Meet the People Behind the VWR Experience
From world-class speakers to the team creating your daily experience — this is who you’ll spend 5 unforgettable days with.
*Note the 2026 VWR is not an all Raw retreat. While we do have a lot of fresh, raw options, we also have cooked options as well such as
Dr. Michael Greger, M.D., FACLM
Virtual Guest Speaker
Dr. Michael Greger is a physician, internationally recognized speaker, and New York Times bestselling author known for translating the latest scientific research into practical, life-changing guidance on nutrition, longevity, and disease prevention. He is the founder of NutritionFacts.org, a nonprofit dedicated to providing free, evidence-based information on how diet and lifestyle impact health.
Through decades of research, lectures, and publications, Dr. Greger has inspired millions around the world to embrace plant-based living as a powerful tool for healing, vitality, and compassionate living. His work bridges rigorous science with real-world application, empowering individuals to take charge of their long-term health.
For VWR 2026, Dr. Greger will be joining us virtually in the Great Hall for a special live presentation, where he will share evidence-based insights on plant-based nutrition and wellness, followed by an interactive live Q&A session exclusively for our retreat community.
This meaningful addition brings world-class expertise directly into the heart of the VWR experience.
Drs. Rick & Karin Dina, D.C.
Dr.’s Rick and Karin Dina D.C. are licensed clinicians with over 60 years of combined experience in teaching raw vegan education and embracing the lifestyle, their evidence based approach to raw food education is grounded in peer-reviewed research. They run one of the largest online raw food education programs at rawfoodeducation.com and are very passionate about living a healthy lifestyle!
Dr. Douglas Graham
Dr. Douglas Graham, a lifetime athlete and raw fooder since 1978, is an advisor to world-class and motivated athletes and trainers from around the globe. He was in private practice as a chiropractor for twenty years, before retiring to focus on his writing and speaking. Dr. Graham has been a pioneer in the raw food movement, and has been living and eating raw vegan for over 40 years!
Dr. Graham is the author of many books on health and raw food including The 80/10/10 Diet, The High Energy Diet Recipe Guide, Nutrition and Athletic Performance, Grain Damage, Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries, and his latest, Perpetual Health 365. He has shared his strategies for success with audiences at more than 4,000 presentations worldwide. Recognized as one of the fathers of the modern raw movement, Dr. Graham is the only lecturer to have attended and given keynote presentations at all of the major raw events in the world for each of the last eight years. Dr. Graham is also the creator of "Simply Delicious" cuisine and director of Health and Fitness Week, which provides Olympic-class training and nutrition for people of all fitness levels in beautiful settings around the world. He will inspire, motivate, educate, and entertain you like no one else in the health movement can.
Dr. Eduardo Corassa
Dr Eduardo Corassa is a Clinical nutritionist graduated from Veiga de Almeida University. With an emphasis on raw and plantbased diets, within the health model called Natural Hygiene. Creator of the company Saúde Frugal, he is the author of ten books (6 scientific books on the topic of in lifestyle medicine and 4 raw vegan recipes) 6 online courses, Youtuber with more then 1 million followers on all social medias, Raw food Chef, international speaker and minister of immersion retreats.
Extensive experience as a speaker, with a lecture on TEDx talks. For 19 years he has lived on an exclusively raw food diet and for 16 years he has coordinated Saúde Frugal, teaching how to obtain health by living healthy, using a whole, raw diet based on fruits and vegetables (Frugivore diet), sun, sleep, physical exercises and reintegration with nature’s laws.
At the age of 22 he was diabetic, obese, suffering from gastrointestinal, immunological, respiratory and inflammatory problems, scheduled for surgery for a herniated disc and a deviated septum. He reversed his illnesses and surgical needs through the hygienist lifestyle, a type of lifestyle medicine that advocates health for healthy living. Practitioner of long water fasts and intermittent fasting for years, having already done several long fasts, one of them of 39 days with only water in a fasting institution in Costa Rica.
He advocates that health is produced by healthy living and aims to help everyone reach their full potential, through healthy living that provides the biological requirements for the human organism to thrive! That the focus of patient care, medicine and nutrition should be first and foremost on a lifestyle and a natural diet, rich in fresh, raw, mature, whole plants.
www.saudefrugal.com.br
https://www.instagram.com/drcorassarawfoodnutritionist/
https://youtube.com/@drcorassarawfoodnutrition777?si=FVpaEM3nolz2ukr_
https://www.tiktok.com/@drcorassaenglish
Yifat Malachi
At VWR 2026, Yifat will give two talks: Addressing Cravings On A Raw Food Diet and Healing Emotional Eating - both will be eye opening and help you sustain this lifestyle with much more ease, and fully reap its benefits.
Yifat has helped thousands transform their lives and enjoy extraordinary health with a raw lifestyle, teaching how to make it simple, enjoyable, and personally tailored. Her unique expertise lies not only in nutrition itself but also in the mental and emotional sides of eating, which are major keys to long-term success.
