Dr. Terry Wahls is a clinical professor of medicine at the University of Iowa where she conducts clinical trials. She graduated from the University of Iowa College of Medicine and completed her internal medicine residency at the University of Iowa and is board certified in internal medicine and is also a certified Institute for Functional Medicine Practitioner. She is also a patient with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, which confined her to a tilt-recline wheelchair for four years. Dr. Wahls restored her health using a diet and lifestyle program she designed specifically for her brain and now pedals her bike to work each day. She is the author of The Wahls Protocol: How I Beat Progressive MS Using Paleo Principles and Functional Medicine, The Wahls Protocol: A Radical New Way to Treat All Chronic Autoimmune Conditions Using Paleo Principles (paperback), and the cookbook The Wahls Protocol Cooking for Life: The Revolutionary Modern Paleo Plan to Treat All Chronic Autoimmune Conditions.

She conducts clinical trials that test the effect of nutrition and lifestyle interventions to treat MS and other progressive health problems. She also teaches the public and medical community about the healing power of the Paleo diet and therapeutic lifestyle changes that restore health and vitality to our citizens.

Resiliency and Vitality

There is increased awareness that the mental, emotional, and spiritual components of a patient’s life are major determinants of the quality of life, health outcomes, and economic outcomes for that individual and their family. Unfortunately, many people have been taught by their medical team or others in their life that there is nothing they can do about the challenges they face. However, there are many individuals with “grit” who have achieved the impossible, overcoming critical hardships, severe health challenges, or disability. It is possible to improve one’s grit and have much greater resilience in the face of major health or other life challenges.

Timeline Review

Today we have a deeper understanding of how the health of your parents and grandparents influences your health today. This lecture will help attendees complete their health timeline, starting with the health of their parents before they were conceived. Attendees will be guided through documenting their major health factors, including personal exposures that may have contributed to their unique birth and early childhood stress, disruptions of the microbiome, toxin exposures, stress, trauma, mitochondrial strain, hormonal imbalance, and genetic risk factors. The insights gained from completing this timeline as a group can provide significant insight into the diet, lifestyle, and environmental factors that may play a significant role in the current health challenges each attendee faces.

Creating Resiliency, Part 2 and Basic Detox (Essentials Track)

This a continuation of the Resiliency and Vitality lecture. It presents additional strategies for improving grit and resilience in the face of severe challenges and explores how to detox. Exposures to heavy metals, pesticides, insecticides, plastics, and solvents are associated with higher rates of mental health problems, neurological problems, autoimmune problems, and cancers. In this lecture, attendees will be guided through strategies to reduce exposure and improve the body’s ability to process and safely excrete more of these compounds.

Creating Resiliency, Part 3

This is a continuation of the Resilience and Vitality lecture. In this lecture, participants are guided through the creation of a specific plan to address their diet, lifestyle, and environmental exposures. It also includes a discussion of how to assess when further evaluation or referrals are required.

Diet Plans (Essentials track), Elimination Diet, and Question and Answer (Essentials track)

The Wahls™ Diet plans are designed to improve nutrient density, reduce inflammation, and provide nutrients needed by mitochondria and brain cells to function optimally. The introductory Wahls™ Diet, Wahls Paleo™, and Wahls Paleo Plus™ (the ketogenic diet) are all reviewed. There will also be guidance for vegetarians and vegans who wish to follow the Wahls™ diet plans and those who need an elimination diet.

Research Update, Parts 1 and 2

This reviews the research on food-based dietary research in the setting of autoimmunity and the latest from Dr. Wahls’ research lab. The second lecture discusses traumatic brain injury and neurodegeneration.

MS Research Update (Advanced)

This reviews the latest research on non-pharmacologic approaches to managing MS-related fatigue and pain, vitamin D, brain volume changes in the setting of MS (and how to reduce brain volume loss), and how to improve the brain’s ability to repair myelin.

Dr. Deanna Minich is an internationally-recognized teacher, author, scientist, speaker, and artist.

