Linette Gonzalez is a Nurse Practitioner, Health Coach, and Yoga Instructor who approaches health through clinical and integrative lenses. Her work is centered on helping people understand the patterns behind their symptoms while combining evidence-based medicine with nutrition, lifestyle, and whole-person care. In this interview, Linette explores what it means to look beyond “normal” lab results, why sequence matters in healing, and how her personal experience with fibromyalgia shaped the way she listens to patients. Linette Gonzalez Alarcon, Family Nurse Practitioner & Health Coach What does integrative health look like in practice for someone who has tried everything and still does not feel like themselves? Integrative health, in practice, means I stop treating you as a list of separate complaints and start treating you as one connected system. Most people who come to me have already done the conventional route. They have seen a primary care provider, a gastroenterologist, maybe a rheumatologist or an endocrinologist. Each specialist looked at their own organ and said, "This part looks fine." But sometimes no one has stepped back and asked why the fatigue, bloating, anxiety, and joint pain began around the same time. So, the first thing that changes is the questions. I want to understand what was happening in your life when the symptoms began, how you sleep, how you digest, how you handle stress, how you move, and what your labs looked like over time rather than on one day. As a Nurse Practitioner, I believe conventional medicine has an essential role. We need to identify and treat disease, rule out serious conditions, and use appropriate testing and treatment when indicated. Integrative care adds another layer by asking what factors may be contributing to how someone feels and how we can support the body’s ability to function well. You do not have to choose between the two. To me, integrative care is about connecting the dots, looking at the whole person, and creating a personalized plan based on what we find. Sometimes the first step toward feeling like yourself again is finally understanding that your symptoms are not random. They are information. When someone’s labs look normal, but they still feel unwell, what do you look at next? "Labs are a snapshot. Your symptoms are the film." “Normal” is not necessarily the end of the conversation. A lab report usually tells us whether a result falls within a reference range based on a population, and the general population is not especially healthy. It does not, by itself, tell us the whole story of an individual’s health. First, I want to make sure we are not overlooking an underlying medical condition. I consider the person’s symptoms, history, medications, and clinical presentation, and whether additional evaluation or testing is clinically appropriate. For example, a thyroid panel that is technically in range, paired with fatigue, cold hands, and hair loss, deserves a more comprehensive evaluation, not a shrug. Beyond that, I look at patterns over time. How are they sleeping? How are they eating? How is their digestion? What happens to their energy throughout the day? What stressors are present? How much are they moving? What medications or supplements are they taking? When did the symptoms begin, and what was happening in their life at that time? I pay attention to the person, not just the number. Two people can have similar lab results and feel completely different. I never want “your labs are normal” to mean “nothing is wrong with you.” Sometimes it simply means we need to broaden the conversation. How did your own experience with fibromyalgia change the way you listen to patients whose symptoms do not fit neatly into a diagnosis? My experience with fibromyalgia profoundly changed the way I listen. Being diagnosed in the past taught me what it feels like to sit on the other side of the desk. When your symptoms are difficult to explain or do not fit neatly into a diagnostic box, you learn how frustrating it is to know that something is not right while struggling to communicate exactly what is happening. It also changed how I see a diagnosis. In the conventional world, a diagnosis can be incredibly useful, it gives us a framework for understanding symptoms and guiding treatment. I respect that, and I use it. But I see it as a starting point, not the whole story. Two people with the same label can have completely different drivers behind it, and a person without a label can still be very unwell. That experience taught me that listening is not a soft skill, it is part of clinical care. Nurses know this. Those of us who worked at the bedside learned to listen and to see the whole person, not just the chart. Patients may not have the perfect medical vocabulary, but their story matters, and part of my job is helping them translate what they are experiencing into something we can investigate. My own journey made me more curious and more compassionate. I want patients to feel they have a partner willing to look at the bigger picture with them, rather than dismissing something because it does not fit. Symptoms are complex and multifactorial, and as clinicians, we need to consider everything. Where do you think the root cause conversation becomes too simplistic in wellness? I think the “root cause” conversation becomes simplistic when it suggests every health concern has a single cause that can be identified and fixed with a single intervention. It also becomes oversimplified when "root cause" turns into a cliché for sales. If the answer to every health problem is the same supplement, cleanse, or restrictive diet, that is not root-cause thinking. Believe it or not, many practitioners in the wellness space still try to “solve” migraines simply by recommending magnesium. Human biology is much more complex than that. Multiple factors can influence health: genetics, environment, nutrition, sleep, stress, physical activity, medications, medical conditions, relationships, and many others. Sometimes we can identify a clear driver. Other times, we are looking at several factors interacting with one another. I think of it as a bucket, there may be multiple factors filling it, and eventually the bucket overflows. The goal is to understand what is contributing to that overflow. That is why I prefer to think in terms of patterns and contributing factors rather than one isolated cause. For me, the root-cause approach means asking better questions and being willing to look deeper while staying grounded in clinical judgment and the best evidence we have. It also means being willing to think outside the box, because science does not yet have all the answers. It is about expanding