NRFi Executive Leadership

NRFi's Founder, Dr. Brenna Bray, holds Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences and Neuroscience and received postdoctoral training in Complementary and Integrative Health and Eating Disorders at the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) and Helfgott Research Institute with federal funding from the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the National Centers for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Dr. Bray's work and life are dedicated to using reserach to empower home for eating disorder experiences and treatments and for the social justice issues that often underpin binge eating.

Dr. Barnett is a dedicated naturopathic doctor (ND), health care provider and

consultant, and community health advocate who brings extensive experience in healthcare provision and consulting, business development and accounting, and community engagement to NRFi. 

Dr. Barnett holds a Research Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine, a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A) in Marketing/Marketing Management, and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Nutrition Sciences. Her diverse educational background underpins her holistic approach to health and wellness. 

Angela Nauss, MS, LMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, and eating disorders in the Denver Metro area. Her clinical expertise spans multiple areas, modalities, and regions, and includes clinical experience at The Los Angeles Homeless Mission as well as other Domestic Violence Shelters and Substance Use Rehabilitation Programs, working with survivors of human trafficking, domestic violence, and substance use, including members of the LGBTQIA+ and HIV+ communities. She currently provides therapy to children and families both in-home and in domestic violence shelters. 

NRFi's Founder, Dr. Brenna Bray, holds Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences and Neuroscience and received postdoctoral training in Complementary and Integrative Health and Eating Disorders at the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) and Helfgott Research Institute with federal funding from the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the National Centers for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Dr. Bray's work and life are dedicated to using reserach to empower home for eating disorder experiences and treatments and for the social justice issues that often underpin binge eating.

Cory Richards is an internationally renowned author, photographer, athlete, and mental health advocate. He identifies his journey with mental health as being a significant part of his life, and openly shares his experiences to help others. His advocacy work garners millions of views online and through speaking engagements, where he emphasizes the importance of storytelling and internal narratives in shaping our life experiences. Cory is the founder, director, and CEO of Cory Richards Creative. His notable works include “The Color of Everything: A Journey to Quiet the Chaos Within” (2024) and the award-winning documentary “Cold” (2011). 

Dr. Barnett is a dedicated naturopathic doctor (ND), health care provider and

consultant, and community health advocate who brings extensive experience in healthcare provision and consulting, business development and accounting, and community engagement to NRFi. 

Dr. Barnett holds a Research Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine, a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A) in Marketing/Marketing Management, and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Nutrition Sciences. Her diverse educational background underpins her holistic approach to health and wellness. 

Alton Do is a seasoned financial professional with extensive experience in healthcare banking and business development that enable him to provide unique financial acumen to NRFi. Alton holds a B.A. in Business/Managerial Economics, which provides a strong foundation for his career in finance. He has extensive executive leadership in finance and currently acts as Vice President and Senior Healthcare Banker at PNC, a role he has held since 2022. 

Dr. Heather Zwickey is a distinguished researcher, educator, and advocate in the fields of integrative medicine, nutrition, and mental health. Dr. Zwickey had made significant contributions to research and education through her work on the gut-brain axis, naturopathic interventions, and psycho-neuro-immunology, and through her founding roles at the Helfgott Research Institute and the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM)'s Nutrition Graduate Program. 

Amy Thurston holds a Master's in Public Health (MPH) focussing on Physical Activity & Healthy Lifestyles and licensure as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). She provides nutrition consultation & outreach coordination for the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment’s Child and Adult Care Food Program, the University of Colorado Boulder, Denver Public Schools, The Food Bank for Larimer Country, and Briarwood Health Care Center. 

NourishED Research Foundation Inc., (NRFi) was founded in 2024 after an identified need and lack of federal funding prioritization for empirical investigation of new treatment options for binge-type eating disorders that are: 1) free or low cost; 2) sensitive to the unique experiences of individuals with BED; 3) inclusive to individuals of all demographics; and 4) easily accessible (e.g., community-based and/or virtually available) (Bray et al., 2024a,b,c,d).

NRFi's Founder, Dr. Brenna Bray, holds Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences and Neuroscience and received postdoctoral training in Complementary and Integrative Health and Eating Disorders at the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) and Helfgott Research Institute with federal funding from the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the National Centers for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Dr. Bray's work and life are dedicated to using reserach to empower home for eating disorder experiences and treatments and for the social justice issues that often underpin binge eating.

NRFi partners with a variety of organizations both locally and internationally to provide comprehensive advancements in the understanding and treatment of binge eating disorders and other issues of invalidation and oppression. We value justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion as well as accessibility and interdisciplinary collaboration. We are proud and grateful to have a formal partnership wtih the National University of Natural Medicine's Helfgott Research Institue (NUNM/HRF).