NEXGEN Speakers

Dr. Shayne Morris, Ph.D., CNS, MBA – Keynote Speaker

The Root Cause Illusion: When Good Marketing Replaces Real Outcomes

“Root cause” has become one of the most widely used terms in our industry—but in many cases, it has been reduced to a marketing concept rather than a clinical standard. While protocols promise detoxification, gut repair, or parasite clearance, many fail to deliver consistent, reproducible outcomes.

This session will examine the growing gap between marketing-driven solutions and physiology-based care. We’ll break down common misconceptions around popular ingredients and protocols, highlight where approaches fall short, and explore why isolated strategies—without addressing the full holobiome—often leave patients stuck.

Through a transparent, evidence-informed lens, this presentation will demonstrate what it takes to move beyond symptom chasing into true systems-based resolution. Attendees will gain a clearer framework for evaluating protocols, understanding ingredient relevance, and implementing approaches grounded in biology, not trends.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Differentiate between marketing-driven “root cause” claims and clinically effective, systems-based solutions
• Identify common misconceptions around popular ingredients and protocols that may not align with physiology
• Evaluate protocols based on mechanism, ingredient relevance, and clinical outcomes—not messaging
• Recognize the limitations of isolated detox or gut-focused approaches when the full holobiome is not addressed
• Apply a more comprehensive, evidence-informed framework to improve consistency and long-term patient outcomes

Lorie Rashelle Wydotis, APRN, CFNMP

The Holobiome Roadmap: No Stone Unturned

Seeing is believing. In this case-based session, you’ll follow multiple real patient journeys that highlight clinical outcomes achieved after implementing the Holobiome Roadmap as a primary protocol. Through a range of cases—from straightforward to complex—you’ll see how a systems-based, sequenced approach uncovers hidden drivers of dysfunction and leads to consistent, reproducible results where other methods have fallen short.

What You’ll Learn:

• Recognize clinical patterns and trends across diverse case presentations when applying the Holobiome Roadmap
• Identify key indicators that suggest a patient will benefit from a sequenced, systems-based approach
• Understand how consistent application of the roadmap leads to improved outcomes across varying levels of case complexity
• Translate case-based insights into more confident clinical decision-making in their own practice
• Articulate the value of a structured, systems-based protocol to improve patient buy-in and compliance

Darren Schmidt, DC

MVX Plus: Measuring What Matters for Health & Longevity

Chronic disease develops in the underlying terrain long before it appears on standard labs. This session introduces MVX Plus as a practical, cost-effective tool to assess metabolic vulnerability, guide targeted interventions, and track patient progress over time. Learn how to translate key metabolic markers into actionable strategies—and how to integrate Systemic Formulas into personalized care plans for measurable, clinically relevant outcomes.

What You’ll Learn:

• Understand how MVX Plus evaluates key drivers of metabolic health and chronic disease risk
• Identify the core factors of metabolic vulnerability and their clinical significance
• Apply the 7-Step Blueprint to guide intervention, implementation, and patient tracking
• Translate metabolic insights into targeted, personalized protocols that improve patient outcomes
• Incorporate Systemic Formulas to support measurable changes in metabolic function and resilience

Jack Tips, ND, PhD, CCN, C.Hom

Why Most Detox Protocols Fail: Unlocking True Cellular Detoxification

Detoxification is not driven by protocols alone—it is regulated by the microbiome and the systems it controls. Many approaches focus on mobilizing toxins without addressing the underlying biology required for safe and effective elimination. This session explores how microbial signaling influences liver function, glutathione activity, and systemic detox pathways, while demonstrating why the Holobiome Roadmap is essential for establishing the foundation required for deep, efficient, and sustainable detoxification.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Explain how microbial metabolites regulate phase I/II detoxification and glutathione recycling
• Understand the interconnected roles of the gut, liver, lymphatic system, and cellular detox capacity
• Identify why detox protocols fail when foundational systems and signaling pathways are not addressed
• Recognize the importance of sequencing and preparation before initiating deeper detoxification strategies
• Apply a systems-based framework, including the Holobiome Roadmap, to improve detox outcomes and patient tolerance

Mike Rhees, MS, RDN

Decoding Autoimmunity: From Lab Patterns to Targeted Protocols

Autoimmune cases are often complex, with lab data that can feel fragmented and difficult to interpret. This session provides a structured approach to identifying the core drivers of autoimmunity through functional lab pattern recognition. Learn how to connect key markers, uncover underlying imbalances, and translate findings into clear, targeted protocols. You’ll also be introduced to a practical software tool designed to simplify interpretation and streamline clinical decision-making—making advanced lab analysis more accessible at any level of experience.

