alive Contributors

Makena Wardle is an editor and staff writer here at alive. She is passionate about people, the planet, and really yummy food. You can follow her food account on Instagram at @sunkissedeats

Jackie Skrypnek is a holistic nutritionist. She lives in Cochrane, Alberta, where she practises permaculture and operates an urban tiny house bed and breakfast.

Heidi Fritz, MA, ND, is a research fellow and practices at the Bolton Naturopathic Clinic and the Springdale Medical Centre in Brampton, Ontario.

Annika Caplan is a health-conscious student committed to living a balanced lifestyle.

Shawn Radcliffe is a freelance health and science writer based in Ontario, Canada.

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. 

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.

Dr. Gillian Flower is a naturopathic doctor at the Ottawa Integrative Cancer Centre and counsels her patients in the judicious use of natural supplements.

Karen Lee White is a Dak`laweidí, Tuscarora, Salish, Chippewa, and Scots writer and lifelong student of traditional medicines and healing.

Patience Lister is a professional writer specializing in food science, nutrition, and natural health products.

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. rawstylebychels@gmail.com

Since 1993, our annual alive Awards has promoted and recognized the best natural health products. Both retailers and consumers vote for their favorites to determine the deserving winners.

Laura Newton is a writer and editor based in BC's Sea to Sky Country.

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).

Lola Bosa is a nature enthusiast, avid reader, writer, and editorial intern at alive.

Karli Petrovic is a writer, editor and yoga instructor living in Portland, Oregon. She’s written for a variety of publications, including Greenhouse Grower, HOW, Print and Edible Ohio Valley.

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

Lawren Moneta is a chef, food stylist, and recipe developer.

Avery Peternell is a 10-year-old, grade 4 student who loves to read and write and has a passion for grammar and literacy. She aspires to be a best-selling author! Avery also loves cats and almost every kind of animal.

Scott Yavis, in addition to being alive’s Creative Director and photographer, is a passionate world traveller, an avid adventure seeker. 

Jennifer Messineo, MS, RD is a Registered Dietitian and health and nutrition freelance writer based in New York.

Susan Rossit, RHN, is a holistic nutritionist, recipe developer, and food fanatic. If she’s not in her kitchen cooking it, she’s in her garden growing it. @ahealthylatitude

Rachel B. Levin is a Los Angeles-based freelance writer covering food, health and sustainability. Follow her on Instagram @rachelbethlevin.

Andy De Santis, RD, MPH, is a dietitian operating a private practice in Toronto. An avid blogger, Andy also loves combining nutrition education and humor on Instagram @andytherd.