Faculty / Administration / Board of Advisors

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Faculty

	Chaitali Adhikari, Ph.D. University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, PhD and MS in Food Science.  Birla Institute of Technology, India, BS in Pharmacy.  Formerly, Director of Graduate Programs and Acting Dean for American Health Science University (AHSU), Denver, CO. Past experience include Sr. Application Scientist at Oil Dri Corporation, IL and Adjunct Faculty/Research Scientist at National Center for Food Safety and Technology (NCFST – a Joint FDA and Illinois Institute of Technology consortium).  Author of several peer reviewed publications and presentations in international journals and conferences in the areas of lipid chemistry and food safety technology.  Recipient of numerous international awards including the prestigious Frank C. Naughton Award from American Oil Chemists Society (AOCS), Scholarship Award from Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) and Gamma Sigma Delta Agricultural Sciences Honor Society. Received evaluators training program certificate of completion from Distance Education and Training Council (DETC).
	Laurent Bannock, DrHS, MS, CBiol, LN Institute of Biology (London, UK), Chartered Biologist; Huntington College of Health Sciences, Master of Science in Nutrition; City University (London, UK), Advanced Diploma in Exercise and Health Studies; Institute for Clinical Nutrition (London, UK), Doctor of Health Science; Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (Melbourne, AUS), Master of Nutrition Medicine (candidate); Numerous diplomas and certifications in Functional and Metabolic Medicine. Licensed Nutritionist, New Mexico. Memberships include American Society for Clinical Chemistry, American College of Nutrition, and the New York Academy of Sciences. Publications include ‘The Clinical Nutrition Desk Reference’ (Outskirts Press) and the soon to be published ‘Functional Laboratory Assessments for Nutrition Professionals’ (HCHS Press). Former Discovery Health Channel (UK) host and regular feature in the national press. Special clinical & research interests include Nutritional Influences on Steroid Hormone Chemistry.
	Gene Bruno, MS, MHS, RH(AHG) University of New England, Master of Health Science (Herbal Medicine); Huntington College of Health Sciences, Master of Science in Nutrition; Australian College of Phytotherapy, Advanced Diploma in Herbal Medicine; Vancouver University, Bachelor of Applied Science in Nutrition;  Registered Herbalist & professional member of American Herbalist Guild; Alumnus of American Academy of Nutrition; provides continuing education in nutrition and dietary supplement science nationally for health care professionals and natural product retailers; author & coauthor of three books on dietary supplements and herbs; contributing writer to health and fitness magazines; practiced clinical nutrition/herbalism in chiropractic, mental health and corporate settings; almost 30 years in nutrition & natural products industry.
	Jennifer D. Green, MS Huntington College of Health Sciences, M.S. Nutrition; Tennessee Technological University, B.S. Home Economics, Nutrition and Food Science with minor in Child Development, Health and Physical Education; Former Dietary Technologist, University of Tennessee Medical Center; Former Nutrition Counselor, Diabetes Clinic, University of Tennessee Medical Center; Former Nutrition Counselor, Knox County Health Department; Nutrition Educator, conducting nutrition seminars and classes; Former Director of Student Services, Family Christian Academy; Former Director of Student Services for the nation's largest Y-Teen program, Young Women's Christian Association.
	Jennifer E. Hofheins, MS, RD, LD Lock Haven University, B.S. Health Science; D’Youville College, B.S./M.S., Dietetics. Exercise and Sports Nutritionist, Ohio Institute of Health & Human Performance; background as Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Consultant. Educates physicians, chiropractors, and other health care practitioners on most recent nutraceuticals and functional foods. Nutrition and Foods Review Editor for International Society of Sports Nutrition Newsletter.
	Gina Broitman-Maduro, MS University Of Alberta, B.S. in Science with Specialization in Microbiology; M.S. in Science in Medical Microbiology, Dept of MMI, University of Alberta; Research Associate, University of California at Santa Barbara studying gene regulation of PAP pilli and infection of Uropathogenic E. coli; Research Scientist University of California at Riverside studying gene regulation and embryonic development of C. elegans, a nematode and model organism.; lead and co-author of several scientific articles in top peer reviewed journals in the fields of microbiology and development.
	Elizabeth Pavka, PhD, MS, RD, LN Cornell University, B.S., Biology and Chemistry, M.S., Nutrition; Saybrook Graduate School, Ph.D., Social Systems Design; Director, International Academy of Nutrition and Preventive Medicine; Adjunct Professor, University of North Carolina (Asheville); American Dietetic Association, Registered Dietitian; specialist in preventive nutrition and complementary therapies.
	Rachael Pohle, PhD, RD, CDN University at Buffalo, Ph.D. in Exercise Science, Nutrition emphasis; D’Youville College, B.S./M.S. Registered Dietician and Certified Dietician Nutritionist. Previously Clinical Nutrition instructor at the University of Buffalo. Research background in energy intake, reproductive hormones and body weight regulation, with contributions to peer-review journals on these topics.
