OUR TEAM
Lionel Pasen - Founder
Since the 1960s, Lionel Pasen was actively involved in the natural health products industry - from retail to manufacturing and importing, to hosting a radio talk show about herbs, to teaching about herbal remedies at McMaster and York Universities, to regulatory consulting. In addition to the Natural Health Products Act and Regulations, he was directly involved in the creation of the Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA).
It is no secret that he is one of the most well-known and respected figures in the Natural Health Products industry.
Since 2004, he specialized in Canadian government compliance for Natural Health Products through Natural Products Consulting Corp. and has worked with countless clients all around the world, helping them successfully license their products for sale in Canada.
Lionel Pasen was truly a champion of the industry and built NPCC as a place where clients can be confident they are getting the correct information, and at a reasonable price – with no surprises. He recruited and trained industry experts to provide clients with extraordinary consulting services on product and site licensing. The values that capture his virtue are honesty and transparency, which are interwoven into the day-to-day practices of NPCC.
Jackie Menzies Yarnton - General Manager
Since joining NPCC over 14 years ago, Jackie has assisted clients from around the world in obtaining their Natural Product licences. Over the course of her career, she has worked on a variety of product and site licences, cosmetic and Veterinary Health Product (VHP) registrations, food reviews, and Temporary Market Authorizations (TMAs). With her extensive knowledge of Canadian Regulatory Affairs, she is a valuable member of the Natural Products community and is an asset to our clients.
Jackie’s responsibilities include managing both our site and product licensing departments, providing support to our experts and clients throughout the licensing process. Additionally, she oversees business initiatives and is an active Canadian Health and Food Association member.
As a final note, Jackie embodies the quote "If you want something done, give it to a busy mom.," and is an integral part of our team dynamic.
Madelyn Martinez - Senior Regulatory Specialist
Madelyn is our Senior Product Licensing Specialist and a wonderful member of our team. She graduated from the University of Toronto with an Honors Bachelor of Science focusing on Human Biology-Health and Disease. Madelyn has outstanding skills to help you with clinical research and product registration.
Her experience and knowledge are an asset to many of our current and future clients.
She will be more than happy to answer your questions and help with your regulatory needs.
Karolina Zarichna - Product Registration Specialist / Business Development and Marketing Lead
Karolina is one of our Product Licensing Specialists. She graduated from the University of Waterloo with a BSc in Honours Biomedical Sciences, focusing on Genetics and Developmental Science. Karolina has also earned a Project Management Certification from Conestoga College with a President’s List distinction.
Her extensive scientific background and experience in research are excellent assets to product licensing and clinical research. Combined with her longstanding customer service experience, she provides quick and efficient assistance, ensuring your products are licensed and ready to go.
P.S. To make her day, mention a scientific fact in your email.
Amy Dinniwell - Product Registration Specialist
Amy is a dedicated and versatile team member with a Foods and Nutrition degree from Western University. With experience in customer service and healthcare, particularly in dentistry, she excels in various professional domains. Amy's strong communication and interpersonal skills allow her to connect with people, meet their needs, and address concerns promptly.
Her background in Foods and Nutrition equips Amy with a deep understanding of dietary requirements, nutritional guidelines, Natural Health Products (NHPs), and food safety regulations. She leverages this knowledge and her prior understanding of regulatory affairs to ensure compliance and provide valuable insights to benefit the team. Additionally, Amy's attention to detail and ability to thrive in fast-paced environments make her an asset in delivering high-quality client support while adhering to strict standards.
Amy's well-rounded skill set, encompassing expertise in Foods and Nutrition, customer service, and healthcare, positions her as a valuable team member who consistently strives for excellence in all endeavors.
Matthew Lai - Site Licensing Specialist
Matthew, our Site Licensing Specialist, graduated from the University of Waterloo with a BSc in Biology. During his Waterloo studies, his primary focus was on Plant Biology and Genetics. Matthew also obtained a Certification in Regulatory Affairs from Humber College, making him an excellent skillset addition to our team. Matthew takes pride in providing fast and excellent service to our clients. He is determined to ensure that each client has a clear understanding of site licensing requirements and always lends a helping hand when needed.
Together with his science background, Matthew is sure to outline the regulatory site requirements and help you meet them in an efficient manner.
He always puts a smile on our faces, and he is bound to do the same with you!
Mili Woldeghebriel - Office Manager / Accounting
Mili has worked with Mr. Pasen since 1992. She is a delightful, straightforward talented strength in our company. She maintains the organization of the office and keeps it running smoothly.
She has a great memory for those things that we just cannot seem to recall in a timely manner. She brings a ray of sunshine to the office.
We’d be lost without her.