Council Members

Dr. Kim Bretz, ND is a 2001 graduate of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine and founder of Fundamentals of Health, a thriving multidisciplinary clinic in Waterloo, Ontario. She is a public speaker, having presented to multiple corporations and agencies, and teaches at the University of Waterloo Pharmacy in the area of complementary and alternative medicine and interprofessionalism. She has been the clinical lead on a research trial through the University of Guelph and taught at the College of Massage and Hydrotherapy in the area of gastrointestinal physiology and endocrinology. Dr. Bretz, ND has worked for numerous supplement and lab companies as a consultant, was on the advisory board for Ferring Pharmaceuticals’ and was involved with their continuing education program in the area of the human microbiota. She began her role as a Council member for CONO in 2015.

Dr. Shelley Burns, ND is a Naturopathic Doctor and owner of Pomegranate Healthcare Inc. She has worked alongside physicians consulting as a team and continues to work with executive clients to assist them in achieving peak health. Dr. Burns, ND completed the four-year program at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto, where she received the NaturoMedic Award for proficiency in Naturopathic Medicine. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and Philosophy from Wilfred Laurier University and certification in Complementary and Integrative Medicine from the Harvard Medical School. Dr. Burns, ND is past chair of the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors. Dr. Burns, ND supervises at the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic (RSNC) where she has the honour of mentoring many Naturopathic interns. She was a columnist for the US publication, Skin Deep magazine and has been quoted in Maclean’s magazine, The Toronto Star and The Medical Post. She has also appeared in interviews on CTV. Dr. Burns, ND has addressed healthcare industry conferences in North America on Naturopathic Medicine and individualised preventive healthcare.

Dr. Tara Gignac, ND has been practicing full scope, primary care naturopathic medicine in Collingwood, ON for 14 years. She is a member in good standing with both the OAND and CAND and has sat on the board of the OAND. She was Chair of the Program Advisory Committee with the CCNM and was a member of the Professional Advisory Committee of the North-Simcoe-Muskoka LHIN. Dr. Gignac, ND presented at conventions, taught at the CCNM, was involved in research and written for dozens of publications.

Dr. Brenda Lessard-Rhead, ND (Inactive) graduated as a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) in 1999 following completion of a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Western Ontario. During her internship at the Robert Schad Naturopathic College Clinic, her clinical experience also included externship programs in two community-based health care facilities: LAMP (Lakeshore Area Multi-Service Project) and Anishnawbe (a Health Care Centre for aboriginal peoples). Dr. Lessard-Rhead, ND (Inactive), served as a Naturopathic Medical Advisor for Seroyal, a professional natural pharmaceutical company, for several years as well as giving educational seminars in Nutrition, Homeopathy and Botanical Medicine to Health Care Practitioners across North America. She also worked as a Clinical Supervisor at the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic. At the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition (CSNN), she taught Anatomy and Physiology as well as Pathology courses at the Greater Toronto Area branches from 2001 until 2015, and for whom she co-authored the book Nutritional Pathology, Second Edition. To improve her patient care, Dr. Lessard-Rhead, ND (Inactive), has taken additional training in the field of Biotherapeutic Drainage, Phytotherapy and Homeopathic Miasms, Temperaments and Constitutions. Dr. Lessard-Rhead, ND (Inactive), lives with her family in Aurora.

Dr. Danielle O'Connor, ND received her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry at the University of Windsor and then went on to graduate from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2003. Dr. O'Connor, ND has worked in the Halton Region for over 10 years where she has worked in very busy, progressive clinics alongside integrative medical doctors getting extensive training in IV therapies, chelation and bio-identical hormones. Dr. O'Connor, ND attends the Medical Academy of Special Needs to further her training in Biomedical Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD and currently practices at the Natural Care Clinic in Burlington.

