CORY PESATURO

– World Digital Accordion Champion (Coupe Mondiale)

– World Acoustic Accordion Champion (Primus Ikaalinen)

*First Person to ever win World Championships on Digital, Acoustic, and Jazz Accordion

“No one is doing more for the image of the Accordion than Cory Pesaturo is.” NBC/FOX’s Maria Bartiromo

World Digital Accordion Champion (Coupe Mondiale) and World Acoustic Accordion Champion (Primus Ikaalinen) Cory Pesaturo (C Pez) is a graduate of the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, MA, where he was the first musician ever to major and graduate in the accordion. Cory is in fact, the Only person to ever win World Championships on Acoustic Accordion, Digital Accordion, and Jazz. Accordion Legend Dick Contino said when Cory was only 15, “Of all the accordionists I’ve seen over the years, Cory is the one to pass the torch to, the only one who has all the tools to bring the accordion back to its former glory.” Cory’s main contribution, is his visionary thinking of how the accordion should be used, played, and presented in the modern music world. He is currently developing his own electric accordion, and already has made the first ever skinned accordion that includes a symmetric midi lighting system attached to the keys.

Pesaturo’s extensive resumé includes appearances at the White House for President and Mrs. Clinton on 4 different occasions, starting at age 12. On one of those occasions, he became the youngest person ever to perform at a State Dinner, performing with the Marine Strolling Strings for the President of Hungary. He has since performed at 7 other events for the Clintons and continues to keep in touch as proved by his 14 letters from the First family. Because of this, Cory is featured in Mrs. Clinton’s book “An Invitation to the White House”, which describes the State Diner performance. He has played every year at the prestigious Sergio Franchi Memorial Concert since he was 12, which is a deep connection to his Italian roots. For his travel, Cory has performed in 5 different continents, from Italy, to Canada, to New Zealand, to Japan and Tunisia, and regularly travels 75,000-100,000 miles a year. He has judged accordion competitions in the US, Canada, and Ireland, and has judged music competitions in general. Pesaturo currently gives masterclasses on both Music Theory and Accordion, and has taught at Harvard University, Brown University, UNC Ashville, Berklee College of Music, MIT and of course New England Conservatory.

At 11, Pesaturo got his first break, and opened at the former Warwick Musical Theater for the ill Myron Floren, the legendary accordionist on the Lawrence Welk show. In July of 2002 at age 15, Cory tied his close friend Steve Dominko, for the youngest ever National Accordion Champion in the US. A win in a concerto competition at the New England Conservatory of Music gave Pesaturo the rare opportunity to perform at the 2003 Christmas Pops Concert with the Brockton Symphony Orchestra as a featured soloist, where he became the youngest accordionist to ever solo with a symphony orchestra. Cory performed Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto; this performance can actually be seen on YouTube.

Cory is known as both a visionary and a rebel with the main United States “accordion world” much like Dick Contino was in his early days, and is outspoken with his dislike for the way the accordion is constantly presented, and also how the accordion world teaches the instrument in a manner that he says heavily discounts musicality and theory, further destroying the accordion image.

Concerning his Jazz side, Pesaturo recorded two CD’s with saxophone legend George Garzone and his famous band “The Fringe” at age 20, and has been performing with them in the Boston and Providence region. His performances at All of his World Championships were generally all improvised, likely a first in the world of accordion for major championships. Cory also won all of these, on accordions that were not his, most notably for the Acoustic championship in Finland, where he was denied to bring his instrument on the plane, and picked one up on arrival, mostly due to its color matching the outfit he planned to wear vs. the instrument being the right one to compete with.

Mr. Pesaturo is also heavily involved and respected with the weather and motor sports worlds as well. From 2005 to 2006, he composed the Official list of records set by the inconceivable record-breaking 2005 Atlantic hurricane season. He has also written the lists for the 2007 and 2008 Seasons as well. Moreover, he has put out a report and list of the 2009-2010 Winter Season for the United States. His is known for being a pioneer in the FreeSledding world with his own sledding mountain called “CN Mountain”, and has various other hobbies which he dedicates himself to. Furthermore, his music is regularly played on Formula 1 broadcasts on SPEED Channel and FOX, has an ongoing musical relationship with 98.5 The Sports Hub in Boston, has written the music for “The Flying Lap” for his friend, Formula 1 Legend Peter Windsor, and is currently working on a Formula 1 book that will change the way people look upon the sports history and its champions.

Major Records

– Only person to win World Championships on Jazz, Acoustic Accordion, and Digital/Electric Accordion.

– Youngest person to ever play at a State Dinner at the White House – 12 years old

– Youngest person to ever win the US National Accordion Championship – 15 years old

– Youngest person ever to be an accordion soloist with an orchestra – 16 years old

– Only Person to Major/Graduate in Accordion at the New England Conservatory

– Created the first Skinned Accordion, and first Skinned Accordion with a connected lighting system.

RICK OVERTON

Rick Overton has been doing stand-up comedy since before there were lockable steering columns on cars. Seriously. Rick believes that Comedy shares it’s roots with Country Western and The Blues because they’re all just complaining to a rhythm.

