Lisa also has a private nutrition practice, Ocean View Nutrition.
Lisa has experience in health care, agriculture and consumer products along with years of personnel training and development.
Speaker Spotlight & Resources
March 10, 2026
John Kander II
Topic: Music Mends Minds
Mr. Kander is the Executive Director of Music Mends Minds, an eleven-year-old, Los Angeles based, global nonprofit that creates free music engagement and therapy groups for seniors, especially those with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, dementia, and other neurodegenerative challenges, and their families and caregivers. Through his efforts, MMM is collaborating withresearch and advocacy leaders in the “Prescriptive Arts” to make the “medicine of music” a Public Health Initiative that provides significant wellness and fiscal benefits to both families and entire communities.
His four-decade media career includes positions as Chief On-Air Creative Marketing officer and Director of Motion Pictures for CBS Entertainment, an Executive Producer of movies and miniseries, and as a creator of advocacy and documentary programming. His collaborative work has often had the good fortune to influence the national conversation while earning the industry’s most prestigious creative and humanitarian awards.
His volunteer work includes serving as Advisory Board Chair of The Gould Center for the Humanities at Claremont McKenna College, as a Board+ member of People For The AmericanWay, and as a team leader and board member of Care Harbor, a free medical, dental, vision and mental health clinic that has served LA for 16 years.
For more information: https://www.musicmendsminds.org/
February 24, 2026
Lisa Miller and Chef Olive
Topic: Heart Health Wellness and Cooking Demonstration
Kitchen on Fire offers hands-on cooking experiences in Berkeley, Oakland and virtually anywhere. Since 2005, Chef Olive and professional chef instructors have been sharing their knowledge and love for cooking through public classes, team-building and corporate wellness events cooking recipes made with high quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods.
Lisa Miller teaches classes with a wellness focus, promoting healthy living.
Spending time with her grandparents on their farm as a youth, Lisa learned the value in making bread starting with home grown grains, and picking vegetables from their garden just in time for dinner. She came to understand the fundamental role that nutrients have on our bodies, and knew nutrition and wellness were her true calling.
As a lifelong athlete, and as a triathlete, she has used her nutrition knowledge to optimize performance and overall wellness. Lisa balances her passion for nutrition and cooking with biking, hiking, running, yoga, skiing, kayaking and spending time with friends and family.
Philosophy
Lisa’s nutrition philosophy is based on healthy preparation of an organic whole food diet, tailored to the needs and goals of each individual. For Lisa, nutrition has always been a lifestyle, never a ‘diet’. She believes that quality nutrition combined with an active lifestyle and positive attitude can further enhance the health of a generally healthy person and help to prevent, minimize and eliminate potential health conditions.
Chef Olive
One of the East Bay’s popular culinary personalities, Olivier Said is the co-founder Kitchen on Fire, located in the heart of Berkeley’s culinary district in North Berkeley and in Oakland.
Prior to opening KoF 2006, Olivier Said spent eight years as an owner and bar manager of Berkeley’s popular Cesar Tapas Bar. He has also co-authored three books – CESAR: Recipes from a Tapas Bar, named one of the Top 10 Cookbooks of 2003 by Food & Wine magazine, THE BAR: A Spirited Guide to Cocktail Alchemy and the last, Kitchen on Fire: Mastering the Art of Cooking in 12 Weeks (or Less)
Born and raised in France, he is the descendant of at least five generations of restaurateurs dating back to the early 1750s in France. Said began his career at the age of 15 in his mother’s Paris restaurant. He moved to Los Angeles in the early 1980s and worked at Ken Frank’s La Toque, one of the first restaurants in the country to feature California nouvelle cuisine. In 1987, Said returned to Paris and opened his own restaurant, the popular Texas Coyote, which included three bars and a night club. It had frequent reviews in the press. Olivier Said was a regular guest host on the number two national radio station in France, Skyrock, live from his restaurant.
After 37 years in the food business, Chef Olive decided it was time to share his vast culinary knowledge. After opening Kitchen on Fire in 2006, he enjoys teaching eager students, as well as giving back to the community. He regularly volunteers with such organizations as 18 Reasons’ Cooking Matters, St. Vincent de Paul’s Kitchen of Champions and more recently, the Bread Project, helping to teach recent immigrants to become bakers.
https://www.kitchenonfire.com/
Melissa Painter, founder Breakthru
Topic: The Power of Microbreaks
Melissa Painter is a creative technologist, innovation strategist, and award-winning filmmaker whose work sits at the intersection of embodied cognition, spatial computing, and well-being. As the founder and CEO of Breakthru, she leads a movement and breath platform designed to support the future of work and caregiving through science-backed microbreaks—short, guided sessions that help users reset in just two minutes.
