Chip Burson has been an addiction treatment professional and trainer for over 25 years and in continuous personal 12-Step recovery for over 31 years.  He was a founder and president of the Bradford Treatment Programs and CEO of Communicare, Inc. before returning to academia in 2000 to do research development. Since 2010 Chip has spent his time as a healthcare consultant, author, research developer, presenter, and board member of several charitable foundations and not-for-profit human service enterprises. He began his meditation practice in 1969 under the Chan Buddhist master, Deh Chun, and has taught integrated mindfulness and 12-Step recovery practice since 1986.

Ruth Fishel, M.Ed, is a prolific author, national retreat and workshop leader and teaches meditation. Her books are inspirational and spiritual, helping people to find more joy, peace, healing, growth and purpose in their lives, including TIME FOR JOY, which has sold over 300,000 copies and PEACE IN OUR HEARTS, PEACE IN THE WORLD.  Ruth’s latest book is WRINKLES DON’T HURT, DAILY MEDITATIONS ON THE JOY OF AGING MINDFULLY. Ruth was co-director of Serenity, Inc, a multi-facited alcohol and drug addiction program from 1976-1988, was a CADAC ( certified alcohol and drug abuse counselor) and a LMHC (licensed mental health counselor)

 and has worked with people in recovery for many years. She has been in personal 12 step recovery for 40 years.

Katy Shields has been in recovery for 25 years and has been practicing mindfulness and Buddhism since 1997.

She is an artist who enjoys creating jewelry, calligraphy, and watercolors with a meditative theme. From Maine,  she now resides in St. Petersburg, Fl