Meet Our Host
Tishauna Mullings
Social Development Practitioner
She is a Chevening Scholar, a Social Development Extraordinaire and a serial achiever. She has received the Governor General’s badge of honour for social betterment for impacting communities with social change projects across Jamaica and in the Diaspora. She has worked with groups in the UK, Kenya, Peru, Ethiopia and right here in Jamaica, leading to an award for Rural Regeneration from USAID in 2018
We have an impressive lineup with a wide range of topics
The Importance of Mental Fitness in Cultivating Resilience: The Brain-Body Connection
Dr Kai is a registered clinical psychologist in Jamaica, with a doctorate in Clinical Psychology, obtained from Carlos Albizu University in September 2001. She worked as a Clinical Psychologist at the University of the West Indies as a lecturer; and the University Hospital of the West Indies for 15 years as a consultant in the Department of Community Health & Psychiatry.
In 2016, she moved into the entrepreneurial world to establish her private practice and to do consultancy and other business endeavours. Dr. Morgan has a group practice which includes a team of more than 15 associate clinical psychologists (Masters level persons) and services engaging in both therapy, including but not limited to trauma, depression, anxiety and personality disorders; as well as assessment such as psychoeducational, psychovocational, personality, forensic, behavioural and neuropsychological.
Dr Kai is the Founding Executive Director of KAHLE Journey, a non-profit company, focused on creating and advocating for trauma-informed Caribbean societies. Her interests for both research and clinical practice include trauma, sexual behaviour, couples / relationship dynamics, and Caribbean psychology
Mental Fitness for Men: Breaking the Silence
Andre H-C Davis is a licensed Associate Counseling Psychologist with a deep commitment to helping individuals navigate mental health challenges and relationship dynamics. His areas of expertise include providing therapeutic care to couples, individuals dealing with mental health disorders, and those affected by critical incidents including Human Trafficking. Andre also specializes in premarital and marriage counseling, gender studies, and understanding male peer relationships.
Throughout his career, Andre has gained valuable experience at esteemed institutions such as Family Life Ministries and Bellevue Hospital. Currently, he serves as a licensed Associate Counseling psychologist serving in a Clinical Psychologist Post with the Ministry of Health and Wellness in Jamaica, working on the suicide prevention helpline, where he provides crisis intervention and mental health support.
His leadership role as Director of Mentorship Programs at Mentoring A Nation (M.A.N.) allows him to further advocate for healthy family relationships and address societal issues through workshops such as the “Give Us Our Fathers” parenting initiative and collaborations with MoGava (Men Against Violence against Women and Children).
With a strong foundation in trauma-informed care, therapeutic crisis intervention, and a passion for mental health education, Andre continues to mentor students and guide them in becoming compassionate professionals in the field of psychology.
Andre is Married to Marsha since 1999 and they have one son.
Social Media and Mental Fitness: Thriving in the Digital Era
Dr. Leahcim Semaj is a distinguished psychologist, motivational speaker, creative thinker, and media personality, celebrated for his innovative and impactful approach. He earned his PhD in Psychology from Rutgers University in New Jersey and further enhanced his academic credentials with pre- and post- doctoral fellowships at the Educational Testing Service in Princeton, NJ. He is also an alumnus of Kingston College in Jamaica.
As an esteemed educator, Dr. Semaj’s teaching excellence was recognized when he was awarded the Best Teacher Prize during his tenure at Cornell University.
He is also a prolific author, with notable works including The Best is Yet to Come: A Psychologist’s Guide to Thriving in Retirement and Body Works: Exercise, Fitness, Strength, and Longevity for the Anchor Leg.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/drleahcimsemaj/
Semaj@AboveorBeyondJM.com www.AboveorBeyondJM.com
Fort Lauderdale, Florida Kingston, Jamaica
954-701-5208 876-383-5627
Building Mental Fitness: Understanding Financial Self Sabotage
Dennise is a seasoned financial coach with nearly 20 years of experience, dedicated to helping clients shift from a consumer mindset to becoming successful investors. Through her platform, www.financiallyfocusedmedia.com, Dennise has empowered clients to increase their net worth by 1% monthly, offering personalized strategies to achieve financial freedom.
