Sarah E McDonald, Breast Cancer Awareness ERG
“Sarah McDonald is truly an extraordinary individual, both inside and out. My team and I were deeply inspired by her story, which was not only compelling but also a testament to her remarkable resilience and strength. Throughout her entire presentation, her infectious humor and authenticity created an uplifting atmosphere that resonated with all of us. We left feeling encouraged, motivated, and profoundly moved by her ability to turn challenges into opportunities, all while maintaining such a positive and genuine spirit. It was an experience we will not soon forget. She was such a pleasure to work with and was extremely flexible. I truly cannot put into words how much I appreciate Sarah.”
-Faire
Nancy Norton, Nurse Educators Conference in the Rockies
“Nancy was absolutely fantastic and we’ve heard nothing but rave reviews from our attendees. Nancy’s relatable “traumedy” had attendees in stitches (pun intended). She is a genuine human who engages her audience.”
Attendee comments:
“Uplifting, gratifying and and amazing example of what humor in nursing education can be!”
“She is hysterical and I thoroughly enjoyed her session!!!”
“HILARIOUS!! If I could give more than 5 stars I would, Nancy was incredible reminding us all to have fun in life!!”
“I absolutely loved this! Thank you for the laughs. I had to pee so bad during the whole presentation! I laughed so hard.”
“Love this and made me feel so good. Thank you for the wonderful encouragement to use laughter.”
“Thank you for being real and honest and personal. Loved loved loved it”
“Thank you Nancy for reminding us how necessary it is to add humor in every aspect of our lives!”
-Centennial Area Health Education Center
Kate Adamson, LMSW, Community Stroke Day
“I thoroughly enjoyed your presentation as the keynote speaker at the EAA in Oshkosh, Wisconsin September, 2024. You truly are an inspiration to stroke survivors as well as just plain humans, extravagantly putting life in perspective. Your experiences and journey are truly amazing and ought to be heard by the world!
-ThedaCare Medical Center
LeAnn Thieman, CSP, CPAE - South Dakota Department of Health
LeAnn’s keynote at our recent healthcare workforce conference was a standout, offering practical strategies for managing stress and prioritizing mental health and well-being. Her insights on self-care and supporting employees in high-pressure environments were both impactful and actionable. The session provided valuable tools for enhancing resilience and fostering a healthier work environment. The South Dakota Department of Health team truly enjoyed her presence, energy, and compassion for making the world a better place!
-South Dakota Department of Health
Sharon Delaney McCloud - 2024 POWER Symposium
My annual conference caters to a very niche audience. I always speak to keynote candidates prior to selecting to gauge whether they will be a good fit for us. I usually know within 15 minutes, but with Sharon, I knew in less than five (maybe even two!) that she would be perfect for our group, and boy was I right! Sharon’s presentation style is warm, engaging and genuine. She draws you in…and you’re compelled by her message—which is tremendously motivating. Her journalism background is evident in her delivery. We just wrapped our 14th symposium with Sharon as our keynote. She absolutely ranks among the best we’ve had. Her message honestly has stuck with me, and that is telling of its power (I’ve heard a lot of these). If you’re looking for a speaker who can connect with your group, inspire them and leave them thinking about the message they’ve heard—in a meaningful way—Sharon is the one for you.
-331 Communications
Gina Barreca, PhD - American College of Health Care Administrators
Thank you for being our speaker today- you were a huge hit and the lessons you shared (pain + time = humor) and the stories you told were great! In looking around the room while you were speaking, practically everyone was engaged and I loved how our CNA HOF attendees shared and participated also. You were very relatable and allowed the audience to identify with you. You truly brought our event to the next level.
-CT Chapter American Collegel of Health Care Administrators
Tracy DeGraaf - Covenant HealthCare Cancer Prevention & Screening Event
Tracy DeGraaf was the ideal speaker for the Covenant HealthCare Cancer Prevention & Screening Event, an event for all cancer survivors and put on by the Covenant Cancer Care Center during cancer awareness month, the Fall of 2022. The event drew over 300 guests, this was one of our first events since the pandemic. We believe a large part of that success was due to Tracy’s witty presentation.
Throughout the evening, she connected on a personal level with guests. She made them laugh, cry, and even shake their heads in agreement at her quirks that people too have experienced in life.
