THRIVE NOW! 

NISHA MANEK is an internally recognized leader in the field of integrative medicine. Nisha’s humble background from Kenya propelled her to transcend limitations: gender, ethnicity, and financial status. From Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, where she graduated Summa cum laude, to the University of Glasgow School of Medicine in Scotland, Nisha’s uncommon tenacity has driven her to ask difficult questions and pursue answers beyond traditional medical paradigms. Nisha began her career in rheumatology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Recognized as Teacher of the Year in the School of Medicine, she brings storytelling as a core skill to bedside medical teaching and on the plenary stage. But she didn’t stop there. Nisha partnered with one of the world’s most innovative physicists, Emeritus Professor William A. Tiller of Stanford University, and pushed the boundaries of what is possible in medicine. She is the preeminent doctor of information medicine, which intersects consciousness, biofield science, and rheumatology to improve human health. She has authored a one-of-a-kind book, Bridging Science and Spirit, which closes the gap between two seemingly separate areas of knowledge. She is a fellow of the American College of Physicians and a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of the United Kingdom. 

JERRY WELLIK is a teacher, storyteller, poet, and Master of Spring Forest Qigong (SFQ) as well as a Master Healer. He is a certified instructor who teaches Spring Forest Qigong Levels 1, 2, and 3 and regularly speaks at conferences and other events.  Jerry has been an educator for more than five decades, teaching at the elementary, secondary, and university levels. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Education as well as a Master’s and PhD in Special Education. Through his teaching and healing work, Jerry combines the wisdom of qigong with storytelling and poetry, helping people cultivate greater health, balance, and inner awareness.

NANCY HAVERA has been a Spring Forest Qigong practitioner since 2007. Teaching, growing, and sharing are part of Nancy’s soul purpose. Nancy is a retired Spanish teacher with an on-going love for continued work in any classroom. Nancy is a Spring Forest Qigong Certified Instructor and Certified Healer. She is trained to teach SFQ Levels 1, 2, and 3. She lives with her husband on a 300-acre farm whose purpose is to restore the natural habitat for wildlife.

SIU-LING BISOGNO HAU is a Certified Spring Forest Qigong (SFQ) Instructor, Qigong Healer, and Practice Group Leader. She also brings her expertise as a Holistic Counsellor, Rhythm 2 Recovery facilitator, and Reiki Master. In addition to her healing work, Siu-ling is a visual artist and illustrator with over 25 years of experience in the education sector. Teaching is at the heart of what she does, and she shares her passion by teaching and supporting people and community with the SFQ vision: “A healer in every home and a world without pain and suffering.” Join her and experience a nurturing, playful, and supportive space for growth and self-discovery.

JENNY CONNOR is a true Mother of Nature; nurturing others to reconnect with the Earth, the season, and themselves.  Often described as a 'Green Witch', she is someone deeply attuned to the natural world and passionate about sharing its wisdom through education and experience.  She is a retired doctor, dance teacher and offers consultations through her business Cup of Life Coaching on life and health challenges.  

CATHERINE DUNCAN, MA, BCC, is an integrative spiritual consultant devoted to whole-person healing. Through her private practice, Learning to Live, she supports individuals navigating chronic illness, grief, life transitions, and the search for deeper meaning and purpose. A board-certified chaplain and certified spiritual director, Catherine is trained in positive neuroplasticity and integrative healing modalities, including Reiki, Healing Touch, qigong, EFT tapping, and sound healing. She is also a speaker and writer. Her first book, Everyday Awakening: Five Practices for Living Fully, Feeling Deeply, and Coming into Your Heart and Soul, was released in July 2023. Her podcast, Everyday Awakening, launched in 2025.

CHLOE NEWTON has been implementing the teachings and practice of Spring Forest Qigong in her life since 2019. Now it has evolved into a way of living that she’s very passionate about.  In 2022 she became a certified SFQ practice group leader through Energy Healing International. In 2023 she deepened her practice even more, and attended a 30 hour SFQ retreat in Sedona, Arizona. Since then she has facilitated numerous group practices, workshops, and guided meditations in Minnesota around the Brainerd Lakes Area, through her LLC Heartfelt Healing. Chloe is now the mother of a two year old who is already a love radiator and qigong enthusiast.