With a deep background in the financial industry, Dennise has served on the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) Market Research Committee since 2003 and the Board of the JSE Social Stock Exchange since 2018. She has shared her expertise widely through her TV show “Financially Focused,” which transitioned into a YouTube channel, providing actionable advice on investing and debt management.
In 2021, Dennise co-founded Credit Repair & Services Advisory (CRS), where she specializes in debt counseling. As a licensed Financial Counselor under the 2014 Insolvency Act, she guides clients through a 12-step checklist to alleviate debt and free up cash for investments. Her advanced education, including a Master’s in Business with a specialization in Banking & Finance from the University of the West Indies, ensures she delivers expert advice tailored to her clients’ needs.
Dennise’s commitment to community service is reflected in her roles on the Boards of the Down Syndrome Foundation and the Small Business Association. By working with Dennise, you’ll gain the insights and support needed to transform your financial future and become the investor you aspire to be
Breaking the Cycle: Overcoming Childhood Trauma for Better Mental Health
Dr. Michael was educated at St. Hugh’s Preparatory School, The Priory High School and the University of the West Indies where he completed specialization in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in 1997 and has been in private practice since. He is the founder of HOPE (Helping Others Progress Emotionally) support group for women with miscarriages, stillbirths and newborn deaths; and the founder of ‘Protect Our Children’ children’s rights advocacy group.
Dr Michael is a volunteer and board member of the Jamaica Cancer Society, board member of Jamaicans for Justice, a Poet, Comedian, Songwriter and Social Commentator. He was awarded the Gleaner Columnist Morris Cargill Award for Opinion Journalism from the Press Association of Jamaica in 2020.
He is also a Human Rights Advocate and was named Ally of the Year by J-FLAG for 2016. His stage appearances include Christmas Comedy Cook-up, Come Mek We Laugh, Powerful Women and Men Perform for Charity, Poetry in Motion and Jamaica Poetry Festival. Dr Michael has also appeared on television shows including The Ity and Fancy Cat Show, The Vibe, See It Deh! Real Friends and It’s a Woman’s World.
He is an author of Humour, Laughter and Life. He is married to Gail and they have three children. His hobbies include music, art and origami. Other areas of interests include religion and human sexuality
Creative Wellness: Using Drawing and Journaling for Mental Fitness
Shawn is a talented artist and author born in Kingston, Jamaica and known for her unique mixed media with modern cubism inspirations. She is also an instructor who uses art to change lives and shares her passion for creativity through various programmes and books.
Despite being self-taught, Ashman honed her skills in mixed media techniques and creates art that conveys positive messages to viewers.
Her work incorporates a range of media including acrylics, ink, oil, charcoal, recycled materials and other media with a particular emphasis on bold, contrasting colours and dynamic compositions. Her art is infused with strong messages, reflecting her belief in the power of art to inspire positive change and promote a more optimistic outlook on life.
Mind and Body: Integrating Fitness with Mental Wellness
Patrice J. White
Fitness Expert/Health and Wellness Coach
After seeing how much her fitness journey, her own mental health struggles and her career transformation resonated with others, Patrice decided to become a speaker and share her story with as many people as she could.
As a dynamic health and wellness coach, Patrice empowers individuals to transform physically, mentally and emotionally. Her approach goes beyond the numbers on a scale, guiding clients to become more goal oriented. She speaks on topics that motivate and inspire others to become the best version of themselves.
- How to Customize Your Fitness Regime
- The Relationship Between Mental Health and Overall Wellness
- How to Pivot Your Career and Transform Your Life
- How to Become Dynamically Driven
- Steps to Becoming a Dynamic Runner
- From Powerless to Powerhouse: My Entrepreneurial Journey
- Other topics around fitness, mental health, lifestyle transformation, marathons and entrepreneurship
Whether you’re aiming to lose weight, overcome a plateau or recover from an injury, Patrice’s unique training technique will help you exceed your goals.