She's a certified raw food educator and founder of NaturalHealth.me, where thousands have gone through her Raw Food Foundations Course. A graduate of Drs. Dina and Dr. Graham’s teachings, she's also a mom of 4, passionate about healthy and energetic pregnancy, breastfeeding, and raising healthy children.
🎁 Special community gift:
Free access to The Beginner’s Guide to Raw Food (normally $97).
Limited to 250 spots → https://naturalhealth.me/coupon/vwr/
Jonny Morelli
Jonny Morelli aka Jonny Juicer Is a health and wellness enthusiast, creator & coach who started his journey after healing himself through juicing, a whole foods plant based diet & other lifestyle changes. Along the way he was able to inspire his mother to do the same with her reversing heart disease and getting off 6 medications. His goal is to help others take control of their health & unlock their true potential & purpose by sharing his journey and what’s worked for him in a fun and relatable way creating fun and engaging content with his dog Noah (noah_the_yorkie) to help inspire others while bringing some laughs.
Chris Kendall
Chris Kendall earns his bananas flowing as a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Raw Vegan Lifestyle Coach, and Raw Food Chef. It’s his passion to help make the raw food lifestyle as tasty and easy as possible via his consultation services, online course, raw recipe books and his free raw recipes app. Paying it forward, Chris offers his base consultations on a by-donation basis.
Social Media
Instagram - @therawadvantage
Youtube - youtube.com/therawadvantage
Ebooks - therawadvantage.com
Free Raw Recipe App therawadvantage.com/raw-recipe-app/
Lissa Marris
Lissa, a passionate advocate for the raw vegan lifestyle since 2014, champions animal welfare and optimal health. Speaking at various events and summits, she delights in crafting delectable raw vegan recipes. Merging her photography prowess with culinary skills, Lissa has curated recipe books and meal plans, urging others towards raw, wholesome choices. Dive deep with her insights on battling cravings and navigating the mindset for healthful decisions. Choose vibrant living with Lissa!
You can find her ebooks here: http://payhip.com/rawfoodromance and enjoy 40% off with code: RAWFOOD40
Join the Raw Food Romance Online Community at https://bit.ly/rawfoodromancecommunity
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/c/rawfoodromance
All other links: http://sociatap.com/rawfoodromance
Nate Marris
Nate has been thriving on a raw food lifestyle since 2017 and is passionate about helping others do the same. Through his engaging YouTube videos and dedicated online private community, Nate focuses on inspiring men to improve their health by eating more raw, plant-based foods. His community is a supportive space where men can learn how to boost their energy, improve blood flow, and take charge of their well-being. With a focus on practical, easy-to-follow advice, Nate loves teaching others how to incorporate raw foods into their lives for long-term health and vitality.
You can find Nate's ebooks here: http://payhip.com/rawnattyn8 and enjoy 40% off with code: RAWFOOD40
Join Nate's online community here: https://www.skool.com/full-mast-empire-6715/about
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/natemaris
All other links: http://sociatap.com/nicecreamking
Ellen Livingston
Ellen Livingston is a natural health and wellness mentor whose insight is grounded in over 20 years of experience dedicated to a raw vegan lifestyle, and helping others access and integrate Nature’s wisdom, and choose a creative, heart-led life. Known for her sincerity, compassion, and accessible teaching style, Ellen Livingston is a top-rated, sought-after public speaker, educator, mentor and writer for topics ranging from raw vegan science, to lifestyle considerations, to mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. Her audience includes those who are seeking to raise their health and energy levels, to those ready to embark on the deepest emotional and spiritual healing journeys. She has been mentoring others, presenting at The Woodstock Fruit Festival, and leading unique wellness retreats in North America and Costa Rica since 2007. Ellen writes a weekly blog on Substack, and has published 2 books: “The Ultimate Raw Food Diet Detox and Wellness Program,” and “Following Nature Home: Raw truths uncovered on a 20-year fruitarian odyssey.”
Matt Bennett
Matt Bennett is a Holistic Health Educator with a passionate focus on raw, living foods, and detoxification. Matt grew up with several common health issues including asthma, eczema, dry skin, frequent congestion, and more. After discovering the concept of a whole-food, plant-based, raw vegan diet and lifestyle in 2011, he witnessed the healing of virtually all of his childhood health conditions. He now enjoys inspiring people to eat more raw fruits and vegetables through his books, social media, and his monthly newsletter at Myrawintuition.com.
Find Matt's books, services, and newsletter at: https://myrawintuition.com/shop/
Also find Matt’s books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B09Z35CF3K/allbooks?ingress=0&visitId=01c61faa-bd98-4461-b28e-2a22f70049c5&store_ref=ap_rdr&ref_=ap_rdr
Connect with Matt on social media:
Don Bennett, DAS
A 50 year vegan and 24 year raw vegan, Don has discovered a lot on his learning journey. At a young age, he uncovered inconsistencies within the health field, such as doctors who smoked, and nutritionists who ate foods that were known to be harmful. Being a seeker of truth, he set out to learn the realities of health for himself. Discovering that traditional curriculums were filled with biases, hidden agendas, misinformation and missing information, Don became self-taught, avoiding the hurdles set up by academic tradition. He took a commonsense approach to such subjects as physiology, anatomy, and biology, and learned the value of looking past the “conventional wisdoms” and applying a healthy dose of skepticism to all accepted notions. This approach, along with putting into practice what he had learned, allowed him to discover the realities of health. Forty-five years later, as a Disease Avoidance Specialist, Don now shares this wealth of enlightening and empowering information with others for their consideration and benefit.