the lens, not replacing one oversimplified explanation with another. How do you decide when an integrative approach is appropriate and when someone needs further medical evaluation? This is where having a clinical background matters most, because safety comes first. I don't see integrative care and medical care as opposing approaches. In many cases, they should work together. Before I ever talk about lifestyle, I ask whether anything in front of me needs to be medically ruled out. Unintentional weight loss, blood in the stool, night sweats, a new severe headache, chest pain, neurological changes, a lump, or rapidly progressing symptoms are not integrative health coaching conversations. They are "you need to be seen, and soon" conversations, and I say so directly. That is why assessment and careful listening are the foundation of the coach-client relationship. Once we've addressed urgent or significant medical concerns, an integrative approach can help us see the broader picture. Nutrition, sleep, movement, stress management, lifestyle habits, and other supportive strategies can be valuable components of a person's overall health plan. Sometimes both need to happen at the same time. Someone can have a medical diagnosis and still benefit from improving their nutrition, sleep, physical activity, and stress resilience. To me, good integrative care is not about avoiding conventional medicine. It is about knowing when each tool is appropriate and making sure the person receives comprehensive care that is both safe and individualized. Why does the order in which you address health matter so much in your approach? "Holistic care is not about doing more, it is about doing what is appropriate, in the right order, at the right time, for the individual." I believe the body works as an interconnected system, so the order in which we address different aspects of health makes a meaningful difference. I learned this by being my own first patient. When I finally decided to heal, I did not start with a protocol, I started by being kind to myself and calming my nervous system. A body constantly under stress has a harder time repairing and regulating. Once I created more safety and stability, the rest became possible. Hence, I prefer a step-by-step approach rather than changing everything at once. Sometimes people do too much, changing their diet, adding multiple supplements, starting an exercise program, and addressing several symptoms at once. When something improves or gets worse, it becomes difficult to understand what actually made the difference. In addition, I constantly see a mistake in practice: people start at the end. They buy the probiotics, the adaptogens, and the methylated vitamins, then wonder why nothing changes, when they never removed what was actually causing the damage in the first place, whether it is an inflammatory diet, a chronic infection, environmental toxins, or stress. So, I start with the foundations, identifying potential contributors, supporting nutrition and digestion, improving sleep and recovery, addressing lifestyle factors, and making changes that are realistic for the individual. From there, we gradually build, based on how the body responds. For me, holistic care is not about doing more, it is about doing what is appropriate, in the right order, at the right time, for the individual. For someone dealing with fatigue, brain fog, and digestive issues, what are the first patterns you would ask them to examine? I would start by stepping back rather than immediately focusing on one symptom. Fatigue, brain fog, and digestive complaints can have many possible causes, so the first step is understanding the person’s individual history and overall picture. Before I change anything, I ask people to observe three patterns. The first is timing and the relationship between symptoms. When does the energy crash, and what happened in the hours before it? What happens after meals? I look at digestion as a daily report: bloating, bowel patterns, food triggers, and whether certain foods seem to affect how they feel the next day. I also look at sleep and stress. Are they waking during the night, relying on caffeine to get through the day, or feeling wired but exhausted? These patterns can give us clues about blood sugar regulation, digestion, sleep, and nervous-system stress. I also want to understand the timeline, whether symptoms began after an illness, medication, major stress, or dietary change, and what medications and supplements are in the picture. Honest observation turns “I feel terrible” into a pattern we can work with. It tells us where to start instead of guessing. My goal is to understand the individual first and create a safe, personalized plan rather than applying a one-size-fits-all protocol. What does “health is more than the absence of symptoms” mean to you personally? To me, "health is more than the absence of symptoms" means that feeling nothing wrong is not proof that nothing is wrong. Many chronic diseases develop quietly over years, sometimes decades, before the first obvious symptom appears. Insulin resistance can develop for years before blood sugar rises. Autoimmune conditions begin developing long before they are diagnosed or show up on routine testing. Blood vessels change silently. By the time symptoms appear, the underlying process is often well established. That is why I do not accept "I feel fine" or "my labs are normal" as the end of the conversation, particularly when someone is eating poorly, sleeping badly, not moving, and running on chronic stress. The body gives subtle signals long before it produces a diagnosis: changes in energy, mood, sleep, digestion, sugar cravings, or a lab value gradually drifting toward the edge of the reference range year after year. Those signs aren't a disease, but they indicate something is out of balance. Personally, I lived for years thinking I was healthy, and I was proud of it. I never realized that the brain fog I experienced as a child was an early signal that something was not right. When I finally looked back over my whole life, I could see patterns that had been there for decades. That is what the absence of symptoms can hide. Real health is not simply having nothing that hurts or nothing that has been diagnosed, it is the body functioning well, maintaining balance, and having the resilience to adapt before small imbalances become bigger problems. What is one thing you want people who have been told everything looks normal to understand about their health? I want them to understand that their experience matters, and that they have a right to advocate for their own health. If your tests come back clear, but you still do not feel