Our Presenters

Wendy Battles-Plasse
Wendy Battles-Plasse, The Clean Eating Coach, teaches men and women over 40 how to create a clean eating lifestyle free of processed food, salt and sugar that prevents disease, creates boundless energy and supports aging vibrantly. She believes that embracing a healthier lifestyle in midlife creates the stage for a vibrant health in later years, supports a healthy weight and reduces the likelihood of chronic disease. As the Clean Eating Coach, she works one-on-one with clients as well as with groups to help people integrate clean eating principles – less processed foods full of fat, sugar and salt, more whole, fresh foods grown in sustainable ways and more focus on slowing down to enjoy your food and tuning into your body.

Terri Cain
Terri Cain, certified Kripalu Yoga instructor, has lead students of all ages toward self awareness through movement for over 20 years. Inspiration for her yoga classes comes from her early career as a dancer (BFA, MA - Dance /Theatre/ Music), intensive training in Dance Therapy and Movement Analysis with Irmgard Bartenieff, founder of the Laban Institute of Movement Studies, and an ongoing exploration of spirituality and the arts (Master of Divinity -Yale/ Institute of Sacred Music.) Terri teaches group and private yoga in Guilford, Ct, including at Shoreline Center for Wholistic Health, voted “Shoreline's Best” place to study yoga in 2010. She is also Garden Manager for the new Hubbard Community Garden at the Medad Stone Tavern, which will focus on issues of local agriculture and sustainability, and is President of Guilford Community TV.

Sarah Collins
Sarah Collins, MS is the exercise physiologist for Employee Health & Wellness at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport CT and also operates a personal training studio in Trumbull CT. She received her master of science in Gerontology, with an emphasis in Exercise Science from the University of Southern California. She is certified by ACSM: Health Fitness Specialist, NASM: Certified Personal Trainer, STOTT Pilates in Mat and Reformer, and is a Faculty Trainer for the YMCA of USA. Sarah lives in Trumbull CT, has been married for over 30 years to husband Bob, and has three college-aged children.

Maryanne Daniel
Maryanne Daniel (formerly Torrellas) is a six-time National Champion and former American and World racewalk record holder. She has been a National team member and Pan Am Games Bronze medallist. Maryanne is now competing in the masters division with several master’s records. National Racewalk Development Coordinator and National Racewalk Executive committee. Coach of CT Racewalking Team. Eastern regional Jr camp co- coordinator, National Jr Camp clinician. USA Sports Massage Therapist of the year 2007. She holds a BS in Biology from St. John’s University and is the mother of four boys.

Alicia Farrell, Ph.D.
Alicia Farrell is the founder of Clearview Consulting and the Center for Mental Fitness. She received her doctorate in lifespan developmental psychology from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. Trained in personal development across the lifespan, her specialty is in adult development and aging. Her life’s work is to use her academic training, personal experiences and professional assessments to guide people to a deeper understanding of themselves and then teach them to use that information to solve problems and make decisions in their lives. Dr. Farrell also has a specialty in mental fitness, learning and memory. Dr. Farrell successfully translates the results of cutting edge scientific research into practical every-day life and personal/professional development. Her mentoring philosophy includes a combination of action-oriented techniques that result in life-changes that are both durable and productive. Dr. Farrell has worked with individuals in many different stages of personal development including adolescence, young adulthood, middle age and old age.

Lisa Freed, M.D.
Lisa Freed, M.D., FACC received her medical degree from Johns Hopkins University and completed her residency training at Cornell Medical Center. She completed cardiology fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School. Currently, Dr. Freed is a partner at Cardiology Associates of New Haven with offices in New Haven, Orange, Hamden, and Guilford. She is also co-director of the Women's Heart Advantage Program at Yale-New Haven Hospital. Her research interests include mitral valve prolapse and Women and Heart Disease. Dr. Freed is also an Assistant Professor at Yale University School of Medicine.

