Emily Larsen is a private chef, culinary educator, and founder of Spilling the Soup LLC. She is also an individual succeeding in recovery. She has worked diligently with the local non-profit community here in Pittsburgh to boost culinary education and decrease food insecurity. Her virtual and in-person cooking classes aim to bring joy, confidence, smiles, and delicious food to every kitchen.

A Kundalini Reiki Grand Master practitioner and Akashic Records reader, Kim transformed her life after a challenging journey through postpartum depression and years of buried trauma. Embracing an alcohol-free lifestyle, she found solace in Reiki, catalyzing a profound shift. Kim's path led her to become a skilled podcaster, motivational speaker, and intuitive energy reader, sometimes utilizing different forms of divination as well. Her own shadow work and healing journey evolved into a mission to support others on their paths, using her experiences and intuition to hold space for healing and transformation.

A dedicated sound healer whose passion lies in facilitating transformative experiences through the power of sound, Sarah is dedicated to helping individuals find peace, relaxation, and healing in a world often inundated with chaos. In a typical session, whether you are floating in the resonant tones of crystal bowls or relaxing into the soothing melodies of various instruments, she is able to create an environment conducive to inner exploration and rejuvenation. Each sound is carefully selected and played with intention, guiding participants on a journey of self-discovery and healing.

Larissa is a dedicated certified healer and coach, specializing in transformative modalities that empower individuals on their journey to self-discovery and wellness. With expertise as an intuitive life coach, breathwork facilitator, hypnotherapist, neural energetic practitioner + developmental psychology, Larissa blends ancient techniques with modern methodologies to create a holistic approach to healing and personal development. Passionate about helping others unlock their potential, Larissa guides clients through tailored sessions designed to release emotional blocks, enhance mindfulness, and foster lasting change. With a deep commitment to supporting others in their healing journeys, Larissa has become a trusted resource for those seeking growth, resilience, healing, and inner peace. Larissa is the owner/founder of Sainte’s Haven, a breathwork-based healing boutique for the modern mystic, and loves every second of it.

Patty is a mosaic artist from Point Breeze whose work explores themes of recovery, nature, and healing. Using glass and found materials, she creates pieces that capture the shifting light and perspectives of the natural world. Patty’s art invites viewers to find beauty in the everyday and celebrates the transformative power of creation.

Julia K. Toal, ATR-BC, LCAT, LPC, is a registered, board-certified Art Therapist, Licensed Creative Arts Therapist, Licensed Professional Counselor, and owner of HeART Felt Therapy in Sharpsburg. In addition to her private art therapy practice, Julia conducts group workshops. She is also a member of the Pittsburgh Collage Collective.

Katrina is a restauranteur and mocktail consultant. She has been a non-drinker for nearly 5 years, and hosts the Pittsburgh Mocktail Meetup, a monthly happy hour for Pittsburgh’s sober and sober curious crowd. Find her on IG @thenortheastginger

Violet is a vocalist with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theatre from Pace University in New York City. Alongside her career in theatre, she spent several years in the music industry as a recording artist and songwriter. Her roots are based in Pittsburgh where she returned in 2020 after an 11-year hiatus in New York City and a short year in Los Angeles. After experiencing personal profound healing returning to Pittsburgh (a place she swore she would never return as a teen), Violet has shifted into the healing space as a Sound Healing facilitator. Violet values authentic connection, community, and the ebb and flow of this human experience.

Ed Simon is the Public Humanities Special Faculty in the English Department of Carnegie Mellon University and the Editor-in-Chief for Belt Magazine and the forthcoming Pittsburgh Review of Books, as well as being a contributing editor to the Montreal Review. He is also an emeritus staff writer at The Millions, which the New York Times ahs called the "indispensible literary site", as well as being a monthly columnist for both 3 Quarks Daily and LitHub. In addition to those roles, Simon has been the Creative Nonfiction Editor at Carnegie Mellon University Press since 2024.

