DR. MICHELE BURKLUND, CHIEF SCIENCE OFFICER
Medical Research, Product Development, and Education

Dr. Burklund is our In-House Doctor and Chief Science Officer where she harnesses the healing power of nature along with evidence-based research to develop our powerful plant-based product line. Dr. Burklund seeks to redefine wellness here at Puriya through an innovative formulation method that begins with the root cause of any imbalance. Dr. Burklund is part of every step of the process from farm to bottle-seeking the best ingredient sources around the globe, overseeing quality control, and ensuring clinical efficacy.

Dr. Burklund’s multifaceted approach comes from her extensive academic background with over fourteen years of university education, a strong clinical background in primary care and women’s health, an in-depth knowledge of medical herbalism and plant synergy as well as the belief that nature knows best. She earned her Medical Degree from the prestigious Bastyr University which is the World's leading Medical School focused on cutting edge science and natural health. Dr. Burklund has worked with physicians and sought additional training in specific areas including immunology, women’s health, medical detoxification, plant pharmacology, and functional medicine. She views the practice of medicine as both an art and science and has also traveled the globe to acquire more knowledge from many different healers and doctors to develop her holistic view of mind-body medicine.

Dr. Burklund has written for many national magazines including Better Nutrition Magazine and gives speeches on topics ranging from brain health to functional nutrition. She believes that true medicine finds the root cause of an illness, rather than simply treating the symptoms.

Dr. Burklund holds a doctorate from Bastyr University in Naturopathic Medicine (NMD), a Master's degree (MBA) and a Bachelor's degree (B.S) from Seattle University’s Albers School of Business, Premedical requirements, and a post-MBA in Entrepreneurship And Innovation from Stanford University.

What is your idea of the perfect formulation?

"A product that focuses on reestablishing wellness and the easing the symptoms. I believe products should be designed from the bottom up looking at how the imbalance occurred on a mind-body level. For example, if I’m creating a product for eczema, I will find out what could trigger eczema to begin with including factors like stress and immune reactions. Then during the formulation process, I will incorporate plant-based ingredients that will help with stress and immune modulation along with symptom relief."



DR. KRISTI WRIGHTSON-HARTER, ND, RD, MS
Women's Health, Botanical Medicine, Anti-Aging, and Nutrition

Dr. Wrightson-Harter found naturopathic medicine as she began to explore the deep connection between the mind and the body. This also led her to complete her Master’s in Nutrition as she became fascinated with the importance of food intake as it relates to optimal health.

During her schooling at Bastyr, Dr. Wrightson-Harter worked with physicians from Northside Hospital in Atlanta as well as several integrated health clinics in Seattle. This training exposed her to perspectives from both conventional and holistic medicine, creating a more complete protocol of care that employs characteristics from both forms of healing.

While she continues to have an integrated primary care practice, today, Dr. Wrightson focuses on women’s health, hormonal balancing, and anti-aging therapies using an integrative approach at her Clinic, Nest Spa in Santa Barbara, California. Dr. Wrightson is a member of the California Association of Naturopathic Physicians as well as a supporting member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians; the only nationally recognized association for licensed NDs.

Dr. Wrightson holds a doctorate from Bastyr University in Naturopathic Medicine (ND), a Master's degree in Nutrition (MS) from Bastyr University, and a Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from the College of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina.

What is your personal philosophy on medicine?

"One of my core beliefs is that if someone has symptoms or condition, the body doesn't name that condition. We, as humans, have named diseases so we can keep them in categories and understand them better. I feel like, with my philosophy, it's more about just really looking at something from a whole health standpoint. Like what are the cells doing? What is your body trying to compensate for? What's the underlying cause that is out of balance that your body is really trying to get back into balance and compensate for in a different way?"

Want to learn more about Dr. Wrightston-Harter? Watch her full interview here.



DR. RACHEL WINSTEDT, ND, BSc
Chronic Illness, Naturopathic Neurology, and Nutritional Biochemistry

Dr. Winstedt believes in the body’s ability to achieve extraordinary health and wellbeing. She is an exceptional guide because she has traveled the path herself. She individualizes her treatment plans understanding that no two people walk the same path to health.

