Southwest Naturopathic Medical Center Supervising Physicians

Leslie Axelrod, N.D., L.Ac
Emphasis: Family Medicine; Acupuncture; Botanical/Herbs; Nutrition; Pain Management; Rheumatology; Gastrointestinal; Women’s Health, Colorpuncture

Dr. Axelrod received her N.D. from Bastyr University (1987). She attended the New England School of Homeopathy and completed a year long certificate training in Colorpuncture. She offers medical services including family medicine, women's health and rheumatology, acupuncture, homeopathy, pain management, nutrition and botanical medicine. Dr. Axelrod is a Professor of Clinical Sciences at SCNM and is on the staff at Maricopa Integrative Health System as a Naturopathic Physician and brings students to an outpatient facility.

Matthew Baral, N.D.
Emphasis: Pediatrics.
Therapies offered: Botanical/Herbs; Diet/Nutrition; Homeopathy; Hydrotherapy; Physical Exams

Dr. Baral graduated from the Naturopathic Medicine program at Bastyr University (2000). While in Seattle, he worked in conjunction with pediatricians for three-and-a-half years, utilizing integrative medicine in the treatment of children and adolescents. Dr. Baral worked as a resident at a naturopathic medical clinic in Seattle for one year after he received his medical degree. Dr. Baral's primary concentration is Pediatric Integrative Medicine. His research experience includes the Pediatric Echinacea Study with Bastyr University and the University of Washington, as well as recent projects in the areas of Autism and flu prevention. Dr. Baral is the Medical Director of the Hamilton Elementary School Pediatric Clinic and is Assistant Professor of Nutrition and Pediatrics at SCNM.

Nick Buratovich, N.M.D.
Emphasis: Physical Medicine; Acupuncture; Adjustments/Manipulation; Migraine; Infusion Therapy; Prolotherapy; Stop Smoking; Diet/Nutrition; Pain Management; Physical Exam; Arthritis; Chronic Disease; Counseling; Hydrotherapy;

Dr. Buratovich received his BS from St. Mary’s College (1973) and his Naturopathic degree from National College of Naturopathic Medicine (1983). Dr. Buratovich has maintained a Naturopathic family practice for over 20 years and focuses primarily on pain management and the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders and injuries. His clinical focus is on you, the patient. With a foundation in Naturopathic philosophy and principles. He uses manipulation, acupuncture and nutrition as his primary modalities along with botanical and homeopathic medicines to help restore health and well being. He has received additional training in cold laser therapy, infusion therapy and prolotherapy and is a certified practitioner in Bio-Cranial Therapy. Dr. Buratovich is an Associate Professor and the Department Chair of Physical Medicine at SCNM. He is also the secretary of Southwest College’s Board of Trustees.

Walter Crinnion, N.D.
Emphasis: Environmental Medicine, Chronic Disease, Mercury and Lead Toxicity, Autoimmunity, Asthma and Allergies

Dr. Crinnion received his Naturopathic degree from Bastyr University (1982). He developed an emphasis in environmental medicine and operated a comprehensive cleansing center in the Seattle area for twenty years. His main concentration is in environmental medicine and he utilizes several types of therapies when treating patients, including IV therapy, hydrotherapy, and botanicals. In addition to directing SCNM's Environmental Medicine Center of Excellence, he is an adjunct faculty member at NCNM, Bastyr University, and University of Bridgeport, teaching environmental medicine at all four of the Naturopathic medical schools in the United States.

Yong Deng, O.M.D., L.Ac
Emphasis: Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine including Chinese Botanical and Herbs. Pain Syndromes; Arthritis; Cancer; Infertility, Allergy; Men’s Health; Women’s Health including PMS, Menopausal Syndrome, Fibroid; GI problems including IBS; Chronic Fatigue; Migraine; Hypertension; Depression; Children’s conditions.

