Our staff at Canadian School of Natural Nutrition are active in all areas of nutritional development and organizational research. Click on a faculty member below to jump to their bio:
Branch Manager: Vivian Lee, B.A., R.H.N., R.N.C.P., T.C.M.Dp., C.ht
Vivian is the licensed manager of the Metro Toronto Branch soon after graduating from CSNN where she also teaches. Since departing from her corporate career, Vivian has become a multi-disciplinary practitioner in holistic health and has been practicing since 1990’s. Among her main practices are Holistic Nutrition and Traditional Chinese Medicine which encompasses herbology, acupuncture, and tuina. She is also a qualified instructor in QiGong Healing. CSNN became her vocational calling because she is passionate and active in expounding natural healing with current applications and science. The school has come to be an incubator to help encourage learning, growth, and personal and collective responsibility to transform life.
Alexander Arthur is dedicated to changing the world. After graduating from Kinesiology and Environmental Studies, Alexander started TAC Sports to help change the confidence and sport skills of students all over the world. He has since started Strong Food, a cooking and nutrition company designed to help students learn how to cook nutritious whole foods and learn about the benefits of plant-based whole foods.
Alexander is dedicated to increasing accessibility to good food, ensuring everyone gets a daily workout in and stays strong. He is passionate about Ecology and Nutrition, how to farm sustainably.
He joined the CSNN Program as it seemed exactly what he needed, a school based on great principles , balanced and with a mission behind it, so much so that he also joined the Faculty after he graduated.
Dr. Nicole Daniels, ND is a board certified Naturopathic Doctor with over 10 years of clinical experience. She received her training at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM), after completing a Master of Science (York University) and Bachelors of Medical Science (Western University).
Dr. Daniels is an active advocate in empowering others through education and health. She is a regular contributor as a lifestyle columnist for health magazines and guest speaker for emotional and mental health wellness at schools and community centers. In addition to her passion for health-focused teaching, she is an avid crafter, amateur artist, and creative counselor. She operates an entirely virtual private practice and is currently in development of an arts-based creative healing group program.
Corina obtained her naturopathic medical degree from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. Corina attended the University of Toronto for four years where she attained her Honours BSc. specializing in Human Health and Disease.
Having a general family practice allows Corina to further her insights in a wide spectrum of illnesses and conditions affecting patients of all ages. Her clinical practice has a special focus on digestive disorders, hormonal imbalances and autoimmune illnesses. Corina’s goal is to empower patients with the knowledge and tools to effectively care for their health concerns as well as to increase longevity and decrease the onset and progression of chronic diseases through quality foods and lifestyle.
Outside of her clinical practice, Corina is a passionate teacher and lecturer. She has delivered numerous workshops and lectures pertaining to naturopathic medicine, diet and nutrition, stress management, and detoxification to the general public and various corporations. Corina is also the therapeutic advisor for one of Canada’s largest and renowned supplement companies with a wide array of product lines.
Dr. Liam LaTouche graduated from Western University with a Bachelor of Science Honors Specialization in Kinesiology and the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, allowing him to combine his passions for fitness, modern scientific knowledge, and traditional systems of medicine. With patients, he strives to address the underlying root cause of disease and promote re-establishment of a healthy balance within the body using a variety of evidence-informed dietary and lifestyle strategies. As an educator, he works to foster curiosity, critical analysis, competency, and passion in students and health professionals looking to expand their knowledge base and clinical skills.
Dr. LaTouche is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor in good standing with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario, and an active member of the Ontario and Canadian Associations of Naturopathic Doctors.
Shawna McCusker graduated from CSNN in 2016; she is passionate about pediatric nutrition, mental health and wellness. After nearly 10 years working in Social Work, mental health/counselling, and behaviour therapy at CHEO and The Ottawa Hospital Weight Management clinic, Shawna decided to pursue an adjunct career in holistic nutrition to further benefit the population with whom she worked, and her own growing family. Over time, it became increasingly evident that the relationship developed with food at an early age can assist and enable someone in navigating life stressors in the healthiest way possible, while fostering a healthy relationship with one’s own body and sense of self.
Shawna continues to work full-time while running her own business – Sprouting Balance Nutrition and Wellness – through which she offers workshops, consultation and a supportive community for parents, caregivers and ‘The Village’ at large, to discover and nurture what is ultimately best for oneself, little people, and the family as a whole.
Shawna teaches various courses and workshops in several CSNN locations. (Currently on Sabbatical)
Cancer Nutrition Coach, Reiki Practitioner
Audrey McDonough graduated from CSNN Toronto in 2007. While building her nutrition consulting business, she gained invaluable experience and knowledge of the supplement and whole foods industry while working for several different distributors in the natural health industry, and also offered talks on many nutrition-related topics. The cancer support work in the part decades provided her with enormous insight into the body-mind-spirit (BMS) aspects of holistic well-being and it continues to be her specialty. Audrey enjoys educating people on the benefits of natural nutrition so much that she joined the CSNN teaching faculty in 2012.
Audrey and her husband, 5 parrots, and 5 cats moved to live in the country with several acres to realize their dream. She used to volunteer at the animal shelter, but made use of the lockdown years to continue her learning path in homeopathy while currently also working part-time at a compounding pharmacy. Both modalities will allow her to render a more seamless resolution for BMS challenges. Audrey is a firm believer in the power of eating well, exercise, resolution of BMS challenges, and our ability to influence our own lives.
