School of Integrative and Functional Medicine Faculty
Michael Dubanewicz, DHA, Ed.D., CN, CCN, CNC, CFM, CDM, CFPP
UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT
DEAN: School of Integrative and Functional Medicine
Education
Ed.D. – Breyer State University
M.Ed. – California Coast University
BS – Johnson & Wales University
Michael is a classically trained chef with instructional experience in high school as well as a University Professor of Culinary Nutrition. He was recognized and nominated as a Disney® Teacher of the Year and a Golden Toque Honoree (Le Cordon Bleu). Michael was published in Chef Educator Today Magazine, and appeared in the Sun-Sentinel & Miami Herald News, along with a food radio broadcast of, “Join Us at the Table.”
In 2022, Michael was an American Naturopathic Medical Association (ANMA) Higher Achievement Award recipient for his continued work in the field of naturopathic education and commitment to quality care.
Ewa Frankel, Ph.D.
ASSOCIATE DEAN: School of Integrative and Functional Medicine
ASSOCIATE PROGRAM DIRECTOR: School of Integrative and Functional Medicine
Education
Ph.D. – Keiser University
MS – Florida Atlantic University
BS – Florida Atlantic University
Dr. Ewa Frankel is an established educator with a diverse background in science and academia. Early in her career, Dr. Frankel was an architect for the Saudi Royal Family in Rome, Georgia, and a Bioterrorism Scientist for the State of Florida. Later she served as a Visiting Fellow for Nuffield College in Oxford and a Visiting Scholar for the Institut d’Education at Universite de Paris-Dauphine in France. Dr. Frankel has been instrumental in the design and implementation of the CCNE accreditation for a Master of Biomedical Science degree program and had also served as an evaluator for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC.)
Dr. Frankel has a deep passion for Integrative Health and earned a long-standing tenure of nearly 20 years as a Professor of Science at Broward College and former Dean of Academic Affairs for Technological University of America.
| Program Directors |
Janice Newell Bissex, MS, RDN
PROGRAM DIRECTOR: MS Integrative and Functional Medicine, Cannabinoid Medical Sciences concentration
Education
MS – Boston University
BS – University of Maine
Janice Newell Bissex is a Holistic Cannabis Practitioner and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. She completed extensive research to source the highest quality organically grown, phytocannabinoid-rich hemp CBD products and advises clients on access, proper cannabinoid ratios, dosing, best consumption methods, and cooking with cannabis.
Bonnie Brock, ND, MPH, RDN, LDN
PROGRAM DIRECTOR: Nutrition Oncology Graduate Certificate
Education
ND – National University of Health Sciences
BS – Cornell University
Bonnie Brock was elected (2020-2021) as Nominating Committee Member to the Dietitians for Integrative and Functional Medicine of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She received her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from the National University of Health Sciences and completed an ADA Approved Pre-Professional Practice Program (AP4) in dietetics at Tulane University.
Jim Painter, Ph.D., RDN
PROGRAM DIRECTOR: MS Integrative and Functional Medicine, Nutrition concentration
Education
Ph.D. – University of Illinois
MS – Oklahoma State University
BS – Southern Illinois University
Dr. Jim Painter is a Professor Emeritus at the School of Family and Consumer Sciences at Eastern Illinois University. He produced Portion Size Me, a documentary about fast food and health, and has been featured on CBS’s “Early Show” and in journals and magazines including the Journal of the American Dietetic Association and pop magazine Glamour. Dr. Painter serves on the advisory board of Dole Packaged Foods.
Valentin Prisecaru, MS
PROGRAM DIRECTOR: Nutrigenomics Graduate Certificate
Education
MS – University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign
BS – University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign
Val Prisecaru has been working as a nutritionist and nutrigenomics consultant for the past 20 years. He specializes in genetic and microbiome analysis to help determine the optimal diet, lifestyle, supplements, and medication for each of his clients.
| Faculty |
Maureen Ake, MS, LCMFT
Education
MS – Nova Southeastern University
BS – Catholic University of America
AS – Culinary Institute of America
Maureen is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and has a private practice in Stuart, FL. She received her Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts from The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, and proceeded to work in Washington, DC at a non-profit food delivery service, Food and Friends, for people with debilitating and chronic health issues, such as HIV/ AIDS and cancer. Maureen’s culinary team worked closely with dietitians to create life-sustaining meals for their 700-1300-person cliental base. Since receiving her Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy, she has helped couples, families, and individuals heal their trauma and approach their journey of mental and physical wellness.