	Aurthur M. Presser, PharmD, DHPh University of Southern California, Pharm.D. (Doctorate in Pharmacy); Adjunct Professor and Curriculum Coordinator USC School of Pharmacy, Complimentary and Alternative Medicine Program; Pharmacist licensed in the State of California; Diplomate in Homeopathic Pharmacy, British Institute of Homeopathy; Author, Pharmacist's Guide to Medicinal Herbs, Nature Pharmacist’s Vitamin Primer, Coauthor Medicinal Herb Primer; Dietary supplement industry consultant.
	Heidi Reichert, BS Texas A&M University, College Station, B.S. Chemical Engineering with concentrations in Biochemistry and Food Engineering; Currently working towards M.S. Nutrition; former Staff Scientist with research Experience in Actinide Process Chemistry and Inorganic Reaction Chemistry at Los Alamos National Laboratory, New Mexico; Research experience in Non-ideal Mass Transfer of Gases through Selectively Permeable Membrane Systems at GKSS Forschungszentrum (Max Plank Institute), Geesthacht, Germany; former Organic Lab Coordinator for Texas A&M University Chemistry Department; Golden Key Society Member, Chevron Excellence Scholarship recipient; publications include Fusion Science and Technology and more recently the American Chemical Society Journal of Abstracts.
	Robert T. Shmaeff, MPA, RPh University of New Mexico, Bachelors of Science in Pharmacy; University of Southern California, Masters in Public Administration / Masters in Health Services Administration; Adjunct Assistant Professor of Clinical Pharmacy at the University of Southern California School of Pharmacy; Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Pioneer Pharmacy Enterprises; previous Chairman of the Board of Western United National Bank.
	Carol Simontacchi, CCN, MS American Health Science University , Nutrition Certification. Columbia Pacific University, BS in Social Science, Columbia Pacific University, MS in Health and Human Services. Certified as a Clinical Nutritionist (Clinical Nutritionist Certification Board), Professional member International and American Associations of Clinical Nutritionists and the National Association of Nutrition Professionals. Author of several books on health and nutrition, including Your Fat Is Not Your Fault, The Crazy Makers: How the Food Industry Is Destroying Our Brains and Harming Our Children, and Weight Success for a Lifetime. Provides nutrition services to the autism community, and professional presenter to organizations, corporations, and private groups throughout the US and Canada on weight management and brain nutrition.
	Patrick Smith, MBA University of Texas, M.B.A. in Marketing; University of Tennessee, B.S. in Marketing; over ten years of college teaching experience; management consultant; financial analyst; retail buyer and merchandiser; writer and editor of educational materials; property manager; avid runner.
	Starkie Sowers, BS, CN Huntington College of Health Science, Master of Science in Nutrition (candidate) Vancouver University, Bachelor of Applied Science in Nutrition; American Health Science University, Certified Nutritionist. Work related to education of the Natural Products industry, as well as consultant and formulator of nutritional products. Retail applications; managed health food stores for over 20 years.  Currently a Training and Development director for Clarks Nutrition and Natural Foods Markets in Southern California. Written staff education programs and teaches classroom nutrition to employees.  Enjoyed working in the Natural Products industry and the Health and fitness industry for over 30 years.
	Roy Upton, RH(AHG) East-West Acupuncture and Herb Center, 3-year, 2200 hour clinical tutorial in traditional Chinese medicine and Acupuncture; Shanghai College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 120-hour program in traditional Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture; 120-hour hospital acupuncture residency, Five Branches College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Chief Executive Officer and Editor of the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia, Vice-President, American Herbalists Guild, Director, Botanical Medicine Academy, member of the Standards Committee of the American Herbal Products Association, member of the expert advisory committees for AOAC International, NSF International, and the United States Pharmacopoeia, and director of herbal research, Threshold Enterprises. Author of several books on herbal medicine including the Botanical Safety Handbook by CRC Press and various titles by Keats Publishing; and international lecturer.
	Fionda Williams, PhD, RN Northcentral University, Ph.D. Psychology; Touro University, M.S. International Health; Towson University, B.S. Nursing; Mary Baldwin College, B.S. Biochemistry. Member Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society. Director of Nursing and Clinical Services at Community Care Nursing Services in Baltimore, MD, overseeing 600+ nurses and nursing assistants.
	Timothy Ziegenfuss, PhD, CSCS, EPC, FISSN Lock Haven University, B.S. Health Sciences (magna cum laude); Purdue University, M.S. Exercise Physiology; Kent State University, Ph.D. Exercise Physiology with a cognate in Nutrition. Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with the National Strength and Conditioning Association; Certified Exercise Physiologist; fellow of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. Chief Scientific Officer for Ohio Institute of Human Performance, conducting human research in sports nutrition and dietary supplement science. Previously Assistant Professor of Exercise Science at Eastern Michigan University. Has collaborated with research departments of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Mo.; Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario; Kettering Medical Center in Dayton, Ohio. Authored and co-authored books, articles for peer-reviewed journals, articles for health and fitness magazines.

