Unlocking the Mystery to Sustainable Resilience: Integrating Mind, Body, and Spirit for Lasting Strength

In a world where constant change and unexpected challenges are the norm, developing sustainable resilience is essential. This keynote address  delves into the holistic integration of mind, body, and spirit to build a robust foundation of personal strength. Drawing on decades of experience in mental health, inpatient rehabilitation, and leadership development, this session offers practical tools and transformative insights. Attendees will learn to change mental habits, regulate emotions, harness daily energy, and deepen their connections with themselves and others. Through engaging stories and proven strategies, this keynote provides a comprehensive approach to balancing intuition with daily demands and empowering others on their resilience journey.

Key Takeaways:

1. Holistic Integration: Understand the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit in developing sustainable resilience.

2. Mindfulness and Emotion Regulation: Learn mindfulness techniques and emotion regulation strategies to maintain calm and clarity in the face of adversity.

3. Mental Habit Transformation: Acquire skills to identify and change unhelpful mental habits that hinder resilience.

4. Energy Management: Discover methods to access and sustain daily energy levels, ensuring consistent performance and well-being.

5. Deepened Connections: Enhance the ability to connect deeply with oneself and others, fostering supportive and resilient relationships.

6. Intuition and Practicality: Balance intuitive insights with practical daily requirements to make sound decisions and maintain equilibrium.

7. Empowering Others: Gain tools and techniques to support and uplift others in their resilience-building efforts.

8. Inspiring Stories: Be inspired by real-life stories of resilience from diverse fields, illustrating the principles of sustainable resilience in action. 

By the end of this keynote, participants will be equipped with a comprehensive toolkit to cultivate resilience in themselves and others, ensuring they can thrive in both their personal and professional lives.

Brian Krolczyk, PhD, NBC-HWC

Brian is an Associate Professor in the School of Health Sciences and the School of Business here at UWSP. He is also a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach with over 35 years of experience in mental health, inpatient physical rehabilitation, and executive assessment/development. 

Here at the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point, Brian leads a team of internationally recognized health coach trainers and wellness experts in delivering our NBHWC Approved training programs. 

Brian is a resilient survivor of a broken neck, divorce, open-heart surgery, and diabetes. ​His personal and professional experiences have forged his commitment to personal resilience and health promotion.

At UWSP, Brian teaches Neuro-Leadership (School of Business), Health Psychology, Foundations in Health & Wellness Coaching, Advanced Techniques in Health and Wellness Coaching, and Health Coaching Ethics & Practicum.

Therapeutic Coaching Approaches

In this session, our goal is to enrich our understanding of Therapeutic Coaching. Initially defined in 2016, it's crucial to incorporate recent advancements in research and practice. This session will be highly interactive and will address the following key topics:

1. Methodological approaches used in therapeutic coaching

2. Distinguishing between the coaching process and its outcomes

3. Establishing boundaries of competence and scope of practice

4. Ethical considerations in practice and client contracting

5. Recommendations for refining the definition to enhance clarity for coaches, clients, sponsors, and other professionals.
   

​​Sue Jackson, BS, MLD, P/G Cert, AMEC

Option 1: Motivational Interviewing: Harnessing the Power of Change Talk

In this presentation, sustain talk and change talk will be defined according to Motivational Interviewing principles. Interactive examples will illustrate how participants can identify sustain talk and change talk from sample client statements, including buried change talk. Strategies for enhancing change talk and reducing sustain talk will be discussed, with opportunities for participants to practice applying these strategies through brief case scenarios in the session.​

Rebecca Weinand, MS, NBC-HWC ​

Rebecca Weinand is a course director, faculty member, and mentor for the Whole Health Coaching Certification course within the Veterans Administration. She also serves as faculty and mentor for Vanderbilt Health Coaching Certificate Program. Rebecca completed the Vanderbilt Health Coaching Certificate Program in 2017 and received the National Board Health and Wellness Coach certification in 2018. She has worked with the VA Whole Health Program since 2018 as a faculty member and mentor. Rebecca has a Master of Education degree from King University and is currently pursuing her Doctorate of Public Health at Loma Linda University. In addition to her educational background, she has completed additional certifications in mind-body medicine, lifestyle medicine, mindfulness facilitation, and multicultural wellness.​