Kimberly Auvil, DAC, MPH, MAC
Education
DAC – Pacific College of Oriental Medicine
MS – Mass College of Pharmacy & Health
BS – Salem State University
Dr. Auvil is a licensed Acupuncture Physician and an integrative medicine practitioner, acupuncturist, health and wellness coach, and public health consultant who has served more than 20 years in the health care industry. Her medical career began in the U.S. Navy specializing in pharmaceuticals and advanced patient care.
Dr. Auvil has obtained 34 health and fitness certifications and credentials taught over 3000 classes and was a health and fitness writer for the Boston Globe, Zone Diet, and several other health-related companies, websites, blogs, and marketing ventures. She practices patient-centered care by forming strong partnerships with her patients to improve their healthcare outcomes. Dr. Auvil uses her knowledge in allopathic, Eastern, military, and emergency medicines, along with acupuncture, fitness, nutrition, psychology, and public health, to deliver comprehensive care and programs to her patients and clients.
Joseph Bradley, DC, MS, DACAD, Psy.D. (candidate)
Education
DC – Life Chiropractic College West
MS – Nova Southeastern University
Dr. Joseph Bradley is a former Law Enforcement Officer now Board Certified Addictionologist, Licensed Chiropractic Physician and holds a Diplomate in Addictionology (DACACD). He served as Director of Physical Medicine at the Las Vegas Recovery Center in Las Vegas, NV.
Janna Champagne, BSN, RN (Retired)
Education
BS – Oregon Health and Sciences University
Janna Champagne is a retired Registered Nurse with a background in acute care Ortho/Neuro and Cardiovascular Cath Lab Recovery (critical care). Her focus is on holistic treatment, natural alternatives to pharmaceuticals that include cannabis therapy, and epigenetic screening (nutrigenomics).
Brian Essenter, RPh
Education
BS – Northeastern University
Brian Essenter is a Diplomate of Medical Cannabinoid Science and has been working in retail pharmacy since 2008. In 2018, Brian founded MM Consult CT where he consults for businesses in the cannabis industry, provides expert witness testimony, and has spoken at medical and cannabis conferences and symposiums regarding the appropriate use of medical cannabis. Brian is currently seeking his Master of Science in Integrative and Functional Medicine from John Patrick Univeristy.
Carina Hopen, MD, DIPABLM
Education
MD – University of Hawaii
MS – John Patrick University of Health and Applied Sciences
MA – University of Southern California
BA – University of California, Irvine
Dr. Hopen is a lifelong learner who earned her Medical Degree from the University of Hawaii. She has two board certifications in Family Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine as well as a Master of Arts in Gerontology from the University of Southern California and a Master of Science in Integrative and Functional Medicine from John Patrick University.
In addition to serving as JPU faculty, Dr. Hopen is the Medical Director for a Washington-based company as well as the Founder and CEO of Inspired Wellness, PLLC, which is a solo micropractice focused on Lifestyle and Functional Medicine. Throughout her career, she has witnessed how traditional medicine struggles with helping individuals manage chronic conditions. In these roles, she is focused on innovating primary care delivery and helping new physicians view healthcare through a holistic lens to continue her mission to change the trajectory of healthcare.
David Hutchings, Ph.D.
Education
Ph.D. – Nova Southeastern Medical University
MS – University of Central Missouri
BS – University of Mississippi
Dr. David Hutchings specializes in geriatric neuropathology and Dementia and is the founder of Dementia and Alzheimer’s Care, LLC. Dr. Hutchings works along with the Alzheimer’s Association on the state and national levels to provide clinical education to practitioners and caregivers.
Jennifer Koslo, Ph.D., RDN, LDN, CPT
Education
Ph.D. – Capella University
MS – Colorado State University
Jennifer Koslo is a Registered Dietitian (RD), a certified specialist in sports dietetics (CSSD), and an American Council Exercise-certified personal trainer. Dr. Koslo served for two and a half years in the US Peace Corps in Sierra Leone, West Africa where she taught farmers how to build fish ponds and raise tilapia.
Shawna Kunselman, MSACN, CNS, LDN
Education
MS – New York Chiropractic College
BS – Angelo State University
As a Board Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS), Shawna Kunselman holds a Master of Science in Applied Clinical Nutrition and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. With special interests in inflammatory disorders, gut/brain connection and children’s health, she believes in the philosophy that food and nutrients are a form of medicine that can heal, protect and nurture. Shawna is also the co-founder of Wellness Speaks and is passionate about educating the public on nutrition and holistic health.