From Loss to Light: A Mother’s Journey Through Grief and Survival
Ambassador Aloun Ndombet Assamba
Retired/ConsultantFormer Senator, Member of Parliament and Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Science and technology; Minister of Industry and Tourism, and Minister of Tourism, Entertainment and Culture during the period 2001 to 2007. She was also High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Ambassador to several European countries from 2012 to 2016. Since returning home to Jamaica, she was invited by the Board of COK Sodality Co-operative Credit Union to resume the position of Chief Executive Officer which she had vacated in 2001 to enter the Political arena. Ambassador Assamba is an Attorney-at-Law and has worked as a Lawyer, both in the Public and the Private sectors, as well as in her own Law firm, which has been closed. Since January 2021 after retiring as Chief Executive Officer of COK Sodality Co-operative Credit Union, she has become a Special Consultant and Brand Ambassador for the Credit Union. She was one of the first persons trained as a Mediator when the programme started in Jamaica. She’s also is a Supreme Court appointed Mediator and has participated in many Mediations both in Jamaica and overseas
Ambassador Aloun Ndombet Assamba
Retired/Consultant
Former Senator, Member of Parliament and Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Science and technology; Minister of Industry and Tourism, and Minister of Tourism, Entertainment and Culture during the period 2001 to 2007. She was also High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Ambassador to several European countries from 2012 to 2016.
Since returning home to Jamaica, she was invited by the Board of COK Sodality Co-operative Credit Union to resume the position of Chief Executive Officer which she had vacated in 2001 to enter the Political arena.
Ambassador Assamba is an Attorney-at-Law and has worked as a Lawyer, both in the Public and the Private sectors, as well as in her own Law firm, which has been closed.
Since January 2021 after retiring as Chief Executive Officer of COK Sodality Co-operative Credit Union, she has become a Special Consultant and Brand Ambassador for the Credit Union.
She was one of the first persons trained as a Mediator when the programme started in Jamaica. She’s also is a Supreme Court appointed Mediator and has participated in many Mediations both in Jamaica and overseas
Lorraine Jones
Communications Manager, CarimedLorraine is a communications professional with over 30 years’ experience in public relations, holding roles such as Corporate Communications Manager at both Cari-Med Limited and GraceKennedy Limited. She has also been involved in grief support since 1999, organizing seminars and workshops aimed at sensitizing professionals to the complexities of childhood grief. Her personal journey through loss, after the death of her son Andre, inspired her book You Gotta Get Up: Surviving the Loss of Your Child. Drawing on both her experience and her training in bereavement support, Lorraine offers guidance and comfort to those navigating the challenging path of grief. She is a member of the Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC)
Lorraine Jones
Communications Manager, Carimed
Lorraine is a communications professional with over 30 years’ experience in public relations, holding roles such as Corporate Communications Manager at both Cari-Med Limited and GraceKennedy Limited. She has also been involved in grief support since 1999, organizing seminars and workshops aimed at sensitizing professionals to the complexities of childhood grief.
Her personal journey through loss, after the death of her son Andre, inspired her book You Gotta Get Up: Surviving the Loss of Your Child. Drawing on both her experience and her training in bereavement support, Lorraine offers guidance and comfort to those navigating the challenging path of grief. She is a member of the Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC)
The Lived Experience: Supporting a Child’s Mental Fitness Journey
Suzette is a visionary leader with a distinguished career spanning corporate, governmental and media sectors. With over 14 years of experience in local representation, she has consistently driven transformative initiatives and fostered meaningful change.
As the CEO of Bellevue Hospital, Jamaica’s leading psychiatric institution, Suzette is deeply committed to enhancing mental health care. Her leadership ensures that Bellevue remains a crucial pillar of support for the community.
She has also served as CEO of Caymanas Track Ltd. and the Universal Service Fund and contributed her expertise to boards such as JPS, JCDC, and Aeronautical Telecommunications of Jamaica. Currently, she is a commissioner for the Local Government Services Commission.
With a decade in radio and a graduate degree in International Business with Law, Suzette is known for building high-performing teams and achieving impactful results.
Above all, she is a proud mother of two, Toniann and Tahj; and remains dedicated to service and community.
