NDI Staff
Dr. Tabatha Parker - Executive Director NDI - NDI co-founder and Executive Director, Dr. Parker recieved her naturopathic medicine degree from National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon. Tabatha lives on the island of Ometepe in Nicaragua with her husband, a Nicaraguan farmer, their son, Maximo and daughter, Luna. Dr. Parker oversees staff, interns and volunteers at NDI's site in Nicaragua. She has recently taken a position teaching Naturopathic Philosophy at the new Bastyr campus in San Diego, CA and plans to move her family to the U.S. where she will continue teaching and developing NDI. A speaker, teacher and naturopathic physician, Dr. Parker has dedicated her life to finding solutions to global health problems through natural medicine and community development. Her passion inspires people to become active in social justice issues. She very much believes in empowering youth through art and laughter and hopes to bring youth inspiration through dance, theather and artistic expression. She is an active member of the American Herbalist Guild, Global Health Council and the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. Dr. Parker can be contacted at drparker@ndimed.org
Dr. Adam Friedman MS, CSCS, CMT, ND - Country Director NDI Nicaragua - Dr. Adam Friedman has been offering his experience in the Health and Wellness field for over twenty years. He is a graduate of Bastyr University's Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine program, educated in the most rigorous and effective 'evidence-based' alternative medicine program in the world. Holding certifications as a Neuro-Cranial Restructuring practitioner, Massage Therapist, and Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Dr. Adam integrates massage and other body work into his practice, specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. He also uses Short-Term, Goal Oriented Counseling in his work. Before coming to work in Nicaragua with NDI, Dr. Adam spent a year working in Southeast Asia as a staff and spa physician treating guests as well as the local, indigenous populations. Dr. Adam works to educate his patience on living healthfully and hopes to provide access to yoga instruction on the Island of Ometepe as well. Dr. Friedman can be contacted at dradam@ndimed.org.
Dr. Patricia Beck, ND, PT - Medical Director NDI Nicaragua - Dr. Beck received her naturopathic medical degree from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2005 where she graduated at the top of her class. She has been in the health care field for over 25 years, holding a degree in Physical Therapy as a geriatric specialist before going to medical school. Before coming to the Island of Ometepe, she practiced medicine in Phoenix and Prescott, Arizona. Dr Beck’s passion for Global Medicine began years ago as a spark planted by a colleague and continued to grow through the raising of her children and the completion of medical school. In 2008, she was part of a medical mission in Nigeria, and at that time decided that Global Health was something she wanted to do on an on-going basis. Dr. Beck’s first experience with NDI was on a Brigade in 2011. Dr. Beck can be contacted atdrbeck@ndimed.org.
Angela Guillen Dinarte - Operations Director NDI Nicaragua - Angela was born and raised on the island and two years ago started working with NDI as a technical and financial assistant. She has worked on various NDI projects most importantly the Calzado Ometepe and the DIOSA programs. For Calzado Ometepe Angela helped coordinate a kids run that focused on health and well being. Durng this run shoes were donated to hundreds of local kids. For the DIOSA program she has coordinated various activities, as well as transporting PAP exams off the island to be tested. Working on NDI Global Health Courses as an assistant has also been a focus for Angela. Ultimately she is very passionate about helping her poeple on Ometepe. Angela can be reached at angela@ndimed.org.
Lauren Schultz, herbalist, activist - Programs Director NDI Nicaragua - Lauren Schultz graduated with honors from the NAIMH 2011 where she studied clinical herbalism, nutrition, flower essences, and the principles of the vitalist paradigm of healing. Previously Lauren studied sociology and woman/gender studies at DePaul University which laid the foundation for her work as an activist/educator on the U.S/Mexico border. Lauren worked as a delegations trip leader with Borderlinks and Witness for Peace, where she facilitated experiential, educational delegations aimed to explore the global economic forces behind migration and impact of neo-liberal economics and globalization on developing countries. While living in the borderlands Lauren also worked with No More Deaths to create a permanent humanitarian aid station on the border which served migrants. Lauren’s love for plant based medicine and deep commitment to social justice makes Natural Doctors International a prefect fit for her. “NDI is unlike any other organization I have come into contact with. NDI provides the highest quality care those in the most need, while always taking time to ask tough questions about global economic injustices. NDI works relentlessly to understand the root cause of suffering, and creates alternatives that honor inherent human dignity. I am honored to be a part of NDI, a part of the solution. Lauren can be contacted at lschultz@ndimed.org.
Rebecca Zeff - Development Coordinator, USA - Rebecca had her first internship with NDI in 2006. That experience proved highly influential for her and was one of several key experiences that fed her interest in medicine as a carrer. Now she is completing Pre-med studies at Washington State University Vancouver and plans to seek licensure as both a M.D. and a Naturopathic doctor. After her 2006 internship, Rebecca continued volunteer work in the States through Phi Theta Kappa, international honor society of two year colleges. After returning to Nicaragua in 2012 for a second internship with NDI, Rebecca continues her work for NDI in the U.S., promoting awareness, developing infrastructure and coordinating volunteer opportunities.
Kelly Bowen – Intern NDI Nicaragua