Dr. Lynn Lafferty, Pharm.D., ND, MBA, DACBN
Education
Pharm.D. – Nova Southeastern University
ND – Trinity College of Natural Health
MBA – University of Miami
BS – University of Georgia
Dr. Lafferty holds credentials as a Doctor of Pharmacy and Doctor of Naturopathy as well as an MBA in Healthcare. Dr. Lafferty is also a Diplomate from the American Clinical Board of Nutrition and a Master Herbalist. As an Endowed Professor at Nova Southeastern University, Dr. Lafferty loves to teach and is committed to finding the safest and most effective means to promote health and wellness.
Dr. Lafferty holds professional memberships with the American Academy of Environmental Medicine, Florida Pharmacy Association, Broward County Pharmacy Association, Functional Medicine Pharmacist Alliance, and American Clinical Board of Nutrition.
Lola Ohonba, Pharm.D.
Education
Pharm.D. – Union University
BS – Texas Southern University
Dr. Ohonba is a Licensed/Registered Pharmacist who completed clinical clerkships in Internal Medicine, Community Practice and Ambulatory Care. Dr. Ohonba’s formal pharmacy expertise was honed with CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens Pharmacy and OptumRx of United Healthcare.
Dr. Ohonba grew her clinical expertise in cannabis medicine and became a cannabis professional and helps plant medicine enthusiasts succeed in their wellness journey. Combining clinical expertise and industry experience, Dr. Ohonba will instruct in the Cannabindoid Medical Sciences concentration of the MS In Integrative and Functional Medicine degree program.
Mehrnaz Paydar, Ph.D., RDN
Education
Ph.D. – Howard University
MS – Howard University
BS – Shiraz University
Dr. Mehrnaz Paydar is a Ph.D. graduate from Howard University’s Department of Nutritional Sciences and a Registered/Licensed Dietitian. Her experience expands into food quality control labs, management, research, and food manufacturing companies.
Dr. Paydar has held positions as the Head of Quality & Control of Import Agricultural and Food Products, and the Head of the Research Department of the Pasta Industries Cooperative in Tehran.
Mark Taddeo, M.Ed., MS, CCC-SLP
Education
MS – Nova Southeastern University
M.Ed. – University of Nevada Las Vegas
BA – St. Joseph’s College
Mark attended St. Joseph’s College and received a Bachelor’s degree in child study, pursuing his passion for educating children with exceptional needs. He attended the University of Las Vegas Nevada and graduated with a Master’s degree in early childhood education. Shifting his focus to expand his skill set, Mark attended Nova Southeastern University where he completed a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology.
As a skilled speech-language pathologist with a Certificate in Clinical Competency from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Mark remained dedicated to enriching the lives of his patients in the home health field. Providing Dementia education to patients and their loved ones has become a passion and a calling. Delivering skilled functional interventions to help patients be the best versions of themselves and empowering caregivers and staff to care for loved ones compassionately motivates and inspires Mark daily. Mark loves to educate professionals that want to meet the needs of the ever growing population of individuals and families that are affected by neurodegenerative diseases.
Laura Tanzini, DrPH, LMFT, BCPC, BCIM, Diplomate ACLM
Education
DrPH – Loma Linda University
MS – Phillips Graduate Institute
BS – University of California
Laura Tanzini received her Doctorate in Public Health with a specialty in Lifestyle Medicine from Loma Linda University. She did her Doctoral dissertation on trauma (both adult and childhood sexual abuse) and life satisfaction. Dr. Tanzini designed an intensive program of trauma recovery and has been providing help to individuals since 2006.
Dawn Wilson-Kendall, DC
Education
DC – Logan University
BS – Logan University
BS – Life University
Dr. Dawn Wilson-Kendall is a Chiropractor who resides and practices in the Virginia Beach, Virginia area, where her focus is on wellness and disease prevention. She is a professor of anatomy and physiology and the health sciences. Dr. Wilson-Kendall attended Life University in Marietta, GA for her Bachelor’s degree in Biology and received both her B.S. in Life Sciences and her Doctorate of Chiropractic from Logan University in Chesterfield, MO. She has Board Certifications in both physiotherapy and acupuncture. Dr. Wilson-Kendall uses a holistic multidisciplinary approach to help everyone with the acquisition of life-long learning skills to develop and maintain strategies to enhance their overall health and wellness.
Eric Wood, ND
Education
NMD – The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine
BA – The University of Iowa
Eric wood holds a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. He focuses on a holistic approach towards adrenal exhaustion and aging issues, oncology, and infectious diseases, and biotoxin illnesses. Eric completed specialized training at Harvard University’s Benson Henry Institute for Mind-Body Medicine.