Mike Young - Founder + CFO ( Chief Foodie & Farming Officer)
Mike Young is the Founder of aPlantBasedDiet.org 501(c)(3) Non-Profit, TriangleGrapeVine.org and FloridaGrapeVine.org. aPlantBasedDiet.org has a website full of food and recipe resources, a YouTube Channel, local community groups, and live in person outdoor festival events up and down the US East Coast. He’s the type of person that’s continually in search of improvement and doing the best he can do with everything. Mike has always been a forward thinker, and this has propelled him into leading a whole foods plant based lifestyle. He believes there’s nothing more important to do today than spread the good news of this lifestyle since everyone and everything benefits! Mike can be found perpetually on social media. Mike is also a Lifestyle Nutritionist @ ForeverYoungNutritionCoaching.com with a passion for human health. Author of the vBook “Live to 150” available FREE here: http://LiveTo150.org You can learn about his health journey here: https://youtu.be/jWFPL4xKMcs
Denise Young
Denise began her non-profit leadership work as the President of her COA. She leads projects and analyses financial data as a Senior Systems Analyst at Freddie MAC. Denise began her Plant-based journey after Mike encouraged her to read The China Study in 2017. Denise lost her beloved Aunt and Grandmother to diabetes and watched several family members struggle with breast cancer. She’s committed to educating people about a healthy lifestyle that doesn’t exploit animals and is better for the environment. Since switching to a Whole Foods Plant Based diet, Denise has lost 20 pounds, has resumed running and recently won first place in her age group in a competitive 5K!
Dr. James Loomis
Lifestyle Medicine clinician and featured in “The Game Changers” blockbuster movie with James Cameron and Arnold Schwarzenegger. James F. Loomis Jr., M.D., M.B.A received his medical degree from the University of Arkansas, where he was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and graduated with honors. He subsequently completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at Barnes Hospital/Washington University in St. Louis, MO. In addition, Dr. Loomis received an M.B.A. from the Olin School of Business at Washington University in St. Louis. He is board certified in internal medicine, a diplomat of the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine, and has also completed the certification program in Plant-Based Nutrition from Cornell University.
Caryn Dugan, CHWC
Plant Based Chef, cancer survivor, founder of Center for Plant Based Living and star of “The Doc & Chef” series along with Dr. Jim Loomis. Caryn adopted a plant-based diet in response to tragedy; in 2008, cancer took her father at an early age and 10 weeks later, tried to take her. In response to her diagnosis, she searched for an answer and found one in the growing body of literature supporting a whole food, plant-based diet to bolster our natural immune system. Adopting a plant-based diet herself and beating cancer, she sought to share her knowledge to help others.
Dilip Barman
Dilip Barman has been involved with plant‐based lifestyle for decades. He is President of the Triangle Vegetarian Society in North Carolina where he hosts the country’s largest vegetarian (all vegan) Thanksgiving. He is a Food for Life instructor (and has a promotional video); Food for Life is a nutrition education program of the Physicians Committee, a non‐profit organization with a goal of improving lives through evidence‐based research in food and nutrition. Dilip is Executive Producer of the 2020 film Code Blue that shows how lifestyle choices can profoundly affect health. Dilip designed a program and now offers 3-day immersions teaching healthy cooking and nutrition.
Bryan Strickland, MD & Carolyn May Strickland
Bryan Strickland, MD is an Assistant Professor of Medicine with UAB Internal Medicine Residency Program in Montgomery, Alabama. Dr. Strickland is board certified in Internal Medicine and board certified in LifeStyle Medicine. He serves on the board of the State of Alabama Department of Public Health. Dr. Strickland has followed a plant-based diet and taught his patients about the benefits of a plant-based diet since 2009. Carolyn May Strickland is a Food for Life Instructor with Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM). She’s also a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, Certified Health and Wellbeing Coach, YMCA certified fitness instructor, graduate of Cornell Center for Nutrition Studies, and graduate of Rouxbe/Forks Over Knives plant-based cooking school. She is a member of the Move Montgomery Health and Wellness Task Force and board president of EATSouth urban teaching farm. Bryan and Carolyn, who live in Montgomery, Alabama, have a YouTube channel called Stricklands & Friends: A Seasonal WFPB Cookbook. You can also see Carolyn on the show So Many Cooks in the Kitchen on YouTube, Facebook, and The PlantBased Network. She was featured in the December 2022 edition of Women’s World magazine and you’ll find some of her original recipes in Glen Merzer’s book Food is Climate. Bryan and Carolyn started a monthly plant-based potluck, VegOut Montgomery, in 2013 and a monthly cooking and nutrition class, Meatless Monday Montgomery, at the Montgomery Whole Foods (2018-2022). (Meatless Monday Montgomery is now available on Facebook Live on the last Monday every month and as a local meet-up.)
