Stress Management & Resilience

JOHN ALSTON, MS John Alston offers character, common sense and a healthy perspective on managing work and personal life. A former classroom teacher, college instructor, and director of the American Institute of Stress Management, and currently a multicultural consultant, and author of Story Power and Stuff Happens (And Then You Fix It!), John is a compelling speaker who motivates and challenges his audiences. John has appeared on "The Oprah Winfrey Show," and delivered keynote addresses for organizations such as General Electric, Wells Fargo, General Motors, U.S. Steel, AT&T, the United States Army, and many others. John has developed successful strategies for unlocking potential and excellence in the workplace—and he can do that for your organization.

MICHAEL ARLOSKI, PhD Author of the groundbreaking book Wellness Coaching for Lasting Lifestyle Change, Dr. Arloski has brought his message of health and wellness to four continents and his goal is to reach all seven. His technique of incorporating wellness teaching into the coaching model is going to stimulate wellness promotion worldwide. Sincerity, wit and wisdom pour forth as Michael reaches audiences with his genuineness and heart felt conviction. A masterful storyteller, Dr. Arloski is able to convey professional knowledge in ways people connect with and remember. Topics include:

• Taking Wellness One-on-One
• Filling the Lifestyle Prescription
• Waging Peace of Mind One Organization at a Time
• The Centered Way Through Change
• The Ten Tenets of Wellness

MURRAY BANKS, MEd For audiences ranging from CEO’s, sales teams and line staff to families, Murray weaves together facts, data, cartoons and stories for a unique message that enhances commitment to personal well-being, stress management, family time, positive interaction with coworkers and balance in our lives. Murray's messages are always personal, interactive and entertaining whether they're delivered before 4000 in a convention center or 40 at a management retreat.

ROBERTA BERGMAN, MS Whether in the workplace or in our lives, the care of our bodies is a key component of wellness and productivity. Back and wrist care, posture, movement, and ergonomics all affect us physically, mentally, and emotionally. Robert Bergman is an expert in how we use our bodies and how to promote health—for workers, administrators, and even pregnant moms and children. Ms. Bergman created the Pain-free Back Exercise Video for the Mt. Sinai Medical Center, Dept. of Rehabilitation Medicine and Employee Health Services in New York City. An engaging speaker and trainer, Roberta has created many more educational programs not only to help relieve back pain, but also to help us all manage the stresses of life.

RICHARD K. BOYUM, EdD A counseling psychologist, Dr. Boyum is an expert in mental health, "mind fitness," and stress management. He takes a highly positive approach in his entertaining presentations that use props, exercises, down-home wisdom, and humor to stimulate cognitive shifts in his audience members' perceptions. Ask him to tailor his workshop on "Mind Fitness for...(your profession)." He'll teach techniques for getting over the small stuff. His advice: "Change your worry to concern and your concern to action -- otherwise leave it alone."

SHELLEY DAVIE Shelley Davie has been studying and incorporating wellness practices into her own life since the early 1980's. She holds a post-graduate honors certificate for Wellness and Lifestyle Management. Shelley is professionally affiliated with the Health, Work and Wellness Institute of Canada, and is leading part of the team that is developing the federally-initiated Institute for Comprehensive Medicine in Hamilton, Ontario.

DAVID ESSEL American Fitness Magazine called David Essel “The Master of Motivation.” He is a renowned personal success expert covering areas such as exercise, nutrition, stress management and self-esteem. He is known for his own radio talk show on NBC’s TALKNET heard weekly in 250 cities nationwide.

THERMAN EVANS, MD, PhD Known as "Mr. Inspiration," Dr. Evans is an exciting and dynamic motivational presenter. He addresses wellness, fitness, nutrition, diversity, stress management, education, dealing with change, and spirituality. Currently a pastor and health consultant, Dr. Evans is former Vice President and corporate medical director of the CIGNA Corporation, one of the largest health care companies in America. Dr. Evans is the co-author of the recently published book Staying Strong, and host of a radio show called "Lifeline" in Philadelphia. He has consulted with many governmental agencies and is a member of Boards of Directors including The Wellness Councils of America, the National Association of Health Service Executives, and the Washington, DC Board of Education.

ROBERT FELLOWS, MTS Robert Fellows motivates his audiences to challenge the impossible, assume self-responsibility and take charge of their lives—using audience involvement, humor and captivating stories and illustrations. He blends a Masters degree in theology from Harvard University with over 25 years as a wellness consultant, entertainer, and public speaking expert. His most popular topics include "The Power to Manage Stress and Change," "Doing the Impossible: An Entertaining Look at Work/Life Balance," "Breakthrough Performance in Personal Safety," and "The Magic of Humor."

