THURSDAY, APRIL 9
JOAN BORYSENKO FESTSCHRIFT:
"APPROACHES TO HEALING FROM TRAUMA: EXEMPLIFIED BY THE WORK OF DR. JOAN BORYSENKO"
Introduction and Welcome
JENNIFER HAYS-GRUDO, PHD
Dr. Jennifer Hays-Grudo was the Principal Investigator of CIRCA and a Regents Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at OSU Center for Health Sciences. She was also one of the principal investigators of the Healthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD), the NIH-funded study that will follow pregnant women and their children for 10 years to investigate the effects of prenatal substance exposure on children's development.
Dr. Hays-Grudo is the Editor-in-Chief of the international journal, Adversity and Resilience Science, published by Springer/Nature. She is the co-author of Adverse and Protective Childhood Experiences: A Developmental Perspective, published in 2020 by the American Psychological Association, and Raising a Resilient Child in a World of Adversity, published by APA's Life Tools Books in 2023.
"The Creation of an Innovation Mind/Body Approach to Infertility"
In 1986, as a post-doctoral mentee of Dr. Borysenko and in the midst of being trained by her in the original Mind/Body Program, the possibility of a relationship between stress and infertility was introduced. With her encouragement, the Mind/Body Program for Infertility was "born". The focus of this presentation will be on the subsequent research on the stress/infertility connection, the global introduction of this innovative approach to infertility, and the current application of mind/body approaches to women's health.
Alice D. Domar, PhD is a pioneer in the application of mind/body medicine to women’s health conditions. Her research focuses on creating innovative programs to help decrease symptoms associated with stress.
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She is the Chief Compassion Officer and Director of Research at Inception, the largest network of infertility clinics in North America, and an associate professor in obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology, part-time, at Harvard Medical School. She is a psychologist, specializing in cognitive-behavior therapy with individuals/couples. ​
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Dr. Domar has appeared on the Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Dateline NBC, CNN, PBS, and the CBS and NBC Evening News, to name a few. She went on tour with Oprah in the spring of 2004 and 2005 with the LLuminari team. She is the best-selling author of eight books and the author/coauthor of dozens of peer-reviewed scientific publications. ​
ALICE DOMAR, PHD
Dr. Domar is an editor of F & S Science and an associate editor of Human Reproduction. She has been a keynote speaker and workshop leader at conferences and meetings throughout the world. She is also the co-host of the podcasts “Dear Infertility: Finding Calm When Trying is Trying” and for employees of ART clinics called “Calming Conceptions”.
"Eastern Medicine and Conscious Conceptions"
This presentation explores the preconception period as an early and often overlooked opportunity to build resilience. Drawing from Eastern medicine and mind–body principles, Dr. Bell introduces the Conscious Conceptions Holistic Fertility Program as a model that supports biological regulation, emotional coherence, and readiness for parenthood before pregnancy begins. Rather than focusing solely on reproductive outcomes, this approach emphasizes strengthening the internal and relational environment into which a child will be welcomed. The talk reflects the enduring influence of Joan Borysenko’s work in integrating meaning, medicine, and whole-person care.
KEITH BELL, PHD
Keith Bell is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine and founder of Oriental Medicine Specialists, PC. His work integrates Eastern medicine, mind–body science, and resilience-based care. He is the creator of the Conscious Conceptions Holistic Fertility Program, which supports prospective parents through preconception preparation and whole-person health. Dr. Bell teaches, lectures, and writes on integrative medicine, resilience, and preventive approaches to care.
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"Embodying Resilience"
In his 40+ years as a teacher, author, and world-renowned “performance whisperer”, George Mumford learned that the secret to developing resilience and overcoming adversity is to learn to “get comfortable being uncomfortable.” We have to say “yes” to what happens in life, including the difficulties and challenges we face, and embody what we want to become. George loves to tell students: “no struggle; no swag!”, a reminder that without struggle, we don’t grow, prosper, and eventually heal.
GEORGE MUMFORD
Known for his groundbreaking "pure performance" and mindfulness techniques, George Mumford has worked with elite performers including Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Connor McDavid, and people of all stripes, from locker rooms to board rooms, Yale to jail. While attending the University of Massachusetts, injuries forced Mumford out of basketball and into addiction to pain medication and drugs. With the help of meditation and mindfulness, George got clean and made it his mission to teach and work with others.
"A Salute to Salutogenesis: How Mind Body Medicine Shapes a New Understanding of Health"
This presentation frames salutogenesis through the lens of mind-body medicine, emphasizing a shift from treating disease to actively creating health and resilience. It highlights how mind-body practices—such as meditation, breathwork, reflective writing, and positive psychology—strengthen Sense of Coherence by enhancing comprehensibility (self-awareness), manageability (self-regulation skills), and meaningfulness (purpose and connection). The talk demonstrates how healing emerges from alignment between inner awareness, therapeutic relationships, health behaviors, and supportive physical spaces. Clinical application is illustrated through whole-person care that leverages patient strengths and incorporates tools for self-monitoring, engagement, and sustained behavior change. The future requires a transformation in healthcare education and delivery so that clinicians embody mind-body principles and health systems function as environments that cultivate coherence, resilience, and flourishing.
DARSHAN MEHTA, MD PHD
Darshan Mehta, MD, MPH, is Assistant Professor of Medicine and Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and serves as Medical Director of the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital and Medical and Education Director of the Osher Center for Integrative Health. Board-certified in Integrative Medicine, his work advances mind-body education, integrative care, and clinician well-being. He previously led the Office for Well-Being at MGH and co-directed the Center for Comprehensive Healing at Mass General Brigham.
