Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake

Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake is Vice President of Government Relations for Independence Blue Cross in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She is an expert in corporate management, public relations and communications. Ms. Marshall-Blake’s decisions not only have a major impact on Blue Cross’ over 2.3 million subscribers but the multi-billion health insurance industry as a whole. Her responsibility is to insure that decision makers, at the highest levels, have a clear understanding of Blue Cross’ goals and objectives and its commitment to subscribers. In 1991, Ms. Marshall-Blake began her role at Blue Cross working with local, state and federal legislators, and agencies on matters relevant to Independence Blue Cross. She is a registered lobbyist in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and Washington, D.C.

Ms. Marshall-Blake has 35 years of experience in corporate management, public relations and communications. She began her professional career as an administrative assistant working in major corporations in the Philadelphia area. In 1980, Ms. Blake worked as assistant to the president of Philadelphia Gas Works. In 1988, she was promoted to Vice President of Government and Community Relations in Philadelphia Gas Works.

Ms. Blake grew up in the Philadelphia area. She is one of five children. Lorina received a Bachelor of Arts degree in human services from Antioch College and a Master of Arts in Government Administration from the University of Pennsylvania. She is presently studying for a Master of Divinity degree at Palmer Theological Seminary. On May 20, 2007 she received an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities from Albright College in Reading, Pennsylvania.

In addition to her corporate responsibility, Ms. Marshall-Blake serves as an Associate Minister at the Vine Memorial Baptist Church in Philadelphia, PA.

Ms. Marshall-Blake exhibits a strong commitment to the community. She is people-centered, highly motivated, and uses a participatory approach to problem solving. She is affiliated with over 30 professional and civic organizations. Among her affiliations are the United Negro College Fund, Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Federal Relations Committee, and the Governor’s Advisory Committee on African American Affairs. She is also affiliated with 2000 African American Women, Boy Scouts of America, the Community College of Philadelphia, Hero Scholarship Fund, National Coalition of 100 Black Women, YWCA of Philadelphia, and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Lorina Blake says, “We have to take knowledge and pass it on. We must mentor our young men and women. We must reach back and give.” In her community, she serves as a mentor to eight “daughters,” a group of young adult women who are in the process of establishing their careers.

Ms. Marshall-Blake is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and is married to Joseph Patrick Blake and has three children: Julian, Chawnda and Jamila.

Dr. James Wadley

Dr. James Wadley is a licensed professional counselor in the State of Pennsylvania and has quickly emerged as one of the region’s best clinicians with a focus on intimacy building in relationships, addiction, and values clarification. He has presented at some of America’s most prestigious universities such as the University of Pennsylvania, Brown University, James Madison University, the University of Indiana, and Cheyney University. He is a published author and has written extensively about sexual decision making among young adults. He has taught at the collegiate level at Temple, Arcadia, and Rowan and James Madison Universities and is currently a professor in the Social and Behavioral Sciences Department at University of the Sciences in Philadelphia.

Dr. Wadley recently appeared as a sexuality consultant on the Trinity Broadcast Network television show, “Joy In Our Town.” In addition, he has frequently been an expert on local talk radio stations as a health educational expert. His articles regarding love, intimacy, and relationships have appeared on Blackdoctor.org and on Blackplanet.com. His workshops and lectures cover a wide array of topics that address intimacy in relationships, communication strategies for couples, reproductive health, responsible sexual decision-making, and values clarification.
Dr. Wadley received his Doctorate of Philosophy degree in Education from the University of Pennsylvania with a concentration in Human Sexuality Education. He completed his postgraduate clinical work at the Council for Relationships. He also holds a Masters in Education degree in School Psychology from the University of Kentucky. Currently, he works for a number of different agencies across the Delaware Valley as a marriage, family, and sexuality therapist, behavioral specialist, and educational consultant. He has a part time private practice on the Main Line and in Northern Liberties.

Bernadette Y. Connor

Bernadette Y. Connor, author of the romantic thriller Damaged. Connor a native of Philadelphia is the author of four other novels.

Connor an accomplished vocalist began her writing career in 1993, with Damaged being her first published novel.

Upon publishing Damaged Connor has spoken at bookstores around the country promoting her novel and speaking to young women about pursuing their dreams.

R. Dandridge Collins

Dr. Collins is an ordained minister/licensed PA psychologist with over 30 years of experience training in diverse settings including both church related and the non-profit behavioral health facilities. He is currently the proprietor of the Pastoral Counseling Network, a pastoral psychology practice located in center city Philadelphia and Media, Pa.. His practice specializes in marriage and family therapy, as well as supporting pastors in the counseling of their members throughout the Delaware Valley region. He is also an Associate Minister at the Monumental Baptist Church where the Rev. J. Wendell Mapson is the pastor. Dr. Collins has served at Monumental for the past 17 years.

Additionally, Dr Collins serves as adjunct professor at two (2) graduate institutions. He has been on staff at Eastern Baptist Seminary since 1988 in the Pastoral Care & Counseling concentration. He also served on Eastern Seminary’s Board of Directors for several years. Dr. Collins is on staff with Eastern University’s Graduate Program in Counseling. This program prepares Christian counselors for service in the community. In collaboration with Eastern University’s emphasis on international affairs and social justice, Dr. Collins has traveled to the African countries of Rwanda, Swaziland, and Malawi to develop pastoral counseling resources.

