18 APR 2024 · Brooke is a Licensed Marriage and Family Counselor, who has grown up and lived in the Finger Lakes region her whole life. She has recently delved into neurodiversity after finding out her own neurodivergence in the fall of 2022. As she was navigating what it meant for her, she expanded her practice to specialize in neurodivergent couples and trauma therapy. This is an expanding and needed space. Brooke is on a mission to normalize it for others and herself after a lifetime of trying to keep it all together! Brooke is passionate about helping others unmask and understand their unique needs therapeutically as individuals and couples. She has come to realize that oftentimes, many of the traditional or "neurotypical" therapies and theories often just "don't work" for out of the box thinkers, empaths, and creatives. Sadly, due to many stigmas and stereotypes of the traditional way of treating mental health, there are just too many gaps in care and knowledge. Brooke is working to bridge that gap for others who may be trying to cope with some conditions like ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, PTSD, TBI, Dyslexia, and more to live empowered lives. Brooke has a private practice, is a provider for Golisano’s Behavioral Health, a Neurodivergent Trainer and advocate with a passion for engaging the community to broaden our understanding of neurotypical so that everyone has access to compassionate care. Instagram: @theneurospicy_therapist Email: https://brookewardlmft.com https://www.brookewardlmft.com/ https://www.brookewardlmft.com/ Our Hosts: - Linda and John (Jack) Mazur founded a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization in 2022 in memory of their daughter, Emilee which provides peer support, social connection, and education for adults with eating disorders and for their family members. For more information or to contact them go to: http://www.theemileeconnection.com - Linda and John (Jack) Mazur wrote, Emilee: The Story of a Girl and Her Family Hijacked by Anorexia, to honor their daughter’s wish, to raise awareness, evoke compassion, and foster change in how eating disorders are viewed and treated. - Paperback: and Kindle:https://www.amazon.com/Emilee-Story-Family-Hijacked-Anorexia/dp/170092012X - Audiobook:https://www.amazon.com/Emilee-Story-Family-Hijacked-Anorexia/dp/B08R6LRPDS - Linda and Jack can also be reached through the book website:  https://emileethestoryofagirl.com or at mailto:Linda.john.mazur@gmail.com - Ellen Bennett is the director of KMB for Answers, a non-profit charity providing educational and financial support for mental health professionals as well as assistance for families in search of resources. For more information about Ellen Bennett and the foundation founded in memory of her daughter Katlyn, go to: http://www.Kmbforanswers.com

14 MAR 2024 · Robyn Shumer: Communication Aficionado, Storyteller, Advocate—Leading Us to Action Robyn Shumer is a dynamic force in the world of change management and communication. She brings a unique blend of expertise to her endeavors, finds the bright spots amidst disorder and can make an audience laugh and cry but most importantly, lead them to action. A certified yoga teacher and ICF trained coach, Robyn is not only adept at driving organizational change but also in empowering individuals. She is passionate about amplifying people and helping organizations communicate effectively across diverse audiences. Robyn's creativity knows no bounds. A storyteller at heart, she excels in facilitating dialogue, workshops, and brainstorming sessions. Her ability to teach people how to tell their stories stems from the belief that nobody should be ashamed to share the stories that shape them. She teaches the craft enabling others to share their personal and business stories successfully and in an engaging way. “Preparing for and delivering a TED talk has been more impactful in my overall well-being, than all of the hours of therapy I’ve had,” she says. Robyn is the author of the book "Bones," a compelling narrative, “hero’s journey,” that explores her life with an eating disorder, and successful executive and inspirational leader. Represented by Leslie Meredith at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret, the book is in search of finding a home with the right publisher. A true advocate for authentic communication, Robyn Shumer is on a mission to inspire others to embrace and share the stories that make them who they are. https://www.robynshumer.com/

