Instructors | Trinity School of Natural Health

Instructors

Amy Grupe

Amy Grupe is a traditional naturopath who works closely with her clients who are seeking alternatives to Western medicine. She believes the body knows what to do and how to heal itself if given what it needs: physically, emotionally, spiritually, & nutritionally.

As a constitutional iridologist, she uses her clients' iris photographs, to teach what their inherited iris signs mean. She uses this information to coach her clients to make lifestyle changes to address current and potential health issues. Amy is a Board Certified Naturopath who is also certified as a Digestive Health Specialist, Nutritional Consultant, Master Herbalist, and has advanced training in Bach Flower remedies. Amy is a member of the California Naturopathic Association and the American Association of Drugless Practitioners.

Amy holds a Master's in Education and spent 17 years teaching both elementary and middle school children. She had a successful corporate career in the pharmaceutical industry, holding several executive positions in the 17 years prior. Having spent much of her life seeking alternatives to medical and surgical procedures and taking prescription drugs, many of which she was allergic to, she studied natural health for years which lead her to earn the ND from Trinity School of Natural Health. She attends natural health classes all over the USA and has recently earned a Diploma in Clinical Homeopathy through CEDH and CranioSacral therapy certification through Upledger Institute. Amy loves learning and helping her students and clients believe in themselves while coaching them in natural methods to achieve their greatest health and well-being.

She loves spending time in the California sunshine, boating and gardening, and spending time with family, friends, and two fun-loving pups.

Anya Connolly

Anya Connolly is a Certified Holistic Health Practitioner and Certified Traditional Naturopath graduate of Trinity School of Natural Health.

Having received her Master of Science in Adult Education and Linguistics, Anya began a career in the High-Tech Industry, where she developed technical training and curriculum while working as a Senior Instructional Design Consultant. Anya maintained her interest in health and wellness, along the way studying yoga instruction, Reiki, Feng Shui, Hypnosis, and Neurolinguistic Programming, eventually becoming certified as an Integrative Life Coach and a Stress Management Consultant.

Anya's passion for natural health is influenced by both her parents, her mother being an RN who subscribes to natural approaches to health, and her father being a Doctor of Mechanotherapy and a Naturopathic Medical Doctor, who, in addition to his practice, offered many public lectures and taught courses on natural health practices and naturopathy.

Prior to joining Trinity School of Natural Health, Anya served in the Natural Supplements Industry as a Director of Education, developing wellness product education for both retail staff and professional healthcare practitioners.

Ashley Mohrman

Ashley Mohrman began her career in healthcare in 2000 as a level II phlebotomist. She then trained in microbiology and worked alongside the lead pathologist and head of infection control for New Hanover Regional Medical Center. After several years in the lab, Ashley transitioned into emergency medicine, working in convalescent transport, monitoring, and caring for patients during long-distance transfers. She enjoyed the interaction with her patients so much that she decided to become certified as an Emergency Medical Technician and began working as an advanced EMT. During this time, Ashley noticed that many of her patients struggled to recover due to ongoing health challenges, and she realized there must be a better way to manage health.

While working as an EMT, Ashley met her husband, Michael, a fellow paramedic whose family worked in natural health. Together, their fascination with holistic health grew, so they followed in their family's footsteps to open an herb shop and provide natural health consultations utilizing iridology, ZYTO biofeedback, muscle response testing, ionic foot baths, and other tools to help clients achieve true wellness.

Ashley earned her Certified Natural Health Professional designation from Trinity School of Natural Health. She and Michael have three beautiful children and one granddaughter. In her free time, she enjoys power lifting, swimming, cycling, and spending time with her family.

Brooke Vasilko

Brooke Vasilko is a born and raised Minnesotan who initially studied to be a music educator and found herself in the holistic health world through her own journey of chronic illness.

As the owner and founder of Naturally Living Me, she is passionate about helping people discover root causes and incorporating lifestyle changes that will help them live out who God created them to be. Brooke's expertise comes from over a decade of personally journeying through Lyme disease coupled with Trinity's training through the CHHP program.

She is also a Certified Comprehensive Iridologist with IIPA. Nutritional consulting, Iridology, and ZYTO Bioscan technology are some of the main modalities she uses in her practice. Brooke is married to her husband, Paul, and is learning the joy of being a pastor's wife.

Debra Muth

For more than 20 years, Debra Muth, ND, WHNP, ARNP, has made a difference in the lives of her patients. She maintained a passion for helping others while working with over 10,000 individuals during her career. Deb is the founder and owner of Serenity Health Care Center, the Midwest's largest integrative clinic. Her team brings modalities from every aspect of the healthcare space to assist their clients in healing.

