Somewhere in the Middle with Michele Barard: Recent Episodes
Michele Barard
Authors, Coaches, and Entrepreneurs share their personal and professional journeys. Past guests include Bruce George of the Genius is Common Movement, Life Coach Bobbi Stevens, Financial Expert Steven Hutchinson, Author and Entrepreneur Hitachi Choparazzi, Sen. Barbara Robinson, Geraldine Hollis of the Tougaloo Nine, Author Bernard N. Lee, Jr., and Author and Speaker Tawana Williams.
Somewhere in the Middle welcomes Julie Edelman to discuss sisterhood, resilience, and finding strength in unexpected journeysJulie Edelman is the bestselling author of the how-to book The Accidental Housewife: How to Overcome Housekeeping Hysteria One Task at a Time. She is a well-known lifestyle expert and has appeared on “The Today Show,” “The View,” “Rachael Ray,” “Fox & Friends,” “The Doctors,” ABC Audio Networks and iHeart Radio. She lives in Florida, close to her son, who is her heart and testament to a blessed life lived fully. Julie speaks publicly with heart and humor and in high heels about the value of sisterhood and not letting life’s detours define nor stop us from achieving our dreams. Julie recently published The Accidental Sisterhood, her debut novel, and a testimony to embracing a life detour with hope and determination following her triumph over breast cancer.
Connect with JulieFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/julieedelmanauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julieedelmanauthor/
Twitter: https://x.com/Julie_Edelman
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@julieedelmanauthor
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-edelman-bbb1a416/
Website: www.julieedelman.com
Amazon: The Accidental Sisterhood is now available on Amazon.
Somewhere in the Middle welcomes Business Strategist Alex Brueckmann Alex Brueckmann is an entrepreneur, the author of three Wall Street Journal bestselling books, and a highly regarded speaker. His most notable book is The Strategy Legacy, which has made a significant impact in the business world.
Alex has built successful companies in Europe and Canada and led client projects worldwide. He is the founder and CEO of Brueckmann Strategy Consultants Ltd, where he helps CEOs and executive teams design and implement impactful business strategies and human-centric high-performance leadership.
More than 20 years ago, Alex transitioned from being a music journalist to studying General Management at prestigious institutions such as the European Business School in Germany, Universidad ORT in Uruguay, INSEAD in France, and Harvard Business School in the United States.
Over the years, Alex has developed a unique approach to make leadership and strategy accessible for all leaders and executives. His clients range from high-growth Inc 5000 businesses to Fortune 50 enterprises, including some of the biggest brands in automotive, healthcare, tech, logistics, industrial manufacturing, hospitality, and finance.
Alex is a firm believer that business strategy is not just a tool, but a powerful force that empowers and creates clarity about what matters to grow impact and profits. He tailors his approaches to help his clients make choices that position their businesses to win. His process reduces friction and overwhelm for leaders and their organizations, creating commitment and accountability to get results.
Connect with Alex Brueckmann* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanderbrueckmann/ * Website: https://brueckmann.ca/
Somewhere in the Middle welcomes Business Consultant David NewbyDavid Newby is a Global Developer, End-Time Revivalist, and Life Strategist, as well as a trainer, speaker, author, business developer, and philanthropist.
David's journey began in high school with a focus on God, business excellence, and world-changing work. He attended the University of Maryland College Park and Morgan State University and graduated from the University of Phoenix with a BS in Business/Public Administration and an MBA in Global Management. An epiphany during college deepened his faith.
Over the past twenty years, David has become a sought-after Christian leader, business executive, and humanitarian. He founded Global Innovations and REVIVE Movement Inc., and he is known for his innovative thinking and motivational prowess.
David has learned from personal development legends like John Maxwell, Zig Ziglar, Les Brown, Tony Robbins, and Grant Cardone. He has appeared on TV, radio, and in various publications, including The Business Makers TV Show and Phoenix Focus Alumni Magazine. He has also written for CBS and Examiner and trained thousands globally.
David, recognized by many as a "leader of leaders," is deeply committed to serving God and others. He dedicates his time to growing his businesses, consulting leaders, traveling, writing, and enjoying family time.
David is a sought-after speaker and provides both group training and one-to-one coaching to diverse audiences. He is currently expanding the Revive Movement and assisting with business funding as a Funding Consultant.
Connect with David Newby* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DNvm2 * Twitter: http://twitter.com/davidgnewby * Instagram: http://instagram.com/dnvm22 * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgnewby/ * Website: http://revive-movement.com * Buy State of the Kingdom Address on Amazon
Somewhere in the Middle welcomes Entrepreneur and Marketer John C. MorleyJohn C. Morley is a man of many talents. As a seasoned serial entrepreneur, John has a proven track record of founding and growing successful businesses. He blends his expertise in engineering and marketing to create innovative solutions and drive growth.
Beyond his business ventures, John is a recognized thought leader and talk show host, known for sharing his valuable insights and experiences with a broad audience. His knack for simplifying complex ideas and presenting them in an engaging way has made him a sought-after keynote speaker.
As a motivational speaker, John inspires others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams, drawing from his own journey of resilience and determination. His career, marked by both triumphs and challenges, serves as a powerful testament to the strength of perseverance.
John's diverse career and his dedication to sharing his knowledge and experiences are what truly set him apart. His ability to motivate others makes him a valuable voice in the entrepreneurial community.
Connect with John Morley* LinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/company/john-c-morley-serial-entrepreneur/ * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7ESFQifbn4&list=PLQgeBMLATG-dW6NP3fvSsu8gSdyKZgdry * Website: https://jmor.com/ * Podcast: https://podcastscj.podbean.com/
Somewhere in the Middle welcomes Mental Health Advocate and Author Randi-Lee BowslaughRandi-Lee Bowslaugh is a mental health advocate, author, motivational speaker and YouTuber. She started writing at 14 years old as a coping strategy for her depression. Twenty years later she is a mom, grandma, and thriving creative individual.
Connect with Randi* Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/rbwriting * Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/randibwriting * TikTok: www.tiktok.com/writeordieshow * Website: http://www.rbwriting.ca * Buy Randi-Lee's Books on Amazon
Somewhere in the Middle welcomes Entrepreneur and Marketing Expert Darrell EvansDarrell Evans is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and co-founder of Yokel Local Internet Marketing. He and his team have helped entrepreneurs and companies generate over $300M in revenue online since 2011. He’s personally started and/or operated six businesses since the age of 20.
He’s also the host of “The MindShift Podcast,” which launched in 2019, and he is the founder of the MindShift Business Accelerator (MBA) and the MindShift Growth Mastermind (MGM).
Darrell is passionate about entrepreneurship. When he appears on podcasts, he loves sharing the lessons, mistakes, and breakthrough frameworks that have helped him and hundreds of other businesses market profitably, grow sales predictably, and build superstar teams.
His goal is to help entrepreneurial-minded people identify at least one “MindShift” that could catapult them to their next level of success.
Connect with Darrell Evans* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/darrellevansfan * Twitter: https://twitter.com/mrdarrellevans * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrdarrellevans/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrdarrellevans/ * Website: https://www.darrellevans.net/
Dr. Beverly A Browning, author of Grant Writing for Dummies, joins me on Somewhere in the MiddleDr. Beverly A. Browning has been consulting in the areas of grant writing, RFP responses, technical writing, and organizational development for over four decades. Her clients have included Tribal nations, nonprofit organizations, small businesses, career, volunteer, and combination fire departments; chambers of commerce, faith-based organizations, and units of government including state and federal government agencies; school districts and colleges; charter schools, social and human service agencies, hospitals, service associations, and Fortune 500 corporations. Dr. Browning has assisted clients and workshop participants throughout the United States in receiving awards of more than $500 million.
Dr. Browning is the author of 43 grant-related publications, including six editions (over 1 million books sold) of Grant Writing for Dummies™ (Wiley.com). She is also an international trainer and keynote speaker. In 2015, she was selected by the Centers for Disease Control NICRD division to conduct a five-day Grant Writing Boot Camp in South Africa for ministers of health and other top-level health directors from 23 African countries.
Dr. Browning holds graduate and post-graduate degrees in Organizational Development, Public Administration, and Business Administration. She has been a grant writing course developer and online facilitator for Cengage Learning (www.ed2go.com) for 19 years. Her online courses (taught to thousands of students annually) are Advanced Proposal Writing, Becoming a Grant Writing Consultant, and A to Z Grant Writing: Part 2 – Beyond the Basics.
Dr. Browning is the Founder and Director of the Grant Writing Training Foundation and CEO of Bev Browning, LLC. She has been a member of the Grant Professionals Association (GPA) for 17 years and has presented training workshops and keynote presentations for multiple GPA chapters Nationwide. In 2017, she joined the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and was a workshop presenter at their 2018 International conference in New Orleans. She is an approved trainer for GPA and CFRE International.
Dr. Browning has been married to John for 54 years and has one daughter, Lara, a licensed therapist, and a special needs granddaughter, Aaliyah.
Peter Davidson shares his writing journey from typewriters to triumphsPeter Davidson is the author or co-author of thirty books published by McGraw-Hill Book Company, Perigee/Putnam Publishers, Haworth Press, Sweet Memories Publishing, and Northwestern Publishing. His works include fiction, nonfiction, college textbooks, and children's picture books. For more than two decades, Davidson was one of America's most active writer's seminar presenters, having presented 637 one-day seminars in a 15-state area from Minnesota to Tennessee and Colorado to Illinois.
Davidson is also a songwriter and one of his songs was used in a television series in The Netherlands.
Davidson has owned several small businesses, including a professional recording studio. He was a real estate salesman and taught college business courses.
Whatever else Davidson was doing in his life, he always kept on writing.
Connect with Peter Davidson* Facebook: www.facebook.com/PeterDavidson * X (formerly Twitter): www.twitter.com/PeterDavidsonau * Instagram: www.instagram.com/peterdavidson * LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/peterdavidson * Buy Making Your Mark | Leaving a Legacy on Amazon
Somewhere in the Middle Welcomes Author Teri M. BrownBorn in Athens, Greece as an Air Force brat, Teri M Brown graduated from UNC Greensboro with a multitude of degrees – majors in Elementary Education and Psychology and minors in Math and Sociology – she just couldn’t settle on one thing! While homeschooling her four children, she began her writing career by focusing on small businesses, writing articles, blog posts, and website content. She published five nonfiction self-help books dealing with real estate and finance, receiving First Runner Up in the Eric Hoffman Book Awards for 301 Simple Things You Can Do To Sell Your Home Now, finalist in the USA Best Books Awards for How To Open and Operate a Financially Successful Redesign, Redecorate, and Real Estate Staging Business and for 301 Simple Things You Can Do To Sell Your Home Now, and Honorable Mention in Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year Award for Private Mortgage Investing. In 2017, Teri began dabbling in fiction, a lifelong dream. Upon winning the First Annual Anita Bloom Ornoff Award for Inspirational Short Story for a piece about her grandfather, she began writing in earnest, and recently published Sunflowers Beneath the Snow. Teri is a wife, mother, grandmother, and author who loves word games, reading, bumming on the beach, taking photos, singing in the shower, hunting for bargains, ballroom dancing, playing bridge, and mentoring others – especially youth and women who are having trouble discovering their worth. Teri’s debut novel, Sunflowers Beneath the Snow, is a historical fiction set in Ukraine.
Connect with Teri M. Brown* Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/terimbrownauthor * X (formerly Twitter): http://www.twitter.com/terimbrown1 * Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/terimbrown_author * LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/terimbrown * Website: http://www.terimbrown.com
Buy Sunflowers Beneath the Snow on Amazon
Somewhere in the Middle welcomes Leadership Coach and Author William SchirmerWilliam Schirmer is the author of both The Leadership Core and Fulfilled: Finding Joy and Prosperity in Life. He is a senior management professional in Human Resources, having been involved with HR, Talent Management, and Learning & Development functions for domestic and international firms for more than twenty years. His expertise includes the creation and deployment of leadership development programs for several organizations. William holds USA, UK, and Global Human Resource certifications. His undergraduate study in Political & Behavioral Sciences was completed via Minnesota State University-Mankato in the USA. William completed his Graduate Degrees in Human Resource Management at Fort Hays State University in the USA and Social Sciences at the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom. William grew up in Minnesota and is a lover of the outdoors, travel, motorcycling, and exercise. He’s a proud father of three grown children: Daniel, Richard, and Alyssa.
Connect with William* Website: https://www.willschirmerofficial.com/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-schirmer-b887ba8/ * Buy The Leadership Core on Amazon * Buy Fulfilled: Finding Joy and Prosperity in Life on Amazon
Somewhere in the Middle welcomes Transformational Coach and Author Mestanna GayMestanna Gay is a renowned Transformational Coach, Author, Inspirational Speaker, and Entrepreneur, celebrated for her expertise in guiding individuals through personal transformations. Her journey, marked by overcoming traumatic experiences and adversity, began in 1991 when she turned to poetry and prayer as a therapeutic outlet. Mestanna's work embodies the essence of resilience, utilizing her intuitive empathy and deep understanding of universal truths and spiritual wisdom.
As a coach, Mestanna's mission is laser-focused: empowering others to shed the burdens of guilt and shame, unlocking their full potential. Her philosophy is grounded in the belief that understanding the multidimensional language of the Universe – spanning the physical, spiritual, and mental realms – is key to holistic healing and growth.
In 2019, Mestanna harnessed her life's lessons into her debut book, The Devil’s Bedroom – Breaking Free from The Chains of Guilt & Shame. This urban, inspirational fiction piece, rooted in her own experiences, is more than just a narrative. It serves as a transformative tool, using its characters, poetry, and prayers to guide readers on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and forgiveness, ultimately leading them to their true calling by introspecting their life experiences and choices. Mestanna's work is a beacon for those seeking to transform pain into passion and adversity into opportunity.
Connect with Mestanna* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donna.d.walker.754 * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cosmic.empress/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-d-gay-700655a7/ * Website: http://www.mestanna.com/ * Buy Mestanna's Book on Amazon
Somewhere in the Middle welcomes Author and President of GoGet It, Inc., Nefateria Fonda'Nefateria Fonda’ is the President of Go Get It, Inc., a Certified Business and Sales Coach, Author, and Facilitator specializing in helping Christian parallel-preneurs (Professionals who are building a service-based business alongside their 9-5) get clear on whom they serve and how they serve, get confident in their sales skills, get cash into their business, so that God gets glory.
She believes you deserve to have a business with a bountiful bank account that doesn’t require long hours, sleepless nights, and countless sacrifices. Her book How to Activate Your Faith, Commit to a Plan, and Take Action; That Will Change Your Life is for faith-based individuals who are interested in learning how to experience the best that life has to offer.
For groups and organizations, who are interested in offering a Private Vision Board Experience for their group, she is a Facilitator whose energy is contagious, who provides valuable content, and who keeps audiences engaged.
Connect with Nefateria* Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NefateriaFonda.com * Twitter: http://twitter.com/NefateriaFonda * Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/NefateriaFonda * LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/nefateria-robinson * Website: www.nefateriafonda.com * Buy Nefateria's Book
Somewhere in the Middle Welcomes College Strategist and Founder & CEO of College Ready Shellee Howard Shellee Howard is the Founder and CEO of College Ready and CR Tutoring and Test. She is a college graduate and is a Certified Independent College Strategist. She is a best-selling author, a member of HECA (ethics organization), and a member of SOFA (Society of Financial Awareness).
Shellee is a mother of four young adults. Her oldest son graduated from Harvard in 2016 debt free and graduated from UC San Diego Medical School in 2021. He will be completing his Orthopedic Surgeon Residency at UCLA.
Her oldest daughter attended the University of Alabama and CBU and graduated debt free with her BSN in 2020 and received her RN in 2021.
Her youngest son attends SFSU majoring in Film Production. Her youngest daughter is a rising Senior and will be looking to attend college as a business major internationally.
Shellee has traveled around the world helping students create their “Stand out Strategy". She knows what it takes to compete in the Top tier schools as well as find the best-fit college for all students. Shellee believes that no two students are the same and each student must have their own strategy and plan to be successful. Each student has a gift/talent and a passion that will set him or her apart from their competition. Getting to know your student one on one is the key to success. Her focus is to find the best academic, financial, and social fit college for each student to thrive at and graduate debt free!
Connect with Shellee HowardFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GoCollegeReady
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ
Website: http://www.collegereadyplan.com/
Somewhere in the Middle Welcomes Calendar Coach Paul D. CaseyOriginally from Chicago, Paul D. Casey has now been a professional speaker for over 25 years (giving almost 300 presentations in the past 4 years), and he is one of the leading authorities in leadership and personal growth—especially time management—helping people take back their calendars and restore sanity to their lives. He has spoken for organizations like Mcdonald's, Subway, Lamb Weston, Northwest Public Power, and Autozone—and among the 80 leaders he coaches per year, 25 of them lead at Pacific NW National Laboratories. Paul has a Master’s degree in education and has been an educator/administrator/Chief Operating Officer in 5 non-profit organizations. He is an ACC-certified coach with the International Coaching Federation, a Master Trainer, and a member of the National Speakers Association. He was awarded Solopreneur of the Year by the West Richland Chamber a few years ago.
Through his company, Growing Forward Services, Paul has partnered with his corporate and individual clients to transform their vision, their habits, and their lives. Currently, Paul carries out his mission of sparking breakthrough success by contributing daily inspirational growth messages on local radio, other people’s podcasts, and social media. Also, he has inspired thousands of individuals and leaders to grow forward through his seminars, team-building off-site retreats, one-to-one self-leadership coaching, and as a keynote speaker. Paul has written 4 books: The Static Cling Principle (on habits and mindsets), Maximizing Every Minute (on time management), Leading the Team You’ve Always Wanted, and Leading with Super-Vision. And he interviews local leaders in his podcast: the Tri-Cities Influencer.
Paul is married to Lovely Laura, has a 23- and a 19-year-old named after state capitals, owns a cat named Sasha and has lived in the Tri-Cities, WA, for over 20 years. For fun, he enjoys golfing, hiking, and bicycling—and orange slices—and he reads about 40 books per year.
Connect with Paul CaseyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/paul.d.casey.9
Twitter: https://twitter.com/growingfwd
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growingforwardservices/
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/pauldcasey
Website: http://www.paulcasey.org/
Buy Maximizing Every Minute on Paul's website
Somewhere in the Middle Welcomes Master Integrative Life Coach Nancy PickardNancy Pickard is a certified Master Integrative Life Coach with a myriad of coaching certifications specializing in shadow work: Boundaries, Healing your Heart, Bigger, Better, Braver, Parenting, Reinvention, and Worthy, to name many of them.
