TEDxVeroBeach

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

• Alvaro Nunez

  Alvaro Nuñez is an entrepreneur, real estate innovator, and ultra-endurance athlete passionate about pushing human potential. As the founder of Super Luxury Group, he has redefined luxury real estate by integrating media, branding, and high-level networking to market multimillion-dollar properties. Beyond business, Alvaro thrives on extreme challenges—skydiving, flying helicopters, and competing in some of the world’s toughest endurance races. His journey, from humble beginnings to global ventures, is driven by a mission to inspire others to break limits, embrace challenges, and level up in all aspects of life.

• Amy Bukszpan

  Amy (Rae) Bukszpan is the founder and owner of Banana Champs Performance Coaching and Behavioral Consulting, as well as the owner of Bukszpan Behavior Consultants. She is a doctoral-level Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed NY State Behavior Analyst (NYLBA). She is also a UESCA-certified ultramarathon running coach and endurance nutrition coach. Amy’s conducted research on leadership and training, as well as effort and motivation in ultra running. Amy has published chapters and articles in peer-reviewed journals and texts and has worked in homes, schools, day-habilitation, and developmental centers, from early intervention to geriatric populations with individuals with developmental disabilities. Dr. Bukszpan worked with a team of clinicians to increase access to non-institutional long-term services for adults living in developmental centers in NY State and was a clinical leader at a national ABA therapy company, writing training curriculum for ABA professionals. Amy is an adjunct professor at various universities and colleges, coaches a team of ultra runners, and is the host of Skinner’s Locker Room, a podcast on human behavior, performance, and sports.

• Blanca E. Rodriguez, LMT, CCMT

  Blanca E Rodriguez, LMT, CCMT, is the owner and CEO of Wounded Healer LLC. Under this umbrella, she provides a variety of services, including medical massage therapy for 20 years, certified canine massage therapy for 10 years, fitness instructor for 45+ individuals, plus Zumba and dance teaching for 40+ years. She is an Amazon bestselling book coauthor, holistic life coach, international speaker, and educator. Blanca has been invited as a guest speaker to many podcasts from all over the world. Blanca is a member, mentor, and vice president of membership at Talking Heads of Stuart Toastmasters, a member of the Puerto Rico Toastmasters club, and a member of Superior Speakers Advanced Toastmasters. Wounded healers are people whose painful experiences enable them to help others. Blanca is committed to helping others improve their quality of life, no matter what age we are.

• David Hartmann

  David Hartmann is a tech innovator on a mission to break down barriers between big ideas and real-world impact. As the founder and CEO of The SilverLogic, he has made a career out of turning imaginative concepts into cutting-edge software solutions. Fueled by a passion for innovation and AI, David combines deep technical expertise with sharp business insight to turn bold visions into reality.

• Dr. Terri A. Graham

  Dr. Terri A. Graham is a seasoned executive with thirty years of leadership development and education administration experience. She is the President and CEO of The Terri Graham Consulting Group. She has an extensive background in coaching, workforce strategy, and economic development. Dr. Graham earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Elementary Education from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. Dr. Graham has a Master of Business Administration, with a double concentration in management and marketing from Rollins College. She earned a Doctor of Education degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of Florida. She has senior leadership experience at multiple colleges. Dr. Graham has won numerous awards, including Exemplary Leader by the International Chair Academy, Woman of Distinction by Bridges to Success, and was honored as one of Onyx Magazine’s 2023 Women On The Move. Dr. Graham has a passion for serving others by focusing on improving the community’s education, health, and economic development. Dr. Graham serves on the board of directors for multiple non-profits. She enjoys writing blogs on her websites and coaching others in their spiritual growth, leadership development, and resilience. Dr. Graham also enjoys spending time with her son, Robert, and her daughter, Riley.

• Francis Papineau

  Francis Papineau is the co-founder of Vault Mindset, a Peak Performance Mindset Coaching firm. He is a Certified Mental Game Instructor and has helped thousands build clarity, focus, and emotional intelligence. Based on his years of experience, he has created the Vault Mindset Performance Program. This program lays the foundation for Peak Performance under pressure for elite athletes and business entrepreneurs. Francis has practiced as an Occupational Therapist for over two decades. He excelled in guiding patients through exercises, activities, and teaching them how to use the right focus following injuries and surgeries for optimal recovery. Francis is originally from Montreal, Canada, and after college, he decided to move to Florida so he could go to the beach and play hockey on the same day. Francis loves to help people build their own success story.

• Gary Cantrell

  Endurance Race Architect | Master of the Human Spirit | Creator of the Barkley Marathons Known to the world as Lazarus Lake, Gary Cantrell is the enigmatic mastermind behind some of the most grueling endurance events ever conceived. From the infamous Barkley Marathons—where finishers are the rarest of legends—to the transcontinental “Race Across the USA” and the global backyard ultra phenomenon, Laz doesn’t just design races—he designs crucibles. With a wicked sense of humor, a sharp philosophical mind, and an unmatched ability to test the limits of human endurance, Lazarus Lake has reshaped what we believe is possible. His races are less about speed and more about soul, drawing people from across the globe who aren’t just chasing finish lines, but discovering who they truly are along the way. At TEDxVeroBeach, Lazarus will share the deeper truths hidden in his twisted trails: how suffering reveals character, why limits are an illusion, and what the human spirit looks like when stripped to its core. This isn’t just a talk about running—it’s about living.

