The Arizona Naturopathic Medical Association (AzNMA) is excited to announce the election of its new board members for 2021. These leaders will continue the association’s mission to promote naturopathic medicine and create opportunities for Naturopathic Physicians to thrive. AzNMA supports this mission by providing education for physicians, referral and public relations services for members, and promoting a legislative agenda that defends, supports, and expands the ability of NDs to practice in Arizona.
“The association is committed to pursuing legislative issues that present the naturopathic profession in a positive light,” says Dr. Kasey Nichols, newly elected President of AzNMA. “We want the public to see naturopathic medicine as not only as mainstream as allopathic medicine, but more progressive. This will help expand naturopathic medicine across the country and globally. It is an honor to be leading this mission in Arizona.”
Information about each newly elected 2021 board leader can be found below.
New Board Leaders
Dr. Kasey Nichols, President – Dr. Nichols will take on the role of President after serving on the board for two years. As a trained physician that specializes in mental health, his previous work experience includes two years in executive roles as the Director of Medical Operations at a national SUD treatment organization. During the past few years, he has presented to large professional groups, including the Kansas Bar Association on addiction-related issues.
Dr. Kris Berkner, Vice President – Dr. Berkner has been a Naturopathic Physician in the Southeast Valley for over ten years. She has been a member of the AzNMA Board of Directors since 2016, formerly serving as the Secretary. Dr. Berkner has many years of experience working with addiction and has witnessed firsthand the destruction caused by this devastating disease. She has an office in Queen Creek where she helps entire families reach their best health potential but has a great passion for optimizing women’s health.
Dr. Xan Simonson, Secretary – Dr. Simonson is an Arizona licensed Naturopathic Medical Physician in Tempe, AZ who takes a gentle and natural approach to your healthcare. Dr. Simonson founded the Xan Medical Clinic for Regenerative Medicine in 2018 where she utilizes the most cutting-edge regenerative techniques to help reduce pain, restore function, and heal the human body. She recently has been identified as Top Doc 2020 in Tempe, AZ.
Dr. Steven Katz, Treasurer – Dr. Katz will take on the role of Treasurer after serving as the association’s President for the last four years. He has worked for the Naturopathic Physicians Group since 2013 and spent two years working in alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers utilizing many naturopathic modalities. Dr. Katz is an expert in pain management using naturopathic treatments and restorative injection techniques to heal conditions. He was recognized in 2017 as the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine Alumni of the Year.
The Arizona Naturopathic Medical Association (AzNMA) is the professional organization of Naturopathic Doctors in the state of Arizona. The vision of AzNMA is to ensure the growth of naturopathic medicine through recognition and education.