Don has enjoyed a thriving counseling practice for 22 years, specializing in helping people who have failed to thrive on one of the vegan or raw vegan diets to be successful, and how to avoid the fails in the first place for those just starting. Don’s third book is all about the conflicting information in the raw vegan community, and discusses why this unfortunate situation exists. Don’s first book, “How to Avoid Degenerative Disease” has proudly adorned book shelves in health food stores all around the world. His second book was a collaboration with 200 raw vegans, and has helped answer many important questions about the raw vegan diet.
Don lives his life by these two mottos: “Seek the truth though the heavens may fall” and “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you”, and he is fond of saying, “When you give your body what it wants, and don’t give it what it doesn’t want, vibrant health can be yours, and you can have the best odds of living to your health and longevity potentials.”
To learn more about Don Bennett's work check out https://health101.org
Adrianna Kollar
Adrianna is a certified raw vegan health coach, content creator (@adrianna.banana) and full-time fruit enthusiast. She received her coaching certification from Dr. Douglas Graham (author of the “80/10/10 DIet”). She was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis 9 years ago and has healed her most debilitating symptoms with a high-fruit, raw vegan diet. Adrianna is a loud and proud advocate for self-healing and her mission is to help people to take the appropriate actions that will support their bodies’ ability to self-heal.
Cecilia Leibovitz
Cecilia Leibovitz is the owner of a Vermont-based detox studio dedicated to supporting the body’s innate ability to heal through gentle, non-invasive therapies. Guided by the principle that true health comes from what we remove—not what we add—Cecilia helps people create space for vitality and resilience.
Her journey with plant-based living began in childhood; she grew up vegetarian from the age of six, later transitioned to vegan, and spent many years as an adult navigating an unhealthy vegetarian diet. In 2004, she began exploring raw veganism and continued to return to it over the years. In 2021, amid an eight-year struggle with chronic Lyme disease and mold illness, she committed fully to a high raw vegan lifestyle and experienced a profound shift—her symptoms dramatically reduced, reaffirming her belief in the healing power of plants and natural detoxification.
Cecilia is a certified Gravity Colon Hydrotherapist, raw foods educator, and is currently completing certification in Assisted Lymphatic Therapy (ALT), a soothing, light-touch modality that supports detoxification, immune health, and overall balance. At the retreat, she will offer educational talks and hands-on mini-sessions to introduce participants to the benefits of lymphatic therapy. Deeply passionate about natural detoxification and the healing potential of raw plant foods, she loves sharing her knowledge and witnessing the transformative shifts people experience on their healing journeys.
You can connect with her through: https://cecilialeibovitz.com
Anecia
Founder of Heal Empowered
Anecia EarthCreature and Victor are passionate about bringing fruitful wellness to the world. Collectively, they have been fruit-based raw vegan for about 16 years and have recently co-created a beautiful, healthy, energetic, baby girl- with their foundational lifestyle of many years of fruits, greens, nature, sunshine, outdoor activity, positive belief, and self care. With the art of detoxification, they have healed various chronic symptoms and have discovered their potent soul mission. And met divinely in Love along the way
Anecia and Victor have many years of studies in cellular detoxification and regeneration, herbology, iridology, and raw food nutrition - applying it in their daily lives and for their clients- transforming lives one fruit at a time.
Anecia founded and created www.HealEmpowered.com - an online space that houses a wellness blog, fruity apparel shop, educational content, and information about the full-body detoxification protocols, iridology analysis, and wellness coaching services she offers. With her Energy To Thrive Program she has been helping people reclaim true energy from the 5 holistic natural elements of prana. Specializing in healing adrenal and neurological fatigue - which most people in the modern world suffer from. She has helped many people around the world cleanse their bodies of toxicity, parasites, acidosis, heavy metals, junk food addictions, and more in order to uncover the infinite energy that resides in the metaphysical and physical body when aligned with nature's vibrant way. She is recently passionate about helping mothers recover their endocrine system/adrenal glands postpartum to heal fatigue and tap into beautiful energy in pregnancy, postpartum and for their children as well! She also records guided wellness meditations to bring relaxation and healing through powerful affirmations. Anecia is also currently writing a fruit-based raw vegan recipe book full of light, colorful, hydrating, delicious recipes!
Together Anecia and Victor have inspired many people of all ages to immerse in nature and align with our natural biology and anatomy of the fruitful living foods path for increased hydration, alkalinity, nourishment, divine sun energy, and vitality for individuals and families to truly heal empowered. Blessings and blissings!
