An introduction from Whole9 co-founders Dallas & Melissa Hartwig: In January, we put out a call to expand our Whole9 seminar teams in the U.S. and Canada. We had personally taught more than 125 seminars in the last three years, but still had hundreds of requests stacked up in queue. Two people, 52 weekends in a year… the Spreading-the-Good-Food-word math just wasn’t adding up.
We needed some smart, passionate, motivated people to head out into our community and help others change their lives with our nutrition philosophy and Whole30® program.
So we put out an open call, and reviewed more than 100 resumes, cover letters, and audition videos. From that initial group, we selected eight people (in teams of two) to round out our U.S. and Canada seminar teams. We brought them all out to Salt Lake City in early May to meet one another, participate in extensive training with us, and create a plan to get these teams out performing Whole9 nutrition seminars later this summer. (We rented a huge house for the weekend, prompting some team members to start referring to the weekend as “Paleo Real World.” More on our weekend’s festivities later this week.)
Today, we’d like to introduce you to our four seminar teams. Check out the video (make sure you watch the outtakes at the end!) and then read more about each team below.
To schedule one of our fantastic teams for a Whole9 nutrition seminar, please email workshops@whole9life.com.
Whole9 USA: Elke and Jack
ELKE NELSON, PhD
Elke Nelson has a B.S. in Biotechnology and a Ph.D. in Molecular & Cellular Biology. She currently works fulltime as an assistant manager of a clinical writing group, producing and reviewing reports that discuss medical technologies (e.g., drugs, devices, procedures) under investigation in late-stage clinical trials. Elke is a Level 1 certified coach at CrossFit Conshohocken. She also is a Paleo meal designer and a freelance contributing author for both The Box and Muscle & Performance magazines.Elke specializes in Paleo nutrition, particularly why and how to implement the diet into everyday living; meal design; and CrossFit training.
From Elke: As a new member of the Whole9 seminar team, I am amped up and ready to continue educating people on the fundamentals of Paleo and the nine factors of optimal health. I am also eager to use this opportunity to run my mouth about food truths in an attempt to rectify the epidemic of nutrition misinformation.
Elke with be teaming up with Jack Ryan. This team will be available for seminars starting late summer/early fall. Please email workshops@whole9life.com for details.
Connect with Elke
Email: elkenel5@yahoo.com
Website: http://paleoscape.com
Twitter: @paleoscape
JACK RYAN, MA
Jack Ryan graduated from the United States Naval Academy with a BS in English and has served as an active duty Naval Officer for the last 16 years. He earned an MA in English from Catholic University and has had a myriad of successful combat and non-combat leadership experiences as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer. He holds various CrossFit certifications and has extensive training with an emphasis on human physiology, behavior shaping, physical conditioning, diving physics and medicine, explosives design and operation, and small unit combat operations. Jack currently teaches English language and literature at the United States Naval Academy. Jack specializes in finding creative ways to transform organizations and individuals who are constrained by traditionally restrictive policies, physical equipment limitations, and ingrained destructive habits. He focuses on developing an appreciation for life-long health that leads to both personal and organizational successes.
From Jack: “Working with Whole9 as a member of the seminar team is an exceptional opportunity to not only spread the Good Food word but to help people make real changes in their lives. Watching someone take back control of their health is an exceptionally powerful experience and something that I am extremely excited to be a part of as we go forward with these seminars.”
Jack will be teaming up with be teaming up with Elke Nelson. This team will be available for seminars starting late summer/early fall. Please email workshops@whole9life.com for details.
Connect with Jack
Email: jackryan@crossfitoldbay.com
To book a Whole9 nutrition seminar with Elke and Jack, please email workshops@whole9life.com.
Whole9 USA: Rachel and Nick
RACHEL MILLER, R.D.
Rachel Miller earned a BS in Applied Health Science with a double major in both Nutrition Science and Dietetics from Indiana University- Bloomington (insert shameless plug here- Go Hoosiers!), and has been a Registered Dietitian since 2009. Rachel is continuing to further her education in nutrition and lifestyle coaching through Optimal Performance Training seminars and working toward obtaining her CISSN. She has held two positions in school districts as the Assistant Director of Food and Nutrition Services along with group nutritional counseling for the YMCA. Most recently, she has been active in nutrition consult work with Inner Strength Indy Crossfit.