Tracy was a dream to work with and I would eagerly recommend choosing Tracy DeGraaf as a speaker for any event. You will be receiving many compliments from your management and walk away with a smile in your heart for bringing in such a high-class speaker for your organization.
-Covenant HealthCare
Lee Tomlinson - 2020 POWER Symposium
In 2020, my conference celebrated its 10-year anniversary. We’ve had some dynamic and outstanding keynote speakers, but none like Lee. In our evaluations, attendees shared, “Best motivational speech that I’ve ever heard.” And, “It touched me to the core!” Lee delivers his presentation straight from his heart – that is obvious. It’s genuine. It’s touching. It’s reassuring. He had our group laughing and crying, which was completely appropriate. Lee’s story is unique and his message is one we need to hear, now more than ever. He helped remind our group of their value as caregivers – the difference they are making – the power they have for the greater good. Most had forgotten, and that reminder will stay with them. I wish we had more Lee’s in this world. I’m grateful we have him, and that our group had the privilege to meet him and hear what he had to say. Rarely do our attendees seek out speakers after they present, and Lee had quite a line of people waiting to thank him and spend a little more time with this amazing human that touched every single heart in that room. Without hesitation, I recommend Lee as a keynote – he is someone I could listen to again and again. I hope I have that opportunity.
-331 Communications
Karen Mills -- Shaw Cancer Center Survivorship Luncheon
“Karen – you have such a gift! The laughter and inspiration you instilled in everyone in that room was touching. I have had so much feedback already about how much people enjoyed you. Thank you for sharing your story and certainly, the laughter! Barbara, thank you for being so easy to work with and we will absolutely look forward to collaborating for our future luncheons (many have already asked to have Karen return!)”
-Vail Health, Shaw Cancer Center, Colorado
Shannon Miller - Women's Health Initiative events
“Shannon Miller exceeded our expectations in terms of her message for the public, community, students, and teachers. Shannon was very flexible and willing to answer questions that the public had regarding being an Olympic gold medalist and the struggles and opportunities that it brought. Our staff at the Health Department were blown away by Shannon’s kindness, willingness to be flexible, and ability to connect with our residents on a common basis. We would definitely recommend Shannon to anyone looking to hold an important speaking event that will not only motivate people but will resonate with them for years to come. Thank you, Barbara, for all of your hard work in making this event so successful! I really appreciate it!”
-Allegany Department of Health, Belmont, New York
Joe Piscatella - Vidant Health Heart Truth Tour
“We are so pleased that Mr. Piscatella was able to join us for our hospital system’s Heart Truth tour this year! Not only was he able to provide an informative and entertaining talk, it was delivered with the same consistent enthusiasm and passion at all eight of the events! The fact that he is an actual post CABG survivor/thriver increases the validity of the information that he shares and his story telling skill is spot on.
Some quotes from our participants include: ‘I have attended many of these events and he is one of the best speakers that you have had’ and ‘I’ve been working on getting refocused on my heart health and weight loss goals and this was exactly what I needed.’ We couldn’t ask for better feedback and better results! Thanks Joe!”
-Vidant Health
Polly Pitchford -- Women's Wellness Day
“Polly was intelligent, insightful and energetic! She was wonderful to work with. I trust the Speak Well Being each year to provide us with dynamic speakers, and they always deliver!”
-Capital Regional Medical Center, Tallahassee, FL
Debi Gutierrez -- Club W Women's Night Out
“Everyone had a LARGE time at our Club W Women’s Night Out and loved Debi Gutierrez!!! She was beautiful, hilarious and super fun! Her material was spot-on — every woman in the audience could relate. She was also very, very personable and easy to work with. The whole process of booking Debi was easy and seamless — an A+ all the way around. We’re all smiles here! Thank you very much.”
-North Kansas City Hospital
Angela Gaffney - POWER Symposium Keynote Speaker
“Our conference is geared toward a very niche industry, and we look for speakers who can identify opportunities for them to grow their businesses while being sympathetic to their unique challenges. Angela did this and more – fully engaging our group and connecting with them on a level beyond just a keynote presenter. Her credentials gave her credibility that the audience respected, but her personality and genuine warmth won them over. As a meeting planner, I consider this a win-win. Our attendees also appreciated Angela’s willingness to meet with them after her presentation and address their questions one-on-one. While the content Angela delivered was outstanding and provided valuable insights to our group – it was Angela, just being herself, that made her one of our most dynamic and highly regarded speakers in our conference’s eight-year history.”
