Who are we?
The GCRN is run by a dedicated team of volunteers with support from the secretary and the administrator.
Aliyyaa Spring ND MRN – President
Aliyyaa is a dedicated naturopath and very passionate about natural healthcare. She believes everyone should have access to ethical, evidence-based, drug-free primary care.
She stems from a corporate background having worked in the investment banking industry for over 10 years, before she returned to study her first degree in Biochemistry and Genetics. This was followed by a four year study attaining a BSc (Hons) in naturopathic medicine at the world renowned University of Westminster.
She has an interest in gastrointestinal disorders as well as stress management, and specialises in naturopathic oncology symptom support. Aliyyaa currently runs three private practices in St Albans, Chelsea and Borehamwood.
Zakia Mance ND MRN – Vice President
Zakia was born in France and fell in love with naturopathy when she was about 12 years old and saw her first naturopath – the way he chatted for what seemed hours to get to the bottom of the problem, the holistic approach as well as the educational side of it.
Zakia became so passionate about naturopathy, that she decided to train to become one herself, qualifying 10 years ago. She strongly believes in the power of educating people to take control of their own health. She is also am very organised and driven and fundamentally a people’s person.
Zakia’s particular field of interest lies in childbirth and maternity, and her vision is to help direct the GCRN towards more training and mentoring for existing naturopaths in their specific fields. She is also keen to develop better PR and marketing so that more people know what we do
Kirsten Hartvig ND MRN – Past President and Treasurer
Kirsten is a naturopath, medical herbalist, nutritionist and author of numerous natural health books, courses and articles. Kirsten was born in Denmark, but came to the UK in 1986 to study at the School of Herbal Medicine and the British College of Naturopathy and Osteopathy. She joined the GCRN in 1993 and taught nutrition and dietetics at the European School of Osteopathy.
Kirsten has run a nature cure retreat in the French Pyrenees, but is now in private practice in Forest Row, East Sussex. She leads local herb walks and the YouTube channel Herb Hunters. She lectures at the Heartwood Professional Medical Herbalist Online Education, and is a Danish government advisor on natural medicine.
Lisa Smith – Secretary and Registrar
Lisa is a well-qualified administrator with a background in healthcare and as a registered manager for the CQC. Lisa has a lot of experience in day to day organisation, team management, marketing, budget, payroll, banking, invoicing, book keeping, bank reconciliation, using accounting software, preparation of year end accounts, stock control, complaints management, health and safety co-ordination, HR (including interviewing, reference and CRB checking), new starter induction, grievances and disciplinaries, PCT liaison, patient finance co-ordination, staff training, implementation and management of computerised systems, database and website management, corporate liaison, CQC & HTM 01/05 & Information Governance Compliance.
Council Members
Tom Greenfield ND DO MRN MIfHI – Portfolio for technical support and international relations
Tom is deeply involved in naturopathic medicine, writing for, working with and educating naturopaths and naturopathic physicians worldwide, as well as speaking to the public. He represents the GCRN on the board of the World Naturopathic Federation, where he holds the position of Secretary. He is active in the field of Generative medicine, holding positions on the boards of the US Institute of Naturopathic Generative Medicine (INGM), and the International College of Generative Medicine (ICGM). He is a researcher and Curator for, and trains physicians in the use of the Opus23 genetic analysis software. He has a naturopathic practice in Canterbury, and runs a blood grouping laboratory for practitioners and the public. During his time as GCRN president he focused on modernisation, instituting several online facilities for the organisation, as well as regulation, in promoting mandatory registration of GCRN members by a register regulated by the UK Professional Standards Association.
Lucy Peel MSc, MRN
Lucy graduated from the University of Westminster with a first-class honours degree in Naturopathy in 2010. She completed her Masters in Nutritional Therapy in 2017 and was awarded a distinction grade.
Her approach in practice is very holistic, exploring the mental/emotional, physical and biochemical aspects of a person and how this will be affecting their health. As a practitioner, she uses a tool box of treatments depending on the person’s health needs such as naturopathic nutrition, detoxing and cleansing, therapeutic massage, facia release, breath work and breathing, lymphatic cleansing, naturopathic hydrotherapy, Bach Flower remedies and Reiki. She really enjoys working with her patients to encourage them to make the changes that are achievable for them.
Lucy practices as a naturopath from her private clinic in Somerset and from Neal’s Yard in Bath. She runs juice cleanse retreats and wellness weekends throughout the year from a beautiful private home on the Isle of Wight near Newtown Creek.
Tamara Dickson NMD MRN
Tamara is an active advocate and participant in both furthering the education of naturopathic providers worldwide and public awareness of naturopathy. She is the owner of Naturista- a multi-platform integrative medicine resource. She also serves as adjunct faculty at Bastyr University teaching Naturopathic medical students and continuing education courses for professionals, and as an international lecturer on Naturopathic Medicine. Her clinical focus is on adult chronic disease management, nutrigenomics, women’s health and treatment of abnormal Paps and HPV. She strongly relies on principles of nutritional biochemistry, botanical medicine, and lifestyle modification to help her patients achieve their goals.