Dr. Winstedt completed her pre-med studies at the University of Washington where she earned a degree in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. After working in the medical field for several years she was feeling burnt out until she met a naturopath who introduced her to the idea of treating the root causes of illness rather than treating the symptoms of a disease. She was drawn to the idea of using the scientific method to treat the underlying cause of illness and was inspired by Naturopathic Medicines’ ability to unite cutting edge technology and research with highly effective natural therapies.

She attended medical school at Bastyr University and over time, she decided to specialize in naturopathic neurology. Ironically, she chose her specialty because many people in her life were affected by neurological disease. Dr. Winstedt treats many neurologic conditions including chronic pain, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Autism spectrum disorders, and Alzheimer’s Disease. In particular, she loves helping patients optimize cognitive function. She also has a special interest in chronic infections like Lyme disease and in heavy metal toxicity.

Doctor, scientist, and healer, she tirelessly investigates symptoms to find the root of illness. She is particularly interested in the connection between neuroendocrine disorders and gut health dysbiosis as they relate to neurological and mental health challenges. She feels these root causes are often misunderstood in today’s social and medical cultures. She works with methylation/genetic mutations, advanced IV and nutrient therapies, Injection therapies (Neural Therapy, Perineural Injection Treatment), heavy metals testing, and treatments including chelation therapies.

Dr. Winstedt holds a Doctorate Degree in Naturopathic Medicine (ND) from Bastyr University and a Bachelors of Science Degree (BSc) from the University of Washington in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology.

What does it mean to you to treat the whole person and establish the foundations of health?

“It’s the principle that says we deserve clean air, we deserve rest, we deserve food that is healthy. It’s basically all those things that your mother told you when you were in pre-school; to drink water, to sleep, to go to bed on time, to brush our teeth, those things that help us function and be vital. It’s the therapies that provide us the building blocks to be strong, to be nourished, and to let the body heal itself. So that’s a big component of naturopathic medicine is trusting that once we’ve removed the obstacles to healing that the body will have the resilience to heal itself, and that our pain will reduce and go away.”

Want to learn more about Dr. Winstedt? Watch her full interview here.



DR. BETHANY TENNANT, ND, BSc, CNS, LMT, NSM
Natural Sports Medicine, Nutrition, and Naturopathic Pain Management

Dr. Bethany Tennant is a licensed Naturopathic Physician, Certified Nutrition Specialist, and Sports Massage Therapist. As a former collegiate athlete, she is passionate about health, wellness, fitness, and natural sports medicine. Her clients include USATF, NFL, NBA, D-League, FIBA, and NCAA athletes.

She graduated with honors in research from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon. Following graduation, she went on to complete a post-doctoral research fellowship on Parkinson's disease and nutrition. Natural sports medicine is her specialty - she was trained in New York as a sports massage therapist - and she deals with matters of prevention, performance, recovery, pain management, and injury rehabilitation with high-school, college, and professional level athletes (USATF, D-League, FIBA, NBA, NFL).

A New York native, she earned her bachelor's degree at Houghton College as a pre-med student and varsity scholarship basketball player.

Her areas of interest include sports medicine, pain management, and neurodegenerative conditions. She has collaborated with the Brian Grant Foundation as a nutrition expert and executive committee member; Nike N7 as an Ambassador; Damen Bell-Holter as a Health & Wellness Advisor to his Blessed to Bless camps; and MaxHoops and Open Gym Premier as sports nutrition guest speaker. She has also presented at several high school and college programs in the area of sports nutrition training.

Dr. Bethany Tennant also has corporate wellness experience, serving as Medical Director in a New York-based company to advise in areas of nutrition, exercise, stress management, and large-scale impact for corporate clients.

She is passionate about health, wellness, and fitness. As someone who loves to travel, she has also had international experience traveling to the Czech Republic as a collegiate basketball player for clinics, training, and competition; Zambia as a pre-med student; Suriname, South America as Peace Corps Volunteer (Community Health Educator); Nicaragua to work in an established clinic; and in Mexico for a basketball/community outreach.

