California Naturopathic
Association
Convention Speakers 2024
American Naturopathic Associations
105th Year Celebration
Dr. Ojen Masrour, MD
To be announced
Board Certified Physician Dr. Ojen Masrour is on the medical staff at West Hills Hospital & Medical Center, a 2013 recipient of the Distinguished Hospital for Clinical Excellence. As a Diplomate of the American Board of Family Medicine, Dr. Masrour treats patients in all stages of life. His practice includes a focus and sub-specializations in weight loss, functional medicine, diabetes, cardio-metabolic risk reduction, preventative medicine, and men's and women's health.
Dr. Masrour feels that listening to his patients "is our number one priority". In order to understand underlying causes of chronic conditions we spend the time necessary to ask about your lifestyle, your habits, your personal history, and most importantly your goals.
Dr. Masrour does not limit his practice exclusively to traditional western medicine. From utilizing First Line Therapies, to natural, nutrogenic treatments, Dr. Masrour is only committed to one goal, when it comes to treating patients: he wants to partner with you to implement a healthy lifestyle now, to ensure wellbeing for years to come.
Dr. Kimberly Balas, ND, PhD- Wyoming
Natures Sunshine Gold Sponsorship
Nourishing Your Focus: Boosting Attention through Nutrition
A member of the American Naturopathic Physicians Association, American Herbalists Guild and International American Association of Clinical Nutritionists, Dr. Kimberly Balas is a naturopathic practitioner, lecturer, instructor, author and highly sought-after consultant for product formulation.
She has previously served on several health company boards and advised the Verita Advanced Wellness Center in Singapore. Dr. Balas was recently mentioned in Fit Pregnancy and People Magazine as Jewel’s (Grammy award winning artist) naturopathic physician.
Tracey Stroup, ND- Pennsylvannia
Lyme Disease
Dr. Tracey Stroup is a renowned Doctor of Naturopathy (ND) and a trailblazer in the field of natural health care and functional medicine. With a passion for empowering individuals to thrive through holistic healing, Dr. Stroup has dedicated her career to creating a new healthcare system that emphasizes the importance of addressing underlying health imbalances for long-term well-being.
Dr. Stroup is a dedicated advocate for the advancement of natural health care methods and functional medicine. She is actively involved in research, collaborating with leading experts in the field to explore the efficacy of natural treatments and promote evidence-based practices.
Dr. Tracey Stroup's vision for the future is nothing short of transformative. She envisions a healthcare system that goes beyond reactive care and focuses on proactive strategies to prevent illnesses and promote optimal well-being. Her holistic approach encompasses not only physical health but also mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects, recognizing the interconnectedness of these elements in achieving true vitality.
Through her tireless efforts, Dr. Tracey Stroup is shaping a future where natural health care methods and functional medicine are recognized as essential components of comprehensive healthcare. Her unwavering commitment to her patients and the advancement of holistic medicine has made her a respected authority in the field, earning her accolades and recognition from peers and patients alike.
Education: Bachelors of Science degree in the field of Exercise and Sports Science with a minor in Food Science from the Pennsylvania State University. Additionally, She received her designation as a Naturopathic Doctor in 2015. Level 2 Digestive Specialist from the Food Enzyme Institute and a Certified Natural Health Professional. Currently studying for PhD in Biblical Wellness.
Bill Flocco, Reflexologist- California
Empowering Naturopaths
To Empire Clients
With Foot Hand Ear Reflexology
Bill Flocco is the founder/director of the American Academy of Reflexology, and has been a teacher in the fields of health and education for more than 40 years. Bill has taught The Flocco Method: Integrating Foot Hand Ear Reflexology on four continents Australia, Canada, China, Denmark, Germany, New Zealand, Switzerland, and across the United States. In China Bill has taught classes of 400, 600, and 800 students, many of whom were acupuncturists and medical doctors. He is a former president of the International Council of Reflexologists; founder of World Reflexology Week; author of reflexology books, workbooks, and manuals; co-researcher of the first Randomized Controlled Foot Hand Ear Reflexology research study published in scientific medical literature, featured presenter at numerous state, national and international reflexology conferences. Bill is president of the World Reflexology Foundation, with the mission of eventually improving health worldwide through Self-Help Online Reflexology Workshops, Self-Help Reflexology Workshop Videos, and Self-Help Reflexology Articles available for free to the world at the World Reflexology Foundation website.