She is the author of the international best-selling book Bigger Better Braver: Conquer your fears, Embrace your courage, Transform your life. She offers a digital course and an online- zoom coaching course featuring her book. Coaching others to step out of fear and into bigger versions of themselves is her passion.
Connect with Nancy PickardFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nancypickardlifecoach
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cnancyrun
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nancypickardlifecoach/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-pickard-771993a6/
Website: https://nancypickardlifecoach.com
Amazon: Buy Bigger Better Braver: Conquer your fears, Embrace your courage, Transform your life
Somewhere in the Middle welcomes Daniel Alfon, Author of Build a LinkedIn Profile for Business SuccessDaniel Alfon is the author of Build a LinkedIn Profile for Business Success. Daniel joined LinkedIn in early 2004 and publishes articles, interviews, and exclusive content about advanced LinkedIn strategies to clients and subscribers to his website, www.danielalfon.com.
Connect with Daniel AlfonTwitter: https://twitter.com/DanielAlfon
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielalfon/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alfon/
Website: https://www.danielalfon.com/
Amazon: Buy Build a LinkedIn Profile for Business Success
Somewhere in the Middle Welcomes Connie S. Johnson and Rufus D. Stephens, Co-authors of Leave a Mark! Connie S. Johnson Connie Johnson is a graduate of Tuskegee University with a B.S in Elementary Education. Later, her heart required that she equip herself with new ways to help her students work through traumas and become their greatest selves. She then went on to earn her M.Ed. from the University of West Alabama.
Connie has worked in the field of education for 17 years and she is in her 8th year as an elementary school counselor. Her prime objective is to impact her students for greatness. In 2022, she co-authored, with her father Rufus Stephens, an exceptional book entitled, “Leave A Mark!” Amazon released the book as its #1 New Release in the Education and Teacher category.
Rufus D. Stephens Rufus Stephens is a native of Savannah, GA. He graduated from Savannah State University and pursued a graduate degree at the University of Florida. He is a former business owner, corporate executive and an ordained minister. In 2015 he formed a speaking company called “Raisin’ the Rufe Communications”. He is currently a motivational speaker, author and voice over talent. He has authored two books. The first, “Life Lessons from Miss Mattie” chronicles the life of his mother, a single mom of five and educator in the deep south. The next book, “Leave A Mark!”, he co-authored with his daughter, Connie S. Johnson.
Mr. Stephens’ life is defined by his unrelenting passion for encouraging others. His presentation goal is to “always leave audiences better off than when they came.”
Connect with Rufus and Connie Connie's Author Website: https://conniejohnson.authorsites.co/
Rufus's Author Website: https://rufusdstephens.authorsites.co/
Buy Leave a Mark! on Amazon
Somewhere in the Middle Welcomes Wellness & Spa Business Coach Gael Wood Gael Wood is a massage and spa professional with over 25 years of experience in the industry. She graduated from massage school at the age of 19 and then went on to open her very own day spa and therapeutic massage center in 2003, which she ran for 6 years.
In 2013, Gael launched her first online business, which she managed along with her career as a Massage Therapist. As the online businesses began to take off, she made the decision to retire from the hands-on massage work in 2016 and concentrate on using her extensive knowledge and experience to create tailored training and coaching materials and courses for estheticians, massage, and spa professionals.
Gael is the co-host and co-founder of the Global Wellness Professionals Marketing Summits and The Work Freedom Summit. She was honored to be inducted into the World Massage Hall of Fame and featured as a Massage Magazine All-Star in 2019.
Since giving up hands-on massage work and concentrating on her online businesses, Gael has been prolific with her creativity. To date, she has created over 60 successful online courses, launched popular Massage and Spa Marketing Content Clubs, written and self-published more than 15 eBooks, and created a library of invaluable resources for massage, beauty, and spa professionals such as the popular Massage and Spa Resource Bundles. Gael has always been fascinated by Feng Shui, and this led her to study at the International Feng Shui School. In 2019 she gained certification in Feng Shui, enabling her to carry out consultations as another part of her business. She has since trained in Life and Business Coaching through The Rebel Millionaire Coach Certification Program and successfully completed her training in 2021.
Most recently, Gael has created the ELEVATE Mastermind, which is a program for people who want to learn about adding an online business to their income streams or segue into online business. She currently runs a low-cost subscription program alongside this called The Monthly Challenge Club for Entrepreneurs, and she teaches online business strategy through The Elevate Mastermind.
Gael is happiest when she is in creator mode, finding new ideas for courses, marketing content, and books. She is constantly inspired to create more courses and materials - and continues to launch new ideas. She loves to educate herself and discover new ideas, learning as much as she can through reading books, doing online research, and studying online classes and programs to boost her knowledge.
Her number one wish is that what she does can inspire other people, and she aims to help as many people as she can to thrive with her courses, books, and programs.
Gael lives in Boone, North Carolina, with her husband Dave and son Santino who she has been homeschooling since March 2020. She also has an older daughter, Grace.
Connect with Gael Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gaelwoodsuccesscoach
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elevate_with_gael_wood/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaelwood/
Website: https://www.elevatewithgael.com/
Find Gael's Books Online: https://www.elevatewithgael.com/shop
Somewhere in the Middle welcomes 'Tine Zekis, Founder and CEO of Getting Black Women Paid Christine ('Tine) Zekis is an educator turned software engineer, international speaker, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) advocate. She is the Founder and CEO of Getting Black Women Paid, which empowers Black women professionals to change the trajectory of their careers, dramatically increase their lifetime earning potential, and build generational wealth. 'Tine is a sought-after speaker on panels and at tech conferences where she discusses salary negotiation, career changers, imposter syndrome, and DEIB in the industry.
Connect with 'Tine Zekis Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christinezekis
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tinezekis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tinezekis/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gettingblackwomenpaid/
Website: https://www.gettingblackwomenpaid.com/
Somewhere in the Middle welcomes William Attaway, Leadership Coach for Catalytic Leadership, LLCWilliam Attaway is a Leadership Coach for Catalytic Leadership, LLC, a company he founded to help leaders to INTENTIONALLY grow and thrive. He has served in local church ministry for over 25 years and is currently the Lead Pastor of Southview Community Church, a church in Herndon, Virginia (near Washington, D.C.), where he has served since 2004. He holds a Ph.D. in Old Testament (with an emphasis on Biblical Backgrounds and Archaeology), and he loves to read and speak about leadership, organizational change, archaeology, and building up people and teams. His newest book is Catalytic Leadership (January 2022). Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, William now lives in northern Virginia with his beautiful wife, Charlotte, and their two daughters.
Connect with William AttawayFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/williamattaway
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WilliamAttaway
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wattaway/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamattaway/
Website: https://catalyticleadership.net/
Amazon: Purchase Catalytic Leadership on Amazon
Somewhere in the Middle welcomes Jason Zara, Owner of Blue Moon Estate Sales, Rancho CucamongaJason Zara owns and operates Blue Moon Estate Sales, providing professional quality estate sales throughout the Inland Empire. He has worked with Chambers of Commerce, as well as in marketing, journalism, and as the owner of a retail store. He has an MBA with a concentration in marketing and a passion for helping business owners to succeed. Jason lives in Fontana, California, with his wife, Kris. They have one daughter, Amber, as well as a koi pond and six chickens.
Connect with Jason ZaraFacebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/jason.zara.71
Facebook (Business): https://www.facebook.com/BlueMoonRanchoCucamonga
Instagram: @bluemoonestatesales_rc
Website: https://www.bluemoonestatesales.com/rancho-cucamonga/
Somewhere in the Middle welcomes Anne Arceneaux, author of A Horse Named TuniAnne Arceneaux is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, and is an experienced educator who started her teaching career in the Chicagoland area and continued working in education in the Houston, Texas, area. Her span in the education field included but was not limited to teaching language arts and science in an integrated manner and working as a campus Science Instructional Coach. Although she thought she would never work in education again, Anne moved back to Louisiana after working in the oil and gas industry for six years. Upon her return, Anne instructed gifted students in fifth through eighth grades in St. Tammany public schools. She also worked as the STEM lab facilitator at Ursuline Academy in New Orleans. She is currently the Educational Television Technology Specialist at the PBS affiliate in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Anne's mission in life is to empower young people to know themselves and to believe they can reach their highest potential. Along with Tuni, Anne is developing a series called Gifted Glenn. In addition to writing for children, Anne creates poetry and stories for adults.
Connect with AnneFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077570331405
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuntieSarreh
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maria_veronique3/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/analyticalanimation
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-arceneaux-m-ed-author-8a27911b4/
Buy A Horse Named Tuni on Amazon: https://a.co/hXMFhQM
Buy A Horse Named Tuni BookBaby: https://store.bookbaby.com/book/a-horse-named-tuni
Somewhere in the Middle welcomes Isaac Peterson & Jessica Hammerman of Emerald BooksDr. Jessica Hammerman holds a Ph.D. in history and has two decades of experience editing for writers of all kinds—academic, non-fiction, fiction, and textbooks. She has worked as an editor for Penguin Putnam and W.W. Norton and has also served as a copyeditor for several national magazines, including Condé Nast Traveler, Time Out New York, and Playbill. She lives in Bend, Oregon, with her husband, Isaac, and her two children, where she teaches world history.
With twenty years of experience in digital design, art, and book layout, Isaac is the heart of Emerald Book design. He has designed books and built websites for fiction authors, memoirists, and professionals. He is an award-winning photographer, renowned painter, and illustrator, who has also authored a few books of his own. He brings an artistic eye to all of his book and web design projects. He is an excellent editor and coach and has a unique ability to bring out the most creative voice for writers and artists of all kinds.
Connect with Jessica and IsaacFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/emeraldbooksllcTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/emeraldbooksllcInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/emerald.books.usaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-hammerman-6954b0231/Website: http://www.emerald-books.comAmazon: https://www.amazon.com/Isaac-Peterson/e/B00JCUJ37A
Somewhere in the Middle welcomes Executive Coach Michael S. Seaver Michael S. Seaver is an award-winning executive coach, leadership consultant, keynote speaker, and author. He’s on a mission to unlock human potential to help people uncover and live their purpose and live a more meaningful and authentic life. His unique methodology has revolutionized how leaders can live authentically and how organizations engage employees. He offers no-nonsense strategies to help people find confidence in their life’s narrative, commonalities across generations working today, and ways to communicate with emotional intelligence.
Michael’s newest book, I Know, A Practical Guide For Awakening To What’s Within And Finding Work-Life Integration, tells his story of excruciating emotional pain and contemplating suicide. Cleopatra, his cat, sensed his despair, kept him grounded and helped him rise from his life’s ashes. I Know is a how-to guide Michael uses with clients walking you through the three phases of personal transformation and nine processes you can complete alone or with trusted friends. The book tells Michael’s raw and authentic story, offers research-based psychological truths, and is full of real-world client examples. After reading I Know, you’ll transition from believing life’s answers come from outside yourself to knowing you can discover the answers already inside yourself.
For more than 25 years, Michael has led teams and has coached global leaders since 2011. He’s invested thousands of hours in the arena, managing personal and organizational change, guiding others to uncover their lives’ missions, and teaching leaders how to create psychological safety by inviting employee life experiences into the workplace.
Michael has been featured in numerous publications, including Forbes, Authority, Medium, Thrive Global, Arizona Republic, Business Journals, Accounting Today, Financial Executives International, and Best Companies USA. He is a frequent guest on international podcasts and has served on a variety of boards of directors. Michael graduated from the Thunderbird School of Global Management with an MBA and speaks a bit of Mandarin. He is certified by TTI Success Insights to administer the DISC, 12 Driving Forces, and Emotional Intelligence assessments.
Connect with Michael S. SeaverFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelScottSeaver
Twitter: https://twitter.com/michaelsseaver
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelsseaver/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelsseaver/
Website: https://michaelsseaver.com/
Book: I Know, A Practical Guide For Awakening To What’s Within And Finding Work-Life Integration
Somewhere in the Middle welcomes SEO Specialist Brandon LeibowitzBrandon Leibowitz runs and operate SEO Optimizers since 2007. We are a digital marketing company that focuses on helping small and medium-sized businesses get more online traffic, which in turn converts into leads, sales, and clients.
Connect with Bradon LeibowitzFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrandonLeibs
Twitter: https://twitter.com/brandonleibs
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leibowitzbrandon/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonleibowitz/
Website: https://seooptimizers.com/
Somewhere in the Middle welcomes Conflict Resolution Coach Jerry FuJerry Fu is a conflict resolution coach who helps Asian-American leaders advance in their career and life journeys. Having taken on several pharmacy leadership roles, Jerry started coaching in 2017 to help other Asian-American professionals deal with the conflict they encounter at work, with their culture, and within themselves.Prior to starting his coaching business, Jerry served as a pharmacist and began facilitating leadership workshops in 2012. Today, Jerry offers a range of coaching services, which include individual coaching, group workshops, and keynote presentations.
Connect with Jerry FuLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-fu-pharmd-acc-53710187/
Website: https://www.adaptingleaders.com
Somewhere in the Middle welcomes Chris Burns, Men Mastermind Coach & Podcast Host Christopher Burns dedicates his life to coaching men to activate their purpose, power, and prosperity. He has been coaching men, entrepreneurs, leaders, and professionals for almost a decade and works with clients 1-on-1, in group coaching, home study courses, and hosts live events, retreats, and masterminds. Christopher’s company coaches and teaches men through the “Mastered Man Curriculum™,” where men create their Purpose Manifesto™, start to master the skill of Channeling Power™, download and receive their Prosperity Codes™, and implement the Transcendence Blueprint™ so they can leave their greatest legacy. He has interviewed 800 leaders, influencers, and experts, sharing powerful growth strategies, mindsets, and teachings to empower his audience to find the bigger answers to life, resulting in over 500,000 views and podcast downloads. Today, Christopher is the host of the Mastering The Man Within Podcast™ and the founder of the Men Mastermind™, a brotherhood dedicated to empowering men to become the ultimate creators of their reality, designing and living a life of success and fulfillment in every area of life that matters most to them! As Christopher says, “It’s time to LEVEL UP!”
Connect with Chris Burns Facebook: http://Facebook.com/Th3Burns
Instagram: http://Instagram.com/iAmMillionaireChris
LinkedIn: http://LinkedIn.com/in/ChristopherCBurns
Website: http://MenMastermind.com
Somewhere in the Middle welcomes Sam Thiara, Founder & Chief Motivating Officer at Ignite the Dream Coaching and Consulting Sam Thiara is a professional who has created a personal journey as a coach, speaker, storyteller, writer, workshop facilitator, educator, and entrepreneur. His goal is to engage individuals in personal and professional development. He was recognized by the Governor-General of Canada with the Canadian Sovereign’s Volunteer Medal and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. His work is reflected in the hundreds of individuals he has mentored and the thousands he has engaged. Added to this are the 45+ non-profits he has worked with over the years.
Sam is currently working on numerous projects. His area of expertise is engaging with post-secondary institutions, administrators, educators, students, and alumni to support the journey of all and the collaboration required to support each area. He is also called upon to help with organizational alignment and company improvements.
Presently, Sam is the Founder and Chief Motivating Officer at Ignite the Dream Coaching and Consulting, a platform that engages his audience to define their path. He is a lecturer at the Beedie School of Business at Simon Fraser University. Sam blends academic and professional experiences into a rich environment that captivates his audience. He also spent many years in administration, building a unique program focusing on activities outside the classroom. He saw a transformation of a student population from disengagement to active engagement.
Sam’s signature tagline is, “Everyone’s life is an autobiography. Make yours worth reading.”
Connect with Sam Thiara Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sam.thiara.site
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Sam_Thiara
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samthiara
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sthiara
Website: http://sam-thiara.com
Gunther Mueller discusses turning thoughts into things Optimal (Physical & Mental) Health Strategist, Gunther Mueller, has spent the better part of the last decade working closely with over 300 medical professionals in a variety of specialties, assisting them in bringing life-changing therapies to their patients that help them Feel Young, Healthy, and Vibrant again. Gunther enjoys living in Anthem, AZ, and loves to Ski (water and snow), kite surf, hike, bike, read, and experience the life he loves in the American Southwest. Gunther delivers the education, insights, understandings, and sometimes complex information in a simple, easy-to-understand conversation that inspires people to act and take charge of their own life now. Today, Gunther is extremely excited to be sharing the revolutionary Magnetic Mind Method that is taking the personal development movement by storm so that his clients can learn how to turn “Thoughts Into Things” and become Conscious Creators so that they also can live a life that they absolutely LOVE! Having the “Entrepreneurial Spirit” for the past 30 years, Gunther has been involved in several different industries, created, bought & sold businesses, and earned millions of dollars in the process, which gives him a unique perspective and ability to see things differently and to coach his clients through sometimes daunting problems and life situations. Gunther has been personally mentored by Chris Duncan, the creator of the Magnetic Mind Method, and is certified to assist others in learning how to manifest a life that they love in all aspects magically.
Connect with Gunther Mueller Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mueller.gunther/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gunthermueller/ Website: https://DreamLifeMasters.com
Author and TED speaker Nathaniel A. Turner discusses rearing children to excel Author and TED speaker Nathaniel A. Turner, JD, MALS, is a self-described “Humanity Propulsion Engineer.” Nate is the author of several books, including the children’s book series “The Amazing World of STEM” and his history-making book “Raising Supaman.”
Turner’s appeared in many media outlets, including The Washington Post, Black Enterprise, Fatherly, iHeartRadio, The Good Men Project, Sirius XM, and U.S. News & World Report. Corporations, municipalities, and NGOs like Anthem, Inc., the National Collegiate Athletic Association, the National Education Association, U.S. Department of Education, the City of Indianapolis, and the National Society of Black Engineers invite Nate to share his practical message for living the life we’ve always imagined while also serving the greater good.
A modern-day Renaissance Man, as evidenced by the diversity of his education, including a bachelor’s in accounting, masters in history and theology, and doctorate of jurisprudence combined with a wide range of personal experiences and professions, are only part of what makes his wide-ranging presentations “can’t miss” events. What truly sets Nate apart from others is his unique often comical ability not only to see the world differently but to challenge his audiences in an edutaining way to live outside the box so that the world might be able to experience us at our very best.
