fbpx

Meet the Team

When it comes to teams, we got pretty lucky! Come meet our passionate change-makers and nutrient-dense food aficionados that make up the foundation of all that we do here at the NTA. Learn a little more about their background and role at the NTA, and even their favorite healthy fat!

Leadership Team

Michael Belz - Meet the Staff

Michael Belz

Chief Executive Officer

ADAM-TENENBAUM - Meet the Team

Adam Tenenbaum

Board of Directors Chair

Sharon Weinberg - Meet the Team

Sharon Weinberg

Board of Directors Member

Kristin Rowell - Meet the Team

Kristin Rowell

Board of Directors Member

Finance

Ming Chin Yiong

Accounting Manager

Valerie Bell - Meet the Team

Valerie Bell

Finance Specialist

Information Technology 

Mike Latimer - Meet the Team

Mike Latimer

Chief Technology Officer

Maile Oatman - Meet the Team

Maile Oatman, FNTP

Special Projects Manager

About

Marketing

Kelsey Gray - Meet the Team

Kelsey Gray, FNTP

Marketing Manager

About

Kelsey Gray here! I am a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner and the Marketing Manager at the NTA. I reside in the Pacific Northwest with my husband, Colton and our amazing coonhound, Olive. 🐶

I have the unique honor to promote an education that is focused on reversing the trend of preventable poor health across the globe. I am biased but I believe NTA has set the standard for nutrition certifications out there. Our students and graduates prove over and over to bring their clients lasting transformation in their health. It makes my job easy to be able lead our marketing with such a powerful message!

With over six years of experience as a marketer in the Health and Wellness industry with brands like, Dr. Josh Axe and Dr. Bill Cole, and through my building my own business as an FNTP, I’ve accumilated an understanding that the world is in desperate need of nutrition professionals. For that reason, I am dedicated to assisting nutrition enthusiasts in discovering their ideal career in holistic nutrition.

Meet the Staff - Brittany Suppini

Brittany Suppini

Digital Communication Engineer

About

Hi! I’m Brittany Suppini. I am the proud mother of two and wife to a wonderful human going on ten years. While we currently call the PNW our home, we love to travel and enjoy exploring and appreciating other cultures. In my personal life I am a postpartum doula. Here at the NTA I am a Digital Communications Engineer. After an adolescence of illness and discovering how nutrition reshaped and gave immeasurable value to my life, I am so passionate about furthering people’s understanding of their own health and encouraging self advocacy in their wellness. Getting to partner with the team at the NTA to engage with individuals who share this passion is such a privilege.

Dana Gatziolis - Meet the Team

Dana Gatziolis

Marketing Specialist

About
Dana Gatziolis is a Marketing Specialist at the NTA. Originally from Chicago, she’s currently living in an Airstream and traveling the Northwest with her golden retriever, Nash! In addition to working at the NTA, Dana is a singer-songwriter, poet and trauma-informed mentor. She’s had years of experience marketing her own creative pursuits and is excited to share how to “start before you’re ready” and eradicate any of the fears associated with putting your business out there for the world to see.

Admissions Team

Desiree Baptist - Meet the Team

Desiree Baptist, FNTP

Admissions Team Lead

About

I love getting to connect with prospective students who want to learn more to help themselves and others. In addition to being a FNTP, I am also a yoga teacher and am reiki certified, and love teaching and sharing with others how impactful health and well-being is.

Jasmine Lutes - Meet the Team

Jasmine Lutes, FNTP

Admissions Representative

About

I’m Jasmine and am a Sr. Admissions Representative for the NTA. I enjoy helping prospective students get ready to start their journey here at the NTA. My goal is to help bring this education to as many people as possible – it truly is life changing and everyone deserves the opportunity to learn the information we teach.

Sasha Serrano - Meet the Team

Sasha Serrano, NTP

Admissions Representative

About

I’ve been practicing as an NTP since January 2022 and love being able to support my clients and empower them with the tools to take control of their health. I received my 200-hour Yoga certification through Yoga Union in Bali, Indonesia and have been teaching for 4+ years. I joined the NTA in April of 2022 and love being able to contribute here!

Frank Merritt - Meet the Team

Frank Merritt

Admissions Representative

About

Hi, I’m Frank! I am a Physical Therapist and Strength & Conditioning Coach by trade with a passion for Holistic Nutrition through much of my life. I live in Washington state but am an avid traveler with my 5 children throughout the U.S. and abroad. My recreational interests include coaching, yoga, hiking, cycling, surfing, and hang gliding.

Heather McDonough - Meet the Team

Heather McDonough, NTP

Admissions Representative

About

Heather McDonough graduated from the NTA in 2018 and has been using her knowledge in various ways to serve her community ever since. Heather is excited to guide prospective students on their paths. She believes that the NTA is changing the world, and she’s thrilled to be a part of its mission!

