April Natale started her career as a Nurse. She is the mother of two beautiful children. As a young child, April knew that she was different and let’s say “extra sensitive” to her surroundings. She came from a Catholic upbringing which helped open her up to the world of Angels. April recalls seeing spirit as a child and not being sure how to navigate those emotions. She held them all in and, as a result, I developed anxiety. April's gifts gave the ability to see the messages and signs which became clearer and vivid. April would hear and fell significant, and sometimes life-altering premonitions that she knew she could not ignore.

 April was unaware of how to use her gift which made gave her debilitating anxiety. She sought out therapy to try and understand what was happening.  It wasn’t until I had a session with Pat Longo, an Internationally known author, healer, and spiritual teacher, that April began to understand more about how to expand and use her gifts. She was responsible for mentoring the very well known Long Island Medium, Theresa Caputo. 

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

Owner/Instructor of the School of Holistic Massage & Reflexology and was inducted into the Massage Therapy Hall of Fame on August 8, 2016.

I started in Massage and Reflexology industry at 35 years old. I was a single dad of 2 and worked a 12 hour shift in the printing industry working 4 days on 3 days off. I was burnt out. However, I knew my calling was to help people. I heard about reflexology and felt it was my calling. My wife Star, who is a graphic designer woke up one morning with a very stiff neck and started calling around to find a massage therapist. On her appointment she starting talking to the therapist and it turned out they were a brand new massage school that offered reflexology and massage classes. We really did not have the money for tuition, so she asked if they needed business materials? We were able to barter with her Graphic design skills and my printing skills to pay for the first the 10 week reflexology class. After that class I decided to take the Massage program, and we struck up the same deal. The owner of the school I attended saw leadership skills in me and asked me to teach part time and I loved it! While still working my printing job and teaching, I started my own business: "The Holistic Massage and Reflexology Center at a chiropractic office in Downers Grove. My space was literally the size of a closet. My business really started taking off, but I was not sure how I was going to be able to quit my dead end job. I had developed a very good clientele in a short time. Two of my very dedicated clients, believed in me so much, they became what I refer to as my "angel investors". This start up money enabled me to quit my printing job and start the real work of building my business and getting my name out there.

Anything worth while comes with a lot of hard work. I succesfully bulit my business through networking, pounding the pavement, and doing a lot of "free" massage at local events, high schools, non for profit organizations.

Through this hard work my business grew in leaps and bounds. A while later I wanted to share what I learned with others and it developed into SOHMAR, the School of Holistic Massage and Reflexology. That was over 20 years ago! I do still have a private practice since I love working one on one with my clients, but love teaching too! 

M  I  K  E

F  I  N  N  I  G  A  N

LEGENDARY SESSION PLAYER

MASTER OF THE  HAMMOND ORGAN

PERFORMED ON ELECTRIC LADYLAND W/ JIMI HENDRIX

AND WITH COUNTLESS REVERED MUSIC ARTISTS

Mike Finnigan has toured and has been a session musician for Jimi Hendrix, Joe Cocker, Etta James, Sam Moore, Crosby Stills and Nash, Dave Mason, Buddy Guy, Manhattan Transfer, Taj Mahal, Michael McDonald, Maria Muldaur, Peter Frampton, Cher, Ringo Starr, Leonard Cohen, Tower of Power, Rod Stewart, David Coverdale, Tracy Chapman, Los Lonely Boys, and Bonnie Raitt.

Mike got his start playing professionally in 1964 in Kansas. He then moved to Wichita and travelled the country with The Serfs. It was during a trip to New York City that Mike recorded with Jimi Hendrix, a session that resulted in the legendary release "Electric Ladyland."

In 1972, Michael formed Finnigan and Wood. In 1975, Mike put down roots in Los Angeles where he pursued more group and solo recordings while at the same time touring and recording with Crosby, Stills and Nash, Dave Mason, Etta James, Dr John, Carlos Santana, Joe Cocker, and Bonnie Raitt.

He is twice a winner of a Blues Music Award (formerly W.C. Handy Award) for his work with Taj Mahal.

Finnigan has always been active politically and was, for several years, a regular contributor to the weblog Crooks and Liars.

