Staff

With a Masters in Public Health and experience working in the non-profit sector, Tendai brings to this role an in-depth understanding of the health care sector, policy development, advocacy, and building community relations.

In her previous role as the NHPC Membership and Credentials Manager, Tendai developed and implemented member retention and recruitment strategies. She determined how to enhance the membership experience through membership benefits and partnerships with organizations whose mission, vision, and values align with those of the NHPC.

Tendai is passionate about a holistic and integrative approach to the health care system, making the NHPC the perfect fit for her. Her strong knowledge of NHPC initiatives, along with her background working with non-profit organizations, makes Tendai a natural choice for CEO.

A strong proponent of social entrepreneurship, Tendai dedicates her free time to exploring ideas that will empower individuals and communities in the developing world. Tendai also enjoys a good cup of tea, running, hiking, and baking.

Aaron graduated from the University of Alberta with a degree in Nutrition and Food Science and a minor in Physical Activity.

Drawing from his years of experience as a Member Relations Coordinator, Aaron hopes to foster growth for the NHPC community while creating an efficient and consistent working environment for his department.

Aaron loves chatting with NHPC members and is excited about being able to engage more directly with the natural health industry.

He spends his spare time with his little girl, an Australian Shepard/Husky/Heeler puppy. Aaron also enjoys golfing and listening to a variety of different styles of music.

ayee@nhpcanada.org
ext. 253

Debi spent a significant portion of her career at Scotiabank before retiring in 2013. After deciding to re-enter the workforce and looking for new challenges, Debi began work with the NHPC in early 2014.

In her role as Member Relations Coordinator, Debi works with the Membership department to assist members in queries about their membership status, processes member renewals, maintains membership records, and helps coordinate continued education audits.

When she's not working, Debi enjoys spending time with her grandson, reading Greek mythology and other inspirational stories, and listening to as much music as possible.

dcampbell@nhpcanada.org
ext. 256

Susan was a retired administrative professional when she began working at the NHPC in 2021. As Receptionist and Administrative Assistant, Susan joins the Membership team in assisting members with a wide range of queries and tasks.

Lifelong animal lovers, she and her husband relish time spent with their two dogs and cat. They also enjoy cooking, music, and travelling.

reception@nhpcanada.org

Kendra joined the NHPC team in early 2022 and is excited to get to know new members of the Association. In her role as Member Relations Coordinator, she lends a hand with new members and helps answer questions from practitioners so they have a smooth application process.

Certified in Holistic Nutrition by the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, Kendra has a passion for helping others live a healthier lifestyle through balancing body, mind, and spirit. She believes in the power of holistic health practices and how they can help transform lives.

Kendra has a love for travelling and adventure, as she has spent time living in Australia and backpacking around Europe. She enjoys being outdoors with her dog and making the most of Edmonton summers. One of her favorite pastimes is walking down Whyte Avenue, window shopping with an ice cream cone.

kjacobs@nhpcanada.org

Courtney joined the NHPC in May 2022 as a Member Relations Coordinator. As a standing member of the NHPC and a practising massage therapist, she brings both experience and expertise to the Member Services team.

After graduating from an 1100-hour program at Beauty Tech in 2006, Courtney began her career working as a relaxation massage therapist in a spa in 2008. In 2012, she studied Thai massage therapy at the Academy of Reflexology, and she upgraded to 2200-hour certification in 2018 to further develop her career.

With her ten years of experience working in a spa and four years in clinical practice, Courtney has a true passion for massage therapy and related holistic health practices. She knows first-hand the positive impact these therapies can have on people's quality of life.

In her role at the NHPC, Courtney assists members with insurance inquiries, renewals, modality additions, and membership changes.

Outside of work hours, Courtney loves to listen to music and travel with her friends and family. According to her, listening and singing along to a custom playlist is the best part of any road trip.

cdakin@nhpcanada.org

Roberta began her career as an English as a Second Language teacher in Edmonton. From there she travelled to Japan where she had an amazing and fulfilling year of teaching English to young students in junior high schools.