well, that is not a reason to ignore what you are experiencing. It is also not a reason to assume something mysterious or catastrophic is being missed. It is an opportunity to pause, reassess, and ask better questions. Start with your story, because it holds information no test can. Then become an active participant in your healthcare. Ask why a test is being ordered, ask what the results actually mean, ask what has been ruled out, what has not been evaluated, and whether other factors are worth considering. Question things, not because you should distrust your providers, but because you deserve to understand your health and be part of the decision-making process. If the person in front of you is not curious about those questions, find someone who is. Remember that you do not have to choose between conventional medicine and an integrative approach, both have a place. I was once told my pain was in my head, and it took me years to stop believing it. You do not have to wait that long. Your symptoms are information. Learning to read that information, asking questions, and advocating for yourself is how you take your health back. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and my website for more info! Read more from Linette Gonzalez Alarcon

Written by: Editorial Team “Export of cars today remains a promising direction, since there will always be demand for transportation,” says the Ukrainian entrepreneur and businessman, founder of the company GR8 Auto LLC, Illia Korotkyi. “When someone is going through a tough financial period, they'll pass on a new car and look for alternatives, for example, ordering a used vehicle from the U.S. Due to the war in Ukraine, changes in logistics chains and other international factors, we temporarily reduced export activity and focused on the domestic US market. Before the start of full-scale, we exported 50-60 cars per month, now only 3-5. In the long term, we plan to restore and develop this direction.” Since 2024, Korotkyi has been working in America, where he is developing his own company for the sale and export of used cars, GR8 Auto LLC, in North Carolina. In running the business, he applies his own systematic approach, a developed methodology, thanks to which GR8 Auto LLC is successfully developing and operating reliably. “Any business needs order, control and stability. My methodology allows us to structure all processes and ensure the controlled growth of the company. In our work, we combine a systematic approach with modern technologies, CRM, AI tools and automation, which gives us a serious advantage over competitors who work according to outdated methods,” says the owner of GR8 Auto LLC. Export process Although GR8 Auto LLC’s activities are currently concentrated mainly on the domestic US market, Illia plans to expand the full-fledged export of used cars to countries in Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East and Africa in the near future. He walks through every stage a vehicle goes through, from purchase to overseas shipment. “For both export and domestic sales, most of the processes are the same: vehicle selection, inspection, purchase and logistics. For the domestic market, repairs and preparation for sale are added, and for export, international transportation and customer support until the car is received. First of all, we control quality. Even before the purchase, we check the history through Carfax, analyze the seller and the technical condition of the car. For export, we carry out photo fixation of the vehicle at the auction, at the port of departure and upon arrival in the destination country. This way, we monitor the car's condition at every stage of transport.” At the logistics stage, the company sends about 90% of vehicles in containers. It cooperates with international carriers such as Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, and ZIM. Air delivery is used only for individual premium orders when the client is ready to pay for maximum speed. To minimize risks in international car operations, GR8 Auto LLC uses the principle of transparency, and Illia Korotkyi personally checks all processes. “We explain to customers in advance all possible risks, spell out the relevant terms in the contracts, and set out the appropriate terms in every contract. This way we minimize misunderstandings and can work stably. Although there are stages in the international export of cars over which we have no influence. The biggest uncertainties are related to international logistics and changes in customs regulations. Transportation costs, routes, delivery times, and customs payments may change regardless of our company”. Prospects for international export development Korotkyi says that in the near future he plans to fully resume exports to countries where GR8 Auto LLC already has clients and many years of experience. "The priority for us remains Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, Germany, and the United Arab Emirates. We also see potential for development in certain African markets, where we already have some experience." Such activities will have a positive impact on the US economy. The export of used cars will contribute to an increase in trade volume, support the work of American auctions, transport and logistics companies, and port infrastructure. Transportation of cars abroad will create new jobs in the field of transportation and foreign trade. In addition, this will allow expanding the geography of exports, attracting new international customers and strengthening trade ties between the United States and partner countries. In parallel, new directions will be developed, and processes will be simplified for customers using digital tools and automation. The entrepreneur plans to improve logistics to ensure the fastest possible delivery of the vehicle to the destination. He says that international customers want to receive their car as soon as possible. Due to complicated logistics, they are increasingly asking about the possibility of accelerating delivery. This is especially true for premium segment buyers who are ready to use air transportation. Korotkyi plans to focus on developing this area. The entrepreneur is optimistic about the company's continued growth. Korotkyi expects continued growth for the business. "I see GR8 Auto LLC as an international company with several representative offices in major US states and a strong export sector. We plan to sell over 100 cars per month in America and export over 200 per month to different countries of the world. Our goal is to create a strong international brand that will be associated with reliability, service, and a professional approach to the automotive business."

