2026 Winter Wellness Summit

Kathryn Goetzke, MBA, is CEO & Chief Hope Officer of The Shine Hope Company, Founder of iFred (2004), the Author of ‘The Biggest Little Book About Hope‘, podcast host of The Hope Matrix, Creator of award winning Hopeful Minds, Hopeful Cities, and Hopeful Mindsets. In 2004, launched Mood-lites™, a brand that achieved over 35 million dollars in retail sales and ran the first cause marketing campaign for mental health. She was recently appointed to represent the World Federation for Mental Health at the United Nations, the first organization in the world for mental health established in 1948, that sets the theme for World Mental Health Day on October 10th, where she represents the almost 1 billion people around the world with mental health disorders. Kathryn is currently working to get a resolution passed at the United Nations for an International Day of Hope, to ensure that all around the world know you can measure and teach hope.  

She is currently working to license the Hopeful Cities programming to cities around the world, to ensure all know what hopelessness is, and are equipped with skills for ‘how’ to Shine Hope™ (Stress Skills, Happiness Habits, Inspired Actions, Nourishing Networks, and Eliminating Challenges). The company has Shine Hope evidence-based educational programs for all ages, and public health campaigns with universal language to normalize hopelessness (we all have moments of hopelessness), and ensure all know ‘how’ to hope, engaging with sectors in government, healthcare, science, arts, education, and workplaces. She authored a comprehensive Hopeful Cities Playbook with both no cost resources and licensed programming, and wants everyone in the world to be able to write their own Shine Hope Story.

Website: theshinehopecompany.com/

Laurie A. Watkins is a keynote speaker, author, and catalyst for change who helps school personnel and leaders move from chronic stress to grounded strength—personally and professionally. With more than 20 years of experience working across public systems, policy, and community leadership, Laurie understands the real-world pressures facing school communities and the urgent need for sustainable, human-centered approaches to wellness. Laurie will guide attendees through experiential practices and practical tools designed to support nervous system regulation, energy protection, and resilience—both in and beyond the school community. Her breakout sessions blend gentle movement, breath work, and grounding techniques that attendees can immediately apply to their daily lives and school environments. As the Summit’s closing keynote speaker, Laurie will deliver an educational, motivational, and interactive presentation focused on helping attendees protect their energy, regulate stress, and model resilience across the entire school community. Her approach honors the reality of workloads while offering realistic, accessible strategies that support long-term well-being, not just short-term relief. Laurie is the author of Go From Stressed to Strong, a practical and compassionate guide to navigating overwhelm and reclaiming inner steadiness in demanding environments. She is known for her warm, affirming presence, clear guidance, and ability to create spaces where participants feel both supported and empowered. Attendees leave Laurie’s sessions feeling grounded, capable, and inspired—with tools they can carry forward into their classrooms, schools, and lives.