As a zealous advocate that every person has an opportunity to maximize their human potential, Nate regularly shares through books, courses, workshops, and conferences a backward design life process initially created to help his unborn child become an intellectually ambitious, great global citizen who would meet the rigorous educational requirements of the top colleges and universities without means of wealth, privilege, legacy status, fraud, bribery, cheating or Adobe Photoshop.
Turner’s son not only met Harvard’s admission benchmarks (i.e., test scores in the top 1%, 33 college credits by his junior year, proficiency in four languages, left home after his junior year to play soccer in Brazil; and started a foundation to address teen homelessness); he eviscerated the profiled criterion by his sixteenth birthday. At present, Turner’s son is a fourth-year Electrical and Computer Engineering Ph.D. candidate at one of the world’s premier graduate engineering schools.
Today, those tools, techniques, and strategies initially created to help his Gen-Zer thrive in the Fourth Industrial Revolution are educational and life development staples for students and parents of all ages and organizations worldwide. Through his 501(c)(3), The League of Extraordinary Parents, he provides parents with a template to independently and tactically raise children from conception to college. Nate works to help more children use education to improve their lives, communities, and society at large.
Connect with Nate * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RaisingSupaman * Twitter: https://twitter.com/Supamans_Dad * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supamans_dad/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanielaturner/ * Website: https://www.nathanielaturner.com/ * Book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B00IKUJ6MU
Sonia Lewis invites us to challenge racism and address the harm it causes From age 7 to now, humanity and belonging are at the center of Sonia's motivation. She is on a mission to rectify the harm and oppression of racism and is unflinching in asking the tough questions, facing uncomfortable truths, and building on equity-driven outcomes. Get ready for a conversation with Sonia Lewis, a mother, wife, influencer, entrepreneur, and all-around unapologetic yet authentic Black magical force to be reckoned with.
Connect with Sonia Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ASCRIBEsuccess
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AscribeEd
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ASCRIBEsuccess
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/SoniaLewis
Website: www.ascribesuccess.com
Emily Sander joins me on Somewhere in the Middle with Michele Barard Emily Sander has spent more than fifteen years in the business world, but when she realized that her favorite role was mentoring leaders, she decided to pursue coaching. As a C-Suite Executive and ICF-Certified coach, Emily combines her experience and proven insights with a keen ability to understand each client’s unique personality and situation. She is the author of the book Hacking Executive Leadership.
Connect with Emily LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilysander/
Website: www.nextlevel.coach
Purchase the book Hacking Executive Leadership: Go from insecure, indecisive, and overloaded to confident, influential, and effective.
Rha Arayal, author Encapsulated Emotions joins me on Somewhere in the Middle Rha Arayal is a 17-year-old British Nepalese writer and the author of Encapsulated Emotions. She loves writing poetry and is inspired by classical poets such as Emily Dickinson. She aims to raise awareness and project marginalized voices through her writing.
Connect with Rha Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/encapsulated_emotions/
Purchase Encapsulated Emotions on Amazon
Somewhere in the Middle welcomes Charles Read, CPA and Founder of GetPayroll Charles J Read is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), U.S. Tax Court Practitioner (USTCP), member of the Internal Revenue Service Advisory Council (IRSAC), Veteran, and the Founder of GetPayroll.
Mr. Read’s companies have provided full-service payroll services, payroll tax services, and other payroll-related services since 1991.
Charles is an accomplished senior executive and entrepreneur with more than fifty years of financial leadership experience in a broad range of industries and the author of four books. His latest book The Payroll Book: A Guide for Small Businesses and Startups is currently #25 in Small Business Books section on Amazon.
Facebook: http://facebook.com/getpayroll
Twitter: http://twitter.com/getpayroll
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getpayroll/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/10964861/
Website: https://getpayroll.com/
Purchase The Payroll Book: A Guide for Small Businesses and Startups online
Financial Advisor Jason Zara joins me on Somewhere in the Middle Jason Zara is a financial advisor with Transamerica/World Financial Group. He is life, health, and securities (Series 6 & 63) licensed and loves working with families to help them find financial independence.
He has worked with chambers of commerce for more than five years. He has years of experience in marketing, journalism, and as a small business owner. He has an MBA with a concentration in marketing. He is president of the Fontana Kiwanis Club, the Fontana Chamber of Commerce, and BNI Connect and Thrive (Fontana Chapter).
Jason lives in Fontana, California, with his wife, Kris. They have one daughter, Amber.
BONUS EPISODE: Tax Accountant Damari Gold shares why we should start preparing for the 2022 tax season today Damari Gold has a unique perspective on money and personal finances. She holds a Master’s Degree in Accounting and Finance, has been a practicing tax accountant for over ten years, and founded The Gold Standard Accounting & Tax Inc. in Huntington Beach, CA. Damari is passionate about helping small business owners, more specifically women-owned businesses, to understand their money. As a first-generation American and an entrepreneur, she understands the difficulties that are faced. Money goes beyond business; that is why she is determined to help others Be Confident Money Women. Damari can explain money and personal finance's different levels and aspects, whether money mindset, money management, taxes, or just business fundamentals. She has a wealth of knowledge to share.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/damarigold/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/damarigold
Website: https://damari-gold-consulting.mykajabi.com/
Somewhere in the Middle Welcomes Change-Management Expert and Self-leadership Coach Eric Winters Eric Winters is a self-leadership coach, black-belt hand-washer, speaker, and author with deep knowledge in the science of building courageous and emotionally intelligent mindsets.
His know-how is a result of over 20 years of international corporate life, two master’s degrees in human behavior change and over 12 years helping leaders and their teams become their best selves to meet workplace challenges effectively.
He spends much of his time developing authentically courageous leadership through keynotes, workshops, and individual coaching.
Eric is the author of Swipe Right on Your Best Self: Simple Steps to a Bolder Life with Fewer Regrets.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ericwinterscomau
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericwinterscomau
Website: https://www.ericwinters.com.au/
Find Swipe Right on Your Best Self: Simple Steps to a Bolder Life with Fewer Regrets on Amazon.
Somewhere in the Middle Welcomes Storm Cunningham, Executive Director of RECONOMICS Institute Storm Cunningham is Executive Director of RECONOMICS Institute: The Society of Revitalization & Resilience Professionals, which helps ensure that communities worldwide have certified Revitalization & Resilience Facilitators (RE Facilitators). Look for the “RE” after their names.
As editor of REVITALIZATION: The Journal of Economic & Environmental Resilience, Storm tracks the latest trends and techniques in urban/rural regeneration, natural resource restoration, and resilience worldwide.
Storm is the author of 2002’s The Restoration Economy, which has been hailed by government and business leaders around the world as “Extraordinary”, “Remarkable”, “A modern classic”, “A landmark work”, “Required reading”, and “The most important and valuable business book I have read in many years.”
His second book, reWealth, was published by McGraw-Hill in 2008. George Ochs, Director of Real Asset Investment at JP Morgan calls Storm “the world’s thought leader on community revitalization and natural resource restoration” and calls reWealth: “The secret weapon…for economic recovery at both local and global scales.”
Storm’s third book, RECONOMICS: The Path to Resilient Prosperity was published in both paperback and e-book form on January 9, 2020. It’s a guide for policymakers, real estate investors, and social entrepreneurs.
From 2006-2009 Storm was Distinguished Visiting Professor at Seneca College (Canada’s largest college) in Toronto. From 1996 to 2002, he was Director, Strategic Initiatives at the Construction Specifications Institute, a 60+ year-old association of 14,000 architects, engineers, contractors, and manufacturers.
A former Green Beret SCUBA medic with the U.S. Army’s 7th Special Forces Group, he is an avid SCUBA diver, motorcyclist, and amateur herpetologist. He lives in Arlington, Virginia, USA.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storm.cunningham
Twitter: https://twitter.com/restorm
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/restorm
Website: https://StormCunningham.com
Buy Reconomics Now on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1657011720
BONUS EPISODE: Tax Accountant Damari Gold shares why we should start preparing for the 2022 tax season today Damari Gold has a unique perspective on money and personal finances. She holds a Master’s Degree in Accounting and Finance, has been a practicing tax accountant for over ten years, and founded The Gold Standard Accounting & Tax Inc. in Huntington Beach, CA. Damari is passionate about helping small business owners, more specifically women-owned businesses, to understand their money. As a first-generation American and an entrepreneur, she understands the difficulties that are faced. Money goes beyond business; that is why she is determined to help others Be Confident Money Women. Damari can explain money and personal finance's different levels and aspects, whether money mindset, money management, taxes, or just business fundamentals. She has a wealth of knowledge to share.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/damarigold/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/damarigold
Website: https://damari-gold-consulting.mykajabi.com/
Somewhere in the Middle Welcomes Damari Gold, Founder of The Gold Standard Accounting & Tax Inc. Damari Gold has a unique perspective on money and personal finances. She holds a Master’s Degree in Accounting and Finance, has been a practicing tax accountant for over ten years, and founded The Gold Standard Accounting & Tax Inc in Huntington Beach, CA.
Damari is passionate about helping small business owners, more specifically women-owned businesses, to understand their money. As a first-generation American and an entrepreneur, she understands the difficulties that are faced. Money goes beyond business; that is why she is determined to help others Be Confident Money Women.
Damari can explain money and personal finance's different levels and aspects, whether money mindset, money management, taxes, or just business fundamentals. She has a wealth of knowledge to share.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/damarigold/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/damarigold
Website: https://damari-gold-consulting.mykajabi.com/
Petia Kolibova is a women’s transformation coach who helps women who have been pushed down and been playing it small due to toxic relationships or unhealed childhood trauma to create a life that is true to them and their soul purpose. Her mission is to help women who are on the path to healing from past wounds move through their limiting beliefs and internal blocks so they can finally do what they want to do, what feels good to them, serve other women in a powerful way online. Petia pairs feminine flow with strategic planning to give entrepreneurs immense clarity + exact steps to transition from side-hustler to CEO. If she is not interviewing on her podcast Unapologetically Abundant, working out, or reading, you will find her in nature disconnecting from the world, connecting to herself.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/unapologeticallyabundant Instagram: www.instagram.com/petiakolibova LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petia-kolibova-coach/ Website: https://petiakolibova.com/
Education Mentor and Author Darrian Tanner Shares Tactics for Better Classroom Management Darrian Tanner is currently an 11th-year secondary education English teacher and a 2nd-year Instructional Mentor in the state of Florida. She was born and raised in East St. Louis, IL, and this is where her love for education truly began as she was inspired by both her teachers and aunts who were educators and administrators in the school district. Darrian graduated from the College of Education at Michigan State University with a B.A. in English Ed and completed the teacher certification program with a yearlong internship at a local high school.
Throughout her years of teaching, she came across great success on the school campus whether it was through her student mentorship programs or The Classroom Experience. Darrian was presented with the Florida High Impact Teacher Award two years in a row because of the significant growth in her students’ reading and writing state testing scores. She has a philosophy behind these results that’s much bigger than a lesson plan or special classroom assignments, and she developed a passion to share these principles with other educators. In 2016, she wrote her first ebook entitled, Finally Some Answers: 50 Classroom Solutions for the Secondary Ed Teacher. Her newest book, Teacher Authority in the Classroom: It’s Not a Battle-It’s a Bargain, was released in August 2019. In this book, she talks about the perspective of both the educators and students when it comes to understanding teacher authority in the classroom. Three years ago, she developed a strong heart to help other educators in the areas of student behavior and engagement. As a former ambassador for Teach.org and a live and online workshop presenter, Darrian makes a great effort to reach educators and students across the world in hopes of impacting the world in an unforgettable way.
Alan Black shares his journey of surrender to become a Christian author Alan Black grew up in the United Methodist Church. While he proudly embraces his background and personal history within the United Methodist Church, he does not feel that denomination is important. What matters most is the relationship that you have with the Lord.
Through the years, if Alan were to describe his relationship with the Lord using one word it would be “transformation” marked by daily growth in his walk with the Lord, and as well continuing to display the fruits of his Spirit. For these times, his attitude and belief are that the world is looking to Christians to see if, in fact, their talk does indeed match their walk.
Like all of us, Alan has experienced twists and turns along the road of life. But each step along that road has led him to this point in life to humbly say that he is an author. But being able to say that he is a Christian author is the most important thing of all to him.
To everything, there is a time and season. Though Alan was unsure of what was in store for him, Alan sought to be obedient and to trust in the Lord. Alan is now able to show others that God will qualify you and lead you to accomplish what His charge is for you if you can be a willing servant.
Somewhere in the Middle with Michele Barard welcomes Author Keshia Williams Keshia L. Williams loves the arts, music, people, and self-expression. She moved from Newark, NJ, to Atlanta, GA, to start the next chapter of life, moments, and inner peace.
She enjoys discussing love, relationships, and raw feelings. Her book Loving with Emotions: You Must Feel Everything is who she is and represents what she has experienced as a child, adolescent, as well as coming into adulthood.
Keshia has been writing since she was seven years old and has been told she had a wise soul beyond her years since the age of eight. Keshia had the opportunity to write children’s books as a child, but this option was held back from her without her knowledge. Later, she was told it was because she needed to enjoy her childhood.
Keshia wants to share her voice with others to know the spoken word is for healing and that it is okay to release the past and speak out.
Keshia wants to give people the opportunity to live out loud, live in their truth, and not be ashamed of who they are because strength is the key to excellence.
Somewhere in the Middle Welcomes Author Michael Kenneth Bell Michael Bell is a author of the recently published book The Occult Meaning of Masonry its Symbols and the Chakra System. He has been a member in good standing of Monarch Lodge no.73, Oakland California Prince Hall Affiliated Free and Accepted Mason's since 2015. He describes himself as "a self-taught symbologist" and has a personal library of close to 500 books as his personal testimonial to this fact. As a spiritualist and metaphysician, he has investigated the world's religions, searching for the common threads of Truth amongst them all.
Michael Bell is a proud, loving father of three beautiful children, one of which is his social needs son, who inspired his soon-to-be-released second book entitled, Dayna's BART Book. In August of 2020, Bell began his own publishing company, Pillar Publishing LLC, as the vehicle to empower not only his visions of self-publishing but to help others tackle the hurdles of authorship. For more information, visit https://pillarbookpublishing.com/.
Somewhere in the Middle Welcomes Financial Strategist Kendall Weaver Kendall Weaver grew up in Decatur, Georgia, which is on the East side of Metro Atlanta, but she hails from the windy city, which is why she considers herself to be a tough-skinned, bittersweet GA peach. Kendall runs a financial consulting firm located in the heart of Atlanta that focuses on empowering women and minorities through financial education and implementation of sound financial strategies. This is a pretty big deal considering Kendall’s family was poor and she became a teen mom by the age of 17. The situation forced Kendall to grow up quickly so she could take care of her new family, but she soon discovered that she wasn’t cut out for the corporate world. After being fired from just about every job she’d ever worked, and after much coaxing by a mentor, she decided to pursue a career in finance. Now she runs offices for one of the largest financial marketing firms in North America and leads a team of multicultural boss ladies. Kendall is no stranger to the mental toughness and perseverance required to tackle the challenging times. After struggling with homelessness, poverty, teen pregnancy, and two divorces, Kendall has mastered the art of manifesting while making it look easy. In addition, Kendall gives back to her community and is currently working on a project to mentor teen mothers through business and entrepreneurship skills.
Somewhere in the Middle with Michele Barard Welcomes Caregiver Life Strategist Denise Bampoe Denise Bampoe is a native New Yorker whose background is colored by her immigrant Caribbean heritage and Southern roots. She spent her youth as a track and field scholar-athlete. This took dedication and as a result, Denise was no stranger to hard work and continually pursued excellence. Due to her intensive academic and athletic training, she was prepared for the challenges of the fast-paced business world. She gained solid experience after having spent over 15 years in the financial services industry. Even though she cultivated a certain level of business acumen, it didn’t prepare her for what was to come next as a caregiver. A strong foundation for survival was laid but her expertise as a compassionate and resilient advocate was cultivated through her experiences as a caregiver for both of her parents.
She soon found herself running to the hospital and patient care facilities for her father who suffered from chronic kidney failure and was on kidney dialysis. Soon thereafter her caregiving duties expanded to include her mother, who was her father’s primary caregiver until diabetic episodes eventually led to leg amputations. This led to a lot of frustrating situations which can be tough on an only child dealing with a lack of support. To her advantage, Denise’s business background helped her to exercise foresight which prompted Denise to tap into resources early enough to begin to prepare for the road ahead. Health and wellness have also become a key priority for Denise especially after witnessing the effects of chronic illness on her parents. This prompted Denise to establish the wellness and lifestyle platform BeWellBeSwell.com to chronicle her journey and provide resources, tools, support, and information for new and existing caregivers on preparing for caregiving, caregiver self-care, and dealing with post-caregiving. She hopes to build a community that encourages caregivers to remember to take care of themselves while caring for others. Her goal is to inspire caregivers to seek the daily joys in life despite the challenges that may arise. By sharing her experiences, Denise is not only a source of support but serves as a resource to only children or "those who feel like only children" who are caring for their elder parents.
Denise graduated from SUNY Albany with a degree in Business Administration. She is a professional coach with a certificate in personal development coaching from The CAPP Institute. Currently, she resides in New York with her husband. As a Distinguished Toastmaster, she also can be found speaking on a stage near you. When she’s not curled up with a good book, Denise can be found dancing in a Zumba class or fine-tuning her kickboxing moves. One of her favorite pastimes includes making scrumptious organic meals as she enjoys delicious culinary flavors.
Author, Speaker, and Diversity Expert Deloria Nelson Streete joins me on Somewhere in the Middle Deloria Nelson Streete is the President of Authentic Culture and Engagement Solutions, Inc. (ACE). ACE is a dynamic consulting firm that focuses on providing solutions to companies who want to enhance and strengthen their culture through authentic engagement and inclusion. Dee was recently the Managing Director of Diversity & Inclusion for Charles Schwab & Company, where she led the firm’s national Inclusion efforts.
Deloria is a published author and fantastic speaker who has worked professionally in Human Resources for more than 25 years with various Fortune 500 companies, including Walt Disney World. Deloria’s personal brand is positive energy, courage, authenticity, and an uplifting spirit. Her workshops and keynotes are engaging, educational, and transformational. Dee has her BA degree in Mass Communications and an MPA in Human Resources from Clark Atlanta University. Her commitment to Diversity & Inclusion stems from her personal mission statement, which encapsulates helping people find and leverage their unique gifts. You will find Deloria writing poetry, spoiling her twin granddaughters, or on the farm with her husband, children, and adorable goats in her spare time.