Administration

Arthur M. Presser, PharmD
PRESIDENT
see previous information under "faculty".  

Gene Bruno, MS, MHS, RH(AHG)
DEAN OF ACADEMICS
see previous information under "faculty".  

Robert T. Shmaeff, MPA, RPh
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
see previous information under "faculty".

	Cheryl A. Freeman, BHS REGISTRAR, DIRECTOR OF STUDENT SERVICES BHS in Nutrition, Huntington College of Health Sciences; Former Director of Student Services, Family Christian Academy, Knoxville, involved in all aspects of student services, Home School Curriculum and testing and assessment of Special Needs Students; Former Assistant Director of Children's Activities and Summer Programs for the Young Women's Christian Association; Former office manager, American Business Copiers; Former Teacher for Home School Enrichment Classes, grades K through 7, Knoxville Association of Home Schools.
	Brittany Longnecker CENTRAL ASSIGNMENT PROCESSING Receives and tracks assignments and exams from all students. Coordinates distribution of assignments and exams to instructors for grading, and subsequent distribution of grade reports back to students.
	Bob Lucas, BS, MS ENROLLMENT SPECIALIST Ohio University, Bachelor of Science in Advertising; Master of Science in Mass Communications; over thirty years of newspaper advertising sales/marketing; mid sized account specialist to include national retailers, hospitals, automotive, key accounts; magazine, on line, niche market advisor; business advisor for goal setting, budgeting, marketing, public relations; previous board of director member Ventana Wilderness Society; other interests include wildlife management, mountaineering and bicycling.

