I have been a member of the NANP for the past five years and became President this year because I wanted to give back to the organization that has served me so well professionally. Before discovering the NANP, I felt very alone in the health care community. This organization has been transformational - to be able to connect with a group of like-minded individuals, support each other's growth in the profession, share resources and offer clinical experiences. My growth in my career parallels my growth in NANP - my business success has been directly impacted by my active participation in the group. It is so exciting to interact with this dynamic group of diverse practitioners who are all founded in a singular mission to protect and grow our holistic profession.

JJ Virgin PhD, CNS
Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition
Celebrity Nutrition & Fitness Expert
Author, Speaker and Media Personality
www.jjvirgin.com
President, NANP

For me, NANP membership means huge opportunities. I love having the opportunity to serve on the Board and being active in helping to move the organization and nutrition profession to the next level. Plus, membership means wonderful learning, research, business and networking opportunities! One of the most exciting opportunities was being able to present at the 2008 NANP Annual conference. And then afterwards, I was approached by a publishing company to write my first book!

Trudy Scott, CN
Vice President, NANP
www.everywomanover29.com

I joined NANP when I was a student in graduate school and it opened up a whole world of contacts and information while providing a great place to interact and learn from colleagues. The yearly conferences have also been intellectually stimulating and fantastic learning experiences overall.

Bonnie Fisk-Hayden, MS
Nutritional Consultant
www.aguidetowellness.com
Board Member, NANP

I have been a member of NANP for the past three years and am fortunate enough to also serve on its Board. This organization strives to provide the Holistic Health Care provider with the tools, continuing education opportunities and business development models necessary to be successful in one of the fastest growing industries in the country. Being a member of NANP gives us unity and a purpose to educate the nation in preventative healthcare and really make a difference in people’s health!

Oscar Coetzee, PhD
Certified First Line Therapy
www.ocphd.net
Board Member/Professional Member, NANP

Trudy Ekstrom, CN, PhD
Nutrition Specialist
Achieving Health Thru Nutrition, LLC
www.nutritiondre.com

I have been a member of NANP for three years so far and have been fortunate enough to attend two of its conferences. Attending these meetings has made me appreciate the true value of NANP membership because not only have they been inspirational, but they have helped to guide my career in the direction it has taken. Through NANP, I network with other nutrition professionals, meet innovative leaders in the field and learn about the latest products available today. This organization has aided me in staying current and I look forward to its growth in the future especially as the field of holisitic nutrition continues to grow.

Mary Sheila Gonnella, NC
Nutrition Consultant
Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition
Occidental Nutrition...an edible effect
www.occidentalnutrition.com

I have been a NANP member since 2002 and greatly value what this organization has done for me. The annual conference alone has connected me with many peers that I still interact with today and with whom I now participate in monthly events to encourage me and provide information that are important for my business. The conference and other opportunities made available through NANP have broadened my knowledge that I can happily pass on to my clients. NANP enhanced my knowledge of nutrition and aided in my passing of the Board Certification Exam which also enhanced status in the holistic nutrition community. My involvement with NANP has also provided great referrals because of the network that it opens up. I truly feel like I have many friends in the profession that I can call upon and vice versa. Thank you NANP!

Patty Torza, MA, CPT, NC
Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition
healthworks5@aol.com

I have been a member of the NANP since 2002. This group really takes the cause of nutrition to the next level. While I belong to several professional organizations, the NANP is the most active, utilizing every resource to elevate and solidify nutritionists. The Board Certification for Holistic Nutrition is a great example of the high standards of the NANP, and reflects its high regard in the community.

Patricia Adams, BS, CNC, NHC, NE
Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition
www.healthylifestyleonline.us

Since joining NANP in 2005, I have experienced its positive effects both personally and professionally and have met amazing people who have shared and offered ideas that have helped to enhance my company and have directly benefited the care of my clients. Out of all the organizations I am affiliated with, NANP stands alone with regard to what it gives back. This was one of the major reasons I felt compelled to get more involved and join the Board. I look forward to growing with NANP and working together with the common goal to help those in need from a holistic standpoint.

Derek Johnson, B.S. Dietetics, N.C. Holistic Nutritionist
Owner, New Metabolism®
Board Member, NANP
www.newmetabolism.com

In my experience, NANP contributes significantly to the professionalism of “holistic” nutrition. I appreciate that NANP keeps me informed of important issues in the field. And most importantly, NANP has helped me build my practice – a number of my clients find me via NANP’s marketing efforts. I plan on being a member for the duration of my career. Thank you!

Charlotte Skiles, MS
Clinical Herbalist and Nutrition Consultant
www.charlotteskiles.com

"NANP is a great way to stay connected with the latest research and learn from nutrition colleagues. It is a wonderful organization to be part of."

Julie Matthews, Certified Nutrition Consultant
HealthfulLiving.org
NourishingHope.com

Being a member of the NANP has been instrumental in the growth of my company. The NANP has provided me with connections, support, and credibility which has allowed my business to reach tremendous success in the field of holistic nutrition.

Amanda Louden
Eat Your Roots Nutrition Education and Advocacy
Chair, NANP Legislative Affairs Committee
www.eatyourroots.org
www.mydailydiner.com

Joining the NANP has been one of the wisest business choices I’ve made since changing careers mid-life. When I left my job in, “corporate America ” to pursue my passion for holistic nutrition I felt isolated and unsure of myself. When I became an active member of the NANP I found that I was not alone in my passion and desire to inspire and motivate others. More importantly I made business contacts that have replaced my isolation and uncertainty with life-long connections with the key players in this industry. Those connections have led to relationships that provide mentoring, support and employment opportunities. I encourage any student of holistic nutrition, anyone who is a nutrition consultant and even those who work with holistic nutrition peripherally to consider joining this dynamic organization, and most importantly to get involved. Participation can be the path to amazing networking opportunities and professional growth.

Nicole Hodson, NE
Director of Membership & Credentialing, NANP
Holistic Nutrition Credentialing Board (HNCB)

NANP has provided me with a strong community of like-minded professionals in the field of holistic nutrition; this support system has empowered me to be more effective in my work and has expanded my knowledge into new areas. I am really excited about all of the great things that we are planning for NANP members in the coming year, and know that, without a doubt, membership in this organization will continue to reap great benefits for me both professionally and personally!

Miriam G. Zacharias, MS
JJ Virgin and Associates, Inc.
Board Member, NANP

I began shifting my career focus to nutrition and health in 2000 by starting classes at Bauman College. I joined NANP as soon as I realized I was eligible to as a student. Since then, my relationships within the profession have become the foundation of a valuable personal and professional network. Maintaining membership in my professional association provides credibility and supports that I am both serious and knowledgeable about holistic nutrition. My active participation in developing activities for NANP in California helped me gain entrance into UC Berkeley's School of Public Health when I chose to matriculate fully 35 years after receiving my bachelor's degree. As well, the many educational and service projects I have participated in with other NANP members have provided a warm glow and sparkling sense of accomplishment because combined, our efforts help to grow the viability, visibility and credibility of our profession. There's plenty of opportunity for you, too. Join us.

Fern Leaf, NC, MPH
Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition
Executive Director, NANP
execdir@nanp.org