Speakers and Trainers
Natalie James, MS, NCC, LPC
I have been working with children since I was barely more than a child myself. Over the last 18 years I have collaborated with thousands of students, parents, and educators across the US, helping to bring positive change into the lives of children with practical, proven strategies that can be implemented right away! I specialize in motivating, inspiring and entertaining audiences with research based information delivered with humor. I draw heavily from my background as a mental health therapist to assist educators in empowering and connecting with the students they lead each and every day. As a successful counselor, educator, and national trainer I proudly teach, motivate, and inspire participants in my on-site school trainings. Regulated & Resilient Educational Retreat is the first of it's kind that I have been able to bring to my home of Central Oregon. Backed by a phenomenal list of accomplished and engaging multi-disciplinary professionals, I am proud to share this experience with you!
Featured Speakers
Jeremy Reid
Jeremy Reid is no stranger to the health and fitness industry. Being featured on The Doctors TV Show on CBS, Jillian Michaels Sweat Inc on Spike TV and many other publications, Jeremy's amazing 130lb weight loss transformation has attracted the attention of people all over the world. After conquering his food, alcohol and tobacco addictions he dedicated his life to helping people with their health and fitness goals full time since 2011. Jeremy studied life coaching and strategic intervention under Tony Robbins at the Robbins-Madanes Agency and holds certifications in nutrition and personal training. His passion and mission is helping people in their journey of health, fitness and self development.
Angela Morrill
Angela Morrill is a Seattle-based poet and author of the book Bright Side of Insomnia Flu. She attends and helps facilitate Ecstatic Dance Seattle, a freeform movement dance and meditation practice, now in its 18th year. A Grant Writer in the social services field with over $1.4 million in awards, Angela brings both a practical and creative approach to addressing the benefits of movement, poetry, and visualization on changing negative ruminating thoughts.
Cody Parr
Cody Parr is a working Stand Up Comedian based out of Bend, Oregon. His comedy career began in Los Angeles 10 years ago where he worked the major comedy club circuit, acted in various films/television shows, and shaped his comedic identity. Since moving to Central Oregon he has founded Beertown Comedy where he hosts, performs, and produces live comedy events. He has won multiple comedy competitions, performed all around the country, and shared the stage with some of the biggest names in comedy including Kyle Kinane, Matt Braunger, Steve Byrne, Larry the Cable Guy, and Jeff Foxworthy. His latest television project Beertown is currently in production.
Betty Nitschelm
Betty Nitschelm is a veteran educator with over 30 years teaching experience. She is the companion of two therapy dogs, Stetson & Asa, that each work with K-12 students on-site in Culver School District. As a teacher at one of only a select few schools in the state that allow therapy dogs to be in the building full time, Betty bears witness to the powerful impact Stetson & Asa have on students' wellbeing on a daily basis. The three are also part of the Tri-County Crisis team, traveling to other schools in times of crisis to support students. Betty lives in Madras, Oregon, with her veterinarian husband, Steven, and two additional dogs. She has a passion for speaking and promoting the many values of the human-animal bond.
Stetson
Stetson is the 2019 Oregon Animal of the Year. The 8 year old yellow labrador retriever was inducted into the Oregon Animal Hall of fame in March in recognition of his service to young people in Central Oregon. A certified therapy dog trained to comfort people in a variety of situations, Stetson provides companionship for students experiencing social exclusion, assists traumatized young people overcome fears, and supports countless of others cope with anxiety, stress, and bereavement.
Jennifer Vanni Heinze
Jennifer Vanni Heinze has traveled coast to coast, as a Wellness Advocate and public speaker on Mindfulness, Integrative Wellness and Essential Oil Education. She works to harness simple methods for self care in an effort to help others achieve their ideal mental, physical and emotional health. The many tools in Nature's toolbox that can support developing bodies and minds is a major focus of her work. Modern scientific research is making it easier than ever to understand how to best use these tools and Jennifer is excited to share this research with others. Dedicated to being a forever student of the Mind/Body/Soul connection, she continues to search for the latest science behind living our best lives.
Heather Nashelle
Heather Nashelle is the owner and head designer of the globally-recognized jewelry line Nashelle. Her designs have been stocked in Anthropologie, Nordstrom, Free People, and boutiques around the world. No stranger to adversity herself, Heather partnered with local charities and Feeding America. #FashionFeedingHunger was born; Nashelle Jewelry supports local and global communities by donating one plate of food for every piece of jewelry sold.
Rainbow Dreamer
Rainbow Dreamer lives up to his name as a visionary healer, artist, and teacher. As a natural mentor to young people, he offers a caring, enlightening, and joyful presence. He is to co-founder of Wildheart Nature School and has been mentoring the youth of Central Oregon for eight years. Dreamer's superpower is inspiring children to feel at home in the wild.
Zach Jewell
Zach Jewell comes to us from Seattle, Washington with a solid history of educating teens and young adults in life skills, spirituality, and the arts. As cofounder of Tree of Life Fine Arts Education, he seeks to make leaders of young people in their communities through the implementation of music and the arts as a path to critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the world. Zach has his bachelors degree in business administration, a self published work of poetry and illustrations titled, Nomad Psalms, and hosts a podcast on men's wellness and mental health entitled, Into the Dark Blue. Lastly, Zach loves meeting new people, so don't be afraid to stop him for a chat.
Stephanie Lucas
Stephanie Lucas is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and certified alcohol and drug counselor in the state of Oregon. She has worked with children, teens and their families in therapeutic settings for 9 years ranging from inpatient programs to her current private practice in Bend, Oregon. She is fully trained in EMDR and certified in Child and Adolescent Mindfulness practices. She specializes in behavior issues, systemic treatment of attention deficit disorders, trauma & anxiety disorders and adolescent phase of life issues. When not practicing therapy, she can be found cooking, gardening, hiking or enjoying the company of her husband and two young daughters.
Caitlin Ford
Caitlin is a life long musician and performer with a passion for enriching the lives of children through music and dance. She started performing professionally at 16. From Boston, she attended Berklee College of Music and The Hartt School conservatory programs. Caitlin has been teaching music and dance for almost 10 years. She currently resides in Bend where she teaches dance at Redmond Gymnastics Academy, offers music lessons privately, and is recording an album with her band.
Elizabeth Abendroth
Liz Abendroth, MEd, RYT, director of Growing In Mindfulness, has worked as a School Psychologist in public and private schools for over 20 years. She has a diverse background working with students, teachers, parents and other professionals. Liz is also a certified Yoga instructor with training from Yoga Calm, Mindful Schools, Kidding Around Yoga, and Jillian Pransky Restorative yoga. She currently teaches yoga, meditation and mindfulness with both youth and adults. Liz also leads workshops and classes specifically for educators to offer them strategies for their own wellness as well as for their students.
Susan Gotshall
Susan Gotshall, M.Ed, is a structured Literacy Educator and Title 1A Reading Specialist and the owner of Reading and The Squid tutoring services. Susan specializes in multi-sensory approach strategies for students struggling with learning, including those with dyslexia. She provides small group and one-on-one instruction, as well as diagnostic reading assessments for the Central Oregon community. Susan holds a Master's degree in Administrative Leadership and is currently completing a practicum in Dyslexia Studies.