Bob Brody, ND, FABNG - President

Dr. Brody is a Naturopathic physician and a Board Certified Fellow from the American Board of Naturopathic Gastroenterology. He has an insurance based practice in Newtown Connecticut and has been involved with the CNPA for over five years. Dr. Brody received his doctorate degree in Naturopathic Medicine from the University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine, and his Master’s degree in Human Nutrition from the University of Bridgeport Nutrition Institute. He is currently licensed as a Naturopathic Physician in the State of Connecticut. He completed his non-CNME residency at the Center of Excellence in Generative Medicine under Dr. Peter D’Adamo. Dr. Brody has also attended the New England School of Homeopathy and received a certificate in classic homeopathy. He later went on and sit for his fellowship in naturopathic gastroenterology and became the first Fellow from the American Board of Naturopathic Gastroenetology (FABNG) in New England. Dr. Brody also teaches in the Biology Department at the University of Bridgeport.

Kathleen Cannon, ND - Secretary

Dr. Kathleen Cannon is a licensed naturopathic physician currently practicing at Dr. Katie Wellness Insights, an integrative medicine practice in Darien, CT, as well as virtually. Dr. Cannon specializes in supporting individuals experiencing autoimmune and chronic conditions.

Dr. Cannon deeply believes in the innate intelligence within all of us. After overcoming her own health crisis, she left a job in financial services to pursue helping others on their health journeys and became a naturopathic doctor. She is passionate about empowering you with the knowledge and tools to improve your health as well as learning how to tap into your own wisdom for healing. 

A graduate of the University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine, Dr. Cannon is certified in HeartMath for stress management, trained in functional medicine, and offers genomics consults. She previously ran a general family practice in southeastern CT. Dr. Cannon also serves on the board of Care for People with Chronic and Invisible Illness and is a member of the Institute for Functional Medicine.

Dave James, ND - Legislative Chair

Dave James, ND, is a licensed naturopathic physician in Connecticut and Arizona and a proud alumnus and former Board of Trustees member of Sonoran University of Health Sciences' School of Naturopathic Medicine. He earned a BS in Psychology from the University of Bridgeport, where he captained the NCAA Cross Country Team. A three-time Team USA member and two-time 100-mile USATF trail national champion, Dr. James later completed his Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine at SCNM (now Sonoran University), including enrollment in the Regenerative Medicine Honors Program. Dr. James focuses on chronic pain and supportive care for persons with a diagnosis of cancer, including survivorship.

He is a full-time clinician, a three-time AANP research presenter, and has delivered CME at CNPA and to OncANP on CAR T cell therapy. Dr. James has been accepted into the Andrew Weil Integrative Medicine Fellowship at the University of Arizona and is a member of ASCO, ASH, and NYANP.  Dr. James believes in service and is currently the vice legislative chair and a board of directors member of CNPA, on the educational committee for AzNMA,  a member of the membership committee for AANP, and serves on the research committee for SIO. He is pursuing board certification in naturopathic oncology (FABNO) and has shadowed leading FABNOs across North America. Dr. James is passionate about public health and expanding licensure for naturopathic doctors nationwide so that all patients—regardless of socioeconomic status—can access high-quality integrative care. He believes the doctor–patient relationship is sacred and central to healing. He volunteers with NWB (Naturopaths Without Borders) and Team RWB and enjoys hiking with his spouse and dog.

Nicole Klughers, PharmD, ND - Vice President and Events Committee Chair

Dr. Nicole Klughers is a licensed naturopathic physician, acupuncture specialist, community educator, and former pharmacist. Passionate about healthcare from an early age, Dr. Klughers began her journey by earning a Doctorate in Pharmacy at St. John’s University College of Pharmacy.

After realizing the limitations of conventional medicine, Dr. Klughers was drawn to naturopathic medicine, recognizing this as a way to provide integrative, sustainable and holistic healthcare. Eager to help others heal, Dr. Klughers enrolled at the University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine, and earned a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine, concurrently completing a Master of Science in Acupuncture, and graduated summa cum laude in both disciplines.