From Rachel: “I have been a self-appointed spokesperson for the Paleo diet and Whole9 lifestyle principles for the past year. It feels good to promote ideals that spark passion in my life. At times I feel somewhat limited by my current profession, so having the chance to work for Whole9 is a wonderful opportunity that I feel privileged to have. Nick and I look forward to helping spread the ‘good food’ word across the country.”
Rachel will be teaming up with Nick Kirkes. This team will be available for seminars starting late summer/early fall. Please email workshops@whole9life.com for details.
Connect with Rachel
Email: whole9@innerstrengthindy.com
Website: http://diamondsontheinside.com
Twitter: @raychl136
NICK KIRKES
Nick Kirkes is a certified health coach, fitness and nutrition educator, and is the owner of Inner Strength Indy | CrossFit in Indianapolis. Through a heavy dose of self-study, seminars, and workshops, he has made nutrition and lifestyle education the centerpiece of his work with seekers of real, sustainable health. He’s not a bad cook, either.
From Nick: “I am extremely excited to be part of the Whole9 seminar team, and a part of the larger alternative nutrition movement. Seeing the changes in my life, in the life of those I love, and in the lives of my clients, is an incredibly satisfying experience. To have the opportunity to help spread the good food word even further, alongside Rachel and the rest of the Whole9 team, is simply amazing.”
Nick will be teaming up with be teaming up with Rachel Miller. This team will be available for seminars starting late summer/early fall. Please email workshops@whole9life.com for details.
Connect with Nick
Email: whole9@innerstrengthindy.com
Website: http://NickKirkes.com
Twitter: @nkirkes
To book a Whole9 nutrition seminar with Rachel and Nick, please email workshops@whole9life.com.
Whole9 USA: Ashley and Collin
ASHLEY FLEMING, BS
Ashley is a fitness enthusiast and multi-sport athlete specializing living a Whole9 and paleo lifestyle. She received her bachelor’s degree from Hawaii Pacific University and is the creator of Fitness is Delicious, a food and healthy living blog focusing on whole food recipes and fitness tips. She is currently attaining her CISSN and Precision Nutrition certifications while teaching others how to apply the science of paleo living into practical, easy-to-implement strategies.
From Ashley: “I am absolutely thrilled to be apart of the Whole9 seminar team! I found Whole9 through my passion for fitness, whole food cooking and wellness and I can’t wait to share my practical knowledge with those around me. I’m most excited to meet and connect with those we work with. If you have the chance to meet me, you’ll quickly realize I’m the biggest cheerleader for the Whole30 and I’m on a lifelong mission to discover every single way of cooking sweet potatoes.”
Ashley will be teaming up with be teaming up with Collin Popp. This team will be available for seminars starting late summer/early fall. Please email workshops@whole9life.com for details.
Connect with Ashley
Email: Ashley@fitnessisdelicious.com
Website: http://fitnessisdelicious.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/fitnessisdelicious
Twitter: @ashleycfleming
COLLIN POPP, MS
Collin holds a BS in Physiology and minor in Chemistry from the University of Arizona and a MS in Nutrition & Health Science with a specialization in Exercise Physiology and Nutrition from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He will begin his doctoral candidacy at Clemson University in Food Technology this fall focusing his research on links between disease, exercise and nutrition. He has experience working as a personal trainer and has been a CrossFit Level 1 trainer for 3 years. Collin specializes in: nutrient metabolism, pre/post-workout nutrition for strength and power athletes, nutrient timing and Paleo nutrition.