Dr. Tennent holds a Doctorate Degree in Naturopathic Medicine (ND) from National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon and a Bachelors of Science Degree (BSc) from Houghton College in Premedical Studies in New York.

What types of modalities would you use with different common sports injuries?

“I think what’s different about naturopathic medical training is really such a holistic approach and being able to treat the whole person. And so I think when I’m working with injuries, lots of times it’s in the aspect of maybe someone’s had a surgery, or they’re rehabilitating. And so I love coming in to talk about really nutrition as a big component. So how can we support a speedy recovery or how can we help prepare a body for that surgery, so you can come out faster, and recover. I think that using botanical medicine is an amazing way to apply, whether it’s for pain management and then… Or whether it’s for inflammation. It’s… I like to just consider the whole person in those kind of ways, and offer all those different tools. I would say that although I do work with some sports injuries, I think most of the time, athletes are looking to work with me to lose weight, to gain weight. Sometimes they’re managing symptoms and sometimes it is to just rehabilitate those injuries. So I like to just use all of those different tools of the botanical medicine, physical medicine, nutrition in those ways to integrate care.”

Want to learn more about Dr. Tennant? Watch her full interview here.



DR. NONTAS MARIDAKIS, MD
Integrative Family Medicine, Functional Nutrition, and Hydrotherapy

Dr. Maridakis grew up in Greece, the birthplace of modern medicine, and was greatly influenced by Hippocratic philosophy and the infinite intelligence of nature. He graduated with Honors from the Medical University of Sofia and later went on to complete his residency as a general practitioner at the General Hospital in Heraklion on the island of Crete.

As a native to Crete, he was inspired by the traditional way of living, the annual olive harvests, the therapeutic properties of its nature, and the ancient healing temples. He believes that food is the real medicine and that there is no one-size-fits-all medical approach.

Currently, Dr. Maridakis has a private practice on the island of Crete in Greece where he integrates many healing modalities including nutraceuticals, physical medicine, and nutrition protocols including the Mediterranean diet for his patients.

Dr. Maridakis holds a Doctorate Degree in Medicine (MD) the Medical University of Sofia in Bulgaria.

How does the Hippocratic Philosophy influence you on how you practice medicine today?

“How does it not?! One of my favorite quotes from Hippocrates is “Foolish the doctor who despises the knowledge acquired by the ancients”. There’s so much foundational truth that we have known for thousands of years like moving your body is important, drinking clean water is essential, food is medicine, depression and anger contribute to sickness, and being in nature is good for the soul. When a patient comes into my clinic, some questions I ask besides the physical symptoms of course, is how is your mood?, what did you eat today?, are you feeling stressed?… Health is not about just the physical and a modern physician should know that. It’s literally proven that stress lowers the immune system, depression leads to a higher pain sensitivity, and so on.”

Want to learn more about Dr. Maridakis? Read his full interview here.

DR. MICHELE BURKLUND, CHIEF SCIENCE OFFICER
Medical Research, Product Development, and Education

Dr. Burklund is our In-House Doctor and Chief Science Officer where she harnesses the healing power of nature along with evidence-based research to develop our powerful plant-based product line. Dr. Burklund seeks to redefine wellness here at Puriya through an innovative formulation method that begins with the root cause of any imbalance. Dr. Burklund is part of every step of the process from farm to bottle-seeking the best ingredient sources around the globe, overseeing quality control, and ensuring clinical efficacy.

Dr. Burklund’s multifaceted approach comes from her extensive academic background with over fourteen years of university education, a strong clinical background in primary care and women’s health, an in-depth knowledge of medical herbalism and plant synergy as well as the belief that nature knows best. She earned her Medical Degree from the prestigious Bastyr University which is the World's leading Medical School focused on cutting edge science and natural health. Dr. Burklund has worked with physicians and sought additional training in specific areas including immunology, women’s health, medical detoxification, plant pharmacology, and functional medicine. She views the practice of medicine as both an art and science and has also traveled the globe to acquire more knowledge from many different healers and doctors to develop her holistic view of mind-body medicine.

Dr. Burklund has written for many national magazines including Better Nutrition Magazine and gives speeches on topics ranging from brain health to functional nutrition. She believes that true medicine finds the root cause of an illness, rather than simply treating the symptoms.