Dr. Ellen Tart Jensen, PhD, DSc, Naturopath- California
Optimizing Liver Health Through Iridology and Naturopathy
Ellen has studied and worked in the field of iridology and natural healing for nearly 40 years. She is now an internationally recognized authority on iridology and “Whole-istic” health. Ellen’s e-books and educational courses in iridology, nutrition, and natural therapies are used by natural healing schools and students around the world. She is renowned for her work in Comprehensive Iridology
Dr. C.P. Negri, OMD, ND- West Virginia
Naturopathic Physical Exam
Doctor Negri’s first love was body work, and he studied Shiatsu under a Japanese teacher (Yoshimitsu Shinryo) and worked as a shiatsu therapist while going to school for Oriental medicine, beginning in 1974. He became a practicing acupuncturist in 1978, and earned his doctorate in 1980, when doctoral level training was first established. That same year he underwent German Electro diagnosis (EAV) training, which brought traditional acupuncture concepts into the scientific realm, with the use of what is now called Electrodermal Screening. At the same time, he took his first homeopathic courses, which he says he “wasn't interested in at all!” Continued study showed him the usefulness of this approach to medicine, and within a few years he had all but abandoned the traditional Chinese herbal compounds typically used by acupuncturists.
In 1985-6, he underwent a one-year preceptorship with J. Murl Johnston, MD (last of the old guard homeopaths in Pittsburgh PA, and a student of legendary homeopathic doctor Garth Boericke). Dr. Johnston was an expert in physical medicine modalities, using Homeopathy, electrotherapies, and manual therapies in his office. He established the physical therapy departments of Southside Hospital and Upper Saint Clair Memorial Hospital (now Saint Clair Hospital) in Pittsburgh.
Dr. Negri also studied electrotherapy with Dr. N.M. Abbe for six years.
Dr. Negri was nationally certified in classical homeopathy in 1995 by the Council for Homoeopathic Certification and is entitled to use the letters CCH after his name (Certified in Classical Homeopathy).
He has drawn from the talents and skills of many teachers in Japan, including Dr Shudo Aoyagi (Oriental medicine), Dr Toshio Sasaki (acupuncture and physical medicine) and stateside with Dr. H. J. Bost, Dr. Harry Shullo, and others.
The school he attended had an essentially naturopath curriculum (see Oriental Medicine) but could not grant a naturopathic degree due to the rescinding of naturopathic licensure in Florida. It was not until 2007 that he applied for credentialing in Naturopathy by applying his credits toward a degree from the United States School of Naturopathy and Allied Sciences (First National University), at that time the last remaining Class A college from the traditional naturopathic era. After doing additional schooling, he passed the graduating examination for the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree from that institution and finally acquired the degree that best described his treatment style.
In 1998 he was appointed to the faculty of the Marshall University School of Medicine (now Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine) Department of Family and Community Medicine, as an adjunct clinical instructor for the Integrative Medicine division. He regularly trained interns learning integrative medicine at his clinic in the late 1990s and early 2000s, giving them instruction and clinical experience with his methods. Students from WVU medical school, Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, and Bastyr University Naturopathic Medical School have all done rotations at Infinity Health Care.
Dr. Negri moved from Pittsburgh to Morgantown WV years ago and has been appointed over the years by four different governors of West Virginia to the Board of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. He served as its president until 2013. In 2020, he reduced his caseload and work hours and currently serves a select community of families in a concierge practice, but occasionally accepts new patients.