"Transforming Trauma: The Path to Hope and Healing"
Trauma can come at any stage of life—through childhood abuse, poverty, discrimination, broken relationships, overwhelming stress, illness, loss, or the challenges of aging. In “Transforming Trauma: The Path to Hope and Healing,” Psychiatrist James S. Gordon, MD, presents an overview of a comprehensive evidence-based program of self-awareness, self-care, and mutual support which has reversed the biological, psychological, and interpersonal effects of trauma and fostered resilience and growth in millions of children and adults around the world. A pioneering authority in post-traumatic stress and mind-body medicine, Dr. Gordon shows how trauma can become a pathway to healing and transformation.
JAMES GORDON, MD
Psychiatrist James S. Gordon, MD, presents an overview of a comprehensive evidence-based program of self-awareness, self-care, and mutual support which has reversed the biological, psychological, and interpersonal effects of trauma and fostered resilience and growth in millions of children and adults around the world.
A pioneering authority in post-traumatic stress and mind-body medicine, Dr. Gordon shows how trauma can become a pathway to healing and transformation.
"Science, Compassion and Spirituality"
Science, compassion and spirituality are visionary models for one mind, one health, and one planet. Following in Florence Nightingale’s (1820-1910) footsteps, we are challenged to pledge our commitment to planetary citizenship as a means to improve relationships, increase environmental awareness, and develop a world based on respect and social justice.
BARBARA DOSSEY, PhD, RN, AHN-BC, FAAN, HSGAHN
Barbara Dossey, PhD, RN, AHN-BC, FAAN, HSGAHN, is internationally recognized as a pioneer in the holistic nursing and nurse coaching movements. She is a Florence Nightingale scholar, nurse theorist, and a national and international speaker and teacher on Florence Nightingale’s legacy and the role of integrative nurse coaching in the emerging integrative health care paradigm. She is the International Co-Director, Nightingale Initiative for Global Health (NIGH).
"Mending the Heart, Tending the Community: Capstone of a Living Legacy"
In this personal tribute, Gilah Rosner, PhD, reflects on the most recent chapter of Dr. Joan Borysenko’s illustrious career. Drawing on their eleven-year creative partnership, Rosner highlights the evolution of Borysenko’s work from immersive retreats and innovative online communities to her current focus on the realities and wisdom of elderhood. Throughout this journey, Joan’s signature warmth, psychological depth, and scientific grounding continue to foster communities of the heart, where healing, meaning, and authentic human connection can flourish. Blending personal narrative with professional insight, the talk illuminates how Borysenko’s integrative vision continues to evolve in this mature season of her career. The presentation concludes with an appreciation of a living legacy that remains vibrantly alive.
GILAH ROSNER, PHD
Gilah Rosner, PhD, brings over 40 years of experience developing educational programs in medicine and spiritual communities. Trained in pathology, molecular genetics, and pastoral care, she served on the faculties of the Cleveland Clinic and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. While resident manager of a spiritual retreat center, she met Joan Borysenko, with whom she co-creates transformative programs that support emotional and spiritual growth that help people make meaning of aging and life transitions.
"Returning an ACE with a PACE: Building Resilience Through Youth Sport "
Youth sport, done well, is an underutilized context for preventative health, positive youth development and healing from trauma. This talk will explore how, via PACE-rich program and the developmental relationships therein, sport can be activated Ito protect health, elevate opportunity, catalyze hope and transform lives.
SHEILA WALKER, PHD, CFA
Sheila Ohlsson Walker has been a competitive tennis player since childhood and knows first-hand the power of sport to transform lives. Done well, athletics is experiential learning for multiple life skills (physical literacy, psychological resilience, growth mindset, perseverance, discipline and emotional intelligence) that promote health and flourishing across the lifespan. Through science, advocacy and philanthropy, she aims to elevate safety, engagement, fun and access, to help make sport and play a basic human right for all young people.
"Humor and Healing"
Life is not a stress rehearsal! When we lighten up, recognize life’s absurdities and our own, we become healthier and happier- more resilient, optimistic, creative and flexible. With a little humor you can become the change you want to see in the world.
LORETTA LAROCHE
With over 40 years of experience, Loretta is a globally recognized stress-management consultant. Her unique approach, which combines humor and empowerment, has earned her international acclaim. Her one-woman shows, known for their sensational impact, have sold out prestigious venues nationwide, including the Boston Symphony Hall, The Hanover Theatre, and the Berkley Performing Arts Center. Loretta's impact extends beyond live performances. She has created seven acclaimed one-woman television specials that have aired on PBS stations nationwide and earned accolades, including nominations for local and prime-time Emmy Awards. With her appearances on major news networks such as CNN, ABC, NBC, and FOX, she has established herself as a trusted voice in stress management, reassuring audiences of her credibility and expertise.
"Minding the Body, Mending the Mind"
In this closing reflection, Joan Borysenko traces the evolution of mind-body medicine from its early foundations to its transformative influence in mental health, trauma treatment, nursing, social justice, and global concerns. Weaving together science and lived experience, she explores how returning to the wisdom of the body helps us become more mindful, resilient, compassionate and fully human.
JOAN BORYSENKO, PHD
Joan Borysenko, PhD is a world-renowned expert in the mind-body connection who loves to bring science home to the heart. A psychologist and Harvard Medical School trained cell biologist, Joan synthesizes cutting edge science and practical tools for resilience with deep humanity. A New York Times bestselling author of 17 books, Joan is the President of Mind-Body Health Sciences, LLC in Santa Fe, NM. Joan and her husband Gordon tend their high desert gardens in the company of their giant poodles, Mitzi and Lola. You can learn more about Joan at www.joanborysenko.com.