Edmonton: Faculty

Dr. Janice Dacyshyn, N.D.

Dr. Dacyshyn graduated in 2005 from Bastyr University, the pre-eminent authority on science-based Naturopathic education. She has been in practice as a Naturopathic Doctor in the Edmonton area for over a decade, growing in her skills and experience as an expert in diagnostic evaluation and natural medicines.

She began her pre-medical studies initially to pursue conventional medicine, but quickly realized that it was naturopathic medicine that would nurture her desire to empower and educate her patients on the powerful principles of preventative medicine. She feels that it is truly an honour to do this work, and is inspired by the changes that her patients make.

She enjoys particular focus in her practice in the areas of female/male, thyroid and stress hormones, digestive concerns of all kinds, depression, anxiety, and allergies. She is also the Executive Director of the Edmonton Clinic of Naturopathic Medicine, a multi-disciplinary clinic of collaborating professionals working towards the betterment of their patients’ physical and emotional wellness. She has appeared on Breakfast Television, performed various speaking engagements in and around the Edmonton area, and enjoys serving her community and engaging with other local businesses.

Dr. Dacyshyn has been teaching at CSNN since the branch opened in Edmonton. She enjoys bringing clinical relevance to some of the basic science elements of this program and gets immense satisfaction and knowledge from students sharing their views and experiences. It has been her sincere pleasure working at CSNN and she looks forward to meeting new students and forging relationships that continue beyond their student experience and into their new, professional lives.

Alissa Liska, B.Sc., C.H.N.C.

Alissa Liska is a holistic nutrition professional and Outside Sales Representative for United Natural Foods, Incorporated in Edmonton. She was previously a Wellbeing Counsellor for Southbrook Sobeys, where she found her passion for the natural food industry. Before completing the Natural Nutrition Program at CSNN, Alissa obtained her Bachelor of Science with Distinction in Nutrition and Food with a minor in Physical Activity from the University of Alberta. She is also a certified Spinning instructor, an AFLCA certified personal trainer, and a ringette goaltender instructor for 5-Count Goalie Instruction. Alissa co-owns and operates Chickie Dough, a chickpea cookie dough vendor at the Strathcona Farmer’s Market in Edmonton. 

Alissa’s education and personal experiences feed her passion for helping others see how easy it can be to provide their bodies with the best fuel possible to feel good, and look good too! “When it comes to our health and wellbeing, the three principles that I believe in are convenience, simplicity, and making the healthy choice, the easy choice. This has worked for me and I aspire to educate others on how these principles can work for them too.” 

Alissa firmly believes in balance and ensures her recommendations are realistic and solution oriented. She loves teaching at CSNN and thoroughly enjoys watching students find their niche and success after completing the program.

Laura Johnston, B.Sc., C.H.N.C.

Laura Johnston is a graduate of the University of Alberta, holding a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Food Science. Concurrently she graduated from the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition as she felt the purely scientific field of nutrition left gaps in her education.

During her exploration of the health industry she obtained her certification as both a personal trainer and yoga instructor. Laura began in the industry working as a personal trainer, then moved exclusively into nutritional coaching where she was able to positively affect the lives of over 500 members of her gym. However, the daunting task of sales expectations, pushed Laura to move her love of nutritional counselling to a no-barrier retail offering as Wellbeing Counselor at a major retailer. Once there, she had the opportunity to develop a number of community level nutrition programs with Special Olympics Alberta and local seniors groups. That experience created an unprecedented opportunity, as Laura was acquired by Freson Bros. Fresh Markets to develop and execute a health and wellness department and program initiative that will see the expansion of health food and supplement offerings across Alberta. This role has synergistically created opportunity in Laura’s other passion, teaching, as she forges roles and job opportunities for the graduates of the CSNN. Thus further strengthening the role of nutrition experts in food retail to support families and individuals in their quest for better health. Outside of work, Laura balances the demands of a corporate nutrition career with swimming, biking, and running; training as an Ironman athlete. 

Lindsay Finnie-Carvalho, B.Sc.H., C.H.N.C.

Lindsay’s love for Holistic Nutrition started after she developed Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis in 2008, and she learned how much of a role good food played in her health and wellbeing. She started her career in Molecular Biology and Genetics after graduating from Guelph University with a Bachelor of Science with Honours, working in labs doing research up until her family needed her at home. At that time, she completed the Natural Nutrition Program at CSNN. Her background in Biology helped give her a deeper understanding of the workings of nutrition and the role it has on the body, which she now shares with the students at CSNN. She is passionate about coaching clients and encouraging healthy diet and lifestyle habits for busy families like hers.

Ardelle Viau, C.H.N.C.

Ardelle Viau is the owner and operator of her nutritional consulting business called Ardelle’s Essentials. She graduated with honors from Canadian School of Natural Nutrition in 2013. She has over 9 years’ experience coaching clients as a weight loss coach and specializes in helping others live as toxic free as possible through simple whole food and clean living recipes. She is also the co-owner of a collaborative workshop space for the health, wellness, and creative community in Edmonton, called The Health Collective YEG. She volunteers for the CSNN Alumni, as well as facilitates a networking group for all of the Edmonton Holistic Nutritional Consultants.