Find them here:
Www.instagram.com/healempowered
Www.instagram.com/healingbodynature
https://healempowered.com/shop/
https://youtube.com/@bodywellnessmeditations
Contact: healempowered@yahoo.com
Tom Whitmire
TOM WHITMIRE, CD
Tom is the Director of Restor Retreat in South Florida. Restor Retreat focuses on Helping People to Heal From Mystery Symptoms, Chronic Illness, AutoImmune Issues & Undiagnosed Conditions. Tom is a CERTIFIED DOULA, & Acts as a Prenatal Birth Coach & Pregnancy Advisor. He has Worked With Countless Satisfied Couples… Providing Prenatal Support, Guidance & Education. Tom Specializes in Optimal… Fertility, Natural Conception, Prenatal Health, Prenatal Nutrition, Natural ChildBirth, Birth Plans, The Optimal Hour, Post Birth Optimizations & Raising an Optimal Child. His Focus is on Helping Couples to Birth Optimal Babies Into This World With an Emphasis on Normal Natural Birth that Does not Require Invasive Medical Procedures & Unwanted Interventions. He Works Hard Every Day to Make Sure Infants are Born Strong & Grow Up to be Healthy & Happy. Tom is Often Quoted as Saying, “Birth is a Natural Event that Sometimes Happens Medically… not a Medical Event that Sometimes Happens Naturally.” Tom has Created an Extensive Course Designed to Educate Couples on Optimal Fertility & Optimal Birth for an Optimal Child.
Learn More About Tom & His Optimal Birth Course at:
www.Sproutstanding.com/birth
Tom is the Director of Restor Retreat.
www.RestorRetreat.com
Sharon Greenspan
Sharon Greenspan is a Board Certified Holistic Health and Energy Medicine Practitioner. She is also a Life Coach and international speaker known for helping people heal from the inside out. With over two decades of experience in holistic wellness (and as a raw enthusiast!), she blends energy medicine, somatic awareness, and plant-based nutrition to guide others toward emotional and physical freedom.
Having reversed her own diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis (spine fusing together) — as well as years of chronic anger, migraines and depression — Sharon speaks from lived experience. Her healing journey began with vegetarianism in 1982, evolved into veganism in 1991, and deepened into raw vegan living in 2005. She lives what she teaches, offering others a grounded, compassionate, and deeply informed path to true wellness.
At this retreat, Sharon will provide chakra balancing and lead a transformative talk on ending emotional eating. With a focus on uncovering the emotional and energetic roots of eating behaviors, she helps participants identify patterns and triggers, regulate their nervous systems, and reconnect with their bodies in a conscious and nourishing way. She will also provide strategies for negotiating events such as holidays, family gatherings and work parties.
Whether working one-on-one or speaking on international stages, Sharon is known for her heart-centered presence, deep wisdom, and ability to catalyze real, lasting change. Sharon's website is www.SharonGreenspan.com.
Grant Campbell
Grant Campbell, aka Raw Aussie Athlete, has lived as a raw vegan since 2005 and hosted over 40 retreats including 15 years of the famous Thailand Adventure Retreat held every May.
Grant is author of "Fruit-based Life: The Food" which is the most extensive catalogue of fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds available, grouped by food combining, botanical and culinary terms. His anticipated book on Food Combining will be released in 2026. His "Raw Aussie Athlete" YouTube channel features content on emotional health, running, travel and the fruit-based raw vegan lifestyle.
As an athlete, Grant has completed over 70 ultra marathons of up to 250 km (155 miles) in under 35 hours without sleep and received multiple bravery awards for his work as a volunteer lifeguard on Australian beaches.
A gentle spirit with strong ethics, Grant values supporting others to choose a passionate, fulfilling life founded on health and integrity. For over 15 years Grant has been featured at the major fruit-based raw vegan festivals where he continues to offer educational presentations, food demos, support groups, group runs and running workshops.
Grant aspires to bring his very best to all endeavors, including his long term goal to run 100 miles (161 km) after his 100th birthday to demonstrate the long term benefits of healthful living.