When Perfection Crumbles: The Hidden Descent from Achievement to Anxiety
Naomi Cowan
Recording Artiste, Actress, Philanthropist
Hailed as one of the Caribbean’s top rising female artistes, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Naomi Cowan has a bold, Spiritual and ‘futuristic’ (Red Bull) take on Reggae, Pop and R&B. Naomi’s collaborations include the likes of Major Lazer, Walshy Fire, Shaggy, Protoje and Jesse Royal; and are laced with productions by Grammy-winning hitmaker, IzyBeats and Grammy-nominated duo Crate Classics.
Naomi’s hotly anticipated project with multi platinum selling producer Toddla T, ‘Welcome to Paradise’, is also in the works.
Born to reggae royalty, Naomi embodies the legacy of parents Tommy Cowan (producer and former marketing/tour manager to Bob Marley) and award winning reggae vocalist Carlene Davis-Cowan. She is undeniably destined to make her mark in the arts and entertainment world.
In February 2024, Naomi Cowan made her acting debut in the hugely anticipated biopic of Reggae legend Bob Marley, ‘Bob Marley: One Love’. The film follows the life of the singer and songwriter, from his rise to fame until his death in 1981. Cast as the iconic singer Marcia Griffiths, Naomi’s performance pays homage to one of Jamaica’s all -time great musicians, whilst cementing her own status as part of Reggae’s lineage.
Naomi has performed across London, Sweden, Belgium, Switzerland, Trinidad, Miami, Toronto, New York, British Virgin Islands, St. Kitts & Nevis and the Cayman Islands
Panel Discussion
Mind Your Business: Mental Wellness, the Key to Optimizing Entrepreneurship
Heneka is an entrepreneur, Corporate podcast Host/Producer, coach, 7x author, international speaker and host of The Entrepreneurial You Podcast and TV Show. She has interviewed Lisa Nichols, Les Brown, Richard Branson, John Lee Dumas, Paul Carrick Brunson, Seth Godin, and many other influencers.
Heneka is the CEO of Grace to Grow Mentorship and Training. This program caters to women’s spiritual, emotional and physical needs; and allows them to have a second chance to thrive and walk in their God-given purpose.
She is the founder and CEO of Patwa Apparel and the creator of the Caribbean’s first virtual conference and expo: The Entrepreneurial You Virtual SME Conference & Expo. Heneka has successfully hosted several Leadercast events in Kinston, Jamaica; and along with the Jamaica Stock Exchange, she is the co-founder and co-host of the ‘She Leads’ conference for women in leadership.
Connect with Heneka about done-for-you podcasting services that ‘The Entrepreneurial You Media’ provides.
Crystal Daye is an award-winning author of 10 books, International Speaker, Corporate Trainer and Monetization Strategist.
She has combined her strong business acumen to become a sought-after expert in personal
branding, digital marketing, book publishing and book monetization. As the CEO of DayeLight Publishers, she helps new and emerging authors to write, publish, market and monetize their books so they can advance their business and career goals.
As a woman of faith, Crystal believes in servant leadership, and she unselfishly uses the platforms God has given her to positively influence and impact lives globally. She is the host of The DayeLight Show aired on MTM TV and also the visionary behind the Reach Millions Author Live and Kingdom Indie Author Award (the largest annual faith-based author conference and book fair in the Caribbean).
Crystal has been featured on numerous local and international platforms, podcasts and publications including being named as a Yahoo Finance Top Book Coach. She enjoys traveling, reading, cooking and spending time with her beautiful daughter Christelle.
Jerome Cowans is a forward thinking, strategic-minded development professional with more than ten years’ experience in project management both in Jamaica and internationally. Having risen from one of Jamaica’s most underdeveloped communities in downtown Kingston, he is now one of the most recognized Youth Development Specialists in the Caribbean.
He has been well recognized locally and was the first Jamaican to have received both the Prime Minister and Governor General Awards for Excellence. He has also been rewarded by several other government and private agencies as well as service clubs for his work in development.
Internationally he has received awards for his work from Canada, Sri Lanka, United States, United Nations, the Commonwealth Office, and Colombia. He also was honored to receive the prestigious Nelson Mandela Award in South Africa for development through peace.