She has more than 20 years of diverse, well-rounded experience in the fields of nutrition and functional medicine, including clinical practice, research, product formulation, writing, and education. Her doctoral (Ph.D.) research focused on essential fatty acid absorption and metabolism, and her Master of Science degree (M.S.) allowed her to explore the health benefits of the colorful, plant-based carotenoids. She has authored six books on health and wellness and over fifteen scientific publications. Currently, she is Faculty for the Institute for Functional Medicine and the University of Western States. She has developed an online certification program for health professionals so that they can apply the color-coded 7 Systems of Full-Spectrum Health in their practice. Her lectures are heard by patients and practitioners throughout the world. Dr. Minich’s passion is teaching a whole-self approach to nourishment and bridging the gaps between science, spirituality, and art in medicine.

Visit her website at deannaminich.com

Food is medicine. Food is also connection — to one’s entire life, including emotions, mood, and mind. It has been described that food choices drive mood, and mood shifts may alter food selections. In this presentation, learn about the cutting-edge published science that supports the interrelationship between food and mood, and how to apply these findings in everyday life through creative, evidence-based techniques. Attendees will gather insights about the role of nutrition in mental health, how stress and emotions mediate one’s relationship with food, and, finally, a definition of emotional eating and strategies to overcome challenges in this area.

Dr. Philip Blair, MD, (Colonel USArmy retired) is a Family Physician and consultant in disease management in the Northwest. He graduated from West Point in 1972, attended the University of Miami School of Medicine, trained as an Army Family Physician and served as a combat physician in the 1st Gulf War. After medical assignments in three continents and 29 years in uniform he retired from the Army and has been consulting on complex disease management since 2000. Since 2014 Dr. Blair has been studying, treating, and lecturing about the human body’s natural endocannabinoid system (ECS). ECS disorders appear to be the root cause of many chronic medical problems and inflammation. His goal is to restore health and performance by enhancing the ECS using diet, exercise, appropriate medications and non-psychoactive therapies. He is clinical advisor for Elixinol, LLC, and Pro Health Advisor, Inc. [143w]

Links: Inflammation, immune regulation with CBD. https://youtu.be/yVhahfPWUhE

Chronic pain: https://youtu.be/sq21kLo0qHo

Autoimmune conditions show evidence of imbalances in the little known or understood endocannabinoid system (ECS). This master regulator of neurotransmission, metabolism and hormone systems is regarded as the “gate keeper” for immune function with the express purpose of maintaining a balance between acute activation and self recognition. Dysregulation of the ECS is closely correlated in almost all autoimmune conditions with multiple sclerosis being the best studied to date. ECS targets using phytocannabinoids have been partially successful with Sativex for spastic symptoms. Cannabidiol, a component of Sativex, has immuno-modulating effects independent of THC but without psychoactive effects. Cannabidiol (CBD) has pleiotrophic effects on immune cell types in all organ systems from the epidermis to the glia of the brain. In preclinical studies CBD has been shown to modulate cytokines, immune cell type, migration and populations, vascular changes and pain. Despite this breadth of action no toxicity, significant adverse effects or immune compromise have been identified. Furthermore, CBD appears to have immediate restorative effects for anxiety, mood, and sleep. This presentation will review the evidence, products and dosing recommendations for CBD for autoimmune disorders in conjunction with other lifestyle and dietary changes.

Ken Sharlin, M.D., M.P.H., IFMCP, is a board-certified neurologist, consultant, functional medicine practitioner, author, and speaker. His medical degrees are from Emory University and functional medicine certification through The Institute for Functional Medicine. He is the author of the #1 best-seller The Healthy Brain Toolbox: Neurologist-Proven Strategies to Improve Memory Loss and Protect Your Aging Brain. A 3-time Ironman Triathlon finisher, Dr. Sharlin made his story of personal transformation the launching point of his career when he shifted gears to a holistic, lifestyle-medicine-oriented approach. He practices general neurology and directs his functional medicine program, Brain Tune Up!, in Ozark, MO.