Dr. Deng is an expert in Chinese Medicine, Chinese herbs, and acupuncture. He is an MD graduate, former faculty and physician of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China. He has been teaching and practicing at medical schools in China and the United States for over twenty-three years with a concentration in Traditional Chinese Medicine for a wide range of diseases and conditions. Due to his extensive knowledge, Dr. Deng was invited to SCNM in 1996 and currently serves as the Chairman and Professor within the Department of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Dr. Deng is a licensed acupuncturist in Arizona and works with MDs in several Fertility Treatment Centers and hospitals within the Phoenix area. He is a member of the State of Arizona Acupuncture Board of Examiners and has published over twenty papers and several books including the Encyclopedia of Chinese and U.S. Patent Herbal Medicines. In addition, Dr. Deng is a board director of the International Association of Integrated Medicine (IAIM).

John M. Dye, N.D.
Emphasis: Mind/Body; Psychological; Biofeedback; Neurofeedback; Counseling; Anti-Aging; Botanicals/Herbs; Chronic Disease; Diabetes; Endocrinology; Hypnosis; Kinesiology; Men’s Health

Dr. Dye is a graduate of National College of Naturopathic Medicine (1979), where he completed a residency in Family Practice. He offers a broad-scope practice with expertise in the areas of mood and cognitive enhancement, longevity medicine, diabetes care, and hormone replacement therapy. Dr Dye is medical coordinator for the clinic’s biofeedback department, and has developed neurofeedback services to address brain disorders. Dr Dye’s focus includes mind-body healing methods for depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and other psychological disorders. Dr. Dye is chair of the Mind/Body Medicine Department at SCNM and teaches endocrinology, biofeedback, and mind-body medicine courses. He is an attending physician and Department Chair of Mind-Body Medicine.

Patricia Gaines, N.D.
Emphasis:  Botanical/Herbs; Acute and Chronic Disease; Homeopathy; Women's Health; Diet/Nutrition and Natural Supplementation; Endocrinology; Gastrointestinal; Dermatology; Cardiovascular 

Dr. Gaines received her naturopathic medicine degree from Bastyr University (2002). After completing a general family practice residency, she served as the Chief Resident at Southwest Naturopathic Medical Center. Dr. Gaines treats acute and chronic disease using nutrition and lifestyle counseling, homeopathy and botanical medicine. She is chair of the Department of Botanical Medicine at SCNM and a supervising physician at Southwest Naturopathic Medical Center.  In addition, she provides care and supervises students at Sojourner Center, a shelter for women and children that are survivors of domestic violence. 

Christine L. Girard, N.D.
Emphasis: Family Practice, Oncology

Dr. Girard received her BA from Goddard College, Plainfield, Vermont and her ND from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine, Portland, Oregon. She participated in and completed the first hospital-based residency (internal medicine) for naturopathic physicians at Griffin Hospital, Derby, Connecticut. Currently, she serves as the Chief Medical Officer/ Executive Vice President of Clinical Affairs for Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and their network of teaching clinics. Dr. Girard is the former Director of Naturopathic Medicine at Cancer Treatment Centers of America at Southwestern Regional Medical Center, Tulsa, OK. Dr. Girard was previously in private practice at Cornerstone Center for Health, LLC in Seymour, CT. Former co-director the Integrative Medicine Center (IMC) at Griffin Hospital, she is an expert panel member for the CAM Outcomes Research Project (CORP) and assists with other CAM-related research projects at the Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center (PRC). As a former faculty of Obstetrics & Gynecology at University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine, Dr. Girard gives numerous lectures throughout the country on natural medicine, integrative medicine, naturopathic residency programs, and child passenger safety.

Stephen Messer, N.D., D.H.A.N.P
Emphasis: Homeopathy for acute disease, serious chronic disease, cancer, multiple sclerosis; Nutritional and Hormonal therapy.

Dr. Messer has been in continuous practice since graduating from National College of Natural Medicine in 1979, and is considered one of the premier homeopathic physicians, educators, and authors in the country. Because of his reputation, in addition to his local patients, he often treats patients who travel to Arizona to enlist his care from all over the United States. Dr. Messer compliments homeopathic treatment of adults and children with nutrition and hormone regulation, when necessary.

