PRESENTERS 2012
Madeleine Marentette
Founder of Grail Lady Faire
Madeleine Marentette is the founder of Grail Springs and creator of 'Grail Lady Faire'. With a background and a passion for beauty in design, she began her studies in design school but her plans were cut short when she contracted a debilitating disease. Her path changed at that moment and as she immersed herself in a quest to find healing, peace and understanding about life itself. The successes she encountered along the way are now reflected in the beautiful Grail retreat property and in the programs she designed in 2003 and now available in her best-selling book 'Holistic Detox: For Body, Mind & Spirit'. To this day she is still a seeker and guardian of all traditions Grail, a compelling pathway that she believes represents the story of the true human condition; that we come into this world whole, we live, we hurt, we experience illness, and then one day we are given opportunity to grow from our pain and suffering. She believes this is a divine promise that avails us all. It is with an open heart and open mind that she continues to be a well spring of inspiration with a determination to share her story, wisdom and inspirations to all who seek the same.
Almas Jiwani
President UN Women Canada
Wednesday June 27, 11:30am
Almas Jiwani is an accomplished, dynamic, self-made business woman and a dedicated volunteer making significant contributions over many years. She is the voice of the voiceless, helping women acquire their rights at home and abroad. Her primary objective is to strengthen women’s economic capacity as entrepreneurs and producers. This same commitment has led her to travel extensively around the world to enrich lives and uplift the status of women in developing countries. She plays a key role in building networks among charitable institutions and socially responsible businesses. Currently, Almas is the President of Frontier Canada, a corporate communications company. In parallel, she accomplished the position of the President of the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) Canada – Part of the UN Women, where she has been actively involved with the Board of Directors for UNIFEM Canada over the last seven years. In the light of the United Nations gender equality reforms, Ms Jiwani is leading the Board of Directors for the new United Nations Gender Entity for Empowerment of Women (UN Women Canada). She has received numerous awards including:
International Humanitarian Award Uganda, Induction into Women’s Hall of Fame Greece, United Nations Fund for Women “Life Time Honorary Member” Award, Governor General’s Caring Award, and “The Stone in Water Award” from the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs for successful execution of the National Afghan Women Roundtable, and the report from the Canadian Committee on Women, Peace and Security. www.unwomen.org
Theresa Laurico
Founder Love in Action
& SociaLight
'Love in Action'
Friday June 29th, 10:30am
Theresa Laurico was born and raised in Toronto, and is a passionate and experienced producer, director, and creator of various media works for high caliber clients including MuchMusic, Rogers Media, CTV Creative Agency, Zink Inc., and Planeterra/Gap Adventures. Laurico holds Journalism degree from Ryerson University, graduated as the President of the course union and was recently nominated for Top 30 Under 30. Her vision, creativity, and stand for innovative multimedia content has lead her recognition. Her awards include: Canadian Film Centre’s NBC / Universal MMP, Women In Film & Television’s Executive Media Leadership, TV 360 MultiMedia Program recipient for the 2009 Banff World Television Festival, Community Leadership Award, CSC- Lieutenant Governor of Canada, Laurico’s production company, e11even Productions Inc. aims to create innovative media and work that entertains, educates and inspires. One of the shows that Laurico created is hosted by the owner of Gap Adventures, Bruce Poon Tip, and in a feature article on Poon Tip, the show was mentioned in 2009 Forbes Magazine for a show to watch for in 2010. Aside from being a member of various organizations and groups including United Global Shift in New York City, she is a stand for empowering leaders and having people be fully self-expressed. www.loveinaction2010.org/
Jacquie Hermans
Comedian & Inspirational Speaker
'Lightn' Up & Ignite Your Sexy!'
