Board and Staff
Officers
Astaire Roorda, CCH – Astaire Roorda’s interest in homeopathy began after observing its effects upon her eldest daughter, who overcame asthma at the age of six. Her curiosity was piqued, she decided to pursue the formal study of homeopathy. In 2014, she began studying homeopathy with Dr. Anne Jerome, PhD, CCH, and two years later, enrolled at the Academy of Homeopathy Education. She graduated from AHE in 2019, and in the same year earned her CCH credential through the Council for Homeopathic Certification. Astaire launched her practice in early 2020, and maintains a busy practice. In 2021, Astaire volunteered for the CHC’s Public Relations committee and as a result of her dedication, in 2022 joined the Board of Directors she was elected by the board for the position of President in 2024.
Prior to embarking on her career as a professional homeopath, Astaire earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Wheaton College in 1999, and taught music in both public school and private studio settings. Astaire lives in Rockwall, Texas, with her husband Dirk, and their three daughters.
You can learn more about Astaire and her practice at www.EvokeHomeopathy.com
Mike Swain, CCH — Mike spent his life working in Machining and IT, only dabbling in natural medicines with limited success. When a colleague used homeopathy to cure his family and friends during the 2014 flu season, Mike was immediately curious and sought any information he could find about Homeopathy. After six months of intense personal study, he was able to clear a stubborn foot problem that had lasted for well over a year and that doctors could not help. And it only took two weeks!
Soon after that, Mike enrolled in George Vithoulkas’ International Academy of Classical Homeopathy (IACH) where he studied classical homeopathy. Since graduating from IACH and receiving his CHC certification, he has become fascinated with all aspects of Homeopathy – its medicines, theology, science, and history. Mike is confident that if people were to know the truth about homeopathy and experience its healing powers, then homeopathy would finally become a mainstream medicine. Mike hopes that we are at a point in history where that is happening, and he is excited to have the chance to be a part of it.
Vera Volfson, CCH – Vera Volfson, CCH, RSHom (NA) is nationally certified in classical homeopathy and is a registered member of the North American Society of Homeopaths. In concert with homeopathy she offers cell salts, flower essences, gemmotherapy, botanical and nutritional supplements, and dietary suggestions to her clients. In addition to Classical Homeopathy, Vera is also trained in Inspiring Homeopathy, which is another aspect of homeopathy that addresses universal layers on the path to achieving optimal physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health.
Vera is certified in several other holistic modalities, homotoxicology, FCT (Field Control Therapy) and CEASE (Complete Elimination of the Autism Spectrum Expression), and Pranic Healing. Vera worked in software development when her younger son was diagnosed with Autism. After many years of searching for a form of medicine to help him, she found homeopathy and was amazed at her child’s response. Shortly after that she began studying homeopathy formally and now practices it professionally.
You can learn more about Vera and her practice at BeHealthyHomeopathy.com
Jenny Marks, CCH – Jenny was first introduced to homeopathy in 1999. At the time, she was looking for something safe and effective to use for her family. A dear friend invited her to look through a multitude of books she had on the subject. Jenny chose a few to take with her and upon arriving home she sat down and read William Boericke’s Materia Medica word for word, as if it were an engrossing work of art written just for her. She was absolutely hooked.
Jenny began attending a study group immediately and read everything related to homeopathy she could get her hands on. She used it to treat herself and her family for years and eventually made the decision to commit herself to formal study. In 2007 she earned her DIHom from the British Institute of Homeopathy and in 2010 she completed her studies, earning her DHM.
Jenny began her practice in Grand Rapids, MI and for the last 15 years, she has been based in Saint Petersburg, FL. She sat on the board of the Florida Homeopathic Society from 2010 to 2012 and currently sits on the board for the CHC (Council for Homeopathic Certification). After many years of practice, she still finds herself amazed by what homeopathy can do.
You can learn more about Jenny and her practice at JenMarksHomeopathy.com
Jenna Dodge, CCH – Jenna found Homeopathy in 2015 when her oldest child was dramatically helped by a common homeopathic remedy, prescribed by a Classical Homeopath. She fell in love with Homeopathy and has studied everything she can get her hands on since that time. She graduated from the Academy of Homeopathy Education in 2019.
She started an online community, Homeopathy with Jenna, in 2016 as a way to spread the word about Homeopathy and to help empower other mothers to take control of their family’s health. Since then she has also launched the Homeopathy with Jenna podcast, the Avoiding Urgent Care with Homeopathy online course and other resources found at www.JennaDodge.com.
She also went on to create a virtual Homeopathy practice, bringing together several classically training homeopaths to practice together in a mutually beneficial and supportive community. Jenna serves as Treasurer on the board of the Council for Homeopathic Certification (CHC). Jenna offers office visits in Bozeman Montana, in-home visits in the greater Bozeman area, and telehealth consults anywhere in the world. She enjoys working with adults, children, and pets.
