Advisor Profile: New ND Advisor Applies Teaching Background to Bastyr Job

We are happy to welcome a new advisor for Bastyr's naturopathic medicine program, Jennifer Labbienti. She brings a wealth of relevant experience to her new position along with a passion for education, a love of natural healing and even an interest in filmmaking. Read about what brought her to Bastyr and her advice for prospective ND students.

Editor: What is your role at Bastyr?

Jennifer Labbienti (right) answering questions at a recent admissions event on campus.

Labbienti: I recruit students for Bastyr by attending various graduate school and professional fairs all over the U.S. I also advise students on admissions-related issues such as prerequisite coursework, career aspirations within the field of naturopathic medicine and undergraduate academic records.

Editor: What type of student questions and concerns do you handle?

Labbienti: Most of the questions and concerns I handle are related to prerequisite coursework and admissions procedures in general (i.e., which courses will satisfy the requirements and how applicants can strengthen their applications). I also answer more general questions about Bastyr, the community and the field of naturopathic medicine.

Editor: Where did you work before coming to Bastyr?

Labbienti: I have worked in education for more than 15 years, including teaching English overseas and working with at-risk students in a literacy program. Most recently, I was an instructor, tutor and master trainer at The Princeton Review. It is a joy to help students achieve their dreams.

Editor: What brought you to Bastyr?

Labbienti: As I was researching prospective employers, whenever I mentioned Bastyr to friends and colleagues, I received an enthusiastic response. Our graduates certainly have made an impact on the larger community. And, the moment I turned into Bastyr's entrance and saw the beautiful St. Edward State Park, I knew this would be a place of growth and healing for me — a place I would be proud to represent.

Editor: What would you like to accomplish in your position at Bastyr?

Labbienti: I hope to be a positive and professional representative of the Bastyr community and to play an integral part of attracting the best students to our naturopathic medicine program.

Editor: Do you have any advice for prospective students?

Labbienti: Choosing to study naturopathic medicine is a major life decision. Determine whether this is the path for you by shadowing a naturopathic doctor or talking to someone in the field. Send in your transcripts for review and set up an advising appointment to determine which prerequisites you may need to fulfill. Take a tour of our campus. Talk to a peer advisor. Attend one of our all-day naturopathic medicine events. Basically, make sure you do your homework before committing.

Editor: What are your other interests outside of your work at Bastyr University?

Labbienti: Certainly film is a passion. I have made several independent films and had the privilege to screen them at festivals around the world.

To learn more about our programs or to speak with a peer advisor from the program you are considering, contact the Office of Admissions at (425) 602-3330 or admissions@bastyr.edu.

Interviewed February 2009