Monday June 25th, 10:50am
Jacquie Hermans lived a life in turmoil. She was always in her head, analyzing every aspect of her life. She was never satisfied with her accomplishments, and chastising herself for her failures. She always needed to be prepared, for fear of looking like a failure. While undergoing extensive improv training, Jacquie's life forever changed. To overcome that knotted sick feeling in her gut, the sleepless nights of being in her head, the annoying eye twitch or lip quiver that sometimes emerged and her related digestive issues, she created strategies to overcome her thought patterns, breaking through her fears of failure and judgment. With an employment background in corporate training, extensive education in personality and communications, along with her passion and experience in improv and television, she is now running a successful business.
Jacquie shares her strategies to help others to flip their thought patterns, build effective relationships, and light'n up from the inside out!
T'ameaux Brown
Holistic Healer, Shaman
'Evening Water Spirit Gathering'
Wednesday June 27, 7pm
T’ameaux Brown is a wholistic intuitive healer who has been ameliorating the suffering of others since she became aware of her gifts at the early age of 11. By 15 she was enjoying success in the entertainment community as a professional singer, dancer, and choreographer while she continued to study healing arts. A desire to broaden her horizons saw T’ameaux travel to France at 18, a journey that sparked an ongoing love for further learning. In the years that followed she would spend time in Spain, Argentina and Italy where she operated a successful spa in the mountains of Abruzzo. The sudden death of her mother lent itself to yet another uncommon educational experience as she found comfort processing this loss in the company of horses with which she “whispered” for almost a year and a half. Time well spent with these sensitive equine spirits not only helped to heal her pain, but also deepened T’ameaux’s understanding of the interconnectedness of all life. Since then T’ameaux has also enjoyed profound shamanic studies in Peru – a country that she feels especially connected to - has further enhanced her eclectic skill set. Founder of the Universal Healing Agency, in May 2011 T’ameaux also launched the Universal Sisterhood, a non-profit organization committed to the holistic healing, support & sustainable development of women worldwide.
Janet Sinclair, 'Rose Wing Warrior'
Shaman & Medical Intuitive
'Honouring Mother Earth'
Monday June 25th, 7pm
Janet Sinclair is a passionate, down-to-earth teacher and speaker with a very unique sense of humor about life. She brings with her a combined background as a medical intuitive, Reiki Master, cancer survivor of 19 years, shamanic practitioner and Thanadoula. Learn safe and interactive techniques to reclaim your body's natural ability to heal. www.angelshaman.blogspot.com
Kari Henley
President of Gather Central
'Community: A Woman's Sacred Circle'
Tuesday June 26th, 10:30am
Kari Henley is president of Gather Central, a virtual communications consulting firm that develops, hosts, and leverages interactive conference call events for the public and private clients. She is also the Business Development Director for the Virtual Training Academy. Kari has worked for nearly 20 years in training and development, instructional design and public speaking. Her passion is working with women, as well as tween/teen girls. She designs and leads interactive workshops and retreats, both live as well as virtual, to reconnect our deep yearnings to gather, connect, experience ritual and honor the cycles of life. With a broad background in psychology, spirituality and business, she brings a fresh approach to living a balanced life. Kari is a Featured Contributor to the Huffington Post with over 100 blogs, and was recently published in the Amazon International best seller, “Embracing Your Authentic Self.” Kari has served as host for the Grail Global Village virtual teleclasses, as well as hosting the Grail Springs "101 Women of Destiny" teleretreat in 2011. Kari lives in Connecticut, raising four children with her husband. www.gathercentral.com
Jennifer Hicks
Nia Instructor
'Rise UP for morning Nia!'
