Speakers
2024 TNSTRONG Summit Speakers
Chris Romulo is a youth empowerment speaker, author, and retired professional Muay Thai champion, renowned for his 'Champ UP’ philosophy. With nearly three decades in Muay Thai, culminating in a North American championship, Chris has transitioned his fighter's resilience into empowering youth. He teaches young people to navigate life’s challenges with determination and strength. Chris is also the author of a memoir, “Champions Uprising” that chronicles his journey, offering insights into overcoming adversity. His advocacy in mental health and personal development is rooted in his dual roles as a fighter and as a mentor to at-risk youth, using these experiences to inspire and guide others. Balancing his professional endeavors, Chris finds joy in family life and is committed to continuous learning and personal growth. He brings a unique blend of real-world experience and engaging storytelling to his audiences, leaving a lasting impact.
Brittany Richmond is an energetic, charismatic communicator and a mental health expert of 10+ years. Right after high school, Brittany was diagnosed with multiple anxiety disorders (including an impulse control disorder) which led her into the field of counseling and psychology. From there, she has made it her mission to not only end the stigma, but "hug as many young people hurting" as she can with her story and her voice. Brittany is an emotionally dynamic, impactfully vibrant, high demand teen mental health speaker and one of the few active women speakers in the youth market today! She has spoken on some of the largest and most prestigious youth leadership stages and has served thousands of students all over the country with her message: Become an Overcomer. Her keynote presentations are interactive and emotionally connecting. She strives to help students feel seen, even in large rooms! With focus on communication, creating space for each other and overcoming negative self talk, Brittany is real, raw and relatable while framing things in ways that teenagers and young leaders can connect to. While Brittany does love speaking and inspiring leadership students, she loves her husband and cats even more! She also loves rockin' out to 80s hair bands and working out on her Peloton! You might also find her at a St Louis Cardinals game, drinking coffee at a local coffee shop, or binge watching Christmas Movies or Gilmore Girls on her couch - she lovingly calls herself, a "hot-mess express" She lives in Green Valley, Illinois with her husband Zach and her two rainbow kittens Missy & Mittens.
Antonio McMath is the founder of Trans4ormed Motivate in Tennessee and Georgia, serving in this capacity since 2010. Antonio has worked primarily with youth and young adults for over 25 years with a focus on Life and Social Emotional Coaching and Training. Antonio is also employed with Spartan, INC as a Service Support Manager and with the Educational Opportunity Center as a Community Outreach Coordinator for 5 counties in Tennessee and Georgia. His joy in life are his wife, two sons, speaking to young people, dancing, cooking and traveling. Antonio has a Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Counselling from UTC and a Master of Business Administration from Bethel College in McKenzie, TN.
TNSTRONG
(Tennessee Stop Tobacco and Revolutionize Our New Generation) Ambassadors plan, implement and participate in tobacco education and advocacy events across the state. They play an active role within their communities, counties, and statewide. They engage in local and statewide activism, educate their peers on tobacco-related issues, and inspire/motivate others to start taking action. These select youth leaders will receive
specialized in-person and web-based training to advance their knowledge and further their advocacy skills.
Nathan Wray, a former teen smoker, triumphed over a 2.5 pack a day habit at the age of 25. His journey unveils the profound impact nicotine had on his adolescent brain, leading to academic challenges and behavioral issues. Today, as a Prevention Coordinator for the Roane County Anti-Drug Coalition, Teen Vaping Cessation Specialist, and Motivational Speaker, Nathan is dedicated to transforming his experiences into powerful educational advocacy. In his role as a Prevention Coordinator, Nathan actively engages in initiatives aimed at reducing teen vaping and preventing the initiation of harmful habits. His comprehensive approach addresses the root causes and fosters a supportive environment for healthier choices. Nathan's story is not just one of overcoming challenges but also a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. His motivational speaking engagements at schools across the U.S. focus on the profound impact of adverse childhood experiences on emotional regulation and stress management. Nathan inspires students to manage stress effectively and highlights the transformative power of positive childhood experiences in reversing trauma.