What You’ll Learn:

• Identify core drivers of autoimmune conditions through functional lab pattern recognition
• Analyze relationships between key biomarkers using co-marker mapping to uncover underlying imbalances
• Apply a structured framework to simplify lab interpretation and guide clinical decision-making
• Utilize supportive tools and systems to improve efficiency and consistency in complex cases
• Translate clinical findings into targeted protocols, including the strategic use of Alimentum Labs and Systemic Formulas

Laurie Hammer, FNTP

Microbes, Mood, and Molecules: Moving Beyond Symptom Relief in the Gut–Brain Axis

Targeted amino acids can significantly improve mood, cognition, and patient compliance—but they are often used as standalone solutions rather than part of a broader strategy. This session explores how dysbiosis, gut inflammation, and genetic factors contribute to neurotransmitter imbalances, and why symptom relief alone is not sufficient for lasting change. Learn how to strategically use amino acids alongside microbiome-focused and systems-based interventions to achieve more complete, sustainable clinical outcomes.

What You’ll Learn:

• Explain how gut dysfunction, microbial imbalance, and inflammation contribute to neurotransmitter depletion and related symptoms
• Identify when targeted amino acid therapy is appropriate for improving mood, cognition, and patient compliance
• Differentiate between short-term symptom support and strategies that address underlying drivers of dysfunction
• Integrate amino acid therapy with microbiome-focused and systems-based approaches for more sustainable outcomes
• Apply a more comprehensive framework to improve both neurological symptoms and overall clinical progress

Freddie Kimmel, FHC, CPT, BS

Soulful Sales: Turning Patient Conversations into Service (and Results)

“Sales” has earned a bad reputation—but in clinical practice, it’s often the missing link between recommendations and real patient outcomes. This session reframes sales as an extension of patient care, showing how to guide conversations in a way that builds trust, reduces overwhelm, and improves follow-through. Learn how to communicate recommendations clearly and confidently so patients feel supported in taking action—leading to better compliance, stronger relationships, and more consistent clinical results.

What You’ll Learn:

• Identify why patients fail to follow through on recommendations despite understanding their importance
• Apply a structured framework to guide patient conversations from discovery to commitment
• Communicate recommendations in a way that reduces overwhelm and increases patient confidence
• Shift from a “sales” mindset to a clinical guidance approach that builds trust and rapport
• Improve patient compliance and outcomes through more effective, service-based communication

Jeff Essen, NCNP

Managing Modern Metabolism: Unlocking Energy, Appetite, and Clinical Outcomes

Energy and weight challenges are often approached too narrowly, overlooking the interconnected systems that drive true metabolic function. This session takes a systems-based approach to uncover overlooked drivers of energy production, appetite regulation, and metabolic efficiency. Learn how to identify dysfunction across key pathways and apply targeted, clinically relevant strategies—including Systemic Formulas—to support sustainable, real-world patient outcomes.

What You’ll Learn:

• Understand how metabolic, digestive, and energy systems interact to influence weight, appetite, and vitality
• Identify common but overlooked drivers of metabolic dysfunction in clinical practice
• Apply practical strategies to improve energy production and regulate appetite using nutrition, lifestyle, and targeted protocols
• Incorporate Systemic Formulas to support metabolic efficiency and sustainable patient outcomes
• Develop more effective, systems-based care plans that address underlying drivers of metabolic imbalance

Dr. Jack Kunkel, Ph.D., AMP

Beyond the Data: Revealing Hidden Drivers of Persistent Symptoms—A Cost-Effective, Real-Time Approach to Complex Cases

Many patients continue to struggle despite “normal” lab results, often leading to additional testing with limited clinical clarity. This session introduces a structured, in-office approach to identifying hidden interferences—such as environmental, metabolic, and system-level stressors—in real time. Learn how to uncover underlying drivers of persistent symptoms, improve clinical precision, and make more informed decisions without relying on costly specialty diagnostics.

What You’ll Learn:

• Identify environmental, metabolic, and system-level stressors using a structured, real-time assessment framework
• Apply practical, in-office strategies to uncover hidden drivers of persistent symptoms without reliance on specialty labs
• Utilize immediate clinical feedback to guide more precise, individualized care decisions
• Recognize when traditional lab data may be insufficient and when alternative assessment approaches are warranted
• Improve efficiency and outcomes by integrating cost-effective, real-time evaluation methods into practice

LaKrista Valentine, RN, NRT Practitioner

Pediatric Immune Health in a Complex World: From Pregnancy to Early Childhood

Pediatric immune challenges are on the rise, with many foundational influences beginning during pregnancy and early development. This session explores how maternal health, microbiome dynamics, environmental exposures, and individual biology shape immune resilience from the earliest stages of life. Practitioners will gain tools to support families in making informed, individualized care decisions, recognize early signs of immune dysregulation, and apply a systems-based approach to improving pediatric outcomes in an increasingly complex clinical landscape.

