Mike Young – Founder + CFO (Chief Foodie Officer)
Born in 1970, Mike Young and his wife, Denise Young, specialize in Human HealthSpan and Longevity. Mike is continually pushing the envelope of what’s possible in these areas by promoting a radical return to nature. Mike is the Founder + CFO ( Chief Foodie & Farming Officer ) of the independent aPlantBasedDiet.org 501(c)(3) non-profit that’s been “Improving Society For Future Generations” since 2014. Mike is the author of the “life manual” book ‘LIVE to 150’ that’s available to listen to or watch at no cost, like a podcast or audiobook @ http://LIVEto150.org
Mike’s goal is to eradicate all non-communicable diseases in humans via practicing the 6 pillars of both Lifestyle Medicine and Healthy Vegan Food. The HVF nutritional standard was developed by APBD, and more info can be found @ http://HealthyVeganFood.info
Mike has also developed Health Optimization Clubs and Travel events to allow folks to leave their homes and socialize without hurting their health, + some remote participation is also possible! The full calendar of FUN events with food that doesn’t harm humans can be found @ http://PlantBasedEvents.info and includes the annual January http://HealthOptimizationCruise.org and December http://HealthOptimizationSafari.org
In addition to these “vacations you don’t have to recover from,” Mike is also working on developing top health level zero chemicals vegan regenerative food growing projects and communities in Virginia, North Carolina, Florida, Ecuador, and Uganda.https://youtu.be/jWFPL4xKMcs
Denise Young
Denise began her non-profit leadership work as the President of her COA. She leads projects and analyzes financial data as a Senior Product 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 still fits into the same clothes that she did in the 8th grade!
Estar Hazan
Estar Hazan is a certified yoga instructor and wellness practitioner with over 40 years of experience in health and fitness. She brings a dynamic blend of movement, mindfulness, and healing to her classes, drawing from her certifications in yoga and Emotional Freedom Technique (E.F.T.).
Estar has studied under renowned holistic health pioneers, including Dr. Gabriel Cousens, Dr. David Ross, and Dr. Brian Clement, deepening her understanding of the mind-body connection and integrative wellness. Known for her vibrant energy and exceptional fitness at 67 years of age, Estar is passionate about helping others feel strong, balanced, and empowered.
Nichole Fogleman, NP, CRNA
Nicole is a nurse practitioner specializing in acute and chronic pain management. She serves as host of the “Foods that Fight Pain” support group through the Plant-Based Nutrition Support Group (PBNSG) and holds a Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies at Cornell University. She is the author of In The Garden: 40 Days of Hope and Healing, a faith-based devotional and practical guide to plant-based living.
With more than a decade of personal experience living a plant-based lifestyle, Nichole is passionate about helping others discover the healing power of food. She believes pain has become a defining force in too many lives—leading to addiction, chronic illness, and despair—and feels called to offer a gentler, more sustainable path to relief and recovery.
Nichole has been married to her husband, Bryan, for over 30 years. Together, they’ve raised two daughters and share their home with two beloved pups. When she’s not working or writing, you’ll likely find her hiking a wooded trail, reading a good book, or tending to her garden—nurturing life, one seed at a time.
Casie Mair-Miley, MSN, RN, PMHNP-S, DipACLM
Casie Mair-Miley, MSN, RN, PMHNP-S has been in practice as a registered nurse since 1997, predominantly with school-aged children and adolescents, as well as outpatient mental health and chemical dependency adults. She holds a master’s degree in Nursing Education, anticipates board certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and American College of Lifestyle Medicine Clinician in January of 2026, and is a Lifetime Member of the National Health Association. Experiencing and witnessing countless “medical miracles” using the pillars of Lifestyle Medicine -including whole-food plant-based SOS-free cooking, regular exercise, and mindfulness- she believes in merging these practices with traditional psychiatry for the best mental health outcomes. Also a student of Yoga and Meditation Teacher Trainings, Casie is passionate about living a genuine life to its fullest, running, travelling, spending time in nature, and with loved ones.
Janet Pearson
Janet Pearson is a lifelong learner and passionate advocate for whole food, plant-based living. Over ten years ago, she discovered the power of a 100% whole food, plant-based lifestyle and has been sharing her journey ever since. She serves as a board member with the Plant Based Nutrition Movement and as a leader with Building Healthy Communities, two nonprofits dedicated to improving health, child nutrition, and community awareness.
Her love of cooking has been shaped by training with eCornell, Forks Over Knives, Food Revolution Network, True North, and several plant-based chefs, helping her find joy in the kitchen and inspiring her to make plant-based living easier for others. Janet shares her knowledge through local events, podcasts with PBNM.org and PBNSG.org, and her online communities—Vegan Home Cook Group on Facebook and Vegan Home Cook Mom on Instagram. She also partnered with two Food for Life Instructors in her community at LetsEatGreat.com.
With 40 years of professional experience in business, sales, and customer service, as well as leadership roles in Scouting, religious education, and Toastmasters, Janet brings both heart and practical skills to her work. She is passionate about helping others begin their own path toward health and well-being.
Over the years, Janet has also had a passion for Scouting. She recently partnered with Dr. Mary Anne Kiel, a plant-based pediatrician and they are in the process of completing three separate publications. Janet will discuss these new books.