Robert Thiel, PhD, Naturopath
To Be Announced
He is a nationally recognized nutrition researcher, scientist, naturopath, and a natural health consultant. He believes that clinical science demonstrates that through nutrition and lifestyle changes, the body can heal itself of both chronic and acute ailments; and that for congenital disorders, symptoms associated with them can often be reduced or eliminated.Dr. Thiel first became interested in natural health in the early 1970s when he suffered from problems which the medical profession was unable to identify or properly treat. After a close relative received a diagnosis that indicated she had a 90% chance to die within five years (she is still alive 26 years later), he began his formal studies into the areas of natural health, naturopathy, and nutrition. These studies included both traditional and non-traditional approaches. He began to use Reflex Nutrition Assessment in the late 1980's and has completed accredited training in the use of this type of technique. He possesses a fully accredited Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Nutrition Science from the Union Institute and University, a Doctorate in Naturopathy fHealth from First National University of Naturopathy (of the United States School of Naturopathy) the nation's oldest and only federally-chartered naturopathic university), a Naturopathic Diploma from the International College of Naturopathy (a California State approved institution), an M.S. from the University of Southern California, and four other degrees. His wife, Joyce, is also involved with natural health and possesses a B.S. in Nutrition.​
Dr. Paula Rochelle, ND (Oklahoma)
To be announced
Dr. Paula Rochelle is board certified as a Naturopathic Doctor by the National Board of Naturopathic Examiners. She is one of ten in the United States that currently holds a board certification in Naturopathic Endocrinology and currently the only Board Certified Functional Neurologist recognized by the NBNE. She has completed the Kharrazian Clinical Mastery Program and holds certifications in acupuncture, and nutrition. Dr. Rochelle is a member of International Association of Functional Neurology and Rehabilitation where she holds a level 1 certification in Functional Neurology. She has been involved in brain mapping and neurofeedback since 2007 and is currently a member of the International Society for Neurofeedback Research. Dr. Rochelle spent 3 years on contract to NeuroScience Laboratories as a part of team researching neurotransmitters in the brain. She began her practice in 1999 and is currently the director of 3 multidisciplinary alternative medicine clinics. In 2006, Dr. Rochelle crashed an airplane and as a result focuses her work on assessing, and correcting brain trauma. She is the co-formulator of ASuRA brain – a Physica Energetix product designed to open up the aquaporin 4 in the brain enabling the brain to detoxify. She is a co-founder of Nucleic Products, a nutrition company focused on the development of unique homeopathics and nutraceuticals to enhance brain and overall health. Dr. Rochelle currently chairs the Board of Examiners for the American Naturopathic Association assisting in establishing “standards of practice” in Naturopathy.
Karen Balou
To be Announced
Midway through her career as a beauty executive, master and celebrity esthetician, and educator, Karen Ballou found herself up against an unthinkable battle: cancer. Diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, she underwent chemotherapy. Treatment took a toll on her skin, and on her journey back to health, she became increasingly passionate about skin immunity. That’s when Immunocologie was born. Built on the belief that the stronger skin is, the better it functions—vibrant, youthful, clear, and radiant.
Dr. Terry Oleson PhD
Auriculotherapy
Upon receiving his doctorate in Psychobiology from the University of California at Irvine, Dr. Oleson obtained a post-doctoral fellowship in Neuroscience at the UCLA Department of Psychology and the UCLA Brain Research Institute. At UCLA he conducted research that pioneered the way for assessment and treatment based in auriculotherapy. His initial research studies began with stimulation produced analgesia in the brain. Since then, he has written over 30 scientific articles and has published the highly regarded textbooks, Auriculotherapy: Chinese and Western Approaches to Ear Acupuncture (2014), and the International Handbook of Ear Reflex Points (1995).
Dr. Oleson has served as the Chair of the Department of Psychology and Division of Behavioral Medicine at the California Graduate Institute in Los Angeles, California, the faculty of Emperor’s College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and as president of the Auriculotherapy Certification Institute (ACI).
He is known for his work on auricular nomenclature, which he presented internationally, including meetings for the World Health Organization in Lyon, France, in 1990, 1994, 2000, and 2014, as well as the International Congress on Auricular Medicine in Beijing, China, in 1995 and 2010. In 1998, Dr. Oleson was recognized by the International Congress of Chinese Medicine with the Auricular Acupuncturist of the Year Award.
Dr. Betty Sue O'Brein, ND- Mississippi
Microcosm/Macrocosm
The Parts Mirror The Whole
Dr. Betty Sue O’Brian, Natural Physician, M. S. was always interested in food and diet, and studied food and nutrition with a minor in Dietetics from U.S. M. Dr. Betty Sue says, “Later, when I had children of my own, I took my young son to a Traditional Naturopath and herbalist. Throughout his childhood, I grew to appreciate her simple approach to health…no scare tactics or “bad news” diagnosis! I loved what I learned and was hungry for more. I studied iridology with Dr. Bernard Jensen and so loved what I learned that I began to share it by teaching others.”
For the past fifteen years, she has offered guidance and assistance to those looking for support in their healing journeys.Dr Betty Sue has treated a full range of “dis-eases” in children, adults and the elderly. She sees her role as one who helps people get to the cause of their imbalance via food-based healing, herbs and lifestyle changes. She utilizes a variety of modalities including diet and nutritional counseling, functional medicine, chakra balancing, energy medicine, supplementation recommendations, botanical medicineflower essence therapy and detox strategies. She recommends iridology as a baseline, genetic marker. The body can heal given the right stimulus.
