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MEDIA & SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
Gretchen Lewis and Dr. Calvin Spinks have spoken at schools, hospitals, conferences and corporate events on the following topics including the importance of therapy, cultural concerns, trauma, addictions, wellbeing, mindfulness and mental health awareness and advocacy. See their bios below for the list of topics and contact Gretchen at 949-342-5133.
GRETCHEN LEWIS LCPC, PHD-C
Gretchen is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. She comes from a strength-based approach that is understanding and non-judgemental. Her career path originally started out in Public Relations and Marketing at Bradley University in Peoria, IL. Her early career was focused on live events, sports marketing, advertising and entertainment media with Fortune 500 companies. She enjoys executive coaching, career consulting work to this day. Gretchen went on to receive her clinical education and training in Psychology at Adler University in Chicago, IL. Her Masters Degree is in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Counseling Psychology. She is now finishing her PhD.
Her dissertation research is on mindfulness, looking at the effects of gratitude and meditation on optimism, resiliency and wellbeing. Throughout her training she has worked in hospital, school and corporate settings. She is a member of multiple advocacy initiatives including the APA and ICA.
You can find Professor Gretchen Lewis on Psychology Today at: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/gretchen-lewis-chicago-il/702140
And Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gretchenoschman/
DR. CALVIN SPINKS
About Dr. Cal Spinks:
If you’re not familiar with Dr. Cal, he has been in the mental health field for more than 25 years and is currently a Counselor Educator who trains professional therapists to effectively provide culturally affirming mental health services to underserved populations. His previous challenges make him a wounded healer, he is a strong advocate for education, mental health, and spiritual growth. His story of overcoming serious situations including emotional, physical, and sexual abuse/neglect allows him to form deep connections with others. These real-life experiences prove that traumatic growth is real. His purpose as a phoenix and a spiritual teacher on this path is to help others see and overcome challenges, bring the light in and ultimately lift others upon their own journey.
Growing up with limited resources in inner-city projects fueled his passion to become a servant leader. Along the way, his struggles with an anxiety disorder, body image issues, sexual orientation/ addiction issues, drug & alcohol abuse, and low self-worth allows him to resonate with individuals and use his personal pain for good. Not only did Dr. Cal overcome the challenges of his past, but he eventually went on to obtain not only a Bachelors's in Sociology, a Master’s Degree in Counseling, and ultimately a Doctorate in Counselor Education.
He currently has a radio show that is proudly hosted on 99.5. The show is currently serving the global community online and the local communities of St. Louis especially the black and brown communities. Find him on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/calvinspinks/