18 JAN 2024 · Laura (she/her) is the founder of MindfulMatters585, LLC, offering mindful education, counseling and coaching for anyone looking to find balance, focus and peace in their lives. Working as an educator for many years, Laura became interested in how life can inherently create stress and anxiety, leading to burnout and chronic health challenges. She has counseled, coached and advised thousands, integrating a framework of mindful wellness, empathy, and support. Laura has led introductory and advanced mindful meditation classes and workshops and has been featured as a guest speaker or panelist for a wide variety of organizations. Mindful Matters offers classes, workshops and guided meditation both locally and internationally. Every program emphasizes a mindful approach through insight, practice, and community to help people thrive, rather than survive. Laura M. Gavigan, MS MindfulMatters585, LLC Ph: 585-430-5674 Email: MindfulMatters585@gmail.com FB: MindfulMatters585 Insta: @MindfulMatters585 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-m-gavigan-36934b3/ Our Hosts: - Linda and John (Jack) Mazur founded a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization in 2022 in memory of their daughter, Emilee which provides peer support, social connection, resources and education for adults with eating disorders and for their family members. For more information or to contact them go to: http://www.TheEmileeConnection.com - Linda and John (Jack) Mazur wrote, Emilee: The Story of a Girl and Her Family Hijacked by Anorexia, to honor their daughter’s wish, to raise awareness, evoke compassion, and foster change in how eating disorders are viewed and treated. - Paperback: and Kindle:https://www.amazon.com/Emilee-Story-Family-Hijacked-Anorexia/dp/170092012X - Audiobook:https://www.amazon.com/Emilee-Story-Family-Hijacked-Anorexia/dp/B08R6LRPDS - Linda and Jack can also be reached through the book website: https://emileethestoryofagirl.com or at https://gmail.com Ellen Bennett is the director of KMB for Answers, a non-profit charity providing educational and financial support for mental health professionals as well as assistance for families in search of resources. For more information about Ellen Bennett and the foundation founded in memory of her daughter Katlyn, go to: http://www.Kmbforanswers.com

16 NOV 2023 · Barbara has lived all her life in the Rochester area and has a lakehouse on Keuka Lake. She raised 3 daughters, one who was diagnosed with anorexia at age 11 in 1969. At age 88 Barbara has experienced the impact of alcoholism, mental health issues and anorexia/bulimia, starting when her youngest daughter was 5 years old, all during a time when NO ONE was talking about any of it. Barbara’s youngest daughter was exhibiting behaviors that seemed very different from her other daughters; she consulted their doctor; this was the beginning of a lifetime of struggles. At this time, she also shared her concerns about her oldest daughter’s loss of weight, change in mood and refusal to eat. The doctor told her to not delay, to take care of it right away. This was to be a journey that she knew nothing about, she and her husband were scared and felt very alone. Their daughter did recover; what is fascinating is, they consulted a psychiatrist who took the lead and supported this family; 30 years later this might not have been the case, fast forward to today; where psychiatry is beginning to become much more involved in treatment and diagnosis. Our Hosts: · Linda and John(Jack) Mazur founded a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization in 2022, in memory of their daughter, Emilee, which provides peer support groups and social connection for adults with eating disorders and their loved ones. In addition, they speak at schools, colleges, and conferences to educate our community about the serious nature of eating disorders. For more information go to: http://www.theemileeconnection.com/ They authored the book, Emilee: The Story of a Girl and Her Family Hijacked by Anorexia, to honor their daughter’s wish, to raise awareness, evoke compassion, and foster change in how eating disorders are viewed and treated. Ellen Bennett is the director of KMB for Answers, a non-profit charity providing educational and financial support for mental health professionals as well as assistance for families in search of resources. For more information about Ellen Bennett and the foundation founded in memory of her daughter Katlyn, go to: http://www.kmbforanswers.com/ Books Paperback: and Kindle:https://www.amazon.com/Emilee-Story-Family-Hijacked-Anorexia/dp/170092012X · Audiobook:https://www.amazon.com/Emilee-Story-Family-Hijacked-Anorexia/dp/B08R6LRPDS They can also be reached through the book website: https://emileethestoryofagirl.com/ or at mailto:Linda.john.mazur@gmail.com

20 OCT 2023 · Shannon Calvert is a Lived Experience Educator and Advisor from Australia after experiencing more than three decades with a severe and enduring eating disorder as well as complex physical and mental health challenges. Her expertise has been working with government and non-government organizations in an advisory capacity, as a peer-work coordinator and trainer. She has presented papers, workshops, and training both nationally and internationally on topics such as the importance of compassion in treatment interventions, consumer, and carer engagement in the design of policy, and education, as well as her own lived experience. In 2019 at the International Conference for Eating Disorders, Shannon was a plenary speaker on the topic “When does the time come for compulsory treatment”. Our Hosts: · Linda and John(Jack) Mazur founded a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization in 2022, in memory of their daughter, Emilee, which provides peer support groups and social connection for adults with eating disorders and their loved ones. In addition, they speak at schools, colleges, and conferences to educate our community about the serious nature of eating disorders. For more information go to: http://www.theemileeconnection.com/ They authored the book, Emilee: The Story of a Girl and Her Family Hijacked by Anorexia, to honor their daughter’s wish, to raise awareness, evoke compassion, and foster change in how eating disorders are viewed and treated. Ellen Bennett is the director of KMB for Answers, a non-profit charity providing educational and financial support for mental health professionals as well as assistance for families in search of resources. For more information about Ellen Bennett and the foundation founded in memory of her daughter Katlyn, go to: http://www.kmbforanswers.com/ Books Paperback: and Kindle:https://www.amazon.com/Emilee-Story-Family-Hijacked-Anorexia/dp/170092012X · Audiobook:https://www.amazon.com/Emilee-Story-Family-Hijacked-Anorexia/dp/B08R6LRPDS They can also be reached through the book website: https://emileethestoryofagirl.com/ or at mailto:Linda.john.mazur@gmail.com