Dr. Collins has written a bestselling book The Trauma Zone: Trusting God for Emotional Healing, released in January 2007 by Moody Publications. His work on trauma was recognized on CNN’s Fit Nation program that was co-hosted by Dr. Sanjay Gupta and former president Bill Clinton. This fall, Dr. Collins lectured on his book in Spanish in Chile, South America. Additionally, he serves as a weekly consultant on The Urban Praise Show, hosted by Rev. Roy Patterson Show, in Chicago Illinois as “Dr. Dan”. He also has been a guest national & local T.V programs. Collins is a frequent quest on radio programs throughout the country. Dr. Collins was a member of the faculty of the National Baptist Convention’s Congress of Christian Education for five years (5). He taught for the Black Family Institute, which is connected to the Advanced Studies Division of the Congress. He has preached and conducted marriage & family enrichment and singles seminars across the country as well as outside of the continental United States.

He has written several monographs on relationship issues. Some of his most notable writings are: Love Talk: A Communication Model for Couples and Singles (1988), Make Your Own Grass Greener (1993), Marital Maintenance (1986) and Single But Not Alone (1990). The Intimate Journey for Christian Couples (2004) and The Intimate Journey for Christian Couples (2004). These writings were presented with workshops he conducted.

Dr Collins enjoys ministering to people of diverse backgrounds which is evidenced by his ability to speak five (5) foreign languages. And he has preached in Spanish and in American Sign Language on several occasions.

Throughout his career, he has exhibited outstanding oral and written skills and has demonstrated strong problem solving abilities. He is a team player who works effectively with professionals of diverse backgrounds to develop excellence in service delivery.

Dr. Collins earned a BS in Psychology and Spanish with a minor concentration in French from Eastern University. He completed a Masters of Divinity in Pastoral Psychology at Palmer Theological Seminary. He earned his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at Temple University as a Bilingualism Fellow. He lives in Bear, Delaware with his wife and family. His interests include travel, photography and athletics.

Pamela j. Peters

Pamela j. Peters, Ph.D. is a recognized specialist in alternative health therapies and counseling techniques. She is president and founder of The Center for Stress, Pain and Wellness Management, Inc., the first alternative therapy center in Wilmington, Delaware and Peters & Associates.

Dr. Peters earned her Master’s degree in Counseling Education and has been a Board Certified Counselor for more than 20 years, earning a Doctorate in Human Services at Walden University in 1991. She is certified in several alternative therapy techniques including: Therapeutic Touch; Sports Massage; Myofascial Release; Massage Therapy; and Cranio-Sacral Therapy and is a Trager practitioner.

As a natural healer, Dr. Peters treats individuals from adults to children at The Center for Stress, Pain & Wellness Management, Inc. The Center, founded in 1986, is an outpatient treatment center providing alternative health therapies and counseling techniques thoughtfully selected to meet the therapeutic needs of the client. Through careful evaluation and assessment, Dr. Peters assures that individuals of all ages, whatever their circumstances, are provided the appropriate treatment. What separates Dr. Peters from other natural healers is her ability to both diagnose and treat an individual.

Dr. Peters, through Peters & Associates, offers fresh seminars and workshops that offer a new approach to groups regarding how to identify and address issues. She can analyze situations, zero in on the factors that are creating the issues and provide ways to overcome these obstacles. Her workshops add the extra spark your group needs to pursue and achieve new endeavors. Numerous corporations, universities, business associations, and professional athletic associations have chosen her as a guest lecturer. Dr. Peters has also been recruited to customize programs for government agencies and institutions. Dr. Peters has appeared in articles in the 1996 and 1997 November and the 1998 December issues of Essence Magazine.

Dr. Peters’ has approximately 20 years of academic and corporate experience. She has been a faculty member at area colleges and an administrator for the University of Delaware, where she was responsible for program development. She has served on national committees in consultative role to colleges and universities, providing expertise in the development of student diversity programs.

Dr. Peters is a founding member of Wilmington Women in Business and the Brandywine Professional Association. The author of three books, Dr. Peters has conducted numerous book signings throughout the northeast. Her series of books titled: My Hands, Standing on My Feet and My Heart is thought provoking and stimulates reflection on one’s life journey through a unique perspective. Artful photographs illustrate the books.

Michael Robinson

Michael Robinson, motivational speaker and leadership development consultant. Tragedy and triumph characterize the environment that gave birth to a powerful motivational speaker named Michael "Smi" Robinson. Born in Baltimore, Maryland and raised in Chester, Pennsylvania Michael has conducted hundreds of inspiring presentations and inter-active workshops for churches, corporations, academic institutions, and community groups. His "upbeat presentation style" has motivated thousands!

Featured as a guest on various television and radio programs discussing career and personal development issues. His lectures include: Leadership & professional ethics, Compentencies for success, Decisions Making / Problem Solving and Work / Life Balance.