Matt is a passionate and professional drum circle facilitator with 6 years of facilitation experience,  over 14 years of teaching experience, nearly three decades of drumming expertise, and a degree from Berklee College of Music. His enthusiasm and engaging facilitation style captivate crowds, making the drumming process exciting and enjoyable. Matt firmly believes in the profound influence of rhythm on our lives, and he has wholeheartedly committed himself to sharing this transformative knowledge with others. Through his facilitation, he instills inspiration and empowerment, enabling individuals and communities to unlock their creative potential and forge deep connections. Matt seamlessly combines the arts of rhythm, movement, and mindfulness to provide a comprehensive and enriching experience.

Kyle is a certified breathwork facilitator, trained by David Elliott, with a deep commitment to healing through the power of the breath. A lifelong student of spirituality, Kyle is also a Vedic meditator and natural empath, known for creating safe, supportive spaces where others can reconnect with themselves and release what no longer serves them. His work is grounded in presence and compassion, blending intuitive insight with practical tools for emotional clarity and transformation. Whether through guided breathwork sessions or quiet moments of stillness, Kyle helps others find their way back to the wisdom already within.

Judi Garr grew up on the south side of Chicago and proudly hails from three generations of firefighters. The youngest of 4 children, Ken’s hilarious views on life are derived on growing up in a blue-collar family with his own white-collar aspirations. 

A former Managing Director at NASDAQ, Ken spent 13 years in corporate sales before exiting to pursue his dream of being a standup comedian. Since then, Ken has been featured on Fox, Hulu, Comedy Central and recently released his latest stand up special, “American Hero” on Amazon Prime. Ken headlines regularly at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas at Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club as well as all Laugh Factory and Improvs across the country and has two albums currently playing on Sirius/XM. Ken was also the head writer for the “Telethon for America”, writing for the biggest celebrities in the world which was viewed by millions and is currently a resident comedian for Cirque Du Soleil’s,“Mad Apple” in Las Vegas. Ken was the Creator and Executive Producer of “We the People”, a political comedy talk show and Creator and Producer of the extremely popular Saturday Standup Showcase “Long Hard Sets”, both at the Hollywood Improv. He was also the Creator and Host of the Hollywood Improv’s official development show, Lab Work and is the former host of the “Kym and Ken Show” powered by DASH Radio and co-host of the relationship podcast, “Benched” which he co-hosted with the Playboy Advisor. 

A graduate of the world famous Second City Conservatory Program in Chicago, Ken brings the influential characters of his life to stage with energy and zeal to produce a show that is nothing less than extraordinary.

Marta is a Grief Recovery Specialist/Coach, Meditation Guide, and Play Facilitator.  She has a passion, and energy for being able to take awkward moments and magically open others up to more meaningful conversations, and experiences. Through games, mindfulness, and creativity, Marta helps reawaken your inner child and forge fun and meaningful connections with others. More information on Marta at www.martaonthemove.com

Deena has been sharing her love of yoga as a practitioner since 2008. She obtained her 200-hour training in the Amazon jungles of Peru in 2022. Realizing alcohol was no longer serving her highest good, she decided to cut it from her life the same time she decided to go to yoga teacher training. She can't wait to share her passion for yoga with you in the fun, healing, and sober space that Teetotal Initiative provides! In this sacred space, every person receives an intuitive message, making each Reiki and Restore class a holistic journey of relaxation, energy alignment, and personal insight.

M.A., M.S., LPC, NCC, E-RYT, Angelica earned her M.S. in Addictions Counseling through Purdue University (2022), her M.A. in Arts Management from Goucher College (2012), and B.A. from Goucher in dance and psychology with concentrations in both arts administration and dance therapy (2009). She is a 500+ hour certified Yoga instructor through Yoga Factory Teacher Training. Angelica teaches multiple styles of yoga and coordinates domestic and international retreats, trainings, and education programs. Angelica is certified in both the Usui and Jikiden Reiki methods and is an LPC in Pennsylvania. Angelica is also the co-owner of Yoga Factory and Yoga Hive and owner of Radiant Elle yoga apparel.