Written by: Editorial Team Modern life moves at a relentless pace, leaving little space for mental stillness and turning stress into an everyday routine. People worry about work, family, finances, and the constant stream of information that follows them throughout the day. Even moments intended for rest are often interrupted by notifications, news updates, advertising, social media feeds, and endless digital distractions. As a result, many adults struggle to switch their attention, recover mentally, and create space for genuine relaxation. For some, an unexpected solution may be found not in another wellness app or productivity strategy, but at a piano keyboard. Beyond its musical appeal, the instrument offers an opportunity to focus attention, engage the mind in a meaningful activity, and temporarily step away from everyday concerns. We spoke with Olena Zhunda, a Master of Musical Arts, educator, and author of a methodological model for developing artistic skills in pianists, about why more adults are choosing to learn the piano and how musical practice can become a valuable part of modern life. Why it's worth playing According to Zhunda, interest in piano study among adults has grown significantly in recent years. Students arrive with a wide range of goals. Some want to learn a favorite song, others hope to improvise, revive a skill acquired in childhood, fulfill a long-standing dream, accompany their own singing or that of family members, develop a meaningful hobby, reduce screen time, create a personal creative space after work, prepare a musical gift, or simply experience something beyond the routine of everyday responsibilities. For an adult, it is especially important that the repertoire has a personal meaning. Therefore, they often choose classical pieces, film music, jazz, Ukrainian songs, or modern compositions for study. She believes that piano playing represents an active form of recreation because it requires a person to engage with a complex task involving multiple processes at once. While playing, the pianist reads notes or follows the keyboard, listens to the sound being produced, coordinates both hands, maintains rhythm, anticipates upcoming musical phrases, adjusts touch and dynamics, and continuously evaluates and corrects mistakes. Such activity temporarily displaces the flow of thoughts, messages and digital stimuli. A person stops consuming information and shifts into a creative mode. That is why the piano can work as an active digital detox: for a certain time, attention has a clear object, sequence and audible result. “At the same time, I do not call it a treatment for stress. The piano does not replace sleep, physical activity, psychotherapy, medical care or solving real-life problems.” Zhunda also points out how regular piano playing can help support cognitive and emotional well-being. She says that systematic training gives the brain a complex task in which auditory, visual, motor and executive processes are simultaneously involved. During piano practice, individuals engage their auditory attention, coordination, and memory while developing planning, anticipation, concentration, patience, self-control, and the ability to identify and correct mistakes. According to Olena, the feeling of an immediate result is emotionally important. A person presses a key and immediately hears the result of their action. Even a small improvement, for example, a more even pulse or a more natural connection of two phrases, creates a feeling of personal competence. “I do not recommend exhausting hours of classes for beginners. Short regular sessions of about 15 to 20 minutes can be a start. Fifteen minutes is a practical minimum that is easier to repeat systematically. It is better to practice short sessions several times a week than one two-hour class.” Over time, piano study can strengthen discipline, patience, and concentration while teaching students to work toward long-term goals, respond calmly to mistakes, recognize progress, and enjoy the creative process itself. Zhunda says that a regular, screen-free creative ritual can become part of one's daily life. As skills develop, adults may perform for friends and family, accompany singers, participate in amateur music groups, attend group classes, record their performances, or pursue personal creative projects. The most valuable result of classes is the formation of a stable creative connection with music and the habit of moving from the mode of information consumption to the mode of personal action and creation. Playing the piano vs. Meditation Zhunda sees clear differences between piano practice and traditional meditation or mindfulness techniques. She says that in traditional meditation, a person often focuses on breathing, bodily sensations, or observing thoughts. While playing the piano, concentration is maintained through action: movement, listening, rhythm, coordination, musical form. That is, meditation often involves observing, while musical practice suggests organizing and creating. She notes that different people respond to different methods of managing attention. For some, silence creates the ideal conditions for relaxation and reflection. For others, silence simply leaves room for another cycle of thoughts and worries. In those cases, a structured activity may provide a more effective path to concentration because it is demanding enough to interrupt the internal dialogue. She says that the piano is not ‘better’ than meditation. It is a different way of working with attention. Both practices can complement each other. At the same time, Zhunda emphasizes that the benefits of piano playing depend on how the activity is approached. The instrument has a better chance of maintaining a positive emotional state when a person chooses it voluntarily, studies music that has personal meaning, works at an appropriate level of difficulty, practices consistently without excessive pressure, and views mistakes as a natural part of learning and the teacher takes the person's individual goals into account. By contrast, the expected benefits may disappear if adults bring an excessively demanding professional mindset into their musical studies. Constant self-comparison, unrealistic expectations, overly difficult repertoire, physical overexertion, or treating every mistake as a personal failure can undermine the experience. The teacher explains that if a person has a long-term depressed state, panic symptoms, insomnia, severe exhaustion or cannot perform everyday duties, they need professional help. A music lesson is not therapy and should not be presented as a treatment. Mistakes at the start Adult beginners often encounter challenges that slow their progress and reduce motivation. Many repeatedly play an entire piece without isolating difficult passages, set unrealistic goals, compare themselves with professional musicians, focus exclusively on correct notes rather than musical quality, practice despite pain, or continuously search for new learning materials instead of developing a consistent routine. Another common mistake is waiting for inspiration before practicing, even though motivation often appears after the work has already begun. According to Zhunda, all these mistakes reduce motivation, because a person sees only the gap between themselves and the desired result. It is much more useful to compare today’s performance with their own recording from a month ago. Zhunda believes that the piano remains one of the most accessible and practical instruments for adult beginners while also offering opportunities for musicians with prior experience. “One of my adult students used to play the cello, and now she has decided to learn the piano. Her previous musical experience proved an advantage. She was well-versed in the bass clef, because it was the one she used when playing the cello, but reading the treble clef required additional practice. In addition, she is left-handed, so we carefully worked on the coordination of both hands, without altering her natural motor patterns. Unlike the cello, where performers typically focus on a single musical line, piano playing requires reading two staves simultaneously, coordinating both hands, and maintaining a balanced sound. Therefore, one of the main tasks at the initial stage was gradually building the skill of reading two-line notation. We worked in small steps, in no hurry to move on to complex repertoire. More important were regularity of classes, careful reading of notes and understanding of musical text. Today this student plays much more freely with two hands, confidently reads music in both clefs and navigates the musical notation much faster.” Adults successfully form new skills when learning is built sequentially, taking into account their previous experience and individual characteristics. Today, Zhunda lives in the United States, where she works as an accompanist at Wingate University, a piano teacher at Moonlight Music School in Monroe, North Carolina, and a pianist at Messiah Lutheran Church. She is also the founder of La Mi Sol Musical Art LLC, a piano studio dedicated to developing the creative abilities of both children and adults. Her work in the United States is focused on implementing and refining an original piano teaching methodology adapted to the realities of contemporary American music education. The approach aims to strengthen artistic expression and stage confidence while supporting long-term musical development. Its effectiveness is reflected in students’ public performances, competition results, and awards at international events, including the Charleston International Music Competition.

