Renowned Speakers, Real Conversations
Each year, Resiliency And Happiness brings together a diverse lineup of respected voices—from global experts and researchers to creatives, advocates, and lived-experience leaders.
Our speakers don’t just talk about resilience—they live it, study it, challenge it, and reimagine it. Their stories and insights spark meaningful reflection, practical growth, and renewed hope.
This is learning that feels human. Insight that stays with you. Conversations that matter.
Resiliency 2026 is designed to be felt and practiced, not just understood.
Resiliency 2026: The Power of Connection(s) is an experience created to help us pause, breathe, and return to ourselves.
In a world that pulls at us from every direction, this gathering offers steady ground.
Through five essential forms of connection; Presence, Truth, Connection, Agency, and Meaning — we move together toward what restores and strengthens us.
We don’t leave with more to carry. We leave clearer, steadier, and better able to meet the lives we’re living.
Our Speakers 2026
Dr. Juilan Neil
Dr. Julian Neil is a Spiritual Psychologist, Traditional Naturopath, Iridologist and a Yoga Master, practicing in Los Angeles and specializing in the mind/body/spirit healing of all illnesses.
Julian has been privileged to have the teachings of Holistic and Naturopathic wisdom, Yogic science, and, finally, Shamanic medicine personally bestowed upon him by many of the world’s leading masters.
He has taught, lectured, and studied in countries around the globe, and continues to travel the world, bringing ancient and modern technologies and remedies to his healing practice. One cornerstone of his practice is the belief that the intrinsic, holistic, intuitive and nourishing healing of nature functions effortlessly, and spontaneously once one has removed obstruction or resistance. True harmony with nature then becomes established in the profound knowledge of the true self.
Britt Frank
Britt Frank, LSCSW, SEP is a licensed psychotherapist, speaker, and author of The Science of Stuck (Penguin Random House, 2022), and Align Your Mind (Penguin Random House, 2025). Britt is considered the go-to educator for how to get unstuck.
She is level 3 trained in the Internal Family Systems model as well a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner.
Britt received her undergraduate degree from Duke University and her master’s degree from the University of Kansas, where she later became an award-winning adjunct instructor.
Michelle Hord
Michelle Hord Is an award winning producer, author and media executive who released her debut memoir "The Other Side of Yet" on Atria Books.
Michelle’s story of resilience is the subject of the intensely personal testimony, which she shares in hopes that others can also find courage and strength on the other side of their own personal "yets." She has been featured in O Magazine, on The Tamron Hall Show, by Good Morning America's Robin Roberts -- and has shared her journey with audiences across the country.
Michelle is the founder of "Gabrielle's Wings," a non profit she created to honor her daughter Gabrielle Eileen, who was murdered by her father when she was just seven. Determined to ensure her daughter's legacy will be focused on helping children and not on how she died, Gabrelle's Wings is dedicated to giving children of color in vulnerable communities the tools they need to soar above their circumstances, and embodies every mother’s dreams for her child to grow and thrive without limitations.
She has creative and executive experience at NBCUniversal, Good Morning America, and The Oprah Winfrey Show.
Alisyn Camerota
Alisyn Camerota is a journalist, author and former anchor of CNN Tonight. In her three decades in journalism, Camerota has covered stories nationally and internationally, earning two Emmy Awards for her breaking news coverage of the death of George Floyd and arrest of Roger Stone, as well as the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award for her breaking news coverage of Hurricane Maria’s impact on Puerto Rico.
Alisyn has also anchored a number of primetime specials, including “Tipping Point: Sexual Harassment in America”, “The Hunting Ground: Sexual Assault on Campus”, “TOXIC: Britney Spears’ Battle for Freedom”, and “The Baby Business”. She is on the national advisory council of The News Literacy Project, which works to teach kids how to spot misinformation and fake news. She’s also an Advisory Member of Press Forward, working to combat sexual harassment in newsrooms.
Alisyn attended American University on a Presidential scholarship, graduating cum laude in Broadcast Journalism. Alisyn’s debut novel, Amanda Wakes Up, was selected by National Public Radio as one of the best books of the year, and by Oprah Magazine as “a must read.” She is currently working on a memoir.
Jane Sibbett
Jane Sibbett is an American actress, writer, director, photographer, producer, advocate, and prayer dancer. She is the founder of Noon Miracle.