Sharon Mae King, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SharonKingWorldWide.com, joins me on Somewhere in the Middle with Michele Barard Sharon Mae King is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SharonKingWorldWide.com and the author of This is my Introduction from Me to You. Remember Me? She was a professional actress in New York City before moving into public relations with Sain-City Magazine.
King is involved in civic and professional organizations, such as the African American Art Museum, and was recognized by the Cambridge Who’s Who Registry of Executives, Professionals, and Entrepreneurs as a VIP in the 2011 – 2012 edition. A lifetime member of the International Women’s Leadership Association, King was named Top Female Executive by Successful Women Making a Difference. She also has been featured in several magazines, including Ellements, Diversity New Magazine, and Sain-City.
King majored in Legal Studies at Western International University. One of her dreams was to become a Criminal Prosecuting Attorney. She has kept her dream alive by working at a law firm in the greater Los Angeles area. She currently works for the State of California as the Judge Secretary.
Although King is a successful author, actress, producer, director, entrepreneur, and speaker, her primary joy comes from being a mother. As King has often said, “There is a vision for my life greater than my imagination could hold!”
Diane Sears, the founder of "In Search of Fatherhood" and Prison Reform Advocate, joins me on Somewhere in the Middle Diane A. Sears is the United States Coordinator for International Men’s Day, a position she has held since 2009 and the inaugurator of the International Day of Prayer for Men and Boys which is observed in November and launches the United States’ observance of International Men’s Day. In October 1999, Sears launched IN SEARCH OF FATHERHOOD®, a quarterly international Fatherhood and Men’s Issues Journal which moderates a Global Dialogue on Fatherhood. The concept for IN SEARCH OF FATHERHOOD® was created by Sears’ mentor, the late L.T. Henry, a classically trained jazz musician who briefly performed with the Philadelphia Orchestra and was a former drummer for internationally acclaimed songstress and film and television actress Ms. Della Reese. L.T. Henry also was and author; a photojournalist; and a sales and success motivation trainer Mr. Henry envisioned a world in which Men from All Walks of Life would work together, support one another, and share solutions to address the unique issues, directly and indirectly, related to parenting from a male perspective. Ms. Sears has spent the past 18 years resurrecting Mr. Henry’s vision and perpetuating his legacy.
ENCORE PRESENTATION Christian Coach, Author, and Inspirational Speaker Dr. Kendra Davis-Burch helps women change their lives for the better Dr. Kendra Davis-Burch is a 1999 & 2009 graduate of Winston-Salem State University. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology (1999) & a Master of Science Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling (2009). She is also a 2016 graduate of Apex School of Theology where she earned a Master of Divinity Degree. Kendra earned a Doctor of Ministry Degree in Biblical Studies at Apex School of Theology May 2017.
In 2010, Kendra established K*METAMORPHOSIS, a Christian counseling organization whose vision, mission and philosophy were birthed out of the desire to fill a much-needed treatment gap in the community. The organization’s mission is to utilize a holistic approach to restore fallen humanity. This organization believes that individuals; despite their past are capable of transforming spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally.
In 2012, Kendra became a published author. Her book Rivers of Life, a collection of life-changing sermons and homilies; has been said to be a resource that will empower you and inspire you to bounce back from anything. Many have described it as a spiritual vitamin that will rejuvenate, revitalize and refresh you! Kendra has released her second book NO MORE DISCOUNTS: “Lessons Learned Living Single!” A therapeutic tool used by many who have found themselves in the vicious cycle of abuse and toxic relationships, while seeking love and happiness. Kendra’s transparency in this book has empowered others to heal, forgive and move beyond the pain to find their purpose! In May of 2017, Kendra released her third literary project PRAY MORE, TALK LESS.
Certified Federal Contracts Manager Khalil Memon shares his knowledge of federal contracting to help others get in on this multi-million dollar field Khalil Memon is a Certified Professional Contracts Manager, Certified Federal Contracts Manager, and Certified Commercial Contracts Manager. Khalil has been working as a Managing Director with Dynamic Contracts Consultants, LLC for the last 5 years.
Khalil holds a Master’s in Law (LL.M) from Chicago Kent College of Law (Chicago), MBA from KC College of Management (India), LL.B. (law), a BS degree from University of Bombay (India) and is a member of the Bar Council of Maharashtra (India). He has more than 25 years of legal, compliance and procurement experience. He is personally affiliated with the National Contract Management Association (NCMA), US Chamber of Commerce, State Bar of Texas, American Contract Compliance Association (NDIA), American Bar Association (ABA), North American Procurement Council (NAPC), South Asian Chamber of Commerce (SACC) and World Chamber of Commerce – Texas.
Khalil works as a procurement liaison assessing product value, negotiating favorable agreement terms and conditions in securing contracts and in compliance with FAR/DFAR. He also specializes in drafting, analyzing, and writing Proposals, reviewing procurement contracts and mitigating and minimizing risk for his clients.
Somewhere in the Middle welcomes Janae Marie, author of Sleeping with the Enemy Janae Marie began writing at the age of 13 and published her first book at the age of 25. She was awarded a degree in Media Arts at Wayne State University in Detroit, Mi. She later relocated to California where she earned a second in Broadcast Journalism and published two more books by the age of 30.
Janae Marie is the author of four books, Flirting with Temptations, Daddy's Home, Double Take, and Besties. Her upcoming work, Sleeping with the Enemy, is due out in December of 2020. Janae acts as the CEO of JM Publications, which is part of JMP Media Group. She owns Janae's Closet Shop online clothing boutique and is the writer, producer, director, and editor of the short film My Mother Donna.
Financial Advisor Jason Zara joins me on Somewhere in the Middle Jason Zara is a financial advisor with Transamerica/World Financial Group. He is life, health, and securities (Series 6 & 63) licensed and loves working with families to help them find financial independence. He has worked with chambers of commerce for more than five years. He has years of experience in marketing, journalism, and as a small business owner. He has an MBA with a concentration in marketing. He is president of the Fontana Kiwanis Club, the Fontana Chamber of Commerce, and BNI Connect and Thrive (Fontana Chapter). Jason lives in Fontana, California, with his wife, Kris. They have one daughter, Amber.
Dr. Beverly A Browning, author of Grant Writing for Dummies, joins me on Somewhere in the Middle Dr. Beverly A. Browning has been consulting in the areas of grant writing, RFP responses, technical writing, and organizational development for over four decades. Her clients have included Tribal nations, nonprofit organizations, small businesses, career, volunteer and combination fire departments; chambers of commerce, faith-based organizations, and units of government including state and federal government agencies; school districts, and colleges; charter schools, social and human service agencies, hospitals, service associations, and Fortune 500 corporations. Dr. Browning has assisted clients and workshop participants throughout the United States in receiving awards of more than $500 million.
Dr. Browning is the author of 43 grant-related publications, including six editions (over 1 million books sold) of Grant Writing for Dummies™ (Wiley.com). She is also an international trainer and keynote speaker. In 2015, she was selected by the Centers for Disease Control NICRD division to conduct a five-day Grant Writing Boot Camp in South Africa for ministers of health and other top-level health directors from 23 African countries.
Dr. Browning holds graduate and post-graduate degrees in Organizational Development, Public Administration, and Business Administration. She has been a grant writing course developer and online facilitator for Cengage Learning (www.ed2go.com) for 19 years. Her online courses (taught to thousands of students annually) are Advanced Proposal Writing, Becoming a Grant Writing Consultant, and A to Z Grant Writing: Part 2 – Beyond the Basics.
Dr. Browning is the Founder and Director of the Grant Writing Training Foundation and CEO for Bev Browning, LLC. She was a 17-year member of the Grant Professionals Association (GPA) and has presented training workshops and keynote presentations for multiple GPA chapters U.S.-wide. In 2017, Dr. Browning joined the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and was a workshop presenter at their 2018 International conference in New Orleans. She is an approved trainer for GPA and CFRE International.
Dr. Browning has been married 54 years to John and has one daughter, Lara, a licensed therapist, and a special needs granddaughter, Aaliyah.
Author B.G. Howard joins me on Somewhere in the Middle G. Howard was born and raised in the small town of Baxley, GA, where he graduated high school before relocating to Macon, GA. There, he attended College at Mercer University, though circumstance prevented him from completing his collegiate education. He has lived in several cities throughout the eastern part of the United States, before finally relocating to Florida and, eventually, becoming self-employed.
Now,, the former business owner resides in Jacksonville, where he suffered an automobile accident several years ago, leaving him classified as "clinically disabled." He considers the extensive injuries sustained as a blessing in disguise. The incident subsequently opened the opportunity for him to embark upon a new career as an author.
A state and national award winner as a newspaper columnist before the accident, B. G. Howard resumed his efforts writing an opinion column for the hometown Baxley News-Banner in September 2015. He also writes philosophy, poetry, and short stories. As B. G. says, "There is so much occupying the space inside my head writing is simply a mandatory outlet."
Nicholas Maze, the author of White Collar Woman, talks with us about becoming an author, the publishing process, and sharing stories that uplift Nicholas Maze started writing at the age of 12. Despite becoming distracted from writing early in life, he later went all in pursuing a master’s degree in creative writing. Maze is the author of the popular book series, White Collar Woman. The book series focuses on a successful young woman named Marla Evans and her adventures as she grows in her career and finds love.
Spiritual Photographer and Author Kaolin K joins me on Somewhere in the Middle Kaolin is originally from Brooklyn, New York, where she raised her two adult children. She worked in politics and the Arts, and in the 90's Kaolin moved to Northampton, Massachusetts. She attended Holyoke Community College, the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and matriculated in the Opera Department at Smith. Kaolin has performed as a vocalist in a summer series at Damrosch Park. She also has performed at the Lincoln Center in New York City in "Children of Adam," which was produced by the Urban Arts Corps and conducted by Chapman Roberts.
Kaolin is also a spirit photographer and does phone and photo readings. She is writing a photography book with narratives about that work, which will be out later this year.
Learn more about that work on http://www.spiritually-speaking.org. Call 413.404.5683 for more information and to schedule an appointment.
Author LaTara Robertson joins me on Somewhere in the Middle with Michele Barard LaTara Robertson was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she was reared by her beloved grandmother, who passed away three weeks before LaTara’s 13th birthday. LaTara is a former model with Casablanca Model Management Talent Agency and is the mother of one son, Romond, who is her inspiration. Robertson first discovered her passion for writing books in elementary school. She spent lots of time with her favorite uncle, Billy Gene Marshall, who is currently serving time in prison for crimes he did not commit. He encouraged her to pursue her dream of becoming an author. Due to her initial fear of publishing her work, she wrote books but would share them only on social media. She decided to write her first book, The Pain Within, while studying Criminal Justice & Journalism in college. Last year, Robertson overcame her fear of publishing. She is now self-publishing her books under two brands she has developed, Show Stoppers Presents and Mega Millions Introduces, as Queen L.L. LaTara Robertson now resides in Colorado with her son. She spends her time fighting for her uncle’s freedom. She also is co-writing her upcoming TV show, “Backstabbers.”
Somewhere in the Middle with Michele Barard welcomes bestselling author Rev. Dr. Nicole B. Simpson Reverend Dr. Nicole B. Simpson, CFP®, is a practitioner with over 29 years of experience in the securities industry. On September 11, 2001, her life was drastically altered while working as a financial planner on the 73rd floor of 2 World Trade Center. Simpson was on the 44th floor when Tower 2 was hit during the World Trade Center attacks.
Today, Simpson compassionately assists families on how to begin to walk along the road to recovery when faced with a catastrophic, unexpected disaster. She is actively involved in spiritual, emotional, and economic empowerment. A compelling empowerment speaker, television/ radio personality and author, Ms. Simpson travels throughout the United States teaching in a practical and easy to understand manner. Her straightforward approach motivates everyone who hears her message to take action to change their future. Her commitment is to engage people with the thought, “If money were not an issue, what would be your life’s purpose?”
Pastor Nicole’s life began to take shape when she turned seven years old. Gifted with a Bible by her mother, she spent most of her time in her room reading the red words in that Bible, which sparked her interest. Those red words told her to do good to please God, and they taught her how to pray. Through scripture, she learned how to seek God’s comfort amid every storm. Like most individuals, Nicole has suffered unexpected, significant personal tragedies that have affected her entire family emotionally and financially. What is critical, but often avoided, is the experience and willingness to share strategies that instruct others how to overcome unexpected disasters that can stagnate one’s personal life because of a crisis. “How does one pick up the pieces of their life and move toward their ordained purpose?” She can answer those questions and put the necessary steps into perspective to begin the recovery process.
In January 2016, Dr. SImpson embarked on a new life journey. She became the pastor of Micah 7 Ministries in Piscataway, NJ. She is the visionary and CEO of the Power of Gospel Ministries, a best-selling author, and an entrepreneur. Simpson has written several books, including Planning for A Reason, a Season, and a Lifetime, The Ultimate Plan…A Financial Survival Guide for Life’s Unexpected Events, which was nationally distributed through Tate Publishing, and Dare 2 Dream…Pushing Past Your Pain to Pursue Purpose, a book that changes the lives of everyone who reads it. It later became her first Amazon bestseller.
In June 2011, Simpson released 9/11/01: A Long Road Toward Recovery, her second best-selling book. The book reflected upon the challenges of World Trade Center survivors who had been neglected emotionally and economically. In January 2014, she released her fifth book, Personal Prayer for all Occasions. Her highly anticipated sixth title addressing how to recognize the voice of God, Listen and Learn How God Speaks to You, was recently released. Nicole’s media profile includes appearances on CNN News, BBC World News, Huffington Post, Crain's NY Business, Fox News, and UPN 9.
Nicole B. Simpson is a Cum Laude graduate of Oral Roberts University. She completed her Master of Divinity degree at New Brunswick Theological Seminary in May 2016 Magna Cum Laude. In January 2017, Simpson enrolled in Boston University to pursue her Doctor of Ministries in Transformational Leadership, which she completed in December 2019.
Somewhere in the Middle with Michele Barard welcomes Diversity and Criminal Justice Reform Advocate Dr. Maxine Bryant Dr. Bryant holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Ball State University, a Master of Arts Degree from Saginaw Valley State University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Human Services Degree from Walden University. All of her degrees have a concentration in Criminal Justice & Corrections.
Dr. Bryant has given leadership to two criminal justice agencies. She founded and served as the Program Administrator of the Arete Community Corrections Center, a federal halfway house in Saginaw, Michigan; and she served as the Executive Director for Offender Aid & Restoration of Marion County, an agency providing educational and counseling services to inmates housed in the Marion County Jail and to ex-offenders needing assistance.
Diane Sears, United States Coordinator for International Men’s Day, shares why we need prison reform DIANE A. SEARS is the United States Coordinator for International Men’s Day (www.imd-global.org) – a position she has held since 2009; the creator of the International Day of Prayer for Men and Boys which launches the United States’ observance of International Men’s Day; Chair, USA 2012- 2022 International Men’s Day Ten Year Plan Committee; a member of the International Men’s Day Coordination Committee where she represents the United States; Editor of a book on Fatherhood and Men’s Issues – IN SEARCH OF FATHERHOOD® -- TRANSCENDING BOUNDARIES
(www.xlibris.com); and Managing Editor of a quarterly Fatherhood and Men’s Issues Journal —IN SEARCH OF FATHERHOOD® -- which moderates a Global Dialogue on Fatherhood. The concept for IN SEARCH OF FATHERHOOD® was created by Sears’ mentor, the late L.T. HENRY, a classically trained jazz musician who briefly performed with the Philadelphia Orchestra and was a former drummer for internationally acclaimed songstress and film and television actress MS. DELLA REESE; author; photojournalist; and sales and success motivation trainer who died in March 1999 – a concept Ms. Sears has resurrected. MS. SEARS serves as an External Board Member of the results-oriented two-tiered FATHERS AND CHILDREN TOGETHER Initiative created by members of United Community Action Network (U-CAN) at SCI Graterford which is designed to eradicate Fatherlessness and intergenerational incarceration. MS. SEARS’ work on Fatherhood and Men’s Issues has received global attention as evidenced in a 2009 International Men’s Day speech given on the floor of the Western Australian Parliament by THE HONORABLE NICK GOIRAN (http://nickgoiran.com.au/ 2009/12/02/ international-mens- day-adjournment-debate-speech/). A member of the University Council for Akamai University’s Fatherhood and Men’s Studies Program (www.akamaiuniversity.us) which is located in Hilo, Hawaii, SEARS advises the President of Akamai University on Fatherhood issues and assists him in the enhancement of the institution’s Fatherhood and Men’s Studies curriculum and in forming strategic alliances with national and international Fatherhood organizations. She is also a member of the National Affinity Network for The Boys’ Initiative (www.theboysinitiative.org) which is headquartered in Washington, D.C.
MS. SEARS has interviewed Men who are Fathers throughout our global village concerning issues, directly and indirectly, related to Fatherhood and has developed and maintains working relationships with male parenting organizations in Australia, Canada, Europe and the United States. She has authored and published reviews for numerous books about Fatherhood and Men’s issues which include Father and Child Reunion: How To Bring The Dads We Need to the Children We Love, by Warren Farrell, Ph.D.; Swallowed By A Snake: The Gift Of The Masculine Side Of Healing by Thomas R. Golden, LCSW; The Ultimate Survival Guide for the Single Father by Thomas Hoerner; Nothing’s Wrong: A Man’s Guide To Managing His Feelings by David Kundtz; Hey Daddy, Read This by Donald Roberts, an award-winning journalist and anchorman for Virginia’s NBC-affiliate television station WAVY-TV; We Fish: The Journey To Fatherhood by University of Pittsburgh Professor Jack L. Daniel, Ph.D. and his son Omari C. Daniel, Ph.D.; Death To Diabetes: The 6 Stages Of Type 2 Diabetes Control & Reversal by DeWayne McCulley; Fatherhood by William H. Cosby, Jr., Ed.D.; The Spirit Of Fatherhood: Embracing Our Role As Fathers And Reclaiming Our Children by S. Bruce Olamina Stevenson; 25 Things That Really Matter: A Comprehensive Guide To Making Your Life Better by Gary A. Johnson, the Founder and Publisher of the Homework Help Page and Founder of the Gary A. Johnson Company, a management-training and consulting firm; The Self-Esteem Trap: Raising Confident And Compassionate Kids In An Age Of Self-Importance by Polly Young-Eisendrath, Ph.D.; A Promise To Ourselves: A Journey Through Fatherhood And Divorce by television, film and Broadway actor Alec Baldwin; A Father’s Right by Anthony Gallo; 2011: The Global Depression by global economist and economic consultant to the Government of Canada and the United Nations Economic Commission Ruben James; Do-Over! by Robin Hemley: and The Man’s Book: The Essential Guide For The Modern Man by Thomas Fink.
