Dan Rubin
ND FABNO
Dr. Rubin’s practice of naturopathic oncology has been an integral part of the Phoenix metropolitan medical community for the past 28 years. After graduating from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (SCNM) in 1997, Dr. Rubin returned to SCNM to complete his residency. In 2004, he became the Founding President of the Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians (OncANP). The OncANP represented a revolution for the field of naturopathic oncology providing, for the first time, definition, validation and standardization of the field of naturopathic oncology. Since that time Dr. Rubin has become an internationally recognized naturopathic oncologist. Dr. Rubin is co-Founder (along with his wife, Debi Smolinski, ND) and Medical Director of Naturopathic Specialists, LLC, in Scottsdale, AZ, where he practices as a naturopathic oncologist. At present, Naturopathic Specialists has served the clinical and logistical oncology needs of people from all 50 states as well as 19 countries. NS also serves as a teaching and training facility for residents and students desiring to become naturopathic oncologists. Dr. Rubin is an expert at the integration of traditional and naturopathic medicine for people with cancer and services both the adult and pediatric population. He is also an expert in the naturopathic approach to people with cancer who either are unable to undergo conventional therapy or who choose not to. His selected positions include those from the regulatory, education, advisory and community sectors and his main philanthropic interests are focused on children with cancer as well as post-graduate education. Dr. Rubin also serves as Director of Business Development for Immunocine, a Cancun-based, world-class immunotherapy treatment center. Dr. Rubin and Immunocine have also partnered to create a tumor biobank for patients desiring to store their tumor samples for future personalized dendritic cell therapy production. Dr. Rubin was voted National Physician of the Year 2024-2025, by the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. He was also voted Physician of the Year 2019, by the Arizona Naturopathic Medical Association.
Dr. Rubin is co-Founder (along with his wife, Debi Smolinski, ND) and Medical Director of Naturopathic Specialists, LLC, in Scottsdale, AZ, where he practices full-time as a naturopathic oncologist. At present, Naturopathic Specialists has served the clinical and logistical oncology needs of people from all 50 states as well as 19 countries.
Dr. Rubin is an expert at the integration of traditional and naturopathic medicine for people with cancer and services both the adult and pediatric population. He is also an expert in the naturopathic approach to people with cancer who either are unable to undergo conventional therapy or who choose not to. His selected positions include those from the regulatory, education, advisory and community sectors and his main philanthropic interests are focused on children with cancer as well as post-graduate education.
Debi Smolinski
ND
After graduating from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (SCNM) and Health Sciences in 1997, Dr. Smolinski completed a 2-year residency focused on Women’s Health. Dr. Smolinski then, after securing the appropriate funding, created and developed the Women’s Integrative Medicine Department at SCNM. During this 5 year period, Dr. Smolinski maintained a naturopathic medical practice, directed clinical trials and subsequently published original research papers regarding menopausal women; Dr. Smolinski also contributed to local and national publications, and was often featured on local television where she presented, live, critical issues in Women’s Medicine.
In 2005, Dr. Smolinski received the SCNM Legacy Award for her outstanding contributions to the College over many years, specifically in the area of Women’s Medicine. In 2014 Dr. Smolinski was awarded The Community Service Award for her contributions to the betterment of the community through charitable and public service.
Currently Dr. Smolinski is a Board of Trustee for SCNM, an active member of GMO free AZ engaging medical professionals statewide to participate in educating patients, and volunteering at her children’s school regularly. Dr. Smolinski is an active member of the Arizona Naturopathic Medical Association and a member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians.
Melissa Coats
ND, FABNO
Dr. Coats graduated from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College in Lynchburg, Virginia, with a Bachelor’s degree in biology; she then went on to achieve her Masters in bioethics from Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona. Subsequently, Dr. Coats earned her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) at Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (SCNM) in Tempe, Arizona now called Sonoran University of Health Sciences. She is a board certified naturopathic oncologist and is known as a fellow of the board of naturopathic oncology (FABNO) which puts her in a unique group of physicians whom specialize in naturopathic oncology. She is a past President of the SCNM Alumni Association as well as was a long time board member of Tempe Boys and Girls Club- Ladmo Branch. She was appointed in 2019 to the board of A2ndAct which supports women survivors of all cancers who are using their newly realized gifts of life and experience to give back for the greater good and was on there until the board concluded in 2022.
She is a member of the Arizona Naturopathic Medical Association, American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and the Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians. In 2017 and 2019, 2020 and 2021 she was named one of Phoenix Magazine’s Top Doctors for Naturopathic Medicine.
Dr. Coats offers general naturopathic medical care and focuses much of her time in oncology and natural options for mental health support. Dr. Coats practices with a broad scope of treatment options from acupuncture to clinical nutrition to help you achieve optimal health.