ELAINE FERGUSON, MD Elaine Ferguson, M.D. is a holistic physician and author of Healing, Health, and Transformation: New Frontiers in Medicine. Dr. Ferguson combines traditional medicine with proven holistic healing techniques. She inspires audiences with an approach that includes meditation and visualization techniques. Dr. Ferguson is the medical director of Alternative Medicine, Inc.

IZZY GESELL Izzy brings together his two loves, education and humor, into entertaining, informative, and practical programs. Originally from Brooklyn, NY (where a sense of humor is a survival skill), Izzy has been professionally involved with various aspects of humor since 1982. He has been a stand-up comedian, teacher, journalist, corporate trainer and public speaker. After a keynote address, Izzy's audiences leave with a smile on their lips, a good feeling in their hearts, and a clear understanding of how to bring humor into their lives on a daily basis.

BILL HETTLER, MD A driving force in the wellness movement, Dr. Hettler originated the highly successful National Wellness Conference and co-founded the National Wellness Institute. His highly entertaining and inspiring overview of wellness includes personal and global concerns. Your audience will share his energy and enthusiasm.

EARL HIPP An authority on managing stress in the workplace caused by change, Earl helps employees to understand and accept regular change as a positive fact of work life in this decade. Earl Hipp’s years of experience working with large corporations make him a valuable resource on how to influence the worksite culture.

CHRIS JOHNSON, MEd An award winning coach, speaker, author, and guru of Laughter and Humour in the Workplace. Like inner jogging, laughter does for the mind what exercise does for the cardiovascular system. Dr. Laugh’s presentations lead to increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, relief of stress and anxiety, and a team feeling in the workplace.

HOWARD KOSEFF, MD Author and publisher of The Healthy Balance, an integrative medical newsletter for the public that bridges the gap between western and natural medicine. Presentations on Preventative Medicine, Mind/Body Medicine, Stress Management and Nutrition. Creating balance in a busy life is an important concept in his corporate seminars.

RONALD LABONTE, PhD A world leader in health promotion, population health, and the non-medical determinants of health. Dr. Labonte is Canada Research Chair in Globalization/Health Equity at the Institute of Population Health. For over 25 years, Dr. Labonte has consulted with private enterprise and branches of the government. One example of his work is a workplace-based stress training program that he developed for the Ontario Workers Health and Safety Training Centre. Author of 12 books and over 400 scientific and popular articles on health and wellbeing, Dr. Labonte speaks is a manner that is often entertaining—but more importantly, provokes, informs, and challenges his audiences.

KATE LARSEN, MS Kate’s relaxed, natural and humorous approach inspires people to choose change and “Thrive vs. Survive.” Her experience is in chemical dependency counseling, sales and marketing, and seven years of fitness teaching and training. Her speaking style is engaging and her support materials are fun.

FRED LEAFGREN, PhD A pioneer in health promotion and counseling psychologist in higher educational administration and teaching for over 30 years, Fred Leafgren is an outstanding presenter with a great sense of humor. Members of your group will learn to understand and appreciate the differences in people, their personality and behavior styles. They'll have fun learning how to harness their new understanding to unlock the potential of your organization. Topics include "Quality, Effectiveness and Community Building – Using Personality Analysis" and "Coping Effectively with Stress."

JULIE LUSK, MEd Having published three books, nine CD/cassette tapes, and numerous articles in the areas of wellness, guided relaxation, creative visualization, and yoga, Julie’s 12 years of experience working in health care and 13 years experience in higher education strengthens and reinforces her expertise. She has been a college dean and managed multi-million dollar holistic health and wellness centers. Her community service and volunteering have earned her national awards and international consulting opportunities. Julie is the editor and author of the popular books Yoga Meditations: Timeless Mind-Body Practices for Awakening, 30 Scripts for Relaxation, Imagery and Inner Healing, and Desktop Yoga™.

PAUL E. McGHEE, PhD Paul McGhee is a rare individual. He is one of the few people in the world to have earned a PhD degree in Laughter! His research and study of the literature shows that laughter, which is different from humor, keeps us healthy and contributes to a longer life—not to mention the benefits of feeling better, performing at a higher level, and helping those around us. Dr. McGhee goes beyond making his audiences laugh (and even his video will crack you up); he explains from a scientific perspective how laughter really works. He is the author of eleven books, including The Laughter Remedy: Health, Healing, and the Amuse System.

