Meet Our Residents
 Elizabeth Axelrod, ND
Dr. Elizabeth Axelrod is a second-year resident physician at NCNM. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Colorado, Boulder where she earned a BA in Sociology and a certificate in INVST (International & National Voluntary Service Training). Elizabeth continued to follow her passion for social service while working at the Boulder Shelter for the Homeless and Catholic Charities before deciding to pursue her long-time goal of being a primary care doctor. She graduated in 2010 from NCNM with a naturopathic medical degree. While attending NCNM, she was the student representative to the Board of Directors, a member of the 2008 PALS (Presidential Ambassador Leadership Society), a recipient of three NCNM scholarships, and was selected for mentorships in women's health and cardiology.
Elizabeth's upbringing in a conventional medical family has influenced her belief in the success of team-based & integrative care by recognizing value in the spectrum of healthcare options. During her residency, Elizabeth will continue to develop her interest and skills in women's health, physical medicine, lifestyle counseling and integrative primary care while continuing to work with low income and underinsured populations. When she is not practicing medicine or planning her September 2011 wedding, Elizabeth enjoys biking, reading, hiking, spending time with family/friends, and being outside. Elizabeth and her fiance, John, have a pug named Kenny, and are a foster home for pugs through the local pug rescue.scue.
Karima Bassalé, ND
Dr. Karima Bassalé is a first-year resident focusing on primary care. She is passionate about cardiovascular health and community medicine. As an intern, she did a year rotation in women's health and a nine-month rotation in minor surgery at NCNM.
Dr. Bassalé is a strong supporter of integrative medicine, and believes in collaborating with other health care providers to achieve the best patient care. She enjoys spending time with her husband, family and friends.
 Brittany Kolluru, ND
Dr. Brittany Kolluru is a licensed naturopathic physician completing her second year of residency at NCNM. She earned her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from NCNM in June 2010. During her course of study, Dr. Kolluru completed a one-year internship specializing in cardiology as well as nine months of clinical training in minor surgery procedures. Dr. Kolluru offers primary naturopathic care and has a particular interest in dermatologic conditions, minor surgery and diabetes management.
Prior to becoming a naturopathic physician Dr. Kolluru completed a Bachelors of Science degree in Nutritional Sciences in 2006 from Louisiana State University. She has worked actively in her community developing nutritional education programs, presenting nutrition seminars to local community centers and providing job training skills to at risk and or homeless youth.
When not practicing medicine, Dr. Kolluru enjoys spending time with her husband, family and friends. She can often be found exercising at the gym, exploring ethnic cuisine or planning their next travel destination. Dr. Kolluru is excited to be a part of the NCNM residency team and looks forward to contributing to the health of the Portland community and the education of future naturopathic physicians.
 Meghan Brinson, ND
Dr. Meghan Brinson is currently completing her second year of residency at NCNM, where she received her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine. Before moving to the Pacific Northwest, Dr. Brinson graduated magna cum laude from the Honors Program at Virginia Commonwealth University with a major in biology and minor in chemistry.
While creating and testing new drugs in the pharmaceutical industry, Dr. Brinson appreciated the benefits of medications but was concerned about their unintended effects. This experience, along with her interest in promoting and maintaining health, led her to pursue a career in naturopathic medicine.
During her medical training, Dr. Brinson was selected for a one-year internship focusing on cardiovascular and pulmonary care. In addition, she completed an 18-month course with the New England School of Homeopathy. She is a member of the American and Oregon Associations of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP and OANP).
Dr. Brinson appreciates a life of simplicity and balance. She integrates these qualities into her practice of medicine as she works in partnership with her patients to diagnose and treat their specific concerns. Dr. Brinson offers naturopathic primary care with a focus in cardiovascular, endocrine and digestive conditions. She sees patients on teaching shifts and privately at the NCNM Clinic.
Alexandra Christopoulos, ND
Dr. Alexandra Christopoulos is a first-year resident naturopathic physician. She graduated from the Naturopathic Medicine program at NCNM in 2011 with honors in research. During her studies, Dr. Christopoulos participated in a multi-year research project on the effects of relaxation visualization therapy in women with breast cancer, in conjunction with Oregon Health and Sciences University. Dr. Christopoulos has also studied with the New England School of Homeopathy and has completed a two-year clinical mentorship rotation in women’s health.
