Kris Batchelder is a chronic seeker with a passion for transformation. Her proclivity for exploration has seen her through extensive worldwide journeys and adventures. Yet her most rewarding travel continues to be into the “final frontier” located within, to integrate the triumphs and tribulations she has experienced along the way. Facilitation is the common thread woven throughout her colorful career, which has primed her with experience and skill in helping others discover and actualize their goals. Her mission is to guide others to reclaim their light, inside and out. To that end, she serves as a Personal Style Consultant for J.HIlburn Men's Clothier, and is certified as an Integrative Life Coach by The Ford Institute for Transformational Training.
Sally Pederson is a travel writer and international house sitter. Having traveled to over twenty countries, she loves to share her experiences about various destinations, cultures, traditions, and history around the world. Born and raised in Canada, she was hit with the travel bug as a young adult. She lived in beautiful Costa Rica for four years and now calls Barcelona, Spain home. When she is not writing about a destination or photographing it, she is most likely making travel plans to her next destination. To find out more about Sally, visit her website at www.luxuriouslifestyles.co.
Shannon Rugani is a performing artist currently focusing on her music career as a singer/songwriter, composer and producer. Growing up in Lake Tahoe California, Shannon excelled in ballet and at an early age received a full merit scholarship to study with the San Francisco Ballet School. Soon after joining the school, she danced professionally for over a decade. In 2015, Shannon accepted a role in the Tony Award winning Broadway production of An American In Paris as an original ensemble member and then as an understudy for the female lead. After a taste of Broadway, Shannon decided to focus the on next stage of her career as a singer/songwriter in pop music. Shannon plans to blend all of her multifaceted professional experiences in the arts to enhance her original music career with dance, fashion, and technology. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter @theempressmusic.
Shermin Kruse is a partner at the law firm of Barack Ferrazzano, the author of the critically acclaimed, best-selling novel Butterfly Stitching, a contributor to the Huffington Post, co-founder and director of the peace organization, Pasfarda Arts and Culture Exchange, a director of the international refugee center Heshima Kenya, and a director of the ACLU of Illinois. Shermin, spent her childhood in Iran dodging rockets and the morality police and immigrated with her family. Kruse graduated cum laude from the University of Michigan Law School. In addition, she is a frequent speaker and writer on issues relating to human rights and women in leadership. Kruse is globally dedicated to raising awareness. Shermin was named by BizWomen Magazine as one of the top 100 “Women to Watch” in the US and is one of Chicago’s most influential women in business.
Nicole Fisher is the Founder and CEO at HHR Strategies, a health care and human rights focused advising firm. She is a Senior Policy Advisor for federal and state officials and an expert on health reform. Nicole runs a Health Innovation and Policy page at Forbes highlighting and advising companies, ideas and people that are changing the health care landscape. She is currently finishing her PhD at the University of North Carolina in the Health Policy and Management Department. Nicole earned her Master’s degree in Public Policy from the University of Chicago and her undergraduate degree from the University of Missouri.
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Melanie Redd is a fitness professional in Dayton, Ohio, and the owner of Melanie Redd Performance Training. Specializing in total wellness, strength and conditioning, injury prevention, and weight loss, Melanie has been helping clients achieve health and happiness since 2011. She is a practicing lifestyle change/health/fitness coach, has developed injury prevention and performance programs for high school and adult athletes, and has a virtual personal training and corporate wellness app. She’s passionate about helping clients realize their full potential through functional movement, healthy eating, and healthy thought patterns. Melanie is also passionate about travel and incorporating sport, exercise and wellness practices into her adventures.
Kristen Russell is a millennial contributor and currently a junior at the University of Alabama majoring in Psychology with a minor in Telecommunications and Film. Prior to her enrollment at the University, she resided in Concord, North Carolina. She is passionate about advocacy as she volunteers at the Women and Gender Resource Center at her school and is a Safe Zone Ally, ensuring that each student can feel safe and supported on campus. In the future, Kristen desires to be in the Communications or film industry, with a keen interest in writing, casting, and production.
This wasn’t about me and my ego, it was about taking care of my family. That particular stage didn’t last long, but during that time, my rewards would have to come in the form of stickers and hugs, in small victories over shoelaces and Legos and the occasional well-timed nap. And by the way, my son eventually did walk, for about ten steps, and hasn’t stopped running since.
Now that I have two ‘big’ kids, I get lots of running commentary on everything from my grooming techniques (“Mom your hair looks… not good.”) to my culinary skills (“These are almost the most delicious hot dogs you ever made!”). They are smart enough to know that positive reinforcement is their Get Out of Jail Free Card and some days I even feel like I’m killing this whole Mom thing.
“Mommy,” my younger son will say, hugging my legs and looking up at me. “You’re the best Mom in the world!”
I laugh and pick him up while I still can; while he still lets me.
“I probably am,” I tease. “Because YOU two are the best!”
And with that review, the only one that really matters, I know I’ve exceeded expectations.