DR. WILL MILLER Our modern American culture is fast-paced and ever-changing, causing ongoing stress in many areas of our lives. It is a well-established fact that change, any change, causes stress. In the workplace, this byproduct of our quest for success is played out in many ways: absenteeism, high turnover, decreased productivity and overall job dissatisfaction, to name a few. Ultimately, these factors negatively impact the bottom line. Dr. Will Miller delivers a unique message of how our connections to others provide a potent source of strength in achieving life balance. His book, Refrigerator Rights, is based on 14 years of social science research in the area of culture and interpersonal relationships. His aim is to show the connection between our loss of intimacy with people in our lives and the stress and disconnection that we feel in everyday life. Dr. Miller presents his inspirational message with the expertise that includes years of study and experience as well as humor. His authority of four graduate degrees and years of experience as a therapist and teacher assure his credibility as a speaker. His 15 year background in stand-up comedy, headlining at comedy clubs and working as an opening act for many celebrities, assures his gifted ability to entertain.

Dr. Will Miller is a popular speaker in the corporate world, most recently speaking to Microsoft, IBM, Citi Group, Prudential and Merrill Lynch. He currently teaches a class in Communications at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. If you are looking for someone who will energetically and humorously guide your organization from change through stress to a solution, Dr. Will Miller is the speaker who will give your audience something to truly take away.

BELLERUTH NAPARSTEK, MSW Author of Staying Well With Guided Imagery: How to Harness the Power of Your Imagination for Health and Healing. Belleruth Naparstek has created more than 30 guided imagery tapes, targeting cancer, heart ailments, stress, trauma, pregnancy and childbirth, healthy sleep, peak performance, and other health issues which are found to be effective in a number of scientific studies. Her presentations are keenly popular with health care providers as well as lay people.

NIK NIKAM, MD Dr. Nikam is a cardiologist who has been healing peoples’ hearts for over twenty years in Texas. Trained both in India and the United States, he has made keen observations about "mind-body health, people, life, liberty from illness, and pursuit of happiness" which he shares in his book Stressless Mind & Priceless Body. A community leader, Distinguished Toastmaster, and humorous, warm speaker with a positive attitude, Dr. Nikam's speech will delight your audience.

DEAN ORNISH, MD Dr. Dean Ornish is the popular author of the New York Times bestsellers Eat More, Weigh Less; Stress, Diet & Your Heart; Dr. Dean Ornish's Program for Reversing Heart Disease; Everyday Cooking with Dr. Dean Ornish; and Love & Survival: The Scientific Basis for the Healing Power of Intimacy. A clinical professor, Dr. Ornish headed the study that showed how a combination of simple stress reduction techniques and changes in diet could produce dramatic improvements for coronary heart disease sufferers.

KENNETH R. PELLETIER, PhD, MD(hc) Dr. Pelletier is the author of the highly praised Sound Mind, Sound Body: A New Model for Lifelong Health; The Best Alternative Medicine: What Works? What Does Not?; Stress Free for Good: Ten Scientifically Proven Life Skills for Health and Happiness; the international bestseller Mind as Healer, Mind as Slayer; and most recently, New Medicine: Integrating Conventional and Alternative Medicine for Optimal Health. Dr. Pelletier is a Clinical Professor of Medicine, Department of Medicine, at the University of Arizona School of Medicine; and, a Clinical Professor of Medicine in the Department of Family and Community Medicine and in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California School of Medicine, San Francisco (UCSF). At the University of Arizona School of Medicine, he is Director of the Corporate Health Improvement Program (CHIP) which is a collaborative research program between CHIP and 15 of the Fortune 500 corporations and serves as Chairman of the American Health Association.

JIM PELLEY A former standup comedian and contributing comedy writer for "Saturday Night Live," Jim Pelley has created presentations that combine humor with the latest communication theory and psychological research. By using humor appropriately, you can reduce mental and physical stress, aid creative problem solving, and provide a cohesive work environment. Presentations include "The Joy of Healing with Laughter" and "Embrace Risk, Manage Change, and Laugh Often."

SANDY QUEEN LIGHTEN UP! This is the only life you have! Sandy Queen is a dynamic lecturer with a focus on the child within each of us. She will help you take a better look at your life through humor, laughter and play. A favorite at corporations, school systems, women's wellness events, and wellness conferences throughout the U.S., Canada, and Australia. Learn more here.

