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Non-Clinical Program

Our 2024 non-clinical program offers the opportunity for personal reappraisal, reflection and renewal.

Reappraisal and reflection go hand in hand. What are you doing (or not doing) now that is standing in the way of a healthier, happier you? How do you reframe your narrative to bring yourself less stress and more joy?

Renewal is both the process and the end result. It’s not just thinking about things differently, it’s also doing things differently. The 2024 non-clinical program provides the tools for both.

With speakers on topics such as giving yourself permission to live your life, wisdom therapy, rebuilding your metabolism and so much more, this program is jam-packed with the strategies and tactics you need to make 2024 your personal best. Plus some fun offsite adventures and a lot of camaraderie to boot!

Wednesday, January 24

7:15-7:50 am—Breakfast

7:50-8:10 am—Opening Ceremonies

Smiles of the Future: Bridging the Gap Between Dentistry and Revolutionary Medical Technologies

Mary Lou Jepsen, PhD, MS

  • In the ever-evolving landscape of medtech, technological advancements from fields as diverse as consumer electronics, semiconductor device physics and AI are poised to transform healthcare coupled with new business models that could accelerate fast rollouts at equitable price points.

    This keynote aims to inspire us all to envision a future where dentistry converges with these transformative technologies which are now in human clinical studies treating aggressive cancers, mental and neurodegenerative diseases, and even combating cardiovascular diseases and long COVID. We will delve into real-world examples of interdisciplinary applications, covering how these tools may diagnose and treat oral cancers and how miniaturized semiconductor devices can make dental diagnostics more accurate and less invasive.

    Join us for an eye-opening discussion on the limitless possibilities.

    Lecture up to 0.75 hour Multidisciplinary Topics, AGD Subject Code 149

  • Mary Lou Jepsen is a visionary in the tech industry. She doesn't just dream up the future, she actually creates it with over 250 patents and 50 game-changing products to her name.

    From virtual and augmented reality systems to laptops and smartphones, from holography to health wearables, Jepsen has touched a wide range of technologies. And she's not slowing down. Right now, she's working on a suite of cutting-edge diagnostics and therapeutic wearables aimed at curing cancer, mental diseases, and stroke.

    Jepsen was executive director of engineering at both Google and Facebook, a CTO at Intel, and the founder of four successful startups, including One Laptop per Child, which transformed education in developing countries and became a multi-billion dollar non-profit.

    Jepsen is a former professor at MIT and currently serves as a director at two public companies: LEA (NYSE) a $20 billion tier-1 automotive company, and LAZR (NASDAQ) the world leader in LiDAR systems. She's advised government officials in multiple countries, including the United States, and has been recognized by TIME magazine's "Time 100" as one of the 100 most influential people in the world, CNN's top 10 thinkers, Forbes' 50 over 50, and numerous professional societies in the fields of optics, display, and electronics.

    Jepsen is a sought-after keynote speaker and has given two highly viewed TED talks. She's frequently featured in top global press publications and is a true force to be reckoned with in the tech world.

Architectural Tour with Bill Hoffman

Bill Hoffman, MA, PhD

  • Following the morning keynote, we will embark on a full day architectural tour of Santa Barbara with Bill Hoffman, MA, PhD (aka “Hoffy”). Our excursion will include the Spanish Colonial Revival style County Courthouse, considered to be one of the most beautiful government buildings in the US; the Presidio, a Spanish military fort and soldiers’ garrison that dates back to the late 1700s; the Casa de La Guerra, an important early pueblo/adobe residence; and the adjacent El Paseo, an open-air plaza with quaint passageways from the 1920s. Of course the “Queen of the California Missions”—Mission Santa Barbara will also be part of our tour. We will rendezvous for lunch at a nice local restaurant with plenty of time to relax and socialize before we resume touring in the afternoon. As this is primarily a walking tour, comfortable shoes and dressing in layers is recommended.

