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How can we stay active and engaged as we grow older? Join us as we explore the vital role of social connection and community systems in living well—at any age. Marc Sapir served as Medical Director of the Center for Elders’ Independence, a pioneering PACE program for disabled elders, throughout the 1990s. A retired primary care and public health physician, he’s also a grandfather, great-grandfather, social activist, and writer. His upcoming book—a collection of stories from his years serving frail elders in team-based, community-rooted care—will be released May 13. Now an old man himself, he speaks with the lived wisdom of someone who depends on Social Security and Medicare.

Barb Stone earned her MBA from Syracuse University and spent 25 years as a senior leader in manufacturing. While she achieved corporate success, she yearned for deeper fulfillment, which led her to study resiliency and positive psychology. Today, Barb is a certified leadership development coach (CPCC, PCC, ORSCC), empowering individuals and organizations to create meaningful change. Passionate about community, she is also active in non-profit work supporting local missions. Barb lives in upstate New York, where she devotes her free time to her beloved Great Danes and other big-hearted animals.

Barb Stone earned her MBA from Syracuse University and spent 25 years as a senior leader in manufacturing. While she achieved corporate success, she yearned for deeper fulfillment, which led her to study resiliency and positive psychology. Today, Barb is a certified leadership development coach (CPCC, PCC, ORSCC), empowering individuals and organizations to create meaningful change. Passionate about community, she is also active in non-profit work supporting local missions. Barb lives in upstate New York, where she devotes her free time to her beloved Great Danes and other big-hearted animals.

Dr. Dianne Olvera—author of The Power of Connection: Understanding Individual Differences to Uplift and Empower—brings over 40 years of experience as a university professor, researcher, diplomat, and educational therapist. Through inspiring stories and practical insight, she reveals how embracing individual differences can transform relationships, build confidence, and leave a lasting, positive impact in every interaction.

Dr. Dianne Olvera—author of The Power of Connection: Understanding Individual Differences to Uplift and Empower—brings over 40 years of experience as a university professor, researcher, diplomat, and educational therapist. Through inspiring stories and practical insight, she reveals how embracing individual differences can transform relationships, build confidence, and leave a lasting, positive impact in every interaction.

Larry Weingarten Author of The Philosopher’s Wrench (2023), Larry Weingarten is a seasoned contractor with over 50 years of hands-on experience. But his work with tools goes far beyond the technical—Larry has spent a lifetime learning how to fix both mechanical problems and human ones. Whether he's helping people, caring for animals, or honoring the land that raised him, Larry brings a deep respect and quiet wisdom to everything he does. Tune in as we explore what “tools” really mean—beyond wrenches and hammers—and why doing the right thing, just because, still matters.

STEVE MELMAN received a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology and is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. He has been in the mental health field for over 40 years. He has had a successful private practice for over 25 years, assisting clients with a variety of issues: depression and bipolar, substance abuse, couples and their struggles, including parenting and helping children and adolescents. In addition, he has experience and expertise in conducting presentations, Critical Incidence Stress Debriefings, and management consultations.

STEVE MELMAN received a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology and is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. He has been in the mental health field for over 40 years. He has had a successful private practice for over 25 years, assisting clients with a variety of issues: depression and bipolar, substance abuse, couples and their struggles, including parenting and helping children and adolescents. In addition, he has experience and expertise in conducting presentations, Critical Incidence Stress Debriefings, and management consultations.

Gerard Wouters is a Taoist therapist from Holland, the author of seven books, and a familiar face from interviews on Dutch national television. With over 28 years of experience, he has taught 693 professionals—including caregivers, doctors, psychologists, nurses, physical and manual therapists, and coaches—how to make life simple, happy, and successful the Taoist way. Gerard’s mission is to help people heal from mental and emotional struggles through the power of storytelling. In his transformative 2-day workshops, he guides participants to reconnect with their true nature and find peace, clarity, and joy. His book, Make Life Simple, Happy and Successful the Taoist Way, captures the essence of his teachings and continues to inspire readers around the world.

Gerard Wouters is a Taoist therapist from Holland, the author of seven books, and a familiar face from interviews on Dutch national television. With over 28 years of experience, he has taught 693 professionals—including caregivers, doctors, psychologists, nurses, physical and manual therapists, and coaches—how to make life simple, happy, and successful the Taoist way. Gerard’s mission is to help people heal from mental and emotional struggles through the power of storytelling. In his transformative 2-day workshops, he guides participants to reconnect with their true nature and find peace, clarity, and joy. His book, Make Life Simple, Happy and Successful the Taoist Way, captures the essence of his teachings and continues to inspire readers around the world.