We are very grateful for the generosity of donors who allow us to offer scholarships to assist students with their success, and we are incredibly proud of our passionate, high-achieving students as they take steps to make the world a better place using natural medicine!
You can change the life of a future natural medicine practitioner or professional! Contact the Office of Advancement to inquire about naming your own scholarship or giving to the general scholarship fund.
1000 FRIENDS OF NUNM SCHOLARSHIP
Gillian Chase is in her third year of the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Oregon State University and earned a certificate in Biomedical Ethics. During her undergraduate years, Gillian had the opportunity to shadow a diverse range of healthcare providers both locally and abroad. These experiences exposed her to how conventional and natural medicine can be tailored to unique communities. Inspired by doctors who integrate their practice into their communities and draw from global medical knowledge, Gillian is passionate about improving patients’ lives. Through her health journey, she has seen the transformative power of natural medicine and is dedicated to sharing its benefits. In her free time, Gillian enjoys honing her medicinal plant identification skills in the Columbia Gorge, practicing printmaking, and exploring her passion for rockhounding.
Maggi Weiseman is a third-year student in the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program at NUNM. She moved to Portland from Virginia at the start of her second year to start in-person after completing the first-year online option. Maggi also works part-time as a nanny, is a member of the Portland dance community, and enjoys cooking, exploring and napping when she is not at school.
Alumni and Friends Scholarship
Lacy Campbell is in her fourth year of the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program at NUNM. Lacy earned her bachelor’s degree in organismal biology at Portland State University and worked with animals as a wildlife rehabilitator and clinic manager for over 22 years. There, she found her passion for natural medicine after seeing first-hand the healing power of nature in the animals she treated. She also became interested in herbal medicine and preventative care during that time. Lacy is passionate about using what she knows about wildlife and adapting it to people, especially regarding how we evolved and the mismatch between our current built environment and health outcomes. She is currently the President of the Naturopathic Medical Student Association and has a wide interest pool including addiction and mental health, primary care, and postpartum care. In her spare time, she enjoys teaching her young son about nature.
Elizabeth Laing is a 3rd year student studying naturopathic medicine at NUNM. She is from Eugene, Oregon and feels a strong tie to her home, her community, and our state. She studied Public Health and Spanish during her undergraduate studies. She is dedicated to providing empathetic and equitable care through genuinely listening to and partnering with her future patients. Her clinical interests include endocrinology, reproductive health, and oncology. In the future, she hopes to work in an integrative care space because she knows accessibility supports equity and continuity of care. Outside of school, she is a Barre3 fitness instructor helping clients feel balanced in body and empowered from within; she enjoys being outside, hosting friends for dinner parties, and spending quality time at home with her family.
Anjali Patel is in her third year of the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program. She attended Augusta University in Georgia (Augusta, GA) and obtained a bachelor’s degree in Cell Biology with a minor in business administration. Anjali loves languages, cultures, food and sports, which is how she connects with many within the community. She speaks English, Spanish, Hindi and Gujarati and has a strong passion for Ayurveda; she hopes to tie Ayurvedic and naturopathic knowledge together to help whichever community she stumbles upon post-graduation. While at NUNM she serves on SGA as a Gujarati and has a strong passion for Ayurveda; she hopes to tie Ayurvedic and naturopathic knowledge together to help whichever community she stumbles upon post-graduation. While at NUNM, she served on SGA as a junior board liaison and was a part of the peer mentorship program.
Mallory Rose is in her last year of NUNM’s Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program. After being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, Mallory found a remedy and passion in naturopathic medicine and decided to begin her path to assist others in improving their health. After growing up in Illinois and obtaining her education in business and biology, she moved to Portland, Oregon, and joined NUNM. Mallory served as secretary and global health chair in NMSA and is currently treasurer for SGA. After obtaining her education at NUNM, Mallory plans to practice and advance integration between naturopathic medicine and rheumatology.