Robb Blackaby
DPT, ATC, CFMT
Medicine in Motion, Co-founder, CEO
Urban Roots Farms, Co-founder, Partner
Robb is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, a Certified Athletic Trainer, a Certified Functional Manual Therapist, and a Certified Qigong Instructor. He has 25+ years of training and practice in physical therapy and sports medicine. He received his undergraduate degree in Exercise Sciences from the University of Arizona. He went on to receive a Masters and Doctorate Degree in Physical Therapy from AT Still University. His post graduate training in manual therapy led him to the course work offered by the Institute of Physical Art (IPA). He became a Certified Functional Manual Therapist (CFMT) with Honors and has taught classes for the IPA thereafter. He is currently only one of three CFMT’s in Arizona.
Robb and his wife Corrie owned and operated the Desert Institute of Physical Therapy in Scottsdale, Arizona for 10 years. Their focus was on creating a medical model that emphasized uncompromised patient care, while building meaningful relationships. DIPT was eventually acquired by another company in 2019 based on its highly recommended reputation in the Phoenix area.
Robb co-founded Medicine in Motion (MIM) in 2010 and is the current CEO. MIM is the premier sports medicine provider for action sports events locally, nationally, and at international events. Robb has taken his company to provide sports medicine coverage at over 100 events including 26 international competitions in 11 different countries.
He has covered three Olympics as a physical therapist for team USA. These include:
- 2002 Winter Olympics, Salt Lake City, USA. Team USA Snowboarding Halfpipe.
- 2014 Winter Olympics, Sochi, Russia. Team USA Snowboarding Halfpipe.
- 2024 Summer Olympics, Paris, France. Team USA Skateboarding Street and Park.
Robb is a co-founder, Partner, and Director of Health Education and Well-being with Urban Root Farms (URF). URF is an indoor vertical farm located in Scottsdale, Arizona with emphasis on providing nutrient dense microgreens and edible flowers to the local community. URF currently services multiple restaurants, resorts, school districts, food banks, health care facilities, and sports teams. URF also donates microgreens regularly to the Joy Bus Diner, who in turn utilizes the microgreens in part of their meal delivery service to home bound patients with cancer.
Robb is a third degree black belt in Wado Ryu Karate, a brown belt in Dan Zan Ryu Jujitsu, as well as a certified qigong instructor. He is a former USA National Champion in Kumite and competed on Team USA at the Wado International Championships in 1997. With his vast experience in competition and mind set, he teaches at various sports camps, as well as local classes in martial arts and qigong.
In Robb’s spare time, he enjoys all things with his wife Corrie and two kids Ciera and Ethan, playing golf, martial arts training, action sports, nature hikes, as well as playing the guitar and drums.
Monica Graffius
ND
Monica Graffius, ND is an Arizona native with a deep commitment to integrative and community-centered care. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Pre-Professional Health Science with a minor in Psychology from Arizona State University. During her undergraduate studies, she worked as a Clinical Research Associate at Celerion, a phase I pharmaceutical research facility, where she gained hands-on experience in clinical trials and research protocols.
Driven by a passion for community medicine and global health, Monica volunteered as a bilingual medical provider in Mexico, Peru, and Costa Rica, offering care and support to underserved populations. After completing her degree, she served as the Associate Executive Director of the Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children, where she was instrumental in developing family support programs and leading a successful capital campaign to establish Ava’s Tree House—a pediatric cancer support center that opened in September 2022.
Monica graduated from Sonoran University of Health Sciences (formerly Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine) in December 2024. During her time there, she served as President of both Naturopaths Without Borders and the Oncology Club for two consecutive years, reflecting her dedication to integrative oncology and global health initiatives. She also completed the Community Health Honors Track, which involved providing care in diverse clinical and community health settings.
Monica brings a compassionate, evidence-informed, and patient-centered approach to care. She is currently pursuing a specialty in naturopathic oncology and has a particular interest in serving pediatric cancer patients and their families.
Laura DePrator
Registered Nurse
Laura is a Pennsylvania native and nursing school graduate. After achieving her BSN she began her career there on a hospital medical unit. Then moved on to clinic nursing before she moved to Arizona to be closer to her older sister. Her nearly 15 year career here at NS began shortly after she arrived here in 2011. Naturopathic medicine was new to her, but it spoke to how she was raised to be conscious of a healthy diet and an active lifestyle. She enjoyed learning more ways to be proactive about health and the alternatives for treating disease. Working at NS has brought the opportunity to develop lasting friendships with all the amazing co-workers and patients. She is grateful to learn from the intelligent and compassionate doctors as well as the inspiring folks she cares for.
Outside of the clinic, Laura is married to a fellow Pennsylvanian, and they have one daughter, Zinnia, currently between her first and second grade school years. The family likes to spend time together reading, hiking, swimming and biking. Family is extremely important to Laura and she loves to spend time with her immediate family that lives here in AZ as well as travel back home to PA to visit her husband’s family.
Shelbie Vermette
Registered Nurse
Shelbie is a Registered Nurse who brings both clinical experience and heartfelt compassion to her role in integrative oncology care. After beginning her healthcare career as a Medical Assistant in 1996, she earned her RN degree in 2009 from Southwestern Oregon Community College. Her decades of experience allow her to confidently support patients through complex and deeply personal health journeys.