Marsha Guess
Dr. Marsha K. Guess is an Assistant Professor and Fellowship Director at Yale University School of Medicine in the Section of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery. She received her MD degree and completed residency training at the University of California, Los Angeles. She completed her followship in Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery and received a Masters of Science degree with distinction at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. She specializes in abdominal, vaginal and minimally invasive surgical approaches to treat prolapsed, urinary and fecal incontinence. Her practice also includes a variety of conservative treatment options for women with pelvic floor disorders.

Nancy Hammett
Nancy Hammett is the Owner of Sound Mind & Body of Milford, CT. Founded in 2002, the studio offers a full range of fitness and wellness classes. In addition to her studio classes, Nancy teaches at Yale University, the JCC in Woodbridge, and NYSC in Stamford and Westport. She is on the faculty of The Graduate Institute, under the direction of Bernie Siegel, MD, and she teaches Nia classes to adults with disabilities at West Haven Community House. Nancy has practiced Nia for over 15 years. She received her Brown Belt in 2006. From an early age, Nancy studied at Gus Giordano studios of Chicago, as well as the NY Academy of Ballet. She was a gymnast at Southern Illinois University, and received her yoga certification at Kripalu. Other certifications include ACE Personal Training and Isshinrhyu Karate. As a professional dancer, she appeared on the Chicago stage and throughout Europe.

Suzanne Hanley
Suzanne Hanley has been teaching tai chi since 1996. She has studied with many teachers and offers classes and workshops in tai chi and wellness programs for businesses and corporations. Suzanne is also a Reiki and an Integrated Energy Therapy (IET) practitioner.

Michaela Hauser-Wagner
Michaela Hauser-Wagner is a nationally certified Alexander Technique teacher and an alumni/teaching member of the Alexander Technique School in Amherst, MA. Before she came to the United States in 1991 she had graduated in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Tübingen/Germany and worked as a speech therapist and voice teacher in Germany and Austria. She found the Technique when she was looking for ways to supplement her daughter’s scoliosis treatment. Her background in a medical and therapeutic field enables her to teach people with a variety of goals or complaints, including chronic pain and neurological disorders. She brings a fascination for neuropsychological connections to her teaching, combined with compassion and patience for her students. She is teaching the Alexander Technique in individual sessions and small groups and continues to work with people who want to improve or heal their voice.

Dana Hilmer
Dana Hilmer is the President of LifestyleMom, Inc., a media and marketing company dedicated to helping women live a healthier, simpler, more passionate life while raising a family. Dana is the host of the LifestyleMom Radio Café, a weekly program that airs live on LATalkRadio.com. You can sign up to have the weekly podcast of the program delivered to your inbox at www.lifestylemom.com. Dana is the author of Blindsided by a Diaper (Random House, June 2007) and Blindsided by a Diaper – The Musical, is currently in development. Dana also serves as a marketing consultant and media spokesperson for companies targeting women.

Lisa Kennally
Lisa Kennally is the creator and manufacturer of the skin care line “ lisa ann skincare”. I make products for spas across CT including, The Spa at Norwich Inn, boutiques, and for the general public. I use high quality, natural ingredients that are gentle and nourishing to all skin types and have a special focus on antioxidants to help fight the signs of aging naturally. My website is: www.lisaannskincare.com. I have presented twice to the AWBL through the WFL in Guilford and as recently as September 2011.

Diane Kowalsky
Diane P. Kowalski, MD, is an Assistant Professor and Director of the Fine Needle Aspiration biopsy service in the Department of Pathology. Her areas of interest include Head and Neck pathology, molecular pathology, and cytopathology. Dr. Kowalski received her MD from the Medical College of Georgia and completed her post-graduate training at Hartford Hospital and Yale-New Haven Medical Center. 

Jodi Krizer Graber
Jodi Krizer Graber is a nutrition expert, wellness advocate and caring coach. She specializes in stress management techniques examined through nutrition and lifestyle lenses and also works with individuals challenged with eating disorders. She graduated from the Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and holds a master’s degree from New York University. After 20 years as an arts executive in New York City, Jodi received her certification as a holistic health counselor because she saw a need for wellness coaching for busy professionals. She completed post-graduate work at Columbia University’s Institute for Integrative Nutrition and founded Bravo! Wellness in April 2008.

