Speakers
Vicki Gabereau is the kind of person who makes friends wherever she goes. She has a knack for getting the most reticent and evasive of radio guests to chat with her like neighbours over the back fence, making it easy to get the inside scoop that Barbara Walters never gets. September 22, 1997 marked the premiere of Gabereau Live!, where the wit and vibrancy that is unquestionably Vicki Gabereau rolled out live travelling east to the rest of the country from CTV’s Vancouver Television (VTV) studios. The show was full of exciting, colourful and diverse topics–from toys, to home and garden, to penguins, to white water rafting, to animation, to medicine, to religion, to cooking, to anything and everything that’s interesting. Past guests included the who’s who of Hollywood as well as chefs, scientists, explorers and performers of all kinds. Renamed The Vicki Gabereau Show, the show had a phenomenal seven year run before its final taping on April 8, 2005. Vicki began her radio career in 1975 in Brampton, Ontario, but after running for mayor of Toronto in 1976, it really took off. She worked as summer host on CBC Radio’s “Morningside” and as co-host on CBC Edmonton’s morning radio show. Eventually, after much canvassing and tenacity on her part, she was named host of CBC’s “Variety Tonight” in October of 1981, starting in Toronto and then moving to Vancouver. In 1985, “Variety Tonight’s” format was changed and the hour-long evening interview program – “Gabereau” – was born. In 1987, Vicki published her book, This Won’t Hurt a Bit. A lively, irreverent and completely unpredictable book, it’s a snapshot look at unguarded moments with the famous, near famous and just plain interesting folk who’ve matched wits and words with one of Canada’s best known radio personalities. Vicki is also the author of Cooking Without Looking published in 1995.
Conference Emcee
Hailed as “The Passion Doctor,” Dr. Elaine Dembe is a sought after keynote speaker, media personality, best selling author and life coach, and for the past 30 years, an international authority on stress resiliency and inspiration. Her irrepressible personality and humor have won her the accolade of “cheerleader for life.” Elaine’s workshops and keynotes have been presented to over 400 corporations in Canada and the U.S. including Proctor and Gamble, Xerox, Eli Lilly, and Hewlett Packard. With her prescription for a personal and work life filled with passion, purpose, and joy, Elaine inspires and re-energizes her audiences who can immediately put to good use her unique brand of wisdom and skills. Her presentations regularly bring standing ovations. Elaine is the author of two best-selling books: Passionate Longevity: The 10 Secrets To Growing Younger and, Use The Good Dishes: Finding Joy in Every Day Life. Elaine frequently appears on television and radio. A celebrated chiropractor, Elaine has helped celebrities such as Mel Gibson, Phil Collins, Celine Dion, and many of the Toronto Blue Jays, to work out their kinks. Elaine is an athlete, and has run 17 marathons. She is also an avid hiker having completed the challenging Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and in 2008, will climb Kilimanjaro in Tanzania . Leading Spas is thrilled to have Elaine as this year’s conference emcee. Elaine will supply the thread that will bring us all together at Connections 2008!
Master Business Session Speakers
Currently the Spa Management Academic Coordinator and Corporate Training Manager at Elmcrest College of Applied Health Sciences and Spa Management in Toronto, Sabrina Miller teaches numerous courses to aspiring spa leaders including Human Resources Law, Service Provision Management, Strategic Human Resources, and Leadership. Additionally, she has designed and delivered leadership and customer service training to Elmwood Spa, Holtz Spas and Ste. Anne’s Spa. Prior to joining Elmcrest College in 2006, as the Manager of Training for Kingsmill Resort and Spa in Williamsburg, Virginia she was instrumental in the creation of a training department while supporting all aspects of human resources for the 1000+ employees of the Four-Diamond luxury property. A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, Sabrina holds her Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management. She is an avid supporter of the spa industry and brings enthusiasm to all aspects of her work. You will find that her sense of humour, tenacious pursuit of knowledge, and genuine interest in helping others achieve their goals is inspiring and contagious. Sabrina currently resides in Toronto where she is in the initial stages of obtaining her Certified Human Resources Professional designation.
Peggy Wynne Borgman is founder and President of Preston Wynne Spas, a respected 25 year old brand in the San Francisco Bay Area, as well as executive consultant for Wynne Business, a thirteen year old spa consulting and training organization. Through her innovative management seminars, Ms. Borgman has trained spa management personnel for the top tier of the international hospitality industry. She is a columnist for American Spa magazine and a top rated speaker at US spa conferences. A licensed esthetician and wellness expert, Ms. Borgman is author of the consumer title, *Four Seasons of Inner and Outer Beauty* from Broadway Books.