Visit his website at http://functionalmedicine.doctor

When Can I Stop My Medication?  And How The Wahls Protocol Can Get You There

A podium presentation followed by panel discussion with Dr. Ken Sharlin and Dr. Terry Wahls.

The first time the words, “You have multiple sclerosis” is heard by anyone must be devastating news.  Perhaps second to hearing the diagnosis is the difficult to accept idea that conventional treatment means a life sentence of medications that are costly and can have serious, life-threatening, side effects.  Until recently, there has not been an examination of when disease-modifying therapy can be stopped.  Our presentation will explore the latest information on this subject, including a discussion of how The Wahls Protocol offers a strategy to MS sufferers to take control, and increase the likelihood that they can stop their medication.

Reversal of Cognitive Decline

Presentation Abstract: Dr. Sharlin harnesses the latest discoveries in neuroscience and applies them, using a functional medicine framework, to create a practical and actionable plan for the reversal of Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline. The presentation draws from his clinic-based protocol, Brain Tune Up!, which resulted in a recently published article in The Journal of Alzheimer’s and Parkinsonism entitled Reversal of Cognitive Decline: 100 Patients. Built around the story of one of Dr. Sharlin’s patients the presentation is a hero’s journey into the workings of the brain. It integrates the individual pieces of the puzzle into a holistic view of how the brain works (or doesn’t), makes the complex understandable, and provides the tools needed to overcome the challenges faced by those suffering from cognitive decline. Finally, Dr. Sharlin takes the audience through the transformation of his patient, and others, in their remarkable recovery from this devastating disease.

Bredesen DE, Sharlin KS, Jenkins D, et al. Reversal of Cognitive Decline: 100 Patients. J Alzheimer’s Dis Parkinsonism 2018. 8(5):450.doi 10.4172/2161-0460.1000450.

I started my career as every other new dentist did. I was writing prescriptions for fluoride, I was placing mercury silver fillings, I was treating oral disease using pesticides we call oral hygiene products. I knew nothing of nutrition or the implications of oral disease on our health. I will explain how there were certain things that happen early in my career that challenged my thinking and what I was taught. I now look at dentistry in a whole different light or through different lens, perhaps a functional perspective. I now search for the root cause of disease and understand the use of a slash and burn philosophy is incorrect. I am no longer using pesticides to treat disease. I now understand that there are over 700 species of bacteria in our mouth that need to live in a symbiotic relationship beneficial with us. That those bacteria in our mouth and our gut protect, feed us, and even control our cognition. Please join me for an informative talk as well as an interactive conversation on oral health and systemic disease.

Visit his website at www.justaripple.com

I started my career as every other new dentist did. I was writing prescriptions for fluoride, I was placing mercury silver fillings, I was treating oral disease using pesticides we call oral hygiene products. I knew nothing of nutrition or the implications of oral disease on our health.  I will explain how experiences that occurred early in my career that challenged my thinking as well as my education. I now look at dentistry in a whole different light or through a different lens, perhaps a functional perspective. I now search for the root cause of disease and understand the use of a slash and burn philosophy is incorrect. I am no longer using pesticides to treat disease. I now understand that there are over 700 species of bacteria in our mouth that can a need to live in a symbiotic relationship that can be beneficial to our health.  I will explain how bacteria in our mouth and our gut protect, feed us, and even control our cognition. Please join me for an informative talk as well as an interactive conversation on oral health and systemic disease.

Visit his website at www.justaripple.org

Dr. Ingels is a respected leader in natural medicine with more than 28 years experience in the healthcare field. He is Board certified in Integrated Pediatrics and a Fellow of the American Academy of Environmental Medicine. Dr. Ingels has been published extensively and is the author of “The Lyme Solution: A 5-Part Plan to Fight the Inflammatory Autoimmune Response and Beat Lyme Disease”, a comprehensive natural approach to treating Lyme disease. He has also been a Lyme and MS patient and has been able to reverse and control his symptoms using natural methods. Dr. Ingels specializes in Lyme disease, autism, and chronic immune dysfunction. He uses diet, nutrients, herbs, homeopathy, and immunotherapy to help his patients achieve better health.

