Alexis Clare
Alexis Clare began creating fun twists on “traditional” bath stuff in 2010, when she had a little too much time on her hands. Why not make a bath melt that looks like a macaron, or top a bath bomb with cocoa butter “icing”? Her inspiration comes from sweet treats and fancy deserts, gems and rocks, and magical creatures. Visit whippedupwonderful.com for more delightful creations that are eco-friendly, natural, and low-waste.
Allia Zobel Nolan
Allia Zobel Nolan is an internationally published author of 150+ children’s and adult books. Her titles range from the Divine to the feline and include such varied titles as Whatever Is Lovely: A 90-Day Devotional Journal, (Harper Christian) Cat Confessions: A Kitty-Come-Clean Tell-All Book, (Harvest House), The Joy of Being Fifty+ (Workman Publishing, illustrated by New Yorker cartoonist, Roz Chast), and more. A former Reader’s Digest Children’s Publishing senior editor, she collaborated with the Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop to publish Laugh Out Loud with 40 funny EBWW humorists. The title won a 2019 Humor Indie Award. Her greatest passions are her husband, Desmond, her fur babies, Nolan Nolan and Colleen Fiona Shannon Nolan, and Cherry Garcia Ice Cream.
Allie Scully
Allie Scully is a writer and filmmaker in Brooklyn, New York. She is originally from Arlington, Texas, and so excited to contribute to a Dallas-based magazine!
Alma O. Garcia
Alma O. Garcia is a retired nonprofit bilingual professional and an entrepreneur. She believes in looking back on life with an “I can’t believe I did that!” attitude than to look back and say, “I wish I did that!” She is the mother of two young adults (Cuatro and Julienne) and is enjoying “la pura vida” in sunny Costa Rica.
Anna Toker
Dr. Anna Toker is a full-service colorectal surgeon in Mansfield and Arlington, Texas, focusing on robotic approaches to colorectal surgery. Dr. Toker is also the independent owner of Skandii MedSpa in Mansfield, offering dietary and nutritional advice for weight loss as well as aesthetic treatment for overall health and beauty. To learn more about Dr. Toker, visit: Drtoker.com or skandiimedspa.com
Ann Ranson
Ann Ranson is a conscious leader and future-focused master facilitator providing guidance for powerful breakthroughs that help you shape your most fulfilled life. Take the free Civility Quotient Assessment, measuring where you shine and where you need work. Find her at AnnRanson.com. Or follow her on Facebook or LinkedIn.
Audette Rackley
A member of the Center for BrainHealth team since its inception in 1999, Audette Rackley is Assistant Director of Strength-Based Programs. Her current focus is providing a research-based intervention for individuals with early stage Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. She co-authored I Can Still Laugh, a book outlining a BrainHealth-developed strength-based approach to working with patients with dementia. Audette teaches a graduate level class on dementia, directs a dementia practicum, and has spoken at State and National Conferences on the importance of discourse processing in the early detection of progressive brain disease.
Audrey Vero
Audrey Vero is a registered dietitian nutritionist with a Master of Science degree in Clinical Nutrition, which she received from Rutgers University in 2021. Her passion for nutrition stems from a lifelong love for food and fitness. She currently works as a nutrition advisor at PreviMedica, specializing in gut health and functional nutrition lab testing. Outside of work, Audrey enjoys lifting weights, swimming, baking healthified treats, and enjoying the Florida sunshine.
Barbara Glass
A Yankee by birth, a Midwesterner, and Southerner by heritage, Barbara Glass lived in Texas for 20 years but now calls New Jersey home. She celebrates aging by experiencing it firsthand and helping the next generation along the way, including her own children and grandchildren. “I try to bring an understanding of the aging perspective within the context of community and non-profit initiatives.” Part of this engagement is writing about aging in celebratory and thoughtful ways. “I’m living the dream by telling our stories.” As a long-time genealogy lover, she has worked on her family and friends’ history since high school.
Beverly J. Graves
Beverly Graves is a retired high school teacher who now writes curriculum and articles for the Ohio State Bar Foundation. She also presents that curriculum to students throughout Ohio.
Bobbi Schwartz
Bobbi Schwartz is founder & CEO of The Bobbi Schwartz Group, a Dallas-based personal styling company and Be Iconic Style (beiconicstyle.com), a lifestyle resource for women focused on personal transformation through style. With two decades in the industry, she has worked for some of the world’s top retailers and design houses. Schwartz became a personal stylist in 2003 and has written two books in her Style Essential series — “Build Your Ultimate Wardrobe” and “Chic Casual Dressing: The Budget Guide” — both available through Amazon.
Bonnie Cook
Bonnie Cook is the President and CEO of Mental Health America of Greater Dallas. She joined MHA-Greater Dallas in 2018. Before that, she worked in Kentucky as the executive director of MHA-Kentucky. Ms. Cook has more than 20 years of experience working in the field of mental health and has an extensive background in nonprofit management, strategic partnership development, and community development. Her life's mission is to erase the stigma surrounding mental illness.