Michael Stusser’s early career was in organic gardening; he helped found three training centers centers still in operation today including the Agroecology program at UC Santa Cruz. Deeply moved by the Japanese garden and Zen Buddhism, Stusser studied these traditional arts in Kyoto during the early 80’s. His discovery of the Cedar Enzyme Bath was life-changing experiences that lead him to create Osmosis, now a destination day spa. Beginning with a 400 sq. ft prototype made of recycled wood from a chicken coop, Osmosis has grown in twenty years into a nationally known spa on 5 acres with extensive mediation gardens. Collaborating with local businesses, Osmosis has become an integral part of the diverse mix of attractions that make up the special legacy of Sonoma County. In recent years he has helped to create a local non-profit established to green local businesses and evolve ecotourism in the Russian River Region. Michael is also a founding member of The Green Spa Network, an innovative nonprofit trade association of eco-friendly spas and spa professionals working to promote the natural connections between personal wellbeing, economic sustainability, and the health of the planet.
Our Industry Specialists!
Jeremy McCarthy is the Director of Spa Development and Marketing at Starwood Hotels and Resorts where he is responsible for the global development of the Heavenly Spa brand for Westin. Prior to being at Starwood he was the Spa Director at the famous La Costa Resort and Spa where he opened a new 43,000 square foot Spa. McCarthy also worked 14 years for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, opening and operating spas at various luxury resort locations worldwide. Jeremy McCarthy sits on the Board of Directors for the International Spa Association. He is the author of “Become a Spa Owner” published by Fabjob.com.
Melinda Minton is a spa consultant and health and beauty expert with offices in Scottsdale, Arizona, New York City, Denver and Singapore. Minton is a certified massage therapist, esthetician and cosmetologist with an MBA in marketing. Minton is also a member of the National Association for Female Executives (NAFE) and of Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW). In March of 2006, Minton was appointed to the United States Business Advisory Council (BAC) representing small business interest and was named Colorado Business Women of the Year by President Bush. A past spa owner, Minton has consulted on spa management issues, product formulations, spa profitability and strategy among sundry other projects. Minton Business Solutions has worked on hundreds of projects involving everything from spa start-ups to launching marketing programs for Fortune 500 companies. Minton is the founder of The Spa Association (SPAA), a world-class organization dedicated to enriching the professional beauty industry through self-regulation, education and sound business practices. SPAA is the largest spa association in the North America. Inspired by the work of the association, Minton later founded The Spa Foundation, a non-profit organization that awards scholarships to underprivileged men and women with sideline success education and job placement.
Vivienne O’Keeffe is President and CEO of Spa Profits Inc. With a lifelong background in the spa and wellness industry, Vivienne’s spa business and hands on experience pays dividends for her clients - she is recognized for continuously breaking new ground on each project - striving to create unique, market-ready spas and wellness centers or to effect dramatic turnarounds for existing businesses.
Vivienne has studied and trained extensively in the beauty and physical well-being arena. Recognized for her acumen with regards to challenging areas in spa business Vivienne was asked for her professional evaluation and feedback of the I.S.P.A hand book “Retail Sales in Spas”, prior to publication in 2006.
Vivienne is regularly published in international spa trade magazines such as Spa Management, Medical Spas, Spa Magazine (Thailand) and Spa Canada Magazine and is a frequently requested key note speaker at spa conferences in North America and Europe.
Nutritionist & Best-selling Author: Sally Errey, is a passionate leader in the field of nutrition and optimal living. Her work with physicians, and health practitioners had led to a wealth of knowledge that she shares enthusiastically with her audiences. Her book, Staying Alive! Cookbook for Cancer Free Living is a national best-seller because of her practical and “can do” approach to healthy living every day. Sally and her talks have been described as 120% motivational, passionate, enthusiastic, informative and humorous. She has provided consulting services to the Hills Health Ranch, Inspire Health and the Optima anti-aging clinic and has contributed to alive magazine for 5 years.
Dr. Stefan Kuprowsky is a Canadian naturopathic doctor with impressive academic credentials and a strong vision for natural medicine. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Anthropology from Trent University, a Master’s in Medical Anthropology and a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine. He has been in practice over 20 years as a Naturopathic Physician as well as a consultant, writer, lecturer, radio host and teacher in the natural health industry. He has served as President of the BC Naturopathic Association and is currently serving on the BC College Board as Chairman of the Quality Assurance Committee. He is also a professor at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine in New Westminster. Dr. Kuprowsky has studied mind-body medicine with Deepak Chopra and is a certified instructor for Dr. Chopra’s Creating Health program. He currently operates the Vancouver Naturopathic Clinic. He also offers residential healing retreats from the EcoMed Healing Spa located on his country acreage on Gabriola Island, which is situated between Vancouver and Nanaimo. Previously he ran the EcoMed Natural Health Spa at Pacific Shores.