Video Links:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAP0SnKo8hM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psx4c-lnzVg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tDXzGSjG9s&t=27s

Lyme disease is the fastest growing infectious disease in the world, with more than 300,000 new cases in the United States each year. Lyme and other infectious diseases are often underlying causes of autoimmune disease and commonly get misdiagnosed as other illnesses, including MS, ALS, lupus and other autoimmune conditions. In this talk, Dr. Ingels will discuss how identifying underlying infection can help direct treatment of autoimmune disease and get to the root cause of the problem. He will share his personal and professional experience of overcoming Lyme disease using natural methods, such as dietary modifications, supporting gut health, herbal therapy, detoxification strategies, lifestyle management and other novel therapies to modulate the immune system. Dr. Ingels will show you how using therapies that work with your body instead of against it can help stimulate better healing.

Dr. Christina Bjorndal, ND is considered an authority in the treatment of mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders and eating disorders using a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual approach.  Having overcome many mental health challenges, Dr. Chris is a gifted speaker and writer and has shared her wellness philosophy with audiences from platforms such as the Jenny McCarthy show, the International Bipolar Foundation, and many health summits and docuseries. She is recognized as a top ND to follow by two independent organizations. Her book “Beyond the Label” is a comprehensive guide to naturopathic mental health.

Visit her website at drchristinabjorndal.com

Participants will receive a whole-picture view of crucial elements to the treatment of common mental health concerns of anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. This presentation begins with a large-scale view of treatment and focuses down into tangible and practical skills that individuals can use to regain their mental health.

 First, participants will understand how to recognize the root causes of mental health issues which include neurological and biological imprinting in utero, anxiety and stress to avoidance and trauma. Naturopathic and nutritional protocols for supporting the neurotransmitter and neuroendocrine system pathways with various modalities are discussed. Participants will receive concrete models and tools for establishing the physical foundation of health with proper sleep, exercise and diet specifically tailored to support mental wellness.

On this foundation, the program delves into models for working with the emotional and psychological aspects of mental health- working with emotions, thoughts, behaviours, reactions, spirituality, and love and compassion using practical and applicable psychotherapeutic techniques within the scope of naturopathic medicine. Participants will gain confidence and skills learning how to manage their minds so they aren’t at the mercy of their thoughts and emotions.

Dr. Pospisil grew up in Mount Vernon, Iowa. He attended University of Northern Iowa as an undergraduate and completed Dental School at The University of Iowa in 2004. He has been in private practice for 14 years in his hometown. Dr. Pospisil transitioned his practice to Biologic/Holistic Dentistry in 2010.  He has since become a member of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology, has taken training in Orthotropics/Facial Growth Guidance, is a Graduate of the Schuster Center for Professional Development and is an Ambassador at the Dawson Academy of Complete Dentistry.

In this presentation, Dr.Pospisil will examine facial development in humans, past and present. How did we go from having naturally straight teeth in our ancestors to crowded teeth and under developed jaws in well over half of our children today? The traditional and easy way of thinking is that our genetics have crippled us into big teeth and small jaws. Dr.Pospisil will explore alternative explanations to this phenomenon and discuss how dentists and physicians can screen children help them grow in the right direction toward our full genetic potential. There will also be discussion on Traditional Orthodontics vs. Orthotropics/Forwardontics: their similarities and differences.