What You’ll Learn:

• Explain how maternal health, microbiome status, and environmental exposures influence pediatric immune development
• Support informed, individualized care decisions through effective communication with patients and families
• Recognize early signs of immune dysregulation and emerging pediatric health challenges
• Utilize genetic insights to identify potential sensitivities and guide personalized care strategies
• Apply a systems-based approach to support immune resilience and address immune stress in pediatric patients

Kelsey Spanbauer, CPM

Beyond the First 1000 Days: Why Chronic Conditions and Developmental Delays Are Rising in Children—and What We Can Do About It

The first 1000 days are critical—but they are only the beginning. This session explores the often-overlooked developmental window from ages 2–7, when neurological, immune, and metabolic systems remain highly dynamic and vulnerable to disruption. Through real-world case presentations, uncover the key drivers behind rising pediatric conditions and developmental delays—and learn how early, targeted, systems-based interventions can shift long-term health and developmental outcomes.

What You’ll Learn:

• Explain the significance of the post–1000 day window (ages 2–7) in shaping long-term pediatric health outcomes
• Recognize that chronic disease and developmental challenges begin early and evolve over time
• Identify key drivers of pediatric conditions, including microbiome imbalance, environmental stressors, and immune dysregulation
• Recognize early warning signs of dysfunction before conditions fully manifest
• Apply targeted, systems-based interventions through insights gained from real-world case examples

Firas Harb, MS

Laboratory Truth: Testing, Purity, and the Quality of Your Supplements

Not all supplements are created equal—and what’s on the label doesn’t always reflect what’s in the bottle. In this behind-the-scenes session, step inside the laboratory to explore how rigorous testing, raw material verification, and advanced analytical methods ensure purity, potency, and clinical reliability. Learn how transparency, quality control, and controlled cultivation processes set a higher standard for supplement manufacturing and support consistent, practitioner-trusted outcomes.

What You’ll Learn:

• Recognize the gap between supplement label claims and actual ingredient quality, based on third-party testing insights
• Understand how raw material verification, contaminant screening, and advanced analytical methods ensure product integrity
• Identify common quality issues in the supplement industry, including adulteration and misidentification
• Explain how controlled cultivation and testing processes support consistency, safety, and clinical reliability
• Evaluate supplement quality more effectively to improve practitioner confidence and patient outcomes

Dr. Lisa Palmer, DC

Amplify Your Impact Without Burning Out: The SHINE Model for Sustainable Practice Growth

Mastering clinical skills is only part of building a successful practice. To create meaningful impact and sustainable growth, practitioners must also develop the systems, strategies, and business acumen necessary to thrive. Without a strong operational foundation, even the most highly trained clinicians can struggle with profitability, patient retention, and burnout. In this session, attendees will discover the SHINE Model—a proven framework designed to help practitioners scale their practices while maintaining balance and purpose. This presentation bridges the gap between clinical excellence and business mastery, equipping healthcare professionals with actionable tools to increase their impact, grow their income, and reclaim their time.

Participants will learn how to:

• Scale their practices using the SHINE Model
• Implement systems that improve efficiency and profitability
• Attract, convert, and retain ideal patients
• Bridge the gap between clinical excellence and business success
• Build a sustainable practice that supports impact, income, and freedom

Dr. Jason Dean, DC

Dominate Your Market: Explosive Social Media Strategies for Natural Healthcare Practitioners

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, natural healthcare practitioners must adapt to remain visible, relevant, and competitive. This session explores how “new media” is reshaping the way patients seek information, choose providers, and engage with care. Attendees will gain insight into the practitioner’s evolving role in 2026 and beyond, including how to effectively attract and retain new patients in an increasingly digital world. The presentation will also address the growing impact of artificial intelligence on healthcare marketing and communication, highlighting why early adoption matters. Practical, real-world strategies will be shared to help practitioners confidently navigate social media, create engaging content, and build a sustainable online presence that supports long-term practice growth.

Learning Objectives:

• Define “new media” and identify where patients are actively seeking health information and providers
• Understand the evolving role of the practitioner in 2026 and beyond for practice growth and patient acquisition
• Explain how AI is transforming healthcare marketing and the risks of non-adoption for practitioners
• Identify actionable strategies to enhance visibility, engagement, and patient conversion in today’s digital landscape
• Apply practical approaches to create engaging, authentic, and sustainable social media content