Nichole Fogleman CRNA, MSNA
President and owner of Hope For Pain Inc; author of “In the Garden: 40 day journey of Hope and Healing” PBNSG Host of “Foods That Fight Pain”: Founding member of Sage Circle Alliance Plant -Based Nutrition certified , Certified registered nurse anesthetist for over 20 years; expert in acute and chronic pain; affiliate faculty at the Medical College of Virginia Nurse Anesthesia program, Richmond Virginia
Will Loiseau
Will Loiseau is founder and CEO of True Iron Will LLC, a company dedicated to empowering individuals to reach their full potential through fitness, nutrition, and transformative literary content. The True Iron Will program utilizes holistic approaches and cutting-edge techniques that have brought Will success in his own fitness journey and in transforming the lives of countless clients and followers. As CEO of True Iron Will, Will brings over a decade of experience as a personal trainer and holistic sports nutritional consultant to his role. His dedication to helping others achieve their best selves is evident in the diverse range of clients he’s assisted – from marathon runners to destination wedding participants, and individuals with unique challenges such as hearing impairments, visual impairments, and those recovering from joint replacement surgeries. Will is also an accomplished author. His first book, “Quake: Horror and Hope in Haiti,” provides a rare first-hand account of the devastating 2010 earthquake in Port-au-Prince. His latest work, “Young at Any Age: Secrets to Slowing the Aging Process,” offers readers practical strategies to rejuvenate their physical appearance and recapture youthful vitality, showcasing Will’s expertise in holistic wellness and his ability to connect with readers through honest, relatable, and evidence-based content. Beyond Will’s passionate work at True Iron Will, he has completed two half marathons and two full marathons, achievements that are a true testament to his philosophy and exemplifies the principles he teaches.
Drs Lee and Natalie Horine
Drs Lee and Natalie Horine are a dynamic Chiropractic couple that is obsessed with maximizing the human experience in harmony with nature. They have been plant based since receiving the download while pregnant with their daughter, Sedona in 2021 -be sure to ask Dr. Natalie about this sometime. They both did extensive juice feasting (Lee 135 days and Natalie 84 days while pregnant)to cleanse and purify their bodies with the intent of allowing them to be “clearer” conduits of promoting health for their clients. Little that they knew, this would become part of their holistic health obsession as they now understand this lifestyle in combination with being neurologically aligned, spiritually connected & physically fit to be the way to having the most vital life experience. Having owned and built 3 businesses since graduating Summa Cum Laude and Cum Laude from Life Univeristy in Marietta, GA, they have continued their post doctorate studies in childhood learning behavioral disorders, pregnancy and child specific techniques in chiropractic, lymphatic detoxification, superconscious mindset training and heart brain coherence work. With all of their extensive knowledge alongside, they’re colleague Dr. Shawn, they have created a spinal flow healing facility in Sarasota, Florida like none other. When they are not working with clients or their various team members, they are providing sessions and speaking about wellness at on and offsite retreats, traveling, doing human Design readings, hiking and enjoying family time with their daughter Sedona and dog Ginger.
Brian Hetrich
Brian Hetrich, DNOM is a Naturopathic Doctor and a Health Coach. He is a Master Grower, a gourmet raw food chef, a passionate teacher, and an author. Brian is an expert in lifestyle medicine and the natural healing arts. Brian earned his degree as a Doctorate of Naturopathy from the International Institute of Original Medicine which is accredited by the American Naturopathic Medical Accreditation Board (ANMAB), and the American Association of Drugless Practitioners (AADP.)