Cheryl MacKinnon combines interviews with reviews and spectacular stories about Canadian travel and lifestyles. Her unique travel experiences from Canadian destinations are in British Columbia’s most read newspapers and most watched TV broadcasts. Pitch Cheryl your stories about resorts and lodges, garden tours, arts and culture, food and wine, outdoor activities, family friendly fun, entertainment and First Nations experiences. Send tips, trends, and travel accessory recommendations for the savvy traveler, too. Tell her about utterly unique, rich travel experiences directly or for media interviews contact Heather or Laura at service@immediapr.com.
Colleen Fraser is a Whistler based registered massage therapist and teacher of ancient ayurvedic texts. She is a graduate of the West Coast College of Massage Therapy and the Ayurvedic Institute, and continues her self-study for over 20 years. Colleen is the director of education and training for Vida Wellness Spas, originally the co-founder of the spa which opened its flagship location in 1989, formerly known as the Spa at Chateau Whistler. The Spa has grown to encompass an integrated, multidisciplinary team of more than 100 professionals, with goals including continuing education and preventative healthcare. She works primarily with massage practitioners and estheticians who look to enhance their skill level. Ayurveda is a complete life science and life strategy that facilitates health so that we can employ all of our potentials in life.
Frank Pitsikalis, President of Enablez Inc., Makers of ResortSuite
Frank Pitsikalis brings a wealth of professional and personal experience to his role as President of Enablez Inc. He has advised Fortune 1000 companies who utilize technology at a strategic level and has worked at top international management consulting firms including, Ernst & Young, USoft (Unisys), and MERANT. Combining his knowledge of the hospitality field with his background in enterprise level technology, Frank founded Enablez Inc. and developed the ResortSuite software solution, establishing a position as the leading provider of true integrated, guest-centric, hospitality and leisure management technology. Frank devotedly volunteers his time to various industry associations including, The Leading Spas of Canada and ISPA and is a member of the affluent ISPA committee. He was a contributing author for ISPA’s Retail Management for Spas, The Art & Science of Retail, writing two chapters in the textbook. Frank is an enthusiastic speaker and presents regularly at prominent industry events and forums. He can be reached at frankp@resortsuite.com.
ALLISON HEGEDUS
President, Vida Wellness Spas
Management of Vida Wellness Spas’ is overseen by Allison Hegedus, President, who reports directly to the Board of Directors. Allison is one of Vida’s strongest assets: she is passionate, experienced, and committed to a philosophy of wellness and balance. A respected industry leader, she has the knowledge and connections - and the enthusiasm - necessary for the management of elite facilities. Allison engages extensively in industry development activities - she is on the Board of Sheridan College’s Esthetician Program and serves on Leading Spas of Canada Standards and Practices Committee. At Vida, Allison oversees and develops standards and practices for all aspects of operations and directly supervises regional staff. With her knowledge of the esthetics industry, Allison also continues to source unique products and techniques that harmonize with Vida Wellness Spas’ philosophy.
Roxanne Jessome co-founder of Peg Moves has been a prominent Executive Recruiter in the Hospitality industry since 2001. Her story of a career in the industry is somewhat atypical. While studying at university in 1987, Roxanne began working in the nightclub and lounge sector of the hospitality industry to prevent becoming a “starving student”. She quickly realized that she had a natural affinity to the business of the hospitality industry and over the next six years, progressed from an entry-level position to management. Moving from Halifax to Vancouver in early 1993, Roxanne once again embarked upon her career and began working in fine dining restaurants and boutique hotels, learning both the operations and sales and marketing sides of the industry. Upon starting a family, Roxanne made a career shift and utilized all of her people management skills refined in the hospitality industry to work with disadvantaged people in British Columbia as a senior manager with the Legal Services Society. After seven and a half years of non-profit work, Roxanne came back to her first love of hospitality. Recognizing that this industry was not being represented to its full potential from a candidate and client perspective, she decided to start an Executive Search Firm, McInnis Hutchison, focusing solely on the hospitality industry. This decision was met with resounding success and has quickly garnered much attention and accolades from the hospitality community. In 2006, McInnis Hutchison merged with Your Next Move to create one the largest and most prominent Hospitality Executive Search and Recruitment Firms in North America. Roxanne continues to drive the efforts of Peg Moves as a Managing Partner.