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Option 2:​ The Pulse of Your Practice: Understanding Your Target Audience for Better Marketing & Client Success

In today's competitive wellness industry, understanding your target audience for your coaching practice is a foundational pillar to your long-term success. In this presentation, we'll explore why knowing your ideal client helps you stand out in the market and achieve stronger client outcomes and how to create a compelling message and coaching offer that resonates with the clients you are most passionate about serving. This engaging session will equip you with the tools to start a strong coaching business that stands out, foster meaningful client relationships that feel purposeful to your mission, and enhance your marketing to create a thriving coaching practice. 

Jen Wright, NBC-HWC 

Jen Wright, NBC-HWC, brings over eight years of coaching experience and more than fourteen years of expertise in digital marketing, offering unparalleled support and insights to certified health & wellness coaches.

As the founder of Wellspired Co. and the creator of Wellness Coach Business Academy, Jen is dedicated to empowering coaches to build practices that profoundly impact their clients' lives while teaching them how to thrive both professionally and personally, promoting sustained success in their businesses and lives.

Jen's transition from a high-pressure corporate career to wellness coaching was motivated by personal experiences, including the challenges she faced as a new working mother. These pivotal moments inspired her to pursue a career where she could make a tangible difference in people's lives, aligning her professional endeavors with her values.

​Option 1: Group Coaching for Health and Wellness Coaches

This session will equip coaches, working both in-person and virtually, with facilitation techniques and virtual tools to create a safe learning environment. These strategies will help manage group dynamics, enabling participants to engage in ways that align with their comfort levels and personal styles.

Kerri Weishoff, Health and Wellness Coach, MS, CCC-SLP, NBC-HWC

Kerri is a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach, certified in integrative health coaching by the University of Minnesota, and an accomplished health coach mentor. With a master's degree in speech-language pathology from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, she dedicated 25 years to serving as a speech pathologist, immersing herself in healing and additional study in integrative health.

Driven by her passion for holistic healing, Kerri transitioned into integrative health and wellness coaching, where she now channels her expertise. She actively advances her coaching philosophy through her role as a faculty member and mentor in the Veteran Administration (VA) Whole Health Coaching certificate program and multiple other coaching certificate programs; she aims to provide steadfast support and empowerment to coaches, fostering their ongoing growth and learning.​

Kris Kniefel, NBC-HWC

Kris is an educator, faculty, mentor and a Functional Medicine and National Board Certified Integrative Wellness Coach. She values on-going wellness education and has completed studies in mind-body medicine, self-compassion, food as medicine and functional medicine. Kris is passionate about helping people develop and live their best lives – whether that is through learning new skills or knowledge or learning new behaviors! Kris teaches and mentors coaching students within the Veteran Administration's Whole Health Coaching Certification Program, training VA employees in an NBHWC-approved coach certification program. In addition, she has also taught coaching and wellness courses within the University of Wisconsin system.

Kris has a Bachelors' of Science degree in business from Minnesota State University, Mankato, Masters' of Art in Human Resources from the University of Minnesota, and coaching certificates from the University of Minnesota and the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy.

