and podcasts across North America. To date, Andrea has appeared in more than 500 TV segments and has been featured on every major network across the LIS and Canada.

Her latest venture, www.wearemorphus.com helps women to reimagine menopause as a journey of empowerment so they feel heard, supported, and validated. Morphus empowers women to take control of their symptoms and health with nutrition, lifestyle, research, and science-backed supplements. Andrea is currently writing a book on menopause, which will be published in the spring of 2026 by Simon and Schuster Canada. Follow her on TikTok and Instagram @andreadonsky and @wearemorphus to learn more.

wearemorphus.com/

Ruth Knight BScAg, MSc, CCA-ON

Regenerative Agriculture: Empowering Communities for a Healthy Future

Join Certified Crop Advisor Ruth Knight on an exciting journey into regenerative agriculture! This presentation will begin with a hands-on demonstration of healthy soil, introducing key ecological terms and concepts. Ruth will then explore the universal principles of regenerative farming and how these practices inspire farmers to adopt sustainable methods for the future.

Discover a growing community of farmers who are actively sharing knowledge, tracking their environmental impact, and connecting with consumers. Ruth will address common questions about regenerative agriculture, explaining how verification programs use in-field monitoring to ensure farming practices are truly enhancing soil health and regenerating the land. She’ll also highlight groundbreaking research linking soil vitality to the nutritional benefits of our food—demonstrating that healthy soil equals healthy food.

While farmers are leading the charge, consumers and professionals also play a critical role in shaping the future of our food system. Together, we can support this movement to regenerate both the land and the food we eat, creating a more sustainable future for all.

BIO
Ruth Knight is an advisor, mentor, and catalyst for farmers, land managers, and communities seeking to transform our farming and food systems. As an independent agronomist since 2005, Ruth has served a diversity of farmers, landowners, and organizations. Ruth brings her experience as an agronomist, university instructor, and farmer to the delivery of workshops that empower participants with knowledge and tools to engage with the soil and fellow land stewards who are motivated to regenerate their farming systems. Over the past 2 years, Ruth has been the lead agronomist for the prairie-based Regenerative Organic Oats program hosted by the Canadian Organic Growers in partnership with several end users and food manufacturers. Ruth is passionate about working with farmers and brings a unique essence to engaging our collective to regenerate our soil and our communities. When she is not in the field or the classroom, Ruth enjoys spending time with her three young adult children, gardening, walking her dog, and camping. Ruth also dedicates her time as a board director with the Organic Council of Ontario, Holistic Management Canada, Agricultural Adaptation Council, and Maitland Conservation Foundation.

csnnalumni.org/wp-content/uploads/CV-Ruth-Knight-January-2025.pdf

Dr. George Makrides, ND

A Drug-Free Approach to Mental Health

As concerns grow over the side effects, dependency risks, and withdrawal challenges of pharmacological treatments for mental health, more and more people are turning to holistic, drug-free alternatives. In this CHNC presentation, Dr. George Makrides, ND will argue that this growing shift necessarily focuses on addressing underlying biochemical imbalances and emphasizes integrative approaches that blend lifestyle medicine, clinical nutrition, and mind-body practices—key elements in healing, managing, and preventing mental health disturbances.

Join Dr. George as he discusses why it’s crucial to dive into the evidence supporting natural healing methods, examining real-world case studies, clinical trials, and research that highlight the power of these interventions in restoring balance and improving mental well-being. By embracing these drug-free strategies, individuals can experience lasting improvements in their mental health, benefiting from a personalized, comprehensive approach that fosters true healing.

This presentation will advocate for a bold change in how mental health is treated. By integrating holistic, non-pharmaceutical practices into mainstream care, Dr. George will argue, we can shift the mental health paradigm, empowering practitioners to offer a more balanced and effective treatment plan that reduces reliance on medication, enhances patient outcomes, and promotes long-term wellness.

BIO
Dr. George Makrides, ND is an entrepreneur and speaker based in Toronto who is focused on the applied art and science of health, longevity, and functional/integrative medicine. His clinical focus is in holistic mental health, clinical nutrition, and metabolic dysfunction. He believes health and wellness encompasses all aspects of physical, mental, emotional and social well-being. He is on a mission to transform how people view health and wellness.