Dr. Christopoulos received her Bachelor of Science degree from Western Michigan University where she majored in Biomedical Sciences. During this time, Dr. Christopoulos educated peers at the campus health center and was a certified nurse’s assistant at Saint Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Here she realized her passion for helping others, while developing an interest in treatment alternatives for chronic disease. Although Dr. Christopoulos is a primary care physician, she has a special emphasis in chronic disease, autoimmune disorders, and women’s health.
In her free time, Dr. Christopoulos enjoys adventuring across the Pacific Northwest, hiking with her dog, and climbing mountains.
Gabriel Durben, ND
Dr. Gabriel Durben is a first-year resident naturopathic physician. He graduated with academic honors from the naturopathic medical program at the National College of Natural Medicine in 2011. Prior to his time as a student at NCNM Dr. Durben completed his undergraduate degree from the school of Theology at Azusa Pacific University, and taught high school math and science classes for the Azusa Unified School District. While in school at NCNM Dr. Durben taught as a professor of basic sciences, instructing undergraduate students from various Oregon universities who were preparing to take the Medical College Admission Test.
Dr. Durben is drawn to, and strives to practice, a form of naturopathic medicine that emphasizes the importance of understanding and supporting an individual's experience of connectedness– to self, to community, and to the world around them. Additionally, Dr. Durben is committed to providing comprehensive primary care that is informed and shaped by current medical research. It is his belief and experience that within this framework appropriate care can be provided to address fundamental causes of both health and illness.
In addition to working as a resident naturopath, Dr. Durben is a husband to his amazing wife Stephanie, a father to his two young children River and Claire, and a living-room musician to anyone who spends a modest amount of time in the Durben household.
Maleah Ermac, ND
Dr. Maleah Ermac is a second-year resident physician at NCNM, and completed her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from NCNM, with a certificate in Natural Childbirth, in June 2010. She offers general naturopathic primary care with a focus in nutrition, botanical medicine, and physical medicine. Her clinical interests include women’s health and gynecology, pediatrics, and acute care. Dr. Ermac has a deep commitment to public health and improving the health outcomes of at-risk communities.
Dr. Ermac is currently a volunteer provider at the Outside-In Transgender Clinic, has previously completed a one year mentorship specializing in women’s health, and has participated in hospital-based rotations in the Philippines. She is a member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, the Oregon Association of Naturopathic Physicians and the American Association of Naturopathic Midwifery. Dr. Ermac is also a member of the community-based Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon.
Kalen Garr, ND
Dr. Kalen Garr received her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from the National College of Natural Medicine in June 2011, and is currently in her first year of residency. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Oregon where she studied art history, French and women’s studies. She brings with her 15 years of experience as a licensed massage therapist, a lifelong interest in health and nutrition, and a strong interest in understanding the body-mind connection.
Dr. Garr believes in an individualized approach to health care, integrating the modalities of nutritional counseling, lifestyle counseling, herbal medicine and homeopathy to help bring her patients to a state of balanced wellness. She works to educate her patients on how to take an active role in their healing process, and comes up with treatment plans specific to the individual. Dr. Garr’s clinical interests specifically include nutrition, digestive health, endocrinology, mental health and women’s health.
When not working with patients, she can be found gardening, hiking, traveling, cooking or enjoying a good house project.
Ellen Lewis, ND
Dr. Ellen Lewis is a first-year resident naturopathic physician. She graduated from the Naturopathic Medicine program at NCNM in 2011 with a certificate in natural childbirth. During her time at NCNM, Dr. Lewis completed several rotations at community clinics throughout Portland and a two-year mentorship focused on women’s health. Additionally, she completed a one-year apprenticeship in midwifery and pediatrics.
Dr. Lewis received her baccalaureate degree from Boston University in 2003 and went on to work as an athletic trainer. Her areas of focus were injury prevention and rehabilitation in collegiate athletes. Wishing to expand the population she was helping, Dr. Lewis then went on to work as a personal trainer and eventually became the manager of a personal training program in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Dr. Lewis wholeheartedly believes in the body’s innate abilities and is extremely passionate about supporting patients on their own personal journey towards wellness. She incorporates a variety of conventional and natural modalities into her general family practice. She has specific interests in women’s health, pediatrics, weight loss and sports performance.
Nathan McVeigh, ND
Dr. Nathan McVeigh is a licensed naturopathic physician completing his first year of residency at NCNM. He earned his Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from NCNM in June 2011. During his course of study, Dr. McVeigh interned in Women’s health and focused on Anthroposophical medicine and community clinic work. While attending school, he received the President’s Perpetual Scholarship from 2007-2011. During his residency, Nathan will continue to develop his interest in Anthroposophical medicine and orthomolecular psychiatry along with honing his skills as a primary care naturopath.
