Worksite Wellness Speakers

JUDD ALLEN, PhD A sense of community, a shared vision and a positive outlook are essential to health and productivity. Author of the 2007 release Not Alone:Healthy Habits, Helpful Friends, Dr. Allen examines these work climate factors in organizational life. Learn how to assess work climate and how wellness programs can play a key role in supporting a sense of community, a shared vision and a positive outlook at the workplace.

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.

DONALD B. ARDELL, PhD Since 1984, Don Ardell has published 455 newsletters and 14 books, his latest being Aging Beyond Belief: 69 Tips For REAL Wellness. REAL wellness, as Don describes it in his entertaining presentations worldwide, describe a mindset vastly different from the simple risk reduction and fitness/nutrition information emphasized in most worksite wellness programs. REAL wellness as Don describes it is a positive lifestyle philosophy based on reason, exuberance, and liberty—for enhanced quality of life. Don is a "mellow, kind, sensitive, and compassionate fellow," but he loves to stir up excitement. He demonstrates the relevance of a life-enhancing mindset to the three topics that everyone cares about but most hesitate to address in polite society, namely, politics, human sexuality, and religion. Don directs the Wellness Center at Seek Wellness, produces the weekly Wellness Report, and writes a column every other day.

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.

WILLIAM B. BAUN, EPD William Baun has more than 20 years of experience in worksite health promotion management and programming. Between 1996-1999, he worked as a health and productivity consultant and provided strategic and evaluation services for many large and small companies. He was a member of the startup wellness team at Tenneco (1981) and managed the program until 1996. While at Tenneco he planned and initiated more than 25 health promotion/fitness programs in a variety of white and blue collar settings. In the early 1990's he teamed up with Dr. Nell Gottlieb at the University of Texas at Austin to develop a remote site health promotion model. This model was used by Tenneco to implement the Pipeline to Health program at 110 gas compressor sites, and by the American Cancer Society’s Worksite Team to implement more than 1,500 health promotion programs in Texas. Currently Baun serves on the Executive Committee of the Mayor's Wellness Council of Houston.

KATHY BROWN, RN Kathy's background as a communications coordinator, development and training specialist, nurse, corporate recruiter, author, and business owner brings a wealth of information and practical steps for living with power, joy, and purpose. Kathy energetically inspires people with her warmth, wisdom, and wit. She teaches how to create a positive energetic environment at work while leading a more balanced life—with less stress and a lot more laughter. She is the author of Living Happily Ever Laughter...A Guide to Thinking Funny In A Fast Paced World.

J. GRADY CASH, MEd, CFP Grady Cash's mission is to teach Americans a new, healthy, values-based approach to personal finance. Called the "Father of Financial Wellness" by fellow professionals, his insight places him on the leading edge of the current trend away from materialism towards a healthier attitude about money. His unusually diverse background in finance, psychology, and wellness activism gives him a unique perspective in achieving this new healthy relationship to money. Explore "Financial Wellness" as your next health-related topic with Cash's seminar "Conquer the 7 Deadly Money Mistakes."

DEBORAH CONNORS, MPE Meet Deborah Connors – workplace wellness expert, entrepreneur, and speaker! Visionary, passionate and pioneering, Deb has created her life’s work around her passion – energizing organizations to be healthier. She is president of Well-Advised Consulting Inc., a practice that provides companies with the ideas and tools to improve employee and organizational well-being. Deb is also founder of the Health, Work & Wellness Conference, an international think tank on organizational health. Recent winner of the Canadian Workplace Wellness Pioneer Award, Deb is determined to have companies “get it” and to see more senior executives in Canada “walking the talk.” Some topics she speaks on include:

• Conquering the Chaos: Managing Stress and Burnout
• Create a Workplace Where People Thrive
• Healthy Workplace Retreats
• It’s About Time! Investing in a Sustainable Work-Life

ROGER CRAWFORD Roger works with organizations that want to achieve success despite the obstacles, in order to inspire a winning attitude towards work and life. Sports Illustrated calls Roger one of the most accomplished physically challenged athletes in the world. Besides being a tennis pro, he has been inducted into three separate halls of fame because of his amazing accomplishments. Roger became the first and only athlete with four impaired limbs to compete in an NCAA Division One college sport, and to be certified by the United States Professional Tennis Association. As a successful author, Roger’s inspiring road to victory is detailed in his autobiography, Playing From the Heart. And in his second book, How High Can You Bounce, he demonstrates the power of resiliency.