Mount Vernon Family Dentistry
http://www.mvfdonline.com
Office Phone:319-895-6490
Email: mvfamilydentistry@gmail.com

107 First Street NE, Mount Vernon, Iowa 52314

Bob was born in New York City, began cello studies at age 9 in the public school system and gave his first recital one year later. He entered the Juilliard Preparatory Division as a scholarship student and later enrolled in the Juilliard School where he received Bachelor and Master of Music degrees.  After graduating Bob played chamber music full time and served on the faculty of the University of Virginia until 1983 when he became a regular with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. He later joined the Baltimore Symphony and in 1985 became a member of the Philadelphia Orchestra.  As an avid soloist and chamber musician, he has performed recitals and appeared in major cities of the world. He has also been a member of The Rachmaninov Trio since 2003. In addition Bob is passionately involved in volunteer and outreach activities for the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. He regularly visits schools, retirement communities and nursing homes.

Bob’s cello was made in Venice, Italy in 1816 by Giancinto Santagiuliana.

In 1999 Bob was stricken with a virulent case of Multiple Sclerosis, which left him nearly blind and without the use of his hands. His doctor told him he would be on permanent disability. Bob has made a complete and remarkable recovery and has written a book detailing his journey:  When the Music Stopped: My Battle and Victory against MS. The book is available in print on his website and for download on Amazon Kindle and Barnes and Noble Nook.

Bob is in demand as a motivational speaker, delivering inspiration and hope to those afflicted with chronic illnesses.

Bob Cafaro’s Website: www.bobcafaro.com

Video Links:

TEDx Charlottesville

Madiha Saeed, MD is a practicing board-certified family physician in Naperville and a traditionally published author of a best-selling book The Holistic Rx: Your Guide to Healing Chronic Inflammation and Disease. Madiha Saeed, MD  is Holistic Mom, MD on social media is the director of education of Documenting Hope (a national organization dedicated to healing chronic disease in children) and speaks internationally igniting the world with my energy and passion to ignite a healing revolution! She has been the keynote speaker for an audience of 12,000 in Dec 2018. She has appeared in numerous prestigious holistic online summits, radio, newspaper, and even has been on international Emmy winning medical talk shows.

Extinguish the Flames- Cost and Time Effective! Healing Chronic Inflammation and Disease

Chronic Inflammation is the root of most chronic disease including multiple sclerosis. To be truly effective at managing/overcoming multiple sclerosis, addressing chronic inflammation and its processes at every level is key. Chronic inflammations burns in the body, gradually destroying it the way a fire destroys a building. Unless you put out the fire, you simply allow the body to smolder, comprising there body further. Dr. Saeed will provide the tools you’ll need to get you back in the driver seat of their own health, despite the number of conditions and time constraints. Let’s stop running and finally learn to put the fire out, helping to bring the body back into balance.

We have an epidemic on our hands–that is effecting our future. 1 in every 2nd child has a chronic illness, and sadly the statistics are just getting worse. As life gets busier, our family’s health becomes less and less of a priority, until now. To heal and prevent chronic disease, one must keep inflammation as low as possible despite a busy life. Join Dr. Saeed in the kitchen and she provides cost, time effective and easy tips and recipes to incorporate into your life to heal and prevent chronic disease in all ages. What does your family’s busy healing day look like?

Dr. Will Schlinsog is a board certified Doctor of Chiropractic in Wisconsin and California. He completed his Pre-Chiropractic education at the University of Wisconsin and went on to attain his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Logan College of Chiropractic now known as Logan University in Chesterfield, MO.  He has been in practice for thirty-two years and currently maintains a private practice in Marshfield Wisconsin.

He has had additional training in disability evaluations, functional nutrition, applied kinesiology, and functional neurology. He serves as the CFO of Walkabout Health Products and as a consultant to all of Walkabout’s emu oil users.  Dr. Will conducts educational and informational podcasts regarding the clinical studies and trials performed primarily in his private practice.

Dr. Will is starting a campaign to get his patients connected to local Organic Farmers.  He can be found at walkabouthealthproducts.com.  Dr. Will is married to Elizabeth and shares two grown children with her.

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Visit his website at https://walkabouthealthproducts.com/

Hundreds of recent studies show VK2 is required in many life-sustaining and life-giving processes. However, it appears that all menaquinones (MK) are not interchangeable and MK-4 is the only form that is not the product of bacterial synthesis. 