Led by an expert in embodied cognition, the session will share research and demonstrate a simple microbreak tool that supports nervous system regulation, circuit-breaks stress, and helps guard against burnout. This approach offers a practical and accessible way to address anxiety and overwhelm for both clients and practitioners in mental healthcare settings. Participants will leave with practical insights they can bring into their personal and professional practice
For more information visit: https://breakthru.me/
Patrice Martin, The Holding Co.
Patrice is a strategic leader and Co-founder and CEO of The Holding Co., a design lab dedicated to ushering in a modern care system. With over two decades of expertise in design and innovation—including co-founding IDEO.org, the nonprofit arm of IDEO—she has positioned The Holding Co. at the forefront of transforming the care economy.
Patrice's work at The Holding Co. focuses on designing and building new care solutions for over 50 startups, corporations, nonprofits and government agencies, creating impactful brands, products, services, and experiences across the full spectrum of care, as well as incubating a new venture The Sandwich Club to lighten the load of the Sandwich Generation.
Prior to founding IDEO.org, Patrice served as a Design Director at IDEO, where she led teams focused on large-scale systems change in both private and social sectors. She was recently recognized as part of The Curious 100, a celebration of 100 creative and curious leaders by the Eames Institute. Patrice also serves on the Board of Directors of the NW Potrero Hill Green Benefit District in San Francisco, supporting urban greening and community in her own neighborhood.
Helpful links from our meeting:
https://www.luminaryimpact.org/ - seed innovation in family mental health
Donna Bond, author Original Wisdom – Harness the Power of the Authentic You
Topic: Loving Your Whole Self: Three Distinctions between Self-Care and Self-Love
Donna Bond, M.A., a former Ritz-Carlton marketing executive turned spiritual psychology maven, is the founder of Consciousness Rising, Inc. and a Soul Catalyst who facilitates personal transformation for successful women. As the creator of the healing modality Higher Human Integration™, Donna's highest mission is soul liberation - awakening the whole self through soul-led transformation. She activates women's Sacred Soul Signatures, helping them remember who they really are so they can fulfill their higher purpose, express their authentic power and align with their entelechy. Donna supports conscious, successful women who are ready to challenge conventional paradigms and integrate their lives with the power and wisdom of their Soul. She holds a Master's Degree in Spiritual Psychology with an emphasis on Consciousness, Health and Healing from the University of Santa Monica. Her experiential Tell A Vision Show "Spiritual Ambition" invites women to tune in and awaken their Divine Nature.
Donna is the author of Original Wisdom – Harness the Power of the Authentic You – you can find more information about Donna at donnabond.com.
December 9, 2025
Marcia Naomi Berger, author The Bipolar Therapist
Marcia Naomi Berger (née Fisch), MSW, LCSW, is a psychotherapist in San Rafael, California, and the author of Marriage Meetings for Lasting Love: 30 Minutes a Week to the Relationship You’ve Always Wanted and Marriage Minded: An A to Z Dating Guide for Lasting Love. When employed by the city and county of San Francisco, Berger held senior-level positions in child welfare, alcoholism treatment, and psychiatry.
Berger served as a lecturer on the clinical faculty at the University of California School of Medicine and as executive director of Jewish Family and Children’s Services of the East Bay. She lives with her husband, David Berger, in Marin County, California.
November 25, 2025
Mr. Glenn Gomez
Mr. Gomez joined Rotary in 2004 and is a member of the Granada Hills, California club. He has held various roles including Club President and Treasurer, Assistant Governor, Rotarian of the Year and was most recently the Chief of Staff to DG Albert Hernandez. He is currently the Endowment Chair for District 5280 Rotary Foundation, a position he has held since 2023. He’s also been a member of the Paul Harris Society and Polio Plus Society since 2014.
Topics: Rotary Rose Parade Committee & Ambassadorship
Rotary Foundation
PolioPlus Society
October 14, 2025
Mr. Justin Lam
Topic: The Four Way Test Essay
Justin Lam is a recent graduate of Alhambra High School, with a strong passion for mathematics, public speaking, and literature. Justin will speak on his recent essay contest submission to the Rotary Club of Montebello on The Four Way Test. Known for his enthusiasm and leadership, he was actively involved in a wide range of clubs, sports, and student activities throughout his high school years. A proud Eagle Scout, Justin also served as Senior Patrol Leader of his troop, where he gained hands-on leadership experience and built lifelong memories—from late-night conversations on camping trips to challenging mountain hikes. He lives by the quote, "Do what you love and love what you do," a philosophy that drives his commitment to everything he takes on. Whether solving complex problems or connecting with others through presentations and storytelling, Justin brings energy, passion, and purpose to every experience.