Board of Advisors  

	Annemaria Ballin, PhD DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, EMERITUS University of Munich, Germany, Ph.D., Professor of International Culture, Goethe Institute; thirty years nutrition counseling, study and diet management (including eleven years in India and East Africa); author of feature articles on health in national publications; first president and former director of the Protocol Foundation of Orange County, CA; former Nutritionist, Women's Life Care Center, Anaheim Hills and Corona, California; member, International Academy for Medical Prevention and National Health Federation; nutrition counselor, lecturer and radio and television speaker.
	Hans Diehl, DrHSc, MPH, CNS Loma Linda University, Doctorate in Health Science and M.S. in Public Health Nutrition; National Institutes of Health; National Institutes of Health, post doctoral research fellow in cardiovascular epidemiology; helped establish the UCLA Center for Health Enhancement; author of the best seller To Your Health; Director, Lifestyle Medicine Institute, Loma Linda, California; editor of Lifeline Health Letter.
	Michael Gansaeuer, M.D. University of Koln, Cologne, Germany, M.D. Residency at University of California, Davis.  Completed fellowship training in Clinical Neurophysiology at UC Davis and Intensive Care Neurology at Rheinische Klinik Bonn, Bonn, Germany.  His medical interests include stroke, epilepsy and movement disorders.
	Patricia G. Hinz, M.D. University of Illinois at Chicago – College of Medicine, Doctor of Medicine; Eastern Illinois University, Bachelor of Science in Zoology (Summa Cum Laude). Northeastern Illinois Hospice’s Physician Award for “Commitment to Caring”; Diplomate of the National Board of Medical Examiners; Board Certification in Family Practice. Practicing physician at Santa Cruz Medical Clinic, and previously Alpine Family Physicians.  In addition, Dr. Hinz is a gifted and Renowned artist (http://pattyhinzimagery.com/).
	Michael A. Klaper, MD University of Illinois, M.D. (with honors); Author of Vegetarian Nutrition, Pure and Simple, and Pregnancy, Children and the Vegetarian Diet; Contributor to PBS videos, "Diet for a New America", and "Food for Thought"; Advisor to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA); Director, Institute of Nutrition Education and research; Nutrition lecturer ar the University of California Medical School and Stanford University Medical School; Phi Beta Kappa; Board of Advisors, Nutrition and Preventive Medicine Task Force, and EarthSave International.
	Lynn Lawson, BS, MA Northwestern University, Phi Beta Kappa; after learning how much her own health had been affected by toxic chemicals in her everyday surroundings, Mrs. Lawson wrote the book, Staying Well In A Toxic World and taught environmental courses at the University of Illinois.
	Jeff Lester, DO New York College of Osteopathic Medicine (with Honors), Doctor of Medicine; Internship at Southeastern Medical Center, Miami, Florida; Brandeis University, Bachelor of Science in Biology (Dean's list, Dean's tutor in Biology), Certified in Public Education, Massachusetts; Hahnemann College of Homeopathy graduate and faculty member; Physician Advisory board, Welch Allyn; Director of The Lester Clinic of Integrative Medicine; Director of the Central Coast Academy of Homeopathic Medicine, Faculty at Pacific Academy of Homeopathic Medicine. Dr. Lester has been practicing integrative medicine since 1987 wit a special interest in preventive and homeopathic medicine as they integrate with Western medicine.
	Bruce B. Miller, DDS, CNS University of Texas, B.S. (with honors), Biochemistry and Nutrition; Baylor University, Doctor of Dentistry (with honors); Phi Beta Kappa; as research assistant to Dr. Roger Williams (discoverer of pantothenic acid), Dr. Miller performed analytical genetic and nutrition studies on single-celled plant foods; postgraduate studies under Nobel Prize winner Dr. Linus Pauling, Nobel Laureate Dr. Michael Brown and others; charter member Kenneth Cooper Aerobic Center; author of numerous nutrition booklets and writer and producer of nutrition videos and audio cassettes. Dr. Miller is a Certified Nutrition Specialist (C.N.S.).
	Marin Stephan Muller, MD Medical School, Fribourg & Zurich, Switzerland; Staatsexamen (finals), Swiss physicians license; Medical Doctorate Department of Pathology, Zurich University Hospital; Matura (College equivalent), St. Gallen, Humanistic studies; US board certification Internal Medicine; HIV specialty certification. Pathology, Zurich University Hospital; Internal Medicine, Rorschach Switzerland; Residency in Internal Medicine (Primary Care), Oakland, CA. Life time member Swiss Physicians Society. Practicing physician at Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group.
	David Pilcher, M.D. University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, M.D.  Residency in Family Practice at Contra Costa County Health Services. Served as residency faculty instructor in teaching fellowship at the University of California, Davis. Dr. Pilcher has a variety of medical interests including pediatrics, diabetes care, cardiac problems, preventive care for all ages, and HIV.
	John Westerdahl, MPH, CNS Loma Linda University, M.P.H., Nutrition and Health Education; Nutrition Editor, Veggie Life Magazine; Former Senior Nutritionist, Shaklee Corporation; Former Director of Nutrition, Dr. McDougall's Right, Inc.; Currently Director of Health Promotion and Nutritional Services, Castle Medical Center, Kailua, Hawaii; lecturer and frequent guest on radio and television; Registered Dietitian; Certified Nutrition Specialist (C.N.S.) and Master Herbalist.