Her many years teaching in the classroom have provided Dr. Betty Sue with a command of the language (of health) and the ability to empower others to take charge of their health. When clients say, “my doctor has me on… or my doctor won’t take me of of….” she encourages them to discuss how they feel and why they might want to make a change with their doctor and not just accept something they know is not right for them.
Catie Whyman- Norris
To be Announced
​Catie is a nutrition and wellness guru to the stars. She is founder of Energy Essential’s Wellness Centers, Cure’s in the Kitchen and Catie’s Whole Plant Foods. Her determination, passion and knowledge evolved from her and her families own life threatening illnesses which have become springboard’s for remarkable triumph and radiant health. Her passion’s include being a momma, researcher, educator, lecturer, national television & radio wellness advocate, and formulator of whole food products and supplements that make a life changing difference. Catie has been a guest speaker on several health related television and radio shows. It has always been a mission of hers to help others by educating and guiding them through their health and lifestyle choices.
Toni O'Donnell, PhD
To Be Announced
Dr. Tony O’Donnell, PhD — nutritionist, author, speaker, TV and Radio host, humanitarian. Dr. Tony’s career as a naturopath has lead him through a remarkable life and a wealth of knowledge and experience making him one of America’s leaders in naturopath medicine.
As a Certified Herbalist and Nutritionist, Dr. Tony has motivated many to change their lives for the better, enforcing the principle that “If you feel better, you perform better.” His passion for helping others has led to an incredible career teaching the art of a healthy lifestyle.
Dr. Tony is a renowned speaker at multiple Fortune 500 companies to sharing his “mantra of success”. Dr. Tony is “an energetic motivational guru that mixes sound business principles with a healthy dose of nutrition”, according to friend and motivational speaker, Brian Tracy. Tony’s comfort with large audiences, clever narratives, and the ability to speak openly and honestly, allows him to give powerful and entertaining presentations.
Known as “The Herb Doc” he has been seen on HSN, ABC, NBC, FOX News, CNN, and Talk Radio Network. He is the author of 15 books on healthy living, wellness and personal empowerment, TV and radio host, and a humanitarian. In 2001 he was awarded “Man of the Year” by the Leukemia Society.
Dr. Ellen Tart Jensen, PhD, DSc, Naturopath- California
Optimizing Liver Health Through Iridology and Naturopathy
Ellen has studied and worked in the field of iridology and natural healing for nearly 40 years. She is now an internationally recognized authority on iridology and “Whole-istic” health. Ellen’s e-books and educational courses in iridology, nutrition, and natural therapies are used by natural healing schools and students around the world. She is renowned for her work in Comprehensive Iridology
Dr. C.P. Negri, OMD, ND- West Virginia
Naturopathic Physical Exam
Doctor Negri’s first love was body work, and he studied Shiatsu under a Japanese teacher (Yoshimitsu Shinryo) and worked as a shiatsu therapist while going to school for Oriental medicine, beginning in 1974. He became a practicing acupuncturist in 1978, and earned his doctorate in 1980, when doctoral level training was first established. That same year he underwent German Electro diagnosis (EAV) training, which brought traditional acupuncture concepts into the scientific realm, with the use of what is now called Electrodermal Screening. At the same time, he took his first homeopathic courses, which he says he “wasn't interested in at all!” Continued study showed him the usefulness of this approach to medicine, and within a few years he had all but abandoned the traditional Chinese herbal compounds typically used by acupuncturists.
In 1985-6, he underwent a one-year preceptorship with J. Murl Johnston, MD (last of the old guard homeopaths in Pittsburgh PA, and a student of legendary homeopathic doctor Garth Boericke). Dr. Johnston was an expert in physical medicine modalities, using Homeopathy, electrotherapies, and manual therapies in his office. He established the physical therapy departments of Southside Hospital and Upper Saint Clair Memorial Hospital (now Saint Clair Hospital) in Pittsburgh.
Dr. Negri also studied electrotherapy with Dr. N.M. Abbe for six years.
Dr. Negri was nationally certified in classical homeopathy in 1995 by the Council for Homoeopathic Certification and is entitled to use the letters CCH after his name (Certified in Classical Homeopathy).
He has drawn from the talents and skills of many teachers in Japan, including Dr Shudo Aoyagi (Oriental medicine), Dr Toshio Sasaki (acupuncture and physical medicine) and stateside with Dr. H. J. Bost, Dr. Harry Shullo, and others.
