Beginners Gentle Flow Yoga & Sound Bath Meditation

Meet Denise Zellmann, an experienced and passionate yoga instructor who has been guiding individuals toward a healthier and more balanced lifestyle for the past two years. She received her certification from the esteemed Yoga Alliance and has a deep understanding of the principles and techniques that underpin this ancient practice.

Denise grew up in a family with a strong military background, with her father being a dedicated US Marine. This upbringing instilled in her a strong work ethic and a commitment to helping others. Her journey into the world of yoga began as a personal exploration of mindfulness and self-discovery. The transformative power of yoga left a lasting impact on her life, leading her to pursue formal training and share her knowledge with others.

As a yoga instructor, Denise finds immense joy in witnessing her students' personal growth and self-realization. She believes that teaching yoga is about physical exercise and guiding individuals towards a deeper understanding of meditation and the numerous benefits of living mindfully. She is dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming space for her students, encouraging them to cultivate self-awareness, inner peace, and a strong mind-body connection.

Introduction to Golf

Heather King is a highly experienced golf instructor and industry professional with a passion for the game that spans over 17 years. Her journey in the golf industry began around 2006. She began teaching golf in 2010, and since then, she has been actively involved in various aspects of the sport.

Heather finds immense joy in sharing her love for golf with others, as she believes it provides a fantastic avenue for people to enjoy the outdoors, exercise, forge new connections, and become part of a vibrant community. She recognizes golf's multifaceted benefits, extending beyond the physical aspects, and encompasses social interaction, personal growth, and a sense of belonging.

Heather is a successful PGA Professional with a passion for advancing the sport. She has been recognized with multiple awards for her contributions, including being named the 2022 PGA Player Development of the Year by the San Diego Chapter, San Diego's PGA Board Member and Assistant Golf Professional of the Year.

One aspect that brings Heather immense fulfillment is her involvement in teaching military spouses to golf. She takes great pride in helping them acquire a skill that can be used for business meetings, recreational purposes, and overall health improvement.

Mocktails and Monet

Meet Jeff Remmer- a seasoned and accomplished fine arts instructor with an impressive professional background. His artistic journey includes gallery artistry, illustration, graphic design, video game art, and paint instruction. In 2022, Jeff adeptly guided and instructed a group of more than 20 military spouses at our symposium, imparting his expert knowledge and skills to help them create truly breathtaking and awe-inspiring works of art that they proudly display in their homes. His teaching methodology is thoughtfully designed to encourage a sense of relaxation and inspiration in his students, leaving them feeling empowered and motivated to continue pursuing their artistic passions and creating beautiful pieces.

Jeff says, "I have helped more than 50,000 people release their inner artists."

Hire Ready: Transform Your Resume &  Interview Skills

Staci Reidinger is an accomplished professional with a diverse background spanning various fields, including military service, public relations, communications, and business management. With a strong educational foundation and a wealth of experience, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and a commitment to positively impacting her endeavors.

Staci's educational journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Education. She furthered her academic pursuits and obtained an MBA and an M.A. in Communications, equipping her with a solid understanding of business and effective communication strategies.

With a distinguished military career, Staci served in the U.S. Marine Corps for an impressive 24 years, where she held roles various roles including Public Affairs Officer. Her time in the Marines allowed her to cultivate invaluable leadership, crisis management, and strategic communication skills.

After retiring from the Marine Corps as a Major (O-4) in 2017, Staci transitioned into the private sector, serving as the Director of PR and Social Media Marketing at The UPS Store, Inc. In this role, she demonstrated her public relations and marketing expertise, effectively managing and implementing communication strategies to enhance the company's brand image and engage with its target audience.

Driven by her passion for public relations and a desire to make a difference, Staci established Reidinger PR in 2023, where she currently serves as President. She offers comprehensive communication services through her PR agency, helping clients build and maintain a strong brand presence while effectively connecting with their stakeholders.

Staci's commitment to education has earned her the prestigious APR+M accreditation. Currently serving as the Co-Executive Director of Cause San Diego, she works closely with fellow members to make a significant difference in the community by supporting vital causes.