Dr. George’s education and professional interests are rooted in the ideology of holistic and patient centered health care in Canada. Dr. George works runs his own clinical practice, Makrides Wellness Centre, in the queen west area, and works at two other clinics as well, located in the Danforth and Rosedale area.

drgeorgemakrides.com/

Dr. Christopher Spooner, B.Sc ND

Personalized Nutrition for Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Exploring the Role of Nutrigenomics in Managing Crohn's and Colitis

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory condition that requires careful consideration of potential diet-environmental triggers, which may activate an abnormal gut immune response. While pharmacological treatments play a role in IBD care, there is a growing recognition of the need to incorporate dietary management as a component of a comprehensive approach.

Join Dr. Spooner, ND, for this educational presentation, where he will explore the potential role of DNA testing in identifying key single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that may provide insights into the adverse symptoms of Crohn's disease, Ulcerative colitis, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). He will also examine the potential of using this genetic information to create more personalized and effective therapeutic strategies.

Disclaimer: This presentation is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

BIO
Dr. Spooner is a North Okanagan naturopathic doctor with 20 years of clinical experience. He has been a board member and vice chair of the College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia from 2008 to 2021. He has served on numerous committees including the Quality Assurance Committee, the Standards of Practice Subcommittee, the Cannabis Standards Subcommittee, the Pharmacopoeia and Diagnostics Referral Committee and is the CNPBC’s representative for the Inter-professional Working Group.

Dr. Spooner received a B.Sc. in Biology from the University of Victoria and his ND from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. In 2003 Dr. Spooner accepted the position of Post-Doctoral Fellow in Environmental Medicine at the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine Environmental Medicine Center of Excellence. After completing the fellowship in 2005, he continued instructing at SCNM as an Assistant Professor, teaching courses in toxicology, environmental medicine, nutrition and supervising student clinical rotations at the Southwest Naturopathic Medical Center. While in Phoenix, Dr. Spooner was on staff at Phoenix Fire Department Medical center and was responsible for the development and operation of the PFD Wellness Center. He is a Key Opinion Leader and on the medical advisory board of Nestlé Health Science.

drchrisspooner.ca/

Carmen Lamoureux, Owner and Founder Urban Farm School & The Urbanfarm Permaculture Project

The Future of Food

New and exciting soil science has evolved the way we think about our relationship with food. In this CHNC presentation Carmen Lamoureux, owner and founder of Urban Farm School and the Urbanfarm Permaculture Project, will explore the link between microbially dense soil and nutrient-dense food and the valuable insights this link provides into how we might manage our food production systems. She will discuss the ways this connection can benefit human (and ecosystem) health, surpassing sustainability and embracing regenerative, holistic thinking and strategies.

Join this presentation to understand how the deep layers of connectivity between all living systems can help us see that we cannot separate the soil microbiome from our own gut microbiome. What does this mean for the future of food? Is organic enough, or do we need to raise the bar to ensure that future generations have access to nutrient-dense food? With ever-increasing rates of common physical and mental health issues, it is essential that we explore the roles that vibrantly living soil, local diets and seasonal eating play in helping us craft a mindful path forward for optimal health and the future of food.

BIO
Owner and founder of Calgary’s Urban Farm School, Carmen Lamoureux is dedicated to helping others gain the freedom, confidence and skills they need to live more abundant and resilient lives. With a background in the fields of ecological land management, forestry, soils and silviculture, as well as in the horticultural sector, Carmen’s grounded base in ecosystem dynamics informs her practical approach to meeting our needs while respecting natural systems. Carmen believes that gardens speak to us on a visceral level, fulfilling our fundamental needs for health, security, season currency, and self-reliance. Having grown food organically for more than five decades, Carmen gets excited about helping others cultivate great food, and in turn, great selves, as she believes this is “key to bringing each of us up to a level of responsible maturity and wisdom necessary for creating a more beautiful and connected world”.