14 SEP 2023 · Kaitlyn Vittozzi of Rochester, NY is a C-IAYT Yoga Therapist who specializes in chronic pain relief, stress-reduction, and perinatal struggles. A SUNY Albany School of Business graduate, she is no stranger to corporate stress and the physical ache that working and striving for the next big thing all the time can leave on a body. Kaitlyn began teaching in 2014, taking yoga teacher training as a healthy summer hobby. Soon after teaching, she recognized that people left class happy, and that their mood was uplifted, and she realized they had left life’s stressors behind. Kaitlyn went on to study yoga therapy with Phoenix Rising to help people use the tools of yoga to enhance their whole life, rather than just an hour per day. Yoga is an ancient practice not just based on the postures we see in magazines, but on eight holistic limbs and Kaitlyn hopes to highlight this with the individuals, couples and groups she works with. Clients learn to improve their relationship with physical, mental, and emotional tensions that show up in their bodies. Kaitlyn began teaching for KMB for Answers in 2021 and has studied Yoga for Eating Disorders. She also teaches paddleboard yoga and writes for Rochester Woman Online. She loves spending her downtime with her dog. As a yoga therapist, Kaitlyn’s goal is to help you discover long-term relief and a happier mind, body, and spirit. For more info or to schedule a free phone consultation, visit PenfieldYogaTherapy.Com. https://tozziyoga.com/ Our Hosts: · Linda and John(Jack) Mazur founded a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization in 2022, in memory of their daughter, Emilee, which provides peer support groups and social connection for adults with eating disorders and their loved ones. In addition, they speak at schools, colleges, and conferences to educate our community about the serious nature of eating disorders. For more information go to: http://www.theemileeconnection.com/ They authored the book, Emilee: The Story of a Girl and Her Family Hijacked by Anorexia, to honor their daughter’s wish, to raise awareness, evoke compassion, and foster change in how eating disorders are viewed and treated. Ellen Bennett is the director of KMB for Answers, a non-profit charity providing educational and financial support for mental health professionals as well as assistance for families in search of resources. For more information about Ellen Bennett and the foundation founded in memory of her daughter Katlyn, go to: http://www.kmbforanswers.com/ Books Paperback: and Kindle:https://www.amazon.com/Emilee-Story-Family-Hijacked-Anorexia/dp/170092012X · Audiobook:https://www.amazon.com/Emilee-Story-Family-Hijacked-Anorexia/dp/B08R6LRPDS They can also be reached through the book website: https://emileethestoryofagirl.com/ or at mailto:Linda.john.mazur@gmail.com