The school he attended had an essentially naturopath curriculum (see Oriental Medicine) but could not grant a naturopathic degree due to the rescinding of naturopathic licensure in Florida. It was not until 2007 that he applied for credentialing in Naturopathy by applying his credits toward a degree from the United States School of Naturopathy and Allied Sciences (First National University), at that time the last remaining Class A college from the traditional naturopathic era. After doing additional schooling, he passed the graduating examination for the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree from that institution and finally acquired the degree that best described his treatment style.
In 1998 he was appointed to the faculty of the Marshall University School of Medicine (now Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine) Department of Family and Community Medicine, as an adjunct clinical instructor for the Integrative Medicine division. He regularly trained interns learning integrative medicine at his clinic in the late 1990s and early 2000s, giving them instruction and clinical experience with his methods. Students from WVU medical school, Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, and Bastyr University Naturopathic Medical School have all done rotations at Infinity Health Care.
Dr. Negri moved from Pittsburgh to Morgantown WV years ago and has been appointed over the years by four different governors of West Virginia to the Board of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. He served as its president until 2013. In 2020, he reduced his caseload and work hours and currently serves a select community of families in a concierge practice, but occasionally accepts new patients.
Robert Thiel, PhD, Naturopath
To Be Announced
He is a nationally recognized nutrition researcher, scientist, naturopath, and a natural health consultant. He believes that clinical science demonstrates that through nutrition and lifestyle changes, the body can heal itself of both chronic and acute ailments; and that for congenital disorders, symptoms associated with them can often be reduced or eliminated.Dr. Thiel first became interested in natural health in the early 1970s when he suffered from problems which the medical profession was unable to identify or properly treat. After a close relative received a diagnosis that indicated she had a 90% chance to die within five years (she is still alive 26 years later), he began his formal studies into the areas of natural health, naturopathy, and nutrition. These studies included both traditional and non-traditional approaches. He began to use Reflex Nutrition Assessment in the late 1980's and has completed accredited training in the use of this type of technique. He possesses a fully accredited Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Nutrition Science from the Union Institute and University, a Doctorate in Naturopathy fHealth from First National University of Naturopathy (of the United States School of Naturopathy) the nation's oldest and only federally-chartered naturopathic university), a Naturopathic Diploma from the International College of Naturopathy (a California State approved institution), an M.S. from the University of Southern California, and four other degrees. His wife, Joyce, is also involved with natural health and possesses a B.S. in Nutrition.​
Dr. Paula Rochelle, ND (Oklahoma)
To be announced
Dr. Paula Rochelle is board certified as a Naturopathic Doctor by the National Board of Naturopathic Examiners. She is one of ten in the United States that currently holds a board certification in Naturopathic Endocrinology and currently the only Board Certified Functional Neurologist recognized by the NBNE. She has completed the Kharrazian Clinical Mastery Program and holds certifications in acupuncture, and nutrition. Dr. Rochelle is a member of International Association of Functional Neurology and Rehabilitation where she holds a level 1 certification in Functional Neurology. She has been involved in brain mapping and neurofeedback since 2007 and is currently a member of the International Society for Neurofeedback Research. Dr. Rochelle spent 3 years on contract to NeuroScience Laboratories as a part of team researching neurotransmitters in the brain. She began her practice in 1999 and is currently the director of 3 multidisciplinary alternative medicine clinics. In 2006, Dr. Rochelle crashed an airplane and as a result focuses her work on assessing, and correcting brain trauma. She is the co-formulator of ASuRA brain – a Physica Energetix product designed to open up the aquaporin 4 in the brain enabling the brain to detoxify. She is a co-founder of Nucleic Products, a nutrition company focused on the development of unique homeopathics and nutraceuticals to enhance brain and overall health. Dr. Rochelle currently chairs the Board of Examiners for the American Naturopathic Association assisting in establishing “standards of practice” in Naturopathy.
Karen Balou
To be Announced
Midway through her career as a beauty executive, master and celebrity esthetician, and educator, Karen Ballou found herself up against an unthinkable battle: cancer. Diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, she underwent chemotherapy. Treatment took a toll on her skin, and on her journey back to health, she became increasingly passionate about skin immunity. That’s when Immunocologie was born. Built on the belief that the stronger skin is, the better it functions—vibrant, youthful, clear, and radiant.