Dr. Burklund holds a doctorate from Bastyr University in Naturopathic Medicine (NMD), a Master's degree (MBA) and a Bachelor's degree (B.S) from Seattle University’s Albers School of Business, Premedical requirements, and a post-MBA in Entrepreneurship And Innovation from Stanford University.

What is your idea of the perfect formulation?

"A product that focuses on reestablishing wellness and the easing the symptoms. I believe products should be designed from the bottom up looking at how the imbalance occurred on a mind-body level. For example, if I’m creating a product for eczema, I will find out what could trigger eczema to begin with including factors like stress and immune reactions. Then during the formulation process, I will incorporate plant-based ingredients that will help with stress and immune modulation along with symptom relief."



DR. KRISTI WRIGHTSON-HARTER, ND, RD, MS
Women's Health, Botanical Medicine, Anti-Aging, and Nutrition

Dr. Wrightson-Harter found naturopathic medicine as she began to explore the deep connection between the mind and the body. This also led her to complete her Master’s in Nutrition as she became fascinated with the importance of food intake as it relates to optimal health.

During her schooling at Bastyr, Dr. Wrightson-Harter worked with physicians from Northside Hospital in Atlanta as well as several integrated health clinics in Seattle. This training exposed her to perspectives from both conventional and holistic medicine, creating a more complete protocol of care that employs characteristics from both forms of healing.

While she continues to have an integrated primary care practice, today, Dr. Wrightson focuses on women’s health, hormonal balancing, and anti-aging therapies using an integrative approach at her Clinic, Nest Spa in Santa Barbara, California. Dr. Wrightson is a member of the California Association of Naturopathic Physicians as well as a supporting member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians; the only nationally recognized association for licensed NDs.

Dr. Wrightson holds a doctorate from Bastyr University in Naturopathic Medicine (ND), a Master's degree in Nutrition (MS) from Bastyr University, and a Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from the College of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina.

What is your personal philosophy on medicine?

"One of my core beliefs is that if someone has symptoms or condition, the body doesn't name that condition. We, as humans, have named diseases so we can keep them in categories and understand them better. I feel like, with my philosophy, it's more about just really looking at something from a whole health standpoint. Like what are the cells doing? What is your body trying to compensate for? What's the underlying cause that is out of balance that your body is really trying to get back into balance and compensate for in a different way?"

Want to learn more about Dr. Wrightston-Harter? Watch her full interview here.



DR. RACHEL WINSTEDT, ND, BSc
Chronic Illness, Naturopathic Neurology, and Nutritional Biochemistry

Dr. Winstedt believes in the body’s ability to achieve extraordinary health and wellbeing. She is an exceptional guide because she has traveled the path herself. She individualizes her treatment plans understanding that no two people walk the same path to health.

Dr. Winstedt completed her pre-med studies at the University of Washington where she earned a degree in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. After working in the medical field for several years she was feeling burnt out until she met a naturopath who introduced her to the idea of treating the root causes of illness rather than treating the symptoms of a disease. She was drawn to the idea of using the scientific method to treat the underlying cause of illness and was inspired by Naturopathic Medicines’ ability to unite cutting edge technology and research with highly effective natural therapies.

She attended medical school at Bastyr University and over time, she decided to specialize in naturopathic neurology. Ironically, she chose her specialty because many people in her life were affected by neurological disease. Dr. Winstedt treats many neurologic conditions including chronic pain, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Autism spectrum disorders, and Alzheimer’s Disease. In particular, she loves helping patients optimize cognitive function. She also has a special interest in chronic infections like Lyme disease and in heavy metal toxicity.

Doctor, scientist, and healer, she tirelessly investigates symptoms to find the root of illness. She is particularly interested in the connection between neuroendocrine disorders and gut health dysbiosis as they relate to neurological and mental health challenges. She feels these root causes are often misunderstood in today’s social and medical cultures. She works with methylation/genetic mutations, advanced IV and nutrient therapies, Injection therapies (Neural Therapy, Perineural Injection Treatment), heavy metals testing, and treatments including chelation therapies.