Broc Sears
Broc Sears is an assistant professor of professional practice at TCU’s Bob Schieffer College of Communication and also works with the Texas Center for Community Journalism. He has more than three decades of experience in the news, advertising and marketing industries and earned recognition from the Society for News Design, Council for the Advancement and Support of Education, APME of Texas and the Dallas Press Club. He and his wife enjoy the best days of their lives here in Dallas with their family.
Caroline Albert
Caroline Albert is a senior at the Fashion Institute of Technology majoring in Advertising/Marketing Communications. Since moving to NYC, she has worked in many fashion industry areas, including volunteering at multiple Fashion Week shows. Albert interned at Cynthia Rowley Headquarters, where she helped produce/run their Spring/Summer 2020 show and also worked in public relations. Albert’s love of fashion has been a driving factor in her life.
Carolyn Bower
Carolyn Bower is an Ohio-based Freelance Writer who finds inspiration in a variety of areas. Her music articles can be seen in fyi50+, BOOMER Magazine, and GO Magazine (New York City), and her sports articles have appeared in The Sports Column. Her many interests include animal welfare issues and education concerns. Read her articles online at clippings.me/carolynbower Her interests includes literature and theatre, reading mysteries, and listening to her extensive music collection from the 1940s through the present.
Caryn Berardi
Caryn Berardi is a Communications Specialist for the North Texas Food Bank.
Catherine Young
Catherine Young studied with a master astrologer for 12 years, where she was a teacher of esoteric astrology and metaphysics. This knowledge helped harness her gifts and unite her passions of the many divinations she had been using. Young worked as a psychic at Magic Island and worked with a large clientele for tarot readings. She became a member of the Carl Jung Society and studied theology and natural healing. Young's journey led her to become a Reiki Master— plus, she also teaches energy workshops. Young embraces all forms of divine information that she uses to help those who seek her counsel. You can reach her at Catsadora@gmail.com or on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/zengirlmagic/.
Chad Etheridge
Chad Etheridge is a Naturalist at River Legacy Nature Center. He is a lifelong resident of the Dallas/Fort Worth area where he grew up with a fascination of all things aquatic. He has spent countless hours in his canoe leading tours, exploring, and learning about “our river,” and is always willing to talk about the Trinity with anyone who will listen! To learn more about River Legacy Nature Center initiatives and programs, visit www.riverlegacy.org.
Christopher Miller
Christopher Miller is an artist and the author of The Spiritual Artist, available on Amazon, and the producer of The Spiritual Artist Podcast. For more information, visit www.spiritualartisttoday.com.
Dr. Cristina Wohlgehagen
Cristina Wohlgehagen, MD is the founder of IHaC, a membership based clinic aimed to strengthen and protect our best brain. Dr. Cris is double board certified in Neurology and Headache Medicine. She works with Kerwin Research Center in neurodegenerative clinical research. She is an experienced speaker and educator in the community, also with a volunteer faculty appointment at UT Southwestern.
Cynthia Arnold
Cynthia Arnold, CEO One Earth United, promotes Indigenous art as a powerful way to inspire connections among cultures. As a PR pro, she has worked in media relations garnering placements in major publications such as New York Times and USA Today. She attended Penn State and graduated with honors from Ohio University with a BSJ and PR specialization. For more information visit www.oneearthunited.org.
David Freitag
David Freitag, an industry veteran in financial services and wealth management, brings a deep passion and unparalleled knowledge of Social Security filing strategies and retirement income planning to his current role as a financial planning consultant for the Advanced Concepts Design Group of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual). His also holds a Master of Education and Bachelor of Science degrees from the University of Maryland.
David Stupay
David Stupay, Managing Director of Envision Dallas, has spent his entire career building and growing mission-centered organizations. For more than 15 years, he has provided CEO and executive director roles at leading nonprofit organizations nationwide. Stupay joined Envision after serving as the President and CEO of Heartspring in Wichita, Kansas. His mission at Envision Dallas is to help provide employment opportunities, life changing services, and resources for the more than 150,000 people in the North Texas area who are blind or visually impaired. Stupay is married and has three young children.
Debra Goldie Jones
Debra Goldie Jones is a dealer at the North Dallas Antique Mall, a freelance writer and content writer. She has been a dining critic, a shopping critic and now she’s just plain critical about everything!
DeLila Bergan, JD, MA, HEC-C
DeLila Bergan, JD, MA, HEC-C. is a bioethicist, elder mediator, and retired elder law attorney. One of her clients received that 2:00 A.M. phone call and shared its emotional impact; details have been modified to protect the parties’ identities. To contact Ms. Bergan, visit her website
Dana Cobb
Dana Cobb is a story-seller with a 20-year history of success across many industries including hospitality entertainment, not-for-profit, lifestyle, luxury, real estate, public arts and team management. As a visible and reliable member of the community, her work has been honored with multiple national awards and recognitions. She is catty with cursive and has tales for days.
Dotty Woodson
Dotty Woodson has B.S. and M.S. degrees in Horticulture from Tarleton State University and a doctoral degree from Texas A&M and Texas Tech Universities for Agricultural Education, Communication, and Leadership. Woodson taught horticulture, irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and landscape water conservation by design, plant selection, and efficient irrigation efficiency for 35 years.
