Mara Anthony
Born in Georgia, to an Italian mother and an American father, I’ve always been interested in various cultures and traditions. My curiosity has taken me abroad working as a language teacher in Italy, Spain, England and Japan. I’ve also traveled extensively throughout Europe and Latin America. After having gained valuable experience living abroad, I’ve cultivated insight and a growing interest in both Western and Eastern medicine, which led to exploring Chinese Medicine and Qigong.
My journey began with a deep interest in meditation and with the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism, and Taoism. Shortly afterwards, while continuing to nurture my spiritual awareness, I also developed a passion for organic food cultivation while working on a farm in Italy. This grew into a deep area of interest as I began studying diet, nutrition and organic gardening.
I’m a certified Medical Qi Gong Practioner, Reiki I Practioner, in addition to having two Bachelor of Arts degrees in Spanish and Italian from the University of Georgia. I have also completed the 8 week Compassion Based Meditation Training (CBCT) at Emory University with Geshe Lobsang Tenzin Negi as well as studied mindfulness practices with many others. I have given qigong workshops all throughout Italy, and I have also taught mindfulness to locals in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Mexico.
Today, I professionally strive to help my clients cultivate a mindfulness practice, employing a combination of Eastern and Western medicinal techniques with a strong focus on diet, nutrition and meditation.
Susan Gonzalez
I am a nurse, certified in plant-based nutrition, who is an award-winning blogger, owner of MOON Organics, and co-author of the popular book “100 Perks of Having Cancer plus 100 Health Tips for Surviving It” (Basic Health Publications 2013). I have also completed level 1 of the Healing Touch certification and I am a certified Cancer Coach with an emphasis on alternative and complimentary care.
I personally discovered the power of the mind/body relationship during my own journey to reach her optimal health after treatment for stage III breast cancer in 2005. I am a strong believer that we must take full responsibility for our own health and wellness in all areas of life: diet, exercise, spirituality, self worth and social health, and I provide people with simple ways to achieve that goal.
My training, teachings and experiences have given me the opportunity to help empower many others to reach their optimal level of being through their daily routines, and I am committed to continuing that purpose.
Jonathan Adams
Jonathan Adams (a.k.a. Sonic Yogi) found Sound Therapy after an experience with extreme anxiety. As a professional musician with a touring group, Montana Skies, he knew the power of music to entertain and move our emotions. But following his anxiety experience, he discovered its potential as a healing force.
Since then, Jonathan has had the opportunity to give talks and workshops on sound therapy at TedX, National Spiritual Living Conference, GA state social workers conference and more. His sound therapy tracks, can be streamed on YouTube, Spotify, SoundCloud and the Insight Timer app. They are also used by Golds Gym nationally in Centergy and yoga classes.
Jon continues to explore ways in which "sound as therapy" can help people relax, de-stress, enjoy deeper meditations, and FEEL GREAT! His free sound downloads, and access to Jon's extremely insightful blog, are available at SonicYogi.com.
Jon will be offering private sound sessions during the event. To find out more go here, and if you would like to schedule a session, please e-mail Susan
Guelila Fornetti
My name is Guelila Fornetti, I was born and raised in Ethiopia and spent my teenage years in Virginia. Ever since I was a little child, I’ve always loved being in the kitchen. When I became a vegan in 2009, the scarce restaurant and food options forced me to learn how to recreate most of my favorite meals at home. While cooking has always been a passion of mine, I pursued a professional degree in Family Counseling; not yet realizing I would be able to make a career out of my “hobby”. When I became a stay at home mother, I cooked 3-4 times a day. It was then that I realized how much I love being in the kitchen; and decided to pursue a career as a chef. Seeing people’s positive reactions (vegans and non-vegans) to the food I make, brings me pure joy! On top of being a personal chef, I have worked on movie sets, and hosted multiple vegan pop up dinners.