A Quest for Well-Being

— “I’m curious about the psychological footprints we leave behind us wherever we go. How we are with ourselves and others is exactly how the world will be. And that matters.”

Valeria interviews Lynda Hoffman  — She is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coaching Federation (ICF).  

She coaches ambitious business professionals - with or without ADHD - who want to create meaningful personal and organizational change. Lynda partners with clients to increase their personal agency and strategic decision making. Her extensive experience in the fields of executive functioning and mindfulness training supports clients in understanding how their brain functioning informs their behavior - and how to create sustainable change.

Lynda is trained in Harvard’s Immunity to Change model and body mind modalities. She encourages her clients to do the deeper work towards transformation and a more liberated way of being. 

To learn more about Lynda Hoffman and her work, please visit: https://lyndahoffman.com/

— You are whole and ready to go. You do not need fixing because you are not broken. Celebrate that! You are right on track to show up for the life you want. Sure, we live in a culture that talks, writes, and sings about brokenness. It has become the social-media way to relate with others. Do you have messiness to deal with? Everyone does. Is your life complex? Probably. Have you been broken-hearted at times? Certainly. Are you broken? No! You're incredibly blessed—and your wholeness is a gift to celebrate! That wholeness is propelling you to lean forward and live your life all in. Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "I am who I am today because of the choices I made yesterday." That's life-changing truth delivered in just thirteen words! You've made the choice to show up for the life you want, to believe in your future and the beauty of your dreams. And that choice—that brave, beautiful, effervescent choice—will make a world of difference in your life and the lives of those around you.

Valeria interviews Chris Janssen MA, BCC  — She is the author of Living All In: How to Show Up for the Life You Want and Grace Yourself: How to Show Up for the Sober Life You Want

Chris is also a leading results coach in performance and mindset, bestselling, award-winning author, and inspiring speaker. 

She has worked with hundreds of sought-after professional athletes, singers, dancers, Hollywood writers, artists, authors, military soldiers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses internationally to close the gap between where they are and where they want to be. In addition to her academic degrees, Chris was trained by and worked with Tony Robbins on his team of results coaches, the #1 personal development and peak performance strategy company in the world. 

With a master’s in counseling psychology and 25+ years’ experience, Chris is widely regarded by entrepreneurs and creatives. Her insights have been featured in international magazines and podcasts like Brainz Magazine and Simply Fit Podcast. 

As a board-certified coach, Chris specializes in equipping clients with tools to substitute limiting beliefs and unhelpful narratives with certainty through utilizing her successful and sustainable Living All In methods. Her honest, strategic style will help you lead with purpose, love your plan, and perform from a peak state. Chris' books, Living All In: How to Show Up for the Life You Want (available now on Amazon)  — asks the question, "What do you want?" Knowing the answer to that question and acting on it will change your life. Chris’ seconds book and Grace Yourself: How to Show Up for the Sober Life You Want (available in March of 2025 where books are sold)  is a self-help book focused on addiction and grace. 

A California native, Chris lives with her husband since 1995, Scott. They are currently Caliradoans, splitting time between Los Angeles and Castle Pines, Colorado, where they love to ski, golf, be with their horses, and adventure outside. Together they raised three children, now thriving young adults. 

To learn more about Chris Janssen and her work, please visit: https://www.chrisjanssencoaching.com/

— On a cold and cozy December night in 2018, Jim Kaveney thinks he is dying. He is a husband, a father, a business owner, an athlete, and innovator. He is also an Afib patient facing massive cardiac trauma.

In his memoir, Unlimited Heart: How To Transform Your Pain Into Purpose, Jim Kaveney recounts his dance with death and the events of his life leading up to this fateful, health-defining moment and the shifts in business perspective and priorities that followed.