Keyrsten graduated from the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition. After over a decade of clinical experience at one of Vancouver’s first integrated medical clinics, established in 1984 – she’s developed a breadth of traditional and innovative skills in a professional and ground-breaking setting. This also benefitted students at various CSNN locations where she has been teaching. A former dancer and avid runner, Keyrsten prides herself on her healthy relationship with good food – and excellent wine – and on her involvement in local communities across the greater Vancouver area, where she often facilitates both public and corporate workshops on various nutrition and wellness focused topics.
Erin completed her medical studies at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2005 after obtaining her Bachelor of Science Degree at the University of Waterloo. Her passion regarding children’s health care led her to Arizona in pursuit of a unique Pediatric Residency opportunity in 2010. Erin is the only Canadian ND to have completed a residency of this kind. Erin is registered and actively involved with the Ontario Board of Directors of Drugless Therapy-Naturopathy (BDDT-N).
With the belief that an integrative setting is the best approach to health care, Erin maintains a general family and pediatric practice at two locations downtown Toronto alongside medical doctors, chiropractors, midwives, registered massage therapists, physiotherapists, psychologists, and orthopedists.
Rasha has always been a foodie. Growing up, she developed a passion for medicine and nutrition. Rasha says she owes that to her father who is an amazing medical doctor.
She does not believe in good and bad food but believes in unhealthy vs. healthy weight control practices. Her expertise helps her clients build a strong solid base, and she guides them and sticks by their side until they build a healthier lifestyle and become their own nutrition coach.
Rasha has a BSc in Nutrition and Food Technology and a Master’s in Public Health. She went on to pursue her passion for nutrition and completed the Natural Nutrition Diploma Program at CSNN to become a Registered Holistic Nutritionist to incorporate into her dietetic practice.
Rasha started her career in the field of research and as a dietitian in different hospitals, weight loss centres, and pharmacies. This all created an enriched professional experience in Nutrition and Dietetics, with a focus in digestive health, women’s health and the body, mind, and soul connection.
Rasha lives by three key words: variety, frequency, and moderation. She takes great care about her clients and wants to be there to celebrate their success.
Jennifer Pun, ND, graduated from the University of British Columbia in 2002 with a Bachelor’s degree in Integrated Sciences – a balanced program of combining science and art. After setting out to find the perfect career to complement her interests, as an artist, a teacher, a graphic designer, and a yoga instructor, Jennifer happily found the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine after exploring various options. She is passionate about patient education, the fusion of Eastern and Western philosophies, and individualized medicine. Jennifer’s special interests include Women’s Health, Fertility, Pediatrics, Digestive Function, Detoxification, Weight Loss, Endocrinology, Preventative Medicine, and Mind-Body Medicine. She practices in midtown Toronto.
Dr. Ruchi Shetty graduated from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2004, and holds a degree in Botany and Zoology from Trinity College, University of Toronto. She is board certified with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario, and a member of both OAND and the CAND.
Ruchi spent several years working to build strong, healthy communities. She was Regional Director of Programs and Services for the Art of Living Foundation in Manitoba, a non-profit humanitarian organization focused on personal empowerment and community development. She brings this same passion to help empower her patients to build strong, healthy lives. With several years of experience in general naturopathic practice in midtown Toronto, Ruchi currently focuses on Women’s Health, including hormonal balance, fertility, pregnancy, postpartum care, and pediatrics. She also has expertise in mood disorders and post-traumatic stress. Ruchi uses a variety of healing methods, including herbs, nutrition, acupuncture, yoga, breath-work, and counseling. (www.yorkvillenaturopathic.com)
On Sabbatical
After spending many years working in the IT industry as a Business Analyst, Trainer, and Project Manager, Sandra changed career paths when she had to overcome her own health challenges and became passionate about holistic health. Sandra is a Holistic Educator and Counsellor with certifications as a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Certified Culinary Nutrition Instructor, Yoga Teacher, and Ayurveda Wellness Counsellor.
Sandra offers workshops, group programs, and 1:1 coaching for women who want to live their most beautiful life with ease and she offers an East meets West approach to health and wellness.
Ashima attained an honours B.Sc. from the University of Toronto in Mathematics and Human Biology. It sparked her attention to health and healing, leading her to the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine to obtain her N.D. She believes that life is a continual learning process and thus, enjoys being in the classroom with students in addition to being in practice. Ashima’s interests in mental health, immunity, and whole foods diets extend her into various in-depth researches and teaching these courses at CSNN.
On Sabbatical
A Registered Holistic Nutritionist™ professional, graduated with Honours from the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition (CSNN) and was the recipient of the “Award of Excellence”. In addition, Michelle has a Bachelor of Commerce Honours Degree with a major in Human Nutrition (Administrative Dietetics) from the University of Guelph.
It was her own health issues that led Michelle back, full circle, to her early schooling in nutrition education, but this time embracing the Holistic arena. Michelle has successfully grown her clinical practice with a primary focus on digestive issues (i.e. Candida, parasites, allergies, skin issues), the liver, detoxification protocols, pH management, Type 2 diabetes, and cancer.
With her wealth of knowledge and experience, she was invited to join CSNN Toronto’s Faculty. She helps motivate students and clients, identify nutritional imbalances, and assist in monitoring their progress. We were fortunate to have Michelle on our faculty for over a decade until her semi-retirement. She now dedicates her full attention to run the CSNN Alumni Association, which has become even more of a rock-solid entity under her leadership to support the continued development of our graduates. She collects accolades wherever she goes. She has raised a healthy, successful family while multi-tasking along her career path. Michelle has been a role model to many students will always be a part of CSNN Toronto.