Volunteer Program 2025
The College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CoNO) relies on the contribution from our volunteers to ensure the success of various programs that support in the effective regulation of naturopathic care in Ontario. In this In Conversation With (ICW) session, the College provided an in-depth look at its Volunteer Program and the benefits it offered to our volunteers, including:
- Gaining valuable experience and insights into the regulatory process.
- Building professional networks within the naturopathic community.
This session featured a panel of current volunteers who shared their experiences on various committees and in the field, providing real life examples of what it was like to volunteer with CoNO.
Whether you were a registrant, or a member of the public, the session presented an excellent opportunity to learn more about how you can contribute, grow professionally, and be part of a dynamic community.
Missed the event?
Click here to watch the full session.
PANEL MEMBERS
Dr. Barb Woegerer
Naturopathic Doctor
Dr. Barb Woegerer, ND, has been a Registrant of the College since 2019. She practices in both Vaughan and Toronto. Her clinical focus includes women’s health, metabolic health, and autoimmune conditions. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Woegerer is in her sixth year of volunteering with the College. She has been actively involved in the Clinical (Practical) Examinations and more recently joined the Exams Committee (Entry to Practise). She enjoys supporting the profession and is passionate about helping shape the future of naturopathic medicine through her continued involvement. Outside of her clinical work, Dr. Woegerer enjoys spending time in nature, practicing mindfulness, and has recently co-authored a book on Magnesium.
Hanno Weinberger
Public Representative
Hanno Weinberger is a retired elementary school teacher with nearly 40 years of teaching experience.
A firm believer in protecting the public interest, he has 19 years of regulatory experience and has served on both councils and/or committees for numerous regulators, including the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT), the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CoNO), the College of Denturists of Ontario (CDO), the College of Midwives of Ontario (CMO) and the Skilled Trades Ontario (STO) formerly known as the Ontario College of Trades.
Hanno currently serves on the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario’s Professional Conduct Committee. He chairs the Fitness to Practice and the Adjudicative Body of Chairs Committees (OCT) and the Governance and PLAR Committees (CoNO).
Dr. John Gabriel Pesengco
Naturopathic Doctor
Dr. John Gabriel Pesengco, ND, is a licensed naturopathic doctor practicing in Toronto and Fergus, Ontario. His approach blends traditional wisdom with modern science, offering individualized care through acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutritional supplements, and mental health support. Dr. Pesengco’s practice has a strong focus on sports rehabilitation, pain management, men’s health, and mental health.
Dr. Pesengco has been volunteering with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CoNO) for numerous years in various capacities. He is frequently an exam item writer for both the Clinical Sciences and Biomedical entry-to-practise exams. Dr. Pesengco is also a member of the College’s Audit Committee and has served as an examiner for the Canadian Alliance of Naturopathic Regulatory Authorities’ (CANRA) practical field test. He also has had the opportunity to be a preceptor for naturopathic students in his practice. With a background in clinical practice, continuing education, and regulatory work, he is committed to raising standards of the practice of naturopathy.