From Collin: “I am excited to be a part of the Whole9 team because I want to spread the truth about eating whole, nutrient dense foods! These foods have an untapped potential to restore the body’s ability to function properly, but most people lack this experience and the Whole9 principles help bridge this gap. I carry a lot of knowledge and passion with regards to nutrition and taking strives towards teaching people to adopt healthier lifestyle habits. As a Whole9 seminar team member I hope to share my passion, teach people the truth about what’s on their plate and carry the Good Food word on. We are not trying to sell supplements, pills, blenders or weight loss protocols. We are selling a healthier lifestyle by putting food first, and let everything else fall into place.”
Collin will be teaming up with be teaming up with Ashley Fleming. This team will be available for seminars starting late summer/early fall. Please email workshops@whole9life.com for details.
Connect with Collin
Email: collin.popp@gmail.com
Twitter: @collinjpopp
To book a Whole9 nutrition seminar with Ashley and Collin, please email workshops@whole9life.com.
Whole9 Canada: Sarah and Summer
SARAH RAMSDEN, MA, CNP, NNCP
Sarah Ramsden is a Certified Nutritional Practitioner who graduated with first class honours from The Institute of Holistic Nutrition. Based in Toronto, she consults with people across Canada, focusing on helping them harness the energy and determination it takes to reinvent their health. She also holds a BA (Hons) Graphic Design, and a Masters of Arts in Communications & Technology.
From Sarah: “Every day I meet people who religiously follow mainstream dietary advice, led to believe they are doing the right thing by their health. When they learn the ‘whys’ and ‘hows’ of the Paleo approach, they get excited about good food again, address lifestyle factors, and transform their health in the process. It’s a powerful healing tool that I have used against my own autoimmunity, and with my clients time and time again. I am so excited to be able to bring the Good Food word to as many Canadians as possible as part of the Whole9 seminar team.”
Sarah will be teaming up with be teaming up with Summer Innanen. This team will be available for seminars starting late summer/early fall. Please email workshops@whole9life.com for details.
Connect with Sarah
Email: health@sarahramsden.com
Website: http://SarahRamsden.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/healthyramsden
Twitter: @healthyramsden
SUMMER INNANEN, CNP, NNCP, BBA (hons.)
Summer Innanen is a Certified Nutritional Practitioner who graduated with first class honours from the Institute of Holistic Nutrition. She works with clients around the world doing one-on-one nutrition coaching, with a specific focus on helping women to love their bodies again. She also does corporate wellness workshops, cooking demonstrations and is a coach and the on-site nutritionist at Quantum CrossFit in Toronto.
From Summer: “I spent years dieting and following conventional dietary dogma before having my own ‘nutrition awakening’ in 2007 when I was introduced to the Paleo diet. Helping people understand the dramatic impact that good nutrition, smart training, ample sleep and stress management can have on their life is my passion. I love that Whole9 addresses all of these components in their message and is literally changing people’s lives with their program. I am so thrilled to be able to spread the Good Food word across Canada as part of the Whole9 seminar team!”
Summer will be teaming up with be teaming up with Sarah Ramsden. This team will be available for seminars starting late summer/early fall. Please email workshops@whole9life.com for details.
Connect with Summer
Email: summer@hautelife.ca
Website: http://hautelife.ca
Facebook: www.facebook.com/HauteLifeNutrition
Twitter: @cosmoprimalgirl
To book a Whole9 nutrition seminar with Sarah and Summer, please email workshops@whole9life.com.
Please join us in welcoming the newest additions to our U.S. and Canada Whole9 seminar teams. We hope you get to meet them at an event near you later this year!
And don’t forget, for those of you down under, Jamie Scott and Dr. Anastasia Boulais have a busy seminar schedule as Whole9 South Pacific. Visit http://whole9southpacific.eventbrite.com for events in Australia and New Zealand.)
We can help you live the Whole9 life.
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Woo! Excited to see Whole9 come to Canada! (Too bad there’s nobody from the West, though… we’re more than just grain growers, I promise!)
Wow, this is exciting! Each team member brings their own expertise and has strengths in specific areas which I really like :)
@Sara – We will be travelling to the West!! We can’t wait to come out there…. love the west coast:)
I too am soo glad there is a Canadian team! Looking forward to West Coast dates as well…
I too am soo glad there is a Canadian team! Looking forward to West Coast dates as well…