-POWER Symposium
Conor Cunneen - Annual Women's Health Initiative
Conor was a wonderful finale for our conference – everyone left with a smile and a positive outlook on making life less stressful! I was so impressed that he came and spent the entire day with us! He made it a point to interact with my sponsors, and many, many participants. He is the perfect example of walking the talk. (I, for one, am totally inspired). Thank you, Barbara.”
-Pulse3
Tami Evans - Women's Health Forum
“Tami Evans was phenomenal! This was our first women’s health conference and we couldn’t have been happier. She was awesome, fantastic! She had everyone laughing, up and moving, and was very inspirational with great tools for leadership and life!”
-St. Vincent Hospital, Erie, PA
Kay Frances - Women's Night Out
“Kay! You were a hit, and a big part of what made the event such a success. It was a pleasure to have you with us for Our Women’s Night Out event. Our guests came to laugh — and you delivered! Thank you again! And Barbara, it was a pleasure working with you once again.”
-UPMC Altoona, PA
Susan Sparks - Annual Pink Ribbon Luncheon
“WOW!!! Susan was incredible! This was the first time (in 16 years) that we had a STANDING OVATION after the speaker. Susan was extremely easy to work with, giving her time for interviews and doing all those things that help our cause in our community. Susan – You were everything this event/cause needed and more. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!”
-High Point Regional Health Foundation, NC
Cris Linnares - Women and Giving
“Our Women & Giving event was fantastic! Cris did an amazing job and the women loved her! She is so friendly and really lights up the room with her personality and energy. We received several compliments regarding her and her presentation. We are very glad we booked her – so thank you for your part in that!”
-Watertown Community Foundation, SD
Kate Adamson -- Hats Off to Women Luncheon
“Wow!! What a wonderful presentation, Kate!! We could not have been more blessed by your authenticity and support for our hospital’s foundation. We have heard from so many of our guests that your presentation was life-changing for them and they understand why our hospital needs to expand our services. Thank you for being with us and for your support.”
-Adventist Health - Simi Valley
Lois Barth - Adding Sparkle to Go Red for Women Luncheon
“Working with Lois was a pure delight. Not only was she was easy and fun to work with; she proactively partnered with us to ensure she provided an effective and tailored message for our audience and our campaign goals. Lois is the most enthusiastic and organized individual — driving to help your event be a total success. Lois goes the extra mile! Her keynote is high-energy and she really gets the crowd going. Her message is funny, heartfelt, and motivating while providing tangible takeaways for the audience to come away with, or as she calls it ‘Sparkle with Substance.’ She was a total hit! I’d recommend her highly as a motivational speaker! In fact, I already have!”
-American Heart Association, Idaho Affiliate
Teresa Rhyne - An Evening of Bliss
“We have worked with Speak Well Being Group for several years, and when it comes to helping us find speakers – they have not disappointed. Our speakers are extremely well received and this was no different with our most recent speaker – Teresa Rhyne. As one breast cancer survivor attendee put it, “She struck the perfect balance. She was funny, but also was respectful of the fact that this is very emotional for some of us.” Simply put, Teresa was wonderful. She even stuck around and engaged nearly all of our attendees in conversation as she signed books for them. This is the 4th year we’ve held this event and this year, we revamped it slightly – and Teresa was a great addition!”
-Mary Greeley Medical Center, Ames, IA
Dr. Sheri Prentiss - Pink Power Tour
“The week was fantastic. Couldn’t have been any better. Dr. Sheri was incredible – wonderful presentation each and every time and I just enjoyed her so much! Thank you for recommending her!”
-Vidant Health, Greenville, NC
Jana Stanfield, CSP - Women's Health Day
“Jana did an amazing job at our Women’s Health Day. She brings so much energy, humor and empathy to her presentation and truly speaks from the heart. What a gift she has to be able to communicate in song as well as the spoken word. I always try to find a keynote speaker who will engage and inspire the women who attend our event, and she certainly did both. Her keynote was the icing on the cake! Thank you again!”
-Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center, Salida, CO
Kari Berit -- Advance Care Planning
“We couldn’t have chosen a better speaker for our event. Kari’s approach is warm and sincere, woven with humor. With her personal and professional experience, Kari took a sensitive topic and made the audience understand just how important talking about how you wish to live while you are dying is. She inspired thoughtful questions from, and discussion with the audience and moved people to take action on one of life’s most challenging, yet rewarding conversations.”
-Providence Health & Services, SW Washington
Jane Herlong, CSP, CPAE - POWER Symposium Keynote
“Within two minutes of presenting, Jane changed the entire energy in the room. She had captured everyone’s attention. They were laughing, hanging on every word and the overall mood was happy. Through her brilliant (and hilarious) storytelling and inspirational tone, Jane delivered an impactful message to our group. They felt empowered, encouraged and motivated to own their “runway,” because Jane told them not only how, but why and that she believed they could. I highly recommend Jane to any group looking for a reminder of the importance of laughter and believing in yourself.”
-Amoena USA
Lisa Smartt - Keynote for Family Resource and Youth Services Center
“Lisa Smartt was a WONDERFUL opening Keynote speaker at the 2016 Fall Institute Conference held by the Family Resource Youth Services Coalition of Kentucky. She made us laugh, she made us think and best of all she inspired us! I could not have asked for a better opening speaker to our conference. Thank you Lisa, for being relatable, hysterical, and uplifting.”
-Family Resource Youth Services Coalition of Kentucky
Women Physician Gathering with Dr. Romie
“A group of women physicians were delighted to spend an evening with Dr. Romila (“Dr. Romie”) Mushtaq, and be a part of her amazing presentation on ‘Healing the Healer.’ She led a wonderful discussion and provided much very valuable insight for helping us combat the issues related to physician burnout. As one guest commented, ‘I truly believe she touched on our own vulnerabilities and exhaustion. I did not think I was a burned out individual until I went to this talk, and now I realize I have my own self care and work to improve upon. More importantly, having the time and space set aside to gather and support each other was tremendous.’ Thank you Dr. Romie for your compassion and support!”
-Children's Hospitals & Clinics of Minnesota
Brenda Elsagher, Women's Night Out
“I am so happy that we had Brenda Elsagher for our Women’s Night Out! I have received nothing but positive feedback from everyone who attended! They enjoyed her humor, her being “real” and relating to us all and so many needed a good laugh with life’s ‘busyness!’ I will recommend her to my other CHI sites in the region and feel fortunate we found her to come here! Have a super day and let’s keep in touch!
-CHI St. Joseph's Health, Park Rapids, MN
Dr. Deborah Kern, Annual Ladies First Luncheon
“Deb, thanks for a wonderful and sweet presentation at yesterday’s Ladies First Luncheon. Our guests loved it and promised to come back next year for our 10th Annual Luncheon. It was informative, fun and entertaining and you did it within our time limitations. You were awesome!”
-Mission Regional Medical Center, Mission, TX
Pat Wynn Brown, Paint the Town Pink
“If you haven’t graduated from Hair Theater Beauty School yet, you better enroll now! Pat Wynn Brown was not only a delight onstage, but her stellar professionalism also shines behind the scenes. If you need a refreshing, interactive and hilarious program, I highly recommend Pat Wynn Brown. Our guests are now demanding MORE MORE MORE!”
— Holy Family Memorial, Manitowac, WI
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Mamie McCullough, Pink Ribbon Celebration - Susan G. Komen for the Cure
“Mamie has been the keynote presenter for Komen’s Pink Ribbon Celebration, our annual survivor celebration of life, on two occasions. She was so popular with our audience the first time that we brought her back. She is such an inspiration to everyone, having overcome so many obstacles in her own life. She takes her audience from laughter to tears and back again and sends the cancer survivors in the audience home with messages of hope and courage! Everyone went home remembering the bee who aerodynamically can’t fly but does anyway!”
— Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Central Indiana
Indianapolis, IN
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LaDonna Gatlin, Pink Luncheon
“The Parker County Health Foundation’s 2011 Pink Luncheon was a huge success in raising more dollars than previous years. This is in large part due to our selection of Ms. LaDonna Gatlin as the guest speaker. Ms. Gatlin not only entertained our audience, but she drove home the importance of our organization’s commitment to meeting the needs in our community with the proceeds from the luncheon.”