Linette Gonzalez Alarcon, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, is a Family Nurse Practitioner, certified integrative health coach, and 200-hour yoga instructor. She is the founder of Integrative Health Line, a bilingual English/Spanish wellness practice based in Cape Coral, Florida, that helps people uncover and address the root causes of chronic symptoms. Her career began in nursing, where she worked on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic and cared for adults living with the daily impact of chronic disease. At the same time, she was navigating her own health journey. After years of chronic pain, fatigue, brain fog, and digestive issues, and a conventional system that offered medications but few answers, she took her health into her own hands. Through nutrition, mindfulness, and movement she rebuilt her well-being, and that experience led her to become a certified health coach so she could guide others through the same process. Wanting to bring clinical depth to her coaching, she went on to earn her Master of Science in Nursing and become a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner, giving her the training to speak to physiology, lab work, and medication interactions with a level of authority few wellness coaches can offer. Today, through Integrative Health Line, Linette offers one-on-one integrative coaching and therapeutic yoga, in English and Spanish, for people who have "tried everything" and still do not feel like themselves. Her approach brings together clinical medicine, functional nutrition, and mind-body practices to address all dimensions of health: physical, emotional, and spiritual. Her writing draws on evidence-based nutrition, mind-body practices, and the science of the gut, hormones, stress physiology, and metabolic health, turning complex science into habits that support lasting healing. Her mission is to help people understand that health is more than the absence of symptoms, and to give them the tools to prevent disease and reclaim their vitality. Linette Gonzalez Alarcon Executive Contributor Family Nurse Practitioner & Health Coach Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. DO I QUALIFY? Linette Gonzalez Alarcon Family Nurse Practitioner & Health Coach Linette Gonzalez Alarcon, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, is a Family Nurse Practitioner, certified integrative health coach, and 200-hour yoga instructor. She is the founder of Integrative Health Line, a bilingual English/Spanish wellness practice based in Cape Coral, Florida, that helps people uncover and address the root causes of chronic symptoms. Her career began in nursing, where she worked on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic and cared for adults living with the daily impact of chronic disease. At the same time, she was navigating her own health journey. After years of chronic pain, fatigue, brain fog, and digestive issues, and a conventional system that offered medications but few answers, she took her health into her own hands. Through nutrition, mindfulness, and movement she rebuilt her well-being, and that experience led her to become a certified health coach so she could guide others through the same process. Wanting to bring clinical depth to her coaching, she went on to earn her Master of Science in Nursing and become a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner, giving her the training to speak to physiology, lab work, and medication interactions with a level of authority few wellness coaches can offer. Today, through Integrative Health Line, Linette offers one-on-one integrative coaching and therapeutic yoga, in English and Spanish, for people who have "tried everything" and still do not feel like themselves. Her approach brings together clinical medicine, functional nutrition, and mind-body practices to address all dimensions of health: physical, emotional, and spiritual. Her writing draws on evidence-based nutrition, mind-body practices, and the science of the gut, hormones, stress physiology, and metabolic health, turning complex science into habits that support lasting healing. Her mission is to help people understand that health is more than the absence of symptoms, and to give them the tools to prevent disease and reclaim their vitality. All articles Exclusive interviews What Your Symptoms Are Really Telling You – An Interview with Linette Gonzalez Alarcon Linette Gonzalez is a Nurse Practitioner, Health Coach, and Yoga Instructor who approaches health through clinical and integrative lenses. Her work is centered on helping people understand the patterns... READ ARTICLE LOAD MORE CREA Global Awards presented to Linette Gonzalez Alarcon Family Nurse Practitioner & Health Coach The CREA Global Awards is proudly presented to the honoree by the Brainz Magazine Selection Committee, in recognition for their creative and innovative ideas, adaptability in business, or for their contributions to sustainability and mental health projects. Caroline Winkvist Editor-In-Chief Daniel Ålund Selection Committee Brainz 500 Global Awards presented to Linette Gonzalez Alarcon Family Nurse Practitioner & Health Coach Brainz 500 Global Awards is proudly presented to the honoree by the Brainz Magazine Selection Committee, in recognition of their entrepreneurial success, achievements, and dedication to helping others. Caroline Winkvist Editor-In-Chief Fredrik Elfqvist Selection Committee Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. DO I QUALIFY?