Dr. Messer completed homeopathic emphasis training with the International Foundation for Homeopathy, as well as the Eizayaga Homeopathic Seminar series. Dr. Messer was among the first Naturopathic physicians in the United States to become board certified as a homeopathic specialist. He is a founder and past president of the Homeopathic Academy of Naturopathic Physicians. He has been a board member of the National Center for Homeopathy from 1987-2008, and the Dean of the prestigious NCH summer school homeopathic training program. He has lectured extensively throughout the US and Canada. Dr. Messer is a Professor, and the Chair of Homeopathic Medicine at SCNM.

Jessica Mitchell, N.D.
Emphasis: Pediatrics

Therapies offered: Botanical/Herbs; Diet/Nutrition; Homeopathy; Hydrotherapy; Physical Exams; and Environmental Medicine.

Dr. Jessica Mitchell graduated from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2005. After medical school, Dr. Mitchell completed a year long family practice residency at the Southwest Naturopathic Medical Center. Additional post-graduate training has included Homeopathy and Environmental Medicine as well as Pediatrics. Dr. Mitchell was a clinical investigator with Dr. Matthew Baral on his study, "DMSA Treatment of Children with Autism and Heavy Metal Toxicity". In May of 2007 Dr. Mitchell began a two year fellowship in Pediatrics at Southwest Naturopathic Medical Center.

Paul Mittman, N.D., D.H.A.N.P
Emphasis: Adjustments/Manipulation; Arthritis; Chronic Disease; Diet/Nutrition; Gastrointestinal; Homeopathy; Men’s Health; Migraine; Pediatrics

Dr. Mittman graduated from National College of Naturopathic Medicine in 1985. He completed a two-year residency and later directed research on natural therapies at the NCNM. Dr. Mittman’s practice integrates the foundations of naturopathic medicine – improved nutrition, lifestyle enhancement through exercise and stress reduction, with the use of homeopathy and botanical medicine. Dr. Mittman is the President/CEO of Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Health Sciences as well as an Associate Professor.

Mona Morstein, N.D.
Emphasis: Women’s Health, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Weight Loss, Gastrointestinal, Pediatrics, Men’s Health, Geriatrics, Arthritis, Asthma, Cardiac problems/High Cholesterol, Cancer, Acute and Chronic Disease, Dermatology, Menstrual Disorders/GYN, Physical Exam.
Therapies offered: Diet/Nutrition and Natural Supplementation, Botanical Medicine, Homeopathy, Hydrotherapy, Physical Medicine/Vertebral Manipulations, compassion and non-judgmental caring.

Dr. Morstein graduated from National College of Naturopathic Medicine (1988), and completed a year residency in Family Practice. She had a successful private practice in Great Falls, MT for 13 years, where she did regular speaking engagements and had a cable access TV show called Natural Health. She continues to do frequent talks in the Valley. Dr. Morstein is the Chair of the Nutrition Department at SCNM and is a supervising physician at Southwest Naturopathic Medical Center. As a whole-family physician for 17 years, Dr. Morstein sees all acute and chronic illnesses in both sexes and in all ages. Her concentration is in women’s health, and all the problems that arise with women in addition to Diabetes, Pre-Diabetes, Weight Loss and other endocrine problems. As professor of Gastroenterology, she focuses on all disorders of the gastro-intestinal tract. She also sees patients with arthritis, hypertension/high cholesterol, migraines, arthritis, skin problems, auto-immune diseases, fatigue, and anxiety/depression. Among many treatment modalities, she uses nutrition/diet and supplementation, botanical medicine, homeopathy, lifestyle modification, hydrotherapy, vertebral manipulation, and compassion and non-judgmental caring.

Christine Sorensen, N.D.
Emphasis: Women’s Health; Minor Surgery; Pediatrics; Endocrinology; Craniosacral Therapies; Sclerotherapy; Acupuncture; Botanical/Herbs

Dr. Sorensen is a graduate of Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and completed the residency program at Southwest Naturopathic Medical Center. The focus of her practice is minor surgery, women's health, pediatrics,
endocrinology, craniosacral therapies, sclerotherapy, and general practice. Dr. Sorensen has twenty years experience as a nurse in high-risk obstetrics.

Jessica Tran, N.D.
Emphasis: Environmental Medicine, Homeopathy, Naturopathic Oncology.