Shelbie believes healing involves more than medical intervention alone — it also requires presence, empathy, and a safe space to feel heard. Her goal is to help each patient feel supported physically, emotionally, and holistically throughout their care.
Born and raised in Oregon, Shelbie relocated to Arizona in 2011 but returns often to visit her two children and two grandchildren. Outside of the clinic, she finds renewal in travel, the outdoors, and exploring Arizona’s back roads with her husband in their RV and off-road side-by-side.
Raquel Federico
Registered Nurse
Raquel is a Tucson native whose healthcare career is rooted in a deep commitment to community and holistic wellness. After earning Bachelor’s degrees from the University of Arizona and Ottawa University, she launched her career at a local non-profit organization serving underrepresented communities across the valley. This foundational work eventually led her to support pediatric and adolescent patients in inpatient psychiatry.
Inspired by these experiences, Raquel returned to school to pursue nursing. She went on to serve as a pediatric nurse on the Ortho/Trauma/Surgery/Tele unit at a local children’s hospital, bringing eight years of dedicated pediatric experience to her clinical practice. Always drawn to the philosophy and Standard of Care found in Naturopathic Medicine, she firmly believes in treating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Raquel is honored and thankful to bring her dedicated, integrative approach to the patients at NS. Outside of work, she loves being out in nature, reading, cooking, and spending quality time with her husband, son, family, and friends.
Marché Colter
Medical Assistant
Marché is a Medical Assistant at Naturopathic Specialists with more than seven years of experience in the healthcare field. She is passionate about creating a welcoming and supportive environment where individuals feel heard, valued, and cared for throughout their healthcare journey. Marche takes pride in helping patients navigate their experience with confidence while working alongside a dedicated team committed to improving overall well-being.
Outside of the clinic, Marche enjoys traveling, exploring new destinations, embracing new adventures, and creating lasting memories with her family. She can often be found cheering from the sidelines at sporting events or discovering her next favorite television series or movie. Known for her positivity, compassion, and dedication, Marche brings the same commitment to excellence to both her professional and personal life.
Taylor Emerson
Medical Assistant
Taylor is a Medical Assistant at Naturopathic Specialists who is passionate about helping patients feel comfortable, supported, and cared for throughout their healthcare journey. She enjoys being part of a collaborative team that emphasizes whole-person wellness and values building meaningful relationships with the individuals they serve.
Outside of the clinic, Taylor enjoys spending time at the beach, making memories with friends and family, and caring for her three French Bulldogs—Daphne, Richard, and Love. Her warm personality and dedication to patient care help create a positive and welcoming experience for everyone she meets.
Mayra Rodriguez
Front Office Team Member
Mayra has been a valued member of the Naturopathic Specialists team for the past three years. She is passionate about her work and takes pride in creating a welcoming environment where patients feel supported, cared for, and comfortable throughout their experience at the clinic. Her dedication to providing compassionate service helps foster meaningful connections with those she serves.
Outside of work, Mayra is a proud mother who considers her son her greatest blessing and source of inspiration. She enjoys staying active through fitness and hiking, spending quality time with friends and family, exploring new places, and expressing her creativity through various crafts. Her positive attitude and commitment to helping others make her an integral part of the Naturopathic Specialists team.
Olivia Gerston
Social Media Coordinator and Rubin On Point Producer
Olivia Gerston serves as the Social Media, Marketing, and Podcast Production Manager for Naturopathic Specialists. She holds a degree in Media Arts and Sciences from Arizona State University and brings more than six years of professional experience in photography, videography, content production, and digital marketing.
As founder of OG Media, Olivia has produced a wide range of commercial, educational, and documentary-style content. At Naturopathic Specialists, she oversees the clinic’s marketing strategy, social media presence, brand communications, and podcast production, helping translate complex topics in integrative oncology into engaging and accessible content for patients, practitioners, and the broader community.
Her expertise spans creative direction, visual storytelling, content strategy, and multimedia production, allowing her to bridge the gap between clinical expertise and effective communication.
Ashley Garcia
Medical Records
Ashley is a dedicated healthcare professional since 2022 with hands-on experience providing compassionate, patient-centered care.
Throughout her career, she has developed strong clinical skills, a deep understanding of patient needs, and commitment to supporting individuals and families during some of their most vulnerable moments. Her experience in healthcare has strengthened her ability to work effectively in fast-paced environments while maintaining empathy, professionalism, and attention to detail.
Ashley is known for her reliability, teamwork, and genuine passion for helping others. She takes pride in delivering quality care, building meaningful connections with patients, and continuously learning to grow in her field.
Outside of her professional life, Ashley is a devoted wife and proud mother of three. Balancing her career and family life has shaped her strong work ethic, resilience, and nurturing spirit-qualities that shine through both at home and in her career.