I am a multi-faceted individual, which is fully represented in my life experiences, including my career pursuits. One way I describe myself is as a "recovering corporate executive on radical sabbatical," having had a successful 30+ year career in marketing, including running a portfolio of brands worth close to $1 billion dollars. I'm a member of SAG/AFTRA performing in various ways since I was three years old. Today, I'm also a catastrophic-stroke survivor, inspirational keynote speaker, university lecturer, and CEO of The Heartly Center for Mindfulness and Self-Mastery™ (formerly The Heart of Living Vibrantly™).
I have a passion for personal development and what I call Self-Mastery, which is about inspiring and guiding people to be the best they can be. I believe in life-long learning and living authentically, which I pursue through ongoing exploration in spirituality, human achievement, personality dynamics, and communication. I am certified in archetype coaching through the Caroline Myss Education Institute, and have been trained in HeartMath, spiritual direction, Universal Laws, and compassionate communication. I have coached young people and executives, mentored homeless women and college students, and taught in corporate universities and collegiate schools of business.
I love speaking to large and small audiences, and I facilitate workshops and host retreats as well. My teachings are the centerpiece of my partnership with the University of California, Irvine, and a beloved course I created and teach called Living 101: Being Happy and Whole.
It's received rave reviews from undergraduate and graduate students alike throughout its 3 year pilot. Quantitative outcomes data shows Living 101 students have increased mindfulness and self-efficacy while reducing stress and increasing happiness. Due largely to student demand, an advanced level course, Living 102, has been added, and other expansion efforts are underway, including the development of an immersion event called the Wholeness Palooza, and a residence hall living-learning community for freshman called the Life Scholars House, which accepted the first cohort of students in Fall 2018. The next horizon is expanding to colleges and universities around the U.S.
LEARN MORE ABOUT The Heartly Center for Mindfulness and Self-Mastery™
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I also put my perspective on paper, and have authored a couple eBooks, published articles, and co-authored a national best-seller. I've been featured on the August 2016 cover of MY Authentic Life Magazine©, have been published in award-winning 11:11™ Magazine, and I'm a Featured Luminary on InspireMeToday.com™. I've also been featured in numerous radio shows, podcasts and tele-summits.
I'm most proud that on June 8, 2016, I released my self-published book,"Living Happy to Be ME!: Dancing Your Soul Lightsyle©." It reached #1 Best-Seller in four Amazon categories the day it was released, and has since received six awards for excellence and multiple 5-star reviews. The Kindle version is also a #1 International Best-Seller. I'm grateful to know that the book is helping people overcome obstacles and experience more happiness, fulfillment and success. It's available in hard copy and Kindle formats.
LEARN MORE ABOUT Living Happy to Be ME!©
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Lastly, though I'm on leave of absence from pursuing acting as a career path for now, it's been fertile ground for self-discovery and creative self-expression since I started acting and dance when I was a toddler. I have performed in school and community theatre, in television, film, commercials, voice-over, and live comedy. You might have seen me delivering the mail as Mail Carrier Carla in an episode of the Emmy-nominated "Hip Hop Harry" on the Discovery Kids channel, recognized me as the voice of Cat on "The Wheels on the Bus," seen me interviewing people at an event as a live correspondent, or performing as a regular cast member of multi-award-winning, OC-based ImprovCity. Through the Screen Actors Guild Foundations' BookPals, I read aloud to fifth graders at Deerfield Elementary School in Irvine, CA weekly for over four years. Click below for my resume, professional portfolio and reels, and to contact me about performance arts.
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On the strictly personal front, I love sports, international travel, reading mystery novels and lounging at the beach. I've lived in 10 states, moved 23 times, and visited 27 countries. I'm happiest sharing quality time with friends and family, especially when champagne, great food and laughter are in the mix!
Wishing you an abundance of all the best life has to offer. Stay well and choose to be happy!
Valerie