Student and Community Affairs Team

Jessica Whitmill - Meet the Team

Jessica Whitmill, NTP

Director of Student and Community Affairs

About

From an Admissions Counselor at her alma mater to lobbying for college readiness policies, Jessica’s passion is to help students find their purpose through their education and change the world. She is an NTP with a Master of Public Administration and a B.A. in Social Entrepreneurship. Her passion for holistic nutrition comes from her health journey.

Noni Hill - Meet the Team

Noni FIsher, FNTP

Student and Community Affairs Specialist

About

I’m a Nashville native with a love for playing records, long walks, and perinatal health. My husband and I currently live in Portland, OR, where we frequent hiking trails, new restaurants, and live music shows when we’re not watching movies while it rains. As an FNTP & Birth Doula, I also enjoy writing about perinatal health and working with women!

Amanda Runnels - Meet the Team

Amanda Runnels, NTP

Student and Community Affairs Specialist

About

Hey there, I’m Amanda! I was born and raised in North Texas on a strict diet of local staples like Frito pies, fried fish, and buffet-style Mexican food. Fast forward a couple of decades and boy did I need a lifestyle change! Having developed several autoimmune conditions by my early thirties, it was time to get to the root of what was going on. This is what ultimately led me to the NTA, and I haven’t looked back since! I’ve learned that healing is 360 degrees — body, mind, spirit – and this is how I approach the work I am doing with my clients today. I’m an NTP, RWP, AIP Certified Coach, blogger, and a “mostly AIP/ Paleo” recipe developer. My husband would tell you I spend way too much time fiddling with my camera (or daydreaming about the beach), and my son would tell you how terribly I dance and sing spontaneously when 80’s or 90’s jams come on. I love the NTA community and am beyond grateful for this chance to give back to the institution that helped me reclaim my health!

My Favorite Fat: Avocado, all day every day! But cooking with bacon fat is a close second.

Jamie Belz - Meet the Team

Jamie Belz, FNTP, MHC

Business Development Specialist

About

Jamie is a wife, the mother of five brilliant babes, an FNTP, a Master Health Coach, the Business Development Specialist for the NTA, the owner of Revolution World Fitness and Revolution Corporate Wellness, and a professional plate spinner.

As a radio personality in Juneau, Alaska, Jamie realized her passion for inspiring others to live healthy lifestyles. As a former Director of Marketing and Public Relations for a hospital, she focused on community health initiatives and developed programs for area schools. It was during this time that she discovered her true place was in holistic health.

Her playbook to success is meeting clients where they are to gently improve upon what they are already doing, introducing new concepts to gain early victories, and providing accountability to maintain patience and consistency over time. Jamie loves helping other

Academics

Mallory Acosta - Meet the Team

Mallory Acosta, FNTP

Vice President of Academics

About

Mallory is an FNTP with a heart for educating people about the incredible impact food can have on our wellbeing. With a B.A. in English and secondary teaching certificate, she spent years in the classroom witnessing the power education has to transform lives and unlock possibilities.

When a decade of health challenges threatened her dream of starting a family, she realized that despite living in an information age, the subject we know the least about is our own bodies. Determined to change her destiny, Mallory pursued an education with the NTA to learn how to nourish and support her health foundationally.

The simple, but powerful changes she and her husband made to their eating habits empowered them to welcome two incredible boys into the world. She has since made it her mission to equip other families with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive through food.

She and her family enjoy exploring the outdoors in the central mountains of Washington and dream of one day having a self-sustaining homestead. Always eager to learn more about the natural world, Mallory is also a Master Herbalist and is studying to become a Registered Aromatherapist. In her role as Vice President of Academics at the NTA, she is fulfilling her passion by supporting thousands of wellness champions as they share hope and health with their communities.

Amy Lipert

Amy Lippert, NTP

Curriculum Manager

About

I found the NTA after a Hashimoto’s diagnosis, and through my NTP certification and practice, I have put it into remission. I am passionate about cooking and nutrition and run a whole food recipe website, Almond Milk and Cookies, that showcases nutrient-dense recipes. I have a master’s in teaching and degrees in chemistry and biology from Virginia Tech.

 

 

 

Krista McCafferty - Meet your instructors

Krista McCafferty, NTP, BCHN

NTP Program Director, Lead Instructor

About

Krista McCafferty is a holistic nutritionist based in Portland, Oregon. She is a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition, a Level 3 Restorative Wellness Practitioner, and a Certified Dietary Supplement Specialist.

Throughout her professional career, Krista has worked with clients in private practice, taught local and remote nutrition programs, and is currently a Lead Instructor and curriculum contributor for the Nutritional Therapy Association. When she’s not at work, you’ll find her experimenting in the kitchen, exploring the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, discovering new restaurants and food markets, and petting every dog she can.

