alive Contributors

Lisa Petty, PhD, is a health advocate, writer, and educator who aspires to be the healthiest possible version of her human self.  

Neil Zevnik is a private chef who writes about food, the environment, and social responsibility as a way to make his small contribution to changing the world for the better. Find him on Instagram @neilzevnik. 

Rachel Werner, CHN, is an author and alive Academy alum. She creates beauty, culinary, and travel content for print and digital publications. Her cookbook is Macro Cooking Made Simple (Chartwell Books, 2023).

Brendan Rolfe, BA, DipA, is an advocate for functional movement and work/life balance in Penticton, BC, where he strives to bring healthy lifestyle choices to every household. 

Joshua Duvauchelle is a regular alive contributor and certified personal trainer who lives in Victoria, BC. 

Dr. Cassie Irwin, ND, works with soul-led women who are ready to expand their intuition and calibrate to their ultimate state of being.

Theodore D. Cosco, PhD (Cantab) CPsychol, is an Assistant Professor of Mental Health and Aging (Simon Fraser University) and Research Fellow (Oxford Institute of Population Ageing, University of Oxford).

Desiree Nielsen, BSc, RD, a registered dietitian, host of The Allsorts Podcast and author of the bestselling plant-based cookbook, Eat More Plants. @desireenielsenrd

Matthew Kadey, MSc, RD, is a dietitian, nutrition writer, and recipe developer. He is also the author of Rocket Fuel (VeloPress, 2016) and Muffin Tin Chef (Ulysses Press, 2012). 

Daniela Ginta, MSc, NNCP, is a freelance writer who lives in Kamloops, BC. 

Kristen Ma is an esthetician and Ayurvedic practitioner who owns a holistic spa chain. She is the author of Beauty: Pure + Simple (McArthur and Co., 2010) and runs a beauty blog.

Leah Payne is a writer, author, and editor based in Vancouver, BC. She is the author of Get Outside! and Less is More. (Headshot credit: Notting Hill Photography). 

Deena Kara Shaffer, PhD, is a learning specialist and lecturer at Ryerson University, co-creator of the Thriving in Action initiative, and owner of Awakened Learning, resilience-based educational coaching and consulting. 

Tracy Peternell is a mother of two, a certified school teacher, and a healthy living enthusiast. She is the Editor In Chief and Group Content Director at Alive Publishing Group.

Helena McMurdo is a writer, food stylist, and photographer based in Vancouver. 

Adam Meyer is a freelance writer, digital creator, and certified holistic nutritionist. Find him on Instagram @thatadammeyer.

Makena Wardle is an editor and staff writer here at alive. She is passionate about people, the planet, and really yummy food.

Sophie Nichols is a writer based in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Isabela Bonnevera is an independent consultant, PhD candidate, and writer focused on sustainable food systems.

Vibha Shukla is an editor and staff writer at alive. She loves writing about a sustainable, healthy future for people and the planet.

Chef Michael Smith is a best-selling cookbook author, innkeeper, educator, professional chef, and home cook. He and his wife are the proprietors of the Inn at Bay Fortune and its award-winning restaurant, FireWorks.

Amanda Modaragamage, RPN, is a health and wellness writer with a 14-year background in family medicine. She lives in Stratford, Ontario. Follow her on Instagram @amandajanewriter.

Annika Caplan is a health-conscious student committed to living a balanced lifestyle, and a Digital Intern at alive. 

Chelsea Gough is a Vancouver-based recipe developer, stylist, and proud mom of two girls. She is a lover of good food, good times, and beautiful spaces. Reach her at rawstylebychels@gmail.com