Helen’s leadership is rooted in her extensive experience in theatre. Her work with Bill Kenwright on West End productions gave her insight into the commercial world of high-profile theatre, while her work at the Thorndike Theatre and other regional venues shaped her passion for making the arts accessible to wider audiences. Her role as the manager of the Oxfordshire Youth Arts Partnership showcased her dedication to nurturing young talent and using the arts as a tool for community engagement. At RYTC Creatives CIC (The RYTC) Helen brings all of this experience together. She combines her West End expertise with a love for grassroots theatre, creating a company where both professionals and participants can flourish. Under her guidance, RYTC has become a space where creativity is nurtured, community is celebrated, and art is used as a means of connection. Her approach is rooted in the belief that personal development is not only about acquiring skills, but also about building resilience, emotional intelligence, and a sense of belonging. Through RYTC, Helen has created a dynamic space where youth development, community outreach, and positive mental health are intricately woven into creative empowerment. Under her leadership, RYTC doesn’t just teach young people to paint, perform, or write—it helps them discover who they are, express themselves confidently, and navigate life’s challenges with creativity and courage. A Champion of Youth Development Helen views young people not as passive recipients of support, but as active agents of change. Her personal development philosophy centres on helping young people open doors to self-discovery, confidence, and resilience. Whether they are engaging in a theatre workshop, working on a community mural, or writing about their mental health experiences, participants in RYTC’s programmes learn to channel their creativity into tools for growth. Helen’s unique approach is about more than just teaching the arts. It’s about understanding that creativity allows young people to be themselves in a way that no other medium can. She believes that when young people are given the chance to explore their artistic side, they find new ways to communicate, heal, and connect with others, all while developing the soft skills that will serve them throughout their lives. Mental Health and Wellbeing at the Core Positive mental health is the heartbeat of Helen’s work with RYTC. Recognising that young people today face unprecedented pressures, she ensures that mental health is seamlessly integrated into all aspects of the organisation’s programmes. However, this is done with a signature twist—mental health support at RYTC is as fun, engaging, and uplifting as it is transformative. Helen’s workshops blend serious topics with humour and creativity, allowing participants to tackle issues like anxiety, stress, and self-esteem in a supportive and enjoyable environment. By using art, drama, music, and writing as tools for emotional expression, she helps young people process their feelings and build resilience in ways that feel accessible and empowering. Fostering Community Connections Community outreach is central to Helen’s vision for youth development. She believes that empowering individuals also involves fostering a sense of responsibility towards the wider community. Under her leadership, RYTC provides young people with opportunities to engage with local issues through creative projects. Whether leading mental health workshops, or creating performances that address social challenges, participants become active contributors to their communities. Helen’s work creates a powerful feedback loop—young people give back to their communities, and in doing so, they gain a sense of purpose, pride, and ownership over the impact they make. This approach not only enhances their personal development but also fosters a deeper understanding of their ability to effect change. A Professional with a Personal Touch Helen has always believed that professional support should come with a personal touch. Her team at RYTC embodies this ethos, offering mentorship, guidance, and unwavering encouragement to every young person who walks through their doors. The atmosphere at RYTC is one where participants are pushed to grow, yet always in a space where they feel safe, valued, and celebrated for their individuality. Helen and her team don’t just facilitate workshops—they join in the fun, encouraging creativity and play in every form. Whether it’s through joining in an improv game, helping develop an out-of-the-box idea, or celebrating each participant’s small victories, they bring a sense of joy and excitement to personal development. Leading with Creativity and Play One of Helen’s greatest strengths is her ability to integrate play into the personal development process. She knows that personal growth doesn’t have to be serious or rigid—it can be full of laughter, experimentation, and discovery. Through playful exercises, RYTC workshops encourage young people to take creative risks, work through failures, and build confidence—all in a low-pressure environment that prioritises fun. Helen’s use of creativity as a tool for personal development helps young people develop skills that extend far beyond the arts. By learning to collaborate, communicate, and problem-solve through creative activities, they gain confidence in their abilities and a sense of self-worth that extends into every area of their lives. A Legacy of Impact Through her work at RYTC Creatives CIC, Helen has made a profound impact on the lives of countless young people. Her holistic approach to personal development, mental health, and community engagement has not only helped participants develop creative skills but also equipped them with the emotional resilience to navigate life’s challenges. Helen Kenworthy Senior Level Executive Contributor Artistic Director Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. DO I QUALIFY? Helen Kenworthy Artistic Director Helen’s leadership is rooted in her extensive experience in theatre. Her work with Bill Kenwright on West End productions gave her insight into the commercial world of high-profile theatre, while her work at the Thorndike Theatre and other regional venues shaped her passion for making the arts accessible to wider audiences. Her role as the manager of the Oxfordshire Youth Arts Partnership showcased her dedication to nurturing young talent and using the arts as a tool for community engagement. At RYTC Creatives CIC (The RYTC) Helen brings all of this experience together. She combines her West End expertise with a love for grassroots theatre, creating a company where both professionals and participants can flourish. Under her guidance, RYTC has become a space where creativity is nurtured, community is celebrated, and art is used as a means of connection. Her approach is rooted in the belief that personal development is not only about acquiring skills, but also about building resilience, emotional intelligence, and a sense of belonging. Through RYTC, Helen has created a dynamic space where youth development, community outreach, and positive mental health are intricately woven into creative empowerment. Under her leadership, RYTC doesn’t