Purchase the most recent release by

Mike Finnigan with

 Phantom Blues Band

entitled

Inside Out

at amazon.com 

For more information about Mike Finnigan

…The Phantom Blues Band

https://www.facebook.com/Phantom-Blues-Band-193362310710703/

www.allmusic.com/artist/mike-finnigan-mn0000487150/credits   … ALLMUSIC credits 

CLARE MEANS

Clare Means’ latest album, Sidewalk Astronomy, is a cohesive patchwork of musings on life in Los Angeles, love, forgiveness, and the recent loss of her estranged father.  Sidewalk Astronomy debuted at #1 on the iTunes Singer/Songwriter charts and #66 (right below Kanye’s recent album) on the iTunes All Genres Chart. As Clare says, “Most of the songs on Sidewalk Astronomy were written over the course of a couple years and were sparked by a variety of moments in my life… the day I found out my father was sick, when I fell in love, when I knew my relationship was doomed, when I got my heart broken, the day my father died, and when I woke up from a strange dream about sheep.”  Clare’s quirky take on life is fresh and comforting at the same time. 

Part of what makes Clare stand out as a performer is the unconventional path she has taken. Always a hustler, Clare has made a name for herself as one of LA’s most popular, hardest working street performers. She’s built a dedicated following by being one of the very few performers to perform almost exclusively original music. While most depend on covers to stop foot traffic, Clare learned to work on her songwriting craft and challenged herself to capture audiences using her own songs.  Clare’s street performances are musical experiments in which she interacts with the colorful and chaotic scene of the environment.

In September of 2015 Clare began live streaming her daily performances on Periscope. She is now one of Periscope’s most watched musicians and has made it onto the Periscope trending list multiple times and has over 100,000 followers on the app. Clare has independently sold thousands of copies of her albums through her live streaming, street performances and while playing shows at various venues across Los Angeles and touring the US, Canada and Europe.

Clare has also been featured in many popular online blogs and magazines including Billboard, No Depression, PopMatters, American Songwriter Magazine, Buzzbands,LA,  Yay LA! and Digital Music News.  Also, you may have read about her and her live streaming success in the two top selling books How To Make It In The New Music Business: Practical Tips On Building a Loyal Following and Making a Living As A Musician, Editions 1 and 2. 

WONIYA THIBEAULT

My name is Woniya Thibeault, and I am the woman behind Buckskin Revolution.

A love for the natural world has always been a part of me, as has a drive to make things with my own two hands, and a longing for earlier times and more land-based lifestyles. Discovering a community of people who practiced and taught ancestral skills when I was 19 opened up my world and inspired me to devote myself to these skills. I have been studying, practicing and teaching them since the mid 1990s. 

With both a Masters degree in Environmental Science and a hands on education in ancestral skills, I strive to combine knowledge of and love for the natural world with the physical skills of our human ancestors.

I have spent a lot time living off grid and incorporating wild foods and handmade goods into my daily life. I had a powerful test of my skills when I was selected as a participant for Season 6 of Alone on the History channel, where I spent 73 days living by myself in the arctic, hunting, gathering and trapping. The skills that allowed me to stay so long were not however, just the physical ones, but the mental, emotional and spiritual skills of long-term survival practices for connection, gratitude, curiosity, communication, positivity and reciprocity.

I teach a wide range of topics, but I call my business Buckskin Revolution not only because I love making, wearing, and teaching about brain tanned buckskin, but because of what it represents.

It is a reminder, a link to our human past. We can all trace our lineage back to ancestors who wore buckskin, or something very similar. It speaks to that place inside us that remembers what it feels like to know the world around us intimately, to shape the substance of our lives from the raw materials around us.  It reminds us what it is to be human and connected to the wild within and around us.

The Buckskin Revolution is not just making buckskin clothing, or harvesting wild foods or survival skills, it is about inspiring and enabling people to do more for themselves and to be freer, healthier, wilder, more connected human beings.

My Father now 95 developed the Sacro Wedgy many years ago to mimic an osteopath technique of holding the sacrum known as the keystone of the anatomy. This technique was used many years ago and is still used by a variety of therapists. Over the last 30 years I have traveled extensively demonstrating how to use the Sacro Wedgy to anyone that will listen. We started at all sports events because of my Dad's background being a football coach and trainer as he would hold the sacrum of his athletes for at least 20 minutes as taught to him by an osteopath. We use gravity to do most of the work to rebalance the muscles. After meeting many massage therapists that were also athletes we moved to massage therapy conventions which is mainly what we do now. I teach classes to therapists so they can use the Sacro Wedgy for self care and then show clients how to relax at home in between visits. This is a great self care tool and combined with the neck support we incorporate with the Sacro Wedgy creates a total balancing system.

One project we are involved with now is working with veterans suffering from back pain as well as other issues such as PTSD - I'm proud to be working with an amazing group of therapists coordinating events for veterans having speakers as well as other natural therapies.Dick Liberty has an All Things American program for veterans and the Sacro Wedgy has helped a lot of these veterans find a way to help themselves at home on a daily basis.

Our website and business is family owned and operated and all of our products are made in the USA.