Unlimited Heart takes readers on a three-part, forty-year journey. It traverses the tight budgets of an eleven-member household to the financial burdens strapped to a dream to the sale of a multi-million-dollar startup. It is a raw portrayal of a boy who grapples with his own demons in the midst of his dreams and a man who turns those dreams into a clear, entrepreneurial vision—a vision that is threatened by medicine, technology, and surgeries. 

Kaveney’s entrepreneurial and cardiac journey cannot be separated. Where his heart was weak, his mind became strong. When his mind was weak, his heart was strong. His battle between his metaphorical and physical heart and mind is what inspired him to write Unlimited Heart and to launch a business with the namesake. Turning his pain in life to a greater purpose, Unlimited Heart helps people with cardiac issues be different and better patients.

Valeria interviews Jim Kaveney — He is the author of  “Unlimited Heart: How To Transform Your Pain Into Purpose.”

Jim Kaveney is all heart. In 2012 Jim founded Alkemy Partners (a Life Sciences Learning and Performance company that was ranked by Inc5000 in 2019 and 2020 before achieving acquisition in 2020 by EVERSANA™) and he is currently the founder of Unlimited Heart Health &  Wellness —a collaborative organization of health care professionals accelerating cardiac innovation. After years of balancing entrepreneurial ambitions with his own growing cardiac issues, Jim Kaveney, M.S. has turned his pain into a purpose to become an expert in navigating the burgeoning worlds of digital therapeutics, global startup initiatives, and the mindset training required to tackle the pillars of a holistic work-health-faith-family-life balance. Growing up as the youngest of nine in Erie, Pennsylvania, he sought understanding and solace in forces greater than himself, a quest that has influenced his personal and professional journey.

Through his story, he hopes to empower others to find strength and resilience in the face of health challenges, while continuing to innovate and advocate for better patient care solutions.

To learn more about Jim Kaveney and his work, please visit: https://unlimitedheartbook.com/ and connect with him on https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameskaveney/

—" I want to pause and acknowledge the absolute heartbreak women experience when they go in for fertility evaluations and receive the news, they will not be able to get pregnant. I have an immense amount of compassion for you. I want to encourage you that we serve a God who can make the impossible happen. He sees you in your suffering and pain and knows your heart’s desires to be a mother. He wants to make that dream come true for you. Even though it may seem impossible or look different than you’ve imagined, He can deliver you in the way you need.”

Valeria interviews Devan Larsen — She is the author of  “Fulfilled: A Therapist's Journey of Faith through Fertility.” 

Devan Larsen, LMFT, CGT is a marriage and trauma therapist, follower of Jesus, and author. Devan's passion has always been working with wounded hearts, helping those in broken and what seem like hopeless situations find light and meaning for their lives. She owns a private practice called Moments of Grace Family Therapy and specializes in working with couples, adolescents, and adults who want to find freedom from trauma they've experienced.

Devan holds a Bachelors degree in Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley and a Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Liberty University. She is a Certified Gottman Therapist and a local Moms in the Making leader. Devan lives on a small farm in Central Oregon with her husband, two Golden Retrievers, barn cat, and chickens. She continues to wait on the Lord to build her family and believes that every woman can find fulfillment in their season of waiting. In her down time, Devan enjoys watching the sunrise, sitting on her patio with a good book, traveling, or enjoying a sweet treat.

To learn more about Devan Larsen and her work, please visit: https://www.momentsofgraceft.com/

Narcissistic abuse is a destructive form of abuse that impacts interpersonal growth and leaves its victims shells of their former self. It stems from beliefs we have about the self – typically learned as children, our feelings of worthiness of love, and an altered reality that becomes commonplace for emotional or physical survival. It is, however, possible to heal from a relationship with a narcissist. Some of the strongest people I know are survivors. Healthy love and connection are calm, safe, and don’t require self-compromise to be worthy of it; it is given freely and without judgment.

Valeria interviews Dawn Leedie — She is licensed clinical professional counselor practicing in Normal, Illinois. She is the owner of Leedie Counseling Services, a private practice where she offers individual and family therapy as well as consultation.