SEARS has co-moderated discussion forums, panel discussions, and national teleconferences on Fatherhood and Men’s Issues and has been a frequent featured guest on radio talk shows in the United States and Australia
Somewhere in the Middle welcomes Samuel Woods, author of Imprisonment Samuel Woods is a native of Canton, Ohio, where he was indoctrinated into street life at the age of twelve. Despite a strong desire to turn things around for himself, Sam found himself moving from the juvenile court system to the adult prison system. He currently is incarcerated in Mansfield Correctional Institution serving a 35-years to life sentence for murder. He has been in prison for 6 ½ years.
Sam Woods has a beautiful and loving wife, Ashley Woods, and two wonderful children, Samuel Woods, Jr. and Daeshona Miller. It is their love and support that keeps Sam motivated to fight for justice in his case. He wants those who are in a similar situation to continue to never give up the fight for their freedom and encourages them to go to the legal library to learn everything they can about the law.
Sam Woods is the author of Imprisonment, which will be out in June 2020. Visit http://booksbytheshelf.org to learn more.
Alan Black shares his journey of surrender to become a Christian author Alan Black grew up in the United Methodist Church. While he proudly embraces his background and personal history within the United Methodist Church, he does not feel that denomination is important. What matters most is the relationship that you have with the Lord.
Through the years, if Alan were to describe his relationship with the Lord using one word it would be “transformation” marked by daily growth in his walk with the Lord, and as well continuing to display the fruits of his Spirit. For these times, his attitude and belief are that the world is looking to Christians to see if, in fact, their talk does indeed match their walk.
Like all of us, Alan has experienced twists and turns along the road of life. But each step along that road has led him to this point in life to humbly say that he is an author. But being able to say that he is a Christian author is the most important thing of all to him.
To everything, there is a time and season. Though Alan was unsure of what was in store for him, Alan sought to be obedient and to trust in the Lord. Alan is now able to show others that God will qualify you and lead you to accomplish what His charge is for you if you can be a willing servant.
Somewhere in the Middle welcomes Education Consultant Joy Simuel Joy is an energetic and experienced special education professional with a passion for pushing students to realize their full potential. With over 10 years of experience, she is a dedicated and resourceful educator with a solid commitment to the growth of the whole child. Giving parents the knowledge and confidence they need to advocate for their child.
It was during an annual review of IEP (individualized education plans) and re-evaluation meetings that Joy realized parents were signing documents, leaving meetings not feeling heard and overwhelmed. She decided that she would start her own special education consulting business to help parents navigate the special education process. After much prayer Joy resigned from her teaching position on June 13, 2019, from Fairfax County Public Schools and took the leap of faith to start Joy Simuel Consulting LLC.
Joy received her bachelor’s degree from Peace College in 2011 where she majored in Child Development and minored in Psychology. She received her special education license from East Carolina University in 2014. Joy has taught in the Wake County Public School System in North Carolina and most recently Fairfax County Public School System. This is where she developed a reputation for advocating for the diverse and unique needs of her students.
Kaolin K shares her experience working with white people seeking to foster equality in their lives Kaolin K is originally from Brooklyn, NY, where she raised her two adult children. She worked in politics and the Arts, and in the 90’s Kaolin moved to Northampton, MA, attended Holyoke Community College, the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and matriculated in the Opera Department at Smith. Kaolin developed the Talking About Race self-study curriculum, which is designed for white people who want to foster equality in their lives, drawing upon the Kaolin’s classroom experiences teaching a course for college students titled Let’s Talk About Race. Kaolin has also worked in politics organizing marches on Washington, DC for peace and justice, ending US Intervention in Central America, and as the Health Benefits Field Representative for the Local 205 - DC 1707 Welfare Fund in NYC. Deeply invested in social services and education since 1991, Kaolin was also a member of the Anti-Racism Committee in the National Organization for Women (NOW) and was their National Keynote Plenary Speaker on White Privilege for their 50th Anniversary celebration in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Kaolin does public speaking and consults with teachers and activists who are using her book Talking About Race: A Workbook About White People Fostering Racial Equality in Their Lives. In addition to teaching, Kaolin has appeared in several documentaries.
Author and Community Activist DeWandus Johnson Shares His Journey from Prison to Activist DeWandus Johnson Sr. was born and raised on the westside of Chicago, in the Lawndale Community. He fell into street life at an early age and was sent to prison when he was seventeen. Upon his release and while on parole, he left the grimy streets of Chicago and landed in Omaha, Nebraska. Unable to shake his “go get it by any means necessary” attitude, he found himself in prison again. While in Federal prison, he was introduced to one of the legends of the Chicago lifestyle and gained knowledge about other ways to live successfully. This friendship between the two men awakened a new understanding of life for DeWandus, and a new goal was born.
Today, DeWandus is the author of several books and has no plans to stop writing. His goal is to give unfiltered testimonies to the people that either don't know or don’t care about the untold truths about ghettos in America. DeWandus’s writing style can be described as alive, vivid, and extremely raw. His first novel was published under Royal Roar Publishing LLC and his second, All Cried Out!, was released in January of 2020.
Somewhere in the Middle with Michele Barard Welcomes Business Mentor Ana Robles Ana Robles is the founder of Life’s Journey to Excellence in Covina, California. She helps business owners, sales professionals & entrepreneurs by providing sales training, create a system and business strategy in both group and one-on-one environments. Ana specializes in working with Small Businesses, Emerging & Established Entrepreneurs, and Independent Contractors.
Education Mentor and Author Darrian Tanner Encourages Educators to Create Win-Win Situations in the Classroom Darrian Tanner is currently an 11th-year secondary education English teacher and a 2nd-year Instructional Mentor in the state of Florida. She was born and raised in East St. Louis, IL, and this is where her love for education truly began as she was inspired by both her teachers and aunts who were educators and administrators in the school district. Darrian graduated from the College of Education at Michigan State University with a B.A. in English Ed and completed the teacher certification program with a yearlong internship at a local high school.
Throughout her years of teaching, she came across great success on the school campus whether it was through her student mentorship programs or The Classroom Experience. Darrian was presented with the Florida High Impact Teacher Award two years in a row because of the significant growth in her students’ reading and writing state testing scores. She has a philosophy behind these results that’s much bigger than a lesson plan or special classroom assignments, and she developed a passion to share these principles with other educators. In 2016, she wrote her first ebook entitled, Finally Some Answers: 50 Classroom Solutions for the Secondary Ed Teacher. Her newest book, Teacher Authority in the Classroom: It’s Not a Battle-It’s a Bargain, was released in August 2019. In this book, she talks about the perspective of both the educators and students when it comes to understanding teacher authority in the classroom. Three years ago, she developed a strong heart to help other educators in the areas of student behavior and engagement. As a former ambassador for Teach.org and a live and online workshop presenter, Darrian makes great effort to reach educators and students across the world in hopes of impacting the world in an unforgettable way.
Tawana Williams "The Hope Coach" Discusses the Choices She Made to Build Her Writing and Speaking Career Tawana Williams was born without arms and impaired use of her legs. She’s an award-winning Keynote Motivational Speaker, TV Personality, Author, Artist, Mentor, Executive Producer, Co-Producer, Businesswoman, Humanitarian & CEO. She’s a highly sought-after speaker with a powerful and uplifting message for all generations. Her compelling story is one of Triumph, Perseverance, and Determination. She’s overcome many obstacles and has never let her disability stop her. Tawana is the first black Tha-li-do-mide baby in the U.S. that became an Internationally acclaimed Les Brown Platinum Motivational Speaker!
She’s the author of six books including her classic book UNarmed but Dangerous. This book is her personal testimony and will be featured as her Debut Movie “Eagle Without Wings” coming soon to theaters. She became a professional speaker in 1996 and travels the country with her husband, Toby, speaking at schools, churches, daycare centers, youth programs, Boys & Girls Clubs, nursing homes, prisons, drug rehab centers, veterans’ associations, universities, colleges, fraternities, sororities, corporations & organizations. Tawana’s Mission is to give hope and inspiration to those facing adversities and challenges while teaching them how to cope in any situation.
Tawana has been featured on The Jerry Springer Show sharing her story of how she beat the odds, The Judge Hatchett Show to mentor a troubled teen, The WORD Network, Manna Express TV, TCT-TV, Atlanta Live, Lifetime TV, The 700 Club, “Your World” with Creflo Dollar and many other TV programs. She's been interviewed by Oprah's Producers twice by telephone. Her story has been told in numerous magazines. She’s the Former Spokesperson for The Agape Gospel Academy in Atlanta, Georgia from 2008-2011.
Tawana is “The Hope Coach” and she’s teaching others how to live a life with “No More Excuses.”
Somewhere in the Middle welcomes Food Activist Yvette Blair-Lavallais Reverend Yvette Blair-Lavallais was seven years old, sitting in the pew at Lee Chapel AME Church in Dallas, when she sensed that God was calling her to preach. By the age of 10, she became involved in children’s Sunday School and afterschool Bible studies. God continued to shape her for ministry as she took on leadership roles within the church and the community throughout her teen and young adult years.
Yvette has held pastoral appointments in The United Methodist Church, including serving as the Associate Pastor of Discipleship at the historic St. Luke “Community” United Methodist Church in Dallas. Her fruitful ministry included cultivating and leading the Young Adult Ministry, Women’s Ministry, Bible study, e2 Elevate Your Experience Wednesday Night worship, and serving as Director of The Zan Wesley Holmes, Jr. Servant Leadership Institute.
Yvette was named the 2017 Woman of the Year by IMessenger News/Texas Metro News for speaking out and giving voice to the numerous clergywomen who have been victims of sexual assault in the church. She is featured in the 2019 documentary, "Shatter the Silence," produced by Cheryl Allison and WOW Films. Yvette speaks to the need for the church to repent and to dismantle the patriarchy that perpetuates violation against women.
Yvette has spoken at conferences including the 2018 "Talking Bout a Revolution" Women's Conference presented by the Mennonite Church USA and she was invited to present her paper, “Where Do We Go From Here: When the Church Disturbs the Status Quo” at the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee as part of their MLK 50 Memphis Teach-In.
Yvette wrote and released her first book, Being Ruth: Pressing Through Life’s Struggles with Fearless Faith, in the summer of 2017. She weaves this biblical story of the ancient sacred text with real-life, practical application of navigating and through challenges and getting to the life-giving spaces that God has already created.
Yvette is a native of Dallas, Texas, holds a BA in Journalism from the University of North Texas, and has more than 25 years of experience in media, corporate communications, public relations and non-profit, including receiving a congressional appointment to serve as the Public Relations Specialist at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. She is a writing coach and professional editor and has helped more than 20 pastors publish books.
Christian Coach, Author, and Inspirational Speaker Dr. Kendra Davis-Burch helps women change their lives for the better Dr. Kendra Davis-Burch is a 1999 & 2009 graduate of Winston-Salem State University. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology (1999) & a Master of Science Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling (2009). She is also a 2016 graduate of Apex School of Theology where she earned a Master of Divinity Degree. Kendra earned a Doctor of Ministry Degree in Biblical Studies at Apex School of Theology May 2017.
In 2010, Kendra established K*METAMORPHOSIS, a Christian counseling organization whose vision, mission and philosophy were birthed out of the desire to fill a much-needed treatment gap in the community. The organization’s mission is to utilize a holistic approach to restore fallen humanity. This organization believes that individuals; despite their past are capable of transforming spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally.
In 2012, Kendra became a published author. Her book Rivers of Life, a collection of life-changing sermons and homilies; has been said to be a resource that will empower you and inspire you to bounce back from anything. Many have described it as a spiritual vitamin that will rejuvenate, revitalize and refresh you! Kendra has released her second book NO MORE DISCOUNTS: “Lessons Learned Living Single!” A therapeutic tool used by many who have found themselves in the vicious cycle of abuse and toxic relationships, while seeking love and happiness. Kendra’s transparency in this book has empowered others to heal, forgive and move beyond the pain to find their purpose! In May of 2017, Kendra released her third literary project PRAY MORE, TALK LESS.
Education Expert and Social Worker Dr. Terriyln Rivers-Cannon shares her experience working with and helping children succeed in the Atlanta public school system Dr. Terriyln C. Rivers-Cannon is a School Social Worker in the Atlanta area and has devoted over 18 years to improving the lives of Georgia’s school-aged population. Her role is that of a child advocate, providing appropriate interventions and services that help an average of 2,500 children and families per year who are at risk for educational failure.
Terriyln had a spotlight press release for CUTV News Radio in 2017 followed by a featured interview on December 1st that provided her with an opportunity to discuss her nonprofit organization Karing Actions Towards Inspiring Eagles (K.A.T.I.E.), which she dedicated to her aunt, Katie Mae Tindal, who was also a Social Worker.
She is also the host of “DARE to Soar with Doctor R.C.” on The Bold Brave MEDIA network, which airs every Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Eastern time. Terriyln was the recipient of the 2019 National School Social Workers Association of America Award. She is the first African-American from Georgia and the first African-American female to win that distinction and has been recognized numerous times going above and beyond in service to the children of Georgia.
Did you know the United States is the last Western power to use the death penalty? Steffen Hou discusses the devastation the death penalty causes in individual lives and entire communities.
Steffen Hou is a Danish author and filmmaker, who lives in Copenhagen, Denmark. As a true-crime author, he has worked all over the world and written about topics such as child abductions, the Ku Klux Klan, the white supremacy movement, human trafficking, and the death penalty. Steffen Hou emphasizes that he always describes problems through the people who are victims of them rather than through experts sitting at their desk. Therefore, he always follows his main characters closely over a period of time and he is not afraid to put himself in danger zones. He is also known to tell his stories in a captivating and engaging way, so readers feel that they have a good reading experience. Besides the authorship, Steffen also produces documentary movies.
You can find Steffen Hou's book, The Deprived: Innocent on Death Row on Amazon.
Sherry Hill, author and mother of late New England Patriot's player Marquise Hill, shares her journey through grief after her son's death Sherry Hill is the proud mother of the Late Marquise Hill who played as #94 at LSU and #91 with the New England Patriots. Ms. Hill is a ’79 Alumna of Alabama A & M University where she earned a B.S. Degree and Pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha in ’77. She has ten years of experience in the public school system and 16 years of experience with the Federal Government. Ms. Hill’s proudest achievement is helping steer young people in the right direction while working as a Juvenile Counselor with the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD). Ms. Hill has a passion to help the youth and needy.
Sherry Hill’s first book, The Marquise Hill Story: From the Cradle to the Bowl, is five-star rated on Amazon. Hill shares the story of a little boy growing up in a cutthroat environment in South Louisiana from the perspective of a grieving mother who gave her all to guide and support her son while rearing him on her own. Sherry Hill started writing the book three days before Marquis died; she wanted it to serve as a tool to communicate the value of spending quality time with one's children to guide them on the right path and help them find themselves. After her son’s untimely death, it also became a focal point to move through grief into purpose.
Julia Black and I discuss how African-American Characters are portrayed in literature and film in the US Julia Black and I are getting into the topic of how African-American Characters are portrayed in literature and film in the US a little bit deeper this time, and it's just because the topic is so big. It's it really warrants a lot more discussion, a little bit more thoughtfulness. So, we are doing a special True Talk. This is like a little bonus True Talk. It's a little bit longer than the other ones. And that's why we're making it a bonus. And the topic required a little bit more than 10 or 15 minutes, which is what most of our True Talks end up being.
For the full show notes, visit https://urbanbookeditor.com/blog/julia-black-and-i-discuss-how-african-american-characters-are-portrayed-in-literature-and-film-in-the-us.
Tammy Hopson shares her quest to see black romantic love captured in photographs and poetry Tammy Hopson, also known as Sefa Noir, was reared in the suburbs of Northern NJ. She did all the right things and followed every societal rule, moving through life doing the expected: college, career, family. Today, she is a single mother, HR professional, and dedicated daughter. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and an MBA with a focus on organizational development. Hopson currently serves as Vice President of Human Resources for a $500 million dollar a year physician group. However, underneath her responsibilities beat the heart of a passionate poet and a student of Black Culture and eroticism.
After a trip to a local bookstore in 2010, left her feeling unrepresented when trying to find a gift book about black romantic love, she began the journey create to one. As a longtime lover of poetry, sonnets, and great photography she chose to use these elements to create her first collection of poetry. Sefa Noir uses written and photographic imagery to explore the depths of passion, dedication, dominance, submission, commitment, and unrequited black love.
Order Sefa Noir's book on Amazon: Drops in Black Sand
Leadership Coach, Trainer, and Speaker La Toya Gadson shares how we can act as leaders in the lives of others and how role models shape lives for the better La Toya Gadson is the Founder of La Toya Gadson Coaching L.L.C, leadership and personal development company based out of Charlotte, NC. She is also a proud certified John Maxwell coach, trainer, and speaker. La Toya coaches and trains leaders how to lead boldly and take audacious action to intentionally improve themselves, their teams, and their businesses. La Toya’s passion is to help organizations cultivate a result-driven environment while improving employee engagement to reduce turnover and increase the effectiveness of leaders to identify top talent to avoid external hiring.
Before devoting her work to La Toya Gadson Coaching LLC full-time, La Toya held various leadership roles within Corporate America for more than 10 years where she discovered her purpose and calling to coach and mentor others in the workplace. She has been recognized for her ability to quickly turn around low performing teams and equip internal talent for leadership roles.
Noticing a need for employee and leadership development within organizations, La Toya decided to take a leap of faith in 2018 and start her own business in coaching and training.
In addition to being a coach and trainer, La Toya is a woman of faith who loves to travel internationally and works out religiously to stay fit.