Upon returning to Canada, her interest in healthy living and holistic practices led her to study massage therapy at Grant MacEwan College. After graduating, she combined her massage practice with her passion for teaching and eventually transitioned to administering massage therapy programs.

Roberta highly values the NHPC culture of inclusivity, integrity, and professionalism. As the Credentials Coordinator, Roberta is involved in reviewing training programs for recognition by the NHPC. As the Practice Management Coordinator, she assists and supports members, the industry, and the public with all matters that arise in the daily realities of practice

When she's not working, Roberta finds fulfillment in pursuing the equestrian sports of dressage and jumping. Having a life-long affinity for animals, she finds her "still point of the turning world" in the presence of these amazing sentient beings.

rbrosseau@nhpcanada.org
ext. 235

Ibukun Adewusi joined the NHPC team in May 2018. She holds a Master’s Degree in public health and has extensive experience as an event planner.

She has worked with several organizations to plan events such as conferences, seminars, golf tournaments, and other corporate events. In her most recent position with TELUS, Ibukun worked as a Marketing Specialist and focused on managing regional show home strategies with developers and homebuilders.

Ibukun is passionate about empowering people with the information they need in order to live a holistic and healthy lifestyle. In her role as the Education and Events Manager at the NHPC she is responsible for planning and implementing continued education opportunities and events.

She focuses on facilitating member engagement through events such as conferences, member meetings, workshops, and online educational materials.

In her spare time, Ibukun loves volunteering, reading, watching movies, and trying out new restaurants.

iadewusi@nhpcanada.org
ext. 226

In her previous career, Kristin worked in several positions in the health and fitness industry. After witnessing various health issues and injuries, Kristin began researching alternative ways to stay healthy.

She is passionate about supporting her and her family's health and wellness through proactive, holistic therapies. Kristin believes that holistic health practices are the best way to promote whole-body health and healing, making her a great addition to the NHPC team.

Kristin has an event management certificate from NAIT and thrives in an upbeat and challenging environment. She looks forward to planning various events and education opportunities to further the holistic health profession in Canada.

Kristin is committed to expanding her knowledge about holistic health practices and event management through further education and professional development. She also plans to pursue her doula training in the future.

In her spare time, Kristin enjoys spending time with family, visiting farmers markets, and volunteering for various organizations.

events@nhpcanada.org
ext. 234

Candace has 15 years of experience in holistic health practices. Always passionate about the body's ability to heal, Candace decided to leave her nine-to-five job as a financial advisor assistant to study massage therapy at Grant McEwan University in Edmonton.

After years of practising massage therapy and participating on the NHPC Board of Directors, Candace joined the NHPC in 2012 as the Practice Management Advisor and Complaints Administrator. She has since become the Practice Competency Manager.

Candace is a strong advocate for holistic health and feels that since so many practitioners work in isolation, it's important that they make a conscious effort to keep connected with industry news and information and through the networking opportunities the NHPC offers.

Her expertise as a holistic health practitioner has allowed her to be a subject matter expert with the association, designing content for the NHPC's Competency Equivalency Exam (CEE) and other educational sessions for members.

Candace is a huge music fan and loves attending live performances and music festivals. Candace grew up on a farm and stays connected to her roots through reading and enjoying the outdoors whenever she can.

cpichonsky@nhpcanada.org
ext. 229

Roberta began her career as an English as a Second Language teacher in Edmonton. From there she travelled to Japan where she had an amazing and fulfilling year of teaching English to young students in junior high schools.

Upon returning to Canada, her interest in healthy living and holistic practices led her to study massage therapy at Grant MacEwan College. After graduating, she combined her massage practice with her passion for teaching and eventually transitioned to administering massage therapy programs.