just teach young people to paint, perform, or write—it helps them discover who they are, express themselves confidently, and navigate life’s challenges with creativity and courage. A Champion of Youth Development Helen views young people not as passive recipients of support, but as active agents of change. Her personal development philosophy centres on helping young people open doors to self-discovery, confidence, and resilience. Whether they are engaging in a theatre workshop, working on a community mural, or writing about their mental health experiences, participants in RYTC’s programmes learn to channel their creativity into tools for growth. Helen’s unique approach is about more than just teaching the arts. It’s about understanding that creativity allows young people to be themselves in a way that no other medium can. She believes that when young people are given the chance to explore their artistic side, they find new ways to communicate, heal, and connect with others, all while developing the soft skills that will serve them throughout their lives. Mental Health and Wellbeing at the Core Positive mental health is the heartbeat of Helen’s work with RYTC. Recognising that young people today face unprecedented pressures, she ensures that mental health is seamlessly integrated into all aspects of the organisation’s programmes. However, this is done with a signature twist—mental health support at RYTC is as fun, engaging, and uplifting as it is transformative. Helen’s workshops blend serious topics with humour and creativity, allowing participants to tackle issues like anxiety, stress, and self-esteem in a supportive and enjoyable environment. By using art, drama, music, and writing as tools for emotional expression, she helps young people process their feelings and build resilience in ways that feel accessible and empowering. Fostering Community Connections Community outreach is central to Helen’s vision for youth development. She believes that empowering individuals also involves fostering a sense of responsibility towards the wider community. Under her leadership, RYTC provides young people with opportunities to engage with local issues through creative projects. Whether leading mental health workshops, or creating performances that address social challenges, participants become active contributors to their communities. Helen’s work creates a powerful feedback loop—young people give back to their communities, and in doing so, they gain a sense of purpose, pride, and ownership over the impact they make. This approach not only enhances their personal development but also fosters a deeper understanding of their ability to effect change. A Professional with a Personal Touch Helen has always believed that professional support should come with a personal touch. Her team at RYTC embodies this ethos, offering mentorship, guidance, and unwavering encouragement to every young person who walks through their doors. The atmosphere at RYTC is one where participants are pushed to grow, yet always in a space where they feel safe, valued, and celebrated for their individuality. Helen and her team don’t just facilitate workshops—they join in the fun, encouraging creativity and play in every form. Whether it’s through joining in an improv game, helping develop an out-of-the-box idea, or celebrating each participant’s small victories, they bring a sense of joy and excitement to personal development. Leading with Creativity and Play One of Helen’s greatest strengths is her ability to integrate play into the personal development process. She knows that personal growth doesn’t have to be serious or rigid—it can be full of laughter, experimentation, and discovery. Through playful exercises, RYTC workshops encourage young people to take creative risks, work through failures, and build confidence—all in a low-pressure environment that prioritises fun. Helen’s use of creativity as a tool for personal development helps young people develop skills that extend far beyond the arts. By learning to collaborate, communicate, and problem-solve through creative activities, they gain confidence in their abilities and a sense of self-worth that extends into every area of their lives. A Legacy of Impact Through her work at RYTC Creatives CIC, Helen has made a profound impact on the lives of countless young people. Her holistic approach to personal development, mental health, and community engagement has not only helped participants develop creative skills but also equipped them with the emotional resilience to navigate life’s challenges. All articles Society Utilising Innovative Performing Arts to Reach Learners Who May Struggle Some young people cannot easily explain why a worksheet leaves them cold while a piece of music, movement or drama draws them fully in. It is rarely a lack of ability. More often, it is a mismatch between... READ ARTICLE Society How Scaffolded Support Bridges the Gap Between Non-Traditional Settings and Creative Opportunities Ambition is rarely the missing ingredient for young people in Alternative Provision. Many carry vivid ideas about becoming a performer, designer, writer, filmmaker, organiser or technician, or something... READ ARTICLE Society Re-Evaluating Traditional Classroom Roles to Empower Students as Active Leaders Most classrooms are built around a simple, familiar arrangement. One person holds the knowledge and the authority, and the other receives it. For many learners, this arrangement works well enough... READ ARTICLE Society Helen Kenworthy's Mission to Make Education Inclusive and Accessible for Students in Alternative Provision There is a particular kind of quiet that settles over a young person who has decided that education is not for them. It is not defiance, and it is rarely laziness. It is the settled conclusion of a learner who... READ ARTICLE Society 11 Ways the Performing Arts Build Confidence and Practical Life Skills in Young People There is something that happens when a young person steps onto a stage, speaks a line with conviction, moves their body through a rehearsed sequence, or delivers something they have... READ ARTICLE Society 11 Ways Scaffolded Mentorship Helps Young People Build Resilient Futures There is a meaningful difference between telling a young person they are strong and giving them the conditions to discover that strength for themselves. Many young people are told they are resilient... READ ARTICLE LOAD MORE CREA Global Awards presented to Helen Kenworthy Artistic Director The CREA Global Awards is proudly presented to the honoree by the Brainz Magazine Selection Committee, in recognition for their creative and innovative ideas, adaptability in business, or for their contributions to sustainability and mental health projects. Caroline Winkvist Editor-In-Chief Daniel Ålund Selection Committee Brainz 500 Global Awards presented to Helen Kenworthy Artistic Director Brainz 500 Global Awards is proudly presented to the honoree by the Brainz Magazine Selection Committee, in recognition of their entrepreneurial success, achievements, and dedication to helping others. Caroline Winkvist Editor-In-Chief Fredrik Elfqvist Selection Committee Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. DO I QUALIFY?