MILES O'BRIEN RILEY, PhD Ordained at the North American College in Rome and doctoral graduate in communications from the University of California at Berkeley, Father Miles founded the Communications Center for the Archdiocese of San Francisco more than 30 years ago. An entertaining presenter, Fr. Miles has conducted communication training workshops throughout the world and has received three Emmys for outstanding TV productions.

• Ethical Leadership for Executives
• Enriching Your Love and Your Life
• Tell the Truth with Kindness: 10 Essentials of Effective Communication
• What Makes Marriage & Love Last?
• Life is Tough -- And So Are We!
• Do-It-Yourself Happiness

JANINE SAGERT, PhD Dr. Sagert began her exploration of stress at Harvard in 1971 as part of a research team investigating stress factors around the world. She completed her doctorate at the University of California at Berkeley in a special degree program entitled "Culture and Mental Health." Investigations into stress and optimal performance have taken her to India, Europe, the South Pacific, and the urban American ghetto. Her two-year research project on executives validated the principles she uses to enhance psychological hardiness. Since 1976, Dr. Sagert has conducted seminars with all segments of the population: executives, government officials, refugees, teachers, working mothers, engineers, lawyers, substance abusers, and accountants. A charming and engaging speaker, she combines her high energy, love of the topic, and expertise to creating entertaining and contentful presentations.

ANITA J. SCANDURRA, PhD The wellness/health promotion coordinator at St. Joseph's Hospital in Wisconsin and a regular presenter at the National Wellness Conference, Dr. Scandurra presents on integrating wellness into everyday life, mindfulness, stress management, and spirituality as a core foundation of wellness. Her newest topic is "A Wellness Revolution: The Power of Choice"—a highly motivating, empowering presentation on the dynamics of choice and one's deep commitment to the wellness journey. Other topics include "Living Well: Integrating Wellness into Everyday Life," "Life Balance: An Integrated Approach to Stress Management," "Mindfulness Practice: A Core Foundation of Wellness," and "On and Off the Mat: Yoga Practice and Wellness." Dr. Scandurra focuses on integrating mindfulness into everyday activities as a way to deepen your overall wellness.

DAVID S. SOBEL, MD, MPH David Sobel is Director of Patient Education and Health Promotion for Kaiser Permanente Northern California which serves over 3 million members, and editor of the Mind/Body Health Newsletter. He is author of Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions, The Healing Brain, Healthy Pleasures, and the Mind & Body Health Handbook. An avid researcher and teacher in medical self-care, patient education, preventive medicine, behavioral medicine, and psychosocial factors in health, Dr. Sobel is also a highly skilled presenter, having made more than 200 television appearances and earning awards from the American Heart Association and the American Film Festival for his health education work in video. His instructive, engaging presentations to lay people and health professionals include "Healthy Pleasures" and "Partners in Health."

WALT STASINSKI, MEd, MPH "Achieve Success and Have Fun Doing It!" From earning Academic All-American honors in Intercollegiate Football as an undergraduate to earning Masters degrees in both Public Health and Education, Walt Stasinski has demonstrated a marked ability for living his message. His programs teach people how to effectively cope with the significant issues that limit their potential for success and happiness. Delivered with humor, Walt's topics range from "What to Do When You Start at 9:00 Sharp and End at 5:00 Dull!" to "Coping with Change: Go With the Flow."

DONALD A. TUBESING, PhD, MDiv Dr. Tubesing is the author of Seeking Your Healthy Balance and the Founder of Whole Person Associates, a large firm which develops stress management and wellness programs for clients including the YMCA and the U.S. Air Force. Don’s warm, caring personality sends his audiences home enthusiastic and motivated.

SUSIE VANDERLIP Susie's mission is to make a self-esteem enhancing difference in the lives of teens and their families. In her programs, "Legacy of Hope"™ and De-Stress for Success,"™ Susie Vanderlip shows audiences of teens as well as their parents and teachers how to break through the denial of self-limiting and self-destructive attitudes. Her entertaining presentations are motivational theater, as Susie uses characters, dance, drama, and prevention stories.

STEPHANIE MISAKI WHITING, MA, MS A counselor at a community mental health clinic, Stephanie gives presentations and leads workshops on fostering wellness in our lives, both at home and in the workplace. She guides individuals and groups towards increasing their knowledge, skills and awareness in interpersonal communication, diversity issues, team building, and stress reduction.