Dr. Jessica Tran graduated with a B.S. in Biological Sciences and B.A. in Social Ecology with a concentration in Epidemiology and Public Health from the University of California, Irvine. She received her naturopathic medical degree from Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington. She practices general family medicine, with a special interest in the pediatric and geriatric population. Her focus is in environmental medicine, homeopathy, and naturopathic oncology. She completed a one-year family medicine residency at Southwest Naturopathic Medical Center and is now completing an environmental medicine fellowship under the directorship of Dr. Crinnion.

Sima Aidun, ND
Emphasis: Women’s Health

Danite Haller, N.D.
Emphasis: Homeopathy

Jan Highfield, N.M.D.
Emphasis: Nutrition, Botanical Medicine, Homeopathy and Tissue Cleansing in the treatment of chronic fatigue and environmental illness.

Dr. Jan Highfield is a 2001 graduate of Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine.  She completed a one year residency with a focus in family practice at Southwest Naturopathic Medical Center.  

Currently working as adjunct clinical faculty at SCNM, Dr. Highfield oversees student clinical rotations at the college’s teaching clinic in Scottsdale as well as two community clinics: Arizona Pathways Program and Hamilton School Adult Clinic in Phoenix.  Dr. Highfield maintains a private practice at Southwest Naturopathic Medical Center. 

Michael Jacobson, D.C.
Emphasis: Adjustments/Manipulation

Jami Kupperman, N.D.
Emphasis: Diabetes; Infectious Disease; HIV

Q. Makeeta, D.C.
Emphasis: Adjustments/Manipulation

Marianne Marchese, N.D

Dr. Marchese is a clinician, author, and educator. She graduated from Creighton University in 1990 with a B.S. in Occupational Therapy and specialized in neurological and orthopedic conditions while working at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. Dr. Marchese received her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine in 2002 from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oreg. She completed a two-year post-graduate residency in Integrative Medicine and Women’s Health with Dr. Tori Hudson. Dr. Marchese also completed six-month post-graduate certification training in Environmental Medicine. She lectures to other physician and to the public on environmental and women’s health issues. Dr. Marchese has numerous publications in magazines and journals such as The Townsend Letter for Physicians and Taste for Life magazine. She is a consultant for Vitanica, a physician owned supplement company, and developed the environmental medicine product line for Vitanica. Dr. Marchese is past adjunct faculty at NCNM and Life Chiropractic College. She currently is in private practice in Scottsdale, Ariz. and is adjunct faculty at Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine.

Schuyler McHenry, N.M.D.
Emphasis: Acupuncture, Injection therapy for pain, Natural and bio-identical hormone replacement, Nutritional supplementation, and Homeopathy

Dr. Schuyler McHenry received his undergraduate degree from Ithaca College in Fitness and Cardiac Rehabilitation/Pre-Med in 2001. He received his ND degree from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2006 and went on to complete a residency in family practice medicine at Southwest Naturopathic Medical Center. Dr. McHenry has additional certification in IV Micronutrient Therapy and Classical Homeopathy from the Centre Homeopathique Hahnemann in Montreal, Canada.

Dr. McHenry supervises students on clinical rotations at Southwest Naturopathic Medical Center and assists with Clinical Entry Examinations, and Physical Diagnosis Examinations at SCNM. Dr. McHenry sees patients of all ages and specializes in acupuncture, injection therapy for pain, natural and bio-identical hormone replacement, nutritional supplementation and classical homeopathy to treat emotional issues, digestive complaints, chronic allergies, chronic pain, and metabolic disease like insulin resistance/pre-diabetes.

Janet Messer, Ph.D.
Emphasis: Psychotherapy for health-related issues, Trauma recovery, Relationship issues, and Personal and Spiritual growth

Dr. Janet Messer is a licensed psychologist, who earned her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Oregon. Prior to relocating to Southwest Naturopathic Medical Center, she had a private practice in Eugene, Oregon for more than 20 years. Dr. Messer treats adults and adolescents for a variety of problems, with a concentration on treating issues related to trauma and health. She uses a range of innovative methods including imagery, meditation and EMDR.

