Contributors

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Lindsay Vertalka, MSPT

Lindsay Vertulka, MSPT is a physical therapist with more than 25 years of experience helping people navigate chronic pain, injury recovery, movement challenges, and persistent health concerns. Through her own experience with chronic illness and extensive clinical work, she has developed a whole-person approach that recognizes the complex relationship between pain, stress, nervous system function, and healing. Lindsay is passionate about helping people better understand their bodies and find practical, sustainable paths toward improved function and quality of life.   You may reach Lindsay via email at indsayvertalkapt@gmail.com 

Guests

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Guest

Allison Troyer Wiswell

Allison Troyer Wiswell is a Certified Professional Coach (CPC) and Associate Certified Coach (ACC) through the International Coaching Federation. Through Resilient Pathways Coaching, LLC, she helps high achievers navigate chronic illness and persistent pain. She holds a BS in Exercise Physiology and an MA in Counseling Psychology, with 20+ years of experience in wellness, leadership, and community health. Her background includes diagnostic cardiac testing, worksite wellness at Holtyn & Associates, Executive Director of Activate Barry County through Blue Zones LLC, and Account Executive with the national Blue Zones team. After experiencing chronic neuropathic pain, Allison shifted to coaching resilience, identity, and emotional well-being for people living with chronic illness. A graduate of the Thriving Coach Academy (2025), she is passionate about helping people build meaningful lives alongside pain and uncertainty. 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580549755688

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Debra Hart

Deb Hart spent 30 years as a rock radio morning show co-host in Lansing, Michigan, and later co-hosted a show on WSYM FOX 47. Today, she brings her gift for connecting with people to yoga, meditation, and trauma-sensitive practices.

A Level 1 iRest® Meditation Teacher and certified Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) facilitator, Deb spent seven years facilitating trauma-sensitive yoga at the Ingham County Jail. She has also provided mental wellness training for law enforcement and yoga and meditation for the Michigan DNR Law Enforcement Division.

Deb works with individuals, groups, executives, and retreat participants, using meditation and body-based practices to support rest, resilience, and well-being. She is also a certified ATHENA Leadership facilitator.

http://debhartyoga.net
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Dr Esther Combs

Dr. Esther Combs is an educator, therapist, and founder of The Alternative Counseling Center. She holds a doctorate in Global Education Leadership from East Carolina University and has spent years studying the impact of childhood trauma and helping develop trauma-informed communities. A co-founder of Trauma Champions of Montcalm, Esther believes everyone has a story worth hearing and that sharing our stories can be part of building resilience and hope. Her guiding philosophy is simple: People Can—with the right resources, support, and time.

https://alternativecounselingcenter.org
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Jessica Crosby

“A house isn't truly a home until your story is attached to it.”  That belief guides Jessica's work as founder of Delight Remodel & Design, creating beautiful, functional homes designed around the people who live in them.

A licensed builder and graduate of the New York Institute of Art & Design, Jessica serves on the Board for Habitat for Humanity of Kent County and is active in the Home Builders Association and Professional Women in Building. In 2025, she received the Tenacity Award from West Michigan Woman magazine.

After surviving a life-changing automobile accident, Jessica gained an even deeper appreciation for how a home can support every stage of life. Today, she brings that perspective to her work, creating spaces for families to gather, make memories, and live beautifully.

https://www.facebook.com/jessica.forst.3557

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Pam Zelasko, MD

Pam Zelasko, MD is a board-certified family physician, healthcare executive, and physician leader with more than three decades of experience improving the way healthcare is delivered. Throughout her career, she's combined compassionate patient care with leadership in value-based medicine, quality improvement, and healthcare innovation.

As Medical Director for Answer Health, she works with multidisciplinary teams to improve outcomes for patients while helping physicians deliver high-quality, patient-centered care. What I especially appreciate is that even with her executive leadership responsibilities, she continues to practice family medicine, keeping her grounded in the day-to-day realities that both patients and healthcare providers face.

Dr. Zelasko also serves on several healthcare boards throughout West Michigan, bringing a unique perspective that bridges frontline patient care with the broader healthcare system.

https://wmifamilyhealth.com/
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Susie Marsh, LBSW

Susie Marsh is a professional organizer, licensed social worker, and productivity expert dedicated to helping individuals and families create spaces that support calmer, more functional lives. As President of the Michigan chapter of the National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals (NAPO), she is a respected leader and advocate for creating environments that reduce stress and improve well-being.

Over the past year, Susie has navigated significant heart health challenges, giving her a personal perspective on balancing recovery, work, leadership, and everyday life. Her experience has reinforced the importance of prioritizing health, setting boundaries, and creating systems that make life more manageable during difficult seasons.

Susie shares her journey with honesty and hope, offering practical insights for anyone facing unexpected challenges. Connect with Susie  

https://www.facebook.com/SUSIESORG