— Parker County Health Foundation, Weatherford, TX
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Emory Austin, Women’s Night Out for Breast Cancer
“Emory Austin was energetic, entertaining, professional and enthusiastic. She moved the audience to laughter and tears – and never lost their interest. She is an amazing woman whose passion for a cause shows through – from the top of her pink wigged head straight to her heart! We loved her.”
— Lexington Medical Center, West Columbia, SC
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Zonya Foco, RD, CSP, Heart to Heart Event for Women
“We still have people emailing in telling us what a great job you did! You stole the show and we can’t thank you enough for that. It was a complete pleasure working with you and I can’t wait to do it again. We know that we definitely want you back next year!”
— Doctors Hospital, Augusta, GA
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Bobbe White, Women’s Heart Health Event
“Bobbe was great, wonderful, a crowd-pleaser, exceptional, a delight and joy to work with. Thank you, Barbara. I am so glad you found me. I will now recommend her to our other regional hospitals. You have a gem in Bobbe.”
— Covenant HealthCare, Saginaw, MI
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Heidi Marble, In the Pink of Health Luncheon
“The entire process from initial contact to program’s end was seamless and very smooth. Both you and Heidi were so very accommodating and easy to work with. This year we added a pre-event meet-and-greet for members of our Board and other sponsors, and Heidi was so very gracious with everyone she met. She was a big hit at our luncheon and we’re still hearing the accolades. As I’ve told you numerous times, thank you so much for all the help you gave me in planning our event. You were so easy to work with I didn’t even experience my usual ‘two week before the event’ stress.”
— Northeast Hospital Foundation, Humble, TX
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Rebecca Katz, Cancer Conversations
“Rebecca Katz was absolutely terrific last night at our event. Thank you so much for your help arranging for her appearance at Fox Chase. Rebecca can draw a crowd — we had over 400 people registered (and our auditorium only seats 300!) She was gracious to long lines of guests waiting to get their books signed, and spent time listening to everyone. I look forward to working with you again.”
— Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
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Deb Gauldin, Ladies Night Out
“Deb kept our audience laughing all night. She was able to relay an important women’s health message while keeping the presentation interactive and fun!”
— Clarinda Regional Health Center, Clarinda, IA
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Kat Simmons, Girl's Night Out
“Barbara, thank you so much for helping us book Kat Simmons. She was outstanding. We are receiving nothing but rave reviews and I can personally vouch for the fact that she was HYSTERICAL!! The audience loved her and she had so much energy! If you ever need someone to refer Kat to another group, please let me know. I have several comments from staff stating that she was the ‘best one yet!’”
— CVPH Medical Center, Plattsburgh, NY
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Tina Pruitt, Pink Power Speaking Tour
“Tina Pruitt did an excellent job for us as our keynote speaker for our 8-city Pink Power speaking tour. She was warm and friendly in greeting our attendees in every city. Her presentation was informative and inspiring for our guests. Her ratings were excellent in every city, and I thoroughly enjoyed hosting her.”
— Vidant Health, Greenville, NC
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KJ Reimensnyder-Wagner, Annual Meeting - Delta Kappa Gamma
“Thank you for setting us up with just the right person for our Purposeful Seminar, ‘Living in Color.’” KJ created such a positive atmosphere, and my ladies have told me repeatedly how much they loved listening to her, laughing with her, singing with her, and getting to hear her story. She helped them to feel comfortable to express their passions and encouraged them to follow their passions. She lit up the room for the ladies at the seminar. Her joy was contagious, and we caught it! KJ was exactly what we needed, and your connection made that happen. Thank you very much, Barbara.”
— Delta Kappa Gamma, Knoxville, PA
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Anne-Louise Sterry (Aunt Lena), Women’s Night Out
“We have been providing a Women’s Night Out program in our area for over 20 years and have had the pleasure of hearing many speakers. Aunt Lena, in my opinion, is one of the cream of the crop! She was very entertaining, funny, and many women could relate to her stories. The time flew by! Anne-Louise and Bob Sterry were GREAT to work with in regard to promoting the event and are both very personable. Thank you again!”