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.

WILLIAM DeFOORE, PhD William DeFoore is an author, counselor, and executive coach. He brings a diverse academic background to his 35 years of counseling, coaching, and consulting with individuals, couples, families, executives, and organizations. DeFoore's speaking career has taken him throughout the United States and into several other countries, covering topics in the areas of Emotional Wellness, Emotional Intelligence In Leadership, and Positive Psychology. For the past fifteen years he has been an adjunct faculty member with Cooper Aerobics Center in Dallas. He is author of five books and multiple audio programs. Topics include:

• Goodfinding: Using the Power of Positive Psychology to Enhance Workplace Wellness
• Financial Health, Emotional Wealth: Mastering the Economics of Emotional and Financial Wellness
• Leadership and the Emotional Environment: The Art and Science of Creating a Positive Emotional Atmosphere at Work
• Healthy Anger and Your Health: Using Healthy Emotions for Total Wellness

WALTER S. ELIAS, PhD Dr. Elias has over twenty years of experience in marketing and applied research in health care cost containment and corporate wellness programs. An anthropology Ph.D., he has combined his research background in health care cost containment with an anthropological perspective on organizational behavior. He finds a win/win in employee health by observing from both perspectives: responsibility as well as entitlement.

ROXANNE EMMERICH Author of Thank God It's Monday: How to Build a Motivating Workplace and Finding Solutions for Workplace Problems, Roxanne was honored as the nation's top entrepreneur in an industry of 50,000 businesses. Roxanne is trained in organizational management, and challenges conventional wisdom, replacing it with commonsense, easy-to-apply, practical ideas. Roxanne Emmerich is a media expert, with appearances on CNN, CBS, and over 200 television and radio organizations and 500 newspapers and magazines.

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.

SEONAID FARRELL, MA Based in the Department of Psychology at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Seonaid Farrell is an expert in industrial and organizational psychology. In her presentations, she discusses important abilities, traits, and motivational dispositions of employees— with a focus on how they can improve performance, ensure workplace diversity, and encourage a strong corporate culture.

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."

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 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.

CHEEWA JAMES Cheewa is especially known for her presentations on leadership, dealing with change, and finding a balanced life style. Her father is Modoc Indian and her mother is German. Although addressing contemporary, cutting edge business and training issues, Cheewa often uses Native American thinking to illustrate a point. She creates a feel for diversity in a very subtle way. Cheewa was born on the Klamath Indian Reservation, Oregon, and is enrolled with the Modoc Tribe of Oklahoma. A former television anchorwoman and reporter, Cheewa is the recipient of seven UPI (United Press International) awards. She has been awarded the National Golden Mike Award for excellence in television production. An accomplished author with nearly 150 articles in print, Cheewa's work has appeared in Smithsonian, National Wildlife, Chicago Tribune, Portland Oregonian and Kansas City Star. Her book, Catch the Whisper of the Wind, is composed of her short, inspiration profiles of American Indians.

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.

VIDA KHOW, RN, MSA An expert in women's workplace dynamics, organizational transitions, and visionary leadership, Vida Khow addresses conferences, associations, and government agencies across the country. Being a successful Navajo woman, she naturally combines the wisdom of her native roots with her vast administrative experience. Vida has taught her innovative ideas to distinguished clients throughout the United States and Germany. Vida holds a master's degree in Health Services Administration from Central Michigan University. After 18 years of nursing, she was appointed CEO of the Winslow Indian Health Center in Arizona.

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.

AHNNA LAKE, MD The healer must also be healed. Dr. Lake is a respected advocate for not only physicians, but also other professionals who experience high stress. Her refreshing and exuberant outlook on life moves her audiences to positive action. She conveys high optimism and teaches practical and effective strategies.

MARTHA LAMBERT Dynamic, funny, and highly imaginative, Martha Lambert cuts today's life challenges down to size, and shows audiences how to do the same. Her background is rich and diverse—national talk show host, actor, author, educator, and corporate comedienne. Lambert creates a cast of characters who share their unique perspectives on creative problem solving. Her presentations are much more than lectures; they are hilarious and inspiring performances.

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."