Sharayah is an intuitive healer dedicated to helping others connect with the deeper, subconscious layers of themselves. Through her work, she brings hidden aspects to conscious awareness, facilitating healing, personal growth, and empowerment.  She is also a Kundalini Reiki Master and has been practicing as a Reiki Master and cacao ceremony facilitator for the past year. Sharayah’s holistic approach combines energy work with intuitive guidance, creating a space for profound transformation and inner alignment.

Meet Jana, Founder of Haus of Being, which is centered around returning to your true self through mindfulness, meditation, and movement. The key is in the word return as this is not a pursuit, but rather an uncovering. It is a restoration of who you truly are beneath the social conditioning and unrealistic expectations the world has dressed you in. It is only as your true self that you can fully experience the moments of your life.

Janim (the Steel City Bellydancer), is a professional performer and Director of the Pittsburgh Bellydance Academy at Art in Motion Pittsburgh. Janim has dedicated herself to the study of Middle Eastern Dance, its traditions, nuances, and deeper meaning and expression through performance, instruction, and continuing education. Her love of the dance can be seen in her dynamic performances and within her thoughtful instruction of her students in both workshops and classes where she presents the fundamentals of bellydance as well as the nuances of zilling and veil work. Her understanding of dance movement and technique and her training in Egyptian, Lebanese, and Turkish Oriental styles lends spirit, spontaneity, and heart to her dancing, captivating audiences wherever she performs. When not performing, organizing, or instructing, Janim is a landscape architect at her award-winning firm, Studio for Spatial Practice.

Karen is president of the Calligraphy Guild Pittsburgh. She began studying calligraphy 30 years ago and has taught at several locations in the Pittsburgh region and online via Zoom. She enjoys contemporary lettering with pointed pens, broad-edge pens, and brush markers. However, she also especially enjoys creating historic lettering and medieval illuminated letters working with gouache, gold gilding, and vellum. She loves sharing the spark of learning hand lettering with others who love words and letters. 

Corina  is an Usui Holy Fire Reiki Master, Animal Reiki Practitioner, Yoga Instructor, Equestrian Specialist, Meditation Coach, and Intuitive Medium. Corina's mission is to help as many people as she can enjoy the wonderful benefits and healing properties of Reiki, yoga, and connecting their own spiritual team and tools! Her enthusiasm for life is contagious and her goal is to make these services fun and accessible for everyone.

Ashley is a Swissvalian hailing from Large, PA, with over a decade of experience in Human Resources and Project Management. Known as the Harmony Architect and neighborhood peacemaker, she is the founder of Work Play Zen, a Pittsburgh-based collective supporting individuals through life transitions. Ashley creates immersive experiences that blend yoga, meditation, astrology, DISC psychology, and hands-on self-care to help people restore balance and navigate life with greater clarity.

Sheila is a writer and visual artist living in the Hazelwood neighborhood of Pittsburgh. She is the author of All Things Edible, Random and Odd: Essays on Grief, Love and Food (CLASH Books, 2023), as well as the poetry collections, Mostly Human, winner of the 2020 Wicked Woman Book Prize from Brick House Books, Beautiful Nerve (Tiny Hardcore, 2015), and four chapbooks of poetry.  Her abstract paintings have been featured through the Hoyt Center for Arts, The Ely Center, the Manos Gallery and Vestige Concepts Gallery, as well as in numerous literary journals like Brevity, A-Minor, Zocalo Public Square and Dogwood: A Journal of Poetry and Prose. She is a member of the Confluence Women’s Art Collective in Pittsburgh.  Sheila also directs and teaches in the MFA program in creative writing at Chatham University.

Judi is an Advanced Clinical Heart-Centered Hypnotherapist, Transpersonal Life Coach, and well-known astrologer. She teaches mental health and medical professionals how to administer hypnotherapy and has an active practice in Pittsburgh and online. Judi was called to sobriety more than four decades ago, and has used hypnosis and hypnotherapy to heal past wounds and sustain a healthy, substance-free lifestyle.