While among her 200+ episodes of TV and many film roles, she is often best known as Ross’ lesbian ex-wife, Carol on NBC’s sitcom Friends, Jane’s Dancing Hands is a relatively new part of her life where no acting is allowed – just an allowing of the miraculous.
Jane had been intensely traveling the world for the last thirteen years, first producing live events and documentaries for world renowned healers and helpers, and with her team helped link and empower up to half a million spiritually connected groups and individuals a year.
She is also living a real-live story as a conduit of sacred Source energy, which is the surprise chapter in Sibbett’s life for the past six years, encouraging everyone as she goes to always be ready for unexpected and joyous gifts deep into the wisdom years.
Stephanie Szostak
Stephanie Szostak is a French-American actress. She recently starred on ABC’s hit series A MILLION LITTLE THINGS as Delilah, and recurred as Nora Conte, in David E. Kelley’s THE CALLING for Peacock.
Stephanie never thought of becoming an actress, she left her native France to pursue her studies at the College of William and Mary where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and played Varsity Golf. Upon graduating college, she landed a job in marketing at Chanel in New York City that eventually led to a modeling career at 26-years-old.
Stephanie got a late start on the acting scene (age 30) and had the willingness to disrupt her life, leaving her career in the corporate world behind to seek an authentic life. Transforming her own false starts, setbacks, rejection and loss, she brings forward relatable and impactful stories. Knowing she is where she is only thanks to the help of so many, Stephanie thrives to empower people on their journey of discovery, learning, and growth.
Dr. Kristin Neff
Dr. Kristin Neff is currently an Associate Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin.
She is a pioneer in the field of self-compassion research, conducting the first empirical studies on self-compassion nearly twenty years ago. She has been recognized as one of the most influential researchers in psychology worldwide.
She is author of the bestselling book Self-Compassion. Along with her colleague Chris Germer, she developed the Mindful Self-Compassion program, taught internationally, and co-wrote The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook.
Her newest book is Fierce Self-Compassion: How Women Can Harness Kindness to Speak Up, Claim Their Power, and Thrive.
Kristin has been named as one of the world’s most influential researchers by Clairviate, 2021.
Lisa Nichols
Lisa Nichols is a globally sought-after keynote speaker, New York Times bestselling author, and Founder and CEO of Motivating the Masses.
A trusted keynote and training partner to global organizations, Lisa supports leaders and teams in re-engaging talent, strengthening communication, and aligning culture with strategy. Her work empowers leaders to communicate with conviction, build trust at scale, and reconnect teams to purpose, fueling execution, retention, and momentum.
Lisa is the author or co-author of seven books, including multiple bestsellers. Her forthcoming book, Becoming Unforgettable (Simon & Schuster, 2027), marks her expansion into enterprise training partnerships, delivering a powerful framework for influence, leadership presence, and lasting organizational impact.
Her work has been featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Today Show, Dr. Phil, Tamron Hall, and The Steve Harvey Show, as well as in O, The Oprah Magazine, and she is globally recognized as a featured teacher in The Secret. Together, these milestones position Lisa Nichols as a generational voice, one who does not follow trends, but defines them, trusted by leaders navigating the moments that matter most.
Dr. Amit Sood
Dr. Amit Sood is the creator of the Resilient Option program. He is one of the world's leading experts on resilience and wellbeing, and executive director of the Global Center for Resiliency and Wellbeing. He was also professor of medicine, and Chair for student life and wellness at Mayo Clinic.
He has authored or co-authored over 70 peer-reviewed papers and is the author of several books including, The Mayo Clinic Guide to Stress-Free Living, The Mayo Clinic Handbook for Happiness, Mindfulness Redesigned, SMART with Dr. Sood, The Resilience Journal, and Build Your Immune Resilience.
He has presented at some of the highest impact forums like, TEDx, Lake Nona, Forbes Under 30 Forum, Conference Board, Beckers, YPO, NPR, NAMI, NBGH, NASA, keynotes for Fortune 500 companies, universities, foundations, and others.
He was selected as one among top 20 intelligent optimist in the world (Ode Magazine). Dr. Sood was also selected by RWJ Foundation as one of the health care pioneers, and the "Biggest Impact Maker" in healthcare in Rochester, MN (the home of Mayo Clinic).