“I believe in the power of nourishing foods, supporting local farms and growers, and connecting to the joy of preparing and sharing meals. Holistic nutrition encompasses mind, body, and spirit, and it offers a life-changing path to health and well-being.”

Shanna Nemrow - Meet the Team

Shanna Nemrow, FNTP, NBC-HWC, RYT

PHWC Program Director, Lead Instructor

About

Shanna is a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, a Nationally Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, an AIP Certified Coach, and joined the NTA Instruction team in early 2021. Shanna is thrilled to bring her passion for holistic health, raising awareness for the power of health coaching, and online education to support students in becoming incredible forces for change in this world as they empower others in their health journeys. Shanna is passionate about encouraging and empowering others to find joy on their health and wellness journey; reminding others they are the hero of their stories! When she’s not sharing her love of holistic health and health coaching, you can find Shanna exploring nature and off on adventures with her family in the beautiful mountains of Park City, Utah, where they call home.

Jessica Pantermuehl - Meet the Team

Jessica Pantermuehl, FNTP

Career Development Course Lead Instructor

About

I’m Jessica, a Texas native, Los Angeles transplant, and the Lead Instructor for the Career Development Course here at the NTA.

When I’m not devouring the latest books in business, marketing, or functional nutrition, brewing up ferments like a mad scientist in my kitchen, or basking in the sweaty glory of my infrared sauna, you can find me helping practitioners launch and grow their businesses here at the NTA and as the founder of the Holistic Entrepreneur Association.

Kim Morell - Meet your instructors

Kim Morell, FNTP

NTP Lead Instructor

About
Kim Morell is a classically trained chef and an FNTP specializing in body-positive nutritional therapy, which encompasses a holistic approach to health, mindset, and nutrition. Kim graduated with honors from Western Culinary in Portland, OR, where she went on to work in prestigious restaurants throughout the Seattle area. Kim’s love of health and wellness led her to become a certified personal trainer and to the Nutritional Therapy Association.
Kim sees clients in person and online, where she emphasizes an individualized approach that teaches clients how to nourish their bodies from a place of love and self-care, not deprivation and punishment. Her clients feel empowered to make powerful shifts to support their health goals and, most importantly, deepen their connection with themselves and work to restore a healthy relationship with food and their bodies. Kim enjoys reading about health and mindset and has collaborated on and co-facilitated the NTA’s first-ever book club. She has been a part of curriculum development for the NTA’s culinary wellness modules and loves teaching the next generation of NTPs as a lead instructor.
Kim’s passion for women’s health at every size has led her to become a Body Positive Facilitator. She has also received additional training in muscle testing, neuro-nutritional therapy training, motivational interviewing, energy work, and Dietary Supplement Specialist™ certification. She has just recently enrolled in a Homeopathy course specifically for NTPs. In her free time, Kim enjoys gardening, spending time outside with her family, and trying out new recipes.
Amanda Jones - Meet your instructors

Amanda Jones, MS, BA, FNTP, LMT, A-CFHC

NTP Lead Instructor

About

I graduated from the NTA in 2013, and over the past decade, I’ve found many different ways to put my NTP training to use – whether it is making a hearty batch of soup for loved ones, teaching kids in public schools about oowee-gooweee SCOBYs, working as an adjunct practitioner in a medical clinic, leading groups, private practice, copywriting and marketing for others, or helping my farming friends come up with a new recipe for market. In my practice, I’ve specialized in digestive function and cardio-metabolic imbalances, but as every NTP will tell you, “it all comes back to the foundations!” My work as an instructor requires me to be a life-long learner, which I am grateful for.

In addition to my FNTP certificate, I also hold an MS in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine, a BA in Communications, and am a certified ADAPT Functional Health Coach and certified GAPS Practitioner. As so many before me, I found my way to this field while seeking answers to my own health concerns, but then discovered an enthusiasm for nutritional science that went far beyond my expectations. I love how many aspects of our lives and values intersect around food and nutrition – it makes for an endlessly fascinating field of study and opportunity to serve.

Thomas Gilliford - Meet your instructors

Thomas Gilliford, FNTP, BA

NTP Lead Instructor

About

Hey, Thomas here! I’m from Kansas City (Kansas) originally, where I earned my degree in economics at Rockhurst University. Currently, I am sick of the subpar BBQ in Denver, where I’ve made my home with my lovely family. I’m a father of three: one human, one cat, and one pup, the favorite being the one that is least messy that day.

I’m an FNTP, Structural Integration Practitioner and sworn mortal enemy of pain! Having spent too many years experiencing my own issues I embarked on a quest to master various healing techniques from the ancient masters. I couldn’t find them. But I have been a practicing bodyworker since 2011 and FNTP since 2014, combining the practices to help people live their lives the way they want to.