Dr. Winstedt holds a Doctorate Degree in Naturopathic Medicine (ND) from Bastyr University and a Bachelors of Science Degree (BSc) from the University of Washington in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology.

What does it mean to you to treat the whole person and establish the foundations of health?

“It’s the principle that says we deserve clean air, we deserve rest, we deserve food that is healthy. It’s basically all those things that your mother told you when you were in pre-school; to drink water, to sleep, to go to bed on time, to brush our teeth, those things that help us function and be vital. It’s the therapies that provide us the building blocks to be strong, to be nourished, and to let the body heal itself. So that’s a big component of naturopathic medicine is trusting that once we’ve removed the obstacles to healing that the body will have the resilience to heal itself, and that our pain will reduce and go away.”

Want to learn more about Dr. Winstedt? Watch her full interview here.



DR. BETHANY TENNANT, ND, BSc, CNS, LMT, NSM
Natural Sports Medicine, Nutrition, and Naturopathic Pain Management

Dr. Bethany Tennant is a licensed Naturopathic Physician, Certified Nutrition Specialist, and Sports Massage Therapist. As a former collegiate athlete, she is passionate about health, wellness, fitness, and natural sports medicine. Her clients include USATF, NFL, NBA, D-League, FIBA, and NCAA athletes.

She graduated with honors in research from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon. Following graduation, she went on to complete a post-doctoral research fellowship on Parkinson's disease and nutrition. Natural sports medicine is her specialty - she was trained in New York as a sports massage therapist - and she deals with matters of prevention, performance, recovery, pain management, and injury rehabilitation with high-school, college, and professional level athletes (USATF, D-League, FIBA, NBA, NFL).

A New York native, she earned her bachelor's degree at Houghton College as a pre-med student and varsity scholarship basketball player.

Her areas of interest include sports medicine, pain management, and neurodegenerative conditions. She has collaborated with the Brian Grant Foundation as a nutrition expert and executive committee member; Nike N7 as an Ambassador; Damen Bell-Holter as a Health & Wellness Advisor to his Blessed to Bless camps; and MaxHoops and Open Gym Premier as sports nutrition guest speaker. She has also presented at several high school and college programs in the area of sports nutrition training.

Dr. Bethany Tennant also has corporate wellness experience, serving as Medical Director in a New York-based company to advise in areas of nutrition, exercise, stress management, and large-scale impact for corporate clients.

She is passionate about health, wellness, and fitness. As someone who loves to travel, she has also had international experience traveling to the Czech Republic as a collegiate basketball player for clinics, training, and competition; Zambia as a pre-med student; Suriname, South America as Peace Corps Volunteer (Community Health Educator); Nicaragua to work in an established clinic; and in Mexico for a basketball/community outreach.

Dr. Tennent holds a Doctorate Degree in Naturopathic Medicine (ND) from National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon and a Bachelors of Science Degree (BSc) from Houghton College in Premedical Studies in New York.

What types of modalities would you use with different common sports injuries?

“I think what’s different about naturopathic medical training is really such a holistic approach and being able to treat the whole person. And so I think when I’m working with injuries, lots of times it’s in the aspect of maybe someone’s had a surgery, or they’re rehabilitating. And so I love coming in to talk about really nutrition as a big component. So how can we support a speedy recovery or how can we help prepare a body for that surgery, so you can come out faster, and recover. I think that using botanical medicine is an amazing way to apply, whether it’s for pain management and then… Or whether it’s for inflammation. It’s… I like to just consider the whole person in those kind of ways, and offer all those different tools. I would say that although I do work with some sports injuries, I think most of the time, athletes are looking to work with me to lose weight, to gain weight. Sometimes they’re managing symptoms and sometimes it is to just rehabilitate those injuries. So I like to just use all of those different tools of the botanical medicine, physical medicine, nutrition in those ways to integrate care.”

Want to learn more about Dr. Tennant? Watch her full interview here.



DR. NONTAS MARIDAKIS, MD
Integrative Family Medicine, Functional Nutrition, and Hydrotherapy

Dr. Maridakis grew up in Greece, the birthplace of modern medicine, and was greatly influenced by Hippocratic philosophy and the infinite intelligence of nature. He graduated with Honors from the Medical University of Sofia and later went on to complete his residency as a general practitioner at the General Hospital in Heraklion on the island of Crete.