BRUCE LEONARD, MPH, CHES An expert in developing community media based behavior change programs, Bruce Leonard's topics include "Worksite Health Promotion: Where To Start," "Designing Behavior Change Interventions," and "Applying Lessons Learned From Tobacco To Physical Activity." His workshop on "Principles of Behavior Change" is full of practical applications that come from years of experience with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, physical activity, nutrition, and smoking cessation.

BARBARA McAFEE Barbara McAfee is a successful recording artist and motivational speaker, who attracts a large following with her concerts and workshops. In her presentations, Barbara uses song, poetry, and storytelling to educate both mind and heart about full-spectrum wellness. She is a fresh new voice in great demand nationally. A health clinic in Illinois said that Barbara gave a “super performance” at their annual Women's Health Fair. The review continued: “...singing, poetry, storytelling, humor and tears—’the whole enchilada.’ We really enjoyed her.”

LAUVE METCALFE As an international program consultant and speaker, Lauve Metcalfe motivates and trains her participants on behavior change and healthy living. Lauve creates an atmosphere of energy and excitement in her talks as she provides a wealth of practical information and creative ideas to make people and programs successful. Lauve has over 15 years of experience developing and implementing employee health promotion and consumer awareness programs at Campbell Soup Company, United Technologies, and Canyon Ranch Resort. Lauve is former president of the Association for Worksite Health Promotion and has served on the President's Council of Physical Fitness and Sports.

MARY MISCISIN, MS Showing Our True Colors! This is just one of Mary Miscisin's "Positive Communication" presentations - all of which are uplifting, humorous and motivating. Mary says that your attitude affects everything you say, do and experience. It can mean the difference between feeling drained and frustrated, or energized and motivated. Learn to deal more effectively with everyday challenges, improve interactions with others and enhance the way you embrace life. With a masters degree in health education wellness management, for years Mary coordinated wellness programs for over 30 different school districts throughout northern California.

MICHAEL O'DONNELL, PhD Founder of the American Journal of Health Promotion and author of Health Promotion in the Workplace. Dr. O'Donnell has served on the faculty of five universities, worked in hospital management for seven years, and in management consulting for twenty years. His background in health promotion internationally informs his presentations on "Achieving Optimal Health" and "Health and Financial Impact of Health Promotion Programs."

DAN PAGELY Dan Pagely is a leader in Corporate and Community Wellness who will help you in Managing Change and Motivation. Explore the continuum from medicine to fitness to recreation and integrate the efforts of your community.

PAMELA A. PAZIOTOPOULOS, JD A leading expert, researcher, author, and frequent lecturer on domestic violence and violence in the workplace, Pamela draws upon her 11 years as a prosecutor for the Cook County State's Attorney's office in Illinois to teach preventive measures that can keep us safe in an uncertain world. We feel that we will be meeting a crucial need by introducing her serious topic as a wellness issue. With energy, clarity and even humor, she tells audiences the hard facts about harrassment and abuse—and how to prevent violence.

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."

GEORGE PFEIFFER, MSE Mr. Pfeiffer has been President of the WorkCare Group, Inc. since 1991. Over the course of his 30 year career, Mr. Pfeiffer has served as a consultant to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the National Institutes of Health, the American Heart Association, the University of North Carolina, Union Pacific Railroad, Mobil Corporation, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Iowa, GlaxoSmithKline, G.D. Searle, the University of Michigan, the National YMCA, Xerox, The Travelers, IBM, General Electric and UAW-GM, among others.

IAN PIKE, PhD "Worksite Health for the Next Millennium." Ian Pike leads the way in showing how the workplace of the future will move beyond cost control to the active promotion of health as a core value.

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

TAMMY ROBERTSON, MA “Creating Compelling Cultures” is a presentation that focuses on building workplaces that inspire the best from people. It’s about creating the kind of culture that compels people to go beyond mediocrity and strive for superior results. Tammy Robertson shows how to keep “your employees’ heart in the game” as she shares her spirit, energy and enthusiasm.

MARTIN SHAIN, SJD Modify the organization of work to make it healthier and safer. Martin Shain is a long-standing partner with Health Canada in developing and refining the Workplace Health System and is a Senior Scientist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. He is the author of Healthier Workers: Health Promotion and Employee Assistance Programs.

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."

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.

WILLIAM E. WILKERSON Bill Wilkerson is a business executive and the former President and CEO of Liberty Health. He served as a crisis consultant to some of the largest corporations in North America. He is leading a nationwide effort to make mental health more intelligible as a business and economic issue.