Dr. Klughers participates in annual naturopathic legislative initiatives in Washington D.C. and is eager to continue the advancement of the naturopathic profession while increasing naturopathic healthcare accessibility for the public. She is an active member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, Connecticut Naturopathic Physician Association, New York Association of Naturopathic Physicians, American Apitherapy Society and her local Holistic Chamber of Commerce.

Ellen Lewis, ND - Executive Committee Chair and Membership Committee Co-Chair

Dr. Ellen Lewis is the medical director of Shalva Clinic in Westport, Conn. A graduate of Boston University and the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM), she began her career with a baccalaureate degree in athletic training. With her focus on injury prevention in athletes fueling her desire to understand more about healing, her next step was a doctorate in naturopathic medicine from NUNM, a two-year mentorship in integrative women’s health, and a certificate in midwifery and pediatrics. Today she is a married mother of two daughters, living the challenges of daily life experienced by many women. 

Her dedication to women’s health issues has led to her expertise in Escharotic Therapy for cervical dysplasia. She is sought after for her warm and personal support for patients suffering from pelvic floor issues, HPV, vaginal and urinary disorders, and her strategies for optimizing energy and health. Dr. Lewis provides cutting edge treatment that goes beyond standard care for thousands of women all over the world.

Sarah Ouano, ND - Executive Assistant

Dr. Sarah Ouano is a graduate of National University of Health Sciences in Lombard, IL, and a former Connecticut resident. She currently resides in Las Vegas, NV, and serves as CNPA's Executive Assistant, managing the administrative aspects of the Association's work, providing event planning and staffing, organizing legislative campaigns, and acting as AANP liaison.

In addition to her naturopathic training, she is a Certified Lactation Support Counselor, with specialty in food allergies in chest fed infants, and a Certified Wellness Counselor (Cornell University). She is a contractor with Foster Kinship, a nonprofit organization serving kinship and traditional foster families by providing naturopathic consultations for children in care and post-permanency. Other projects include marketing and branding consultation, ghostwriting, and event planning for small and large medical practices and businesses.

She can be reached at cnpalegislative@gmail.com.

Anthony Pascucci, ND - Treasurer

Dr. Anthony Pascucci is a Naturopathic Physician practicing for the last three years as part of the team at Collaborative Natural Health Partners, an integrated insurance based practice in the greater Hartford area of Connecticut, amongst an integrated primary care setting. Dr. Pascucci received his doctorate degree in Naturopathic Medicine from the University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine, where he was part of a mentorship program at the Center for Generative Medicine, under the tutelage of Dr. Peter D’Adamo and Dr. Robert Brody, amongst others. He is currently licensed as a Naturopathic Physician in the State of Connecticut. Dr. Pascucci continues to hone his skills in bodywork that is based on osteopathic medicine, including training in Craniosacral Therapy through the Upledger Institute, Visceral Manipulation of the Abdomen and Polyvagal Manual Therapy through the Barral Institute. He also teaches an online Breathwork Class through his practice to use breathing as a vehicle to engage and balance the Vagus nerve, and promote calming and relaxation.

Amanda Placeres, ND - PR Committee Chair

Dr. Amanda Placeres is a naturopathic physician and licensed acupuncturist. She earned her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine in 2015 and her Master's in Acupuncture in 2017, both from the University of Bridgeport, where she graduated with the highest honors, Summa Cum Laude. Dr. Placeres is  an active member of both the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and the Connecticut Naturopathic Physicians Association, demonstrating her commitment to the naturopathic community and her ongoing professional development.

Lindsey Wells, ND - Immediate Past President

Dr. Lindsey Wells is a naturopathic physician located in Wilton Connecticut. She focuses her practice on pediatric integrative care for PANS/PANDAS, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), vector-borne illnesses, and other neurodevelopmental disorders. She currently serves as the President of the Connecticut Naturopathic Physicians Association (CNPA) and is a Fellow of the Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs. She frequently lectures to both professional and parent organizations, and is the author of the children’s book, Super Sam and the Battle Against PANS/PANDAS. In 2016, Dr. Wells was recognized as “Young Influencer in Naturopathic Medicine” by the AANMC.