Dawn Leedie was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. She is passionate about helping others realize their highest potential and has extensive knowledge and experience working with adolescents and adults in a variety of settings. Dawn empowers her clients, through a mix of education, guided explorations exercises, and humor, to break free from negative patterns and beliefs which prevent them from being their best self.

She attended Arizona State University where she received a Bachelor of Education in Secondary Education. After briefly teaching high school English, she knew the best part of the job was getting to help and inspire young minds. She left teaching and returned to Arizona State University where she received her Master of Counseling degree. Over the past 22 years, Dawn worked in a variety of clinical settings including intensive outpatient substance abuse programs for adults and adolescents, psychiatric hospitalization for adolescents, community health clinics, schools, domestic violence shelters, and outpatient counseling. She also frequently serves as a consultant for the family court system, advocating for the voice of children. 

When Dawn is not working with clients, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, attending concerts, traveling, cooking, and is an avid writer.

To learn more about Dawn Leedie and her work, please visit: https://www.dawnleedie.com/

— Ayurveda may be the world's oldest continuously practiced health system, dating up to five thousand years ago Ayurveda can be loosely translated as the “science of life.” The word comes from combining "Ayur," meaning life, and "Veda,” meaning knowledge. So Ayurveda literally means "the knowledge of life" —  how to  live in the best possible way.

Ayurveda is a very basic, simple, natural approach to living. It is a beautiful combination of oral and written instruction, spirituality, philosophy, mythology, AND  SCIENTIFIC knowledge that has been around for over 5000 years.

It is rooted in the oldest spiritual texts of India called the Vedas. These texts (some of which date back to 450-1500 BCE.) are widely considered to be the most ancient  science and address ALL aspects of healing and well-being for both body  and mind.

Ayurveda, even though it originated in India, gained traction  and prestige in Sri Lanka, China, Tibet, and Nepal, influencing these  various philosophies and healing traditions. There was a point when Western medicine denounced Ayurveda as inferior when India was  colonized. However, it continued to be practiced under the radar of  colonists in rural areas and monasteries.

Ayurveda is making a huge  comeback in India, North America, and other Western countries. We are  now looking to combine the science and technology of traditional Western  medicine with Ayurveda's holistic, preventative healing art. With the  emphasis on prevention and empowering people to have more control over  their health via the choices they make in their everyday lives, Ayurveda  has become a holistic wellness system that is infiltrating the  mainstream, unbeknownst to many. For instance, Kaizer Permanente is  displaying billboards around LA referencing circadian rhythms - how  crazy fantastic is that? Costco did a 2-page layout last summer on  Ayurveda and holistic health. And yes.....they called it by its real name!

 Ayurveda and Self-Care go hand and hand!  

Valeria interviews Paula Pister  — She is an Ayurvedic Health and Life Coach, Yoga teacher, and busy mom.

Her journey began as a young model and actress, where she struggled with self-worth and body image issues. In her 20s, becoming a certified yoga teacher helped Paula appreciate and love her body more, leading her to explore Ayurveda, yoga's sister science.

Now, Paula teaches midlife women simple daily and seasonal self-care tools rooted in ancient wisdom and modern habit change science. She is a strong advocate for self-care, aiming to help women overcome the belief that prioritizing themselves is selfish or to feel “guilty about."

In Ayurveda, our energy reserves are called “Ojas." Paula emphasizes that without replenishment, this energy depletes, leaving women vulnerable to mental, emotional, and physical imbalances. Having experienced burnout herself, she understands the challenges faced by busy women juggling multiple responsibilities.

Growing up in a generation where real self-care wasn’t always modeled well, Paula learned its importance later in life. Now in her 50s, she is committed to being an exemplary model for her children and helping other midlife women reshape outdated beliefs about self-care, listening to their intuition, and reclaiming control of habits that are life-depleting not life-enhancing. Because self-care does NOT come in a one-size-fits-all box, a bottle, or from Amazon. It takes committing to yourself and deeper desires, being gentle and kind to yourself, and understanding that this is a journey. Every step along the path is an opportunity for growth, deeper insight, and a chance to connect with your inner wisdom (which is ALWAYS guiding you.)