When not doing stand-up comedy, Rick can be seen on local dog park paths getting to visit all the dogs he wants without having to actually own or pay for any of them. Win-win.

Rick’s philosophy on life is – “One cannot achieve true happiness without Serotonin”

As a 40 year comedy vet, Rick Overton has starred in numerous HBO and Showtime specials and has had countless TV stand-up appearances. He played The Drake on “Seinfeld” and Pam’s Dad on “The Office.” He currently recurs on Adult Swim’s “Children’s Hospital,” ABC’s “Last Man Standing,” TNT’s “Leverage” and recently guest starred on “The League,” “The Middle,” “The Kroll Show,” and “Newsreaders.” Rick has also guested on classic TV series like “Lost,” “E.R.,” “Mad About You” and “Married with Children.” On the big screen, he has worked with A-list directors like Ron Howard, Chris Columbus, Harold Ramis, Jay Roach, and Steven Soderberg, with roles in films like “Bad Teacher,” “The Informant,” “Dinner for Schmucks,” “Cloverfield,” “Groundhog Day,” “Mrs. Doubtfire,” and “Willow.” He also has an Emmy Award for writing on HBO’s “Dennis Miller Live.” Rick is currently a semi-regular contributor to the Huffington Post and hosts a popular podcast called “Overview” that is available on iTunes.

Twesigye Jackson Kaguri

Founder and Executive Director

Twesigye Jackson Kaguri was born and raised in Uganda in the small village of Nyakagyezi. At a very young age he demonstrated an unquenchable desire to learn, which led him to study at and graduate from Makerere University in Kampala. During this time he co-founded the human rights organization, Human Rights Concerns, to help victims of human rights violations in Uganda and to educate the public about their rights. In the 90s he became a visiting scholar at Columbia University where he studied Human Rights Advocacy. Over the years he has been involved extensively in international community efforts as a human rights advocate, fundraiser, and inspirational speaker.

In 2001, Kaguri founded The Nyaka AIDS Orphans Project in response to the devastating effects of AIDS in his hometown. The organization provides free education to children who have lost one or both parents to HIV/AIDS. In addition to two primary schools and a secondary a school, it also operates two libraries, desire farm and nutrition program, a medical clinic, two clean water systems, and a support program for the grandmothers who care for up to 14 children at a time.

Since founding the project, Kaguri has also become an author. In “A School for My Village” he shares how he came to build the first school and the struggles he faced during the first few years. His most recent book, “Sitwe Joseph Goes to School”, was published in 2014. It is a children’s book about a young HIV/AIDS orphan who dreams of going to school. In 2010, he resigned as Interim Senior Director of Development in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University to focus full-time on The Nyaka AIDS Orphans Project. Kaguri has been named a 2012 CNN Hero, a Heifer International Hero, recognized in Time Magazine’s ‘Power of One’ Series, and spoken to the UN about his work. When not visiting the schools in Uganda or working at his office in Okemos, MI, Kaguri travels the country to speak with students and supporters about the organization.

Since 1998 Bonnie Illies has been helping animals--domesticated, wildlife, and even dairy cows. She specializes in helping animals with physical and emotional concerns. Bonnie's clients appreciate her ability as an Intuitive to be able to see what is at the root of their animal's concern, and as a Healer to help their animal heal from a variety of emotional and physical ailments.



There is a difference being told by an animal communicator that your animal friend is experiencing an upset stomach and Bonnie being able to do a body scan to see what is causing this symptom. This is important because often the symptom is just that--a symptom (upset stomach), but it is not the cause or the root of the problem.



Bonnie's clients see her work as a Medical Intuitive, likening her to the well-known medical intuitive, Carolyn Myss. Other clients say she is like Dr. Phil--tells it like it is. Either way, repeated clients, including veterinarians and medical doctors, can verify her 99% success rate in helping their animal companions with health and emotional concerns.



Bonnie understands that working with a healer may be new to you and welcomes you to call with any questions you may have about the process or if you would like her to speak to your group.



Credentials

Healing Touch Classes - College of St. Catherine

Qi Gong Healing - taught by Master Lin

Spiritual Development - over 200 hours

Crisis Counseling - Youth Emergency Services

Human Services Degree - University of Minnesota

I'm a medical doctor and I teach adults how to sleep in a gentle, loving, mindful way.

I used to have my own family practice down under in New Zealand for 12 years and have always had a passion for holistic integrative health - bringing the together the best  from all worlds…..the worlds of medicine, meditation and mindfulness, science, psychology and other healing paths.  As we bring mindfulness to our lives - and listen to our body/mind - insomnia and poor sleep can become a friend guiding us to deeper and restorative and nourishing sleep.

For life is so much richer and happier when we experience deep restorative nurturing sleep every night……………..So how do we allow ourselves to have this quality of sleep ? What do we need to do to develop this for ourselves ?

Let’s explore this idea that insomnia is not the problem for it’s actually a symptom. So many people spend their lives searching for a pill or a potion or some magic solution to get rid of the insomnia but what if instead of focusing on the insomnia and seeing it as the enemy to be destroyed - what if we see it as a friend - a guide trying to guide us to the actual cause ? 