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​Option 2: Empowering Resilience: How to Integrate Trauma-Informed Practices into Coaching

Many individuals face various forms of trauma that can significantly impact their personal and professional lives. As coaches, understanding and integrating trauma-informed practices are essential to supporting clients more effectively. By adopting these practices, we can foster resilience and promote the healing process. In this session, we'll explore trauma-informed coaching, equipping participants with the knowledge and tools to:

• Recognize the signs of trauma

• Create a safe and supportive coaching environment

• Implement strategies that promote healing and growth

Join us to enhance your coaching skills and make a meaningful difference in the lives of your clients.​

Amy Mattila, NBC-HWC, BS, PMP

Amy is passionate about helping people adopt new habits and positive lifestyle changes. She holds a B.S. in Holistic Health and Wellness from Metropolitan State University and is a National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC), a Mayo Clinic Health and Wellness Certified Coach, and a CHIP Facilitator. She has coaching certifications in Diabetes, Tobacco Cessation, Pain Science, Clinical Patient Care, and Behavioral Science.

Amy teaches self-care workshops for Mayo Clinic's Cancer Education Center and UWSP's Wellness Coaching Program. She also offers project management and innovation behavior change projects for tech and start-up companies.

Amy created Mayo Clinic's first primary care wellness coaching program and has worked with thousands of clients to help them achieve lifestyle changes. Her coaching approach is rooted in empathy, optimism, and trust in one's ability to change.​

Option 1: Reversing Compassion Fatigue

​Compassion fatigue is a distinct form of burnout prevalent among individuals in caregiving roles. Traditionally associated with healthcare practitioners, recent research from the past decade reveals its impact on family caregivers as well.

In this presentation, we will explore the nuanced aspects of compassion fatigue and delineate its differences between healthcare practitioners and family caregivers. Furthermore, we will identify its root causes and propose practical strategies for health and wellness coaches to assist clients—whether healthcare practitioners or family caregivers—in mitigating its effects, enhancing resilience, and reclaiming quality of life.

Shiri Ben-Arzi, MCC

Shiri is a highly experience​d and respected health, wellness, and medical coach. She holds certifications in Health and Medical Coaching, Caregiver Coaching, End-of-life Coaching, Embodiment Coaching, and ADHD Coaching.

In 2010, Shiri founded MCI, the Medical Coaching Institute. Since then, she has trained hundreds of coaches worldwide and developed programs for healthcare practitioners. Through these programs, she teaches doctors and nurses how to utilize a coach approach to enhance patient-centered medical practices and improve adherence.

Shiri was co-leader of the ICF Health and Wellness Community of Practice from 2019 to 2022 and currently serves as co-president of ICF Israel.

Shiri is dedicated to promoting social change by strengthening patient-centered health and healthcare systems using the Medical Coaching Approach.​

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Option 2: Workplace Health and Wellness Coaching for Sustainable Business Outcomes

The authors present this session based on a 2023 Global Wellness Institute white paper, which explores the current state of Workplace Health and Wellness Coaching. This includes case studies, global trends, and guidance on how to get started. Each coach will leave the session inspired and equipped with practical tools—such as the white paper and a PowerPoint presentation—to further establish their Health and Wellness Coaching practice in the workplace. This session is essential for any coach who wants to understand and elevate the professionalism of Health and Wellness Coaching, gain insights into the current state of the profession, and learn how to contribute to this emerging trend.​

Ellen Kocher, ICF MCC, NBHWC, Masters HWC    

Ellen Kocher is a Geneva-based Economist and certified Workplace Wellness Consultant and Coach with a Master's degree in Health and Wellness Coaching. She holds certifications including ICF MCC, NBC-HWC, and Digital Well-being Coach.

Educated in the USA, Ellen has lived in Switzerland for nearly 40 years. After a decade as an executive in Finance, she transitioned to focus on workplace well-being, promoting holistic health and resilience for over 20 years.

As a Consultant, Coach, Author, and Speaker, Ellen has held notable positions such as Chair of the Global Wellness Institute Health Wellness Coaching Initiative, President of the Jury for the Swiss Diversity Award, and Global Leader of the International Coaching Federation Health and Wellness Coaching Community. She has received the National Wellness Institute (NWI) Circle of Leadership Award and contributed to the NWI Multicultural Competency Committee. Ellen also serves as a Mentor Coach for multiple globally recognized training programs.