Dr. Jacob Scheer, ND has been in private practice as a chiropractor since 1979 and as a naturopath since 1987. His academic background includes a Master of Health Sciences—Bioethics (2010) and an Hon. BSc (1975) from the University of Toronto. He has worked at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine as a clinic supervisor, lecturer and teaching assistant. Dr. Scheer, ND is also a frequent speaker at numerous events and conventions, including those of the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors and the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors. As an athletic trainer on various AAA hockey teams, Dr. Scheer, ND has examined and treated numerous sport related injuries. In addition, he is a consultant for the insurance industry, providing independent medical evaluations (chiropractic and naturopathic) for motor vehicle accidents. He has written articles for Integrated Healthcare Practitioners, The Pulse, and chiropractic journals and is the author of Naturopathic Medicine is Viable Therapy in the Prevention and Treatment of H1N1, published in the University of Toronto’s peer-reviewed Health Science Inquiry. He is on the board of Integrated Healthcare Practitioners as a peer reviewer and serves on the College of Naturopaths’ Registration Committee.

Dr. Jordan Sokoloski, ND, has a primary care, family focused practice at Thunder Bay Naturopathic Clinic in Thunder Bay, Ontario. He completed his undergraduate degree in biology at McMaster University in Hamilton and graduated from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto in 2013. Dr. Sokoloski, ND grew up in Thunder Bay and knew he wanted to practise in beautiful Northern Ontario. Dr. Sokoloski, ND regularly participates in speaking engagements for various local organisations and working to foster connections with other health care providers interested in learning more about naturopathy. When he is not busy at the clinic, Dr. Sokoloski, ND enjoys family time with his wife and two boys, being in the outdoors or with a good board game or book.

Dr. George Tardik, ND is a Naturopathic Doctor practising in Cobourg Ontario. Implementing a consultative approach in his practice, Dr. Tardik, ND works in step with his patients needs. Dr. Tardik, ND works collaboratively with MD’s and specialists including working in practice with a Gastroenterologist in Richmond Hill, and two Oncologists from Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto. As a researcher, he has worked for the Ministry of Health, and has published dozens of articles on the clinically efficacy of natural health treatments. Dr. Tardik, ND is a regular guest lecturer at McMaster University and the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. He has appeared on Marketplace, The Sports Journal and The Michael Coren Show. Dr. Tardik, ND lives with his wife and son in Cobourg, where he is committed to improving the lives of his patients in Northumberland community.

Asifa Baig is President & CEO of GenNext Chartered Professional Accountants, specialising in business development through effective tax strategies, Integrated Risk Management and Conscious Entrepreneurship. She holds CPA, CA, and ORMP designations. Asifa's passion is conscious enterprise and smart business models helping transition families and businesses into the new economy. She also is a member of the ISO Standards committee for ERM, Emerging Risks and Resiliency.

Dean Catherwood has an Honours Bachelor of Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University and is a CPA, CMA. He had held several senior management positions in wide range of industries over the past 40 years. Currently, Dean has chosen to be a self-employed accountant working with several companies advising managements on financial and taxation issues and providing supports to their accounting teams. Dean was very supportive and involved in his daughter’s extra curriculum activities during her athletic competitions’ years. He volunteered time for various functions to the sporting organisations that she participated in. He is a strong supporter in pursuing an active and balanced lifestyle.

Brook Dyson was appointed to the council as a public member in 2020. He is a Certified Financial Planner in Collingwood, with more than a decade of experience. Throughout his career he has held many volunteer positions, including training and mentoring new financial advisors throughout Ontario. Brook is a member of the legacy campaign cabinet at St Andrew's College. He holds an Honours Degree in Political Science from King's College at the University of Western Ontario.

Lisa Fenton’s passion for health and wellness has been a lifelong affinity. Hailing from Calgary, Lisa moved to Toronto to complete a Bachelor’s (Hons) in Physical and Health Education from the University of Toronto. This led to a rewarding 10-year career in the city’s public and private school systems, including teaching elementary students at the Keele Street Public School and high school students at the independent International Baccalaureate all-girls’ school, Branksome Hall. A parent to two children in their twenties, Lisa travels extensively to attend legal conferences around the world with her husband, a criminal lawyer. In her spare time, she enjoys physical activities indoors and out and is an avid cook.

Sarah Griffiths-Savolaine was appointed as a public member to the Council in 2020. She is a regulatory affairs and compliance professional with more than 20 years' experience across Canada and the United States. She currently leads Regulatory Affairs for Canada at a leading energy company. Over the course of her career, Sarah has also held numerous leadership positions for industry associations, government technical panels and community-based businesses and non-profit organisations. Sarah earned a Master of Science in Public Policy from the London School of Economics and received her Bachelor of Honours in Political Studies from Queen’s University.