Through Urban Farm School, Carmen offers practical eco-workshops and presentations to inspire conscious and creative solutions for regenerative local food production and ecological mindfulness. An internationally recognized instructor of the Permaculture Design Certification program, Carmen is also a regular instructor for the Government of Saskatchewan Indigenous Affairs, the Calgary Horticultural Society, the Alberta Master Gardeners Association and various other organizations.

urbanfarmschool.ca/

Dr. Jessa Landmann, ND

Nutrition Across the Cancer Care Continuum

This CHNC presentation by Dr. Jessa Landmann, ND is designed to provide wellness practitioners with a comprehensive understanding of the unique nutritional needs of individuals battling cancer. The session will delve into the complex ways in which cancer and its treatments can impact a patient's nutritional status, and how these changes can affect their overall well-being, energy levels, and quality of life.

Participants will learn how tailored, individualized nutritional advice can help address these challenges by alleviating common symptoms and side effects. More importantly, the presentation will highlight the crucial role that proper nutrition plays in enhancing the body’s ability to tolerate treatment, recover from therapy, and maintain strength during the course of the illness.

The session will also emphasize the long-term benefits of nutrition in cancer care. Attendees will be educated on the significant role that diet and nutrition can play not only in symptom management, but also in reducing the risk of recurrence and improving survival outcomes.

BIO
Dr. Jessa Landmann is a leading naturopathic doctor specializing in integrative oncology, dedicated to empowering cancer patients through a holistic approach that combines evidence-based complementary therapies with conventional care.

Graduating from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2013, she developed a passion for cancer care during her clinical year, where she was selected for specialized training in Adjunctive Cancer Care. Dr. Landmann has since dedicated her career to helping cancer patients feel their best, believing that improved well-being leads to better outcomes. Her practice incorporates various complementary therapies, including nutrition, acupuncture, and botanical medicine, tailored to each patient's individual needs and stage of their cancer journey, from diagnosis through palliative care.

Outside of clinical practice, Dr. Landmann is an active writer, speaker, and researcher. She is a member of the steering committee for the ACTION Centre in Calgary, an organization bringing complementary therapies to the new Arthur Child Cancer Centre. She co-founded an integrative oncology journal club, regularly presenting to oncologists on the latest advancements in the field. She also served as co-investigator for a clinical trial comparing group versus individual acupuncture for cancer-related pain. Recognizing that nutrition is a primary concern for her patients, Dr. Landmann is passionate about using food as medicine.

Dr. Landmann's integrative approach empowers cancer patients to navigate their journey with greater strength, resilience, and quality of life.

drjessalandmann.com/

Dr. John Ramotowski, C.H.N.C., DSc MSc, PTS

Supporting Healthy Aging Through Nutrition and Lifestyle

As our population ages, promoting healthy aging has never been more crucial. In this engaging CHNC presentation, Dr. John Ramotowski will dive into the powerful role nutrition and lifestyle play in achieving optimal aging, sharing evidence-based strategies to boost vitality, sharpen cognitive function, and improve overall well-being. The presentation will cover key topics like anti-aging nutritional protocols, exercise recommendations, stress management tools such as meditation and yoga, and sleep strategies to enhance recovery and rest.

Dr. Ramotowski will also explore holistic approaches to aging, including the mind-body connection, emotional well-being, spirituality, and the importance of social connections. Attendees will learn about the effects of environmental toxins, detoxification, and hormone balance, with a focus on bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). Case studies will showcase real-world examples of effective aging strategies, including tailored nutrition and lifestyle plans for managing challenges like cognitive decline and osteoporosis.
By the end of the session, attendees will walk away with practical, actionable strategies to integrate personalized nutrition and holistic practices into their clinical work, supporting healthy aging and improving patient outcomes across multiple dimensions of wellness.

BIO
Dr. John Ramotowski combines cutting-edge research with practical applications to empower individuals toward optimal wellness. With a strong foundation in Economics (BA, University of Lethbridge), Dr. Ramotowski pivoted to pursue his passion for nutrition, graduating from the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition (CSNN) in 2012. He furthered his expertise with a Master of Science in Holistic Nutrition from the American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS) in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Ramotowski recently completed his Doctor of Science in Holistic Nutrition (DSc) from ACHS in June 2024.