She holds masters in herbal medicine and natural medicine from the University of Australia. As an early adopter of anti-aging and regenerative medicine, she is board certified in Anti-aging and Regenerative Medicine and trained by A4M. She was also trained by Dr. Horowitz and certified by ILADS in tick-borne disease and mold toxicity. Deb's passion has always been helping people reach their goals and feel their best throughout their entire life.

She is an expert in integrative medicine, a sought-after speaker, an entrepreneur, and a mentor. She has written two books, published multiple articles, made television guest appearances, and hosts the podcast, Let's Talk Wellness Now. Dr. Deb has built two multimillion-dollar practices. She developed Functional Medicine Business Institute (FMBI) to create and build successful integrative practices while maintaining a zest for natural living and healthcare.

Eric Gearing

Dr. Eric Gearing graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, IA in 1998, as a Doctor of Chiropractic. He completed undergraduate studies at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, IA, where he studied electrical engineering and biology. Dr. Gearing currently practices in Louisiana, MO, treating patients with chiropractic, acupuncture and nutrition.

As a lifelong student, he maintains interest in learning about Reiki, TCM and other energy healing modalities. He enjoys participating in obstacle mud runs, singing karaoke and teaching yoga. Dr. Gearing joined the Trinity School team of instructors in 2018.

Frank Whalen

Frank Whalen has completed the CNHP and CHHP programs at Trinity School of Natural Health and is board certified through the ANWPB and the AADP. In addition, he has a 20-year background in talk radio, where he utilized his nationally syndicated program to interview experts in the natural health field and extensively research alternative and naturopathic medicine.

Frank currently practices at Divine Health in Siloam Springs, Arkansas alongside his mentor, Diana Wright, ND, who is also a Trinity Graduate. He holds over a dozen certifications in various health modalities and energy work and is also a licensed minister. He was a recipient of the 2021 Top 100 Healthcare Visionaries Award from the International Forum for Advancements in Healthcare.

Frank enjoys art, photography, music, and spending time with his wife, their daughter, and their three dogs.

Jace Broadhurst

Jace Broadhurst grew up in Maryland, married his high school sweetheart, and is a dad to three terrific boys. He has his B.A. in Government and Politics, his M.Div. from Reformed Theological Seminary, and his Ph.D. from Westminster. He loves the academy and is a professor of Biblical Studies and Hermeneutics at Columbia Evangelical Seminary, adjunct professor at Washington University of Virginia, and has taught in the Netherlands, Trinidad, Dominican, Uganda, Kenya, and China.

He has published multiple articles, a book, and he is sought after as a speaker in the area of Bible, Marriage, Parenting, Single Living, and other topics.

He has been a senior pastor for the last 15 years and desperately wants to see his community transformed so that it is most satisfied in Christ. He hopes that the gospel will grow in the hearts of those who hear him and that wisdom will flow from it.

Janice Knox

Dr. Janice Vaughn-Knox is a board-certified anesthesiologist, cannabinoid medicine specialist and clinical endocannabinologist who believes in the power of self-healing. She did her undergraduate studies at the University of California Berkeley and medical school at the University of Washington in Seattle. Dr. Janice is certified by the American Academy of Cannabinoid Medicine and a much sought-after speaker for cannabis therapeutics nationally and abroad. She firmly believes that cannabinoid care starts with the understanding of the intricate and complex physiology of the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

Dr. Janice is co-founder and CEO of the American Cannabinoid Clinics and Pivital Edu, and is the founding vice-chair of the Association for Cannabis Health Equity and Medicine (ACHEM), serves the board of the American Academy of Cannabinoid Medicine (AACM), and is the Oregon representative to Doctors for Cannabis Regulation (DFCR) in addition to advisory board positions to PRA Global Inc. and the Initiative, Inc.

Jason Ameling

Dr. Jason Ameling graduated from Logan University in Chesterfield, Missouri as a Doctor of Chiropractic with a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology. He has been a practicing Chiropractor, Physiotherapist, and Acupuncturist since 2008.

Dr. Ameling is not only skilled in Chiropractic adjusting but also total mind, body, and spirit balancing. In practice he focuses on heart health, functional blood chemistry, pH balancing, and reduction of inflammatory processes.
In 2017, Dr. Ameling became a Board Certified Doctor of Naturopathy which further expanded his knowledge of assessment and care protocols.

Dr. Ameling began teaching in 2011 for both public and private colleges and universities. He enjoys sharing his knowledge with students and patients alike. He regularly speaks at health conventions as well as public education classes. Dr. Ameling is the proud father of two amazing boys. He loves spending time with them, his wife, and friends.

Jim Evans

Jim Evans is the Executive Director of Community Christian Counseling in Terre Haute, Indiana. He earned a PhD in Biblical Counseling from Trinity College of the Bible and Theological Seminary and received 450 direct training hours from the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors. Jim also earned a diplomate from the American College of Healthcare Executives and two master's degrees in healthcare-related fields from Indiana Universities.

