BIOS MINDfest Emcee: Sixta Morel Born in the Dominican Republic, and established in Seattle, Sixta works independently as voice over actress (audiobooks narrator, dubbing actress, e-learning, commercial, etc.) and on camera talent, and as public speaking trainer. Roxana Pardo Garcia Roxana is the Certified Xingona, Founder, and Cultural Worker of two small businesses, La Roxay Productions and Hood Intellectual Xingona. She is also the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Alimentando al Pueblo, a nonprofit that won a 2022 MOHAI Everyday Hero Award. Richard Taylor, Jr. Mental health advocate, Richard has created an impact over the past decade as a powerful leader and voice of impact for people around the world. Richard Taylor is a graduate of Northern Illinois University and obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in Corporate and Organizational Communication. He is the author of several books, including his latest, 31 Days of Power: A Simplified Approach to Everyday Mental Health. Lucía Magis-Weinberg MD, PhD Lucía Magis-Weinberg, MD, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in Psychology at University of Washington. She directs the interACTlab (International Adolescent Connection and Technology Laboratory). Her research focuses on how the social and affective developmental tasks of adolescence have been transformed by the digital era—particularly in understudied populations in international settings. Manilai Song Manilai Song is a Certified Master Practitioner of Neuro Linguistic Programming and has studied Reiki energy healing. After graduating from Simon Fraser University, she worked in the Finance industry for almost 15 years. She decided it was time to leave the empty and unfulfilling life of living from the mind and move into the heart’s truth. Cynthia Gahan, B.A. (founder of Heart Art Healing) Cynthia Gahan is an artist, a teacher, a mother of three, a volunteer, a mental health advocate, and a certified life coach. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Maryland Institute, College of Art in 1998. Megan Ellison, RD, CN (founder of Sound Dietitians) Megan Ellison is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. In addition to these specialties, Megan has a particular interest in gut health, with additional training in conditions such as IBS and SIBO. Randee Young Randee Young is a Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher. Since 2015, Randee has been bringing the joy of laughter to wellness retreats and centers, school teachers, health care workers, church groups and senior communities all around Washington State. Leslie Rowans, MBA, CR, CHt Leslie Rowans is the owner and founder of Your Soul Healing Journey, a Holistic Health and Wellness private practice that integrates Eastern and Western approaches to healing, bridging ancient Yogic wisdom and practices with modern neuroscience for optimal health and well-being in mind, body and spirit.
MINDfest 2023 Program Page 6 Page 8