Daily 9:10am on the Lawn
Jennifer Hicks found her groove and natural rhythm through Nia. A Brown Belt Nia Instructor, Jennifer has been practicing Nia for 10 years and teaching for 5. Nia introduced her body to freedom, and taught her to love and respect herself more deeply and fully. Jennifer’s students have described her as an enthusiastic, energetic “firecracker” who is full of life. She is a dedicated, passionate, welcoming and approachable Nia instructor with a positive and confident ability to inspire students make the most of themselves. Jennifer also maintains a private Speech-Language Pathology practice working with adults recovering from brain injury, stroke and other neurological issues. Visit Jennifer at www.jennhicks.ca or to find out more about Nia studios near you at www.niac.ca
Debbie Danbrook
Canadian Recording Artist
June 25th & 26th
Debbie Danbrook is a Composer and Recording Artist performing original, contemporary compositions. Incorporating the Shakuhachi into a distinctive new Healing Music that blends Eastern and Western musical traditions. A master of the Shakuhachi, an ancient Japanese bamboo flute. She is the first professional female player to specialize in the unique healing abilities of this sacred instrument. To this end, she has recorded seventeen CD's, fourteen of them specifically for healing and meditation. Her music has been embraced by healers and spiritual practitioners around the globe. She performs around the world at concerts, workshops, conferences and special events. Debbie Danbrook has been featured in articles in the Toronto Star newspaper, Canadian Living and the Elm Street magazine. She has been seen many times on TVO, Vision and CBC on television and radio and was profiled in a half hour documentary on the Person to Person TV program.Ms. Danbrook has performed for Japanese royalty, the Prince and Princess Takamado, at the Museum of Civilization in Ottawa. She has performed several times at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. She has performed at the Daibutsu, the famous Buddha in Kamakura, Japan and at the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo. Ms. Danbrook has received a total of fifteen awards from the Canada Council, the Ontario Arts Council and The Toronto Arts Council. official website
Wendy Morrell
Sacred Dance Artist
'Earth Dance Workshops'
June 25th & 26th
Wendy Morrell has had a lifelong love of dance, in all of its forms, resulted in varied and diverse dance studies – from modern, contemporary, jazz and creative movement to ballroom and many forms of ethnic and cultural dance (Indian Temple Dance, Hawaiian Sacred Dance, Middle Eastern Dance, Buddhist Sacred Dance….) Wendy is the Program Director for the Sacred Dance Guild and has been Director of many of the annual Sacred Dance Guild Festivals including the 50th anniversary Festival in 2008 at Connecticut College, Connecticut. Wendy is the artistic director of a community dance group “Moving Mysteries” that offers at many local events in Ottawa and leads workshops on dance as a sacred art. www.sacreddanceguild.org
Catriona Sturton, Musician
Opening Ceremony
& Evening Fireside Circle
June 25th & 26th
Catriona Sturton is a multi-instrumentalist who plays the harmonica, shamisen (a traditional Japanese 3 stringed instrument), accordion, bass and guitar. She began performing as a teen, playing with blues musicians in Ottawa. Catriona has toured in Canada and Japan, and collaborated with master musicians from Mali. Catriona is also the Regional Director for the Dolly Parton preschool book program 'The Imagination Library' www.imaginationlibrary.com
Meet some of our speakers from last year in this 6 minute video provided by one of our sponsors 'Feng She'.
Lori Livingstone
Prosperity Expert
Thursday June 28, 10:30am
Lori Livingstone has worked in the investment industry for over 25 years. In 1987, she was one of the youngest individuals (and the rare woman at the time) to earn her CFA– the professional designation considered the global gold standard in the investment industry. The majority of her career was spent managing investment portfolios for large corporations, as well as working on Wall Street in institutional sales. Lori’s dissatisfaction with the lack of ethics and integrity in the industry, and the realization that to be happy she wanted to make a more significant difference in people’s lives, led her to the choice of only managing investments for individual investors. Lori has very strong views as to how the industry has hurt the individual investor and how people can take action to ensure they make smart decisions about their financial lives. “Beware of experts,” she says… Empowering women to take control, heightening their awareness of the psychology around money, and helping women make smarter personal financial choices has become a life purpose for Lori. She is currently writing a book on these subjects.
