PAOLINA MILANA

Embarking on her latest book, Committed: A Memoir of Madness in The Family (She Writes Press, May 4, 2021), author, speaker, podcaster, and founder of Madness To Magic, Paolina Milana’s mission is to share stories that celebrate the triumph of the human spirit: To unleash the power that lies within each of us to bring about change for the better. 

Milana’s professional background is rooted in journalism where as a features writer for a major daily newspaper in the Midwest, she told the stories of other people. Then she moved to the field of PR/media and digital marketing as an executive in both corporate and non-profit environments. Given her experience in an emotionally tumultuous household where she was put in the position of caregiver to unstable family members, she is uniquely qualified to serve as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children in foster care and as an empowerment and resiliency coach, using storytelling to help people reimagine their lives, write their next chapters, and become the heroes of their own journeys. 

Paolina has won awards for her writing, including her first book, The S Word, which received the National Indie Excellence Award. Her self-help picture book for adults, Seriously! Are We There Yet?!, and her holiday fiction novel, Miracle on Mall Drive both published in late 2020. Paolina is first-generation Sicilian, married, and lives on the edge of the Angeles National Forest in Southern California.

PRAISE FOR COMMITTED:

“COMMITTED is a must-read for anyone struggling with mental illness…This raw memoir brings to light the reality of madness — both in terms of what may surround us and that which may lurk within us.” – Samantha Dunn, author of Failing Paris and Not By Accident

“Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review. This book easily earns all the stars! It’s probably one of the best books on mental illness that I have ever read. Paolina Milana tells her story of having a mother, then later a sister, with paranoid schizophrenia with such honesty and passion. The toll that being a caregiver has on her is completely understandable and she shows real courage. I highly recommend this book!” ~ Librarian

“A modern-day ‘Girl, Interrupted’ but with family. Paolina Milana is an incredible writer and is very brave for sharing her story with us. Mental illness is still seen as taboo and she is breaking down what happens when we are taught to keep it all in the family and never air dirty laundry.”  5 out of 5 stars ~ NetGalley

Bettina was born in Hungary and came to United Stated through human trafficking in 2012. She was hiding for the first years of her American dream as it quickly became a nightmare. In 2016 she ran away from her traffickers and started to build her life over. 

The United States immigration saved gave her the second chance and provided residency, which was indeed the beginning of her American dream. By today, she is finishing her degree on one of the best colleges in the US, University of Miami. She is sober, healthy, and providing education and recovery programs for survivors and potential victims. She is committed in helping organizations fighting human trafficking and aiding safe houses by walking victims through revival.

Nathan Osmond’s Speaker Bio

Nathan's Website: http://nathanosmond.com/

Nathan Osmond is an accomplished singer, songwriter, producer, actor and motivational speaker. As the son of 70’s pop star, Alan Osmond, Nathan grew-up around television and recording studios and naturally followed in his father’s footsteps. He and his brothers (The Osmonds 2nd Generation) have had 3 songs in the top 40 in the U.K. and have worked with some of the industry’s biggest names.

He’s made quite a career in the Country music world with 4 consecutive #1 hit singles and was recently nominated as New Artist of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year and Country Breakthrough Artist of the Year by the New Music Awards in Los Angeles.

He recently produced and starred in what was voted the #1 Family Show in Waikiki. He co-produced his most recent album called, “Homeward Bound Heroes” which features duets with Country legends like Collin Raye & Linda Davis. The project will benefit the Wounded In Action Family Foundation. He is their National spokesperson and is involved in several other charities like Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals; a foundation started by his grandmother, Olive Osmond.

He was was selected as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Americans 2013 by the United States Junior Chamber (Jaycees) for his musical achievements and humanitarian efforts. He also won the John C. Maxwell Leadership Award two-years in a row in the category of Music & Entertainment (2014 & 2015).

On top of his musical achievements, Nathan is a gifted public speaker. He has shared the stage with such luminaries as Donald Trump, Tony Robbins, Les Brown, George Foreman, Lou Dobbs, Magic Johnson, Brian Tracy, Andy Andrews and many others. Just this year he has spoken or emceed events in over 150 cities and 10 countries.

He is president of Ntune Productions, a company designed to “Inspire The Mind & Lift The Soul.” His enthusiasm is contagious and inspires his audiences world-wide to step into their greatness.