Somewhere in the Middle welcomes Hikes Heal! Creator Leslie Ann Roszyk as she explains how our best healing takes place when we release what no longer serves us Leslie Ann moved to Las Vegas 20 years ago, with dreams of illuminating the neon lights beyond measure. With no decent plan of action, she studied many different areas of interest, then after nine years of studying, she finally graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science. While attending college, Leslie Ann worked in three high profile resorts as a Security Manager on the infamous Las Vegas Strip. That unique hands-on experience was just what Leslie Ann needed to fulfill her illuminating leadership dreams, yet she didn’t know it at the time. With encouragement from senior leadership, Leslie Ann took a risk and entered the realm of loyalty marketing as a developer. Leslie Ann did not have any marketing experience, yet from her background in improv and speech performance, she stumbled upon her true passion for motivational speaking, since she was now responsible for engaging and advancing two casino properties to “sell” a dream of loyalty and value to their guests. After tremendous success, Leslie Ann felt it was time to spread her wings and empower her experiences beyond the casino realm. Leslie Ann became a Certified Professional Coach, then created and developed her coaching company, Leslie Ann Coaching. Leslie Ann has built her company out of her love of nature, leadership development and the art of healing your wounded inner child. Leslie Ann has developed a revolutionary training program, called HIKES HEAL! for individuals and corporate leaders to help heal the emotional injuries of the “Walking Wounded” so they can be truly powerful leaders. Leslie Ann has found the best way to teach and help heal is outside, in nature, beyond the walls of the boardroom. Leslie Ann looks forward to sharing more of this wisdom with you as we hike our way to being the true powerful leader in our lives, our communities, and beyond!
Author and Inspirational Speaker Tawana Williams shares how she overcame being born without arms to create an amazing life and business with her husband, Toby Tawana Williams was born without arms and impaired use of her legs. She’s an award-winning Keynote Motivational Speaker, TV Personality, Author, Artist, Mentor, Executive Producer, Co-Producer, Businesswoman, Humanitarian & CEO. She’s a highly sought-after speaker with a powerful and uplifting message for all generations. Her compelling story is one of Triumph, Perseverance, and Determination. She’s overcome many obstacles and has never let her disability stop her. Tawana is the first black Tha-li-do-mide baby in the U.S. that became an Internationally acclaimed Les Brown Platinum Motivational Speaker!
She’s the author of six books including her classic book UNarmed but Dangerous. This book is her personal testimony and will be featured as her Debut Movie “Eagle Without Wings” coming soon to theaters. She became a professional speaker in 1996 and travels the country with her husband, Toby, speaking at schools, churches, daycares, youth programs, Boys & Girls Clubs, nursing homes, prisons, drug rehab centers, veterans’ associations, universities, colleges, fraternities, sororities, corporations & organizations. Tawana’s Mission is to give hope and inspiration to those facing adversities and challenges while teaching them how to cope in any situation.
Tawana has been featured on The Jerry Springer Show sharing her story of how she beat the odds, The Judge Hatchett Show to mentor a troubled teen, The WORD Network, Manna Express TV, TCT-TV, Atlanta Live, Lifetime TV, The 700 Club, “Your World” with Creflo Dollar and many other TV programs. She's been interviewed by Oprah's Producers twice by telephone. Her story has been told in numerous magazines. She’s the Former Spokesperson for The Agape Gospel Academy in Atlanta, Georgia from 2008-2011.
Tawana is “The Hope Coach” and she’s teaching others how to live a life with “No More Excuses.”
Lashone vs. Shaneek discusses pushing past the naysayers and haters as you pursue your goals on Somewhere in the Middle with Michele Barard Lashone Vs. Shaneek, was born in Charleston. She is a mother of three and now resides in Charlotte, NC. Lashone writes action-packed mysteries filled with love and loss. Her characters are both feared and fearless, though ironically, in real life Lashone is afraid of looking in the rear-view mirror while driving at night and walking up the stairs in the dark.
Lashone is a hard-working dreamer, who started out writing a stage play but instead turned it into I, BEAUTY, her debut novel which is the first of a book series. She has an interest in everything from fantasy to forensic science. Her true passion lies within whatever she can create. In Lashone's world, everything is in balance, whether positive or negative. Along with the graphic design skills that Lashone has picked up over the years, she has a great love for Blues & Jazz. Particularly, she developed a deep interest in writing lyrics, which led to a creative writing class in college. Lashone has written many things and is currently looking to publish her second book project. Equipped with her biggest daydream, Lashone intends to become a great author who will make her family proud.
Rabbi Yonason Goldson shares his search for ways we can communicate with honesty and integrity Yonason Goldson is the director of Ethical Imperatives, LLC. After graduating from the University of California with a degree in English, he hitchhiked cross-country, backpacked across Europe, lived in Israel for nine years, received his rabbinic ordination, then taught high school for 23 years in Budapest, Hungary, and St. Louis, where he and his wife now live happily as empty-nesters.
He’s published five books, including "Proverbial Beauty: Secrets for Success and Happiness from the Wisdom of the Ages," and "Fix Your Broken Windows: a 12-step system for promoting ethical affluence." He’s also published hundreds of articles applying ancient wisdom to grapple with the challenges of the modern world and to find fulfillment in our personal and professional lives.
Andrew E. Guy is a phenomenal inspiration to millions, TEDx speaker, author, and thought-leader who challenges people to shift their mindset from limited-belief to Creating A Greater impact of influence and a life with meaning and purpose. Whether he's delivering conference keynotes, facilitating staff development seminars, advising municipal leaders, or empowering students to higher performance, Andrew Empowers "YOU" to Create Your Greatest Impact in the four most important areas of your life.™
With over 15 years of leadership and staff development coaching, Andrew helps organizations to implement effective strategies that create a culture of community which inspires leaders, and employees to thrive through productive action and effective employee collaboration. His disruptive, high impact and highly interactive approach to engaging his audience make him unforgettable. Organizations gladly request Andrew as their speaker because of his ability to connect with diverse audiences through seminars and insightful learning.
As a certified educational consultant, Andrew also partners with school districts to empower educators and students. When he's not on stage, leading seminars and workshops, he's busy working on his latest projects and spending quality time with his family.
Candace Jones, The Attorney Next Door, shares her experience advocating for families and children, tips for families in distress, and how we can help advocate for kids in our own communities Candace Jones is an attorney at law in my new home state of California. But get those stuffy images and greedy stereotypes out of your head. Candace became an attorney to help people and she’s here to help you. Too many people don't know the little things that can make all the difference in their lives. Sometimes you just need a friendly neighbor with some helpful insight. That’s why she calls herself The Attorney Next Door! Calling herself The Attorney Next Door has been a long time coming. Candace believes law school doesn't teach lawyers how to help people. It teaches them how to think from different perspectives, see issues from multiple vantage points and argue different positions. It teaches lawyers how to research the law and apply it to different fact patterns. But it doesn't teach how to make these skills and services affordable and accessible to the general population. That's what Candace is all about.
Author & Speaker Bernard N. Lee, Jr. shares his experiences growing up in a military family in the segregated South and in Germany during the 50's Bernard N. Lee, Jr. is the oldest son of a career veteran of the US Army. He traveled throughout the United States and Europe during his childhood. The places he traveled, the people he met, and the stories he remembers are shared in his memoir, A Look Back In Time: Memoir of a Military Kid In The Fifties.
Bernie attended Howard University in Washington, D.C., joined the Army ROTC Program, obtained a private pilot’s license, a regular army commission, and retired as a Captain from the Army Reserves. Upon graduating, Bernie joined AT&T in New Jersey, where he worked until his retirement in 2003. Bernie also taught classes at Somerset VoTech and led a group called PACE, preparing high school students for STEM programs in college.
Bernie is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI); Georgia Writer’s Association; Books by Brats, Writers Helping Writers, and Indie Author writers’ groups.
Bernie is also a member of the Nuremberg Alumni Association and the “How Big Is Your Dream Foundation (HBIYD?!)”.
Bernie resides in Conyers, Georgia, with Edwina (his wife of forty-one wonderful years), where he teaches “Chess for Advanced and Beginning students” in an after-school program.
Cheryl Cooley of the all-female funk band Klymaxx shares about making funk music as a lead guitarist in the 80's and today You know Cheryl Cooley from her amazing guitar playing as the lead guitarist of Klymaxx. The R&B all-female funk band, KLYMAXX is KLYMAXXTIC, and still going strong.
Their music is a staple on the radio and in dance clubs around the world. Belting out hits like, “The Men All Pause” and “Meeting in the Ladies Room” the group’s name is synonymous with classic women’s anthems. Their beautiful ballad, “I Miss You”, was Billboard Magazine’s #3 song of 1986 and still to this day is played when love is in the air. Continuing into the 90’s with the #4 R&B hit, “Good Love” followed their sultry Neo-Soul groove entitled, “Private Party” showed that they could flow with the changing music trends.
Much of the group’s success can be credited to Cheryl Cooley, Co-founder and original member. She has personally nurtured the group’s unique sound by overseeing the infusion of 80’s funk with a modern swag.
Cheryl's enthusiasm and vision have transformed KLYMAXX into a leaner, meaner entity producing live music that delivers dynamic vocals and uncompromised grooves. These ladies are serious about entertaining their fans and continuing with the KLYMAXX legacy.
Somewhere in the Middle with Michele Barard welcomes Executive Coach Donald R. Hunter, who discusses overcoming fear and becoming an inspiring leader Donald R. Hunter specializes in leadership, employee engagement and productivity. He dedicates himself to help leaders create transformation in their own performance and then in their organization, which results in highly productive employees, customer loyalty and increased bottom-line performance. Donald deeply engages with clients to create rapport and long-term relationships. He effortlessly expands his client’s leadership effectiveness. His magical intuition merged with his ability to quickly shift perspectives far exceeds his client’s expectations. Donald has designed an executive coaching program that establishes a foundation for each client and clarifies professional goals, then develops their ability to inspire. He combines this insight with his client’s talents and skills to create a coaching plan, used as an accountability and decision-making framework for continuous improvement. Donald’s mission, as a corporate manager and currently as an executive coach, is to strengthen his clients' performance and connect their passions to their key accountabilities.
Somewhere in the Middle with Michele Barard welcomes Tresté Loving, Diversity & Inclusion Expert, Specializing in Law Enforcement & Race Relations Tresté Loving is President & Founder of The Institute for Racial Equity®, a law enforcement training program dedicated to improving race relations between law enforcement professionals and their communities. With over 25 years of global expertise, Tresté utilizes her military experience and dynamic speaking style to dismantle unconscious biases and stereotypes, combating discriminatory and prejudiced behaviors from the root. The result is long-lasting organizational improvements, including an end to profiling tendencies.
Dedicated to providing honest, straightforward data, Tresté has enabled police departments and Corporations to operate in a highly productive, strategic, and aware manner. Tresté’s speaking engagements take her all over the country so she can positively impact communities throughout the United States.
Somewhere in the Middle welcomes Writer and Editor Julia Black who shares tips for writing and journaling to get our messages out Julia Renee Black is a content writer with over 15 years of experience writing and editing many document types for various audiences. As a former technical writer, she is able to easily and thoroughly mold technical content into simple, clear language that the average person can understand. She understands the rules of website content, press releases, nonfiction and fiction books, blog posts, poetry, and technical documents. As a former teacher and corporate employee, she has a complete understanding of the most recent trends in grammar, punctuation, and diction rules and how those should be used in many writing scenarios. In addition to her comprehensive writing abilities, she has a thorough understanding of holistic health practices having researched and used them for her own health. She combined these skills when starting her business, Blacksmith Writing, which she created to offer copywriting and content writing skills to the health and wellness industry.
Creative Entrepreneur Tracey Arial shares about creating the seasonal life she wanted and how feeling uncomfortable can serve in our creative and personal development. Creative entrepreneur Tracey Arial lives a seasonal life. In the summer, she helps Montreal residents grow and buy local healthy food and purchase compost and handcrafted items through the non-profit solidarity cooperative called Coopérative Abondance Urbaine Solidaire (CAUS). During the winter, she encourages family historians, solopreneurs and small business owners to read and produce Notable Nonfiction through books, courses and private coaching. Keep up with her work via her blog, monthly newsletters or her weekly Unapologetically Canadian podcast. You can also purchase her books and courses or hire her to help with your projects. If you just want to laugh at her funny Friday blog posts, that’s okay too. Please don’t ask her to laugh quietly, tell a polite lie or make a cup of decent coffee. Those skills are beyond her.
Christian Life Coach, Inspirational Speaker, and Author Andrea T. Martin joins us on Somewhere in the Middle with Michele Barard to share how to move past pain into prosperity Andrea T. Martin is an “out of the box” International Motivational Speaker, Amazon International Best-Selling Author, & Christian Life Coach. She is the Founder & CEO of Discovering My Wings, LLC, where she empowers and equips women to discover life’s possibilities and take flight into their purpose.
As an International Motivational Speaker, Andrea captivates audiences with her message to help women emerge from a painful past, rediscover their goals, dreams, and aspirations, capitalize on their current skills, talents, and gifts and take the necessary steps to TRANSFORM their lives. Highly respected as an engaging, motivating and genuine speaker, Andrea speaks directly to the heart of her audience, taking them through a process that quickly moves them from information and inspiration to activation and implementation.
Through her warm yet dynamic style, Andrea teaches her audiences using compelling yet informative stories. This provides them with valuable takeaways they can use to immediately impact their lives. She combines her unique journey of self re-discovery, her knowledge of the transformation process, and her spiritual wisdom… to help women around the world get unstuck, remove limitations, activate their wings and soar into their destinies.
Most recently, Andrea spoke on an Empowerment Cruise to the Bahamas, at an Empowerment Conference in Dubai. She also has spoken at the FBI and the University of Mary Washington. Andrea conducts numerous workshops, classes, certifications, and numerous churches and women’s groups. Andrea also has leveraged her over 25 years in the banking industry to start her Corporate Training & Speaking arm of her business.
Known for her ability to quickly get to the heart of the matter and help women make radical improvements in their lives, Andrea has become the “GO TO” expert among those looking to transform their lives. Her clients are most appreciative of her ability to inspire, motivate, and help them to quickly get unstuck and moving towards their destiny again. Through her coaching packages, workshops, speaking engagements, and various teachings, Andrea offers women; real-life strategies on how to get unstuck, remove limitations and turn their dreams into reality.
Somewhere in the Middle with Michele Barard Welcomes Wellness Coach Willie Tate Willie Tate, C.P.C., CPT, has been studying personal development in mind, body, and health for over 25 years.
Willie has a passion for helping people live a healthy lifestyle in all areas by making better choices. Willie's personal journey has led him to discover powerful personal development techniques that anyone can implement into their lives.
He believes that these simple steps can create big changes and will assist you in developing a more fulfilling and purposeful life. Willie is passionate about living but he is more passionate about helping others live their best lives physically, emotionally, and financially.
Retired Maryland State Senator Barbara Robinson Joins Us on Somewhere in the Middle Senator Barbara Robinson served the people of Baltimore, MD. She considers herself a woman of achievement and integrity who believes in people and progress, not politics and power. As a member of the Maryland General Assembly, she refused to be influenced by shady deal-making and unethical government proceedings and has kept her promise. She has been recognized professionally with many awards including the "African American Women in Business Visionary Award", "Woman of the Year" by Zonta International Inc, induction into the Maryland Women’s Hall of Fame, and was even Honored at the White House by Bill Clinton. Prior to serving in the state Senate, Robinson served in the Maryland House of Delegates, representing District 40 from 2007 to 2016.
Robinson has earned three degrees including a B.S in Business Administration, an M. Ed in Criminal Justice Administration, and a C.A.S.E in Education, along with nineteen certificates of completion in areas like data processing, counseling, conflict resolution, and advanced negotiations training. Her extensive career accomplishments range from teaching inmates in prison to founding a multimillion-dollar healthcare enterprise to developing the nation’s first court clerks’ program for the District Court, the Supreme Bench, and the Department of Corrections.
You can reach out Sen. Barabara Robinson through her website http://www.senatorbarbararobinson.com.
Connect with Michele Barard, host of Somewhere in the Middle, at https://www.urbanbookeditor.com or https://www.michelebarard.com.
Dating Coach Hiroko Ideguchi Shares Advice for Career and Business Women Seeking a Long-Term Relationship Hiroko is a certified professional coach who specializes in working with professional single women to find a healthy and loving relationship with the right partner.
She worked in IT for 14 years and she is used to looking at and solving problems systematically, and she figured out that there are 5 areas where all the challenges lie.
There are five checkpoints:
- Why/Vision
- Old Pattern
- Mind
- Action
- New Pattern
It’s called the WOMAN method.
It helps single women to shape a new vision for partnership, break old patterns, shift their mindset, be in action and build new patterns to create the committed relationship of their dreams.
Hiroko left her corporate job so she could dedicate herself to coaching other women like her – women who confidently navigate careers but stumble when it comes to relationships. After all, Hiroko understands what they go through in a dating world because she used to be one of them.
Today, Hiroko is happily married and living in New York City.
You can reach Hiroko on Instagram and Facebook @TrueYouRelationship.
Connect with Michele Barard, host of Somewhere in the Middle, at https://www.urbanbookeditor.com or https://www,michelebarard.com.
Somewhere in the Middle welcomes Chiropractor & Yoga Instructor Dr. Kiva Davis - ENCORE PRESENTATION Dr. Kiva L. Davis, DC is a licensed Chiropractor, with a strong background in Anatomy and Kinesiology, and is a registered Yoga Alliance E-RYT® 200, YACEP® teacher.
Dr. Kiva’s approach to anatomy and yoga is lighthearted and passionate. She has practiced Yoga for more than ten years. Her introduction to Holistic health was in 2003 when she received a certification in Reflexology.
She became interested in Yoga after taking a class at a local gym in the late ’90s. Her desire to deepen her understanding of the practice resulted in her obtaining certification to teach from Yoga Lotus in 2007. She completed more than 700 educational hours in Hatha Yoga at Yoga Lotus, Kemetic Yoga, and Rocket Yoga.
Dr. Kiva considers herself the "happy" yoga teacher and is known for her engaging style and ability to share concepts in a clear and accessible way. As her students move through asanas, she wants them to experience the movements and the freedom that can be obtained. She compares yoga movements to dance.
She conducts Anatomy training for several Yoga Teacher Training programs and she is certain that a strong foundation in anatomy gives teachers advantages in class development. Kiva believes strongly in bringing humor to her classes and training while still respecting the practice. Her mission is to empower students and teachers to move beyond perceived limitations to find freedom, confidence and to allow energy to flow through their bodies.
Dr. Kiva is a graduate of Texas Southern University with a major in Psychology and minor in Art History and received a Doctorate Degree from Texas Chiropractic College. She is enrolled in a 500-hour yoga program and a Chiropractic Diplomate Program in Nutrition.
Steven Hutchinson was born in New York City in the Spring of 1959.
