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.

Nicole Klughers, PharmD, ND - Legislative Committee Co-Chair and Events Committee Co-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.

Nina Manipon, ND - Treasurer and Events Committee Co-Chair

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.

Jared Pistoia, ND - Vice President and Legislative Committee Co-Chair

Dr. Jared C. Pistoia is a licensed naturopathic physician and author, with specific expertise in lifestyle medicine, mental health, and homeopathy. He currently practices at Bethel Naturopathic Medical in Bethel, CT and Soleil Acupuncture + Naturopathic Wellness in Hamden, CT.

He learned the importance of nutrition and exercise in childhood, and his first introduction to natural medicine began in high school after discovering that vitamin C and zinc defended against recurring viruses. Since then, he’s worked to support community health through various avenues beginning in high school where he was appointed as the student rep on the faculty health committee.

He achieved a B.S. in Health Science from Stony Brook University while working as a certified fitness trainer, health coach, and nutritionist. Dr. Pistoia also volunteered in Stony Brook’s Fit Families for Life where he taught basic nutrition and exercise concepts to children.

He later received his Naturopathic Doctorate from the National University of Natural Medicine and published his first book shortly after graduating, and his second book a few years later. An avid writer, he’s also published dozens of wellness articles for Healthline.com and has other publications as well.

Dr. Pistoia has been actively involved in various aspects of health since childhood and continues to seek avenues that allow him to impact community health on a larger scale. 

Learn more at www.drpistoia.com.

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Amanda Placeres, ND - PR Committee Chair

Erica Smith, ND - Secretary and Event Committee Co-Chair

Dr. Erica Smith graduated as valedictorian of the final graduating class of University of Bridgeport School of Medicine in 2022. She is a fellow with Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs (MAPS) and specializes in autism and complex pediatric disorders. 

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.