Staci Reidinger's rich and diverse background, coupled with her relentless pursuit of excellence, positions her as a highly respected and accomplished professional.

Starbucks Coffee Academy

Starbucks is a beloved brand worldwide, favored by individuals of all ages, including pets, for its exceptional coffee. However, this workshop takes a closer look at this well-known corporation's product journey from bean to cup. Where do they source their coffee beans? How do they create a unique roast, blend, brew, and craft to satisfy your taste buds? Stacy Nichols is a passionate coffee lover who supports the military community through her dark roast store. For years, she has made shopping at the Armed Services YMCA San Diego's food distribution an extraordinary experience by offering Starbucks beverages to military families. She hopes to share her love of coffee and empowerment with military spouses by teaching them how to become coffee connoisseurs.

Nichols says, "Two things I am passionate about in life: coffee and people."

The Military Spouse Career: Leveraging Your Resources

Tracy Steele is a highly qualified professional with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and is also a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW). With her extensive expertise as a registered nurse, she has successfully managed to transition careers by utilizing her network to the fullest. Her career pivots have been remarkable, starting from non-profit management to workforce development. Currently, she holds the position of Program Manager at Hiring Our Heroes, an organization that works with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to help military spouses secure employment opportunities. Being a military spouse herself for over 20 years, Tracy Steele has first-hand knowledge and experience in leveraging strategic volunteering and professional development opportunities to build a fulfilling career.

Strategies for Financial Freedom

Marjorie and Bryan are dedicated to empowering military spouses with the necessary financial skills for success. Barrera has a degree in financial services, while Geluz holds a bachelor's in business administration. As a Navy Spouse and the child of a military member, they understand the financial struggles that military families face. Their goal is to equip military spouses with effective money management techniques, with a particular emphasis on savings, budgeting, and investing. They also aim to educate participants on prevalent fraud trends, equipping them with the knowledge to overcome or avoid financial threats.

Cooking Demonstration: Onigiri Rice Ball 

Christine Gilpin is a military spouse with nine years of life experience in Japan. She immersed herself in Japanese culture, including its beloved onigiri. Christine’s journey with the Navy began in 2005 as an active duty spouse, working with ITT, FFSC, AFRG, MWR, CDC, and as an OMB, equipped her with a deep understanding of diverse communities and all the acronyms. She is excited to share her passion for creating delicious and authentic onigiri with you.  In her workshop you will explore:

• Traditional Onigiri: Master the basics and learn the classic techniques.
• Creative Variations: Experiment with different fillings and flavors to create your unique onigiri.
• Easy Preparation: Simple steps to make onigiri a breeze, even for beginners.
• Healthy Choices: Discover nutritious ingredients and combinations to keep your onigiri wholesome.
• Meal Prep Tips: Learn how to prepare and store onigiri for quick and convenient meals throughout the week.

Let's embark on a fun and flavorful culinary adventure together!

Stress Management: Finding your Pace in Life’s Race  

Taylor earned his Bachelor of Science in nursing from Biola University in Los Angeles, and began his career as a pediatric post-surgical nurse at Children’s Hospital of Orange County. In 2021, he took on his current role of Wellness Nurse Consultant with Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program. Over the years, he has been able to provide holistic care for various populations including short-term medical missions in Belize and the Philippines, and playing guitar and singing for older adults with dementia. Taylor believes personal health includes nourishing the mind, body, and spirit, and he seeks to motivate people to take ownership of all aspects of their health. He knows that when we think about wellness holistically and achieve greater health, we are better equipped to enjoy life and serve our families and communities. When he is not working, he loves spending time with his wife, two kiddos, the rest of his family and his church community, as well as reading, exercising, and playing music. He is excited and grateful to be at the 2024 Military Spouse Symposium!

Your Path to Wellness Begins with SMART Financial Habits

This past spring, Divina volunteered at a local community center in San Diego called, El Centro De Cultural, where she offered free financial literacy class. She met Maria, a single mother of 3 who was struggling to manage her finances. They worked together on creating a budget and Divina helped her with understanding her financial goals. Maria not only had saved enough to cover her children's school supplies but she also started a small emergency fund. That experience reinforced Divina’s passion for helping others achieve financial independence and empowerment.