He is one of seven children who more than survived childhood in New York City. He is a warrior who fights for his integrity and the integrity of his people. Steven Hutchinson has read hundreds of books, traveled to all 50 states, visited India five times, studied yoga, meditation, and the major religions. He was a Hindu Priest for 15 years and is the author of Power Thought, A Handbook for Consciousness, and Budget Make It Now!
Steven Hutchinson is presently writing his 3rd book, which addresses black entrepreneurship and the psychological warfare that is involved in that mighty endeavor.
He has had many business failures, which is the only real way to grow as an entrepreneur and be able to share that experience to help others. He is an entrepreneur focused on building an Empire, building a pyramid, building a society of Consciousness.
Steven Hutchinson owns and operates Power Taxx which is an income tax startup, which he started as a lean start-up. He also is a licensed Insurance agent who provides financial products and teaches people how money works.
Steven Hutchinson believes that since we live in a consumer nation we need to be producers to satisfy the needs, wants and demands of our people.
Somewhere in the Middle with Michele Barard welcomes Sports Writer and Author Jerald Hoover Jerald Hoover is an adjunct professor at Long Island University Brooklyn where he teaches Sport Communication and Sport Management. Jerald has had teaching stints at the Korean American Heritage Foundation where he taught English to Korean born students visiting the USA and at the renowned Eagle Academy for boys where he also taught English. He is editor-in-chief and senior writer at Pure Sports New York. Jerald has also been a sportswriter for over 17 years and has covered the New York Knicks and New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets: for Black Athlete Sports Network, The Network Journal, Sport New York Style and BustaSports.com. Jerald is also an award-winning novelist and filmmaker.
Somewhere in the Middle with Michele Barard Welcomes Kendall Weaver Kendall Weaver grew up in Decatur, Georgia, which is on the East side of Metro Atlanta, but she hails from the windy city, which is why she considers herself to be a tough-skinned, bittersweet GA peach. Kendall runs a financial consulting firm located in the heart of Atlanta that focuses on empowering women and minorities through financial education and implementation of sound financial strategies. This is a pretty big deal considering Kendall’s family was poor and she became a teen mom by the age of 17. The situation forced Kendall to grow up quickly so she could take care of her new family, but she soon discovered that she wasn’t cut out for the corporate world. After being fired from just about every job she’d ever worked, and after much coaxing by a mentor, she decided to pursue a career in finance. Now she runs offices for one of the largest financial marketing firms in North America and leads a team of multicultural boss ladies. Kendall is no stranger to the mental toughness and perseverance required to tackle the challenging times. After struggling with homelessness, poverty, teen pregnancy, and two divorces, Kendall has mastered the art of manifesting while making it look easy. In addition, Kendall gives back to her community and is currently working on a project to mentor teen mothers through business and entrepreneurship skills.
Somewhere in the Middle with Michele Barard Welcomes Author and Educator Stacie McClam Stacie McClam is an educator, a speaker, and now, a best-selling author. In her new book released July 2018, “School Dismissed: Walking Away from Teaching,” Stacie describes why she left the teaching profession. Stacie shares some of the challenges that she faced during her teaching career. She noticed a pattern over the years that some students suffered from trauma beyond her classroom management skills. Many teachers are not trained in mental health and trauma. The book raises awareness about the issue so that both students and teachers can receive the help that they desperately need. Trauma affects the teacher's ability to teach, and as a result, some teachers feel powerless and flee the profession. Stacie has over 9 years of teaching experience. She taught in different states and cities. Stacie feels that she can better serve students outside of the classroom by exposing the realities that occur inside the classroom involving mental health, childhood trauma, and teacher trauma. As a law school graduate, she hopes to become an advocate for teachers by making legal arguments to improve the education system.
Somewhere in the Middle with Michele Barard Welcomes Caregiver Life Strategist Denise Bampoe Denise Bampoe is a native New Yorker whose background is colored by her immigrant Caribbean heritage and Southern roots. She spent her youth as a track and field scholar-athlete. This took dedication and as a result, Denise was no stranger to hard work and continually pursued excellence. Due to her intensive academic and athletic training, she was prepared for the challenges of the fast-paced business world. She gained solid experience after having spent over 15 years in the financial services industry. Even though she cultivated a certain level of business acumen, it didn’t prepare her for what was to come next as a caregiver. A strong foundation for survival was laid but her expertise as a compassionate and resilient advocate was cultivated through her experiences as a caregiver for both of her parents.
She soon found herself running to the hospital and patient care facilities for her father who suffered from chronic kidney failure and was on kidney dialysis. Soon thereafter her caregiving duties expanded to include her mother, who was her father’s primary caregiver until diabetic episodes eventually led to leg amputations. This led to a lot of frustrating situations which can be tough on an only child dealing with a lack of support. To her advantage, Denise’s business background helped her to exercise foresight which prompted Denise to tap into resources early enough to begin to prepare for the road ahead. Health and wellness have also become a key priority for Denise especially after witnessing the effects of chronic illness on her parents. This prompted Denise to establish the wellness and lifestyle platform BeWellBeSwell.com to chronicle her journey and provide resources, tools, support, and information for new and existing caregivers on preparing for caregiving, caregiver self-care, and dealing with post-caregiving. She hopes to build a community that encourages caregivers to remember to take care of themselves while caring for others. Her goal is to inspire caregivers to seek the daily joys in life despite the challenges that may arise. By sharing her experiences, Denise is not only a source of support but serves as a resource to only children or "those who feel like only children" who are caring for their elder parents.
Denise graduated from SUNY Albany with a degree in Business Administration. She is a professional coach with a certificate in personal development coaching from The CAPP Institute. Currently, she resides in New York with her husband. As a Distinguished Toastmaster, she also can be found speaking on a stage near you. When she’s not curled up with a good book, Denise can be found dancing in a Zumba class or fine-tuning her kickboxing moves. One of her favorite pastimes includes making scrumptious organic meals as she enjoys delicious culinary flavors.
Somewhere in the Middle with Michele Barard Welcomes Educator and Author Vanessa S. Turner Vanessa S. Turner is from the wonderful state of New Jersey. Due to her love for children and a passion for helping them learn and succeed, she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Oral Roberts University. She later furthered her studies and received a Master of Education degree from Regent University. Vanessa is a professional educator who has been teaching elementary school in the public school system for the past twenty years.
Vanessa has a love for God and people. She has actively served in her local church in several areas since she was a teenager. Her longest ministry commitment there was in the capacity of a youth ministry leader for over thirteen years. She led students in home cell groups, drama ministry, choir, and missions trips. She also taught corporate Bible study and preached in teen services. Vanessa was also part of a team of pastors and fellow leaders providing oversight to a regional youth coalition.
Vanessa is a business person who is committed to developing her financial intelligence. She desires to support others in this area. Therefore, she offers individuals the opportunity to be part of a financial education and software services platform. People from all walks of life can participate in the forex market.
The late and brilliant Frederick Douglass said, "It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men." This quote resonates with Vanessa because she understands that if young people believe in themselves at an early age, they will be better equipped to avoid many pitfalls that adults face.
Vanessa's mission is to empower youth in the area of their self-esteem by showing them that they are champions, phenomenal kids, and have the ability to be successful while having a great impact on the world. When she pours into young people, she is pouring into tomorrow's leaders.
Somewhere in the Middle with Michele Barard Welcomes Tana Session, a Huffington Post “10 Female Experts to Follow in 2018” Tana Session was born into the New York City foster care system and remained there until she was 3 ½ years old. She experienced various hardships throughout her life, but learned they were not her fault…but they were her problem. She set out to establish a life that was quantum leaps from where she started. Recently recognized as a Huffington Post “10 Female Experts to Follow in 2018,” Tana has built a successful career in Human Resources and a successful business in spite of her background. She continues to use her adversities as fuel and not excuses.
Tana has served as the top Human Resources leader for multiple organizations. She embeds her passion for the field of Human Resources and Coaching in all of her programs. In 2014, Tana established her award-winning, WMBE-certified coaching and consulting practice. Noted as a powerful international speaker, Tana shares her poignant career and life coaching tips with audiences from a personal perspective. Tana is now a bestselling author and an award-winning international speaker.
In November 2016, Tana released her first book entitled Inside the Revolving Door: Chronicles From the Human Resources Department. In January 2017, she released the #1 Best-seller Get Your Career Life in Order, a step-by-step career management and job-hunting self-help guidebook. Her third book, The Little Book of Motivation & Inspiration – Volume I, was released in January 2018. Tana is also a contributing writer for Forbes.com and BlackEnterprise.com and has been featured in Huffington Post, Essence Magazine, and on various television, syndicated radio and podcasts. In August 2017, the University of Phoenix recognized Tana as one of its Distinguished Alumni of Southern California. Tana also joined the team of UCLA Extension as an Instructor for the Human Resources Development course, the final class in their top-rated 18-month Human Resources certification program.
Somewhere in the Middle with Michele Barard Welcomes Bestselling Author Dr. Marcia Demers Marcia Demers is an accomplished professional with many successful credits to her name. She has ten years of experience in clinical pharmacy and holds a Doctorate in Pharmacy from Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Demers is a licensed pharmacist in Florida, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. She is a member of the Phi Delta Chi Pharmaceutical Fraternity, which recognized her as the most volunteered brother. She is a member of Nova Southeastern’s Rho Chi Honors Society, which recognizes students for consistent academic excellence.
In addition to her many achievements, Marcia is now a two-time international best-selling author. She recently became certified as an Author Coach, showing others how to become best-selling authors using a foolproof formula. She epitomizes energy, creativity, commitment, reliability, and integrity, in every area of her life. She is also a licensed Realtor. Her goal is to assist others with one of their most important investments and helping to make homeownership attainable for people who think they never could achieve that dream.
Marcia is a highly driven, self-motivated individual who enjoys people, reading, dancing, travel and working out. While she remains consistently engaged in working on her own personal growth and development, her core passion is philanthropy, giving back and helping others to achieve their goals and dreams.
Somewhere in the Middle with Michele Barard welcomes Denise August, author of If Only I Knew Then What I Know Now Denise M. August is the youngest of five born to Lottie & Alfred August in Los Angeles, CA. The family later moved to Oakland, CA, where she grew up and developed an interest in dance, music, and entertainment. She holds an Associate of Arts Degree in Human Services.
Denise is a single mother of two and a proud grandmother of five. She has worked in television broadcasting with Fox Channel 2 and ABC Channel 7 news. She has spent the last 20 years working for Contra Costa County CCTV and Employment and Human Services.
Denise August’s first book, “If I Only Knew Then, What I Know Now,” is a God-inspired autobiography depicting how God guided her through the various challenges of her life. Denise was crowned the “2014 Christian Woman of The Year” in Sacramento, CA by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. & “2016 Woman of Valor” in Richmond, CA by the Iota Chapter of the Beta Pi Sigma Sorority. She also has been recognized by the Mayor of Sacramento, Assemblymen, a State Senator, and the Sacramento Board of Supervisors.
Somewhere in the Middle with Michele Barard welcomes Special Guest Investment Strategist John Kane John Kane is a professional investor and entrepreneur with a degree in finance. He had suffered financial setbacks in 2008 with his real estate portfolio and decided to go more into institutional finance. John turned his hobby of investing into a large financial group that manages millions of dollars of investments. His firm advises banks on proper trading protocols.
A native of Washington DC, John and his family currently reside in Arizona. He spends his time analyzing the markets for institutions in the morning. He is passionate about coaching entrepreneurs and individuals to think bigger by changing their mindset. From his training and experience with institutional bankers and traders, he has developed a system that enables companies to exponentially grow their cash flow. These tools can be used by anybody to increase their income. He has taught his system to everyday folks and well as large corporations for over a decade.
Somewhere in the Middle with Michele Barard welcomes Financial Advisor Steven Hutchinson Steven Hutchinson was born in New York City in the Spring of 1959. He is one of seven children who more than survived childhood in New York City. He is a warrior who fights for his integrity and the integrity of his people. Steven Hutchinson has read hundreds of books, traveled to all 50 states, visited India five times, studied yoga, meditation, and the major religions. He was a Hindu Priest for 15 years and is the author of Power Thought, a handbook for consciousness, and Budget Make It Now! Steven Hutchinson is presently writing his 3rd book, which addresses black entrepreneurship and the psychological warfare that is involved in that mighty endeavor.
He has had many business failures, which is the only real way to grow as an entrepreneur and be able to share that experience to help others. He is an entrepreneur focused on building an Empire, building a pyramid, building a society of Consciousness. Steven Hutchinson owns and operates PowerTaxx, which is an income tax startup, which he started as a lean start-up. He also is a licensed Insurance agent who provides financial products and teaches people how money works. Steven Hutchinson believes that since we live in a consumer nation we need to be producers to satisfy the needs, wants and demands of our people.
Somewhere in the Middle welcomes Special Guest Cheryl Cooley, Lead Guitarist of Klymaxx You know Cheryl Cooley from her amazing guitar playing as the lead guitarist of Klymaxx. The R&B all-female funk band, KLYMAXX is KLYMAXXTIC, and still going strong.
Their music is a staple on the radio and in dance clubs around the world. Belting out hits like, “The Men All Pause” and “Meeting in the Ladies Room” the group’s name is synonymous with classic women’s anthems. Their beautiful ballad, “I Miss You”, was Billboard Magazine’s #3 song of 1986 and still to this day is played when love is in the air. Continuing into the 90’s with the #4 R&B hit, “Good Love” followed their sultry Neo-Soul groove entitled, “Private Party” showed that they could flow with the changing music trends.
Much of the group’s success can be credited to Cheryl Cooley, Co-founder and original member. She has personally nurtured the group’s unique sound by overseeing the infusion of 80’s funk with a modern swag.
Cheryl's enthusiasm and vision have transformed KLYMAXX into a leaner, meaner entity producing live music that delivers dynamic vocals and uncompromised grooves. These ladies are serious about entertaining their fans and continuing with the KLYMAXX legacy.
Somewhere in the Middle with Michele Barard welcomes Norman A. Carter, Jr., author of The Long Blue Walk: My Journey as a Philly Cop Norman A. Carter was born and reared in the North Central section of Philadelphia, PA. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the US Army and trained as a Combat Medical Corpsman. In 1964, Carter was selected to attend and graduated from the prestigious United States Military Academy Preparatory School and later was honorably discharged with a rank of Specialist Fifth Class. In 1967, Norman joined the Philadelphia Police Department. While in the department, studied Administration of Justice Curriculum for two years at Temple University. He served in various patrol and patrol-related assignments. During his 25-year career, Norman earned two commendatory letters and worked with the Guardian Civic League, which is a local chapter of the National Black Police Association to increase the number of minorities hired and promoted. He also participated in community meetings as well as radio and television programs to curtail violence and improve the relationships between the community and the Police Department. In 1977, Carter gave the Police Department, its Internal Affairs Bureau, and the Mayor of Philadelphia detailed information about a criminal organization headquartered in the Roxborough/Manayunk section of Philadelphia. This organization was actively facilitated by Police Officers. The leader of this organization was eventually arrested and served five years in federal prison. Norman retired as a Police Corporal in the Narcotics Field Unit in 1992. In 1993, he joined what later became known as the Office of Inspector General, Welfare Fraud Division where he was promoted to Claims Investigation Agent Supervisor. Norman retired from this position in 1997. In October 1998, he contributed to an exposé in the Philadelphia Inquirer revealing the process the Philadelphia Police Department used to decrease crime statistics. An indirect result of this exposé was the arrest of a serial rapist/murderer who had terrorized Center City Philadelphia and Ft. Collins, Co. In May 2001, Norman contributed to an exposé in the Philadelphia Daily News that revealed the safety hazards encountered by prisoners transported by Police Officers. This resulted in improved safety provisions for all vehicles transporting prisoners in Philadelphia. Norman A Carter is the author of The Long Blue Walk: My Journey as a Philly Cop, where he details his experience as an officer and as whistleblower helping to root out poor practices and corruption in the Philadelphia Police Force.
Somewhere in the Middle welcomes Marcus Tony Campbell, author of Rich City Thug-Life Marcus Tony Campbell was raised, along with his brother, in a single-parent home in Richmond, Virginia. As a young man, he got involved in the street life and in the process was eventually incarcerated. While incarcerated, a friend he knew from the street suggested he try writing since he read so much. Not paying any attention, it took for Marcus to get out and get reincarcerated before he gave writing a try. After reading Zane's Sex Chronicles, he thought to himself, I can do that and thus his first novel Club S.E.X. was written. After another setback, he wrote Rich City Thug-Life. He does all his own writing, editing, proofreading, typing, and printing. The true meaning of self-publishing. So far, he has gotten Rich City Thug-Life into his home library system and has been featured in a magazine and at Author Speaks at his main library.
Somewhere in the Middle Welcomes Chiropractor and Yoga Instructor Dr. Kiva Davis Dr. Kiva L. Davis, DC is a licensed Chiropractor, with a strong background in Anatomy and Kinesiology, and is a registered Yoga Alliance E-RYT® 200, YACEP® teacher.
Dr. Kiva’s approach to anatomy and yoga is lighthearted and passionate. She has practiced Yoga for more than ten years. Her introduction to Holistic health was in 2003 when she received a certification in Reflexology.
She became interested in Yoga after taking a class at a local gym in the late 90’s. Her desire to deepen her understanding of the practice resulted in her obtaining a certification to teach from Yoga Lotus in 2007. She completed more than 700 educational hours in Hatha Yoga at Yoga Lotus, Kemetic Yoga, and Rocket Yoga.
Dr. Kiva considers herself the "happy" yoga teacher and is known for her engaging style and ability to share concepts in a clear and accessible way. As her students move through asanas, she wants them to experience the movements and the freedom that can be obtained. She compares yoga movements to dance.
She conducts Anatomy training for several Yoga Teacher Training programs and she is certain that a strong foundation in anatomy gives teachers advantages in class development. Kiva believes strongly in bringing humor to her classes and training while still respecting the practice. Her mission is to empower students and teachers to move beyond perceived limitations to find freedom, confidence and to allow energy to flow through their bodies.
Dr. Kiva is a graduate of Texas Southern University with a major in Psychology and minor in Art History and received a Doctorate Degree from Texas Chiropractic College. She is enrolled in a 500-hour yoga program and a Chiropractic Diplomate Program in Nutrition.
Somewhere in the Middle Welcomes Daisy Brown and Phil Hilinski Daisy Brown is a native of Baltimore, MD, where she currently resides. She is the Road Manager for The Chi-Lites featuring Marshall Thompson and has been a member of that organization for the past 46 years. She is a retired legal secretary having worked in the field of law for 40 years and, for the past six years, Ms. Brown has been a dedicated supporter of the Miss Dream Castle Pageant, which gives young women a chance to showcase their talent and supports education scholarships to children in Jamaica.