Deb Manke, MS, RN, HNP, AHN-BC, ANP-BC
Deborah Manke is a board certified adult nurse practitioner currently working in a Holistic Endrocrinology private practice. She has extensive involvement in reputable integrative practices, research studies and energy work in both Connecticut and New York City. She also serves as a Reiki Master and Advanced Therapeutic Touch Practitioner. She is Southern CT Network Leader for the American Holistic Nurses Association as well as an active participant in Integrative Medicine at Yale. She has given presentations and training on aromatherapy, healing meditation, guided imagery, stress reduction and biofeedback in hospitals, community-wide and at retreat centers.

Jennifer McManus, RN, BSN
Jennifer McManus RN. BSN has developed an approach to Health and Wellness that empowers individuals to take an active role in their own well-being. Jennifer’s Optimal Pilates Program incorporates a total body workout with the necessary mind-body connection that helps people reach their individual health and fitness goals. She has worked in the field of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation at St. Francis Hospital and was the Director of Wellness and Rehabilitation at Providence Hospital. She is certified as an ACSM Exercise Specialist and as a Mat Pilates Instructor. She currently teaches Pilates through the Madison Park and Recreation Dept. and has developed a Healthy Lifestyle Program designed to promote good health and well-being.

Lubna Pal, MBBS, MRCOG (UK), MS.
Dr. Lubna Pal is an Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences and Director of programs for Reproductive Aging and Bone Health and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome at the Yale Reproductive Endocrinology and Fertility Center. Having received medical education in Pakistan, Dr. Pal received her initial postgraduate training in the United Kingdom (she is a member of the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, London, United Kingdom), followed by a Fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility at the Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard University, Boston, USA, a Residency in Obstetrics & Gynecology at Yale New Haven Hospital, Yale University, New Haven, CT, and a Fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University, New York. She joined the faculty at Yale University School of Medicine in October 2007. She is board certified in Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility. She initiated the Program for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) at Yale Reproductive Endocrinology with the aim of catering to the needs of women of all ages diagnosed with PCOS. Her current research focuses on relevance of vitamin D and calcium supplementation, and of metformin in women with PCOS.

Judy Perry and Patricia O'Brien
Judy Perry is an award-winning portrait artist whose paintings enhance private collections throughout the United States. After spending more than 20 years in corporate life in the field of organizational effectiveness and human relations, Judy rededicated herself to her artistic goals. She began creating art professionally, donating her creations to assist fund-raising events for The SARAH Organization, The Juvenile Diabetes Organization, and Connecticut Alzheimer’s Association. In early 2009, a near fatal head-on automobile collision with a drunk driver left Judy with an uncertain future. Suffering from debilitating and life-threatening injuries, a traumatic brain injury, and after undergoing numerous surgeries at Yale New Haven Hospital, Judy gathered her inner strength and paint to begin her healing journey. During the earliest stages of her recovery, Judy began painting small, delicate works dedicated to her love of the ocean and its healing energy. As her strength and healing progressed, Judy gained the ability to paint larger ocean and marsh scenes reflective of the beauty in her home town of Old Saybrook, CT. Nearly two years after her accident, Judy has recently gained the courage and ability to interpret the form of people and animals and began painting small portraits—once her sole artistic compositions. Judy’s goal is to give hope to others, demonstrating how art provides tremendous healing properties for people with personal health challenges or special needs. Judy has jointly presented her healing journey along with that of her award winning poet colleague and cancer survivor, Patricia O’Brien, at the Estuary Council of Seniors of Old Saybrook and Total Design Source of Old Saybrook, CT.