Doug Sturdivant
Doug Sturdivant is a North Carolina native living in Dallas. He has been teaching English and Theatre Arts for 30+ years. Doug is also a theatre reviewer for Where The Drama Is on Facebook. In his spare time, he enjoys herding his four cats!
Dr Diana Kerwin
Diana R. Kerwin, MD, CPI is the Principal Investigator for the Bio-Hermes study and President of Kerwin Medical Center.
Edward Brown
Edward Brown is an award-winning journalist, freelance writer, blogger, and arts critic for Fort Worth Weekly, Visit Fort Worth, and Madeworthy Magazine. In his free time, he enjoys running and volunteering for nonprofits. Edward has a son and a daughter.
Emily Landon, M.D.
Dr. Emily Landon specializes in infectious disease, and serves as medical director of antimicrobial stewardship and infection control University of Chicago Medicine.
Frank Abagnale
While Frank Abagnale’s real life story about his time as one of the world’s greatest con men was the subject for the popular Steven Spielberg movie Catch Me If You Can, for the last 44 years, he has been associated with the FBI. He is a lecturer for the bureau, as well as a faculty member at the National Advocacy Center (NAC). Over 14,000 organizations and law enforcement agencies utilize his fraud prevention programs. He is also a distinguished author of numerous articles and books, including The Art of the Steal, The Real U Guide to Identity Theft, Stealing Your Life, and, Scam Me If You Can – Simple Strategies to Outsmart Today’s Rip-off Artists.
To learn more about Frank Abagnale and his work, publications and real world experience visit www.abagnale.com.
Fred Mays
Fred Mays is a former TV news guy. He now lives in Allen, Texas and works as a freelance writer/photographer. He specializes in travel and environmental subjects. Follow his blog at www.northtexasactivelife.com.
fyi50+
fyi50+ features Dallas-Fort Worth like never before, with a focus on delivering informative and newsworthy content from professional journalists and experts in their chosen field. Every story offers new inspiration and information, bringing our readers the freshest content from subject matter experts in arts and entertainment, dining and drinks, grandparenting, health and wellbeing, life and lifestyle, money and retirement, and topics and perspectives.
Gladys Aniaka
Gladys Aniaka is a Nigerian writer who thinks better on paper. For Gladys, writing is the next best thing after scented candles. She is passionate about healthy eating and lifestyle. Her perfect retirement plan is travelling the world blogging about healthy meal recipes.
Harriet P. Gross
A proud native of Pittsburgh, PA, Harriet P. Gross began her journalism career in 1955 at The Jewish Criterion, a weekly paper in her home city. Moving to the Chicago area in 1957, she became a columnist and feature writer for STAR Publications, a leading twice-weekly newspaper serving the city’s southern sector and its suburbs to the south and west. After years of work as a full-time journalist in suburban Chicago, Harriet came to Dallas in 1980 following her marriage to the late attorney Fred Gross. Here she began freelancing. Among many special projects, she wrote the scripts for Jewish Family Service’s first video and Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas’ 100th anniversary video, and the text for Dallas Section, National Council of Women’s soon-to-be-published history book. Today, Harriet’s “In My Mind’s I” column runs weekly in the Texas Jewish Post. She has won writing awards from the Press Club of Dallas, American Jewish Press Association, National Federation of Press Women, Illinois Woman’s Press Association and Press Women of Texas, and has been listed in five Who’s Who publications. In her community today, Harriet is a book reviewer, discussion leader, and program presenter for clubs, senior living facilities, and Jewish institutions including the JCC’s Senior Program, and after years on its Board, she was named a Life Member of the Dallas Jewish Historical Society. She holds a B.A. in writing and secondary education from the University of Pittsburgh and an M.A. in humanities from the University of Texas at Dallas, plus certification in Jewish education from Spertus College of Judaica, Chicago. Harriet was widowed in 2014. She has two children, five grandchildren, and two great-grandsons.
H.B. Elliott
Heather McKinney
Heather McKinney is an Equal Justice Works fellow and attorney at Legal Aid of North West Texas, where she provides legal representation to victims of elder abuse and exploitation. She also conducts community education and outreach to foster an organized, community-based response to senior abuse and exploitation instances. You can learn more about Heather and her fellowship HERE.
Heidi Frankel
Heidi Frankel is the founder and publisher of fyi50+. She brings an extensive media background that includes publishing, broadcast news, radio, writing, editing, business development and more. She has interviewed former President George W. Bush, comics wunderkind Stan Lee, Gayle King, and Doris Kearns Goodwin among many other notable names.
Hugh Koh
Hugh Koh is a Group Tai Chi Instructor at Life Time Plano and Life Time Addison. He also teaches at the Rosemeade Recreation Center and the Carrollton Senior Center. He previously taught in Long Island, NY, where he regularly practiced with his masters and students. You can view some of the Tai Chi exercises on his website at
www.taichiandme.wordpress.com.
