2022 Speakers

Greg Brooks

Greg Brooks has been thinking, writing, and teaching for much of his adult life. He is passionate about the pursuit of learning in both formal and informal settings. Greg has taught at several colleges and currently serves as an adjunct in the humanities department at Lake-Sumter State College and teaches social studies at The Villages Charter High School.  His publications include articles written for Real Life Magazine, Liberty Magazine, and Gospel-Centered Discipleship. He and his wife, Fran, have three children and three grandchildren

Candice Jones

Candice W. Jones, MD, FAAP is a board-certified physician practicing as a general pediatrician in Orlando, FL. A former National Health Service Corps Scholar and spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics, Dr. Candice is committed to the health and well-being of underserved children and adolescents impacted.  She is an award-winning author, speaker, podcaster working with various charitable organizations and initiatives and to promote wellness in the community.

Judge Jason Nimeth

Judge Jason Nimeth received the degree of juris doctor from the Barry University Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law in 2010.  He currently serves as a circuit judge in the Fifth Judicial Circuit presiding over cases involving domestic relations, civil disputes, and criminal charges.  Prior to his appointment to the bench in 2019, he served as an Assistant State Attorney handling cases ranging from traffic offenses to career criminals.  He grew up in Lake County, Florida, and has the privilege of still calling it home for him and his family.

Ivan Marcial-Rodriguez

Ivan Javier Marcial-Rodriguez is an Enrollment Services Specialists at Lake-Sumter State College.  He is also a college student, Eagle Scout, DACA recipient, and most importantly an immigrant. He is an advocate for underrepresented voices in his community in underserved areas and actively trying to assist others in all walks of life whether educational, professional, or personal, while helping and educating many others on my journey. He enjoys rap music, poetry, meditation, fitness, video games, and spending time with my family/friends. He is honored to be a TEDxLSSC speaker for this event and learn from this experience.

Rena Martine

Rena Martine spent 14 years as a Deputy District Attorney for the Los Angeles County D.A.’s Office, where she specialized in domestic violence and sexual assault cases. She continues to serve women today as an intimacy coach, educator and writer, with a mission to help women love their bodies, experience deep intimacy and have great sex, shame-free. She educates hundreds of women per month on a variety of online wellness platforms, and has transformed the lives of dozens of women (and counting!) through her signature SHAMELESS coaching program.

Emily Middleton

Emily Middleton has been a synchronized swimmer since the age of 7. She has a passion for water sports and activities. During her time as a synchronized swimmer, she competed in four Junior Olympics across the county, also played water polo, was captain of the swim team, learned how to dive for her swim team, and got scuba certified. Currently Emily is in her second year attending school at the University of South Florida, working towards a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology Alongside her love of water she also enjoys ceramics, music, and exploring the outdoors.

Peter Napoles

Entrepreneur, Fine Arts Center Manager and Technical Director, Arts Advocate

Peter has an extensive background in the arts from gallery owner to a theatrical technical director. He currently works at Lake-Sumter State College in central Florida as Fine Arts Center Manager and Technical Director.

Lauren Parker

Lauren Parker, Psy.S., NCSP is a Nationally Certified, Florida Certified, and Florida Licensed School Psychologist. Lauren spent nearly a decade working for a large urban school district and is the Immediate Past President of the Florida Association of School Psychologists. Lauren has dedicated her career to serving students with academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs. Lauren’s work is centered on changing systems within schools and communities to support the social, emotional, and mental wellbeing of students and to support the development of these essential components of learning and lifelong success.

Ryan Schreiner

Ryan Schreiner is currently a student at the University of Central Florida working toward his undergraduate degree in Communication and Conflict with a minor in Leadership Studies. At the age of 5, he began taking piano lessons at the local music store owned by his family. It was easy for him to fall in love with music as he was constantly surrounded by it. Ryan is now a multi-instrumentalist who enjoys performing whenever he is given the opportunity. In his spare time, he frequents coffee shops, dabbles in carpentry, and volunteers in the community.

Cassandra Smith

Cassandra Smith has mentored youth and college-age students for 15 years. Her adventures have taken her to national touring internships, global travel, serving her local community, and writing. Her passion is in creating and spreading messages of wholeness through her passion project: “Change Your Narrative.” You can learn more about this innovative pathway at ImChangingIt.com.

Sulonda Smith

Sulonda Smith is a psychotherapist focused on helping teach people about maintaining healthy and loving relationships and works as a coach counselor. She holds a BA degree in English Literature and two MA degrees in Counseling from California State University Hayward and in Traditional Knowledge from the University of Creation Spirituality. In addition, Sulonda has worked with traditional and indigenous healers from around the globe learning ancient healing methods. Within her private practice, The Inner Circle, she helps many people strive toward creating balanced and passionate lives. Hundreds of clients credit her techniques with saving their marriages and improving relationships by showing them simple and practical ways to communicate their desires and love to partners, family, and friends. She has published a book called What Women Absolutely Must Know About Men: A Manual for Creating Passionate and Fulfilling Relationships.

Courtney Stokes

Courtney Stokes is an environmental science educator and past Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees of the Lake County Water Authority, as well as a former invasive plant researcher. She is passionate about conserving Florida’s incredible water resources and spreading public awareness about the benefits of restoring natural areas.

Laura Varich

Laura Varich is a medical doctor whose mission is to provide evidence-based information about the major driver of chronic disease in adults and children while working to avoid the agenda and hyperbole that typically underpin nutrition discussions. She is the founder of Fresh Physician, a company that grew out of a desire to help people understand how to turn the tide on the chronic diseases rampant in our society, such as weight gain, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, and more through dietary change.

Hillary Walsh

Hillary Walsh, a former foster care and juvi-kid turned lawyer, helps undocumented immigrants live free in the United States. She is an entrepreneur, law professor, mother of four, military wife, and avid Phoenix Suns fan. Hillary is living proof that gratitude is the solution for every problem.

Soar Athletics

Soar Athletics is Lake County’s only aerial studio located in Eustis, Florida.  They offer a wide range of aerial classes such as Silk, Lyra, Hammock and Trapeze starting at age 4, as well as Tumbling and Partner acro.   Soar Athletics strives to create an environment that is encouraging to beginners and others regardless of their skill level.  For more information go to: www.soarathleticsfl.com

The Greaneys

The Greaneys are a married couple from Eustis, Florida. Joe and Laura Greaney started this musical duo in their home studio during the pandemic with their dogs, Bowie and Gracie, as their first audience. Laura recently started her career as an Assistant State Attorney, and Joe is a budding law nerd. As Lake-Sumter State College alumni, they are stoked to be here on a TEDx stage.