Roberta highly values the NHPC culture of inclusivity, integrity, and professionalism. As the Credentials Coordinator, Roberta is involved in reviewing training programs for recognition by the NHPC. As the Practice Management Coordinator, she assists and supports members, the industry, and the public with all matters that arise in the daily realities of practice

When she's not working, Roberta finds fulfillment in pursuing the equestrian sports of dressage and jumping. Having a life-long affinity for animals, she finds her "still point of the turning world" in the presence of these amazing sentient beings.

rbrosseau@nhpcanada.org
ext. 235

Kathy joined the NHPC in 2012. Her responsibilities with the NHPC focus on advocacy to governments on the behalf of NHPC members in the areas of municipal bylaws, provincial and territorial programs, taxation, and regulation.

Kathy's work provides facts on complementary and alternative health to decision-makers whose policies, laws, and legislation impact the livelihoods, opportunities, and work environments of NHPC members.

Kathy's work experience includes many years in senior positions — most of which involved working as an advocate. Her background also includes owning and managing businesses, managing government relationships for corporate and not-for-profit organizations, and politics.

Kathy has a long history of sitting on nationally active boards, including the Canadian Capital Cities Organization, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, and the National Association for Municipal and Aboriginal Relations.

Kathy was on City Council for nine years and was Mayor of Whitehorse for six of those years. During her time in public office, she represented the city and territory as the guest of Premier MacDonald on trade missions to the United States and with Prime Minister Jean Chrétien on the Team Canada Trade Mission to Japan.

In her personal life, Kathy spends as much time possible with her three children and their families — which include six grandchildren. Kathy is very close to her family and always has at least "one more story" about her little ones.

kwatson@nhpcanada.org
ext. 228

Paul has been working with the NHPC since December 2012, when he started as the Renewal Coordinator. In August 2013, he moved into the position of Membership and Credentials Advisor before being promoted to his position in Industry Relations in March 2014.

In his position, Paul advocates on behalf of the NHPC's membership to the holistic health industry through insurance companies, employers, and other stakeholders that provide extended health benefits. He's also involved in the NHPC's research work to support the holistic health community.

Paul received a Bachelor of Science Degree in General Biology at the University of New Brunswick in 2008 before moving to Alberta.

Paul enjoys running and playing tennis during the summer months. He has a passion for various genres of music, historical and current political science, but most importantly, anything weather-related.

pdonovan@nhpcanada.org
ext. 222

Brian joined the NHPC as Insurance Liaison Coordinator in May 2015. His background in insurance and working as a practising massage therapist gives him a unique perspective for helping members.

He is primarily responsible for verifying member credentials, updating and sending out monthly listings to external stakeholders, and answering a variety of member inquiries about insurance and their eligibility throughout Canada.

Prior to starting with the NHPC, Brian spent four years in the insurance industry and then completed Grant MacEwan University's Massage Therapy program. He continues to work full-time for the clinic he still practises at. The NHPC has been a great fit for Brian as he is passionate about holistic health and is always seeking new ways to contribute to the growth of the Association.

In his spare time he enjoys traveling, yoga, hiking/camping, and is an avid reader. He loves the outdoors, enjoying nature whenever he can and believes strongly in lifelong learning and self-education.

bjordan@nhpcanada.org
ext. 238

Anna has worked at the NHPC since February of 2015 before moving into the Complaints Manager position in June of 2017.

In her role at the NHPC, Anna manages the Complaints Resolution Process, which serves as a means for ensuring public safety and upholding the credibility of the Association's holistic health professionals.

In her personal life, Anna is an active volunteer who strongly believes in the benefits of contributing personal time to charitable and community organizations. Anna also enjoys DIY home renovation projects, painting, and spending time outdoors.

publiccomplaints@nhpcanada.org
ext. 227

Elaine brings over 30 years of experience in executive level communications, mergers/acquisitions, marketing, advertising, brand, and electronic communications.

She considers herself fortunate to have been involved in major initiatives through positions in corporate, government, various utilities, benefits, and health and wellness. She has owned and operated her own communications consulting business, providing strategic planning and executive coaching services.

Elaine is an accredited member of the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS). Over the years, she participated as a CPRS board member, accreditation judge and awards judge for both CPRS and IABC. She was awarded two CPRS National Awards of Excellence and a number of other CPRS and IABC awards.