  • Bill Hoffman MA, PhD has a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning from UCLA. Prior to forming Hoffy Tours in 2012, he worked and lectured in Urban Planning & Urban Studies. Bill has been fascinated by how cities evolve and grow ever since he spent his junior year of college abroad in Madrid, Spain. He also has a keen interest in historical preservation. Bill is a lively and knowledgeable guide with a true passion for his subject matter.

Lunch at La Paloma Café

Santa Barbara

  • Welcome back in time, back in Santa Barbara history to La Paloma Cafe. After 37 years “the dove” has again taken flight on the iconic corner of Anacapa and Ortega streets in the historic Presidio Neighborhood. And like an old friend, the celebrated neon sign once again glows with its original letters: La Paloma Cafe.

    La Paloma Cafe’s menu celebrates the cuisine of the Californios, early Californian settlers who incorporated Spanish and Mexican influences into indigenous ingredients cooked over fire. Paying tribute to the age of the ranchero, our thoughtfully crafted California barbecue reflects both the past and present of our region and local community. Their food focuses on the traditions of Santa Maria and influences from Baja, Mexico.

7:00 pm—Welcome Reception

Thursday, January 25

7:15-8:00 am—Breakfast

Magic for the Future

Trigg Watson

  • Trigg Watson is a new breed of magician. He prefers his iPad to a deck of cards. He likes robots more than rabbits. His modern tech-infused magic has wowed audiences from London to Las Vegas and on cruise ships around the world. He has also been featured on Pop TV’s“Don’t Blink”, Penn & Teller’s “Fool Us” and “Masters of Illusion” on the CW, and America’s Got Talent on NBC. Trigg recently served as a creative consultant for the hit Netflix show “Magic for Humans.” Trigg has received several awards for his performances, most notably placing as the highest scoring American magician at the World Magic Seminar in Las Vegas, and two-time winner of the Texas Magicians Contest. Attend one of his shows, and he’ll have you question what’s possible and laughing along the way.

  • Trigg grew up in Australia but currently resides in Los Angeles, California. He first caught the “magic bug” after witnessing a magician at a young friend’s 4-year-old birthday party. Following the show, Trigg exhausted the local library of its books on magic and feverishly worked to hone his skills. In 2001, Trigg moved with his family from Australia to the United States at the age of 11. Following high school, Trigg moved from New Orleans to Dallas, TX to attend Southern Methodist University and graduated with dual degrees in business management and theater studies (AKA “Show Biz”). Prior to becoming a full-time entertainer, Trigg worked as a technology consultant for Deloitte Consulting.

Disruptive Leadership:
Thriving in an Era of Constant Change 

Luke Williams

  • Upon completion of this session, attendees should be able to:

    • Push past innovation fatigue and complacency.

    • Move beyond their existing asset base.

    • Spur growth with disruptive ideas and creative leadership.

  • What does it take to be a disruptive leader? Do you need to be a brilliant agitator like Steve Jobs? A driven workaholic like Tesla’s Elon Musk? Sure, CEOs like that get a lot of press, but there’s more to success than being loud and charismatic. Truly disruptive leaders are like master chefs on a cooking show, always looking for ways to take existing ingredients and combine them in unique ways.

    Those new recipes are a type of investment capital: the more you have, the better. Of course, not all will succeed. But disruptive thinking and leadership is less about the success of any one idea and more about putting your business in a position where you have more new ideas to spend than your competition does. Most importantly, being a disruptive leader is about creating a culture where everyone values new recipes. Because if you want to build a disruptive organization, you must first build more disruptive leaders.

    Lecture up to .75 hour

    Self-Improvement, AGD Subject Code 770

  • Professor Luke Williams is one of the world’s leading business thinkers on innovation strategy. He has worked with leading companies across the globe and is a dynamic and sought-after management speaker, having lectured in 21 countries and addressed the United Nations General Assembly and the World Innovation Forum.