Paula stresses that self-care starts with self-worth, setting boundaries, and learning to say “No” (nicely and guilt-free). She believes this approach is not selfish but essential, as a healthy, vibrant, and happy individual better equipped to care for others and show up in the world as your best and most vibrant self. 

To learn more about Paula Pister and her work, please visit:

https://www.mindbodybright.com/

To learn about the 21-Day Fall Reset and receive a 20% discount use the code: QUEST20

https://www.mindbodybright.com/fallcleanse

— Susan Keller wrote Mostly Sober: A Love Story and a Road Trip to help readers find peace with reduced alcohol consumption. And, to show them how they can moderate, or even eliminate, cravings for alcohol. Reduced cravings lead to a lot less drinking and improved health for our minds and bodies. “Mostly Sober” takes place in 1983. This was a time when there was little help available to the person who wanted to change their drinking. It was AA or not much else. But not all of us who drink are candidates for AA. We can learn to drink moderately or minimally. Today, there is a lot of help to do that. Susan’s intention is that readers find common ground with her protagonist and her journey to accept herself, resolve her own misplaced guilt, and understand that the trauma she experienced as a child was not her fault.

Valeria interviews Susan Keller — She is the author of  “Mostly Sober: A Love Story and a Road Trip” and “Blood Brother: A Memoir.” 

After earning a degree in Public Health and Immunology, Susan enjoyed a 30-year career as an award-winning medical writer. Additionally, her poetry won prizes in regional and national contests. This background in science and poetry gives her writing credibility as well as lyricism.

Susan’s experience overcoming a rare and frequently fatal lymphoma inspired her to write Blood Brother: A Memoir. The subhead: Johnny’s bone marrow could save my life, but he’d vanished 30 years ago.

Her second book Mostly Sober: A Love Story and a Road Trip, is a genre-blend of romance and self-help. It is a deeply human narrative centered around the sober-curious movement and will help and resonate with the millions of Americans determined to moderate or minimize alcohol consumption.

Susan lives in the Bay Area with her husband, Daniel. She and Daniel have both reduced their alcohol consumption from 60 drinks a month to 6 or 8. Her mission is to help all of her readers find peace and improved physical and mental health with reduced alcohol consumption.

To learn more about Susan Keller and her work, please visit: https://susankeller.com/

— As a therapist, Colleen Grenz helps people gain insight about themselves, while learning new tools to improve and heal their symptoms. She also practices what she preaches to her clients and inspires other mental health practitioners to understand the importance of living the values and doing the work they ask of their clients. This applies to every area of life. Colleen’s clients' struggles are a constant reminder of areas she too need to practice skills like calm parenting and discipline, mindful awareness, radical self and body acceptance, doing the hard work: exercise, eating well, and using assertive communication. Colleen often challenge her client's thinking and beliefs and have been practicing challenging her own limited thinking and beliefs, which helps her understand how hard what she is asking of them really is.

Valeria interviews Colleen Grenz  — She is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in Jamestown, North Dakota. 

She is originally from Portland, Oregon and ended up in North Dakota after a multi-state and overseas journey that also saw her evolve from a career as a Botanist to her present career as a therapist.  She graduated from the University of Jamestown in 2019 with a Master of Science in Clinical Counseling.  She counseled clients at James River Correctional Center, South Central Human Service Center's crisis team, and Prairie Recovery Center before fulfilling a lifelong dream of opening a private practice in 2021.  Her modality is grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy, while integrating a trauma lens, mindfulness, and existential/spiritual concepts.  She is passionate about creating a safe space for clients who may feel on the margins of society.  She loves time with her family and friends, cats, nature, reading and jogging slowly for a long time. 