www.lorilivingstone.com
Cora Flora
Canadian Recording Artist
June 25th to 29th
Music is a beautiful, creative, healing energy that Cora Flora is here to share. With intention and wisdom, she creates songs from the channel of her heart for the highest good of all, with magical guitar and sincere honesty. Although many of her songs are inspired by her personal experience, she also calls upon universal wisdom and loves to share intuitive prayers as they flow with the music. Born this lifetime in southern Ontario, she has since been on a gypsy path of following her heart across North America, Europe, Hawaii and beyond. Along her journey she has birthed five albums, all independently recorded and released. Her most recent album “Victoria” dives into the challenging soil of sexual healing; finding the courage within to honour the truth and transforming the wounds with transcendent illumination. Cora is on a blossoming path, touring to bring healing, joy, love, and inspirational vibrations to Mother Earth and all her lovely children. Once you feel the deep resonance of her songs, you will be inspired to connect with your soul’s harmonious music and enjoy your infinitely creative amazing life! www.coeur-de-fleurs.com
Edie Weinstein
The Bliss Mistress
'Transform the Ordinary into the Extraordinary!'
Tuesday June 26, 11:30am
Edie Weinstein is a work in progress, like everyone else on the planet; the artist of her own design and the mistress of her own bliss. Her business is called By Divine Design, the title of which came to her in a dream. When she asked what that meant, the Cosmic Creator answered "You'll know." She is a career journalist with 23 years experience interviewing some of the most amazing movers and shakers on the planet, including Ben & Jerry,Shirley MacLaine, Ram Dass, Michael Beckwith, Jack Canfield, Marianne Williamson, Dan Millman, Wayne Dyer, Elizabeth Lesser, Arielle Ford, Debbie Ford, SARK, Bernie Siegel. In addition, she is an interfaith minister, dynamic motivational speaker, opti-mystic, (seeing the world through the eyes of possibility), transformational coach, social worker and PR Goddess. She is the author of The Blis Mistress Guide To Transforming the Ordinary Into the Extraordinary which features an interview with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. She writes a regular column for Wisdom Magazine called The Bliss Mistress Guide www.wisdom-magazine.com, a daily blog for the interfaith website Beliefnet, called the Bliss Blog http://features.beliefnet.com/blissblog and a weekly blog for VividLife www.vividlife.me and a growing number of other venues.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1zzoV923uw
Bernadina Catari
Shaman ~ Cusco, Peru
'Special Message from PachaMama'
Wednesday June 27, 11:30am
Bernadina Catari, Peruvian Shaman, mother and guardian to PachaMama 'Goddess Mother Earth', has led an life unimaginable for most to comprehend. Discarded by her village as a child, an outcast to her entire community, Bernadina raised herself. Fate would have it, that she was befriended by a little black dog and working together, they both survived ten years living off the land. At 16 she re-entered civilization, and through one struggle after another, she is a true survivor and now 'thriver' of life. Bernadina is a self-taught shaman, protector of Mother Earth and a spiritual guide to others.
Special note - Grail Springs is working with the Canadian Consultate in Lima, Peru for permission to receive a visa to bring Bernadina to this year's Grail Lady Faire. If this is not granted, Grail Springs has made arrangements for a special live Skype interview and ceremony blessing from Cusco, Peru.
