A Vision in Motion, Speakers Bureau: Our Speakers to Captivate

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Scott Chesney Scott has suffered a rare stroke in his spinal cord at the age of 15 which left him paralyzed from the waist down. Since that time, he has spent his life helping make a positive difference in the lives of students. Scott has made two world tours, visiting over 30 countries and speaking to over a million people around the globe. He uses his own life-changing experiences as an example to help others accept and conquer their own challenges through self-esteem enhancement. [Scott's biography]	Cornelius Barker, MA A former gang member who became a school administrator, Cornelius' world was one of constant trials and tribulations. Serving for more than 25 years as a classroom teacher and administrator, he delivers motivational lectures that help students re-evaluate themselves and their interaction with peers. He lectures to school and community groups on the topic of cognitive & behavioral trends exhibited by today's youth, and in the process, he develops respectful disciplines over oppressed young minds. [Cornelius' biography]	Dr. Paul S. Wichansky A passionate speaker whose contagious enthusiasm has motivated students for 27 years, Paul has delivered captivating awareness programs that discuss the perspectives and realities of growing up with his cerebral palsy. By sharing personal experiences, and encouraging students to ask questions that help shape their understanding of people with disabilities, Paul tries to instill a sense of hope, energy, and inspiration that encourages them to realize their own goals and dreams. [Dr. Paul's biography]	Derrick Watkins Derrick grew up in a rough neighborhood, but managed to find his way through the maze of distractions as a scholar athlete. He is devoted to giving back to help others find positive outlets. Derrick motivates students to find greatness within themselves and teaches them to share these qualities with others. He inspires others to harness their full potential without bowing to peer pressure. Earning a Masters degree in social work, Derrick has the solid professional background to help children. [Derrick's biography]

Teddy Atlas Teddy has transformed himself from a juvenile delinquent into a world-renowned boxing trainer and television personality who has started his own charitable foundation. His presentations emphasize the need for personal integrity as a guiding force in making the proper choices at the right times. Teddy was taught to be a trainer by the legendary Cus D’Amato and has trained fighters like Mike Tyson and Michael Moorer. [Teddy's biography]	Victor Pacini Victor has taken his lifelong passion for singing to a new and exciting level by helping students realize the importance of respecting themselves and others. A survivor of sexual abuse, his inspirational programs incorporate the adversities he has overcome into a multi- dimensional format that presents a variety of thought-provoking concepts and lessons through original songs, words of wisdom, and captivating images. [Victor's biography]	Barbara Corcoran Despite poor academic performance and over 20 jobs by the time she turned 23, Barbara Corcoran became one of the country’s most successful entrepreneurs, creating a multi-billion dollar real estate business. As a speaker, Barbara brings her front-lines experience and infectious energy to every person she meets. Motivational, inspirational, and sometimes outrageous, Barbara's tell-it-like-it-is attitude is a refreshing approach to success. [Barbara's biography]	Tom Malloy Tom is a perfect example of someone who enjoys life. Using his own experiences, he relates to adults with a logical approach to success in realizing your dreams. As a professional stand-up comedian, dancer, producer, writer, and director, Tom is also a principal actor in films starring household names as Denzel Washington and Jack Nicholson. He believes that life should not be a dress rehearsal. [Tom's biography]

Eddie Slowikowski is The Ultimate Winner. From his days as a Gold medal track star to his current position as the country’s premier speaker, Eddie’s elite training, dynamic style and interactive programs make for a fun and winning ride. Eddie speaks to thousands of students, teachers and business men and women each year, having developed a vast array of programs and presentations that are customized to fit the needs of each audience. [Eddie's biography]	Dr. Rob Gilbert Dr. Gilbert is one of the world's leading experts on Sport Psychology. As a college professor, Dr. Gilbert has spent the last 20 years researching the mental skills of dedicated athletes, successful business executives, and highest earning sales people. As a professional speaker, he has also addressed audiences as diverse as cadets at the United States Military Academy to Fortune 500 companies. [Dr. Gilbert's biography]	Rick Shapiro A former Ringling Bros. clown, Vietnam veteran, comedy writer for television and stage, and special events company owner, Rick offers educational, entertaining, and motivational programs. His captivating presentations are developed to teach the importance of humor and the positive effect that laughter has on our lives. Rick is also known as "The Stress Doctor" and has presented to groups across the country. [Rick's biography]	Darlene Smith Darlene draws upon many years of experience helping others in positions ranging from special education teacher, manager of a family shelter, a drug and alcohol counselor on Riker’s Island, and the unit supervisor in a private correctional organization. She works with juveniles and adults involved in the judicial system as a Substance Abuse Evaluator. Her presentations on leadership and conflict resolution are highly sought after. [Darlene's biography]