Ann McKay, RN-BC, HN-BC, CCH, HW NC
Board of Directors
Susana Galle, CCH — Dr. Galle directs The Body-Mind Center in Washington, DC, and also conducts consultations in Cardiff by the Sea, CA. She holds a prescriptive license in NM. Her private practice career spans four decades. Having started as a clinical psychologist and neuroscientist, she is also a psychopharmacologist, with certifications in several psychology specialties. Dr. Galle is also qualified to practice other health professions, namely, clinical/metabolic nutrition, naturopathy, classical homeopathy, and Yoga therapy. A graduate of UC Berkeley, Yale, and Alliant IU (AIU), she serves on the faculty at major medical schools (GWU & Georgetown U. Pediatrics). She is on the adjunct faculty at NMSU and Alliant IU Postdoc programs in Psychopharmacology. She has been a visiting researcher and lecturer at the Psychosomatic Section of the University of Heidelberg (Germany). She also served as consultant to international organizations (PAHO & WHO).
Dr. Galle co-authored two books, and published articles in peer-reviewed journals as well as being on editorial Boards. She has been a media guest locally and abroad. She serves on the Board of Directors of several organizations, and is on the Scientific Advisory Board of Nutraceutical companies. Dr. Galle’s psychosomatic consultation practice assesses the reciprocal influences between biochemical processes and mental/emotional ones in an individualized manner, with a holistic approach to health conditions. Dr. Galle views homeopathy as a highly effective catalyst of the healing process. She enthusiastically endorses the tenets and vision of CHC.
Robert Melo, CCH — Robert was raised in a family with a history in homeopathy, where his father, uncle, and elder brother were all M.D.s. with post graduate studies in homeopathy. He is a medical doctor trained in conventional medicine at Xavier University in Bogota and University of Miami (Jackson Memorial Hospital). After medical school, he did studies in Acupuncture and Neural Therapy in Colombia and completed studies in homeopathy at The Royal London Homeopathic Hospital, where he also got involved in a research program lead by Dr Peter Fisher (Director of Research at The Royal London Homeopathic Hospital) and Dr Flavio Dantas (Prof of homeopathy at University of Uberlandia from Brazil).
Robert is currently President of OHM pharma inc., an appointed member of the HPCUS (Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia Convention of the United States, the organization that maintains the policies and procedures of the official compendium of homeopathy manufacturing in the USA), and is a current member of the American Association of Homeopathic Pharmacists, American Institute of Homeopathy, Liga Medicorum Homoeopathica Internationalis, North American Society of Homeopaths, and National Center for Homeopathy.
Robert is passionate about helping professional homeopaths expand the practice of homeopathy, integrating our community of homeopaths (emphasizing respect and acceptance of different schools of thought), integrating homeopathy into mainstream medicine, and supporting research into scientific methodology that can validate the effectiveness of homeopathy.
Learn more at www.ohmpharma.com
Gauravi Hiware, BHMS, CCH — Gauravi is a Gold Medalist Homeopath and has an overall experience for over a decade. She has worked in varied profiles which allows her to be flexible with patients with complex medical history. She has studied Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Surgery, Gynecology and Pathology, Pediatrics, Preventive and Social medicine, Homeopathic Materia medica, Repertorization, Organon, and Principles of Homeopathic Philosophy as part of her BHMS course. She is a Board Certified Classical Homeopath CCH, member of National Center for Homeopathy.
You can learn more about Gauravi and her practice at www.EffectiveHomeopathicCure.com
Tara Framer, CCH —Tara provides homeopathic consultations for acute and chronic conditions in Westchester County, New York, as well as clients around the world. She is a graduate of the Academy of Homeopathy Education.
Many years ago, Tara found homeopathy a blessing in her own recovery from an autoimmune disorder. Today she considers helping others on their healing journey one of the highest and most sacred honors. She works with clients of all ages, with a focus on gently restoring body, mind and spirit. Specific areas that interest her include depression and anxiety, skin disorders, women’s health, and digestion.
Her degrees, certifications and training includes: a Bachelor of the Arts degree in Psychology from University of California in Santa Barbara; Graduate training at The New School for Social Research and Long Island University; Active Listening and Peer Counseling; Certification in Traditional Medicinal Herbs; Weed/Wildcrafting; Reiki Level II; Shiatsu Massage; and Family Constellation Work.
In addition to her work for the Council for Homeopathic Certification, Tara is currently serving on two other Boards of Directors: Sharp Again Naturally and the Katonah Study Group. She is also a volunteer mentor at The Aligned Center in Irvington NY and was formerly a docent and tour leader at Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture in Pocantico Hills, New York. And for many years, her life and purpose was deeply enriched by her experience as a patient-visiting volunteer at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Hospital, New York.
In addition to her work as a homeopath, Tara has worked as a consultant and graphic designer helping non-profits with communications and fundraising. She has taught a variety of graphic design courses as an adjunct at The School of Visual Arts in New York, The New School for Social Research and Westchester Community College.
Tara currently lives in Tarrytown, NY with her cats Kiko, Maya and Luna and enjoys growing medicinal and culinary herbs in her garden, film, dancing, hiking, yoga and meditation.