Cody Stubbe, MSN, RN
College in Omaha and at Purdue University Global in Lincoln. She has worked as a licensed nurse for over 20 years and has a background is surgical nursing, specializing in cardiothoracic, vascular and orthopedic surgery. Since 2009, she has shifted focus to nursing education with experience in teaching theory as well as a variety of clinical settings and educating all levels of courses for undergraduate nursing programs. Cody started a Lifestyle Medicine Student Interest group at Nebraska Methodist College where she currently serves as an advisor and helps plan events that promote Lifestyle Medicine on campus and in the community.
Korin Suttom
Korin Sutton is a certified sports nutritionist and CEO of BodyHD Fitness. As one of the nation’s top plant-based trainers, educators, and prior 8-year military war veteran, he is committed to helping people transform their lives through better ways of eating, moving, and living. Influential in the vegan community, Korin is a 3x Pro Bodybuilder and has won over 28 different bodybuilding shows, breaking the stereotype that men can’t build muscle-eating plants. With over a decade of experience in the health and fitness industry, Korin’s methods have changed the lives of thousands, globally. He is active on lnstagram and other social media platforms, regularly sharing content with his community of over 223,000 followers. An international educational speaker, Korin’s insights have graced many stages and have featured on platforms including, BBCl Veganville, Amazon Prime New Day New Chef, and Men’s Health.
Kyle Heiny
Kyle Heiny is a first-generation farmer who, alongside his wife Stacey, founded Green Growers Farm in Sheridan, Indiana. Their journey into agriculture began over a decade ago with a simple garden, driven by Stacey’s passion for healthy living and whole-plant foods. This initial venture into home gardening evolved into a deeper commitment to sustainable, organic farming practices, leading them to purchase their farm in 2014.
At Green Growers, Kyle and Stacey focus on providing year-round certified organic vegetables and microgreens to their local community. Their farm operates on the principles of organic and sustainable agriculture, emphasizing the benefits of plant-based lifestyles and the therapeutic aspects of working with nature. Each year, they refine their growing techniques to manage pests and enhance plant health without synthetic chemicals, showcasing their dedication to both health and environmental stewardship.
Kyle’s background is not rooted in agriculture; rather, he balances farm life with a career in corporate America, while Stacey works in clean skincare and cosmetics, demonstrating that passion projects like Green Growers can thrive alongside other professional commitments. This farm-to-table approach not only brings fresh, nutrient-dense produce to their community but also educates others on the importance of knowing where your food comes from and the benefits of microgreens, which are packed with nutrients at a very young stage of growth.
Their story is one of transformation, learning, and community engagement, making Kyle Heiny an inspiring figure for anyone interested in sustainable food production, particularly in microgreens, which require minimal space and resources, offering a feasible entry point into farming for urban and suburban dwellers alike.
Stacey Heiny
Stacey Heiny is a licensed Food for Life Instructor through the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, a Waterless Beauty Consultant for Olive Tree People, and the founder of The Herban Farmacy. With certifications in plant-based nutrition from Cornell University, the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies, and the Food Revolution Network, Stacey brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her holistic health approach. She has also studied holistic nutrition through AFPA, as well as Pilates and Yoga through BASI Pilates and Yoga Faith, respectively.
Stacey lives in central Indiana, with her husband and son, where they own a thriving produce farm. Her personal journey of balancing family life, health, and wellness fuels her passion for empowering others to elevate their health, confidence, and beauty with practical and holistic strategies.
With years of experience and a relatable, engaging teaching style, Stacey has lectured on topics ranging from hormone health and anti-inflammatory nutrition to the transformative power of plant-based living. On this cruise, she will share the often-overlooked importance of dietary fiber, teaching how it can enhance digestion, balance hormones, and support long-term vitality.
Follow Stacey on Instagram and Facebook and grab her free sauce eBook to take your plant-based meals to the next level! CLICK HERE for the FREE SAUCE EBOOK!