Jack Pointer
Jack Pointer is a freelance writer who helped edit The Dallas Morning News in a previous life. He’s also worked for The Chicago Tribune and a news radio station out east. In his spare time, he plays piano and argues with his dog.
Jaclyn Albin, MD, FAAP, FACP
Dr. Albin treats patients of all ages and trained in combined internal medicine and pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. She joined the Departments of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine at UTSW in the fall of 2014 where she practices primary care in the Combined Internal Medicine/Pediatrics Clinic at UTSW. Dr. Albin serves as the Associate Program Director for the Internal Medicine/Pediatrics (Med/Peds) Residency Program and loves teaching about health promotion across the lifespan. She is passionate about nutrition, lifestyle, and other environmental influences on health, and she teaches her patients and students to prioritize these areas. In 2017, Dr. Albin launched UTSW’s Culinary Medicine program and serves as the director, working to teach nutrition through hands-on cooking classes to medical students, residents, healthcare professionals, and the community. Dr. Albin loves blending her passion for nutrition and wellness with growing a garden, cooking, traveling, and spending time with her husband and children.
Jaimie Johnson, Pampered Chef
Jaimie Johnson “chef Jaimie” shares the art of cooking, baking, and entertaining with friends and families everywhere. She has 18 years in the food industry. Jaimie enjoys teaching baking and decorating techniques, and making healthy meals in a hurry and assembling time-saving meal prep in her workshops as well as creating the perfect party and bridal shower experiences with her Pampered Chef business. When she is not cooking, Jaimie has a fulltime marketing career with a well-known travel company and enjoys spending time with her family, including her new puppy, Ace. Check out her blog at: http://tiny.cc/Chefjaimiekids
Janet Smith, Master Naturalist
Janet Smith is a recovering plantaholic who considers the Master Naturalist, Master Gardener, and Native Landscape Certification training her 12-step program. Janet now has a particular interest in native plants. She restricts her selections to heat and drought tolerant plants that multi-task by attracting pollinators like butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, lizards, and other fascinating insects. She loves sharing her interests as a public speaker and project coordinator for the Bath House Pollinator Garden at White Rock Lake.
Janie Pace
Writer/photographer Janie Pace is a native Texan covering restaurants, wineries, breweries, travel destinations, and cruises. A member of the ITWPA International Travel Writers and Photographers Alliance, IFWTWA International Food Wine Travel Writing Association, and USPA United States Press Agency; she’s a retired advertising and sales professional.
http://www.journeymapped.com
Jeanne Savelle
Jeanne Savelle writes about wine for wineries, importers, and distributors. She has several certifications from The Wine Scholar Guild and WSET. She has spent 30 years following the wine business around the world. You can learn more at: https://www.facebook.com/PortStVino, https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanne-savelle/.
Jen Hasson
Jen Hasson is a Yoga Alliance Certified 200-Hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) and owner of www.DownDogInTheDesert.com, a yoga and lifestyle blog. You can follow her on instagram @down_dog_in_the_desert.
Jennifer “Neily” Neily, MS, RDN, FAND
Jennifer “Neily” Neily, MS, RDN, FAND. Award-winning Dallas-based registered dietitian nutritionist and Wellcoach® certified health coach, Jennifer Neily has a virtual coaching practice – NeilyonNutrition.com. Through her whole-person comprehensive one-on-one approach she helps women build a healthier relationship with food and gain trust and confidence in themselves to ultimately have more freedom and energy to enjoy life. For more info visit: https://neilyonnutrition.com.
Jenna Lewis
Jenna Lewis is a health, wellness, and fashion writer. She believes that age is only a number and that we should all strive to lead youthful lives. In her free time, she loves to go on long walks with her husband.
Jessica Jarrard
Jessica Jarrard is a licensed clinical social worker, (LCSW) and has been working in the mental health field for over 20 years. have a deep respect for my clients' individual experiences, and provide a safe, non-judgmental environment for individuals to develop insight and grow. I know how difficult the first step is, and value your trust in me. I am actively engaged in the recovery community, both personally and professionally. I am also a parent. I believe my experiences have helped to shape me as a therapist, and allow me to appreciate a diverse range of issues, cultures, and individuals. She completed her Master's degree in Clinical Social Work at San Francisco State University. She attended Barnard College, the women's college at Columbia University, and completed my undergraduate degree in Psychology at Sonoma State University, in California.
The field of psychotherapy offers a variety of services. I have worked in acute settings (psychiatric hospitalization), subacute settings (residential treatment), and intensive outpatient treatment settings, as well as maintaining my private practice. As a clinician in a rapidly changing field, I recognize the importance of maintaining a critical eye to my work, and participate in several professional peer consultation groups that meet regularly. As professional colleagues, we provide clinical feedback and challenge each other to be the best in our fields.
Jessica Waller
Jessica Waller is a freelance writer for several publications, musician, artist, and mother of two.
John Vernon
John Vernon has been a practicing attorney for more than 42 years in
International Mergers & Acquisitions, Franchising, and Trade Law. He is also an Adjunct Law and Human Rights Professor at SMU and Pro Bono Counsel in Human Rights cases in the U.S. and abroad. Vernon is an author and frequent speaker on International Law and Human Rights issues domestically and globally.