    Williams is Professor of Innovation at NYU Stern School of Business; Founder and Executive Director of the W.R. Berkley Innovation Labs; and a Fellow at Frog Design—one of the world's most influential product strategy and design firms. He is the inventor of 30+ US patents and has designed more than 100 products in industries ranging from transportation to finance, and healthcare to consumer electronics.

    His views are regularly featured in media ranging from Bloomberg BusinessWeek and Fast Company to The Wall Street Journal and The Economist. He is the author of the international bestseller, Disrupt: Think the Unthinkable to Spark Transformation in Your Business.

Unlocking Your Possibilities: Three Strategies to Give Yourself Permission to Prioritize Your Life While Still Maintaining Healthy and Supportive Connections

Priya Rana Kapoor, MMFT

  • Upon completion of this session, attendees should be able to:

    • Decrease everyday stress

    • Make faster and better decisions

  • Are you feeling overwhelmed with the demands of both your personal and professional life? This presentation will provide you with 3 practical tools to overcome self-doubt, manage stress, and achieve personal success while maintaining healthy relationships. You'll have the chance to attain balance in your life by identifying your core values, distinguishing between what you can control and what you can't, and building strong and supportive connections.

  • Priya Rana Kapoor, MMFT, is a business and life coach, author, and speaker who helps clients achieve success in their personal and professional lives through PRK Coaching. She provides guidance on building businesses, improving communication and leadership skills, career advancement and self-development. Priya has been featured on NBC's Today Show, BBC Asia, and Hay House Radio, and regularly speaks and facilitates for international corporations and non-profit organizations. She holds a BA in Theatre, and a master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Southern California and currently serves on the executive committee of the USC Alumni Association Board of Governors.

Journaling for Healing & Transformation

Diana Raab

  • Upon completion of this session, attendees should be able to:

    • Discuss how journaling can lead to greater self-awareness and improved ability to deal with life’s challenges.

    • Describe the therapeutic benefits of a regular journaling practice to heal, express and transform oneself.

    • Learn how the journaling practice could be a springboard for other types of writing.

  • Life is complicated. How do we navigate trauma, life transitions, or challenging situations and turn them into opportunities for growth, healing and transformation? Journaling could be the answer. Writing offers a sense of empowerment and facilitates the healing process, pulling us through difficult times. Journaling, in particular, encourages us to reflect on our innermost feelings, helping to create a sense of harmony and peace of mind. In this workshop Diana Raab, MFA, PhD will share her life experiences that led her to her own journaling practice, and how she uses journaling as a therapeutic tool to provide release, comfort, and renewal. She will discuss reflective writing techniques and offer writing prompts to help cultivate mindfulness as a path to greater insights, clarity, and healing. With Diana’s guidance, we will crack open our journals to explore the magic of journal writing to maintain a more balanced body, mind and spirit connection.

  • Diana Raab, MFA, PhD is a memoirist, poet, essayist, blogger, and speaker. She has a PhD in Psychology with a concentration in Transpersonal Psychology with a research focus on the healing and transformative powers of memoir writing. Her educational background also includes health administration, nursing and creative writing.

Friday, January 26

7:15-8:00 am—Breakfast

What If Everything You Thought You Knew About Weight Loss Was Wrong?

Ronesh Sinha, MD

  • Articulate the basics of metabolism, including key hormones like insulin.

    Learn how to identify your own metabolic risk type.

    Understand some simple techniques to help you quantify your daily nutrient intake (net carbs, protein, etc.), while also uncovering common dietary myths.

    Grasp an overall approach to key lifestyle changes that address your metabolic risk type.

  • Understanding your body's unique metabolism and how to make everyday dietary and exercise changes can be a vexing problem. Some of your friends may be thriving on low carb, keto or intermittent fasting, while others swear by a plant-based vegan diet. What's the culprit behind weight gain and chronic health issues? Is it carbs, is it calories, is it dietary fat, is it stress, etc.? Dr Sinha will be sharing insights from his clinical practice and corporate programs so you can identify your metabolic type and start prioritizing the right foods and exercise routine to improve your energy, health, and body composition.