You can find the books, retreats, festival schedule and lifestyle information for Grant (and his amazing partner Omaira) at:
* fruitbasedlife.com
* LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/fruitbasedlife
Omaira
Omaira embraced a fruit-based raw vegan lifestyle after being diagnosed with chronic hives and IBS six years ago—and through her deep dive into natural hygiene, water fasting, and all things holistic health, she was able to reverse the chronic hives. Since then, she’s been joyfully exploring what it truly means to rebuild and thrive on a fruit-based lifestyle. These days, you’ll often find her studying Qigong, practicing somatic healing, or passionately sharing her love for vibrant fruits, movement, and living a naturally healthy, energized life. Instagram: @fruitfulomi Web: fruitbasedlife.com
Mike and Denise Young
Born in 1970, Mike Young, and his wife Denise Young, specialize in Human HealthSpan and Longevity. Mike is continually pushing the envelope of what’s possible in these areas by promoting a radical return to nature. Mike is the Founder + CFO ( Chief Foodie & Farming Officer ) of the independent aPlantBasedDiet.org 501(c)(3) non-profit that’s been “Improving Society For Future Generations” since 2014. Mike is the author of the “life manual” book ‘LIVE to 150’ that’s available to listen to or watch at no cost like a podcast or audiobook @ http://LIVEto150.org (http://liveto150.org/)
Mike’s goal is to eradicate all non-communicable diseases in humans via practicing the 6 pillars of both Lifestyle Medicine and Healthy Vegan Food. The HVF nutritional standard was developed by APBD and more info can be found @ http://HealthyVeganFood.info (http://healthyveganfood.info/)
Mike has also developed Health Optimization Clubs and Travel events to allow folks to leave their homes and socialize without hurting their health + some remote participation is also possible! The full calendar of FUN events with food that doesn’t harm humans can be found @ http://PlantBasedEvents.info (http://plantbasedevents.info/) and includes the annual January http://HealthOptimizationCruise.org (http://healthoptimizationcruise.org/) and December http://HealthOptimizationSafari.org (http://healthoptimizationsafari.org/)
In addition to these “vacations you don’t have to recover from” Mike is also working on developing top health level zero chemicals vegan regenerative food growing projects and communities in Virginia, North Carolina, Florida, Ecuador and Uganda.
The 6 Healthy Vegan Food nutritional pillars for food that’s as organic and chemical free as possible:
1 - whole plant fiber
2 - zero animal products
3 - zero added oil + keep % of calories from fat @ 10% max
4 - zero added salt / sodium
5 - zero alcohol
6 - zero refined sugar ( dates, molasses and maple syrup are ok )
John Kohler
John Kohler is a globally recognized expert in plant-based nutrition, juicing, and home food cultivation. Since 1995, he has followed a nutrient-dense raw fruit and vegetable diet to rebuild his health and strengthen his immune system after a life-threatening battle with spinal meningitis, likely due to complement immune deficiency. His decades of research focus on achieving the highest levels of health through fresh, minimally processed foods. As a sought-after educator and speaker, John has dedicated his life to teaching others how to optimize their diet and well-being. He has produced over 3,500 educational YouTube videos, amassing more than 198 million views and over 1.2 million followers across his platforms. His flagship channel, OKRAW, features over 850 videos on raw food nutrition, helping viewers harness the power of fresh, whole foods. John is also the founder of DiscountJuicers.com, where he is regarded as the world's leading expert on nutrient concentration and preservation using juicers and vacuum blenders. On his DiscountJuicers YouTube channel, he has created over 900 videos, educating people on the best appliances to incorporate more plants into their diet. Beyond nutrition, John is a pioneering advocate for homegrown food. Over the past 20+ years, he has experimented with the most effective methods to grow the highest-quality produce in urban environments. His groundbreaking work proves that anyone can cultivate a nutrient-rich, abundant garden—even in a small space. His widely popular YouTube channel, GrowingYourGreens, boasts over 1,750 videos, where he teaches millions how to grow their own food efficiently. John's expertise is in high demand, and he is a regular keynote speaker and instructor at major health festivals, gardening conferences, and nutrition summits worldwide. His hands-on approach, deep knowledge, and engaging teaching style make him one of the most trusted voices in the space of plant-based living, juicing, and sustainable food production. With a lifelong mission to empower people to take control of their health through better nutrition and home gardening, John continues to inspire millions to eat better, grow their own food, and live healthier, more sustainable lives.
Stacey Heiny
Stacey Heiny is a holistic nutritionist, certified plant-based coach, and former Pilates studio owner with an extensive background in mind-body wellness. With a passion for helping women elevate their health, confidence, and beauty, Stacey blends modern science and holistic practices to create transformative beauty and wellness routines.As an advocate for beauty and vibrant health, Stacey specializes in the powerful benefits of waterless beauty and plant-based living while mentoring her team and supporting wellness clients. Alongside her husband, she owns an organic farm where they cultivate produce sold at local farmers markets, embodying her commitment to sustainable and nourishing living.A dedicated homeschool mom, Stacey is no stranger to the balance of family, business, and self-care. She uses her personal journey and professional expertise to inspire others to prioritize their wellness while embracing a fulfilling and intentional lifestyle.Connect with Stacey on Instagram: www.instagram.com/theherbanfarmacy
Karen Ranzi, M.A.
Karen Ranzi, M.A. is a vegan health coach since 1998, award-winning author, internationally acclaimed speaker, founder of the online 100-hour Vegan Coach Certification Course, and a speech and language pathologist for 43 years.
Karen has been vegan since 1989 and raw vegan since 1994. Her health-coaching work focuses on helping women with weight, hormonal, and gut issues; guiding parents in raising the healthiest vegan children; and supporting families in healing and preventing autism through nutrition and lifestyle.