Ellen has coached hundreds of individuals and groups in numerous organizations, helping them make sustainable lifestyle changes and effectively apply their knowledge.

Jocelyn Pepe, MS

Jocelyn Pepe holds a MS in Psychology and Neuroscience of Mental Health, and is a Registered Health Coach (RHC), a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC), and a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coaching Federation (ICF). As a Mental Health Researcher and Mental Wellbeing Coach, she works at the intersection of science and soul. She is also the founder of TrU, an organization dedicated to supporting executive and team wellbeing and fostering healthy organizational cultures.

Jocelyn has been coaching for nine years and has a lifelong passion for mental health, influenced by her personal journey. She further solidified her expertise with an MSc in the Psychology and Neuroscience of Mental Health.

Option 1: Professional Recovery Coaches: Supporting the Workforce in the Workplace of the Future

The lives of countless individuals have been severely impacted by substance misuse, substance use disorders, mental and behavioral health issues in the post pandemic world. Behavioral healthcare systems have been severely disrupted and overwhelmed.  And because 70% of individuals who struggle with these disorders are employed, the workplace is now on the frontline of the battle for solutions.  Health, Wellness, Recovery coaches and others who have personal knowledge of, or ‘lived experience’ with these disorders are well positioned to help people modify unhealthy behaviors, achieve sobriety and maintain long-term recovery. Employers seeking to support employees by implementing Sober Curious or Recovery Friendly Workplace cultures can benefit by partnering with Professional Recovery Coaches. In this session, attendees will learn how to provide support to individuals seeking to achieve sobriety and/or sustain long-term recovery.​​

Cheryl Brown Merriwether, Executive Director, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, CM, CRSS, CPRC

Cheryl is the Vice President of the NET Institute Center for Addiction and Recovery Education and the Co-founder and Executive Director of the International Center for Addiction and Recovery Education (ICARE). With over two decades of leadership in corporate management, HR, adult education, addiction and recovery awareness, prevention, and corporate wellbeing, Cheryl has made significant contributions to the field.

She is the Immediate Past President of the Greater Orlando Society for Human Resource Development (GOSHRM), where she led the organization to win SHRM's Pinnacle Award for a community-based initiative on workplace substance misuse.

In February 2023, Cheryl received BambooHR's HR Experience Maker Award in the Heart & Soul category, and in 2022, she was named a winner of SUCCESS Magazine's Women of Influence awards. Her work has been featured in Fortune Magazine, HR Executive Magazine, Employee Benefits News, BenefitsPRO, Reworked, and SHRM. Cheryl is recognized as a thought leader on workplace addiction and the role of peer recovery support in addressing substance misuse in the workplace.​

Heather Lowe, President / Founder, BS, CPRC, CPC, SRCD

Heather Lowe is the President and Founder of Ditched the Drink, a wellness company whose mission is to help professionals evaluate their relationship with alcohol to align with their highest, healthiest selves to do their greatest good. Heather has a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Professional Human Resources Certificate, Yale University Certificate of Wellbeing, is a certified Life Coach and Certified Professional Recovery Coach. Heather offers private, online, digital classes, personalized coaching support, and corporate wellness consulting. Heather partners with the International Center for Addiction and Recovery Education where she recruits and mentors new coaches, develops content, and facilitates corporate training. Heather is a content creator, writer, and speaker. She has been featured in Thrive Global, Corporate Wellness Magazine, The Fix, Recovery Today Magazine, and Recovery Happy Hour. ​

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​Option 2: Distress or De-stress: Strategies for Managing Stress Through Emotional Regulation

All emotions encompass a dimension of tension or relaxation, commonly referred to as stress. By understanding this principle, we can learn to navigate and regulate stress through our emotions. We will explore the dimensions of stress, identifying emotions that typically increase stress and those that naturally alleviate it. By rethinking our traditional beliefs about stress and viewing it through the lens of emotions, we gain a unique approach to managing its undesirable effects.​

​Dan Newby, PCC

Dan champions Emotional Literacy, working globally with leaders, educators, and coaches. His passion is making emotional literacy common sense and emotions practical tools for daily use.

