Meet Our Team of Experts
The purpose of the Scientific Advisory Board is to advise and undertake the strategies, plans and activities of NHRI as they relate to its scientific affairs, and are consistent with the purpose of the NHR. All Scientific Advisory Board members are distinguished scientists with expertise in the various areas needed by the NHR, except for one member at large who has communications or industry credentials.
Managing Board | Scientific Advisory Board | Writer
Dr. Massey is the past Medical Director of Complementary and Alternative Medicine for the Alexian Brothers Hospital Network and currently has an active medical practice, ALT-MED Medical and Physical Therapy Program, in Elk Grove Village IL. Dr. Massey is board certified in both internal medicine and integrative medicine. As a graduate of the first class at the Dr. Andrew Weil Program in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona, Dr. Massey has specialty training in integrative medicine and has been a leader in clinical integrative medicine for over 25 years. Dr. Massey lectures locally and nationally on various integrative medicine topics and is a reviewer for several medical journals. He is published in peer reviewed journals in both basic and clinical science. For the past fifteen years Dr. Massey writes a biweekly columnist on alternative medicine for the Daily Herald, the largest Chicago suburban newspaper and is the author of “Miracles or I Have No More Boils.”
Managing Board | Scientific Advisory Board
Dr. Yalda Shokooh, the Natural Health Research Institute Executive Director, has more than 20 years of experience in natural products. She conducted research on botanicals for two decades and published more than 100 peer-reviewed articles. She is a Pharm D as well as having a doctorate in Pharmacognosy. She had two fellowships in “Phytochemistry” and “Medicinal plants analysis”. Most recently, she was a full professor at Sonoran University of Health Sciences, where she researched herbs and taught Pharmacology. She is also the Director of Science and Nutrition at NOW Health Group. Dr. Shokooh has been in leadership roles for the last 11 years and has a passion for natural products.
Scientific Advisory Board
Chris is a Licensed Acupuncturist in the State of Arizona and an Assistant Professor at Sonoran University. He is also the Interim Department Chair of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine at Sonoran University. He has been an adjunct professor of Chinese medicine since 2005, teaching at Sonoran University since 2011 and at Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture (PIHMA) since 2005. Chris received the “Excellence in Teaching Award” at Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture in 2008, 2009, 2015, and 2022 and the “Teacher of the Term” award at Sonoran University in 2018.
He has a private acupuncture practice in Tempe, Arizona, where he shares his office with his wife and has been treating patients since 2006. His primary interest areas are in the study of consciousness, the power of the mind in healing and treating pain and emotional issues using Chinese medicine. Chris is equally comfortable discussing scientific theories and the ancient philosophy and healing arts of Chinese medicine. He offers a warm and approachable teaching style, combining stories and humor to help students understand complex theories. When not teaching or practicing Chinese medicine, Chris enjoys spending time with his wife and learning about history, astronomy, and psychology.
He also enjoys being in nature, appreciating art and music, working on cars, and doing home remodeling.
Scientific Advisory Board
Sarah Hung is a board certified Naturopathic Physician, licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist. Her goal is to bring natural healing methods such as looking for the root cause, medicinal plants and herbs and utilizing food as medicine to others so they can feel empowered to heal themselves. In this interview, she discusses the importance of a whole body approach to optimal health including physical and mental well-being and why addressing the root cause is essential to healing.
Meet Our Team of Talented Writers
Many health e-newsletters are done by writers without a technical background. Our writers have excellent backgrounds in biochemistry, medicine, and nutrition, enabling them to present information in an objective, professional manner.
Writer
Alexa Heathorn, MS, CNS-c, is a clinical nutritionist specializing in metabolic health, hormonal balance, and gastrointestinal restoration through root-cause functional nutrition. She earned her master’s degree in Nutrition from Bastyr University and is currently a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) candidate. Alexa also works as a research writer and functional health consultant, translating complex science into actionable strategies for practitioners and wellness companies. Learn more at www.bloomedwellness.com.
Writer
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. Dr. James focuses on chronic pain and supportive care for persons with a diagnosis of cancer, including survivorship. He now delivers CME presentations alongside patient care. Deeply committed to public health and equity, Dr. James is a passionate advocate for expanding licensure for naturopathic physicians nationwide so that all patients—regardless of socioeconomic status—can access high-quality, evidence-informed integrative care. He believes the doctor–patient relationship is sacred and central to healing.
Writer
Chrystal is a 2008 graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago. She graduated with a bachelor’s in psychology with a focus on premedical studies and is a licensed project manager. She currently resides in Chicago.
Writer
Jessica Patella, ND, is a naturopathic physician specializing in nutrition and homeopathic medicine and offers a holistic approach to health. She earned her ND from Sonoran University (formerly Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, AZ). Dr. Patella has been involved in research since high school, when she presented her research at University of Florida on Group B Strep in pregnant women. While earning a bachelors in exercise physiology at Florida State University, her honors research was examining lifestyle effects on glucose levels in women. Dr. Patella was also a research assistant while in naturopathic medical school and has been writing for the Natural Health Research Institute since she graduated from Sonoran University in 2009. Dr. Patella currently teaches a variety of classes all related to human health.
Writer
Keely Puchalski, ND, is a licensed naturopathic physician and natural products expert with a clinical focus on mental health. She earned her ND from Sonoran University of Health Sciences (formerly Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine) in 2020. Dr. Puchalski has conducted original research in botanical medicine, with discoveries leading to multiple patents and high-impact journal publications. She has authored eight peer-reviewed papers and presented her work at national conferences, webinars, and educational events.
She is the co-founder of Restored Counseling & Wellness Center in Gilbert, AZ, where she leads a collaborative team of therapists and naturopathic doctors dedicated to integrative mental health care: https://restoredcw.com.
Writer
Taylor Woosley studied biology at Purdue University before becoming a 2016 graduate of Columbia College Chicago with a major in Writing. She currently resides in Glen Ellyn, IL.