• Harvey Lewis

  Harvey Lewis is an accomplished ultrarunner and high school social studies teacher from Ohio. He took 5 years to break 5 hours in the marathon and 17 years to qualify for Boston. But with the consistent chipping away like an Andy Dufresne, he gradually improved at his craft earning a place on the 24 Hour USA team, improving his distance from 81.3 miles at age 20 to over 160 miles in his mid 40’s. He has won races ranging from the hottest race – the Badwater 135 twice to Bigs Backyard “Last Person Standing” World Championship in 2021 and 2023. He has lived between two cities, Cincinnati and Circleville, every week for over a decade with his wife Kelly and dog Carly. He run-commutes to work every day, both ways, for over 11 years. He advocates a vegan diet and loves collecting rocks near and far. He’s run races and picked up rocks in dozens of countries on his journeys across more than 100 countries. He created a business in 2014, RunQuest Travel, which combines his passions of running, travel, and education by taking guests on hiking and running holidays to Portugal.

• Jurgen Schwanitz

  Jürgen Schwanitz is the Director of Technology at PCS Florida, a leading provider of business IT and AI solutions. Originally from Germany, Jürgen immigrated to the United States in 1990 and built a successful 30-year career in technology. As the founder of ACT Computers, he grew the company into a trusted name before merging it into PCS Florida, where he now leads innovation in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and business automation. Passionate about technology’s power to transform lives and communities, Jürgen continues to educate and inspire others through public talks, media, and mentorship.

• Lynda Sloan Allen

  My passion to become a teacher and make a difference for people who are “born with differences” began in my early teens. I started by volunteering 5000+ hours at community programs, which looked great on my resume. I then earned both Master and Bachelor of Education degrees in Elementary and Exceptional Student Education, from the University of Miami (1973-1977), becoming one of the first Special Education teachers in FL and one of the first Early Intervention Specialists in the nation. For 50 years now, I have worked with non-profits, for-profits, government, and my own businesses, serving children and families in most every capacity. From case management at Big Brothers/Big Sisters, to assistant director of a Sheltered Workshop for Adults, being a community trainer/mentor for the U.S. Department’s Drug-Free Schools and Communities Program, and even as the first Resource Development Specialist for a Children’s Services Council. For the past two decades, I have loved being a Learning Specialist at my Make Your Mark in Life Learning Center in Vero Beach, FL, where I supported thousands of students, helping them to learn based on their unique strengths, interests, talents, and goals. This has led to my final passion project: Empowered Parents Creating the Best Education Experience for their Learning Different Child.

• Mike Melton

  As the founder of MCM Timing and Results LLC, Jensen Beach, Florida, Mike has become the go-to timer for premier ultramarathons, including The Barkley Fall Classic, KEYS100, Octopus Ultra, and many others. Mike provided the timing for the 2018 European Championships race held in Timisoara, Romania, and he’s timed numerous world, international, and national record performances. Mike Melton is a cornerstone of the ultrarunning community, renowned for his precision and dedication in timing some of the most challenging endurance events across the United States. As the founder of MCM Timing & Results LLC, based in Jensen Beach, Florida, Mike has become the go-to timer for premier ultramarathons, including the Barkley Marathons, Keys 100, Octopus Ultra, and numerous other events. With a career spanning numerous high-profile races, Mike’s expertise ensures accurate, real-time results that are crucial for both organizers and athletes. His commitment to excellence has made him a trusted figure in the sport, providing seamless timing services that enhance the experience of each event.

• Sandra Villines

  Sandra Villines is an accomplished ultrarunner, endurance coach, and a most inspiring figure in modern long-distance running. Known for her grit, resilience, and extraordinary accomplishments, Sandra holds a place in the elite ranks of ultra-endurance athletes worldwide. In 2017, Sandra ran across the United States, covering over 3,000 miles in just 54 days, winning the famed Race Across the USA and capturing hearts across the country with her unwavering determination. She holds multiple course records, including wins at grueling events like the Badwater 135, Brazil 135, and the Vol State 500K. Her performance in the 2017 Badwater 135, dubbed “The World’s Toughest Foot Race,” earned her a first-place female finish and solidified her reputation as one of the toughest athletes in the sport. Beyond competition, Sandra Villines is a respected endurance coach, guiding athletes of all levels through customized training plans, mental toughness development, and race strategy. With a deep understanding of the psychological and physical demands of ultrarunning, she is as passionate about helping others reach their potential as she is about pushing her own limits. Sandra’s journey from an everyday runner to one of the most accomplished ultramarathoners in history is a testament to the power of perseverance, faith, and the human spirit. At TEDx Vero Beach, she will share her insights from the road—stories of pain, triumph, and transformation that reach far beyond the finish line