Judy Beaudin
Judy Beaudin is an award-winning competitive cook/baker and the owner of Scrumptious Catering, a boutique catering company in Franklin, Tennessee. Her dessert and pastry work has been featured in national marketing campaigns and on HGTV. Her catering work has appeared in local and national lifestyle and industry magazines. Follow her "foodie" life on Instagram at @scrumptious_judyb and Facebook at Scrumptious Catering & Sweets.
Dr. Karen Shaw Becker
Dr. Karen Becker, a proactive and integrative wellness veterinarian. Her goal is to partner with pet parents seeking to improve their pet’s overall health and vitality through wise lifestyle choices. Karen Shaw Becker received her degree in veterinary medicine from the Iowa State School of Veterinary Medicine. She completed exotic animal internships in California and at the Berlin Zoo, Germany. She is certified in animal acupuncture, homeopathy and rehabilitation (physical therapy for pets).She founded the first proactive animal hospital in the Chicago area in 1999, opened an exotic animal hospital in 2001, and a rehabilitation and pain management clinic in 2011. Today, she still practices medicine, but also enjoys educating people about natural health for their pets by offering the most up-to-date information on species-appropriate nutrition, lifestyle choices and proactive living. http://www.drbeckersbites.com/who-is-dr-karen-becker/
Karen Leba-Baker
Karen Leba-Baker assists women to re-awaken their natural sensuality and pleasure and believes in our second half of life; we can have it all, including intimacy and sex: we don't swell, we don't tell, and we're grateful as hell! I can help you start a practice to bring your desires out of hiding to make you happier and your relationships more fulfilling. To reach Karen email her at karen@Businessaspleasure.com or visit www.businessaspleasure.com.
Kassandra Reinhardt
Yin and Vinyasa Yoga Instructor, YouTuber, author, and the face behind Yoga with Kassandra, Kassandra Reinhardt, is on a mission to help others feel great with yoga. As one of the first yoga instructors to embrace online teaching, her Yoga with Kassandra YouTube channel has grown to more than 1.9 million subscribers and has over 190 million views. She specializes in her bitesize approach of 10 minute morning classes as well as videos featuring yoga for athletes, morning yoga, Yin Yoga for your nervous system (combating burnout), mental health & emotional healing. Kassandra is the author of "Yin Yoga: Stretch The Mindful Way" (DK Books), has led yoga retreats internationally, and offers online workshops and in-person Yin Yoga training. She is also the creator of the Yoga with Kassandra app, a source for yoga with exclusive video content, journaling features, and more. With over 2 million people in her online community, Kassandra has truly provided accessibility to yoga and she is expanding her expertise further, with the recent release of her second book, "Year of Yoga: Rituals for every day and every season" (Mandala Publishing). “Year of Yoga” includes holistic practices for any level student, coinciding with affirmations that illuminate the beauty and possibility each of the four seasons presents. Kassandra and her channel have been featured in CBC, Bustle, PopSugar, Well+Good and Elle Australia. https://www.yogawithkassandra.com
Katie Pierce
Kerri Smith
Laid off at the height of Covid, Kerri Smith detoured from the traditional career path in search of a life fully lived. Whether traveling solo or with friends, Kerri enjoys traveling best when the most is made of every experience. Good, bad, or otherwise, her motto is “…but would it make a good story?” https://www.instagram.com/kerristable/
Kimberly Blaker
Kimberly Blaker is a freelance writer. She also owns an online bookshop, Sage Rare & Collectible Books, specializing in out-of-print, scarce, signed, and first editions; fine bindings; ephemera and more at www.sagerarebooks.com.
Kim Horner
Kim Horner is a Dallas-based writer and author of Probably Someday Cancer: Genetic Risk and Preventative Mastectomy (The University of North Texas Press, 2019). Read her blog at kimdhorner.com.
Kim Leeson
Kim Leeson has been a professional photographer for more than 25 years. After studying photography and journalism at East Texas University, she began working for The Dallas Morning News. During an 11-year stint in her dream job as a news photographer, she enjoyed covering breaking news and features. Her work for the newspaper earned her awards from the Texas Headliners Foundation, the Southern Newspaper Publishers Association,Texas Associated Press Managing Editors, and the Association for Women Journalists.
Since leaving the Dallas Morning News in 2004, Kim has been freelancing in the Dallas area, mainly for magazines, public relations firms, educational institutions and nonprofits.
Many also know Kim as an accomplished nature photographer whose passion is finding the extraordinary details of the natural world in urban environments.
Kim's work can be seen at www.kimtakespictures.com
Kim D. Vernon, M.D.
A practicing ob-gyn in Dallas for 39 years, Dr. Vernon is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology by the American Board of Ob-Gyn. She has been awarded Best Doctor in Dallas eight times by D magazine and as Texas Best Doctor repeatedly. Dr. Vernon is passionate about women's rights & health issues and provides exceptional healthcare to women of all ages. She believes in establishing relationships with all her patients based on communication & quality medical care and feels that participation in decision-making and sound medical advice is of the utmost importance.