Aaron Stiner, MNPS, CCH — Aaron is a board certified Homeopath providing natural, holistic healthcare to adults, teens, and kids. He specializes in relieving anxiety, depression, and attention deficit. He also treats a wide variety of chronic physical conditions. Aaron discovered Homeopathy when he and his wife were seeking natural alternatives for their then 10-year-old son who was suffering with anxiety and behavioral issues. After a year of using Homeopathy they transitioned their son off of conventional meds and treated him solely with Homeopathy. Aaron credits Homeopathy with helping his son become the thriving young man he is today.
Aaron then went on to complete his 4-year Advanced Practitioner Diploma from the School of Homeopathy and holds the Certified Classical Homeopath (CCH) designation. Clients working with Aaron report less anxiety, a better mood, and an improved ability to handle stress. Homeopathy helps you sleep better, feel more calm, and have more energy. Clients experience lasting relief from physical symptoms like pain, digestive disturbances, auto-immune disorders, skin conditions, and more. Aaron cares deeply about his client’s well-being and he treats people with empathy and respect. Aaron sees clients in-person in Old Town, Alexandria, and over Zoom.
You can learn more about Aaron and his practice at www.RisingSun-Wellness.com
Dorothy Simoni, PhD, CCH —Dorothy Simoni, PhD, CCH, Professor Emerita, Cal Poly Pomona. Dorothy was first introduced to homeopathy through a family chiropractor over 30 years ago when she was seeking alternative health care for her children. Because of that experience she was hooked on homeopathy and has continued to study and support homeopathy since that time. Dorothy served on the faculty of the Homeopathy School International(HSI) from 2006-2021 and was Vice President of the CHC Board of Directors from 2013-2016.
Before moving to Colorado to study homeopathy, she was chair of the Department of Teacher Education at Cal Poly Pomona and a founding faculty member and co-director of CalStateTEACH, an independent learning, online supported teacher education program serving over 250 school districts throughout California. Currently, Dorothy lives in California and is a puppy raiser for service-dogs being trained to assist veterans with disabilities and/or PTSD. Dorothy is looking forward to the continued growth of homeopathy as an effective alternative health care modality and continued increase in the number of CHC certified homeopaths.
David Shein, CCH — Prior to becoming a homeopath, David was an educator and a writer. He was a freelance science and technology writer, teacher, and professor of writing, English and mathematics. David has advanced degrees and study in philosophy, English literature, and creative writing. He lives in Rochester with his daughter, his cats, and chickens. Besides homeopathy, he is deeply involved in sustainable living practices.
In 2012, while working as a college professor, he began to study homeopathy at the Canadian College of Homeopathic Medicine in Toronto, Ontario. Later, he studied at the Academy of Homeopathy Education in Philadelphia, completing his Practitioner’s Certificate in June, 2019, and receiving his CCH in May of 2020.
In May, 2021, David completed a four week empowerment course with The Ayahuasca Foundation in Mishana, Peru, which provides a foundational introduction to indigenous (Shipibo) medicinal practices. Although not homeopathy, he engaged in this course of study to study the differences and similarities in the two practices in order to understand homeopathy more deeply.
As of this writing, (10/29/2024) he is the only Certified Classical Homeopath in Monroe County, New York.
In October of 2024, he became a Board Director for the Council For Homeopathic Certification.
On November 12, 2024, he was approved to become a Licensed Homeopathic Practitioner (LHP) in the state of Arizona.*
* This is the first licensure offered to non-medical homeopaths in the history of the United States; although, the Province of Ontario, Canada has had licensure for homeopathic practitioners since 2007. Please note that this (AZ) license is NOT VALID in the State of New York where he lives and practices.
You can learn more about David and his practice at BlackBirdHomeopathy.com
Daiva Rizvi, BCHN®, CCH – Daiva is a Board-Certified Holistic Nutritionist (BCHN®) and Board-Certified Classical Homeopath (CCH) based in Lyons, CO. Born and raised in Lithuania, her heritage and personal health journey inspire her holistic approach to wellness. After moving to the U.S., she faced the effects of a fast-paced lifestyle and convenience foods, leading her to reclaim her family’s health, including resolving her children’s eczema and digestive issues through nutrition.
Daiva’s passion for homeopathy grew from curiosity into conviction when it resolved her decade-long, debilitating migraines. In 2020 she graduated from an accredited Homeopathy School International, CO and combines this transformative modality with nutrition, which she views as the foundation of physical health. She earned her holistic nutrition certification with honors at Bauman College, CA in 2016.
Before transitioning to holistic health, Daiva earned a degree in Marketing from George Mason University, VA. Today, she integrates nutrition, homeopathy, lifestyle guidance, and high-quality supplements to help clients achieve vibrant health.
Daiva is also recognized as a subject matter expert in nutrition and homeopathy, contributing to several articles on health and wellness, including publications such as the Price Pottenger Foundation Journal and Homeopathy Today Magazine.
An active member of the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP) and the National Center for Homeopathy (NCH), Daiva is committed to ongoing learning and empowering her clients with tools for lasting wellness. She offers in-person and telehealth consultations anywhere in the US through her practice in Lyons, CO.
You can learn more about Daiva and her practice at OldCountryWellness.com