Sophie Tajadod is a second-year student in the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program. Sophie graduated in 2021 from the University of Washington in Seattle with a B.S. in Biology. She is passionate about intertwining her love of science and the natural world with the art of good healthcare. She hopes to use her career as a vessel for service in the local community and positive change in the healthcare landscape, focusing on chronic disease. In her free time, Sophie enjoys being active in nature, spending time with her large family, or reading a good novel.
Natasha Trauernicht is a current fourth-year dual student at NUNM following her passion for pursuing a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine and a Master of Acupuncture with Chinese herbal medicine specialization degrees. Before attending NUNM and during her undergraduate education in Nebraska she gained her paramedic certification and licensure. She gained her paramedic certification and licensure before attending NUNM and during her undergraduate education in Nebraska. It was a very rewarding experience for her to help others in life-threatening situations and positively impact those she served and her community. It was an enriching experience for her to help others in life-threatening situations and positively impact those she served and her community. During her undergraduate studies, she has also served as a Spanish translator in clinics for underserved communities. She hopes to continue this passion after she graduates from NUNM by serving as a medical practitioner in underserved communities in her area.
Bragg Scholarship
Leticia Anaya is a second-year student in the Master of Science in Nutrition program at NUNM. Leticia is passionate about culinary nutrition, sustainability, gardening, and increasing access to healthy food. She plans to become a Certified Nutrition Specialist and open a wellness center in her neighborhood of South Gate, California where she will cater to her community. Leticia is looking forward to helping individuals nurture a positive, wholesome, balanced approach to wellness that honors both cultural identity and Mother Nature. Her goal is to empower people with the knowledge that food is medicine. She believes quality healthcare should not be a luxury reserved for the privileged but a right available to all.
Laura Clevenger is in her fourth and final year of the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program. She received her B.S. in Public Health from NYU and spent time working as a Research Associate for NYU Langone Medical Center. She previously served as the NUNM NMSA Chapter President for the 2022-2023 school year. Her clinical interests include fertility, endocrinology, and environmental illness. Outside of the clinic, you can find her running trails or rock climbing.
Percy and Adrienne Frazier Scholarship
Frances Griffey was born and raised in the beautiful Central Valley of Northern California and graduated with a B.S. in Anthropology and Geography from California Polytechnic Institute in 2016. During her undergrad, she learned how other cultures approach health and well-being, inspiring her journey into holistic healthcare. She first became a massage therapist in 2019, loving bodywork as a healing modality, before being inspired to help her clients on a deeper level and deciding to further her education by studying Classical Chinese Medicine at NUNM. Chinese medicine appeals to her passion for holistic patient-centered care, and she resonates with the more synergistic perspective of health and the emphasis on the cycles of nature. Frances looks forward to increasing access to this powerful medicine by one day opening her healthcare practice and using tools like acupuncture, herbs, massage, and cupping to improve the quality of life of those in her community.
Tia Meechan, currently in her culminating year of the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program, embarked on her academic journey with a foundation in Pre-Medicine with a biology minor at Purdue University. Later, she pursued an Integrative Health Sciences major at ACHS. During this time, Tia began her journey to comprehend what being a physician meant to her. This journey and her commitment to optimizing her well-being led her to naturopathic medicine. Witnessing the far-reaching impacts of medical conditions, not just physically, but also on the mental, emotional, and financial well-being of her loved ones and herself, Tia is determined to contribute to the realm of healthcare by delivering high-quality, personalized care to those who are in dire need of it. Her mission is to ensure that individuals from all walks of life have equitable access to healthcare services tailored to their unique needs.
Hannah Moore is a third-year student in the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program at NUNM. She was a long-time competitive swimmer in college and beyond, which inspired her to enter the world of natural medicine to help other young women and athletes. She loves naturopathic medicine because it empowers people to dig deeper into their health and understand their bodies more. She enjoys running, reading, and drinking lots of caffeine in her free time!