Kristina Hallett, Ph.D., ABPP | Board-certified Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Kristina Hallett is a Board-Certified Clinical Psychologist, TEDx Speaker, and Associate Professor of Psychology with over 25 years of experience working with organizations and individuals. She offers a fresh look at our commonly held beliefs about well-being, serving as a catalyst for change by inviting shifts in mindset, perspective and everyday practices. She speaks internationally in several areas –resilience, radical self-care, harnessing the positive power of stress, and living your best life through self-compassion.
Dr. Hallett is the author of two international best-sellers: "Own Best Friend: Eight Steps to a Life of Purpose, Passion, and Ease" and "Be Awesome: Banish Burnout, Create Motivation from the Inside Out", and hosts the popular podcast Be Awesome – Celebrating Mental Health and Wellness. She is active in the Leadership Institute for Women in Psychology, the National Speakers Association, and the American Psychological Association and is frequently featured on national platforms such as NBC, U.S. News and World Report, MindBodyGreen, Reader’s Digest, and the American Psychological Association.
Access her free guide to being stress smart and becoming your own best friend, or share your thoughts at
kristinamhallett@gmail.com.
Originally published: mindbodygreen.com
Larry North
Larry North is a leading expert in health, fitness, nutrition and weight loss, Larry owns and operates cutting edge fitness gyms across the nation, the author of several books, and speaks all over the world encouraging people to live a lifestyle encompassing physical, mental & spiritual health.
www.biotemedical.com
Laura Sutherland
Laura Sutherland is the owner of WAG-n-TRAIN pet services, East Dallas’s premier pet care provider. Laura is insured, and a member of the Professional United Petsitters (PUPs).
Laurie Wallmark
Award-winning author Laurie Wallmark writes picture book biographies of women in STEM and fiction. Her books have earned five-starred trade reviews, been chosen as Junior Library Guild Selections, and received awards such as Outstanding Science Trade Book, Crystal Kite Award, Cook Prize Honor, and Parents’ Choice Gold Medal. Her titles include Ada Byron Lovelace and the Thinking Machine, Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code, Hedy Lamarr’s Double Life, Numbers in Motion, Code Breaker, Spy Hunter, and Dino Pajama Party. Laurie has an MFA in Writing from VCFA and is a former software engineer and computer science professor. You can find Laurie on the web at www.lauriewallmark.com and @lauriewallmark.
Leslie Barker
Leslie Barker is a native of Dallas and has been writing ever since she can remember. Most of her career was as a staff writer at the Dallas Morning News, covering primarily health and fitness. You can follow Leslie on her blog at: www.aglassoflemonade.blogspot.com.
Linda Glauben
Linda is originally from Pittsburgh, PA, And moved to Dallas in 1978. She has many years of sales experience. Her passion has always been cooking, especially her grandmother’s and mother’s Italian recipes. In 2018, she realized it was time to move on to her second act and decided to make her dream a reality. Linda started Cucina Noni. She holds in-home Italian cooking classes, teaching how to make homemade pasta and other favorite recipes. Classes are typically 4 to 16 people. Guests choose 3 recipes to prepare. All ingredients are included as well as recipes. Linda is married to Phillip Glauben and has 2 married children, a daughters and son, two granddaughters and a grandson on the way. For more information and to purchase her homemade tomato sauce and pizzelles contact: Noni@CucinaNoni.com
LJ Rohan, MA, GCG, CAPS
L.J. Rohan is a a Gerontologist, author, blogger, and speaker. She writes and speaks on the latest scientific research related to aging, aging in place, and the study of gerontology. She also holds a Master’s Level Graduate Certification in Gerontology from the University of Southern California’s Davis School of Gerontology. L.J. is also a Certified Aging in Place Specialist,(CAPS.) She holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from Southern Methodist University. In her previous career, L.J. was an award-winning interior designer. She was an instructor at SMU, the University of Texas at Arlington, and Northwood University. L.J. lives in Dallas and New York. To learn more about L.J., visit www.LJRohan.com.
Lynn Jenkins
Lynn Jenkins is the President and Co-Founder of Sydoni Skincare and Beauty. Lynn has worked in the beauty industry for more than 30 years, advising clients on makeup application and appropriate skincare routines. Before launching her beauty brand, Lynn worked in support of Dermatologists, Plastic Surgeons, and Aesthetics professionals throughout Texas to aid in the growth and development of clinical skincare and aesthetic medicine sales in their practices. We invite you to discover their extensive collection of products at sydoniskin.com.
Marcus Lansky
Born with a severe spinal condition, Marcus Lansky took the challenge to be able to walk again. With the will and aid of numerous individuals from the medical field and a whole lot of cheerleaders, he was able to take his first steps and take on the world. He then created his site, Abilitator, to reach out to those who are disabled and show them that becoming an entrepreneur is a goal they too can achieve.