For many the cause of poor sleep is due to their frantically  busy lives  and so not taking time for themselves at the end of the day to slow down and relax their  body, their mind and their  soul…..

So many people in our busy Western world run around all day and all evening - packing their lives overfull and wondering why they then can’t sleep……wondering why they toss and turn at night desperate to sleep..

Brant Cortright, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist who works from a psycho-spiritual perspective. He has practiced depth psychotherapy for 30 years in numerous contexts, from hospitals and mental health centers, to workshops and private practice. For the past two decades he has been in private practice in San Francisco working primarily with individuals and couples.

A teacher of transpersonal psychology, Brant conducts workshops and lectures in Europe, India, and the United States. His book Psychotherapy and Spirit: Theory and Practice in Transpersonal Psychotherapy (SUNY Press) is widely used in the field. He has also authored numerous articles. For the past 20 years he has worked in the field of Integral Psychology, a synthesis of the two major streams of depth psychology – the humanistic-existential and contemporary psychoanalytic – within an integrating east-west framework.

Trained in contemporary psychoanalysis, gestalt therapy, and existential psychotherapy, Brant integrates Western psychology with Sri Aurobindo’s integral yoga and philosophy. A long-time practitioner of meditation and hatha yoga, he also draws from Buddhism, Krishnamurti, and mystical Christianity.

Brant is a Professor of Psychology and Director of the Integral Counseling Psychology program at the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco. He is the past Director of the Spiritual Emergence Network. His forthcoming book, Integral Psychotherapy: The Meeting of East and West will be published by SUNY Press in spring, 2007. 

Nancy McMoneagle

Executive Director / President of The Monroe Institute

Prior to her role of Executive Director and President at The Monroe Institute, Nancy “Scooter” McMoneagle provided astrological services out of the Astrological Services Division of Intuitive Intelligence Applications, a company she co-owns and operates with her husband of remote viewing fame, Joseph McMoneagle.  In her earlier career days, Nancy helped Bob Monroe to pioneer and create The Monroe Institute (TMI) for consciousness research and education. She later served as its Director from 1983 - 1991.

Nancy also served two terms as President of Nelson County’s Chamber of Commerce where she worked to enhance economic development and regional cooperation in her own and neighboring Virginia counties. As a result of her efforts, Nancy received the Community Builder’s Award from the Masons of the 21st Masonic District.

In addition to her international astrological practice, Nancy has been a freelance writer for Ivanhoe Broadcast News out of Winterhaven, Florida, and has written a number of articles for the Sydney Omarr Astrological Annual Guidebooks.

Nancy’s main focus and intent is to help individuals achieve a greater overview of their lives and to inspire within them a sense of enthusiasm about who they are and what they have to offer.  Now, as the Executive Director and President of TMI, she will continue both personally and professionally to focus on exploring, understanding, and expanding greater levels of personal development, that, in turn, can lead each of us toward

Dean Shrock, Ph.D. was born in Central Pennsylvania, but soon moved to Pittsburgh, Pa. where he graduated from high school in 1963. He attended Cleveland State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1968.

In 1977 Dr. Shrock began training to be a lecturer in a self-help program with its founder, Ken McCaulley. Shrock returned to college in 1980, graduating from the University of Akron in Akron, Ohio with a master’s in Community and College Counseling in 1983, and completing his doctorate in Counseling Psychology in 1986. His doctoral dissertation was titled, Relaxation, Guided Imagery, and Wellness.

In 1986 Dr. Shrock completed a post-doctoral internship where he developed a research proposal for the Cleveland Clinic to test the effectiveness of guided imagery with cancer patients. In 1987 he interned as a staff psychologist with the Nittany Valley Rehabilitation Hospital in State College, Pa. While there he also interned with Dr. Carl Simonton at the Simonton Cancer Center where he initiated his research with psychological approaches to cancer care.

In 1988 Dr. Shrock was hired by a physician management group to provide psychological services for their cancer centers. Here he developed a wellness program whose primary purpose was to instill a greater “will to live”. While bringing more joy and meaning into life surely could affect a patient’s quality of life, Dr. Shrock’s research published in 1999 found that it extended their length of life. He concluded they lived longer because they felt listened to, cared for, and supported. His experience and expertise led to his being invited to co-author the chapter on Mind-Body Medicine in the textbook, Integrative Oncology, which is regarded as “the definitive source in the field” for healthcare providers.

Dr. Shrock wrote a book in 2000 about the wellness program he taught and the insights he gained. This book, Doctor’s Order’s: Go Fishing, is not about cancer, as much as it is about life. Readers can use the information to get well or stay well. People who are busy doing what they like to do not only tend to forget their aches and pains, but experience a positive effect on their quality and length of life.

However, Dr. Shrock was very intrigued by his finding that feeling loved and cared for could extend survival with cancer. This culminated in his 2009 bestselling book, Why Love Heals. He now resides in Yachats, Oregon and lectures regularly about his “Going Fishing” approach to life, and how to find true joy, peace of mind, great health, and self-love.