  • Dr Ronesh Sinha runs a lifestyle clinic and virtual programs focused on metabolic health and insulin resistance. His groundbreaking work in diabetes reversal and insulin resistance in diverse populations has been featured on the front covers of Fortune Magazine and the LA Times. He also serves as chief medical officer for Silicon Valley Employer Forum, where he helps shape global health benefits for major Silicon Valley companies. Dr Sinha is a highly sought after speaker regarding corporate wellness, blogs at culturalhealthsolutions.com, and has a popular podcast called Meta Health.

    Lecture up to 45 minutes Health Medicine and Nutrition, AGD Subject Code 150

Rebuild Your Metabolism

Ronesh Sinha, MD

  • Upon completion of this session, you should be able to:

    • Understand why excess calorie restriction to achieve weight loss may not be optimal for many individuals and may contribute to the “skinny fat person” phenomenon.

    • Discover specific approaches to resistance training and cardio that help optimize your metabolic engine.

    • Describe the food choices and physical activities that will assist in burning visceral and subcutaneous fat.

  • In this follow-up workshop, Dr Sinha will expand on the points made in his earlier presentation and give specific advice on how to rebuild and restore metabolisms that have been destroyed by years of chronic dieting. He will present his “Metabolic 6-pack” goals which, if achieved, will lead to increased insulin sensitivity and reduced inflammation at the cellular level for most people. Most importantly, he will explain exactly what types of daily eating patterns, food choices and exercises are most beneficial for those seeking to lose body fat (both visceral and subcutaneous) and improve fitness. This is not a diet. It is an enjoyable, maintainable lifestyle that leads to greater health and well-being.

  • Dr Ronesh Sinha runs a lifestyle clinic and virtual programs focused on metabolic health and insulin resistance. His groundbreaking work in diabetes reversal and insulin resistance in diverse populations has been featured on the front covers of Fortune Magazine and the LA Times. He also serves as chief medical officer for Silicon Valley Employer Forum, where he helps shape global health benefits for major Silicon Valley companies. Dr Sinha is a highly sought after speaker regarding corporate wellness, blogs at culturalhealthsolutions.com, and has a popular podcast called Meta Health.

    Lecture up to 45 minutes Health Medicine and Nutrition, AGD Subject Code 150

Understanding Teenagers: 
Insights from Neuroscience

Adriana Galván, PhD

  • Upon completion of this session, you should be able to:

    • Discuss the changes that take place in the neural circuitry of the adolescent brain as it develops.

    • Understand why adolescents are uniquely sensitive to heightened emotions and stress.

    • Describe why sleep is so important for adolescent brain development.

    • Offer suggestions for what parents and others may do to help adolescents cope with the ups and downs of life.

  • Adolescence is a time of remarkable opportunity. The years between age 10 to about 25 mark a period of rapid growth, development, and learning as we discover and adapt to the world around us. We forge our sense of who we are and who we aspire to be. We learn to make decisions, manage our emotions, and create deeper connections with peers, romantic partners, adults, and others in our communities. We also build resilience, and develop interests, passions, and meaningful goals that shape our adult lives. Opportunities to try new things, such as tackling challenging school projects, forming relationships with new people, engaging in extracurricular experiences and community service, and learning from mistakes along the way can lead to positive development.

    Scientists are making major strides in understanding adolescent brain development. Using neuroscience we have learned that brain, biological and sleep systems interact with the social environment to shape lifelong health and wellbeing. The notion of adolescence as a period when individuals are primed for certain kinds of learning is groundbreaking—and holds major implications for how educational, health, legal, and other systems can best support adolescents as they transition to adulthood.