Mike Simmel At only 5'9", "Mighty Mike" has overcome epilepsy and bipolar disorder to become one of the top basketball showmen. A standout player in high school and college, Mike has used basketball as a vehicle to overcome his limitations and achieve his potential. He currently plays for the Harlem Wizards, a world-renowned basketball entertainment team, is a featured speaker at summer basketball camps, and has started the Bounce Out the Stigma project to give children a chance to overcome obstacles and find their dreams in life. [Mike's biography]	Paul Mladjenovic Paul was born in a communist country and immigrated to the U.S. with no money and no knowledge of English. He struggled through poverty throughout his life and became self-employed in the face of financial and social hardships. A success story, Paul now enjoys helping others achieve prosperity by assisting them in investing, earning, and saving money while emphasizing the importance of financial and personal security. [corporate biography]	Marni & Kris Jamieson Marni and Kris have mild cognitive impairment and learning disabilities. They protest the stigmatizing label of "mentally retarded." Marni works in a sheltered workshop, and Kris works part-time in a retail store. The award-winning documentary "Lifestyles of the Poor and Unknown," made by Marni's sister, portrays the Jamiesons' day-to-day lives, feelings, and dreams through their own often humorous perspectives. [Marni/Kris biography]	Kathy Buckley Kathy was born with a hearing loss that went undetected until she was eight and led to believe she was mentally retarded. She was sexually abused, run over by a car, and stricken with cancer all before the age of thirty. Rather than being consumed by grief, Kathy sought the light of laughter. She went on to become a top female comedienne, an award-winning author of a one-woman show, a PBS special, and a book. [Kathy's biography]

Tracy Hans Tracy was diagnosed at the age of 16 with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Tracy paints her experiences in a humorous light while educating parents, teachers and counselors on the difficulties living with this challenge. She has earned two degrees in Psychology and has since harnessed her strengths into a successful career, publishing journal articles and also presenting accounts of depicting life as an 'ADDer'. [Tracy's biography]	Roger Crawford Roger was born with severe physical disabilities. Against all odds, he became a tennis champion who competed against able-bodied college athletes. As a result of his unyielding determination over disadvantage, Roger not only achieved victory in the world of sports but also in his career and personal life. Because of his remarkable accomplishments, he has been inducted into three distinguished halls of fame. [Roger's biography]	Janet Pfeiffer Janet is an internationally known speaker and award-winning author who is recognized as a leading authority in the field of anger management and conflict resolution. Her warmth, sincerity, knowledge, and humor flavored with personal stories of trauma to triumph, evokes a profound awareness in her audience that her words are directed at each individual personally, enabling them to develop a more positive response to life [Janet's biography]	Billy Ayres Billy has created and directed original plays in all kinds of venues, including homeless shelters, community centers, and public and private schools. He has created and mastered a technique he uses with children and adults called Improvisational Integrated Music & Drama (IIMD). He has worked with many well-known artists, sung national commercials for T.V. and radio, and performed cartoon voices internationally for the Fox TV network. Billy holds a Masters Degree in Special Education and is a certified teacher. [Billy's biography]

Christina Ellington After moving thirteen times, Christina fought through depression, an eating disorder, and failing health. Her high school teacher changed her life. Now she enjoys sharing her story to help inspire others. An actress, singer, dancer, writer, educator, and director, she has won state, local, and national awards for her talents and excellent academic record. She is now Miss New York and a finalist at the 2004 Miss America Pageant. [Christina's biography]	Ron Roley For over 14 years, Ron has been delivering the message of hope and the noble pursuit of dreams to audiences worldwide in over 25 countries and 40 states. A survivor of abandonment, sexual abuse and parental divorce, Ron has overcome self-doubt, destroyed self-esteem, and attempted suicide, to become a world class athlete, artist, fireman, actor, published poet and founder of two international non-profit organizations impacting youth worldwide. [Ron's biography]	Cornell Brunson Cornell is a cancer survivor who has devoted 25 years of his life to implementing mental health and treatment programs within prison systems. Internationally certified as a drug and alcohol counselor, he has himself battled addiction and his recovery has allowed him to help many people with their own substance abuse problems, both in his own community and around the country. Cornell also specializes in gang prevention programs, serving as a role model for today's youth. [Cornell's biography]	Robert Danzig Bob is a highly successful corporate executive, author and speaker. He grew up from a childhood spent in five foster homes to two decades as nationwide head of The Hearst Newspaper Group and vice president of The Hearst Corporation. His stories remind the audience that the steps to excellence are vested in Mindset, Motivation, Attitude, and Self-esteem. His goal is to be an instrument for renewed affirmation that every single person is worthwhile. [Bob's biography]