Kristin Olcese is in the third year of the Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine degree program. Her arrival at NUNM preceded her decade-long journey to health through Chinese medicine and personal cultivation. Seeing how much these things changed her life, she returned to school to offer this to others. Seeing how much these things changed her life, she returned to school to offer this to others. She is passionate about wanting to help people learn to feel safe, healthy, and grounded in their bodies so they can show up in life and shine their unique lights brightly. When she isn’t studying, Kristin loves spending time in nature, snuggling with her dogs, and doing DIY projects for her home.
Aimee Pebworth (bio unavailable)
Rachel Peterson is in her final year at NUNM, studying Naturopathic and Chinese medicine, and midwifery. She is passionate about healthcare for women and people with uteruses, and she plans to specialize in gynecology, fertility, menopause, hormones, and postpartum care. She manages the gynecology lab at NUNM and works as a teaching assistant for the reproductive and endocrinology classes. Rachel has completed additional training in pelvic floor therapy, Maya abdominal massage, and fertility awareness method. Outside of school, she loves dancing, cooking, and spending time with friends.
Daniel Roesel (bio unavailable)
Katie Wicks is in her second year of the Master of Science in Nutrition program at NUNM. Her guiding principle in pursuing a career in nutrition is the belief that all humans have a fundamental right to access the food, resources, and services they need to have a healthy and thriving body/mind/spirit and that this cannot be achieved without healthy and thriving soil, farms, and communities. She has a bachelor’s degree in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and several years of experience working on small organic farms and within the local food system in her hometown. These experiences gave her a social justice lens through which to view the world and a strong belief in the importance of locally and organically grown food and its power to build a strong and healthy community.
Innovation in Wellbeing Scholarship
Amanda Boles is in her final year in the Master of Science in Nutrition program at NUNM. Her background focuses on holistic health by being trained in such modalities as massage therapy, cosmetology, and yoga/fitness. Her journey to wellness began when she entered college and saw the connection between poor diet due to poverty/accessibility and health. Through her education and personal drive, she strives to reframe the idea that health must fit into a certain mold. Her dream is to educate people of all backgrounds that nutrition does not have to cost or look a particular way. She aims to show that being in tune with your body and providing it with the available fuel will lead to a healthy and fulfilling life.
Gardith Edouard was born and raised in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and is in her second year of the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program. Helping others heal with herbal medicine has always been one of her goals as she watched her grandmother do so for many people at an early age. Natural medicine is one of Gardith’s passions. Candle making and interior designing are some of her other passions. Gardith is the CEO of Affirm Candle LLC, a natural candle company aiming for wellness and self-care while simultaneously honoring nature. She has been using her interpersonal skills and business acumen to raise awareness about natural medicine to decimate the information gap that plays a huge role in the health disparities that our nation faces. Gardith is always eager to share her story with anyone that crosses her path. She hopes to motivate others to start their healing journeys by being her true, authentic self.
Payton Follestad is in her third year of the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine and Master of Science in Clinical Research programs. In 2019, she graduated with honors from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities with a Bachelor of Arts focused on biology, society, and the environment. Driven by a profound commitment to mental health and holistic well-being, Payton aspires to revolutionize therapeutic approaches. She recognizes the therapeutic potential of psychedelics and envisions a comprehensive model that melds clinical practice, rigorous research, community engagement, and policy advocacy. She aims is to contribute to a healthier society where transformative healing experiences and holistic care are accessible to all and work towards creating a brighter and more interconnected world. In her free time, she enjoys exploring and hiking the PNW, playing volleyball and traveling.
NCMIC Scholarship
Sara Danko is in their sixth and final year as a naturopathic and Chinese medicine student who hopes to do primary care following graduation and a future residency. Before coming to school, they did social work for a non-profit in San Francisco. Sara is currently a student representative for a nutraceutical company and does work study in the clinic. Sara’s clinical interests include gender-affirming care, mental health, and addressing systemic inequity through healthcare. When not in school, Sara works for a local acupuncturist as an administrative assistant and is learning the intricacies of running a personal practice. In their free time, Sara can be found exploring new hikes and trails in Portland with their dog.