He is a published author and the host of a weekly podcast called, “Achieving Awesomeness Now” available wherever great podcasts are available.

Nathan is also currently saving the world, one mortgage at a time with OsmondHomeLoans.com Part of The Elite Team at Security Home Mortgage. If you need a mortgage, he’s your guy!

Nathan is married to Sarah Eileen Osmond and they are the proud parents of four little boys, Zachary, Corbin, Samuel and Beckham and a cute dog named, “Blizzard.” They reside both in American Fork, UT.

Sheila Thelen has been a coach at the Figure Skating Club of Bloomington in Minnesota for the past 32 years. However, teaching skating is just part of her busy life dedicated to improving skaters’ training.

Thelen created several products skaters use on and off ice to help their skating techniques. She also hosts numerous seminars and is part of an online coaching staff.

“I’m thrilled to have met Trevor Laak, the founder of iCoachSkating.com, before he founded it,” Thelen said.

After meeting at Grassroots to Champions seminars, Thelen joined his company as a consultant and helps with their online marketing.

“iCoachSkating is truly a revolution in how coaches all over can improve their knowledge and improve their skaters,” Thelen said. “Every problem a coach has ever had, Trevor has a video to fix that problem. It’s fun to see skaters and coaches learning new techniques and skills on iCoachSkating, and it’s fantastic that skaters and coaches can join the website.”

iCoach, however, is just the beginning. She’s also a very successful entrepreneur, creating several products skaters use to improve various elements.

“My first big product I created was the ‘Jump Ease Skating Harness,’” Thelen said. “I learned a lot about business and how to make a company fun.”

Her second product, Champion Cords, taught her to embrace something new at the time: a business website.

“I really learned how to create a website, and to work with patents (USA Patent:  7,214,171), skate shops, seminars, packaging, staff and manufacturing,” Thelen said. “Champion Cords are fantastic for teaching a skater to feel alignment position, muscle memory awareness and technique.”

Thelen since added the Champion Skating Harness and Champion Electric Spinner.

“Both of these products help the skater learn vestibular balance and air position,” Thelen said. “Truly how you train modern day rotation. It’s actually fun to see people installing this gear in their homes. They are also great for seminars. We haul in a harness, install it and train coaches how to use it.”

Her Champion Developmental Seminars keep this busy coach traveling to clubs with many top coaches.

“Each seminar can be custom designed to feature a guest coach,” Thelen said. “We bring in tons of gear and help the coaches develop skaters at all levels. We are absolutely honored to have an amazing staff of coaches to help.”

Thelen even created a fun jewelry piece with her Champion Achievement Charm bracelet. The charms include all the jumps and spins, a perfect and fun way for skaters to keep track of their progression.

“As your skater progresses through the sport, add a charm to the bracelet,” Thelen said.

Thelen will host a booth featuring all her products at the upcoming May PSA and CFSA conferences in Chicago and Moncton NB, Canada. A two day seminar with World Coach Ravi Walia is scheduled for June at the Bloomington FSC.

Her skating harness and electric spinner also recently became part of physical therapy research and development work with autistic children, something Thelen is extremely proud of.

“This work is so important to me,” Thelen said. “Improving children’s, skaters and families’ lives.”

Education:     Bachelor of Arts, Hamline University, St. Paul, Minnesota.  (1991 Graduate)    Double Major:  Communications/Marketing and Anthropology *Research Emphasis:  Public Speaking/Osteology (Human Bone Research).  *Senior Residential Advisor.  *Twin Cities Business Women’s Scholarship Recipient.  *Speaker at Hamline 1990 & 1991 Leadership Conference. *Academic Policies Committee and Sub-Committee. * Self PAID 100% of Education. * Dean’s List.

Experience:    Owner/Designer/President of Vestibular Training Services LLC (2019-Present) *Applying Figure Skating Harness training – to helping physical therapists in the fields of:  Autism & Post Concussion/TBI.  Patent Pending.  We are going to change the world.