Karen is the winner of the Living Now Award in Health and Nutrition from Independent Publishers, and the Peer-to-Peer Award for Service to Children’s Health for her first book Creating Healthy Children. Her additional books include Raw Vegan Recipe Fun for Families; Heal and Prevent Autism: Natural Solutions That Work; and her 2024 release, Bye Bye Acne: Clearing Over 25 Years of Cystic Acne in 3 Months.
Karen has traveled throughout the United States and internationally to speak on the profound benefits of a low-fat raw vegan lifestyle. She has been a featured presenter at the London Vegfest, the Woodstock Fruit Festival, and hundreds of events in Australia, Borneo, Russia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Canada, the U.K., and across the U.S.
In 1994, Karen helped heal her three-year-old son from asthma and chronic ear infections, and healed herself from cystic acne, hormonal imbalances, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) through dietary and lifestyle changes.
Drawing from decades of education, life-changing personal experience, and a deep passion for helping others, Karen has guided thousands toward vibrant health through simple raw plant-food living.
FeelFabulousWithFood.com — Vegan Coach Certification Course
SuperHealthyChildren.com — Raising the Healthiest Vegan Children
Ray Rinkes
Ray Rinkes is a dedicated registered nurse with a passion for promoting wellness through lifestyle medicine. With a specialization in cardiac health and a degree in Exercise Science, Ray combines his expertise in healthcare and fitness to help individuals achieve vibrant health and well-being.
As a whole food/high raw nurse, Ray is a firm believer in the transformative power of a nutrient-dense diet and the health benefits of raw, plant-based foods. He brings his passion and knowledge to his role as a nurse at the Vegan Wellness Festival, where he offers compassionate care and guidance to attendees.
Ray’s commitment to service extends beyond his professional work. He has served as the nurse for the 2024 Woodstock Fruit Festival and has volunteered with Ledge Light Health District in Connecticut, consistently going above and beyond to support the health and wellness of his community.
A self-described fitness fanatic, Ray is as enthusiastic about staying active as he is about helping others. Whether he's out for a run, listening to the latest health podcasts, or delving into books on cutting-edge medical discoveries, he’s always learning and staying at the forefront of health science.
Known for his warm, approachable nature and versatile skills, Ray enjoys being helpful in all aspects of life—from providing health advice to proofreading scripts or even helping with a move. His dedication to understanding health at both micro and macro levels reflects his holistic approach to wellness.
Ray is thrilled to share his expertise and passion at the Vegan Wellness Festival, empowering others to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Andrew Snow
Andrew Snow is a performance and mindset coach for distance runners and the author of Run Elite, a transformative program that combines mindset mastery, plant-based nutrition, and elite training science to deliver breakthrough results. With a degree in exercise physiology, a master's in biomechanics, and extensive training under Tony Robbins' Master University, Andrew has helped runners shave as much as an hour off their marathon times in just 9 weeks.
A seasoned competitor with 29 years of experience, Andrew has claimed a conference title on the track, completed multiple Boston Marathons, and conquered extreme endurance events like the Tahoe 200-mile and the Arizona Monster 300-mile endurance runs. Based in Asheville, NC, he continues to run, chase the finest tropical fruit, and push the boundaries of both endurance and business.
Bradley Lovell
Bradley James is a longtime meditation practitioner and facilitator who stewarded the Southeast Vipassana Center in southern Georgia for three years. With thousands of hours in silence and multiple 10–30 day retreats, his practice has a fermata at its core—an intentional lingering that invites the numinous quiet most people rush past. Years of travelling—including hiking in the Himalayas and Patagonia, completing the Pacific Crest Trail, and backpacking across South America—have given him a wayfarer’s sensibility: simple, spacious, and attentive to the body’s weather. A true Renaissance soul, he makes striking wood-and-epoxy pieces - tactile prayers dressed in brilliant colors—and composes music that is heart-opening and kinetic. Above all, he seeks to be of service to those aiming for freedom; the instruments he brings are humble and exacting—his hands and his voice.
At the Michigan Vegan Wellness Retreat, Bradley leads a Nervous System Reset, a beginner-friendly, mostly lying-down session that blends somatic drills, contraction-and-release, and guided meditation into a portable repertoire of regulation. Expect a gentle downshift from stress, an equanimous steadiness of attention, deeper embodiment, cleaner focus, and honest relaxation. No prior experience is needed—only a willingness to listen for the body’s quieter interoceptive cues and let them tune the day. Learn more at bradleyjameslovell.com and veganwellnessretreats.com
Eileen Crone
Eileen Wieder Crone, RD, MS, ERYT 500 is a Registered Dietitian, Registered Yoga Teacher, Certified QiGong/Tai Chi Instructor, an Exercise Physiologist with American College of Sports Medicine, and a Kripalu-trained Mindful Outdoor Guide. As an Adjunct Professor of Wellness, Nutrition, Yoga and Tai Chi at Harrisburg Area Community College in Central Pennsylvania, Eileen practices what she preaches by hiking, swimming, bicycling and doing yoga and tai chi many times each week. Eileen, who lives in Pennsylvania, has been on a high-raw, whole-foods plant-based diet since the 1980's "just because it makes a lot of sense and it tastes good."