Jim Greene Jim has overcome numerous obstacles, including two major clinical depressions. A former football star in the Division III Level of the NJ Athletic Conference, he has earned degrees in Psychology and Theology. Jim enjoys sharing his dynamic and inspiring stories to encourage college students to never allow themselves to become victims of negative stereotypes and to always accentuate the positive. [Jim's biography]	Linda Monahan & Chris Gagliardi This dynamic mother and son duo are true survivors. Linda refused to listen to "experts" who told her to give up on her autistic son Chris. At the age of 15, Chris spoke his first words and has never looked back. He has spoken before Congress and supported his mom through her own battle with cancer. Together, they inspire and encourage others and are advocates for positive change for people with disabilities. [Linda/Chris bio]	Rafael Addison Growing up in the projects of an urban city with seven siblings housed in a tiny apartment, Rafael managed to remain focused on school and basketball. A high school star, who went on to attend Syracuse University, he fulfilled his dreams and played over a decade in the NBA. Always giving back, "Raf" returned to his roots to teach and coach in the neighborhood where he grew up. He is a shining example of how positive decision-making and persevering against the odds can result in success. [Rafael's biography]	Joy Rodino As a lawyer, meditator, and practitioner of healing modalities, Joy imparts to others, from her own experience, the power of stress management and optimal performance techniques, and how they can transform one's life. Ideal for parents, teachers, students, and corporate employees, Joy's heartfelt and dynamic programs inspire others to access their inner resources to achieve healthier, more productive lives. [Joy's biography]

Arnold Thomas Depression over his father's death along with the abuse of drugs contributed to a suicide attempt at age eighteen. This path destroyed Arnold's original dreams which included a college athletic scholarship. After many years of healing and getting in touch with his Native American culture, Arnold earned a Master's degree in Social Work and has become a clinical therapist, discussing socially important topics such as suicide prevention. [Arnold's biography]	Mike Patrick A health educator who has spoken to thousands of audiences throughout the country, Mike's inspirational programs help students overcome obstacles, creatively solve problems, and perform successfully - at school, at work and at home. He does not let his spinal cord paralysis sideline his life, and helps his young audiences identify solutions to obstacles that loom before them. Issues that - with the right attitude and desire - can be dealt with successfully. [Mike's biography]	Robert Lemon As a renowned professional speaker, film producer, and television personality, Robert Lemon has risen to prominence by delivering a high energy message which inspires students to take responsibility for their lives and live up to their greatness. After serving his nation with honor in the U.S. Air Force, Robert was employed by the Postal Service and received outstanding awards for his skills and leadership. He has also written, produced, and completed a captivating documentary, "Vision To Victory Field Of Dreams," which shares his mentoring experiences with NFL and college athletes. [Robert's biography]	Richard Saldan Homeless and broke in 1990, Richard lived in constant fear, turmoil and hopelessness. By 1998, Richard had completely turned his life around and was hired by a New York-based international financial firm to create a technology education department and was soon earning a six-figure income. Richard uses professional stage magic and gives your people his best hard-won secrets, strategies and techniques to overcome any obstacle, gain freedom from fear, and destroy discouragement. He provides a captivating and magical presentation that changes lives forever. [Richard's biography]

Sherry Lebed Davis A breast cancer survivor, a Lymphedema survivor, and a survivor of Chronic Active Hepatitis C., Sherry has developed a unique healing program called "The Lebed Method, Focus on Healing Through Movement and Exercise." This revolutionary therapeutic exercise program has helped to positively reinforce the love of life and the benefits of exercise to thousands of cancer survivors and their families. [Sherry's biography]	Lisa Gulisano Like so many young adults, Lisa entered college with open-minded enthusiasm and a strong desire to achieve her dreams. She was approached by a group of fellow students who were very friendly, which lured her into the grip of a dangerous religious cult. With her audiences, she shares the intimate details, step-by-step, of a process of deception that captivates the imagination. She details her first hand experience about her involvement with the cult, including the forced separation from her family. She was fortunate to escape and has since earned her degree. [Lisa's biography]	Phil Stellar For the last 20 years Phil has made a living warming up studio audiences for TV sitcoms. His amazingly inspirational story involves a trip to a Thai orphanage which lead to his becoming a father to his now 11 year old son after being told he would be impossible to adopt. [Phil's biography]	Rodney Laney A professional comedian and actor who has appeared on HBO and CBS, Rodney has developed a passion for speaking to community groups on making the right choices. He has navigated the perils of inner city life, including drugs and violence, and found positive outlets in the form of entertaining others on stage. Rodney uses his life story to inspire audiences to live their best lives. [Rodney's biography]


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