Owner/Designer/President of Champion Cords/Seminars/Harnesses/Spinners (2012-Present) *Providing seminar for coaches worldwide alongside World & Olympic Coaches.  Specializing in figure skating technology, harnesses & developing all levels of figure skaters.  *Creating leadership in coaching and mentoring.  Number one in figure skating harnesses & coaches training.  *Known worldwide for coaching excellence.  Research and development for multiple skating training tools

Grassroots To Champion Seminars (2008-2016) Executive Director. *Coordinate 19 National/World/Olympic Coaches in 30+ National and Internationals seminars per year.   Coordinate all:  schedules, travel, hotel, ground, product, pre and post seminar.   *Marketing.  *Negotiate contracts with 10 Corporate Sponsors & National Organizations.  *Manage week long International Seminar Dorms/Food/40+Coaches/100+ skaters from around the world. *Dartfish Specialist  *Recruited by World & Olympic Coach – Audrey Weisiger.  *Number 1 in Figure Skating Seminars in North America.   *Sales increased 348%, since position was created.  Agent/Representative for 8 Olympic/World Coaches.  Created a 501c3 for Young Artists Showcase.

Sheila Thelen, Inc., (2003-Present)   Owner-President.  *Inventor and design engineer of athletic training aids *National & International Guest Speaker.  *Product Design. *Contract Negotiations.   *Patent Writing.   *Patent Number:  7,214,171.  *Created all product marketing and information.  *Product is used by World & Olympic Skaters and Coaches.  *Endorsed by the Professional Skaters Association International.  *Presenter at Fall Regional & International Seminars.  *Presenter ON ICE: at PSA International Conference, Canada Figure Skating National Conference, ISI International Conference, England/UK NISA Conference, Iceland FSA.   *Endorsed by National/World/Olympic Skaters and Coaches.  *Monthly article in PSA Magazine.   *Featured Specialist on:   iCoachSkating.com  *Named TOP FIVE Coaches by iCoachSkating.

Professional Figure Skating Coach.   City Facilities, MN (1987-Present) Self Employed.  *Teaching beginners through senior competition levels.  *Head Professional.   *Senior Synchronized Skating Line.   *Consultant – Israeli Figure Skating Association.  *Teaching ages: 2-30.  *Master Rated Coach by the Professional Skaters Association International. *Strong USFSA/ISI Coaching Experience.  *Specialty in Dartfish Computer Software (for computer jump analysis).  Consultant to coaches & skating schools.

                        St. Croix Valley Recreation Center.  Stillwater, MN (1998-2008) Skating Director.   *Manage and oversee MAJOR Skating School & Entire Figure Skating Program. *Manage all private lessons.   *Supervise all self employed skating coaches.   *Hosted ISI & PSA Fall Regional Seminars.   *Payroll.   *Database.  *Assign Skaters to Coaches. *Director of Winter Exhibitions.   *Director of Spring Ice Shows.  *Advertising Manager.  *Silent Auction Manager.  *Created registration program enabling 500+ in person registrations in 1 ½ hours. *Manage arena staff.  *Power Skating Coach with Junior Gold Teams & High School players.   *Coach multiple high profile clients & The Herb Brooks Foundation.

                        Jump Ease, Inc.  Lino Lakes, MN  (1997-2004)  Owner/President.  *Inventor and design engineer of multi-use harness systems.  *National Guest Speaker and Trainer.  *Coordinated staff & engineering department.  *Contract negotiations including the New Boston Gardens/Boston Bruins & the Gaylord Entertainment Center (Nashville Predators).  *Endorsed by the Professional Skaters Association International.  *Managing Partner.

                                        Arad Archaeological Center, Arad, ISRAEL   In conjunction with the Israeli Antiquities Authority.  (July 1991-1992)  *Director of Recruiting.  *Site Supervisor.  *Lecture Series.  *Create all marketing materials.  *United States Group Coordinator.  *Only American on Staff.   *Semi Bilingual.  *Primary Archaeological site:  Tel Keroith.  *Trained guide:  Masada.  *Burial Excavations Manager:  Tel Arad.

                                        Paisley Park Recording Studios.  Chanhassen, MN (Spring 1990-Spring 1991) Internship.  *Assistant to Mr. Dressel, Head of Studio.  *Assist in daily management of a major recording studio and stage.  *Handle records on past clients and assisted with new clients.  *Studio Assistant.  *Tours.  *First Intern ever at Paisley Park.

Awards:          *Top 1,000 Employees in the State of Minnesota, by the Quality Council of Minnesota (1993).  *1998 Who’s Who of International Entrepreneurs.    *2008 & 2010 Top FIVE Coaches by iCoachSkating.com   *2010 United States Figure Skating Association – Sports Science Award Nominee