Sherina Jamal and has been involved in the natural skin care industry for over 12 years and has established herself as a professional speaker and writer. Her articles have been published in magazines such as; Alive, Skin Inc, The Healthy Living Guide, Dermascope, Skin Inc., Professional Beauty(Australia), Spa Canada, and Medical Spa. She has been a guest speaker at health/spa conferences throughout Canada and the U.S. and has made numerous television appearances. Sherina is also the founder and CEO of Ancient Secrets Inc. a local Vancouver based company that specializes in the development of high quality natural spa products. Sherina was one of the first in the industry to integrate fresh indigenous Canadian ingredients into natural skin care formulas and her line can be found in some of the most prestigious spas in North America. Ms. Jamal was the recipient of the Chamber of Commerce Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 1998 and honored for her achievements through her company. She volunteers her time to the Leading Spas of Canada and continues to work on new innovative formulations for her beauty through balance spa line.
Chris McBeath is a veteran writer of travel and spa wellness, who has been pummeled, massaged, soaked and wrapped every which way in pursuit of research. Her travels have introduced her to many authentic and indigenous approaches to health, from drying her volcanic mud-slathered body under the Mexican sun, to mystical Polynesian ‘cure-all’ herbs, to the wonderful contortions of therapeutic Thai massage. Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Chris hosts a successful website www.greatestgetaways.com <http://www.greatestgetaways.com/> , and has authored several guide books, including titles for Frommers and Fodors, as well as articles for publications such as SpaLife, Pulse, Spa Business, and travel/lifestyle magazines. When not on the road or scribing to deadlines, Chris can sometimes be found pursuing her love of acting, or tap dancing in the mistaken belief that her feet really can do a Ginger Rogers-style soft shoe shuffle.
Awni Abu-Ulba is described by his peers as a ‘leader and visionary’ True to those words during the last 3 decades Awni has dedicated himself to developing and pushing the limits of professional practice, education and training in the beauty and health care industries. As an accomplished and experienced hairdresser, with a Bachelor Degree in Education and a unique passion for excellence, Awni has experienced business success with over 350 employees in three award winning locations of Spa Utopia in
Cidalia Paiva, Ph.D has been and is an active contributor and leader in the regulated healthcare field of massage therapy for over 25 years in British Columbia and Ontario.
As the Executive Director of the West Coast College of Massage Therapy she combines a professional administrative skill set with a strong educational background in instruction, curriculum development and accreditation. A couple of highlights of some of her recent accomplishments include the development of an articulation agreement with Thompson Rivers University providing WCCMT graduates with three years advanced recognition towards Thompson Rivers Bachelor of Health Science degree and founding British Columbia and Western Canada’s first College of Naturopathic Medicine, the West Coast Naturopathic Medical College, currently known as the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine. Cidalia has also authored four texts, numerous articles in academic and massage therapy trade journals in Canada and the United States and is a feature writer for Massage Therapy Canada Magazine.
Elke Babicki author of “Making the Connection”, grew up as the daughter of a German catholic mother and Holocaust survivor father, in a small historic town in
Lowry Olafson is a performing songwriter whose live appearances are an entertaining mix of humour and heart that leave audiences with a renewed sense of optimism. His skillful guitar playing provides a compelling backdrop for his rich and uniquely soothing voice, and his songs invite listeners of all ages into a world that celebrates the poetry of life. www.lowryolafson.com
Julie Sinclair Before joining Spa magazine in May of 2005, Julie had a lot of hands-on spa-industry experience as editor-in-chief of the trade magazine American Spa. (She joined the title in 2001 as executive editor.) Prior to that, Julie has held a variety of positions in consumer publications, including special projects editor at This Old House magazine, managing editor at Woman’s Day Special Interest Publications and executive editor at Hearst Specials, where she oversaw such titles as Good Housekeeping Do It Yourself, House Beautiful Kitchens/Baths and Home Remodeling & Decorating among others. She has also been managing editor at Bridal Guide magazine, where she was introduced to the travel and spa industries. Julie’s enthusiasm for the worlds of spa and wellness extends beyond her work at Spa while at the same time complementing it.
Ms. Margot M. Micallef, Q.C. is the Chair and CEO of Vista Broadcast Group Inc. and its subsidiary, Vista Radio Ltd. which owns and operates 23 radio stations in Western Canada, 21 of which are in
Patricia Brusha is the co-founder of www.acoupleofchicks.com - an Internet Marketing Company focused on travel and tourism, and Online Revealed Canada – the Canadian Tourism e-Marketing Conference produced in association with Yahoo! Canada. She has spent 26 years working in the Hospitality Industry in the