September 23, 2025
Mr. Allen Kanerva
Topic: Veterans and PTSD; INSPYRED Angels: Healing Trauma with Survivors of Human Trafficking
www.inspyrd.com
Allen Kanerva is a leading voice in trauma recovery, human resilience, and transformation. A former military pilot and humanitarian worker, Allen has operated in some of the most high-stress environments in the world - witnessing firsthand the devastating impact of trauma and the unbreakable strength of the human spirit. His personal journey of overcoming trauma fuels his life’s mission: to empower survivors, train professionals, and drive systemic change. Allen brings a powerful blend of expertise, lived experience, and unwavering commitment to helping the traumatized. His presentations are calls to action, urging individuals, organizations, and policymakers to rethink trauma recovery and invest in solutions that truly work.
September 9, 2025
Mr. Alex Parajon, District Governor
Topic: Joint District Governor's Visit with Rotarians in Service for Equality (R.I.S.E.)
District Governor Alex Parajon was born in Leon, Nicaragua. From an early age, he has consistently embodied the values of service, teamwork, commitment, action, and leadership—principles that have guided his personal, professional, and philanthropic endeavors.
Professionally, Alex has a background in accounting and has been a prominent business owner in Glendale, CA, for over 25 years. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Woodbury University.
Professionally, Alex has a background in accounting and has been a prominent business owner in Glendale, CA, for over 25 years. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Woodbury University.
In 2012, following the passing of his mother, Alex joined Rotary, marking a significant turning point in his life. His involvement in Rotary during this challenging period underscored the importance of serving others, especially during their most vulnerable times. Throughout his
Rotary journey, Alex has held various leadership roles at both the club and district levels, including serving as Chief of Staff for District Governor Olivia Patterson Ryans in 2023–2024. Alex is a Major Donor, a past recipient of the District Rotarian of the Year Award, and is the Rotary Rose Parade Float Ambassador. Beyond Rotary, Alex is a dedicated civic and philanthropic leader within the Glendale community. He actively participates in several nonprofit boards and city commissions focused on education, the environment, youth, and homelessness.
Rotary journey, Alex has held various leadership roles at both the club and district levels, including serving as Chief of Staff for District Governor Olivia Patterson Ryans in 2023–2024. Alex is a Major Donor, a past recipient of the District Rotarian of the Year Award, and is the Rotary Rose Parade Float Ambassador. Beyond Rotary, Alex is a dedicated civic and philanthropic leader within the Glendale community. He actively participates in several nonprofit boards and city commissions focused on education, the environment, youth, and homelessness.
Alex cherishes his family life with his wife, Judith A. Verduzco, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, children's book author, charter board member, and Past President of the Rotary Club of Mental Health and Wellness. He is also a proud father to his stepson Johnathan and two senior dogs, Pinot and Geo. In his leisure time, Alex enjoys traveling, bowling, playing softball, watching baseball and football, and spending quality time with family and friends.
He continues to lead with purpose, guided by the belief that even small acts of service can create lasting change.
August 26, 2025
Ms. Lynn Miller
Topic: Using WRAP® An Evidence-Based Everyday Tool for Navigating Life’s Challenges & Living a Self-Directed Life
Illnesses and Living a Self-directed Life
What is WRAP®?
WRAP is a self-directed process that empowers individuals to:
✅ Create a vision for the life and wellness they want
✅ Recognize what supports their well-being
✅ Identify what may throw them off track and how to respond
✅ Build a personalized plan for staying well through life’s challenges
WRAP is a self-directed process that empowers individuals to:
✅ Create a vision for the life and wellness they want
✅ Recognize what supports their well-being
✅ Identify what may throw them off track and how to respond
✅ Build a personalized plan for staying well through life’s challenges
About the Speaker — Lynn Miller
Director of the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP®) — an evidence-based program that has transformed lives around the world.
Director of the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP®) — an evidence-based program that has transformed lives around the world.
📅 20 years of WRAP leadership, with initiatives in:
🏛 Pennsylvania Department of Corrections
🏥 Pennsylvania Department of Health & Human Services
👵 Pennsylvania Behavioral Health & Aging Coalition
🏛 Pennsylvania Department of Corrections
🏥 Pennsylvania Department of Health & Human Services
👵 Pennsylvania Behavioral Health & Aging Coalition
July 22, 2025
Dr. Francis Lakor & Dr. John Mugisa
Topic: Mental Health Support for Adolescents in Ghetto Communities [MSAG] Project in Uganda
Maricela Hurtado, Scholarship Chairperson
May 26, 2026 8:00 AM
Be Kind Scholarship Award Presentations
Los Angeles, CA 90023
United States