Dr. Bolden is a nationally recognized consultant in men’s health, community organizing, cancer, cardiology, and diabetes. He currently serves as the Community Initiatives Program Manager for The Center for Black Health & Equity (The Center) serving to facilitate programs and services to benefit communities and people of African descent. This includes health risk associated with menthol tobacco/vaping, and its relationship to health concerns affecting African descendants. He has 30 years of experience in Public Health and Community Medicine. He-served as a co-principal investigator, researcher and health educator for the American Cancer Society, advisor for the Congressional Black Caucus Health Brain Trust. Dr. Bolden continues as a visiting Scholar for Georgia Institute of Technology and was appointed to the advisory committee for the Morehouse School of Medicine’s COVID-19 Phase III clinical trials. He assisted in the development of “Power & Immunity”, a COVID-19 vaccine toolkit developed for African Americans by The Center for the American Lung Associates. He holds a PhD in Community Medicine and Public Health, Master of Science in Healthcare Administration, and Master of Theological Studies. He is an Ordained Elder within the Church Of God In Christ and the father of 3 adult children and 8 grandchildren.
Matt and Phil of M&P Presentations LLC are a nationally known motivational speaking duo who are high-energy experts in cultivating confidence and promoting positivity. Their mission is to further develop self-confidence in others, model a healthy lifestyle, and consistently promote positivity through high energy presentations, social media, short films, and their #MPinUnder3 Q&A Internet show. Matt Matkovich is an ultra-marathon running, College Board recognized school counselor with a master's degree in school guidance and counseling. Phil Januszewski is a tattooed covered, Netflix baking-show flopping, high school chemistry and physics teacher with a master's degree in teaching leadership and a positive education certification.
Leanne Foell is a licensed clinical social worker who practices mental health therapy with teens in Dallas, Texas. She has worked with teens in multiple settings including high schools, juvenile detention centers, inpatient behavioral hospitals, pediatric centers, and private practice. In all of these settings she has helped teens with tobacco prevention. Leanne specializes in the “stuck” teen, experiencing depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and frustration with those around them. She loves helping youth navigate the unique challenges that come with being a teen in the 2020’s. Teens leave Leanne’s presentations feeling understood, motivated, and equipped for their challenges.
Dana Reno is a Project Director with STARS. She oversees a Strategic Prevention Framework-Partners for Success Grant through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Often referred to as the connector, she has successfully brought together many different community sectors. Through her roles at STARS, she has amassed 10 years of prevention work in Middle Tennessee. She is especially passionate about substance misuse and mental health prevention work. Through evidence-based curriculums, Dana has proven her eagerness to make a difference and enrich the future for the community. When she is not working she enjoys spending time with her “zoo” aka her husband, 11-year-old son and 5 fur babies. On Saturday mornings, she can often be found stopping for a latte and pup cups on her way to the dog park. She loves volunteering in her community, especially if it means getting to know her neighbors! Dana has a Bachelors in Social Work from Southeast Missouri State University. She recently became Certified in Coalition Business Administration.
Lauren Fields is a licensed clinical social worker and obtained a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Tennessee. She has been practicing in the field of mental health and addiction since 2006. She has experience working in inpatient alcohol and drug units, geriatric services, outpatient addiction, primary care, and outpatient mental health. In 2021 she started her own private practice, NeuroWell Counseling LLC. She and her staff now offer mental health services across the state of TN virtually, as well has have a physical location in Mt. Juliet, TN. Lauren is passionate about mental health, and she truly cares about the well-being of her clients. She strives to promote wholeness and healing by assisting her clients with gaining a better understanding of themselves and the world around them. Her approach to treatment utilizes a holistic framework. She understands the "mind/ body/spirit" connection, and how when any or all of these systems are out of balance, mental illness can be present. She works to meet the client where they are emotionally, physically, and spiritually. In her free time, she enjoys hiking in nature with her family, listening to live music, and creating new dishes in the kitchen for her children, husband, and friends to enjoy.
Information attached in the TNSTRONG Welcome Packet