Spirituality

JAMES H. BALLARD, MDiv, DMin Dr. Ballard is the Associate Pastor and Director of Counseling Ministry for a vital 14,000+ member church. He initiates a health and wellness focus in his ministry that speaks to both religious and secular audiences. Author of Healing the Hurt: Processing the Pain of Past nd Present and A Christian Approach to Wellness, James Ballard employs Reality Therapy and fundamental wellness principles along with his pastoral counseling. He is a Fellow and Diplomate with the American Academy of Pain Management, and is a regular presenter at the National Wellness Conference. Dr. Ballard inspires audiences with his belief that "people should be seen as spiritual, physical and psychological beings, and for a victorious life to be experienced, all areas should be addressed."

REV. LEO BOOTH, MTh A former Episcopal priest, Reverend Leo Booth is a Unity minister, an internationally acclaimed author, lecturer, and trainer on all aspects of spirituality and recovery from depression, addictions, compulsive behaviors, and low self-esteem.

A Certified Addictions Counselor, a Certified Eating Disorders Counselor, and a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, Rev. Leo speaks at many National and International conferences, plus churches of all denominations. In addition to specific in-services and lectures on religious addiction and abuse, Rev. Leo presents workshops, lectures, and training on a broad spectrum of issues to a variety of organizations and institutions.

Rev. Leo contributes regularly to newspapers across the United States and is the author of 10 publications, including When God Becomes a Drug, The Wisdom of Letting Go, and Pearl in the Rice. Rev. Leo has appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Geraldo, Sally Jesse Raphael, and Good Morning America.

JOAN BORYSENKO, PhD Through her medical research, her best-selling books and her inspired speaking, Dr. Borysenko has become a leading authority and world-renowned spokesperson for the mind-body approach to health. She is the author of Minding the Body, Mending the Mind, Fire in the Soul: A New Psychology of Spiritual Optimism, A Woman’s Book of Life, and Inner Peace for Busy People.

BRUNO CORTIS, MD Author of Heart & Soul: A Psychological and Spiritual Guide to Preventing and Healing Heart Disease. A practicing cardiologist for over thirty years, Dr. Cortis speaks inspiringly and entertainingly to lay audiences, and informs physicians, nurses and hospital administrators on the importance of spirituality in medicine.

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, personal achievement and spirituality. Currently a pastor, professor, motivational speaker 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. He has authored four books, co-authored two, and published over 30 articles including his latest book From Purpose to Promise Driven Life. He has spoken and appeared in hundreds of conferences, seminars, workshops, radio shows and publications. 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.

SAM KEEN, PhD “Overeducated” at Princeton University and Harvard Divinity School, Dr. Keen was a contributing editor to Psychology Today, author of a dozen books and the subject of a Bill Moyers PBS special, “Your Mythic Journey with Sam Keen.” A freelance thinker and skilled explorer, he has a healthy disrespect for traditionally accepted boundaries.

LUCY JEANETTE LA FAIVE, MAE "Joy Specialist," Nia Instructor, and Certified Wellness Speaker, Lucy La Faive has been speaking and working with groups for 26 years. Having earned a B.S. in Sociology and Education plus a Master of Arts in Education degree with an emphasis on counseling, Lucy became a juvenile probation officer. She thought, “I can change the world.” Now she knows “we can only change the world by changing ourselves.” That is why she shares concepts, tools and techniques that help others to empower themselves. Presentations include "Joyful Living: Tools for a Happy Health Life" and "Connecting to Spirit Through Movement and Music."

LEWIS MEHL-MADRONA, MD, PhD Author of Coyote Medicine, Dr. Mehl-Madrona draws upon his Native American background to present a model of healing that is holistic, humanistic, and scientifically grounded. A family physician and psychiatrist, he has worked many hours in rural emergency rooms. He is on the front lines in the struggle to integrate his traditional Cherokee and Lakota heritage with modern medicine. In his words, "To be healed, we need to believe in the possibility of healing, and in a greater world, and in higher powers than our own...We cannot live without spirit."

CAROLINE MYSS, PhD Author of the New York Times bestsellers Anatomy of the Spirit and Why People Don’t Heal and How They Can. With degrees in journalism and theology, Caroline Myss holds a doctorate in “intuition and energy medicine” from Greenwich University in Hilo, Hawaii. In 1997, Myss and her work were featured in two hour-long shows on PBS-TV.

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

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.

ELAINE SULLIVAN, MEd Her presentations on self-esteem, relationship building, gender issues and developing awareness of the inner child are so popular that they are “standing room only” at the National Wellness Conference. In great demand as a speaker to corporations and hospitals, Elaine’s positive attitude, caring and sense of fun are contagious.

LISA VENABLE, MA Counselor and Spiritual Director of the Agapé Sanctuary in Minneapolis. As a counselor, Lisa guides her clients to release their fear through positive messages, guided imagery and transformational healings. She is also a gifted speaker on spiritual and psychological aspects of wellness, always showing great sensitivity for her audiences. Topics include "Who Am I and How Am I Creating This Life?"