MK-4 is the bioactive form the body relies on to form vitamin K dependent proteins (VKDP) and run metabolic processes in the brain and body. It also plays a role in the reduction of inflammation, which clearly is the driver of chronic disease. Due to its role in the protection of mitochondrial damage, VK2 could also be relevant in preventing disease progression in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Our modern diets are almost devoid of this essential nutrient, which is having a devastating impact on our health. We know from early, pioneering nutritionists that all traditional cultures had sources of MK-4, which kept them in vital health generation after generation. In my practice, over the past ten years, I have helped patients discover these benefits: results are astounding and clinical applications unlimited.

Keirstan Capurso is 16 years old and a sophomore at Roswell High School in Georgia. She is going on her 14th year of being on a specialized diet, that has included a gluten and dairy free diet and now a Wahls Paleo diet. When she was an infant and toddler, she was very sick with many autoimmune issues that seriously affected her health and development. Once she was started on a gluten and dairy free diet at age 2, her very serious medical issues resolved. She is now a healthy and thriving teenager. Though eating “healthy” is not easy, Keirstan has taken her eating restrictions in stride, firmly believing that her ongoing diet keeps her immune system quiet and allows her to live a normal, happy and healthy life.

Keirstan loves musical theater and has already performed in 20 on-stage productions. She also had the leading role in a short movie called “A Memory Jar”. Though the work is hard, Keirstan enjoys everything about high school. She is the student council secretary for the sophomore class and president of the Roswell United club. She also loves spending time with her friends and family.

Everyone knows we should eat healthy, but in the case where our medical issues stem from food allergies or intolerances, we must adhere to a strict diet – mostly for the rest of our lives. The importance of using food as medicine means starting to and sticking with a new way of life.

As infant and toddler, Keirstan was a very sick girl. She had multiple food issues, many allergies, active asthma, horrible GI issues, and developmental delays. At the age of two years old, she was put on a strict gluten and dairy free diet and, over time, her issues resolved.

Today, at 16 years old, Keirstan is an active and healthy young lady. She has transcended to a more paleo diet in order to maintain her active and healthy lifestyle, free from the symptoms of her autoimmune disease, allergies, and asthma, without medication. Keirstan tells her story and how she “survives” eating school lunches, restaurants and friend’s parties. She will discuss and answer your questions on how she stays the course everyday including helpful tips and tricks. She knows if she can do it, so can you!

Sheryl focuses on the most practical and effective treatments plus education to facilitate immediate results in her practice. She applies her experience, synthesis of information, and practical tools and strategies to provide holistic, individualized treatment plans for every person. While working as a Physical Therapist since 1985, Sheryl has also taught at numerous clinics, colleges, and universities. She currently owns a private practice, lectures nationally, has unique experiences as a certified case manager and an Amen Clinics Certified Brain Health Coach, and she is completing the Functional Nutrition and Lifestyle Practitioner certification program through Functional Nutrition Alliance.

Did you know physical therapists (PTs) are experts in the movement system? Physical therapy has always played a key role in restoring and maintaining function so it can be instrumental throughout your journey. In this presentation, Sheryl will present how your PT or PTA can incorporate nutrition, sleep, relaxation, and more into your program for strengthening, balance, stretching, mobility, gait, pain, and overall function. Plus an encouraging overview of medical insurance coverage will address possible opportunities for your care. Sheryl is excited to share what she learned and has applied specifically from the Wahls Protocol and last year’s seminar.

Kate Wolovsky

Kate is a Wahls Protocol^Ⓡ Certified Practitioner with a passion for body-inclusive approaches to holistic wellness. In 2010, she was diagnosed with MS, receiving the gift of viewing life from both in and out of a wheelchair. This experience inspired her to pursue her master’s degree in mental health counseling. Kate draws on three decades of experience with meditation, various approaches to energetic and touch healing, and over a decade working with movement modalities. Together with her husband, Aaron, she serves people navigating intimacy in the context of illness, disability, or other limitations.