Daisy Brown has served in the US Military and received an honorable discharge in 1982. In 2004, she became a life member of Associates of the Vietnam Veterans (AVVA). She joined The Enlisted Association (TREA) Chapter 9 in 2012, where she serves as secretary. Daisy is the producer and co-host of the online radio show “Called To Serve” and is co-producer of “Soul School Music,” which is hosted by Marshall Thompson of The Chi-Lites. Ms. Brown also is an accomplished poet and lyricist.
Philip J. Hilinski was born in Cleveland, OH. He is a military veteran who served 21 years in the US Army from 1973 to 1994 when he retired as a Master Sergeant with a rank of E-8. During his time in the military, Philip served mainly in the United States. He also has worked as a contractor in the Middle East.
Philip is a member of several veterans organizations, including The Enlisted Association (TREA), where he currently serves as a Director on the TREA National Board of Directors and is in charge of an IT Committee.
Philip J. Hilinski is married with four adult children and lives near Columbus, Ohio, where he resides with his wife, Judith.
Somewhere in the Middle with Michele Barard welcomes Mitchell Levy, the AHA Guy Mitchell Levy (pronounced Lee Vee) is The AHA Guy at AHAthat (https://AHAthat.com) who empowers thought leaders to share their genius. His superpower of extracting the genius from your head in a two-hour interview so you can then share it with those that need to see it. He is an accomplished Entrepreneur who has created twenty businesses in Silicon Valley including four publishing companies that have published over 800 books.
Mitchell is a TEDx speaker and international bestselling author with fifty-nine business books. He's provided strategic consulting to over one hundred companies, has advised over five hundred CEOs on critical business issues and has been chairman of the board of a NASDAQ-listed company. In addition to these accomplishments, he’s been happily married for twenty-eight years and regularly spends four weeks annually in a European country with his family and friends.
Somewhere in the Middle with Michele Barard welcomes Dr. Glenville Ashby Glenville Ashby, Ph.D. is an Emotional Intelligence Thought Leader, Life Coach, author, journalist, syndicated newspaper columnist, wellness counselor, and lecturer. Dr. Ashby is a certified QiGong instructor who studied under Grandmaster Zhou Ting-Je and SifuTina Zhan, a Wellness Consultant at the Harlem Nursing and Rehabilitation Center; Master Reiki practitioner; a certified meditation instructor; and an initiate in the Ifá tradition. A prolific writer, Dr. Ashby’s literary works include The Mystical QiGong Handbook for Good Health, Anam Cara: Your Soul Friend and Bridge to Enlightenment and Creativity which received the Literary Titan Gold Book Awards, The Believers: The Hidden World of West Indian in Spiritualism in New York, and One Hundred Paths To God, which is scheduled for release in early 2018. Ashby also authored, “In Search of Truth: A Course in Religious Psychology,” which is being released in May of this year.
Somewhere in the Middle with Michele Barard welcomes J. Elliot Howard Poet and Author J. Elliot Howard was born in Findlay, Ohio. At the age of 16, his family moved to Sugar Land, TX. Shortly after moving, he began to write. No matter where he went, writing followed. He wrote while attending the University Of Houston, transferring and graduating from the University of Pittsburgh, graduate school at Bowling Green State University, marriage, fatherhood, and all points in between. Poetry is his snapshot in time because words mean more than pictures to him. They allow him to look, remember, and truly embrace each new experience.
He loves the city of Houston. Houston is where he met his wife, and where his son was born. Writing has enabled him to express himself thoroughly and creatively. Life is more than "happy love." At times, he has had to say good-bye. Sometimes, he has had to give chase. In other situations, he has had to sit still. Nevertheless, in all of the places he has lived, and moments he has experienced, all are worthwhile.
Somewhere In The Middle with Michele Barard welcomes author I-netha Dickerson-Knox I-netha Dickerson-Knox is from Milwaukee Wisconsin but currently resides in Lake Wales, Florida. She began writing songs at the age of 13 and fell in love with writing. While in high school, I-netha developed various intrests including writing, drama and dance. She was a victim of bullying and aspires to be a role model for those who feel insecure about themselves and think about suicide. She enjoys reading, writing and loves meeting her readers and getting to know them.
Somewhere In The Middle Welcomes Guest Bernard N. Lee, Jr. Bernard N. Lee, Jr. is the oldest son of a career veteran of the US Army. He traveled throughout the United States and Europe during his childhood. The places he traveled, the people he met, and the stories he remembers are shared in his memoir; “A Look Back In Time: Memoir of a Military Kid In The Fifties.”
Bernie attended Howard University in Washington, D.C., joined the Army ROTC Program, obtained a private pilot’s license, a regular army commission, and retired as a Captain from the Army Reserves. Upon graduating, Bernie joined AT&T in New Jersey, where he worked until his retirement in 2003. Bernie also taught classes at Somerset VoTech and led a group called PACE, preparing high school students for STEM programs in college.
Bernie is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI); Georgia Writer’s Association; Books By Brats, Writers Helping Writers, and Indie Author writers’ groups.
Bernie is also a member of the Nuremberg Alumni Association and the “How Big Is Your Dream Foundation (HBIYD?!)”.
Bernie resides in Conyers, Georgia, with Edwina (his wife of forty-one wonderful years), where he teaches “Chess for Advanced and Beginning students” in an after school program.
Somewhere In The Middle welcomes Dr. Kendra Davis-Burch Kendra is a 1999 & 2009 graduate of Winston-Salem State University. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology (1999) & a Master of Science Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling (2009). She is also a 2016 graduate of Apex School of Theology where she earned a Masters of Divinity Degree. Kendra earned a Doctorate of Ministry Degree in Biblical Studies at Apex School of Theology May 2017.
In 2010, Kendra established K*METAMORPHOSIS, a Christian counseling organization whose vision, mission and philosophy was birthed out of the desire to fill a much needed treatment gap in the community. The organization’s mission is to utilize a holistic approach to restore fallen humanity. This organization believes that individuals; despite their past are capable of transforming spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally.
In 2012, Kendra became a published author. Her book Rivers of Life, a collection of life changing sermons and homilies; has been said to be resource that will empower you and inspire you to bounce back from anything. Many have described it as a spiritual vitamin that will rejuvenate, revitalize and refresh you! Kendra has released her second book NO MORE DISCOUNTS: “Lessons Learned Living Single!” A therapeutic tool used by many who have found themselves in the vicious cycle of abuse and toxic relationships, while seeking love and happiness. Kendra’s transparency in this book has empowered others to heal, forgive and move beyond the pain to finding their purpose! In May of 2017 Kendra released her third literary project PRAY MORE, TALK LESS.
Somewhere in the Middle welcomes Geraldine Hollis of the Tougaloo Nine Geraldine Edwards Hollis is a wife, mother, and grandmother who resides in Stockton, CA. She attended Tougaloo College in her home state of Mississippi. While at Tougaloo, she embarked on a Historical Event that Changed History in Mississippi. As a member of the “Tougaloo Nine,” Ms. Hollis and the rest of the Tougaloo Nine were instrumental in desegregating libraries in Mississippi.
Mrs. Hollis is an author who published her first book Back to Mississippi in 2011. She is a public speaker, community activist, and volunteer with several non- profits. She constantly encourages, enlightens and mentors in living life while continuing to overcome adversity. She is strong in her beliefs and generous in her contributions. Mrs. Hollis enjoys living a healthy life and knows that education is a force to enable accountability to self and community. Her second book, March Memories, is geared for young audiences. She answers the questions of why she put her life on the line and her future in jeopardy. Her story shows that anyone can overcome challenges in their lives.
Somewhere in the Middle with Michele Barard welcomes poet William Carroll 37-year-old William Carroll is a native of Los Angeles who grew up at Big Bear Lake. He’s an Army veteran with three years of active duty and five years reserve duty including one tour of Iraq in 2016. William Carroll is a graduate of Azusa Pacific University with a BA in English Literature and is currently pursuing his Masters in Theological Studies at Azusa Pacific University, where he’s due to graduate in May of this year. William is also the creator of Best to Forget: Art and Poetry and Selected Poems: Fragments and Rudiments: 1998-2010, both of which are available on Amazon.com.
Somewhere in the Middle with Michele Barard and guests Steven Hutchinson and Lyn Laporte This replay of the final episode of Somewhere in the Middle of 2017 focuses on getting our money and our minds and spirits right to move into 2018. The show features two special guests, Steven Hutchinson, tax and finance guru, and Lyn LaPorte, spiritual advisor.
About Steven Hutchinson Steven Hutchinson was born in New York City in the Spring of 1959.
He is one of seven children who more than survived childhood in New York City. He is a warrior who fights for his integrity and the integrity of his people. Steven Hutchinson has read hundreds of books, traveled to all 50 states, visited India five times, studied yoga, meditation, and the major religions. He was a Hindu Priest for 15 years and is the author of Power Thought, a handbook for consciousness, and Budget Make It Now!
Steven Hutchinson is presently writing his 3rd book, which addresses black entrepreneurship and the psychological warfare that is involved in that mighty endeavor.
He has had many business failures, which is the only real way to grow as an entrepreneur and be able to share that experience to help others. He is an entrepreneur focused on building an Empire, building a pyramid, building a society of Consciousness.
Steven Hutchinson owns and operates Power Taxx which is an income tax startup, which he started as a lean start-up. He also is a licensed Insurance agent who provides financial products and teaches people how money works.
Steven Hutchinson believes that since we live in a consumer nation, we need to be producers to satisfy the needs, wants and demands of our people.
About Lyn Laporte Lyn Laporte is one of the most highly regarded and sought after intuitive counselor/mediums in the Southeastern United States. Often described as highly compassionate, down-to-earth, and intuitive, she acts as a bridge between the seen and unseen.
Although Lyn was extremely intuitive and a natural medium from birth, it wasn’t until later in life, she began working with clients. To date, she has worked with more than 1,500 clients since 2000.
When working with the unseen, also known as spirit, Lyn acts as a conduit to help you reconnect with your loved ones who have crossed over into spirit form. Lyn finds being of service to those in need to be an honor and very sacred work.
Along with providing private readings for her clients, Lyn also assists others with their personal development. She shares her wisdom and experiences with the world by hosting workshops and webinars throughout the year.
It is Lyn’s prayer that everyone in need can experience a genuine and meaningful connection with spirit.
Julia Black is a freelance writer and editor with more than a decade of experience technical writing and editing in the corporate world; creatively writing stories and poetry; and teaching writing and grammar. These skills merge in her blog writing, which has been featured on offbeatbride.com and offbeathome.com.
While on this writing/editing path, she found herself studying metaphysical spirituality which eventually led to an energy healing/life coaching practice. The combination of these occupations creates two well-rounded practices that benefit from each other. As a natural empath, energy healing further helps her to see each client’s specific struggles and she incorporates writing and creative activities for each client to help them work through energy blocks for spiritual healing.
Diane A. Sears is the International Men's Day - United States Coordinator (www.internationalmensday.com) a Member, OPERATION FRESH START (TM) Working Group and a Radio Host via Tribe Family Channel™
Dr. Bryant holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Ball State University, a Master of Arts Degree from Saginaw Valley State University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Human Services Degree from Walden University. All of her degrees have a concentration in Criminal Justice & Corrections.
Dr. Bryant has given leadership to two criminal justice agencies. She founded and served as the Program Administrator of the Arete Community Corrections Center, a federal halfway house in Saginaw, Michigan; and she served as the Executive Director for Offender Aid & Restoration of Marion County, an agency providing educational and counseling services to inmates housed in the Marion County Jail and to ex-offenders needing assistance.
Mr. Richardson serves as Program Manager for Senior Leadership Development Training at DEOMI and wears several hats for the institute. He is also the Air National Guard Service Liaison Office, Active Duty Air Force Liaison Officer, and the Assistant Program Manager for the Equal Opportunity Advisor Reserve Component Course. Major Richardson designs, develops and implements curriculum for External Training on Human Relations and Diversity. He travels the world delivering training to senior leaders and executives of the DOD and all branches of the armed forces.
Mr. Gary Richardson served in the Air Force for four and a half years before leaving active duty and joining the Air National Guard in 1993. He was stationed at Griffiss AFB, NY and was assigned to the Civil Engineering Squadron as a welder. Mr. Richardson has a combined 27 years of military experience and has been an adjunct instructor at DEOMI since 2005. He is a retired New York State Trooper where he was the Equal Employment Opportunity Compliance Officer and held the rank of Lieutenant. Mr. Richardson is a member of the National Diversity Council, Former Diversity Chair Member for CNY SHRM, and is the Founder and CEO of his own Diversity Consulting Firm. Since 1999, he has trained over 10,000 participants and has just completed his first book on diversity titled: Beyond Demographics, the Truth about Diversity.
Replay: Somewhere in the Middle hosted by Michele Barard with guests speakers Stephen Byrd and Nicole King Stephen Byrd aka Byrd is an entrepreneur, project manager, and author. He has written several fiction books as well as a spiritual guide regarding the power of words entitled Speak It into Being. His fiancée, Nicole King, is in the pharmaceutical industry. She’s using her expertise in pharmaceutical to develop an all-natural toothpaste line that is due to be released next year. Together they own and operate a t-shirt printing company called tshirtoftheweek.us. Their specialized t-shirt line features messages promoting positive messages for men, women, and children.
Byrd and Nicole’s primary focus is to strengthen themselves and others spiritually, seeking and sharing the power that they believe resides in us all. By engaging the community and through the apparel they market, Nicole and Stephen seek to make an impact that exceeds the financial gain that is the primary focus of a business. They believe that blessings are given so they can bless others. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, this dynamic couple is actively seeking to find ways to educate, enrich and positively influence the people they encounter.
Somewhere in the Middle hosted by Michele Barard with Guest Speaker Dr. Bobbie Stevens Bobbie Stevens, Ph.D., is the founder and president of Unlimited Futures, LLC, an organization that has been providing programs for the development of human potential for over twenty years. She holds doctorates in psychology and business management.
After a successful business career, she founded The American Institute for Creativity, Health, and Productivity. Dr. Stevens’ work has resulted in a higher quality of life for thousands of individuals. Her executive development programs have made outstanding contributions to many Fortune 500 firms, as well as numerous smaller companies.
Nina Brav describes herself as a "Southerner stuck in the snow." Having graduated two years ago from Boston University, she lives and works in Boston as writer, blogger, and entrepreneur, as founder and CEO of A Nina Production.
Nina’s writing centers around themes of love, healing, and magic. Last year, Nina co-authored and published her first book of poetry, Love and Other Monsters which, explores the search for love and how life experience impacts our perceptions of it from the perspectives of three women at different stages of life.
Nina is currently working on her second poetry book entitled, "Pink Cake and Champagne, Musings on Hate and Healing," This second book delves deep into the emotions that come with ending a long relationship: the love that turns to hate, the lover turned villain, and the all-important work it takes to transform heartbreak into healing.
Lyn Laporte is one of the most highly regarded and sought after intuitive counselor/mediums in the Southeastern United States. Often described as highly compassionate, down-to-earth, and intuitive, she acts as a bridge between the seen and unseen.
Although Lyn was extremely intuitive and a natural medium from birth, it wasn’t until later in life she began working with clients. To date, she has worked with more than 1,500 clients since 2000.
Somewhere in the Middle hosted by Michelle Barard with guest Transformational Life Coach J'nel Nivera Funnye J’nel Nivera Funnye is a Transformational Life Coach. J’nel’s coaching style is direct and full of compassion. Her vision is to influence individuals to explore their consciousness to achieve optimal health on a mental, physical and spiritual level. She coaches using the model of PEACE. Pertinent questions are asked. Evaluations are done. Acknowledgement of changes to be made. Create an action plan and finally, Engage that action plan. Through casual conversations, clients walk away understanding they are the only ones that control their peace.
Currently, you can find her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter under the handle @JustChooseYou.
Somewhere in the Middle hosted by Michele Barard with Beverly Holloway, Spiritual Transition Coach
Beverly is a Healing Arts Practitioner and Spiritual Transition Coach on a mission to inspire as many people as she possibly can towards discovering their divine purpose. As a Healing Arts Practitioner her desire is to assist clients who are open to non-traditional methods and practices that promote healing, wellness, coping and personal change through the use of mind-body therapies such as guided imagery, prayer, meditation, and spirituality. Her laughter, humor and down to earth nature comes through in her interactions and also promotes healing in the lives of those she comes in contact with.
As a Spiritual Transition Coach, her mission is similar that of Harriet Tubman who led the slaves out of physical captivity through the underground railroad. Her assignment is on a spiritual level and her divine purpose is to lead those who are willing to follow out of religious bondage and captivity.
Her passion is to help people connect with their divine source on a deeper level and empower them to manifest the Glory of God and demonstrate his power within them while here in the earth. She is an anointed teacher and motivational speaker with a divine ability to capture audiences and bring them into the presence of the divine.
She is also the CEO of Inspirational LIFE & Wellness, LLC, and the Sacred Sister's Inspirational Life Network.
Lacy Fields is the creator of U. G.o. G.i.r.l., a life skills program for teen girls, and founder of The Go Girl Network, an organization founded to provide resources, training, support and tools to equip women who work with youth. Lacy brings a dynamic approach to skills training to The Go Girl Network combining her experience in the boardroom and the classroom, public speaking, and hard-won business savvy. Lacy believes that if more women are equipped and supported to work with girls the future of young women will change dramatically.
Lacy has dedicated more than ten years to working with youth. Her U. G.o. G.i.r.l. Program earned her a Home Town Hero Spotlight in her hometown of Macon Georgia. She has been featured as an expert in teen issues by national media outlets, such as Fox News and ABC. Lacy has had the privilege to work with Life Coach Lisa Nichols and Steve Harvey on their sales and events teams. Her work with such prominent figures in the personal development world opened Lacy’s eyes to the possibilities for herself and the women and youth she serves.
Lacy holds a degree in Human Services and continues her education through workshops and training in the fields of professional counseling, health coaching, and personal and business development, truly adhering to her own advice to others to be a lifelong learner.
TRIBE Family Channel™ is honored to announce NEW host Michele Barard debuting on her show ~Somewhere in the Middle™~ LIVE June 9, 2017, with her first guest Bruce George the Co-Founder of Russell Simmons' Def Poetry Jam and the Founder of The Genius is Common™ Movement.