Jennifer Nevels, N.D.
Emphasis: Women's Health, Endocrinology, Family Medicine, Mind/Body Medicine, Botanicals, Diet/Nutrition, Acupuncture

Dr. Jennifer Nevels is a licensed naturopathic medical doctor in the state of Arizona. She is a general practitioner, but is considered in expert in women’s health. Dr. Nevels utilizes natural remedies to treat many common conditions such as hypothyroidism, adrenal fatigue, abnormal pap smears, depression, anxiety, menstrual irregularities, menopausal symptoms, osteoporosis and other hormone related issues. Each of her patients is treated individually and is often prescribed medicinal herbs, nutritional supplements, acupuncture, colorpuncture, and nutritional and lifestyle counseling.

Dr. Nevels is an Assistant Professor for the Women’s Integrative Medicine Department at Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine where she teaches gynecology. Dr. Nevels has a private practice in East Mesa and can be heard regularly on a variety of radio shows discussing the latest health issues. She has been featured on Channel 3 News as an expert on various women’s health concerns and her publications include magazines such as Taste of Life, Delicious Living and Woman’s World.

Dr. Nevels is a graduate of Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine. Upon graduating, she completed a year residency with an emphasis on women’s medicine. She received her BS degree in Psychology at the University of Arizona

Katherine Raymer, MD., N.M.D
Emphasis: Natural Treatments for Mental Illness in Children, Adolescents and Adults; Natural Family Medicine

Dr. Raymer is a board-certified general psychiatrist, fellowship-trained child and adolescent psychiatrist and Naturopathic physician. She graduated from SCNM in 2005. Dr. Raymer received her M.D. from the University of Louisville School of Medicine. She completed residency training in general psychiatry at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, MO (Washington University School of Medicine) and at the University of Louisville Affiliated Hospitals. She also completed residency training in child and adolescent psychiatry at the University of Louisville Affiliated Hospitals. Dr. Raymer was Medical Director of the Adolescent Affective Treatment Service (inpatient unit) at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Co-Medical Director the adolescent inpatient unit at the University of Southern California School of Medicine. She went on to complete a fellowship in the Neurobiology of Schizophrenia at the University of Iowa School of Medicine. Dr. Raymer is currently an adjunct assistant professor of mind- body medicine and research associate faculty at SCNM and adjunct clinical faculty member at Southwest Naturopathic Medical Center.

Tim Schwaiger, M.A., N.M.D.
Emphasis: Family Medicine, Integrative Medicine, Pain Management, Prolotherapy, Sleep Disorders, Mood Disorders, Endocrinology/Hormones, Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, Men’s Health

Dr. Tim Schwaiger graduated from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2005 where he went on to complete a two-year residency in family medicine. He received his Masters’ degree in Health Services Management from Webster University. Dr. Schwaiger has over 26 years of health related experience and his practice focuses on family medicine in treating both acute and chronic conditions.
Among many treatment modalities, Dr. Schwaiger uses nutrition and supplementation, intravenous (IV) therapy, botanical medicine, acupuncture and Chinese medicine, integrative medicine, hormones, homeopathy, lifestyle modification, and vertebral manipulation. He is Associate Professor of Naturopathic Medicine at SCNM and is trained and experienced in the use of Prolotherapy.

June Stevens, N.D.
Emphasis: Cardiology

Eric Udell, N.D.
Emphasis: Homeopathy; Adjustments; Physical Medicine; Arthritis; Cancer; Chronic Disease; Dermatology; Diet/Nutrition; Endocrinology; Gastrointestinal; Geriatrics; Kinesiology; Men’s Health; Migraine; Pediatrics; Physical Exam

Dr. Udell graduated from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2002 and completed a residency in general family practice at Southwest Naturopathic Medical Center the following year. In August 2003, he was appointed to the first post-doctoral fellowship in homeopathic medicine in the United States where his focus is teaching, curriculum development, clinical practice, and research. His medical expertise is using classical homeopathy to treat and manage disease. His other therapeutic interests include physical medicine, in particular a system of gentle manipulation of the spine and extremities to which he has devoted considerable study, and clinical nutrition. He treats patients of all ages, from infants to seniors. He is currently a faculty member in Homeopathic Medicine at SCNM and is currently overseeing the development of a distance learning program at SCNM. He is fluent in Spanish.