    The ways our brains change during these years are well suited to these developmental tasks. During adolescence, we are rapidly adapting in ways that naturally take advantage of supportive relationships, environments, and experiences that promote positive growth and development. This makes adolescence an important time in life for learning and discovery, as well as opportunity to mitigate the effects of earlier adversity or current mental health challenges. During this developmental window there is also an uptick in mental health concerns. In this talk, Dr Galván will discuss ways in which we can help prevent and intervene if our teens are struggling.

  • Dr Adriana Galván is a neuroscientist who has devoted her career to the study of the adolescent brain. In this fascinating presentation she will discuss her research using brain scans (fMRI) that allow her to take a snapshot of the brain in motion. She will explain how the risk/reward system in the adolescent brain supports learning and risk-taking, the impact of peers on adolescent decision making, and what parents and friends can do to provide emotional and social support to the teens and tweens in their lives.

11:35 am-12:50 pm—Lunch

Surviving the Squeeze: Estate Planning for the Sandwich Generation

Julianna Malis, JD, LLM

  • Upon completion of this session, you should be able to:

    • Help their aging parents and protect their children.

    • Discover how to ease the pressure and burdens as an adult caregiver.

    • Determine the legal documents their parents and adult children need now.

    • Avoid costly mistakes that could put their own family on the hook for long-term care bills and obligations.

  • Have you ever felt sandwiched between the pressures of caring for an older parent and raising your own family? If so, you are part of a unique group of people known as the “Sandwich Generation.” These are adults who are juggling the roles of caring for their own families (including minor children) and aging parents at the same time. Join Juliana Malis, a nationally recognized estate planning and elder law attorney, who will share invaluable insights on how to stay in control during a parent's healthcare crisis.During this enlightening session, Juliana will provide practical strategies and expert advice on managing the complex legal and financial aspects of caring for aging parents while still prioritizing your own family's needs. From understanding healthcare options to creating a comprehensive estate plan, she will equip you with the tools necessary to confidently navigate through this challenging phase of life.

  • Julianna Malis is a nationally recognized estate planning and elder law attorney focusing on traditional estate planning, asset protection and estate administration. She has been practicing law on the Central Coast for over twenty years and is devoted to protecting families and small businesses.

    Julianna helps families stop worrying about the ‘what ifs’ in life, and instead prepare for life events through proper estate planning. As the founder of Santa Barbara Estate Planning Law Group, she brings a family-centered approach to planning, with a focus on practical solutions for families and high net worth individuals. She is also Certified Dementia Practitioner Trainer and Certified Dementia Practitioner and a frequent speaker to public and private groups on issues of estate planning, elder law, and asset protection planning.

    Julianna formed Santa Barbara Estate Planning Law Group after becoming her mother’s caregiver. She decided she would use her personal experience to help other families who might be part of the ‘Sandwich Generation’ (i.e. adults “sandwiched” between the challenges of simultaneously caring for aging parents and their own family) with navigating the elder care life care continuum. Over the last several years, Julianna has created a law firm that attends to her clients’ needs from a ‘holistic’ viewpoint, by addressing legal, medical, financial, social, and family issues we encounter every day regardless of stage of life. Julianna’s primary goal is to promote and advocate for the highest quality of life for her clients. Her intelligent and heart-felt guidance for her clients is reflected in each and every estate and life care plan prepared. She is indeed the trusted advisor families turn to in their time of crisis, providing each person in her care hope and resolution.

    She received her J.D. from a top law school—University of the Pacific-McGeorge School of Law (1996), LL.M in Estate Planning-Taxation (1999) and her B.A. in Philosophy from University of California, Santa Barbara (1993). She is an active member of the Trusts & Estates Section of the California State Bar, WealthCounsel and ElderCounsel—both nationally recognized programs for estate planning lawyers that provides top training and continuing education. Julianna also serves on the board of the Santa Barbara County Legal Aid Foundation.

    Most importantly, Julianna and her husband Sean together have a blended family of five and one grandson. Contact Julianna for your estate planning needs or for speaking engagement opportunities.