Dr. McVeigh graduated with both BA and BS degrees. His BA was from the University of Oregon where he graduated Magna cum Laude with a double major in Cognitive Psychology and Classics. His BS degree, Summa cum Laude, from Portland State University was in Interdisciplinary Sciences; this consisted of a pre-medical component of advanced coursework in molecular biology and microbiology, preparing him to enter medical training at NCNM.
Dr. McVeigh believes that true healing involves comprehensive lifestyle assessment and augmentation and that it is rooted in educating patients about their health. He enjoys the rich experiences of community-based healthcare. Dr. McVeigh and his fiancé, Jeffery, enjoy spending time cooking, hiking and studying botanical medicine.
 Jeremy Mikolai, ND
Dr. Jeremy Mikolai is a second-year resident naturopathic physician. He graduated from the Naturopathic Medicine program at NCNM in 2010 with highest honors and honors in research. During his internship, Dr. Mikolai completed a one-year mentorship in cardiovascular and pulmonary medicine under the direction of Dr. Martin Milner.
Dr. Mikolai received his baccalaureate degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato where he studied Theater and Philosophy. Following his degree, he completed four years of pre-medical coursework at Humboldt State University in California.
Integrative internal and cardiovascular medicine is Dr. Mikolai’s passion and area of special focus. Dr. Mikolai spends half of his clinical time as the cardiovascular and pulmonary medicine resident with Dr. Milner on the Heart & Lung Wellness service at the Center for Natural Medicine.
Dr. Mikolai is an avid researcher of integrative medicine. His work has been published in peer-reviewed journals, presented at national conferences and has won several national awards. In addition to his duties as a resident, Dr. Mikolai is a part-time postdoctoral research fellow at the Helfgott Research Institute.
Nolan Noska, ND
Dr. Nolan Noska is currently completing a one year residency at the teaching clinics of the National College of Natural Medicine. Dr. Noska graduated from NCNM in June 2011 with Honors in Research. Before moving to Portland to study medicine he received a BA in Music from Depaul University in Chicago, IL graduating with highest honors. Although not at first obvious, Dr. Noska’s arts background led him naturally to be intrigued by the study of holistic medicine, the most perfect marriage of art and science.
During his time at NCNM Dr. Noska completed a one-year internship in cardiopulmonary medicine under the direction of Dr. Martin Milner and a six-month internship focusing on chronic disease management and biotherapeutic drainage with Dr. Dickson Thom. Dr. Noska enjoys working with patients of all backgrounds and wants to share this medicine with everyone.
In Dr. Noska’s free time he can be found hanging out with his dog, cooking food, or enjoying the natural wonders of the Pacific Northwest.
 Lisa Taulbee, ND
Dr. Lisa Taulbee is a second-year resident and earned her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine in 2010 from NCNM. During her time as a student, Dr. Taulbee completed a two-year internship focused on women’s health. Additionally, she spent time in India studying HIV and its impact on public health. She has been a member of the AANP since 2006. After graduating from Indiana University in 1999 with a Bachelor’s of Science in biology, she moved to Portland and became the Director of Research at a local health clinic with a focus on sexually transmitted infections diagnosis and management. Her time at the clinic instilled in her a passion for medicine and working with underserved populations.
Dr. Taulbee is currently in her first year of residency at NCNM with a special focus on both women’s health and primary care. She is receiving extensive training in colposcopy and management of cervical dysplasia. Dr. Taulbee has a special interest in gynecology, sexual health and endocrinology.
When not in the clinic, Dr. Taulbee enjoys reading, hiking, and exploring the Pacific Northwest.
Anna Wieman, ND
Dr. Wieman graduated Suma Cum Laude from Eastern Oregon University with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry and communication. She received her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from NCNM in 2011. She also has a background in multiple natural medicine modalities. She received her Certificate of Clinical Herbalism from Southwest School for Botanical Medicine in 1998. She received her Certificate of Clinical Massage Therapy from Utah College of Massage Therapy in 1999.
Dr. Wieman came to the study and practice of naturopathic medicine through a desire to do more to help those she saw in her massage and herbal medicine practice. She strongly believes in a holistic approach to medicine, and she strives to integrate the science and art of medicine through utilizing evidence based medicine while also promoting the use of traditional naturopathic therapies.
Outside of her professional life, Dr. Wieman is the mother of two young |