Hazel N. Williams is an author, speaker, relationship coach, counsellor, and founder of Holding On Together, a growing relationship support platform helping couples and families navigate communication breakdown, emotional distance, and relational pressure. With over 40 years of lived experience in marriage and family life, Hazel brings a voice that is grounded, honest, practical, and deeply relatable. Rather than positioning herself as a distant expert, her work is shaped by real life experience, long term commitment, raising a family, navigating challenges, and understanding the pressures modern relationships face behind closed doors. Together with her husband, Hazel has raised five sons and now enjoys life as grandparents to ten grandchildren. This generational perspective gives her a unique understanding of how relationship health affects not only couples, but entire family systems over time. Hazel works with individuals, couples, organisations, and communities through speaking, coaching, workshops, books, and wellbeing conversations. Her work focuses on emotional disconnection, communication breakdown, resilience, and rebuilding strong relational foundations both at home and within high pressure professional environments. She also speaks into corporate wellbeing, helping organisations recognise the hidden impact personal and relational strain can have on focus, wellbeing, confidence, and workplace performance. She is the author of Holding On Together: Prayers for Couples Under Pressure and Holding On Together: A Guided Workbook for Couples Under Pressure, practical resources created to support couples through difficult seasons with clarity, honesty, and hope. Hazel has trained under the Diamond Speakers Academy, mentored by Dr Byron Cole and Bianca Miller-Cole, strengthening her ability to communicate practical relationship insights with clarity and impact. In recognition of her wider community impact, she was also named a Tesco Inspirational Mum of the Year winner. Holding On Together continues to expand through books, digital content, coaching, workshops, live events, and future retreat experiences designed to help people build stronger, healthier, and more resilient relationships. Website: holdingontogetherofficial.com Instagram: @holdingontogetherofficial YouTube: @HoldingOnTogether Hazel N. Williams Executive Contributor Relationship Strategist & Author Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. DO I QUALIFY? Hazel N. Williams Relationship Strategist & Author Hazel N. Williams is an author, speaker, relationship coach, counsellor, and founder of Holding On Together, a growing relationship support platform helping couples and families navigate communication breakdown, emotional distance, and relational pressure. With over 40 years of lived experience in marriage and family life, Hazel brings a voice that is grounded, honest, practical, and deeply relatable. Rather than positioning herself as a distant expert, her work is shaped by real life experience, long term commitment, raising a family, navigating challenges, and understanding the pressures modern relationships face behind closed doors. Together with her husband, Hazel has raised five sons and now enjoys life as grandparents to ten grandchildren. This generational perspective gives her a unique understanding of how relationship health affects not only couples, but entire family systems over time. Hazel works with individuals, couples, organisations, and communities through speaking, coaching, workshops, books, and wellbeing conversations. Her work focuses on emotional disconnection, communication breakdown, resilience, and rebuilding strong relational foundations both at home and within high pressure professional environments. She also speaks into corporate wellbeing, helping organisations recognise the hidden impact personal and relational strain can have on focus, wellbeing, confidence, and workplace performance. She is the author of Holding On Together: Prayers for Couples Under Pressure and Holding On Together: A Guided Workbook for Couples Under Pressure, practical resources created to support couples through difficult seasons with clarity, honesty, and hope. Hazel has trained under the Diamond Speakers Academy, mentored by Dr Byron Cole and Bianca Miller-Cole, strengthening her ability to communicate practical relationship insights with clarity and impact. In recognition of her wider community impact, she was also named a Tesco Inspirational Mum of the Year winner. Holding On Together continues to expand through books, digital content, coaching, workshops, live events, and future retreat experiences designed to help people build stronger, healthier, and more resilient relationships. Website: holdingontogetherofficial.com Instagram: @holdingontogetherofficial YouTube: @HoldingOnTogether All articles Relationships How to Forgive Without Excusing the Hurt and the Four S's of Emotional Freedom Have you ever tried to forgive someone, only to feel that doing so would minimise what they did? Forgiveness does not require you to deny the wound, excuse the behaviour or restore unsafe access. It... READ ARTICLE Relationships Sex, Intimacy and the Disconnect That is Quietly Affecting More Marriages Than You Think Nobody warns you about this part. Not at the wedding. Not in the early years. Nobody sits you down and says, there will come a season in your marriage where you are still very much together, still committed... READ ARTICLE Relationships 85,000 Reasons Why Relationship Breakdown is No Longer a Private Matter The latest UK relationship breakdown statistics stopped me in my tracks. Over 85,000 homelessness applications across England and Wales between 2020 and 2025 were directly linked to relationship... READ ARTICLE LOAD MORE CREA Global Awards presented to Hazel N. Williams Relationship Strategist & Author The CREA Global Awards is proudly presented to the honoree by the Brainz Magazine Selection Committee, in recognition for their creative and innovative ideas, adaptability in business, or for their contributions to sustainability and mental health projects. Caroline Winkvist Editor-In-Chief Daniel Ålund Selection Committee Brainz 500 Global Awards presented to Hazel N. Williams Relationship Strategist & Author Brainz 500 Global Awards is proudly presented to the honoree by the Brainz Magazine Selection Committee, in recognition of their entrepreneurial success, achievements, and dedication to helping others. Caroline Winkvist Editor-In-Chief Fredrik Elfqvist Selection Committee Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. DO I QUALIFY?