Marlene Caraballo
Marlene Caraballo is a graphic artist, writer, speaker, reiki master, and intuitive who mentors those looking for soulful guidance to clear blocks so they can finally love themselves, live fearlessly, and chase their dreams. She lives in rural Orange County, NY and is mom to three grown sons and a pooch. She blogs about life after fifty and shares inspiring mindset tips at www.cheers2chapter2.com. Contact her at marlene@cheers2chapter2.com or connect on Instagram @reikihealingpowers.
Maya Angelou
A poet, dancer, singer, activist, and scholar Maya Angelou was also a world-famous author. She was best known for her unique and pioneering autobiographical writing style. Many national and international organizations recognized her for her contributions to literature. In 2011, President Obama awarded Angelou the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country's highest civilian honor. Angelou died on May 28, 2014, but her inspiring words and actions live on.
Melinda Myers
Melinda Myers is a nationally known gardening expert, TV/radio host, author & columnist. She has more than 35 years of horticulture experience, a master’s degree in horticulture and has written over 20 books, including Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” gardening DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio segments as well as columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazineVisit her website at www.melindamyers.com
Michelle Booth
Michelle Booth has been helping people tell their stories for 20-plus years. In 2021, she founded Make Momentos, a platform designed for adults to narrate children's books to create meaningful digital keepsakes for the children in their lives. Her vision for the company is an extension of her work as a ghostwriter: to connect families through the power of storytelling. https://makemomentos.com
Mike McGee
Mike McGee is a Dallas-based reporter. He is the recipient of a Press Club of Dallas Hugh Aynesworth Awards for Excellence in Journalism as well as a three-time winner of the National Association of Black Journalists Salute To Excellence Award. His work has appeared in The New York Post, the Neighborsgo section of The Dallas Morning News, and The Dallas Examiner.
Mila Vincent
Mila Vincent is our official "kid theater reviewer." Her favorite things to do are playing on a soccer team her Dad coaches, giving to others on "be kind" days with her Mom, practicing new hairstyles, reviewing shows with her grandmother Johannah Luza, and cuddling during home movie nights with her French bulldog, Penelope.
Mila Vincent with Nancy Churnin
Mila Vincent is our official "kid theater reviewer." One of her favorite things to do is reviewing shows with her grandmother Johannah Luza, as well as cuddling during home movie nights with her French bulldog, Penelope.
Nancy Churnin is an award-winning author with ten children's books and more on the way. Find free teacher guides, resources, and projects for each of her books on www.nancychurnin.com.
Molly Gregor
Molly Gregor is the founder and editor of www.WeddingFile.com and has been writing about weddings for more than 25 years.
Mridula Nadamuni, M.D.
Mridula Nadamuni, MD is a fourth-year internal medicine and pediatrics resident at UTSW. In between adapting to delivering healthcare online, she rides her bike, watches Netflix and reluctantly does laundry. She is always on the lookout for the next great read!
Nancy Cohen Israel
Nancy Cohen Israel is a Dallas-based arts writer, art historian and educator. Over the past 25 years, her work has touched virtually every aspect of the visual arts, from museum and gallery work to teaching art history. In addition to running her own arts education company, Art à la Carte, Nancy’s writing has appeared locally in Patron magazine, Dallas Arts District Guide, VisitDallas: The Magazine, Arts + Culture, and FD Luxe. Nationally, she has written for artltd. Nancy is also a part of the Education Department at the Meadows Museum.
Nancy Churnin
Nancy Churnin is the author of eight picture book biographies that have won the Sydney Taylor Notable, South Asia Book Award and Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People and been honored on numerous states reading lists. A native New Yorker and former theater critic for The Dallas Morning News, Nancy is a Harvard University alumna, with a master's from Columbia University. She lives in North Texas with her husband, a dog named Dog and a cantankerous cat. Nancy's books are available at our Grand Times Bookstore
and independent bookstores. You can also follow her on Twitter @nchurnin.
Nick Thomas
Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery, Alabama and has written features, columns, and interviews for more than 700 newspapers and magazines. tinseltowntalks.com
Noel Koenke
Noel Koenke is a Wellset Select Practitioner and Natural Hormone Balancing Specialist. She has a master's degree in Spiritual Care, with over 15 years in Spiritual Coaching and certifications in Reiki and Crystal Bed Healing. NK Spiritual Care offers Crystal Bed Healing Sessions, Oracle Card Readings, and Soul Transformational Coaching Programs. Let me help you align with your true self. For more information on Noel Koenke or to schedule an appointment, visit https://www.noelkoenke.com.
Noreen Kompanik
Noreen Kompanik is a freelance journalist, associate editor, and speaker from San Diego. A retired registered nurse, she now travels the world and writes about her adventures. Her stories have appeared in TravelPulse, Edible San Diego Magazine, Europe Up Close, International Living and more.
Pamela Welch
Pamela Welch is an estate planning and probate attorney with Miller Law Office in Plano, Texas. For more information visit their website or call (214) 292-4225.