Peterson Family Scholarship
Ursula Flores is a first-year student in the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program at NUNM. She received her Bachelor of Integrated Health Sciences from NUNM in June 2022. She is native to the Portland area, and what she finds amazing about naturopathic medicine is how the things we try to imitate in conventional pharmacology nature have already been produced in a single plant. She believes that nature provides many solutions for our vitality and wellness. Exploring traditional medical knowledge from the archives of her own Indigenous ancestral family highlights the wisdom that nature has to offer. The dream of being a Naturopathic Doctor and supporting people who want to use natural methods of healing with botanical herbs, healthy meals, and sunshine is very beautiful to her. She is passionate about health and wellness and feels blessed that her role at NUNM coincides with her values.
Brenda Salcedo – bio unavailable
Dr. Todd Schlapfer Memorial Scholarship
Jocelyn Gorman is in her third year of the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program. She serves on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council at NUNM and is passionate about providing equitable care to underserved populations. Jocelyn graduated from Marist College in 2021, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences and a scholarship to play Division I volleyball. She was born and raised in Beaverton, Oregon, by her mother, who immigrated from the Philippines in 1992, and her father, who passed away in 2010. Her father’s passing motivates Jocelyn’s passion for pursuing neuroscience, nutrition, and mental health advocacy. Jocelyn enjoys coaching volleyball, yoga, playing piano, and spending time at the beach in her free time.
Dr. Robert Sklovsky Memorial Scholarship
Eden Jeffries is a Los Angeles native passionate about laughter, learning, food and culture. She is a third-year student in the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program. She is excited by the bio-psycho-social framework for understanding the determinants of disease, which informs her approach to prevention and healing. Her mission is to provide and advocate for competent, equitable care to our most vulnerable communities. She believes building resilience, cultivating healing and optimizing livelihood is at the core of effective social change.
Johnny Lemau is in his final year of the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine and Master of Science in Integrative Medicine Research programs. He earned his bachelor’s degree in medical studies from Arizona State University, with a keen interest in men’s health and orthopedic medicine. Before venturing into the medical realm, he attended culinary school and honed his skills as a chef. This multifaceted background adds depth to his profile and highlights his diverse interests and dedication to lifelong learning.
Ethel Richards, also known as The Plant Based Nutritionista™, is the founder and Chief Inspiration Officer of iEatMorePlants, LLC. She is also the creator of In the Kitchen w/The Plant Based Nutritionista™ podcast. Her business and brand exist to inspire you with practical tools, tips, and information to take your health back one meal at a time by eating more plants® and moving your body. Ethel believes in this approach so much that she trademarked the simple equation: Gut Health + Movement = Mental Health™. Her equation was designed to help us remember the interconnectedness of food and movement in how we think and move through all the spaces in which we live. Currently, Ethel is a 2nd year Diversity Scholar in the online MScN at NUNM and is looking forward to practicing clinical community nutrition after graduation.
Standard Process Scholarship
Yeritssy Garcia, a fifth-year, first-generation student at NUNM, is studying Naturopathic and Chinese medicine. Her passion lies in overall health, focusing on pain management and sports medicine. As a doctor, she aspires to serve the underserved community. In her free time, she enjoys working out, brunch, and spending quality time with her dog and friends.
Sevara Noroozi is in the second year of the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program. Before this, Sevara obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of the Visayas in Cebu, Philippines. As an undergraduate student, Sevara had the remarkable opportunity to shadow many physicians, actively engage in various outreach programs, and gain valuable hands-on experience. This exposure allowed Sevara to recognize the profound significance of teamwork and the vital importance of treating the root cause of illnesses, leading him to pursue naturopathic medicine. Once Sevara completes his education, he intends to apply his naturopathic medical education and collaborate with diverse healthcare professionals to address health equity concerns, particularly for those facing significant healthcare barriers. Outside of school, he enjoys hiking, resistance training, cooking, and spending time with friends.