Doctors

Leigh H. White, ND, MS

Dr. White began her career as a Product Development Scientist for an international food manufacturer.  After she realized that she was more interested in educating people about having faith in their bodies than she was in making cheap food cheaper, she made a major career change.  She went back to school to become a naturopathic physician.  She received her naturopathic doctorate from the University of Bridgeport, College of Naturopathic Medicine.  Dr. White also holds a Master of Science degree in human nutrition (University of Bridgeport, Nutrition Institute) and a Master of Science degree in food science (North Carolina State University) from her first career.

Along the way, she has trained with Peter D'Adamo, ND; Ginger Nash, ND, and Gérard Guéniot, MD.  She is a Master in the Institute for Human Individuality and a member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, Connecticut Naturopathic Physician's Association, Connecticut Northeast Organic Farming Association, the National Center for Homeopathy, and New Haven's new food co-op, Elm City Market.

 

After her education and training at University of Bridgeport and her experiences working with talented doctors, Dr White has been able to apply the best learnings in designing her own practice and Natural Family Health was opened in 2008 to offer naturopathic medical care to families in the greater North Haven, Hamden, and New Haven areas.   

 

In addition to naturopathic medicine and natural living, her passions lie in being a wife to Pete, a mom to Alexandra and a pet-mom to their Golden Retriever-Saluki mix, Casey and their three backyard hens, Seagull, Cow, and Sunshine.  She also loves to read, cross-stitch and is determined to learn to knit and crochet!

 

Mistie Charles, ND

Dr. Charles' journey with naturopathic medicine began following a lengthy struggle with sinusitis that was finally resolved merely by removing dairy from her diet.  This realization ignited a passion for learning and teaching about lifestyle factors that are “generally regarded as safe,” but may not be so for certain individuals.  With over 16 years of childcare experience, Dr. Charles utilizes her real world experience as well as her education to teach parents about healthy practical choices for kids.  Dr. Charles obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Susquehanna University (Selinsgrove Pennsylvania) and a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from the University of Bridgeport, College of Naturopathic Medicine.  Dr. Charles focuses on patient education through seminars and workshops. She is not currently accepting new patients.

 

Reiki Master

Cathy Freschi, RMT

 

Cathy Freschi received her Reiki Master Certificate in 2009 from Roland Comtois, an internationally acclaimed medium and spiritual healer/ Reiki practitioner. Cathy's interest in the Healing Arts began eight years ago with her two daughters. Their positive responses to holistic medicine, acupuncture, homeopathy, and energy healing/ Reiki piqued Cathy's interest. Having experienced her own personal healing with Reiki over the years, Cathy pursued her Reiki Master Certification. In August 2010, Cathy retired from her secretarial position at an elementary school to dedicate herself full time to helping people heal.

 

Staff

Chyrllann Tarutis

Office Assistant

 

Chyrll helps with scheduling your visits and returning your calls, and she assists with the daily operation of the practice. Prior to joining Natural Family Health, Chyrll was a caregiver for her family for several years. We are sure that you will feel very comfortable in relating to her warm and caring personality. Chyrll enjoys cooking, vacationing, family and friends, and loves boating and fishing with her husband, Andrew.