Vera Lopez
Founder of Spirits of the Earth
'The Shaman Within You'
Wednesday June 27th, 10:35am
"The prophecies of the ancient ones speak about this time as a period of great transformation. The primary transformation I see is to go within to connect with the wisdom of our heart's and allow that wisdom to lead, to guide, to create. We are the ones we have been waiting for and the Shaman Within, holds the ancient knowledge we have been seeking out. Through rituals, initiations, ceremonies and meditation, the Shaman Within awakes ... we invite you to take the journey... it's a journey you already knows where it leads, we are here to help you remember the way. In Munay." ~ Vera Lopez
Vera Lopez, spiritual guide, healer and sage, she is a native of Brazil, and began studying metaphysics and spirituality at the age of 18. For 14 years she studied, and worked, with Luiz A. Gasparetto in his spiritual center in Brazil. There she was a teacher, channeller, healer and spiritual counselor. She is also a Traditional Japanese Reiki teacher. Today she is deeply immersed in study with Debbie Ford and 'The Shadow Effect'. Since founding 'Spirits of the Earth' in 1989, she has touched the lives of hundreds of people personally guiding groups to Machu Picchu, Peru. Her extensive experience with Peru, the Andean Culture and her spiritual background insures all the participants the journey of a lifetime. Vera considers her work her ministry. Vera will bring her wisdom and grace to deliver ancient ceremony as she leads the opening and closing of the Grail Lady Faire. Her commitment is that each woman returns home transformed by joy, love, beauty and find her way to empowering all that she is. Official Website
Lorella Depieri
President of Results by Design
'Oneness Blessing Movement'
Wednesday June 27, 2:30pm
Lorella Depieri was drawn to India in 2008 and attended a 21-day process. After being trained in the Oneness philosophy she received the attunement to give the Oneness Blessing to others. She has since returned twice to India and is now a Oneness Trainer offering her learning and the Blessings. Passionate about awakening human potential where integration of the mind, body, emotions and soul practically results in a joyful, abundant life Lorella has explored higher vibrational modalities of learning and experience. She has had the honor of communing with wild dolphins all over the world, visiting sacred places, receiving healing from many Masters and sharing her experiences and learning with others. Lorella is also the President of Results by Design and an accomplished corporate facilitator, coach and presenter, providing services to some of the largest Canadian corporations.
Dr. Hyla Cass
Women's Health Advocate
'YOU: First things First!'
Monday June 25th, 12pm
Dr Hyla Cass is one of the country's foremost authors and speakers on the subject of integrative medicine. Hyla Cass, MD is an oft-quoted expert in the field of integrative medicine and psychiatry, combining the best of leading-edge natural medicine with the modern science, in her clinical practice, writings, lectures, and nationwide media appearances. She appears regularly as an expert in the field, on radio, TV (including The View, The Dr. Oz Show, E-Entertainment), and in various local and national publications, including the Huffington Post. She consults to the supplement industry on formulation, and is the author of and several popular books including Supplement Your Prescription, Natural Highs, and 8 Weeks to Vibrant Health. www.cassmd.com
Judith Onley
Author & Spiritual Intuitive
Special Channeled Message
Tuesday June 26th, 2pm
Judith Onley is a woman who has faced and conquered many challenges in her life. She lives from the heart, believes in her dreams, and has the strength of character to pursue her life’s purpose. Her faith in Spirit and the intrinsic goodness of human life characterizes both her work and her interactions with others. Through her role as Channel, Reiki Master, Energy Balancing Practitioner and Spiritual Mentor, Judith helps people to integrate harmony in the body, which creates freedom, inner peace and empowerment. By assisting people to connect with their "Divine Essence" and actually feel it in their body, she enables them to live the truth of who they are as Divine Beings. Since Dec. 2006, Judith has been touring Canada, the United States and Mexico sharing her gifts and wisdom. She is the author of “Your Mastery - Live It Now!” and is currently writing a number of other books. She cherishes the opportunity to share her life experiences – to inspire and motivate people to believe in themselves, and their dreams, thereby experiencing the “JOY” of life. www.dancewithspirit.com
Tara Greene
Astrologist
'Workshop ~ Ladies of the Grail'
Tuesday June 26th, 4pm
Tara Greene, born two months premature, with a very powerful 6th sense, Tara was aware from her earliest memories that she experienced the world in a very different consciousness then those around her. Tara is clairvoyant, clairaudient and clairsentient. What others term “other worldly” miraculous, paranormal, is every day to Tara. She’s had visions, dreams and many metaphysical experiences, which shaped her life path. Tara is a certified Transformational Psychotherapist, Lifespace Institute 1993. Tara graduated as a Tarot Master in 1990 from the Hermetic Institute, Toronto. Ceremony and Ritual Leader Tara has led monthly moon circle ceremonies with guided meditations continuously for over 15 years. She has led 3-day dream workshops, and specific dark goddess rituals. Tara is often instructed and inspired through the Dreamtime and in channelled meditations. www.taratarot.com
