In Conversation With....The role of the College vs. the OAND
Posted On: September 29, 2023
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Date: Wednesday November 22, 2023
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When you think of the naturopathic profession in Ontario, two organizations typically come to mind: the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CoNO) and the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors (OAND). While both play important roles, each organization exists for different purposes independent of each other.
Understanding the role of each of these organizations is important for both NDs and the public in Ontario. While their roles may be different, they are not necessarily mutually exclusive. This In Conversation With will focus on these two organizations, their roles and how they are in some instances differing and in others overlapping. Can these organizations work together and if so, how? How can working together also serve the public interest?
This is an opportunity for both Registrants of the College and members of the public to ask questions of the leadership of these two organizations and consider how they can impact the future of the profession in Ontario.
PANEL MEMBERS
Dr. Jordan Sokoloski, ND (Council Chair, College of Naturopaths of Ontario)
Dr. Jordan Sokoloski, ND, has a primary care, family focused practice at Thunder Bay Naturopathic Clinic in Thunder Bay, Ontario. He completed his undergraduate degree in biology at McMaster University in Hamilton and graduated from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto in 2013. Dr. Sokoloski, ND, grew up in Thunder Bay and knew he wanted to practise in beautiful Northern Ontario. Dr. Sokoloski, ND, regularly participates in speaking engagements for various local organizations and working to foster connections with other health care providers interested in learning more about naturopathy. When he is not busy at the clinic, Dr. Sokoloski, ND, enjoys family time with his wife and two boys, being outdoors or with a good board game or book.
Andrew Parr, CEO, College of Naturopaths of Ontario
Andrew Parr is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (the College). He was first appointed to the College during its formative stages in August 2010 and, upon proclamation of the Naturopathy Act, 2007 in July 2015 was formally re-appointed by the new Council.
Prior to joining the College, Andrew had been working in the not-for-profit sector for 20 years including eight of which he served as the Executive Director and CEO of the association for registered massage therapists in Ontario. Andrew has also served as the Executive Director of the Canadian Society of Association Executives-Trillium Chapter for ten years through a successful association management firm he had established.
Andrew has a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in politics from Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario and has attained his Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation from the Canadian Society of Association Executives.
Outside of work, Andrew enjoys spending time at the lake with his husband of 30 years and his delightful pups, Chandler and Gunther.
Dr. Cyndi Gilbert, ND (OAND Board Chair)
Dr. Cyndi Gilbert, ND (she/her) is a naturopathic doctor, author, and faculty member at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM). Prior to becoming a naturopathic doctor, Cyndi worked for several environmental non-governmental organizations advocating at the intersections of health and environmental justice. In her Toronto naturopathic practice, Cyndi focuses on mental health, trauma, sexual, and LGBTQ2SIA+ health. She is the co-founder of the IDEA (inclusion, diversity, equity, and advocacy) Committee at the CCNM and regularly facilitates cultural competency training for healthcare providers. She advocates for a collaborative, anti-oppressive, and harm reduction approach that centers patients’ voices and experiences. In addition to her clinical work, Cyndi is the author of several books, including “Forest Bathing: Discovering Health and Happiness Through the Japanese Practice of Shinrin Yoku,” published by St. Martin’s Press.
Christine Charnock, CEO, OAND
Christine Charnock is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors (OAND), appointed in February 2023.
Over the course of her career in the non-profit sector, Christine Charnock has focused on listening to members and stakeholders, facilitating connections and partnerships, and growing organizations through communication, innovation, and program development.
Christine spent over 20 years leading the Canadian Rheumatology Association and building a community, where she was involved in all aspects of the association, including member and volunteer engagement, strategic planning, partnerships and collaboration, advocacy, program development, communication, fundraising, and conference planning.
Christine has recently entered the realm of acting in community theatre and is back skating with her former synchronizing skating team. She thinks of her superpower as connecting people. An active member of her community, Christine has extensive experience as a board member, committee member, and volunteer in the community. She is a wife and proud mom of 3 grown children.
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