Aaron Wolovsky

If one could earn a degree in living with extreme chronic nerve pain, Aaron would have a PhD. In 2015, Aaron suffered a life-changing motorcycle accident that left him with numerous injuries and permanent disability. Prior to his accident, Aaron amassed a wealth of knowledge in pharmacotherapy working as a pharmacy technician and manager for over almost twenty years. Today, Aaron is a non-denominational minister and collaborates with his wife, Kate, as an advocate for alternative approaches to pain management and serves as a peer mentor to individuals and couples navigating love and intimacy with a diagnosis.

How do you share love, intimacy, and sex when you or a loved one is ill or disabled? Join Kate and Aaron, a husband and wife team with disabilities, who have been there and tried to do just that. Filled with humor, practical tips, and even a little neuroscience, Kate and Aaron invite participants to explore the healing power of connection. Single people and couples of all ages, orientations, and abilities are invited to join as we laugh and creatively muse together about the potentiality we all have to share love, intimacy and sex beyond limitations.

Ann Pinchak has practiced immigration and civil rights law for over 26 years.  She served as President of the Lesbian Health Initiative, an organization dedicated to providing free health screenings and promoting wellness among LGBT women and transgender men.

Ann was a Board member and interviewer for the oH project, a Houston non-profit dedicated to collecting oral histories of the early years of the HIV/AIDS crisis in Southeast Texas.

She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Rice University and J.D. from the University of Houston. As a student at Rice, she performed with the Houston Symphony as a flutist.

Dr Wahls is gathering leaders in diet and lifestyle to support us to become the healthiest version of ourselves, all parts of a wellness puzzle for each to assemble.

My part comes directly from something she said to me, “The key to your healing lies in dealing with your traumas.” These words radically changed my life. I started choosing my response to trauma. LifeShocks, or “wake ups,” require truth telling, which sets us free of trauma.

I will cover my inspiration, journey, and the healing gift of learning from LifeShocks.

Lori Enloe works as physical therapist and tai chi instructor.  In addition to teaching tai chi, she collaborates with clients with chronic health conditions as they make lifestyle changes to improve their health. Lori has worked with individuals with balance dysfunction, weight management issues, and has conducted clinical research with individuals having total joint replacement.  

Lori has BS in Chemistry from UW-River Falls, a certificate in PT from Mayo School of Health Sciences and a MA in Physical Therapy from the University of Iowa.  She is a Certified Exercise Expert in Aging Adults through the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy. Lori has studied tai chi for over 25 years and is an Advanced Certified Tai Chi Instructor with Tai Chi Health and is certified in an Adaptive Wheelchair Tai Chi program.  Lori teaches private and group community tai chi classes and offers seminars at educational institutions, including the University of Iowa, about the benefits of tai chi and meditative movement. She offers Tai Chi Fundamentals® teacher training locally, regionally and nationally.  Through her tai chi practice, she cultivates physical, mental and spiritual resiliency. She lives with her spouse, Jim, in Iowa City and is a parent of 2 college age boys. You may learn more about her work at Breath and Balance Tai Chi at https://breathandbalancetaichi.wordpress.com/

Founder and Artistic Director of Nolte Academy, Leslie Nolte has emerged as an innovator in arts education and movement in the Iowa City community for nearly two decades. Under her direction, Nolte Academy has become a premiere arts program with 30 specialized instructors and 1,100 students.

In addition to teaching dance to children ages 18 months to 18 years, Ms. Nolte also devotes time to those with Parkinson’s disease during a weekly chair-based exercise class. The class focuses on low impact aerobic movement, strengthening muscles and maintaining balance with the ultimate goal of enhancing lives.

Ms. Nolte is also a guest lecturer at The University of Iowa Tippie College of Business. Ms. Nolte is a busy mom of five who also finds time to act in local theatre, teach Pilates at her studio, support various arts endeavors and deepen her personal yoga practice.