— Altoona Regional Health System, Altoona, PA
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Linda Larsen, CSP, CPAE, Women & Wellness Symposium
“Actually, Linda Larsen was not what he had expected and hoped for. She was far and above, more than we dreamed she would be. Linda’s presentation flew by and felt as though it was only 10 minutes. She kept the women in our audience totally focused on her presentation. They cracked up laughing. They heard an entirely new way of looking at their lives and themselves. They danced with abandon when she called on them to, and they left thrilled they had joined us for the day. We had a wonderful event, and Linda Larsen was the icing on that delicious day. Anybody, anywhere would be very blessed to have Linda – no doubt of that.”
— North Florida Regional Medical Center, Gainesville, FL
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Eliz Greene, Women’s Fabulous U Signature Event
“Eliz Greene took our breath away, right from the start, with her inspiring video. Her down to earth approach to relating everyday experiences right alongside serious and overwhelming situations, kept the audience engaged, laughing and crying. The interactive game and fun visuals provided the audience with a different way to look at stress levels while learning the coping strategies for living a life of peace and good health. We had a ball!”
— Mayo Clinic Health System, Menominie, WI
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Lissa Rankin, MD - Cancer Symposium
“We were fortunate to be have Lissa Rankin, M.D., as a guest speaker during her book signing tour for Mind Over Medicine. Although not new to us, Lissa’s topic of ‘Scientific Proof That You Can Heal Yourself’ gave a refreshing outlook and history of how a busy, driven physician could re-evaluate her profession and integrate a holistic approach to healing the body. Her extensive research into the topic and subsequent embracing of a new approach to evaluating the causes and treatments for chronic and sometimes life threatening illnesses helped the participants gain a new perspective on healthcare. She energized the audience with new tools that would help ‘make their illnesses their business’ and move towards healing themselves in a new partnership with their healthcare providers.”
— Community Cancer Research Foundation, Munster, IN
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Kay Wagner, RN, Cancer Survivors Celebration
“Kay was phenomenal! She was energetic, caring, compassionate and funny! She was very well received by the audience and took the time to connect with a few of the audience members prior to the program. She then referenced their interaction in her presentation (very nice). She was uplifting and inspirational and her message was clear — Laughter is the best medicine. 
Awesome!”
— Covenant Cancer Center, Saginaw, MI
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DeLores Pressley, Pink Power Tour
“7 events, 7 towns, 4 days! DeLores Pressley joined us for an incredible whirlwind tour through all of eastern North Carolina for the 3rd annual Pink Power Speaking Tour sponsored by Vidant Health. All of our events were at max capacity – the first time ever – as our guests came out to hear DeLores’ message about the Power of an UP Woman! The tour was physically demanding, literally, 7 different events in 7 different towns, all in 4 days. DeLores was truly a professional. She was able to read our diverse audiences and give the performance best suited for each event. She was high energy, fun and inspiring. A perfect combination with our physician speakers. Many thanks for making our event series a wonderful success!”
— Vidant Health, Greenville, NC
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Karen Wolfe, Women’s Heart Health Event
“Dr. Karen Wolfe is one of the friendliest speakers we have ever worked with! Not only did she give a fabulous seminar but she interacted with our health fair participants prior to the seminar. They loved it! I have gotten only positive feedback about our event.”
— Providence Health & Services
Western Washington Region – Southwest
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Kelly Swanson - Women & Wellness Symposium
“Kelly was unbelievably wonderful. Our audience had a blast, and she most certainly touched me personally. I needed to hear what she said, and think most of the women there felt the same. It was a terrific day with higher-than-expected registration and was just an awesome event. Kelly was the icing on the cake – and that icing was perfect!”
— North Florida Regional Medical Center, Gainesville, FL
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Amy Dee, Women’s Wellness Day
“What an absolute delight you are! The ladies who filled out our questionnaire named you as their favorite part of the day. No surprise there! I just wanted to say thank you and wish you all the best in your upcoming events. I am certain you will make your future audiences as happy as you made ours. Aside from the laughter, you left us with several great messages to take home and apply in our lives — very memorable and impacting.
Amy Dee is a pleasure to work with. She is friendly, kind, inspirational, and very, very funny! We look forward to having her back!”
— Dickinson County Healthcare System, Iron Mountain, MI
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