As a native to Crete, he was inspired by the traditional way of living, the annual olive harvests, the therapeutic properties of its nature, and the ancient healing temples. He believes that food is the real medicine and that there is no one-size-fits-all medical approach.

Currently, Dr. Maridakis has a private practice on the island of Crete in Greece where he integrates many healing modalities including nutraceuticals, physical medicine, and nutrition protocols including the Mediterranean diet for his patients.

Dr. Maridakis holds a Doctorate Degree in Medicine (MD) the Medical University of Sofia in Bulgaria.

How does the Hippocratic Philosophy influence you on how you practice medicine today?

“How does it not?! One of my favorite quotes from Hippocrates is “Foolish the doctor who despises the knowledge acquired by the ancients”. There’s so much foundational truth that we have known for thousands of years like moving your body is important, drinking clean water is essential, food is medicine, depression and anger contribute to sickness, and being in nature is good for the soul. When a patient comes into my clinic, some questions I ask besides the physical symptoms of course, is how is your mood?, what did you eat today?, are you feeling stressed?… Health is not about just the physical and a modern physician should know that. It’s literally proven that stress lowers the immune system, depression leads to a higher pain sensitivity, and so on.”

Want to learn more about Dr. Maridakis? Read his full interview here.



DR. MICHELE BURKLUND, CHIEF SCIENCE OFFICER
Medical Research, Product Development, and Education


Dr. Burklund is our In-House Doctor and Chief Science Officer where she harnesses the healing power of nature along with evidence-based research to develop our powerful plant-based product line. Dr. Burklund seeks to redefine wellness here at Puriya through an innovative formulation method that begins with the root cause of any imbalance. Dr. Burklund is part of every step of the process from farm to bottle-seeking the best ingredient sources around the globe, overseeing quality control, and ensuring clinical efficacy.

Dr. Burklund’s multifaceted approach comes from her extensive academic background with over fourteen years of university education, a strong clinical background in primary care and women’s health, an in-depth knowledge of medical herbalism and plant synergy as well as the belief that nature knows best. She earned her Medical Degree from the prestigious Bastyr University which is the World's leading Medical School focused on cutting edge science and natural health. Dr. Burklund has worked with physicians and sought additional training in specific areas including immunology, women’s health, medical detoxification, plant pharmacology, and functional medicine. She views the practice of medicine as both an art and science and has also traveled the globe to acquire more knowledge from many different healers and doctors to develop her holistic view of mind-body medicine.

Dr. Burklund has written for many national magazines including Better Nutrition Magazine and gives speeches on topics ranging from brain health to functional nutrition. She believes that true medicine finds the root cause of an illness, rather than simply treating the symptoms.

Dr. Burklund holds a doctorate from Bastyr University in Naturopathic Medicine (NMD), a Master's degree (MBA) and a Bachelor's degree (B.S) from Seattle University’s Albers School of Business, Premedical requirements, and a post-MBA in Entrepreneurship And Innovation from Stanford University.

What is your idea of the perfect formulation?

"A product that focuses on reestablishing wellness and the easing the symptoms. I believe products should be designed from the bottom up looking at how the imbalance occurred on a mind-body level. For example, if I’m creating a product for eczema, I will find out what could trigger eczema to begin with including factors like stress and immune reactions. Then during the formulation process, I will incorporate plant-based ingredients that will help with stress and immune modulation along with symptom relief."

DR. KRISTI WRIGHTSON-HARTER, ND, RD, MS
Women's Health, Botanical Medicine, Anti-Aging, and Nutrition


Dr. Wrightson-Harter found naturopathic medicine as she began to explore the deep connection between the mind and the body. This also led her to complete her Master’s in Nutrition as she became fascinated with the importance of food intake as it relates to optimal health.

During her schooling at Bastyr, Dr. Wrightson-Harter worked with physicians from Northside Hospital in Atlanta as well as several integrated health clinics in Seattle. This training exposed her to perspectives from both conventional and holistic medicine, creating a more complete protocol of care that employs characteristics from both forms of healing.