Jim is an ordained Christian Minister and volunteer chaplain at Union Hospital in Terre Haute, where he had previously served as one of its Vice Presidents. He provides general counseling services and life coaching in his practice, but he has a special heart for the clergy and their family members. In addition, he is a Viet Nam veteran, so he has a strong connection with returning vets. Jim also serves on numerous volunteer boards for various Wabash Valley ministries.

Jim and his wife, Teri, have been happily married for many years. He is the father of Christopher, the grandfather of Cayla and Patrick, and the great-grandfather of Liam. In years past, Jim was a nationally competitive strength athlete, a Corporate Olympics track and field athlete, and a road bicycle enthusiast. Jim is an accomplished golfer and continues to live a holistically healthy life.

Kelly Weatherly

Kelly Weatherly is a graduate of Asbury University and Trinity School of Natural Health. She holds several designations, including Board Certified Homeopathic Practitioner, Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, and Digestive Health Professional. Her practice focuses on sowing seeds that help support the body and soul through wellness education and ministry. Kelly focuses on homeopathy, digestive health, and essential oils to help clients, and their beloved pets, navigate the path in front of them.

Lauren Ameling

Lauren Ameling is a Doctor of Chiropractic, Acupuncturist, and educator. She graduated from Logan University in 2006 with a Doctorate of Chiropractic and a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology. She has earned over 500 hours of postgraduate certification in topics such as: Traditional Chinese Medicine, Pregnancy and Pediatric Care, and Kinesiology.

Dr. Lauren and her husband, a fellow chiropractor, have a private practice focused on holistic healing. She embraces the fact that the translation of the word "Doctor" means "To Teach". Her office interactions always center on patient education and in 2010 she began teaching for a local college.

Throughout the years, Dr. Lauren has taught for five colleges and universities but her true passion is working with those who desire to understand all that natural healthcare has to offer. She is an awarded instructor who is regularly invited to speak for the American Medical Technologists.

Dr. Lauren lives in St. Louis, Missouri with her husband, Jason, and two amazing boys, Reece and Kieran.

Luis Ramos

Luis Ramos is an ND, CNHP. He comes to Trinity from Ecuador. He was born into and grew up with natural medicine. After finishing high school, Luis came to the United States to go to school. Before completing his studies he was drafted into the US Army.

After a tour of duty in Vietnam, he went back to Ecuador for a visit. Little did he know that while there, he would meet his soul mate and get married. His life took a different turn and he became an engineer working with an aerospace defense company for 26 years.

After taking an early retirement, he and his wife Norma went back to school to formalize and expand their knowledge of natural medicine. After successfully completing their formal schooling, they became Board Certified Naturopathic Doctors and started on their second and most rewarding career, teaching what they always have practiced, natural medicine. Luis began teaching for CNHP in 2010. He has taught Nutrition, Body Systems, Body Works, Herbology, Enzymes and Face, Tongue and Nails.

Michael Mohrman

Michael Mohrman comes from a family of Trinity graduates and has earned both his Certified Natural Health Professional (CNHP) and Certified Holistic Health Practitioner (CHHP) through Trinity. He has been actively involved with natural health for 28 years.

His mother opened her first herb shop in 1991 when Mikey, as he is called, was just nine years old. As her business continued to grow, his mother completed her ND with Trinity and began training Mikey in Iridology, Dried Blood Cell Analysis, Herbology, Reams, and many other holistic modalities. At age 16, he was put in charge of the family's second business location, where he handled daily operations and practiced Iridology.

In 2003, Mikey moved to Wilmington, North Carolina, and began managing his sister's herb/vitamin shop, where several holistic services were offered. In 2007, he completed an Associate Degree in Emergency Medical Sciences and worked for several years as a paramedic.

With natural health as his lifestyle and a fondness for running herb shops, Mikey decided to open a store in Wilmington, in 2013. Wanting to sharpen his holistic education, he enrolled with Trinity in 2018 and found himself enjoying the experience so much that he actively pursued his lifelong dream of teaching for Trinity School of Natural Health.

Mikey is happily married to Ashley, and they have three wonderful kids. His hobbies include music, martial arts, and cycling/mountain biking.

Michelle Newbold

Michelle Newbold is a Trinity School of Natural Health graduate and Board-Certified Traditional Naturopath. She has completed an astonishing nine programs with Trinity: Health Coach, Certified Natural Health Professional, Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, Certified Traditional Naturopath, Endocannabinoid Professional, Certified Lyme Specialist, Certified Mind-Body Integration Specialist, Certified Clinical Homeopathic Specialist, Certified Aromatherapy Specialist. Michelle also has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Marketing from Illinois State University.