Rev. Dr. Petra Weldes
Rev. Dr. Petra Weldes has been walking a spiritual path for over 40 years and has brought countless students into a richer, spiritually grounded living. She is a dynamic and inspiring speaker and teacher, presenting in spiritual and leadership settings nationally and internationally. Dr. Petra has published numerous articles and co-authored two books with Rev. Dr. Christian Sorensen. Dr. Petra has a passion for youth, service, inclusion, peace, environment, conscious leadership, global transformation, and expanding consciousness. She is currently serving as Co-Spiritual Director at CSLDallas, a Center for Spiritual Living.
www.CSLDallas.org | https://www.facebook.com/petra.weldes | therock@csldallas.org
Chef Rebecka Evans
Rebecka Evans is an award-winning Competitive Home Cook, Food Blogger, and Recipe Developer/Photographer. With her husband, Blake, she’s a mother of five and grandma to seven. Rebecka was the 2017 World Bacon Champion at the World Food Championship and won The Food Network's Home Sweet Grandma episode of CLASH OF THE GRANDMAS in 2016. Rebecka is also a trained classical vocalist and loves singing opera. http://athomewithrebecka.com
Rebekah Pierce
Rebekah Pierce is a writer in upstate New York, just north of the Adirondack Mountains. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Education degree. In addition to writing, she also owns a farm, where she grows various plants and raises chickens, pigs, and sheep. Her writing interests cover everything from farming and gardening to education, health and wellness, and business. She writes regularly for her blog, J&R Pierce Family Farm, and California Mobility.
Robert Frankel
Robert Frankel is a writer, editor, filmmaker, and Air Force veteran. A native Texan born and raised, he has lived around the country and in Germany. Currently, he's based in Los Angeles, California.
Sharon Kurtz
Sharon Kurtz is a freelance writer and photographer. Her passion is travel, telling stories, and tussling with her four-legged friends. As a baby boomer who loves adventure, she welcomes opportunities to share stories of people, places, food, and flavors around the corner or around the world. A regular contributor to fyi50+ Magazine, she's published 200 articles in various digital and print publications. Austin, Texas, is home with her husband and three spoiled dogs when not searching out new adventures. You can follow her travels on Instagram and Facebook.
Stephanie Fitzpatrick
Stephanie Fitzpatrick is an experienced school administrator who runs a home-based baking company on Long Island, designs digital curricular materials for children's authors, works as an educational consultant, and writes children's stories and recipes in her spare time.
Sue Mintz
Sue Mintz, Founder of Retirementhood™, is a coach, speaker, writer, and facilitator. She educates and guides soon-to-be or current retirees on becoming the best version of themselves in retirement by planning a lifestyle that is purposeful, healthy, fun, and one that fulfills long-awaited goals. She has been certified through Retirement Options, a division of Career Partners Intl, LLC., and is an Authorized "Now What®" Coach/Facilitator. She is not a financial adviser. For more information about Sue and the services she offers, visit https://www.retirementhood.com/ or contact her at suemintz@retirementhood.com.
Tammy O’Neil
Tammy O’Neil is an Associate Certified ADHD Coach, Certified Parent Trainer, Certified Student Success Coach and a Professional Organizer that specializes in ADHD, Chronic Disorganization and Hoarding. Tammy fosters a co-active coaching partnership with her clients and collaborates with them to reach their goals.
If you want more information about how to get and stay Organized? Contact me for a FREE 20-minute phone consult at 304.834.5678 or email tammy@theorganizercoach.com or her website. Tune in to "LIVE with the Organizer Coach," a virtual presentation every second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 6:30–7pm. Visit her website for more information.
Teresa Otto
Teresa Otto is a freelance writer, photographer, and retired pediatric anesthesiologist. She recently moved to The Woodlands, Texas from Montana. When she’s not traveling the world, she serves as a waitress and housekeeper for two rescued cats and a dog. Follow her travels on Instagram and her website.
Theresa Kushner
Theresa Kushner is a self-styled data-vangelist, passionate about AI and the data she uses. With her experience in leading data organizations in companies such as IBM, Cisco Systems, VMware, and Dell/EMC, she helps companies and individuals prepare for the AI generation. She is a speaker and writer who has co-authored two books on data and its use in business: Managing Your Business Data (with Maria Villar) and B2B Data-Driven Marketing (with Ruth Stevens).
Tiffany Lord
Tiffany Lord, E-RYT is a corporate yoga coach and founder of Love + Asana, a virtual wellness studio offering sessions and workshops for employee wellness. She specializes in movement and mindfulness for stress management and improved mobility. Tiffany’s fun, approachable style makes classes feel like you’re hanging out with friends while also improving your mental and physical health. Learn more at loveandasana.com.
Yeun Byun, Owner of Soaps of 7 Flowers
Yeun Byun is the creator of Soaps of 7 Flowers, a Santa Cruz-based artisanal soap company dedicated to enhancing the way we clean and care for our bodies using only the essentials you find in nature. Each of her products reflects her intention for simplicity, a love for art and design, and a deep-rooted fascination with the therapeutic properties of herbs and flowers. When she is not in the soap-making studio, Yeun is sharing her passion for therapy with nature, selling her soaps at Farmer’s Markets, and growing fields full of flowers. Check out her beautiful soaps at www.soapsof7.com.