Rethinking Paradigms: Innovative Approaches for Optimal Wellness

Join us in the heart of Manhattan for a distinguished three-day conference that rethinks traditional approaches to youth health and wellness in a rapidly changing world. Guided by the theme “Rethinking Paradigms: Innovative Approaches for Optimal Wellness,” this event brings together leading experts from top universities and clinical fields to address the urgent physical, emotional, and developmental challenges facing children and adolescents in 2025. Designed for professionals, parents, and educators, the conference bridges cutting-edge science with actionable strategies—equipping you to make meaningful, lasting impact in your work, family, and community.

With a focus on emotional regulation, screen overuse, trauma-informed care, and holistic development, the conference addresses challenges that are:

• Urgent in a post-COVID, tech-saturated world

• Relevant across sectors—education, healthcare, mental health, and family support

• Aligned with growing public concern around youth anxiety, ADHD, and burnout

Featured Keynote

Thomas Campbell, M.D.

Physician, researcher, and co-author of the groundbreaking bestseller The China Study, Dr. Thomas Campbell is a nationally recognized leader in nutrition and lifestyle medicine. His research and clinical work have transformed the conversation around disease prevention, offering powerful, evidence-based strategies for improving health through daily choices.

As keynote speaker, Dr. Campbell will anchor our conference theme—rethinking paradigms for optimal wellness—with a deep dive into how nutrition impacts youth development, chronic illness, and mental health. His insights will resonate with both professionals and families, offering practical tools grounded in science.

“When we change the way we eat, we change the way we live—and the future we create for our children.”

— Thomas Campbell, M.D.

Dr. Campbell serves as the medical director of the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies and leads clinical trials on dietary interventions for chronic disease. His keynote promises to challenge assumptions and inspire meaningful action across disciplines

Speaker Lineup

• Cynthia Kerson, Ph.D., QEEGD, BCN, BCB, BCB-HRV – Founder of APEd and faculty at Saybrook University, Dr. Kerson is a leader in applied psychophysiology. She specializes in neuromodulation and EEG analysis for ADHD, anxiety, depression, and PTSD, and is a co-investigator on the NIH-funded ICAN neurofeedback study.

• Erik Peper, Ph.D. – Professor of Holistic Health at San Francisco State University and President of the Biofeedback Federation of Europe. A pioneer in behavioral medicine, Dr. Peper has spent over four decades researching self-regulation, stress, posture, and wellness. He is the co-author of Make Health Happen and TechStress.

• Beth I. Barol, Ph.D., LSW, BCB, NADD-CC – International consultant and former Associate Professor at Widener University, Dr. Barol brings over 40 years of experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, trauma histories, and co-occurring mental health needs. She integrates biofeedback, neurofeedback, and EMDR in clinical and educational work.

• Alla Landa, Ph.D. – Clinical psychologist and neuroscientist at Columbia University and Principal Investigator at the NY State Psychiatric Institute. Dr. Landa leads research on psychosomatic distress and emotion regulation and directs the Columbia Psychosomatics Conference and Training Program.

• Marina Makous, M.D. – Board-Certified in Family Medicine with advanced training in Neuropsychiatry and tick-borne diseases. Dr. Makous specializes in integrative care for anxiety, depression, autoimmune encephalopathy, and neuropsychiatric complications of chronic illness. She practices in the Philadelphia area.

• Stoyan Vezenkov – Team Lead at the Center for Applied Neuroscience and founder of NOOTISM, an open-access scientific journal. His work focuses on screen addiction, neurodevelopment, and applied neuroscience. He leads the Screen Children Project and integrates biofeedback, EEG neurofeedback, and occupational therapy into youth-focused therapeutic programs.

Conference at a Glance

Friday Evening | 4:30–8:30 PM ET

Scientific Foundations

• Welcome Address & Keynote Lecture

• Latest Research in Biofeedback

• Professional Networking

• For Practitioners & Researchers

Saturday | 8:30 AM–6:00 PM ET

Youth Wellness Intensive

Hands-On & Practical Tools for Families and Professionals

• Stress Management Techniques for Youth

• Neurological Development Insights

• Emotional Regulation Strategies

• Holistic Nutrition & Lifestyle

• Technology & Youth Wellbeing

• Interactive Expert-Led Sessions

Ideal for:

Parents • Educators • Clinicians • Mental Health Professionals • Wellness Advocates

Sunday | 8:30 AM–3:30 PM ET

Advanced Professional Development

• In-Depth Biofeedback Applications

• Research Methodology & Clinical Training

• Specialized Techniques for Professionals

• Cutting-Edge Tools and Protocols

Why Attend?

• Groundbreaking Scientific Research

• Actionable Wellness Tools

• Holistic, Integrative Approaches

• Expert Networking

• Continuing Education Credits Available