Jerome is married to Kiddist and they have a brilliant son: Jesse. He lives by the creed:
“Be the change you want to see in the world.”
Panel Discussion
Stress Less, Thrive More; Boosting Mental Fitness for a Healthier Life
Dr. Mark Smith is a career educator. He presently serves as the Headmaster of Munro College, St. Elizabeth. Prior to holding this office, he served as an Education Officer with the Ministry of Education. He has over 23 years of experience in the delivery, development and administration of education in Jamaica. He is presently, the 60th President of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association.
He holds a Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from Temple University and a Master of Education in Teaching and Learning degree from St. Mary’s University in Minnesota. In addition, he holds a degree in Counseling and a diploma in Visual Arts. Fuelled by a strong commitment to lifelong learning, he has also embarked on and is certified in a series of advanced studies in the areas of Artificial Intelligence, Business Administration, Neuro Linguistic Programming, Educational Leadership, Optoelectronics and Computer Networking to name a few.
Dr Smith is married with two wonderful children. He has a passion for automobiles; and enjoys drifting and tuning cars. He devotes much of his time in mentoring and supporting youth-based initiatives. In addition, he also enjoys painting, drawing, photography, reading and is an avid graphic designer.
Novellette Robinson
Director Nursing, Spanish Town Hospital
Novellette Robinson wears many hats. She’s a Toastmaster who worked as a Medical Sales Representative, Financial Advisor and a Registered Nurse with almost 30 years of experience. Her nursing career began at the Bustamante Hospital for Children where she spent almost 21 years up to the level of Departmental Nurse Manager. She then spent 4 years at the Black River Hospital as Director; Nursing Services before being transferred to the Spanish Town Hospital in 2019.
As a member of her professional Nursing Organization, she served in various capacities locally, regionally and internationally. She served as the Assistant Treasurer – Caribbean Nurses Organization, participated in International Council of Nurses Conference in Australia and Canada; served on various committees nationally and in the MOH/W; and held various positions in the Nurses’ Association of Jamaica, namely Vice President, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer.
Novellette has received various awards:
Award for outstanding contribution to the Nurses Association of Jamaica.
Risky Risk Takers Award in Nursing Advocacy.
Meritorious Award- ‘Going Beyond the call of Duty and for the Advancement of Health Advocacy
Long Service from the Governor General in 2020.
On June 20, she received an award for contribution to the management of the Spanish Town Hospital during the 70th celebration of the institution.
Toastmasters International – National Humorous Speech Champion (2014)
Her Mantra: Striving to be a better image of myself.
Naomi Cowan
Recording Artiste, Actress, Philanthropist
Hailed as one of the Caribbean’s top rising female artistes, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Naomi Cowan has a bold, Spiritual and ‘futuristic’ (Red Bull) take on Reggae, Pop and R&B. Naomi’s collaborations include the likes of Major Lazer, Walshy Fire, Shaggy, Protoje and Jesse Royal; and are laced with productions by Grammy-winning hitmaker, IzyBeats and Grammy-nominated duo Crate Classics.
Naomi’s hotly anticipated project with multi platinum selling producer Toddla T, ‘Welcome to Paradise’, is also in the works.
Born to reggae royalty, Naomi embodies the legacy of parents Tommy Cowan (producer and former marketing/tour manager to Bob Marley) and award winning reggae vocalist Carlene Davis-Cowan. She is undeniably destined to make her mark in the arts and entertainment world.
In February 2024, Naomi Cowan made her acting debut in the hugely anticipated biopic of Reggae legend Bob Marley, ‘Bob Marley: One Love’. The film follows the life of the singer and songwriter, from his rise to fame until his death in 1981. Cast as the iconic singer Marcia Griffiths, Naomi’s performance pays homage to one of Jamaica’s all -time great musicians, whilst cementing her own status as part of Reggae’s lineage.
Naomi has performed across London, Sweden, Belgium, Switzerland, Trinidad, Miami, Toronto, New York, British Virgin Islands, St. Kitts & Nevis and the Cayman Islands
@2024 Mental Fitness Conference. All Rights Reserved.