She is a certified trainer of trainers in change management and has had the opportunity to train in many specific communications disciplines in Canada and the US.

Elaine has worked in the UK and travelled extensively, and she still wouldn't choose to live anywhere else in the world. She is a life-long learner, having taken training in culinary arts, interior decoration, and landscape design — just for fun. She can almost always be found with her nose in a book.

esutton@nhpcanada.org
ext. 224

Noelle has worked with the NHPC since 2006, when she first started in the Membership department. Soon after, she moved into a Quality Assurance position, where she used her computer knowledge to improve Membership processes and support Communications. She officially became part of the Communications team in 2013.

As Digital Communications and Systems Advisor, Noelle uses her technical knowledge and analytical skills to manage development of website and database systems for the organization. She is also responsible for writing and editing digital content as well as providing quality assurance for all communications.

Being an avid computer user from a young age, Noelle incorporated her interest in computers into her academic studies during her M.Sc.. She continues to find ways to use technology in her work to streamline processes and improve user experience.

In her off-hours, Noelle loves to explore digital worlds. She also enjoys reading, trying new recipes, and perusing museum exhibits.

ngoff@nhpcanada.org

Jordan is a professional communicator with a passion for creating engaging content and discovering new trends. She graduated from MacEwan University with a degree in Communications and has enjoyed working in a variety of fields, learning new things along the way.

At the NHPC, Jordan is involved in managing social media and digital advertising, writing for the website, and flexing her creative design skills. She is delighted to collaborate with a skilled communications team and work for a non-profit organization that shares her values.

Jordan is an avid traveller, fashion lover, and amateur golfer. In her spare time, you'll find her searching for a great cup of coffee.

jlariviere@nhpcanada.org

Op joined the NHPC team in March 2022 as the Communications and Marketing Coordinator.

Her interest in Communications started at a young age, participating in numerous speech fests and writing contests in high school. This eventually led to her graduating from MacEwan University with a degree in Communications.

Before working at the NHPC, she was heavily involved in the banking industry, working as a Personal Banking Associate and a supervisor for TD Bank. On the side, she progressed her communications career by working at non-profit organizations as their Communications and Public Relations Coordinator.

In her role at the NHPC, Op generates social media and website content and plans advertising campaigns to fit with the company's goals. She is excited to work in partnership with a skilled communications team.

Op enjoys playing board games with friends and family outside of work hours. As someone passionate about music, she's currently learning how to play piano and guitar, and she hopes she can sing for a choir again one day.

olugay@nhpcanada.org

Suzanne joined the NHPC in 2001 on a part-time basis, transitioning to full-time in 2004 as her responsibilities at the NHPC grew with the association.

After years of performing all accounting functions for the Association part-time, NHPC's growth made it necessary to not only extend her hours of work, but to share the many accounting tasks and responsibilities with other staff.

In addition to her accounting role, Suzanne has taken on the office administration functions that include IT coordination, telecom requirements, and general office space requirements.

Suzanne's past work experience includes auditing, preparing personal tax returns, and providing day-to-day bookkeeping services and drafting annual financial statements for small businesses and not-for-profits.

The NHPC is a perfect fit for Suzanne as she enjoys the positive and healthy environment that comes with working for holistic health practitioners.

solsen@nhpcanada.org
ext. 237

Dylan graduated from the University of Alberta in the summer of 2013 with a Bachelor of Commerce Degree, majoring in accounting. During his education, he gained experience in his field by working for a non-profit student placement agency and a law firm doing various accounting-related tasks.

Dylan joined the NHPC in September 2013 where his responsibilities include hiring and performance reviews, accounts payable, staff payroll, and benefits administration. He enjoys working for a non-profit organization primarily because of the connection with members and the feeling of being a part of an organization that's making a difference.

In his personal time, Dylan's out playing basketball or baseball, watching movies with friends, or indulging in his video game and fantasy sports addictions. In particular, he enjoys nothing more than watching his favourite teams, the Red Sox and Lakers, win multiple titles.

dbagot@nhpcanada.org
ext. 259