Bob Brody, ND, FABNG - President and Legislative Committee Co-Chair

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 - Vice President

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

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.

Lyndsey Maher, ND, MS, LAc

Dr. Lyndsey Maher is the owner and director of Soleil Acupuncture and Naturopathic Wellness located in Hamden, CT. She holds a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine alongside a Master’s Degree in Acupuncture, both from the University of Bridgeport and their respective programs. 

A political science undergrad on the road to law school and battling some health concerns of her own, she grew frustrated with conventional medicine’s approach. Merely trying to figure out a means of relief for herself, little did she know that it would not only help bring her healing from what plagued her, but that it would become her new career path. She sought to empower and educate others on how to make the lifestyle adjustments necessary to promote health, rather than just abate illness. She believes that you should be an active participant in your health, not just a passive bystander; so she helps her patients to do that in practice.

Nina Manipon, ND

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 chestfed infants, and a Certified Wellness Counselor (Cornell University). As a Wellness Counselor, she primarily works in naturopathic bariatrics, supporting post-op patients acutely and long-term. 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 - Legislative Committee Co-Chair

Dr. Jared C. Pistoia graduated from the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) in Portland, Oregon. He specializes in the treatment of gastrointestinal and mental health disorders, using homeopathic medicine as a primary treatment method. He practices out of Bethel, CT and Norwalk, CT. He currently serves as the Co-Chair of CNPA's Legislative Committee, is the author of the book In Pursuit of Health, and has published dozens of wellness articles for Healthline.com. His first involvement in health began over 15 years ago, when he studied nutrition and exercise before working as a personal trainer, health coach, and nutritionist. Dr. Pistoia is passionate about health and enjoys serving the state of Connecticut. 

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Amanda Placeres, ND

Erica Smith, ND - Secretary and Event Committee 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.