Forest Bathing also known as shinrin-yoku is a method to relieve tension, manage stress and simply appreciate being outdoors in nature. We'll meander slowly through the forest, pausing to use our senses and absorb the natural healing properties of the plants. We share our experiences throughout the session, connecting also to one another. Please wear appropriate footwear and layers. Taught by Eileen Wieder Crone, MS, Certified Outdoor Mindful Guide.
QiGong , an ancient practice from China, uses gentle movement, breathwork, meditation and self-applied massage to cultivate Qi (energy) to stimulate the "healer within." Practicing the Nine Phases of Qi Cultivation has been shown to create flow and relaxation. Wear comfortable, non-binding clothing. Taught by Eileen Wieder Crone, MS, Certified QiGong Instructor.
Tai Chi Easy, as implied, allows us to easily learn a 5-part form, doing it standing still and then walking. This Tai Chi style is not a martial art application but a healing form to enhance health and well-being. Movements include harmonizing yin and yang, brush knee and send Qi, cutting a path to clarity, hands like clouds and gathering from earth and heaven. Wear clothing that allows easy movement. Taught by Eileen Wieder Crone, MS, Certified Tai Chi Instructor.
Lexi Tavares
Lexi Tavares is a passionate advocate for raw living, joyful movement, and holistic transformation. In 2019, she experienced a remarkable transformation in shedding 70 pounds in less than three months through the power of raw foods, intentional body movement, and a mindset rooted in abundance and self-love. This journey didn’t just change her body—it ignited a mission to help others reclaim their health, confidence, and vitality.
Now a certified yoga teacher (500-hour RYT), award-winning dance instructor, and certified Groove Method facilitator, Lexi combines movement, music, and mindfulness to create an experience of pure embodiment and joy. Her Groove dance class at the retreat offer a liberating space where participants can connect with their bodies, release limitations, and celebrate life through intuitive movement. It’s the easiest and most fun dance class you’ll ever attend!
Beyond movement, Lexi is the founder of Healthy Dynamic Life, where she empowers women to achieve lasting health and confidence through raw plant-based nutrition, mindset shifts, and fun, sustainable lifestyle practices. Her work goes beyond the physical—helping women break free from restrictive dieting, heal their relationship with food, and step into a life of vibrant energy and self-expression.
Matthew Goetzka
Matthew Goetzka is a budding watercolorist native to West Michigan who has developed a specialized style that originated from mimicking raindrops. His creation process of stipple painting is achievable through absolute presence. Working with living water, mainly sourced from rivers, each dot on the page is a point of connection and a release of tension. He is deeply passionate about sharing this work and grateful for the appreciation it receives.
2026 Chefs
2026 Head Chef
Kevin Black
Kevin Black (aka @rawfoodiestyle on Instagram)
In 2009 Kevin had an eye-opening, spiritual awakening that totally altered the direction of his life. Later that year he was delivered from a 22 year alcohol addiction and started to be more mindful as to what he was ingesting into his body. It started out with an anti-fungal diet (similar to Atkins, Keto & Paleo) for a few years but he never really obtained the results he was hoping to achieve. In 2014 his brother was hospitalized with liver failure and soon after passed. This prompted Kevin to dig deeper into holistic health and that’s when he came across the raw vegan lifestyle. Every fiber of his being just knew that this would be the big breakthrough that he had been looking for. In March of 2015 he dove in headfirst and never looked back.After 10 years, Kevin is still as enthusiastic about this way of eating as he ever was. He enjoys lots of fresh fruit, big salads and simulation meals of past favorites. All of his recipes are low-fat friendly and oil-free. His ebooks can be purchased from his store at https://payhip.com/RawFoodieStyle
2026 Head Pastry Chef
Lilla Sulkala
Raw food nutritionist and the head Pastry chef at the 2026 Vegan Wellness Retreat. Lilla hosts raw vegan retreats and courses in Finland and Spain, as well as coaches online. She switched to raw foods 5 years ago to heal her acne but surprisingly healed everything else in her life too. Depression and anxiety disorder disappeared within one week of a nutrient-dense fruit based low fat raw food diet. No more pain or unexplained sensations were left in her body. No more flus, infections and visits to a doctor. She learned with the very best teachers from Mastering Raw Food Nutrition (Drs. Karen and Rick Dina) and she is now spreading the wisdom. Lilla aim's to make others healthy and happy too and we are grateful to have her be a part of our team!
2026 Sous Chef & Sauce Boss
Chris Kendall
Chris Kendall earns his bananas flowing as a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Raw Vegan Lifestyle Coach, and Raw Food Chef. It’s his passion to help make the raw food lifestyle as tasty and easy as possible via his consultation services, online course, raw recipe books and his free raw recipes app. Paying it forward, Chris offers his base consultations on a by-donation basis.