Mark Kerr
Mark Kerr is an American former mixed martial artist (MMA) and legendary wrestler two-time UFC Heavyweight winner). Widely recognized as a pioneer of early MMA. Nicknamed “The Smashing Machine,” the Ohio native was dominate UFC Champion and four-time ADCC World submission wrestling champion. Mark is a UFC Hall of Fame. In 2025 the film of the same name. The Smashing Machine that stars Dwayne Johnson (THE ROCK) alongside Emily Blunt, based on Mark’s career premiered at the Venice International Film Festival where it won the Silver Lion.
Resiliency is something he knows a lot about.
Caitlin Morrison
Caitlin Morrison shares; “To the world, Matthew Perry was an acclaimed actor, best known for his role as Chandler Bing on Friends. But to me, his younger sister, he was simply my larger-than-life older brother.”
With the success of Friends, Perry’s career took off. But throughout his life and career, he faced significant struggles with addiction — something he spoke openly about in later years, including in his memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing. Caitlin says her brother’s challenges sparked his desire to help others facing similar battles. Tragically, Perry passed away in October 2023.
“When Matthew died, I thought, ‘I really want to do something,’” Caitlin said. “I had spoken with him in the past about putting something formal together that would help people, so it seemed like a natural thing to do.”
A year after Matthew’s death, Caitlin, together with Matthew’s family launched the Matthew Perry House to continue his mission of supporting individuals living with substance use disorders. The Canadian foundation honours Perry’s legacy through initiatives tailored to meet the specific needs of communities across Canada.
Hank Azaria
Hank Azaria is a versatile actor. He performs voices on The Simpsons for an array of characters including “Moe Szyslak” “Chief Wiggum,” and “Comic Book Guy,” among others. He’s been a part of the show for the past 23 years. He has also appeared in a variety of films including The Birdcage, Godzilla, America’s Sweethearts, Along Came Polly, Run Fatboy Run, The Smurfs, and Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian. Azaria played “Jay Nichols” on the television series Herman’s Head, “Craig Schaeffer” on If Not for You, “Nat Ostertag” on Mad About You, and “David” on Friends. He is often referred to as “the freakish mimic” by his friends due to his ability to mimic any voice after hearing it only once.
Cynthia Moreno Tuohy
Cynthia Moreno Tuohy was the Executive Director of NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals. Moreno Tuohy previously served as the Executive Director of the Danya Institute and the Central East Addiction Technology Transfer Center. Prior to this, she was the Program Director for Volunteers of America Western Washington where she served homeless individuals and persons living with the co-occurrence of poverty, substance use, and mental health disorders. In addition, for over 20 years she has been the administrator of multi-county and publicly-funded alcohol, drug prevention, and intervention treatment centers specializing in services from prenatal care to serving the elderly.
She has been a trainer in domestic violence, anger management, and conflict resolution for over 35 years, as well as an international, national, and state trainer on a variety of topics. She authored, Rein In Your Brain: From Impulsivity to Thoughtful Living in Recovery, and a NIDA SBIR on Conflict Resolution in Recovery and Relapse Prevention for counselors to use in the treatment of trauma, substance use disorders, and recovery. Moreno Tuohy was awarded the Friend of NASADAD Award by the National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors in September of 2021 for her national work with the association.
Emily Ghosh Harris
Emily Ghosh Harris believes the path of entrepreneurship is a spiritual journey and that the more we bring conscious awareness, authenticity and our intuitive gifts to the work we’re doing in the world, the more expansive our journey will be.
Emily is an intuitive guide, sound alchemist and multidimensional business mentor. She is Founder of Soul Media, a company focused on elevating conscious companies and entrepreneurs through intuitive marketing, brand strategy, public relations and communications consulting.
Soul Media supports clients across arts and entertainment, health and wellness, environmental and nonprofit arenas. Earlier in this incarnation, Emily received a Masters Degree in Business and spent 15 years in the business world.
Alex Harris
Alex Harris is a singer, actor, and philanthropist. He is no stranger to the entertainment scene. He started his entertainment career at the age of 7, traveling throughout the southeast region with his siblings.
Alex has a growing following world-wide that are captivated by his electrifying and soulful performances. Harris has performed at two of the Presidential Inaugural Galas, for the Premier of Bermuda Gala, Prime Minister of Ireland Gala and many other prestigious galas, schools, colleges, corporate events, and festivals world-wide.
Alex has not only headlined his own shows, but has graced stages with entertainers and actors, such as Al Green, Aretha Franklin, Bobby Rush, Eric Benet, John Legend, Kirk Franklin, Lamman Rucker, Leon and many others.