Michelle began her natural health journey in 2012. Before she transitioned into natural health, she worked in home loans, and in 2010 she received recognition for the most closed mortgages. In her natural health practice, Michelle enjoys bioenergetic scanning, and she completed the Meridian Stress Analysis Bioenergetic Technician Training Certificate. In addition, she is a Certified Emotion Code and Body Code Practitioner, Certified Theta Energy Practitioner, and a Reiki Master and teacher.

Michelle's passion is helping individuals with developmental disabilities find their voice in health and everyday activities. Since 2012, she has founded several weekly clinics for adults with Down syndrome and other disabilities, including tennis, pickleball, tap dance, and online meeting forums.

Michelle lives in central Illinois and enjoys traveling with her husband of more than 40 years and relaxing with her family.

Nathan Coles

Dr. Nathan Coles earned his Doctorate of Chiropractic, as well as his second Bachelor of Science in Human Biology, from Logan University in Chesterfield, MO. He is also an alum of the University of Mary Washington, where he received a B.S. in Biological Sciences. Dr. Coles' post-graduate studies are extensive and include Acupuncture and Active Release Techniques soft tissue massage (Upper and Lower Extremity, Spine, Masters, and Long Nerve Entrapment).

Dr. Coles has been practicing Chiropractic in North Carolina since 2006. He is continually looking for new methods to refine the body's physiology and improve performance and function. His primary focus is sports injuries and nutrition. His clinic also offers massage and reflexology services.

Throughout his adult life, Dr. Coles has been fortunate to avail himself of a wide array of opportunities. From fashion model in New York City, Administrator at the American Red Cross, surgical equipment rep in the operating room, to personal trainer and construction worker, he has developed an uncommon perspective and strong respect for patients' unique paths through life. He believes that learning is a lifelong practice and never misses a chance to seek knowledge from others.

Patty Barber

Patty Barber spent almost 15 years in pharmaceutical and allopathic medicine before coming to the greenside to help herself and others with their health puzzle.

A graduate of Trinity School of Natural Health, Patty is a board-certified Naturopath, Master Iridologist, Master Herbalist, and Certified Natural Health Professional. Patty is also an Advanced Digestive Health Specialist, Reiki Master Teacher, Intuitive, Shaman, Native American Minister, and Touch for Health Practitioner. Additionally, she completed an intensive program with Richard Horowitz, MD on Lyme and Co-infections.

Patty is the Northeast Medical Educator for DesBio. She has a private practice where she works with clients focusing on balancing body, mind, and spirit.

She is happily married to her high school sweetheart, with two college-age children, and lives on a small ranch in rural upstate New York.

Sally Banks

Sally Banks graduated from St. Joseph Mercy School of Nursing in Sioux City, Iowa as a Registered Nurse and later received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Oklahoma.

After twenty years of working in the hospital setting, she became increasingly frustrated with patient outcomes, and the lack of preventative care that she knew could help keep people out of the hospital. Finally, she left the medical field in search of a better way. Her search led her to Trinity School of Natural Health where she received certifications as a CMH, CNC, CNHP, MI, and ND. Sally specializes in the use of Bach flower essences in combination with Evox sessions to restore emotional imbalances, which she believes are the root cause of most dis-ease. She also works as an Enrollment Specialist for Trinity and absolutely loves the daily interaction with students.

Sally lives in Oklahoma with her husband, Kevin, and their elderly St. Bernard-Mastiff mix, Duke. They have five children and ten amazing grandchildren. Her favorite hobbies include yoga, cooking, decorating, reading, and spending time with her family and friends.

Valerie Giacobbe

Known as "V" by family and friends, Valerie Giacobbe was born in a suburb of Chicago. She struggled with her identity and fitting in, leading to bouts of depression, anxiety, and other health issues. In 2002, her grandma's passing from a battle with cancer and her own personal health struggles lit a fire inside her.

She desired to seek God deeper and have a better understanding of health and healing. She spent the following 18 years studying scripture and natural health. She obtained a license in cosmetology, began her beauty and wellness business VBella, which specializes not only in beauty treatments, but in helping women recover from the emotional effects of trauma and discover their true beauty.

Her goal is to inspire others to take faith and wellness beyond the typical church and medical settings. Instead of just going to church once a week or a doctor when sick, the mission is based on the biblical teaching of becoming the Church, the very body of Christ. She wholeheartedly clings to the belief that our bodies are fearfully and wonderfully made and are capable of healing themselves given the proper attention.

She attended Trinity School of Natural Health to become a Certified Holistic Health Practitioner and Certified Lyme Specialist. She is a speaker, writer, natural health practitioner, mixed martial artist, singer, musician, teacher, philanthropist, and cosmetologist. Her heart posture is always to partner with God to cultivate inner beauty and wellness in everyone she meets.