Janet Pfeiffer
Janet Pfeiffer, internationally known speaker and award-winning author, is one of today’s most highly sought after seminar leaders. and is NJ State Certified in Violence Counseling. As a leading authority in the field of anger management and conflict resolution, Janet serves as a consultant to such companies as the U.S. Army, U.S. Postal Service, AT&T, Hoffman-LaRoche, Rutgers University, Carnival Cruise Lines, United Way, YWCA, New Jersey Education Association, Care-One, Insurance Restoration Specialists, Learning Annex, William Paterson University Women’s Center, Catholic Community Services, Passaic County Community College, American Business Academy, Bergen County Police and Fire Academy, Cook’s College, Kean University, Rotary, Ocean County College, Kiwanis and more. She is a former columnist for the Daily Record and hosted her own cable TV and radio shows. Janet has also been a contributing writer to Woman’s World Magazine, Living Solo Magazine, Prime Woman Magazine and N.J. Family. She has recently appeared in Fusion, Alaska Business Monthly and more than 50 other publications. As an inspirational speaker and private consultant, Janet is a frequent guest on radio and TV. Janet's books include: The Secret Side of Anger (endorsed by NY Times best selling author, Dr. Bernie Siegel), 101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life, Vol.3 (co -authored with Mark Victor Hanson of Chicken Soup For the Soul), The Seedling’s Journey, The Angel and The Gift, The Orchids of Gateway Lane , Jordan's Promise and Dying To Be Safe: Ultimate Solutions to Violence. Janet received her N.J. State Certification in Domestic Violence Affairs and is a consultant and instructor at a battered women’s shelter.

Rachel Ryan
Rachel Ryan is a certified personal trainer and nutritional consultant and has over 14 years experience working with children, teens, adults and families, in a variety of professional settings. As a former teacher and educational consultant, she applies the same enthusiasm to her roles as a Certified Personal Trainer, Nutrition Educator, Weight Loss Coach, and Presenter. Recognizing that everyone is unique, she provides a balanced approach to healthy living that will meet the needs of each client. In addition to being a personal trainer, Rachel is owner of Rachel Ryans Fitness Center, a semi-private gym, in Chester, Ct.

Lydia Smith
Lydia Smith is a graduate of the Creative Arts Therapy Program from the New School in New York City. Her internship was at the Institute of Music and Neurologic Foundation at Schnurmacher of Beth Abraham Hospital Health Services. She taught at Neighborhood Music School for ten years and is a Remo’s Health Rhythms Drum Circle facilitator serving all populations. She also enjoys playing drums with a variety of music groups in the CT/NY area.

Fern S. Tausig
Fern Tausig is a Consulting Master Hypnotist, Trainer and Motivational Speaker who is certified by the National Guild of Hypnotists and the International Association of Counselors and Therapists. With a 6th year level of education in secondary health education, and 35 years of teaching experience, she has a passion for both education and wellness. She helps clients achieve a healthier, happier, and more productive life through her private hypnosis sessions and corporate and educational workshops. Fern has empowered women to feel their power and improve their self-esteem and relationships. She has helped clients lose weight, quit smoking, eliminate bad habits, as well as fears, phobias and anxiety. Fern combines her knowledge of nutrition, stress management, and holistic wellness in her work with her clients and regularly presents workshops and seminars for corporations, associations, and social clubs.

Dr. Leigh White
Dr. Leigh White is a passionate Naturopathic Physician who believes not only that it is important to educate people about the inherent ability of the body to heal itself and maintain balance, but also that people want to make informed choices about their health. Dedicated to education and the proactive treatment of the whole person - Dr. White has an active family naturopathic practice in North Haven. Dr. White started her career as a Product Development Scientist with an international food company. Realizing she was more interested in helping people take better care of themselves, she made a major career change, receiving her Naturopathic Doctorate and M.S. in Human Nutrition from the University of Bridgeport.

Lynn Wracan
As an exercise physiologist for over 20 years, Lynn has realized the need to focus on a major hezlth care crisis – Obesity. Each person is unique in their journey for a healthier life … whatever your journery is, Lynn can help you along the way. If you are interested in improving your health and quality of life, she has the passion and commitment to help you reach your goals. Mobile Metabolic Testing is a personal training, nutrition and bootcamp business. She can help all individuals to get in the best shape of their lives by educating them on their own unique metabolic rate and giving them nutritional and exercise programs that will lead them to their desired goals.