Our 8th Annual TEDxEustis - unravel

Lorilyn B. Alden is the creator of the CHAT Communication System, an innovative communication style assessment tool. She is a published author and speaker. Lorilyn founded a non-profit organization that supported teenage girls in building positive self-esteem, healthy boundaries, and goal setting which was recognized in two national magazines. She is passionate about supporting women in reconnecting with their authentic voices, standing in their power, and having the financial freedom to live lives that align with their truth. Lorilyn is a proud mom of two young men and patiently awaits her first granddaughter. You can find her dancing across the globe when she isn't teaching from behind her keyboard or inspiring from the stage. Although Lorilyn is a resident of Eustis, Florida, she is often following her gypsy heart exploring the world in search of the best cup of coffee.   

Kim Bixler is an author, playwright and public speaker. She published her latest book "Growing Up in a Frank Lloyd Wright House" and is featured in the PBS documentary "Frank Lloyd Wright’s Boynton House: The Next Hundred Years." In addition to her work based on the life of architect Frank Lloyd Wright, Kim has written two non-fiction books, several musicals, numerous plays and monologues that are not about the architect. After graduating from Cornell University in 1991, Kim decided to defer her admission to business school for “one year.” In 2023, Kim graduated from NYU Tisch’s Musical Theatre Graduate Writing Program ending her 30-year-academic-gap year. 

Naome Bradshaw is a renowned singer celebrated for her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence. With a career spanning multiple decades and genres, she has captivated audiences with her powerful performances and emotive interpretations.  Naome Bradshaw is an artist and trauma survivor who has channeled her experiences into her work. Born in Concord, New Hampshire, and raised in Florida, she faced a challenging childhood, including entering the foster care system at age 13 due to neglect and abuse. These early hardships have significantly influenced her adult life and creative pursuits.  Naome is known for  her work in trauma recovery advocacy. She runs the "Tracing Trauma" blog, where she shares her journey of healing and supports others in their recovery. Naome also has a presence on various platforms where she continues to share her story and creative works. 

In 2004, I began my career in comedy as a promoter and producer of live comedy events. Since touring nationwide with comedians and performing in venues of all sizes, I have found comedy to be a shared experience that brings people together. After 20 years on the event booking and promoting side, I decided to be brave and step in front of the microphone and attempt stand-up comedy. I’m totally addicted. I started on the stage at the Improv in Orlando, Florida for open mic and returned time and time again. Today, I still frequent the open mic now at the Funny Bone in Orlando. I enjoy hosting open mic events in my home town of Eustis, Florida and grabbing coffee with friends to talk about comedy writing ideas. My travels take me across the country hosting the Laugh All Night comedy benefit events and it’s a thrill to perform with other comedians. Today, I’m still on the hunt for the next joke. I love the test, tweak, and repeat process of writing comedy.  

With over three decades of clinical, research, educational and corporate experience, Dr. Amy Gutman MD, FACEP, is board-certified in Emergency Medicine with multiple Fellowships and specialized certifications.  As the CEO of ToughLoveMD, she is unwaveringly committed to utilizing transformational medical science to empower your personal and professional resiliency. She strives to reduce the prevalence of debilitating chronic illnesses by challenging a healthcare industry that often profits from keeping people sick rather than encouraging wellness. Using a combination of sass, humor and empathy, she passionately empowers individuals to thrive mentally and physically to transform into resilient powerhouse leaders. 

 Shari Leid is a former litigator-turned-mindset coach and the dynamic force behind An Imperfectly Perfect Life, LLC.  Renowned as a friendship expert and national speaker, Shari’s insights reach far beyond individual coaching sessions. She’s been interviewed on major networks including ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, and CTV, and was profiled on the TODAY show in April 2023. She’s written for and shared her expertise with HuffPost, Real Simple, PureWow, AARP, TIME, Woman’s World, Toronto Sun, and Shondaland. She is the author of The Friendship Series, which includes three books: The 50/50 Friendship Flow (2020), Make Your Mess Your Message (2021), and Ask Yourself This (2022). Her fourth book ( pub. February 2025), chronicles her extraordinary journey across all 50 states in 2023 to break bread with 50 different women. 

Attorney Todd Mazenko is a decorated U.S. Navy veteran of 12 years.  He was medically retired after his ship, the USS Cole, was bombed on October 12, 2000.  After the Navy, he received his undergrad degree from the University of South Florida (Magna Cum Laude) and his law degree from the University of Florida (Cum Laude).  After law school, he worked as an estate planning attorney at Bowen and Schroth in Eustis, Florida, for 10 years.  In 2021, Attorney Mazenko opened the Mazenko Law Firm in Mount Dora, Florida, where he focuses his practice on Estate Planning.  He prepares an average of 600 estate plans each year.    Attorney Mazenko speaks at various seminars in the central Florida area about estate planning each year.  Attorney Mazenko is the chairman of the Advent Health Waterman Foundation Board of Directors.  He is also director for the Icehouse Theater in Mount Dora and a director for the Mount Dora Chamber of Commerce. 

April McMurtrey is the developer of the Learn Reading program, a reading curriculum designed for struggling and dyslexic learners. As a professional reading and dyslexia specialist, April has helped thousands of students break through their reading barriers and unlock the world of words. Her desire is for struggling readers of all ages to have access to quality reading instruction that will change lives and strengthen generations.  

Scott Peper is a proud husband, father and Christian.  He founded and is now the CEO of Mobilization Funding, a direct lender that provides essential capital to business owners who excel in their work but face financial hurdles. Today, he is known across the construction industry for the content and education he offers to the community and his expertise in helping businesses successfully cash flow their projects and customers.  Scott earned his bachelor’s degree in business, but he attributes his knowledge and success to the books he has read and his mentors, particularly the Arete Syndicate led by Andy Frisella and Ed Mylett.  With over a decade of experience teaching courses and training on cash flow management, business startup and operation, and leadership, Scott is deeply passionate about helping others succeed. His dedication to supporting the growth and development of others in their professional journeys is a cornerstone of his work at Mobilization Funding. 

Danielle is a consultant, speaker, entrepreneur, content creator, and millennial thought leader with 12 years of experience in career development. She is certified in Life Design and applies principles in psychology and design thinking to help individuals, groups, and organizations reach their professional goals without sacrificing quality of life. Known widely online as the Anti-Career Coach, Danielle is on a mission to dismantle hustle culture and build a more human-first future of work. While forever a Jersey girl at heart, Danielle currently resides in the greater Tampa Bay area.

Zach Shefska, Founder, CEO, and President of CarEdge, is a self-made executive with a passion for advocacy, fairness, and empowerment in the auto industry. From college dropout to industry disruptor, Zach's unconventional path is fueled by a drive to redefine the car buying experience. With a massive digital following, his influence extends beyond business into social media, where he educates and engages with 1m+ followers. When he's not shaking up the auto industry or connecting online, Zach can be found at his local pottery studio, or volunteering with the Lung Cancer Foundation of America, embodying his commitment to community service. 

Sonja Stetzler, MA, CPC is the founder of Effective Connecting, a coaching and consulting practice specializing in developing the communication and leadership skills of mid-to-senior level business professionals. Sonja works with her clients to craft their message, convey it with confidence, and most importantly, connect with their audiences. Sonja is a Certified Professional Coach and a Conversational Intelligence® coach with several decades’ worth of experience in management, sales, training, education, and coaching/consulting. Sonja uses applied improvisation in her work as a coach, facilitator, and trainer and has conducted research to determine the impact of using applied improvisation techniques on communication skills. She co-authored a peer-reviewed journal article on her research that concluded that applied improvisation can positively impact empathetic communication skills.