Contributing Authors
Dan Stearns writes as a way to escape doing real work. He learned early on that a few well-chosen words will either get you slapped in the face or hired for a job. Although, truth be told, Dan has been hired much more than he's been hit. A writer for over 15 years and a natural health journalist and medical writer for the past 4 years, Dan has actively covered emerging trends (food trends are a favorite), new herbal and supplement research, and breaking news in the natural medicines field.
When not writing, he walks and bikes around town and only occasionally falls over as a result. Otherwise, he enjoys cooking, planting trees, and reading voraciously. He and his wife attempt to share a house with two border-collie mix dogs that claim to own title to it.
Jennifer Hansgate still remembers the first book she ever borrowed from the library with her own library card - The Ear Book by Al Perkins. As a child, she spent so much time at the library that the librarians finally gave her a job, not only instilling in her a lifelong love of books and libraries, but inadvertently launching her on a challenging career filled with the most interesting, funny, and intelligent people a person could ask to meet. She has loved every minute of it. Jennifer has spent the last 20 years working in a variety of libraries, and has nearly a decade of research experience in the dietary and nutritional supplement industry. She appreciates the opportunity to contribute the occasional article for the Enzymatic Therapy website. When she doesn't have her nose in a book (which is most of the time) you can find her working in her flower garden, riding her bicycle, or exploring the Wisconsin woods with her husband and their dogs.
Jessica VandenHouten caught the writing bug at a young age, and for nearly 10 years, has written exclusively in the health industry. She stays current on advances in medical research and health trends while covering topics from women's wellness to cleansing, organic living, and her most recent focus: children's health. When not involved in consumer education, concept development or strategic marketing initiatives, Jessica sheepishly confesses her fascination with celebrity news - but admits her guiltiest pleasure is ice cream. This indulgence may not support her interests in health and fitness, but figures her daily regimen of fish oil, probiotics and CoQ10 outweighs the occasional bad. A first-time mom to an exuberant toddler, Jessica sometimes struggles with the lack of time to exercise, keep up with household chores or just relax, but wouldn't change a thing. A perfect evening might be taking a walk with her daughter and husband - a much different night than she may have described a couple years ago.
Julie Hoerth has been writing for as long as she can remember, and loves to read anything she can get her hands on - especially travel memoirs. Her interests (at the time, as they are always evolving) lie in health, wellness and fitness. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse, she writes extensively about natural medicines covering everything from women's nutrition to mind/body fitness. Actively involved in concept generation, consumer education and product testing of natural medicines, Julie keeps up-to-speed on the latest studies and fast-moving trends in the industry. She thrives on the high that comes from helping others, and is a proud volunteer for the Make a Wish Foundation. A lover of all foods Mexican, Julie tops everything she can with guacamole and is love with the idea of healthy fats. Her favorite way to spend an evening at home is sipping on a glass of wine and keeping her husband company in the kitchen - while he cooks!
Cindy Zuege is a scientist who just happens to have some skill with words. An undeniable urge to uncover the inner workings of things led Cindy to pursue science at an early age. Originally intent on exploring the cosmos, she left behind her telescope to discover the wonders hidden behind the microscope lens. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin with a degree in Molecular Biology, Cindy's fascination with bugs, cells, and genetics led her to pursue a career in the dietary supplement industry. Hired for her impressive science background, Cindy was drafted into the Medical Communications team after her writing skills were accidentally discovered. For the past seven years she has written extensively on nutrition, natural medicines, clinical research, and doctor and consumer education.
Cindy delights in her three small children, cherishes every moment of family life and enjoys seeing things anew through her daughters' eyes. No question is too small and no mystery unworthy of investigation. Together they explore the secrets of their world.
Kerri Kelleher Frake, a self-described 'nerd', Kerri has a love of books and writing that traces back to her youngest days. While other kids lamented the passing of summer, Kerri looked forward to school supply shopping with an eagerness that has only recently been surpassed by shoe shopping. The smell of a new notebook makes her heart beat faster. A devoted reader, she formed a book club with classmates in elementary school where friends would pass on their favorites tomes. The daughter of a career journalist, Kerri blames her need for writing on her gene pool. In addition to being an accomplished dancer, an avid runner and bicyclist, this vegetarian is fascinated with cooking and healthy living.
Toni Weiss is a great believer in alternative medicine, despite a predisposition to go to the dark side when it comes to sugar. An award-winning copywriter for over 20 years, Toni has covered many aspects of holistic health with a special focus on naturopathic medicine and nutritional supplements. Working with the Enzymatic Therapy network of MD's, scientists and naturopaths, she taps into their expertise for insights on current research and trends. A passionate gardener with a soft spot for native prairie plants and butterflies, she's been known to raise and release over 100 Monarchs in a summer - leading others to politely question her sanity. A lover of antiques, Toni enjoys restoring her 85 year old home. Her husband and cats have recently signed a petition demanding an end to the eternal home renovation by the next century. She hopes she can make the deadline.
Robb Shaffer has a passion for learning about and celebrating other cultures. His fluency in Spanish coupled with his love of writing is well applied at Enzymatic Therapy where his translation work takes the company's message of good health to the Hispanic community. Robb believes that one never stops learning and he thrives in the ETI environment where experts collaborate to create high-quality products. Co-workers remind him occasionally that his first language is English, so he finds plenty of opportunities to write about products as well as health topics for the web. While working at ETI, Robb has become more conscious of health issues and how dietary supplements, healthy habits and exercise can help you live life to the fullest and to know exactly “What Better Feels Like”, or as Robb likes to say, “Lo Que Es Sentirse Mejor”.
In his spare time Robb writes screenplays and is waiting for his Hollywood moment. He and his wife Maria enjoy foreign travel and playing with their grandkids.