To learn more about Colleen Grenz and her work, please visit: https://grenzcounseling.clientsecure.me/

— In holistic care, a person' physical, emotional, social, economic, and spiritual needs are considered, as well as their response to an illness and the effects of illness on their ability to care for themselves. There a variety of long-term services and supports, as well as natural supports to cope with their emotional, social and other needs. Thus, they require a coordinated and integrated approach in order to improve the outcomes. A holistic approach to healing can maximize a person’s quality of life as a main outcome.

Valeria interviews Amber McKinney-Morgan practices clinical social work in California with experience in individual and couples therapy. 

Amber is certified in both Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Gottman Couples Therapy. In addition, Amber is an EMDRIA-approved Consultant-in-Training (CIT) providing consultation to other EMDR clinicians looking to be certified. She’s penned articles for EMDRIA’s Go With That Magazine on incorporating EMDR, IFS and SE when working with clients and has spoken on the popular television show, Fatal Attraction, which is anticipated to be available for audience consumption in Fall of 2024.

Amber has received training in various interventions and therapeutic modalities through their respective institutes and includes but is not limited to: The Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Sex Therapy, Hypnosis, Somatic Experiencing (SE), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and more.

Amber’s passion for the behavioral health field got put into play over 10 years ago, as a “child counselor” at residential group homes. Since then, she’s amassed experience working with individuals ages 4 and up coping with a range of life circumstances including trauma, homelessness and more.

If you find yourself reading this and have more questions about how therapy can support you in your life, please feel free to reach out and schedule a free 15-minute consultation. Amber appreciates you taking the time to explore your needs thus far to access the care you deserve. 

To learn more about Amber McKinney-Morgan and her work, please visit: https://www.ambermckinney.com

— Be prepared for an amazing health transformation! Through Valentina’s breakthrough programs, you can resolve lingering issues, while you can achieve optimal wellness through my personalized, integrative approach.

By eliminating underlying imbalances, you'll feel healthy, energized, balanced, and mentally clear in no time.

It is all about identifying the causes, map out a plan, and create positive change. Besides innovative modalities for releasing stuck emotions, the system offers fascinating insights into your DNA and nutrition, as well as customized lifestyle upgrades.

The DNA Blueprint or digital transformational guides will deliver results, whether you dive right in or start from scratch. Valentina’s uses a comprehensive, science-based approach to identify the source of health imbalances so you can optimize your unique blueprint. You'll feel rejuvenated, vital, and a sense of wellbeing when you take advantage of this treatment.

This is the beginning of the journey. It's time to uncover the root causes of your pain, heal them holistically, and transform your health in ways that will make you excited about life again!

Valeria interviews Valentina Bain — She is a Certified Somatic Practitioner, Geonomics (Epigenetics) Coach, Holistic Nutrition Coach, EFT Master Practitioner, CranioSacral Therapist, Reiki Master, Neuromuscular Therapist, Sports Therapist, Labor Doula, and NLP mindset coach.

With over 20 years of experience as an entrepreneur in the wellness industry and natural-minded mom to 4, Valentina has trained extensively to help clients get to the root of chronic issues.

As a somatic therapist and epigenetic coach, Valentina shares the ultimate secret to elevating holistic healing, vitality, prevention, and longevity - your unique DNA blueprint and custom protocols. She provides breakthrough blueprints using DNA, HTMA, and other functional tests to help you unlock wellness on a whole new level.

Valentina explains how genetic variation informs the customized diet, lifestyle, and solutions that will lead each individual to their best self. By understanding how your body handles chemical processes, you can go right to the root of health issues. She partners with clients as a trained practitioner to determine which insights are most relevant today, since gene expression evolves over time.

To learn more about how you can connect the dots to feel your healthiest, happiest self with a lifetime blueprint for optimization, please visit: https://valentinabain.com/

Check our The DNA Blueprint Package here: https://valentinabain.thrivecart.com/breakthrough-blueprint/