SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES
KEYNOTE ADDRESS:   “Believe It. Be It.”

Ali Vincent
A former champion synchronized swimmer, Ali set foot on the Biggest Loser ranch weighing 234 pounds. After weeks of hard work and dedication to health and fitness on the ranch and at home, Ali stepped on the scale at the finale weighing in at 122 pounds- 112 pounds less than her starting weight. This successful weight loss was enough to earn Ali the title of Season 5 winner and the first-ever female winner. Since winning The Biggest Loser title in April 2008 she has achieved what many others who lose weight don’t; she has kept the weight off and is healthier than ever.

Ali has been featured in numerous magazines and on both national and local talk shows, including the Oprah Winfrey Show, Ellen and the Today Show, among others. She is a spokesperson for NEXT Designer Whey protein. She regularly appears on QVC as a celebrity host. In 2009 she was named one of the “12 Women Who Move the Valley” by Arizona Foothills Magazine. Ali is also featured in THQ’s newly released The Biggest Loser video game for Nintendo Wii and DS.” 

Ali holds several philanthropic causes close to her heart. She regularly participates in and speaks at fundraising events throughout the United States. She recently participated in the Nautica Malibu Triathlon benefiting Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and Nautica South Beach Triathlon to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Ali works with the Arizona Cardinals youth programs and speaks about the importance of heart health and fitness at Go Redevents sponsored by the American Heart Association. In addition she is Ambassador of Movement for Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

 Evoking your Passion: Bouncing into Balance with Your New Life Story      Kathie Kelling
Kathie says, "I do what I love and love what I do."  Life Coach, PSYCH-K ® Facilitator and Entrepreneur, Kathie conducts workshops and retreats in Arizona and internationally. Whether consulting with individuals or groups, she evokes possibilities for those wanting to find their passion and follow their bliss. Kathie offers tools for replacing limiting beliefs with a powerful new perspective of yourself and your life. In addition to her private practice, Kathie is a member of the N'Shama Wellness Practitioner Network. www.nshama.com

Getting Rid of Aches and Pains        Lori Vario, LMT
As a licensed therapeutic massage therapist for seven years, Lori Vario has seen a tremendous evolution and revolution in massage therapy for becoming part of a balanced health and wellness regime. She has a passion, not only for her profession, but to help others feel better and improve the quality of their lives. Lori began her health related career as a Chiropractic Assistant. As her passion and knowledge grew, she pursued extensive education and training at the Southwest Instituted of Healing Arts and now holds national and state certifications as a Licensed Massage Therapist, or L.M.T.
As the owner of Therapeutic Massage Therapy in Payson, Lori works with competitive athletes to the weekend warrior. Home gardener to anyone dealing with stress . . . as well as the senior population and individuals dealing with health and well-being issues.

ZUMBA!     Christy Walton     Christy moved from El Paso, Texas to Arizona in 1977 to study dance at ASU. She eventually earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communications/Public Relations with a minor in dance. In 1980, she established and choreographed her own dance/exercise program called SlenderSize, which thrived in the community of Ahwahtukee for 15 years. During that time, Christy married and had two sons. In 1995, the Walton’s moved to Payson where Christy led various dance classes and choreographed dances for the high school musical productions for several years. In 2007, Christy created Karoomba to celebrate her Hispanic heritage and continue feeding her life-long passion for dance and choreography. In 2008, she became Zumba® certified, and officially changed the name of her program to Zumba® in January 2009. Christy currently choreographs and teaches Zumba® at the local college and at Club USA.

Balancing Life with Exercise        Nina Ray
Nina is an Arizona native who has worked in the fitness industry for the last fifteen years. She is currently working at Payson Athletic Club as a group fitness instructor, personal trainer, and fitness consultant for the Mogollon Health Alliance Cardiac Rehabilitation Phase III program. Nina believes that a healthy lifestyle must include exercise. “Exercising is like brushing your teeth or taking your vitamins. You have to participate so you can be rewarded with a long, healthy life. All I have to do is look at my beautiful daughters and wonderful husband to continue to be motivated because they are one of the reasons I want to be here for a long time!” Nina feels very fortunate to be living in Payson and has met many wonderful women. She is thrilled to be participating in the Women’s Wellness Forum!

Balancing Your Healthy Soul     Simone Lake
Simone is a full-time minister and throughout her life experiences have found that prayer and spiritual disciplines have been essential to having a healthy soul.  She serves in various areas including Bible teacher, conference speaker, short term missionary, mentor and author. She holds a master’s degree in Theological Studies and speaks at various annual conferences teaching and training others in prayer and spiritual disciplines. Her desire is drawing others closer to God by seeking an attaining a healthy soul. Simone teaches medical students and staff at the Medical Strategic Network (METS), serves as one of many rotating chaplains at Payson Regional Medical Center, and is a Prayer Encourager at Payson Christian Clinic, working alongside the medical staff.  To read more about Simone and her upcoming events, go to www.simonelake.com 

Bounce Into Balance with Home Repairs     Dane Owens
Dane has been working with home repairs for the past 15 years. He was born and raised in Show Low and he lived in Tucson for 20 years. Dane was an electrical contractor, moved to Show Low with Home Depot in 2002, and then relocated to Payson.

Bouncing Back in Financial Hard Times    Kevin Dick
Kevin began his investment consulting career in 1997 as an investment representative with the firm of Edward D Jones in Phoenix and Payson. He holds the professional designation of Accredited Asset Management Specialist through the College for Financial Planning in Denver. Active in our community, Kevin has served as Vice President Elect of the Payson Rotary Club, Chairman of the Rim Country Regional Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the board of directors for the Payson Regional Medical Center. Kevin and his wife Carrie live in Payson and have two children, Mason and Bailee. They enjoy camping, hiking, biking, and traveling and spending family time together.

Bouncing Back with Negotiation Skills     Donna Steckel
Dr. Steckel is a licensed psychologist in private practice in Payson, Arizona and a certified trainer for the Center for Nonviolent Communication (www.cnvc.org). She has lived in Payson since 1995 and has been working in the counseling field for over 25 years.  She works with individuals, couples and groups and treats a wide variety of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, mood disorders and family issues. She has previously written a relationship advice column for the Payson RoundUp ('Ask Dr. Donna') using principles of Nonviolent Communication.  She has published a video on codependency recovery at nvcacademy.com.  She is currently teaching Non-violent Communication and Marriage and the Family at Gila County Community College and also teaches other courses in psychology and sociology.

Choosing the Right Foods      Christine Bollier
Christine Bollier along with her husband BJ have owned Vita-mart Natural and Organic grocery for 2 1/2 years.  Christine has worked in the natural foods industry since 2003. Christine and BJ are continually expanding their education in the areas of health and nutrition. They have concentrated much of their studies to the effects of the industrialization of agriculture and its effect on health.