My true passion, however, is teaching, which I have done in some capacity for the Nutritional Therapy Association since 2016. In addition to being the Subject Matter Expert for Sleep, Stress and Nutrient Dense Diet at NTA, I run a case study group for graduates to keep both them and myself sharp! Some things I enjoy doing – besides educating students and helping clients – are trying new restaurants, foregoing new restaurants for old favorites, and complaining about the quality of tea at most coffee shops. I like food, and I want you to like it too.

Hallie Loy-Roby - Meet your instructors

Hallie Loy-Roby, FNTP

NTP Assistant Instructor
About

Hallie is a passionate Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner with a small practice in SE Michigan. In addition to supporting clients, she is on a mission to educate the masses that the gallbladder has a function and serves a purpose, and without it, it can have a negative impact on the health of the body.

As a lifelong learner, Hallie has a strong commitment to continuous learning and staying up-to-date with the latest research and developments in the field of nutrition. She actively seeks opportunities to expand her knowledge and skills, most recently becoming a Functional Supplement Specialist.

In her role as an Assistant Instructor, Hallie continues to impact lives by sharing her knowledge, skills, and passion for addressing the root cause by taking a bio-individual approach to nutrition. Her dedication to empowering individuals and making a positive difference exemplifies her commitment to promoting optimal health and well-being through the transformative power of nutrition.

Allison Mädl - Meet your instructors

Allison Mädl, FNTP, BA

NTP Assistant Instructor

About

Hello! My name is Allison Mädl (rhymes with “ladle”). I am a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner with a private practice in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. I help women with chronic feminine health issues balance their diet and lifestyle so they can find freedom from discomfort and enjoy stable moods, restful sleep, normal weight, and healthy children. My ultimate vision is that families are empowered by the knowledge of traditional nutrition to maximize their health potential and grow strong children who continue the wellness revolution! I consult with private clients both in the United States and abroad using the NTP paradigm, RESTART program, and Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis.

My academic background is in secondary education. From 2007 – 2016 I taught English, Spanish, and English Language Development (ELD) in diverse public high school settings in Southern California and Washington state. My ELD students were primarily from indigenous parts of Mexico and Central America, as well as others representing refugee populations from various parts of the world. Working and conversing with these students piqued my interest in traditional foods and led to an ongoing research investigation of native food practices. Putting my teaching experience to use in the nutrition field, I have been an instructor for the Nutritional Therapy Association since 2015.

I also was lucky enough to be the Student Affairs Specialist for the NTA from 2018-2023, where I assisted NTP students with multifarious needs from academic progress to understanding their options in the program to coordinating the graduation process and mailing of certificates.

In 2016, my husband and I relocated to beautiful North Idaho after an extensive search for clean air and water and easy access to high quality, nutrient-dense foods. We enjoy raising our son here and supporting the local food economy.

Patti McCoy - Meet your instructors

Patti McCoy, FNTP, BA

NTP Assistant Instructor

About

Patti McCoy is an FNTP, Assistant Instructor for the NTA, Certified Dietary Supplement Specialist, and has a B.A. in Business Management from Saint Leo University. Her desire to help others, her passion for education, and her curiosity about how and why the body works drive Patti to support her students achieve success and knowledge.

Her small practice, Nurture by Nature Nutrition, LLC, is located in Asheville, NC, and focuses on foundational education within the community by attending local food events, agricultural and butchery seminars, participating in Farmer’s Markets, and engaging other community members in thoughtful conversation about the impact our food and environment has on our health. Most importantly, Patti’s practical and optimistic approach to nutrition and lifestyle helps her clients improve their health, achieve their goals, and develop sustainable habits to live healthy and happy lives.

My professional background is predominantly in retail and food/retail services, with the previous 17 years at Starbucks as a store manager, store manager trainer, workshop facilitator, and training coordinator. My experience with training adults and navigating customer and partner personalities gave me a strong footing in taking on a role as an instructor with the NTA. It has been such a rewarding experience.

Mary Stout - Meet the Team

Mary Stout

Associate Instructor

About

I graduated from the FNTP program in 2016. At least once per year after graduation, I was a Course Mentor for the program until I became Associate Instructor in January 2021. This program changed my life and I love to continue to be a part of its legacy!

Leah Williamson - Meet your instructors

LEAH WILLIAMSON

NTA Instructor

About

I am an FNTP in Brisbane Australia where I live with my husband and two children. I have an in-person and online clinic called Nourishing Conversations. Qualifications – AIP Certified Coach, Restorative Wellness Practitioner. I have experienced firsthand the healing power of real food and I cannot wait to share my knowledge with you!

Wilma Shaw

Associate Instructor

Mishabae Mahoney, FNTP

Lead Instructor