While she continues to have an integrated primary care practice, today, Dr. Wrightson focuses on women’s health, hormonal balancing, and anti-aging therapies using an integrative approach at her Clinic, Nest Spa in Santa Barbara, California. Dr. Wrightson is a member of the California Association of Naturopathic Physicians as well as a supporting member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians; the only nationally recognized association for licensed NDs.

Dr. Wrightson holds a doctorate from Bastyr University in Naturopathic Medicine (ND), a Master's degree in Nutrition (MS) from Bastyr University, and a Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from the College of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina.

What is your personal philosophy on medicine?

"One of my core beliefs is that if someone has symptoms or condition, the body doesn't name that condition. We, as humans, have named diseases so we can keep them in categories and understand them better. I feel like, with my philosophy, it's more about just really looking at something from a whole health standpoint. Like what are the cells doing? What is your body trying to compensate for? What's the underlying cause that is out of balance that your body is really trying to get back into balance and compensate for in a different way?"

Want to learn more about Dr. Wrightston-Harter? Watch her full interview here.


DR. RACHEL WINSTEDT, ND, BSc
Chronic Illness, Naturopathic Neurology, and Nutritional Biochemistry


Dr. Winstedt believes in the body’s ability to achieve extraordinary health and wellbeing. She is an exceptional guide because she has traveled the path herself. She individualizes her treatment plans understanding that no two people walk the same path to health.

Dr. Winstedt completed her pre-med studies at the University of Washington where she earned a degree in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. After working in the medical field for several years she was feeling burnt out until she met a naturopath who introduced her to the idea of treating the root causes of illness rather than treating the symptoms of a disease. She was drawn to the idea of using the scientific method to treat the underlying cause of illness and was inspired by Naturopathic Medicines’ ability to unite cutting edge technology and research with highly effective natural therapies.

She attended medical school at Bastyr University and over time, she decided to specialize in naturopathic neurology. Ironically, she chose her specialty because many people in her life were affected by neurological disease. Dr. Winstedt treats many neurologic conditions including chronic pain, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Autism spectrum disorders, and Alzheimer’s Disease. In particular, she loves helping patients optimize cognitive function. She also has a special interest in chronic infections like Lyme disease and in heavy metal toxicity.

Doctor, scientist, and healer, she tirelessly investigates symptoms to find the root of illness. She is particularly interested in the connection between neuroendocrine disorders and gut health dysbiosis as they relate to neurological and mental health challenges. She feels these root causes are often misunderstood in today’s social and medical cultures. She works with methylation/genetic mutations, advanced IV and nutrient therapies, Injection therapies (Neural Therapy, Perineural Injection Treatment), heavy metals testing, and treatments including chelation therapies.

Dr. Winstedt holds a Doctorate Degree in Naturopathic Medicine (ND) from Bastyr University and a Bachelors of Science Degree (BSc) from the University of Washington in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology.

What does it mean to you to treat the whole person and establish the foundations of health?

“It’s the principle that says we deserve clean air, we deserve rest, we deserve food that is healthy. It’s basically all those things that your mother told you when you were in pre-school; to drink water, to sleep, to go to bed on time, to brush our teeth, those things that help us function and be vital. It’s the therapies that provide us the building blocks to be strong, to be nourished, and to let the body heal itself. So that’s a big component of naturopathic medicine is trusting that once we’ve removed the obstacles to healing that the body will have the resilience to heal itself, and that our pain will reduce and go away.”

Want to learn more about Dr. Winstedt? Watch her full interview here.


DR. BETHANY TENNANT, ND, CNS, LMT, NSM
Natural Sports Medicine, Nutrition, and Naturopathic Pain Management


Dr. Bethany Tennant is a licensed Naturopathic Physician, Certified Nutrition Specialist, and Sports Massage Therapist. As a former collegiate athlete, she is passionate about health, wellness, fitness, and natural sports medicine. Her clients include USATF, NFL, NBA, D-League, FIBA, and NCAA athletes.