Experience the Healing Power of Sound

Tara Matthews, LAc, ERYT 500

  • Upon completion of this session, you should be able to:

    • Explore the transformative power of sound baths.

    • Embark on a journey towards inner harmony.

    • Learn how sound bathing can heal their body from within.

  • Are you looking for a unique and transformative experience to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit? Allow us to introduce you to the incredible world of sound baths!

    Imagine being enveloped in soothing sound vibrations that penetrate deep into your being, creating a profound sense of relaxation and harmony. Sound baths are designed to harness the power of specific tones and frequencies to promote healing and balance within your body.

    Drawing inspiration from ancient practices such as yoga and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), sound baths align with the concept of harmonizing your energy centers, also known as chakras. By immersing yourself in these therapeutic frequencies, you may be able to enhance your overall well-being and restore equilibrium in your life.

  • Tara Matthews, L.Ac, ERYT 500 holds a Master’s Degree in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine and a love of healing practices ranging from nutrition to energy medicine to yoga. During her undergraduate and graduate work, she worked as a yoga teacher, energy work practitioner and personal fitness trainer in Montecito, CA and opened a health food store while studying for her state medical boards, fine tuning her exploration of both the esoteric and physical world, an art form that she still integrates today.

    Tara is also an active, accredited KRI Kundalini Yoga Level 2 Yoga Teacher enrolled in Level 3 also trained in Hatha and Gong Healing practices, Certified IMW Wisdom Practitioner, and licensed and full-time Acupuncturist and Chinese Medical Practitioner. She brings a rich meditation and yoga lineage anchored in almost 20 years of Practice. As the co-founder and spaceholder of Soul Body Ojai, she aspires to inspire others to create a sustained weaving of practical awareness that comes with a daily practice of meditation, yoga, prayer technology and self-care through seasonal cycles. As a wife and mother, she understands the challenges and reward healing in the real world can bring, and she utilizes her gifts to help others see the beauty, meaningfulness, and articulated wholeness present as their life experience.

    Tara sees patients, teaches yoga and workshops, facilitates Mystic Circles and Journeys around the world, and sees clients in Southern California and beyond.

Saturday, January 27

7:15-8:00 am—Breakfast

Constructing (and Deconstructing) the Human Brain

Sergiu P. Pasca, MD 

  • Upon completion of this session, you should be able to:

    • Understand the fundamentals of human brain assembly both in vivo and in vitro using stem cell derived models (organoids and assembloids).

    • Learn about the applications of human cellular models for understanding human neuropsychiatric disorders.

  • A critical challenge in understanding the programs underlying development, assembly and disease of the human brain is the lack of direct access to intact, functioning human neural tissue for detailed investigation and manipulation. Dr Pasca will first describe how his laboratory has been leveraging instructive signals to develop, starting from human pluripotent stem cells, self-organizing neural organoids resembling specific domains of the nervous system. He will next introduce a novel self-organizing cellular preparation named an assembloid that he created to model cell migration and circuit in the developing human nervous system. Lastly, he will illustrate how organoids and assembloids can be used to study development, evolution and to model genetic neuropsychiatric disease.

    Lecture up to .75 hour Basic Sciences, AGD Subject Code 010

  • Sergiu P. Pasca, MD is the Kenneth T. Norris, Jr. Endowed Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University and the Uytengsu Family Founding Director of the Stanford Brain Organogenesis Program. He is a CZI Ben Barres Investigator and a Chan Zuckerberg BioHub Investigator.

    Professor Pasca is a physician by training and he is interested in understanding the rules governing human brain assembly and the mechanisms of disease. His laboratory at Stanford introduced the use of instructive signals for reproducibly deriving self-organizing organoids that resemble domains of the human nervous system (now known as regionalized neural organoids), he pioneered a modular platform that he named assembloids to study migration and circuit formation, and he developed integrated human circuits in living animals following transplantation. Professor Pasca systematically applied these stem cell models to gain insights into human physiology, evolution and disease, including by developing new therapeutic approaches. He extensively supported hundreds of labs in implementing these techniques through courses and led group efforts with researchers around the world to advance this new research area.

