A Chicago native, Dionne Blackwell is a spiritual teacher, coach and trainer who has researched and studied for over 30 years both ancient and modern religious philosphies for her own spiritual growth and development. Founder and president of Nirvana Retreats, Inc. and the Nirvana Institute of Awareness, Dionne Blackwell has over 30 years experience as a professional trainer, human capital, organizational and community and economic development practitioner. The uniqueness of the Nirvana Institute programs and book is the underlying coaching models and blends of spiritual, organizational and human capital development together.

Artist’s Statement

Imagery is the language of soul and art its voice.

I activate my inner artist through the magic of art making.

Art is my soul expressing with passion through a medium of my choice which I enjoy.

Art transforms my reality.

Art is magic.

As a healer (which we all are) I assist others in using their art making as a device to heal, to restore wholeness to their soul.

I am an Artist-Healer.

Dr. Nickolas Martin has masters degrees in the areas of social work and school psychology, as well as a doctoral degree in education.  He is also a certified school psychologist, nationally certified school psychologist, and licensed psychologist in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  He has worked as a therapist in a mental health clinic for 22 years, taught as a university professor at the undergraduate and graduate levels for 24 years, and served as a consultant for the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for 22 years.  These professional experiences include having conducted several thousand psychotherapy sessions, psychological evaluations, and class meetings.  He notes that all of these experiences have taught him about the centrality and paramount importance of ego within a person’s life.

PRODUCER/SCREENWRITER/SPEAKER/ACTOR/COMEDIAN

Prior to starting his own consulting firm, co-owner of Dramatic Impact Productions of Redondo Beach, CA, and authoring his first self-improvement book “L.I.F.E Intentional, Living In Fullness Everyday”, Anthony worked as a professional speaker and teacher of NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) for world-renowned author and speaker Anthony Robbins and ARA, Inc. He is currently combining his talents as a producer, screenwriter, actor and comedian with a feature film in pre-production, and hosting the highly successful talk show “Trending Topics w/Ant&Shira”.

TURN-AROUND EXPERT

In the course of a diverse 12-year career in all aspects of mortgage sales and real estate investments, real estate investment management, financial/assets portfolio management and employee benefits development, Anthony L. Smith has proven to be a skilled executive, visionary entrepreneur and trouble-shooter and turnaround expert.

CONSULTANT

Anthony leveraged his skills in his personal and spiritual life, health, and relationships; as well as professionally with award winning, high profile Realtors, developers and construction companies, network marketing organizations, friends, students, and a host of other people and institutions, throughout the Chicago land area and Southern California; established employee benefits with companies as large as Methodist Hospitals of Northwest Indiana, Majestic Star Casino, City of East Chicago (just to name a few); while specializing in meeting the needs of these professionals and organizations.

“Failure is not an option…therefore, success is inevitable!”

For readers, executives and professionals, owners of closely held businesses and other clients requiring assistance with advanced strategies for personal and/or business development and management, and consistent increase in profit margins, and those wanting above average individualize success, Anthony L. Smith brings a wealth of experience and strategies to help facilitate your goals.

Rev. Dr. Linda M. Martin is a metaphysician, certified as a reiki master teacher, spiritual healer, color & sound practitioner, registered spiritual counselor, and spiritual medium.  She founded The Dove of Light Healing Ministry in Belle Vernon, PA, where she offers individual healing and counseling sessions in person or by phone as well as spiritual workshops.   Linda received her degrees from Delphi University, the Patricia Hayes School of Inner Sense Development and the Arthur Ford Academy in McCaysville, Georgia.  She has studied with the Laika Shaman of Peru and many spiritual healers throughout the U.S.  She is recognized and registered with the International Registry of Spiritual Healers.

Thomas Brewer, Ph.D., Senior Research Chemist and Darkfield Microscopist

Dr. Brewer obtained his Ph.D. in inorganic chemistry from Michigan State University in 1992. He worked in both industry and the national laboratory system as a senior research scientist for over a decade before starting his own consulting business. Dr. Brewer's research expertise in the disciplines of heterogeneous catalysis, waste remediation, and metal oxides resulted in the granting of one U.S. Patent, sixteen invention disclosures, and numerous papers and journal articles. His main strength is the ability to explain both complex and fundamental scientific phenomena in a simple and straightforward manner.

To those who know Dr. Brewer best, his evolution from research scientist to entrepreneur did not come as a surprise. Although he very much fit the scientist profile in terms of his intellect and analytical skills, there was a “people” side of him that was never given the opportunity to blossom inside the laboratory.

Even at the height of his career in research science, Dr. Brewer’s communication and leadership skills were underutilized. His new career as a darkfield microscopist, speaker, and consultant with Enriching Gifts International gives him the opportunity to use those talents. Utilizing his agile mind and deductive gifts, he is helping people from all walks of life understand their body’s health and nutritional needs using down-to-earth principles everyone can understand.