She graduated with honors in research from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon. Following graduation, she went on to complete a post-doctoral research fellowship on Parkinson's disease and nutrition. Natural sports medicine is her specialty - she was trained in New York as a sports massage therapist - and she deals with matters of prevention, performance, recovery, pain management, and injury rehabilitation with high-school, college, and professional level athletes (USATF, D-League, FIBA, NBA, NFL).

A New York native, she earned her bachelor's degree at Houghton College as a pre-med student and varsity scholarship basketball player.

Her areas of interest include sports medicine, pain management, and neurodegenerative conditions. She has collaborated with the Brian Grant Foundation as a nutrition expert and executive committee member; Nike N7 as an Ambassador; Damen Bell-Holter as a Health & Wellness Advisor to his Blessed to Bless camps; and MaxHoops and Open Gym Premier as sports nutrition guest speaker. She has also presented at several high school and college programs in the area of sports nutrition training.

Dr. Bethany Tennant also has corporate wellness experience, serving as Medical Director in a New York-based company to advise in areas of nutrition, exercise, stress management, and large-scale impact for corporate clients.

She is passionate about health, wellness, and fitness. As someone who loves to travel, she has also had international experience traveling to the Czech Republic as a collegiate basketball player for clinics, training, and competition; Zambia as a pre-med student; Suriname, South America as Peace Corps Volunteer (Community Health Educator); Nicaragua to work in an established clinic; and in Mexico for a basketball/community outreach.

Dr. Tennent holds a Doctorate Degree in Naturopathic Medicine (ND) from National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon and a Bachelors of Science Degree (BSc) from Houghton College in Premedical Studies in New York.

What types of modalities would you use with different common sports injuries?

“I think what’s different about naturopathic medical training is really such a holistic approach and being able to treat the whole person. And so I think when I’m working with injuries, lots of times it’s in the aspect of maybe someone’s had a surgery, or they’re rehabilitating. And so I love coming in to talk about really nutrition as a big component. So how can we support a speedy recovery or how can we help prepare a body for that surgery, so you can come out faster, and recover. I think that using botanical medicine is an amazing way to apply, whether it’s for pain management and then… Or whether it’s for inflammation. It’s… I like to just consider the whole person in those kind of ways, and offer all those different tools. I would say that although I do work with some sports injuries, I think most of the time, athletes are looking to work with me to lose weight, to gain weight. Sometimes they’re managing symptoms and sometimes it is to just rehabilitate those injuries. So I like to just use all of those different tools of the botanical medicine, physical medicine, nutrition in those ways to integrate care.”

Want to learn more about Dr. Tennant? Watch her full interview here.


DR. NONTAS MARIDAKIS, MD
Integrative Family Medicine, Functional Nutrition, and Hydrotherapy


Dr. Maridakis grew up in Greece, the birthplace of modern medicine, and was greatly influenced by Hippocratic philosophy and the infinite intelligence of nature. He graduated with Honors from the Medical University of Sofia and later went on to complete his residency as a general practitioner at the General Hospital in Heraklion on the island of Crete.

As a native to Crete, he was inspired by the traditional way of living, the annual olive harvests, the therapeutic properties of its nature, and the ancient healing temples. He believes that food is the real medicine and that there is no one-size-fits-all medical approach.

Currently, Dr. Maridakis has a private practice on the island of Crete in Greece where he integrates many healing modalities including nutraceuticals, physical medicine, and nutrition protocols including the Mediterranean diet for his patients.

Dr. Maridakis holds a Doctorate Degree in Medicine (MD) the Medical University of Sofia in Bulgaria.

How does the Hippocratic Philosophy influence you on how you practice medicine today?

“How does it not?! One of my favorite quotes from Hippocrates is “Foolish the doctor who despises the knowledge acquired by the ancients”. There’s so much foundational truth that we have known for thousands of years like moving your body is important, drinking clean water is essential, food is medicine, depression and anger contribute to sickness, and being in nature is good for the soul. When a patient comes into my clinic, some questions I ask besides the physical symptoms of course, is how is your mood?, what did you eat today?, are you feeling stressed?… Health is not about just the physical and a modern physician should know that. It’s literally proven that stress lowers the immune system, depression leads to a higher pain sensitivity, and so on.”

Want to learn more about Dr. Maridakis? Read his full interview here.