Social Media
Instagram - @therawadvantage
Youtube - youtube.com/therawadvantage
Ebooks - therawadvantage.com
Free Raw Recipe App therawadvantage.com/raw-recipe-app/
Organic Produce Verification & IT Manager
James Schaberg
James Weston Schaberg is serving as the Organic Produce Verification Manager, overseeing the sourcing, ordering, receiving, and verification of produce, as well as acting as the point person for any questions about fruits and vegetables during the retreat.
He brings a strong background in organic food systems, with experience working on CSA farms in northern Michigan and at seven natural food stores across the United States. James also spent over two years with the Non-GMO Project, where he deepened his commitment to food integrity and transparency.
In recent years, he has organized and managed an organic produce buying club through IndieFruit and coordinated kitchen operations for Dance Camp Northwest. These roles have sharpened his ability to ensure high-quality sourcing, streamline logistics, and support large groups with nourishing food.
James has lived a plant-based lifestyle since 2007, transitioned to veganism in 2011, and has been following a high-raw diet since 2016, bringing both professional expertise and personal commitment to his work with organic produce.
Stefan Angelov
Stefan plays an essential role at the Raw Vegan Wellness Retreat, where he ensures that all things technology run seamlessly behind the scenes. As the retreat’s IT Manager, he is responsible for setting up and maintaining the entire technical infrastructure — from servers and internet connectivity to video and camera systems, and even the walkie-talkies that keep the team connected across the retreat space. His work allows facilitators, speakers, and guests to stay fully focused on the experience, knowing that every technical detail is in good hands.
With a strong background in IT and data systems, Stefan approaches his role with both precision and reliability. Whether it’s building infrastructures that keep businesses operating smoothly or creating a retreat environment where everything “just works,” he thrives on bringing clarity and stability to complex systems. His ability to quickly troubleshoot, adapt, and optimize ensures that the retreat’s technical foundation supports rather than distracts from its purpose.
Beyond his technical expertise, Stefan is deeply passionate about health, wellness, and conscious living. A long-time vegan and athlete, he embodies the lifestyle values that the Raw Vegan Wellness Retreat promotes. For him, wellness is not just about diet, but about creating balance across mind, body, and spirit. He brings the same curiosity and discipline he applies to technology into his own health journey — exploring biohacking, longevity practices, and holistic approaches to living with vitality.
Stefan’s story is one of bridging two worlds: technology and wellness. Growing up, he was equally drawn to disassembling electronics to understand how they worked and spending hours on the basketball court developing discipline and teamwork. Those early experiences shaped him into someone who values both systems and performance, both structure and flow. Today, that unique blend of skills allows him to contribute not just as a tech manager, but as someone who truly resonates with the deeper mission of the retreat.
His vision extends beyond the retreat itself. Professionally, Stefan is advancing toward data engineering and AI implementations, exploring how technology can be used to drive smarter decisions and healthier outcomes for individuals and organizations. Personally, he is committed to inspiring others through his lifestyle — sharing knowledge, building community, and embodying the benefits of raw food, vegan living, and holistic health.
For Stefan, being part of the Raw Vegan Wellness Retreat is more than just a job — it is a meaningful opportunity to combine his professional expertise with his personal passions. By ensuring that the technical side runs smoothly, he helps create the space for participants to fully immerse themselves in the healing and growth the retreat offers. At the same time, he continues to learn, connect, and grow alongside the vibrant community that gathers each year.
Stefan believes that wellness and technology are not separate worlds but complementary forces. His role at the retreat reflects that belief — building bridges between innovation and wellbeing, systems and souls, precision, and purpose.
Videographer and Photographer Specialist
Raini Pachak
Raini sees beauty and hits record. From the colors of the fruit to the energy of the people, he catches what moves him and lets the story tell itself. His lens is guided by care for animals, the earth, and beings too often overlooked — reminding us that celebration and defense of life go hand in hand.
On-site Managers
Dulce Villarreal & John Bordonaro
With a combined experience of over 17 years practicing and advocating a high raw vegan lifestyle, Dulce Villarreal and John Bordonaro have both transformed their lives and health through holistic living. Dulce, a devoted mother, holistic health practitioner and John, a fruit based and high raw vegan wellness advocate, together inspire others to embrace conscious living, nourish with a fruit based, raw living foods lifestyle, to move and connect deeply with their mind, bodies & souls.
Meet the Founders
Chase and Sarah are the co-founders of the Vegan Wellness Retreat (VWR).
Shortly after meeting, they watched Earthlings and What the Health together—an experience that sparked a complete shift toward a vegan lifestyle. Their children have been vegan since birth, and their family has followed a fully plant-based lifestyle since 2017.
With a deep passion for health, compassion, and conscious living—and a noticeable lack of meaningful plant-based community events—Chase and Sarah created the first Vegan Wellness Retreat in Miami, Florida in 2024. What began as a vision quickly grew into a multi-day immersive experience centered on nourishment, movement, education, and connection.
Today, VWR brings together leading voices in plant-based nutrition, wellness, and lifestyle medicine, along with a diverse community of attendees from around the world. Their mission is to empower individuals to make informed, sustainable food and lifestyle choices through education, inspiration, and genuine human connection.