17 AUG 2023 · Barb Klein is the author of 111 Invitations: Step into the Full Richness of Life, and the founder of Inspired Possibility.  Barb is a certified recovery coach, life coach, Invitation to Change group facilitator, meditation instructor, retreat leader, and writer. Barb is also mom to two young men, one of whom struggled with substance use disorder, eating disorder, and other mental health challenges. Barb has been trained in CRAFT, Motivational Interviewing, Invitation to Change, and Tai Chi for Recovery, seeking to find meaningful and positive ways to support people. As a mom who has navigated life through her son’s substance use and eating disorders for 13+ years, she is determined to create something positive and meaningful out of this experience.  She supports other family members who have been impacted by a child’s mental health challenges and people in recovery to make their own well-being a priority and to find peace and possibility beyond the pain. She is committed to bringing more love and compassion to the journey with substance use disorder, eating disorders, and other mental health challenges. She is currently working on her 2nd book, One Moment at A Time which will support families to find peace and joy while loving their child, no matter what path their child’s life takes. To learn more about Barb and her work, visit her site at http://www.inspiredpossibility.com/ 111 Invitations is available anywhere books are sold online or you can get signed copies directly from Barb through her site. http://www.inspiredpossibility.com/ Our Hosts: · Linda and John(Jack) Mazur founded a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization in 2022, in memory of their daughter, Emilee, which provides peer support groups and social connection for adults with eating disorders and their loved ones. In addition, they speak at schools, colleges, and conferences to educate our community about the serious nature of eating disorders. For more information go to: http://www.theemileeconnection.com/ They authored the book, Emilee: The Story of a Girl and Her Family Hijacked by Anorexia, to honor their daughter’s wish, to raise awareness, evoke compassion, and foster change in how eating disorders are viewed and treated. Ellen Bennett is the director of KMB for Answers, a non-profit charity providing educational and financial support for mental health professionals as well as assistance for families in search of resources. For more information about Ellen Bennett and the foundation founded in memory of her daughter Katlyn, go to: http://www.kmbforanswers.com/ Books Paperback: and Kindle:https://www.amazon.com/Emilee-Story-Family-Hijacked-Anorexia/dp/170092012X · Audiobook:https://www.amazon.com/Emilee-Story-Family-Hijacked-Anorexia/dp/B08R6LRPDS They can also be reached through the book website: https://emileethestoryofagirl.com/ or at mailto:Linda.john.mazur@gmail.com

20 JUL 2023 · Sue is the current president of Lilac City Rochester Writers http://lcrwriters.org, a group that focuses on the craft of writing and publishing for fiction writers. She has a short story published in their No Page Left Unturned anthology. Both books are available on Amazon. Sue Spitulnik was Air Force wife, living in four states and England from 1972 to 1979, and worked until 1990 in a Tacoma, Washington restaurant where the clientele was military connected. She moved back to New York, her home state, in 1991. In 2015, Sue attended a meeting of the Rochester Veterans Writing Group http://rvwg.wordpress.com in search of an Air Force pilot to interview for a writing project. She remains active in the group and has a memoir essay published in the group's first book, United in Service, United in Sacrifice. Sue also creates 99-word flash fiction stories based on a weekly prompt presented at Carrot Ranch Literary, an international online writing group. She has added each scene to a serial entitled "Michael's Circle" about an Army double-leg amputee and his close family and friends for three years on her blog at susansleggs.com. Fairport is where Sue now lives with her husband, Bob, and two cats. She is quilting when she isn't writing, specializing in patriotic and t-shirt quilts. Our Hosts: · Linda and John(Jack) Mazur founded a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization in 2022, in memory of their daughter, Emilee, which provides peer support groups and social connection for adults with eating disorders and their loved ones. In addition, they speak at schools, colleges, and conferences to educate our community about the serious nature of eating disorders. For more information go to: http://www.theemileeconnection.com/ They authored the book, Emilee: The Story of a Girl and Her Family Hijacked by Anorexia, to honor their daughter’s wish, to raise awareness, evoke compassion, and foster change in how eating disorders are viewed and treated. Ellen Bennett is the director of KMB for Answers, a non-profit charity providing educational and financial support for mental health professionals as well as assistance for families in search of resources. For more information about Ellen Bennett and the foundation founded in memory of her daughter Katlyn, go to: http://www.kmbforanswers.com/ Books Paperback: and Kindle:https://www.amazon.com/Emilee-Story-Family-Hijacked-Anorexia/dp/170092012X · Audiobook:https://www.amazon.com/Emilee-Story-Family-Hijacked-Anorexia/dp/B08R6LRPDS They can also be reached through the book website: https://emileethestoryofagirl.com/ or at mailto:Linda.john.mazur@gmail.com