Author of five books on emotional literacy and coaching, Dan regularly leads his Emotions-Centered Coaching course for leaders, therapists, educators, faith leaders, and parents.

He has collaborated with leaders in the U.S., Germany, Italy, El Salvador, Mexico, Slovakia, UK, Singapore, South Africa, and Canada, and his clients span manufacturing, education, and NGOs. Originator of Emotions-Centered Coaching, he often combines individual and group work.

Option 1: Digital Excellence: Leveraging Apps for Wellness Solutions

Discover the best practices for integrating digital apps into health coaching and wellness solutions. Learn how to effectively manage and deliver services to large enterprises. Join us and explore opportunities to partner on our innovative platform.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the role of digital apps in enhancing wellness solutions delivery.

• Learn best practices for managing large-scale health coaching programs through technology.

• Explore strategies for effectively engaging clients using digital tools.

• Identify opportunities for collaboration and participation on a leading wellness platform.

• ​Gain insights into the future of digital health coaching and wellness services.
  

Brian Schroeder​, Founder and CEO of Preventia

Brian Schroeder is the founder/ CEO of Preventia – a health tech platform that focuses on management of habit, behavior and mental health. Preventia was born after he spent 20+ years in big healthcare watching patients struggle to manage their chronic health conditions. Brian is a Past President of the National Wellness Institute (BOD) – and serves on the advisory board for Jump IN for Healthy Kids. Brian received his Master’s degree (Public Health) from Indiana University and is a lean six sigma black belt with expertise in building business strategies around preventive care, population health, mental & behavioral health. He is an active leader and member of the tech start-up and entrepreneurial ecosystem in Indianapolis. In 2023, Brian and his team were awarded the TechPoint Mira Award for excellence in technology. His wife (Amy) and daughter (Isabelle) are his true North – and “the why” behind founding Preventia in 2017.​​​

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​Option 2: A Closer Look at Ways to Implement Integrative Health and Wellness Coaching

An integrative health coach adopts a client-centered approach to help individuals or groups reach their health and wellness goals. This collaborative method highlights the interconnection of mind, body, and spirit to foster holistic well-being. We will explore strategies and techniques that provide customized support and empowerment, aiding personal growth and the pursuit of optimal health goals.​

Christine Imfeld​, MA, NBC-HWC​

Christine is an accomplished certified Integrative Health and Wellness Coach with a 15-year track record of empowering individuals to cultivate sustainable wellness through personalized coaching, education, and behavior change strategies. She is passionate about leveraging her comprehensive lifestyle-medicine expertise and understands the importance of honoring coach-client relationships in both digital and in-person settings. Christine is experienced in developing innovative coursework and training programs aligned with NBC-HWC standards. She also finds great joy in leading and mentoring health coaches to help them along their path to success. As an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Christine is dedicated to providing culturally competent care and is committed to ongoing learning and professional development.​

Collective Care: Cultivating Belonging in Coaching

Yvette Marí Robles, MA, NBC-HWC, RYT 500
she/her/ella

Yvette Marí is a Curandera (Medicine Woman), healing justice coach, and professor in higher education at the intersection of STEAM and health equity. Devoted to embodying and nurturing the values of love and liberty, she prioritizes healing and inner work as catalysts for social change. With over two decades of healing justice coaching experience, Yvette Marí has worked with diverse individuals, families, and communities across primary care settings, community clinics, and educational institutions. She centers and celebrates BIPOC women’s health and well-being through her holistic coaching practice on the unceded land of the Ramaytush Ohlone. Outside of her professional work, Yvette Marí enjoys cultivating plants and trees, making herbal medicine, studying esoteric texts, dreaming of a world where we all belong, and convening with ancestors.​