    Professor Pasca was named a Visionary in Medicine and Science by the New York Times. He is a Knight of the Order of Merit and a Doctor Honoris Causa. He was featured as a physician-scientist by Nature Medicine, was a NYSCF Robertson Investigator and a TED 2022 Speaker.

    He is the recipient of the Vilcek Award for Creative Biomedical Promise (2018), the National Institute of Mental Health BRAINS Award (2015), the MQ Award for Transforming Mental Health (2014), the A.E. Bennett Award in Biological Psychiatry (2018), the Folch-Pi Neurochemistry Award (2017), the Günter Blobel Award for Cell Biology (2018), the Daniel E. Efron Award in Neuropsychopharmacology (2018), a Breakthrough in Life Sciences Prize (2020) from Falling Walls, the International Basic Science Schizophrenia Prize (2021), the Joseph Altman Award in Developmental Neuroscience (2021), the Theodore Reich Award (2021), the Judson Daland Prize from the American Philosophical Society (2021), the 13th IBRO-Kemali Neuroscience Award (2022), and the CINP Sumitomo/Sunovion Award (2023).

Exploring the Link Between the Brain and Hormones

Emily Jacobs, PhD

  • Upon completion of this session, you should be able to:

    • Gain valuable knowledge about the intricate relationship between hormones and brain function.

    • Learn how the brain functions as an endocrine organ, communicating through hormones.

    • Understand the structural and functional changes that occur as the brain ages, specifically how hormonal conditions play a crucial role.

  • During this session, Dr Emily Jacobs, a distinguished expert in neuroscience, will delve into the intricate relationship between hormonal fluctuations and their profound impact on the human brain. She will unravel the fascinating journey of steroid production throughout various life stages, including menstrual cycles, pregnancy, menopause, and even andropause. By exploring these endocrine transition states, she will shed light on why they can become vulnerable periods for neurological conditions such as depression and dementia. This session is a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights into the profound influence of hormones on our neurological health. By attending, you'll not only deepen your understanding but also discover practical strategies for managing potential risks associated with these transition states.

  • Emily Jacobs holds a PhD in Neuroscience from the University of California, Berkeley and a BA. in Neuroscience from Smith College. Prior to moving to UCSB in 2016, she was an Instructor at Harvard Medical School and the Department of Medicine/Division of Women's Health at Brigham & Women's Hospital. She has been named a Hellman Fellow, a Brain and Behavior Young Investigator, a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health and Society Scholar, a National Institutes of Health "BIRCWH" Women's Health Fellow, and a National Academy of Sciences Frontiers of Science Fellow for “distinguished young scientists under 45.” In 2022, she was named top 10 scientists to watch by Science News. In addition to her research, the Jacobs Lab advocates for diversity in science at the national and international level. Her lab regularly partners with K-12 groups throughout the central coast to advance girls' representation in STEM, work that was featured in the book “STEMinists: The Lifework of 12 Women Scientists and Engineers”.

Gaining Wisdom to Enhance Positive Relationships and Wellness and Reduce Stress, Fear, Anxiety, Anger, and Conflict

Shani Robins, PhD

  • Upon completion of this session, you should be able to:

    • Gain conceptual understanding of wisdom-related skills.

    • Increasing one’s ambition for wellness and positive relationships.

    • Applying those skills to examples from everyday life, relationships, and the workplace.

  • Our relationships, work, and health can be stressful or fulfilling. Wise decisions and actions in life lead to greater happiness, success, and well-being. Less-wise perspectives and decisions lead to stress, anxiety, anger, job setbacks, relationship conflicts, and hypertension.