15 JUN 2023 · Shari Botwin, LCSW has been counseling survivors of eating disorders, trauma and abuse in her South Jersey private practice for over 27 years. Her second book, Thriving After Trauma: Stories of Living and Healing was released in an updated paperback in October 2021. Botwin is working on her third book, Stolen Childhoods, which focuses on reclaiming life in adulthood after surviving childhood abuse. Botwin has presented CE workshops for IAEDP, Renfrew and Stockton State College. She has appeared on numerous international media platforms, including Good Morning America, NBC Nightly, MSNBC, CBS Today, The New York Times, Time Magazine, The Associated Press, Sports Illustrated and Radio Europe. In July 2022, Botwin presented a webinar for over one-thousand attendees at The Trauma and Recovery Center in China on the role of an eating disorder in staying stuck in abuse. On September 22, 2023, Botwin will be running an all-day CE training for Stockton State College on managing countertransference when working with survivors of eating disorders and abuse. Botwin has also served as an expert witness in high profile cases involving sexual assault and childhood abuse. Shari Botwin, LCSW (http://www.sharibotwin.com/) Stolen Childhoods: Next Book to be released early 2024! CE: Managing Countertransference when Working with Abuse Survivors: Stockon State College on September 22, 2023. Stay Tuned for Details https://www.amazon.com/Thriving-After-Trauma-Stories-Healing/dp/1538125609 Botwin's latest live segment on NBC News National with Kate Snow: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UXFQLdMuiI&t=6s Follow Shari on Psychology Today Blogs https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/thriving-after-trauma https://anchor.fm/warrior-women-speak Follow on Social Media Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shari-botwin-901172a Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/warriorbotwin7/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharilcsw/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/shari_botwi Our Hosts: · Linda and John(Jack) Mazur founded a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization in 2022, in memory of their daughter, Emilee, which provides peer support groups and social connection for adults with eating disorders and their loved ones. In addition, they speak at schools, colleges, and conferences to educate our community about the serious nature of eating disorders. For more information go to: http://www.theemileeconnection.com/ They authored the book, Emilee: The Story of a Girl and Her Family Hijacked by Anorexia, to honor their daughter’s wish, to raise awareness, evoke compassion, and foster change in how eating disorders are viewed and treated. Ellen Bennett is the director of KMB for Answers, a non-profit charity providing educational and financial support for mental health professionals as well as assistance for families in search of resources. For more information about Ellen Bennett and the foundation founded in memory of her daughter Katlyn, go to: http://www.kmbforanswers.com/ Books Paperback: and Kindle:https://www.amazon.com/Emilee-Story-Family-Hijacked-Anorexia/dp/170092012X · Audiobook:https://www.amazon.com/Emilee-Story-Family-Hijacked-Anorexia/dp/B08R6LRPDS They can also be reached through the book website: https://emileethestoryofagirl.com/ or at mailto:Linda.john.mazur@gmail.com

18 MAY 2023 · MATT VENUTI is an award-winning multi-instrumentalist composer/performer and music video artist who is known for introducing rare and expressive acoustic and electronic instruments to the world through his concerts and videos. Matt has been the featured performer at multiple TED and TEDx Conferences. Two of Matt’s albums charted in the top 10 of the College Media Journal and Zone Music Reporter. Matt offers electro-acoustic concerts and Multi-Media events, but is also known as a singer-songwriter and band-leader that has played on numerous national stages and high-profile events. Of all the twists and turns in Matt’s life, nothing would have as profound an impact, as the death of his wife. Matt and Yolanda had spent 20 years together and Matt felt lost and disconnected from life. He escaped to nature with the Hang instruments, he visited the redwoods, the canyons, the ocean, the desert…anywhere that offered a peaceful environment where he could find strength in nature. In time his heart started to heal, but with a different level of maturity that felt more enduring. He began to develop musical motifs that came from these visits to nature’s sanctuaries, and they later evolved into compositions. He wrote lyrics that reflected the delicate passage of life and the human need to turn to the heart for solace. He soon realized this wasn’t simply his journey, but the journey of all humans in the rhythm of life. Check out Matt’s website at: http://www.mattvenuti.com Our Hosts: · Linda and John(Jack) Mazur founded a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization in 2022, in memory of their daughter, Emilee, which provides peer support groups and social connection for adults with eating disorders and their loved ones. In addition, they speak at schools, colleges, and conferences to educate our community about the serious nature of eating disorders. For more information go to: http://www.theemileeconnection.com/ They authored the book, Emilee: The Story of a Girl and Her Family Hijacked by Anorexia, to honor their daughter’s wish, to raise awareness, evoke compassion, and foster change in how eating disorders are viewed and treated. Ellen Bennett is the director of KMB for Answers, a non-profit charity providing educational and financial support for mental health professionals as well as assistance for families in search of resources. For more information about Ellen Bennett and the foundation founded in memory of her daughter Katlyn, go to: http://www.kmbforanswers.com/ Books Paperback: and Kindle:https://www.amazon.com/Emilee-Story-Family-Hijacked-Anorexia/dp/170092012X · Audiobook:https://www.amazon.com/Emilee-Story-Family-Hijacked-Anorexia/dp/B08R6LRPDS They can also be reached through the book website: https://emileethestoryofagirl.com/ or at mailto:Linda.john.mazur@gmail.com