A Certified Holistic Nutritional Consultant (C.H.N.C.) and Personal Training Specialist (PTS), Dr. Ramotowski instructs at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition and shares his knowledge with the next generation of holistic practitioners. Through his work, Dr. Ramotowski integrates holistic principles, nutritional science, and fitness expertise to address the root causes of health imbalances.

metothemax.ca/

Lori-Ann Muenzer, High-Performance Business Mindset Coach, 2X Olympian, Speaker & Best-Selling Author

The Gold Medal Strategy: Train Your Mind Like an Olympian, Succeed Like an Industry Trailblazer

Success isn't just about talent or hard work—it's about mastering your mind, executing strategically, and maintaining an unwavering focus. Olympians and industry leaders share this unique advantage: they know how to train their minds to think differently, break through limits, and achieve results others only dream of.

This philosophy isn't just theory—it's Lori-Ann Muenzer’s personal journey. She wasn't the fastest or most talented cyclist, but she had two key traits: a resilient mindset and a relentless drive to redefine what was possible. After 17 years of failure, Lori-Ann became Canada’s first Olympic Gold Medalist in cycling. This victory proved that mindset, discipline, and strategic action far outweigh raw talent. Now, she uses these same strategies to coach industry professionals, helping them fast-track their success and avoid the long, hard road she travelled.

In this dynamic CHNC presentation, Lori-Ann will share the winning strategies of world-class performers that propelled her from an unknown athlete to Olympic champion and trusted coach. Learn how to develop a champion’s mindset, make decisions that set you apart, perform under pressure, and achieve success faster than you ever thought possible. Success is built on consistency, and she’ll show you how to maintain momentum, avoid burnout, and win the day—every day.

BIO
Lori-Ann Muenzer is a High-Performance Business Mindset Coach who helps professionals achieve breakthrough results in 6-12 months, transforming the way they think, execute, and succeed.

As Canada’s first Olympic Gold Medalist in cycling, Lori-Ann knows what it takes to perform at the highest level. Her journey from legal secretary to Olympic champion was fueled by resilience, unwavering focus, and a belief in what’s possible. She now applies that same mindset to help high achievers fast-track success while avoiding burnout.

Lori-Ann’s expertise includes time mastery, energy management, leadership development, decision-making for peak performance, team dynamics, and building valuable networks. She empowers her clients to boost sales, increase revenue, and make precise decisions that drive success.

At 38, Lori-Ann made the bold decision to pursue her Olympic dream despite competing against athletes half her age. Through discipline, strategy, and mental toughness, she became an Olympic champion in Athens, Greece, proving that success begins with mindset, followed by action.

Now a sought-after coach, keynote speaker, best-selling author, and high-performance strategist, Lori-Ann helps entrepreneurs, sales professionals, and service-oriented leaders break through mental barriers and consistently achieve high-level success. Her mission is to help professionals tap into their full potential and win —not just once, but over and over again.

Lori-AnnMuenzer.com/

Luka Symons, C.H.N.C. - Calgary

Luka Symons is a C.H.N.C.™ Certified Holistic Nutritional Consultant™ for people who are looking to reclaim their food and body groove. Luka guides you towards optimal health; her specialty is in creating a personalized plan that allows good food to be accessible, fun, and easy to attain. Her emphasis is on reducing your body's burden of stress, and improving your body's ability to access the nutrients from a deeply nourishing way of eating. This work is done through the lens of real food steeped in Ancestral Wisdom. She is a big believer in playing with your food!

She works with clients in one-on-one consults, via classes and group workshops. You'll also find her as one of the mavens at Histamine Haven. Luka is on a mission to help people be their very best selves by audaciously taking control of their own health and putting those building blocks in place for both quantity and quality of life. It is all about optimal health and vitality so you can Feel Real Good!

histaminehaven.com/

Meredith Deasley, R.H.N., RNCP, Certified Life Coach - Toronto

Meredith Deasley has been helping individuals and groups transform their lives with her company The Resourceful Mother since 2002 (www.theresourcefulmother.com). Meredith has a BA and is a RHN, RNCP and Certified Life Coach (ACC). She taught at CSNN for ten years, and won the CSNNAA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018. Meredith has been a speaker for thirty years, beginning in her ten-year corporate career, where she held managerial positions. Meredith is the published author of a trilogy, which teaches individuals how to heal themselves and/or their children physically, emotionally and spiritually. Meredith coaches individuals, couples, family members and entrepreneurs. She focuses on helping people solve their health challenges, remove their emotional blocks, process their past correctly and truly see their greatness.

theresourcefulmother.com/