    Gaining wisdom can take many decades of learning from painful and costly mistakes. Wisdom Therapy integrates empirically supported best practices from both Western psychological science, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and emotional intelligence exercises, and from Eastern traditions, with constructs such as humility, mindfulness, empathy, compassion, and gratitude.

    This talk will review the practical applications of these skills towards improving your personal and professional relationships, work performance, and well-being, and reducing your anger, anxiety, and stress in everyday life situations. Multi-media visuals, short films, and humor will make the workshop fun and enjoyable.

  • Shani Robins, Ph.D. pioneered the field of Wisdom TherapyTM in 1998 and has been the founder and president of the Wisdom Therapy Institute (www.wisdomtherapy.com) for the last 25 years. Most recently he has co-founded and is the president of the nonprofit, GenWisdom, which facilitates the wisdom skills in K-12 youths. He is a California Board Certified Licensed Psychologist, a professor and instructor at Stanford and other Universities, and teaches clinical, research, social, cognitive, positive psychology, wellness, and lifespan development courses, as well as applications of Wisdom Therapy and Emotional Intelligence in the workplace and everyday life. Dr Robins is the author of many scientific journal articles and book chapters. In addition to his research and clinical background, he has also been a corporate consultant and has created well-being programs nationally for Fortune 100 companies such as American Express, Yahoo, and Legacy, and for municipalities such as the County of Santa Clara, California. He has published and has given numerous training workshops and scientific talks nationally and internationally in the areas of Emotional Intelligence, Lifespan Development, Leadership, Wisdom, Stress, Coping, Organizational Development, and Executive and Employee Satisfaction and Productivity. He obtains consistently effective results, which he empirically substantiates with research outcome measures. Dr Robins received his Ph.D. in 1996 from U.C. Santa Barbara, a prestigious NIMH Postdoctoral Fellowship at UC Irvine, and a second Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology in 2002. He has developed multiple organizations in health and mental health, including psychological clinics and an Adult Day Health Care Center in 2009. Shani is an avid racquetball player and also enjoys playing chess and GO. He rollerblades, salsa dances, runs the occasional marathon, and strives to appreciate the simple things.

Loving Your Life with Mindfulness

Sarah McLean

    • Define mindfulness and how it relates to stress reduction and happiness.

    • Identify formal practices that develop mindfulness.

    • Identify ways to integrate mindfulness into a daily routine.

  • Do you find yourself easily distracted? Do you spending too much mental energy planning, problem-solving, ruminating, or thinking less-than-positive thoughts? If so, you might find you are not really enjoying the beautiful life you have. It’s true, when you are “otherwise occupied” by mental musings, rather than actually experiencing your life, you’re more likely to experience stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. One popular tool people use to reclaim the power of their attention is mindfulness. In this session you’ll learn some fun and simple practices that can help you to become in charge of your attention, engage with the world around you, and fall back in love with your life. Mindfulness can be cultivated with quick and simple practices such as a few minutes of mindful breath awareness, mindful listening, taking a mindful step, and even taking a mindful bite of chocolate. Curious? Join Sarah McLean for a fun and informative experience that could quite possibly enhance the quality of your life! Sarah is a contemporary meditation and mindfulness teacher and best-selling author of the book, The Power of Attention.

  • Sarah McLean is a renowned mindfulness meditation teacher who is dedicated to helping people rediscover the wonder and beauty of their lives. She inspires audiences worldwide by sharing how reclaiming one’s attention can lead to a fulfilling, dynamic, and optimal life.

    Sarah is a best-selling Hay House author who has led retreats for clients including the Chopra Center, Esalen, Miraval, Enchantment Resort, and workplace training for teams at Proctor & Gamble, Freeths, INTEGRIS Health, and Berkshire Hathaway companies.

    She’s also the director of the Meditation Teacher Academy in Santa Barbara, California which has trained over 300 teachers worldwide. Her work has been touted in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and The Guardian, and she’s been featured on national television and in a variety of award-winning movies.

Your Renaissance Starts Here