Dr. Kathleen Carson, DDS

Oral-Systemic Health Expert | Founder, Oral-Vitality | 2027 President, AAOSH

November 19th, 2026

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Dr. Kathleen Carson is a dentist, educator, national speaker, and advocate for understanding the connection between oral health and whole-body wellness.

A UCLA School of Dentistry graduate with more than 25 years of clinical experience, she has focused on the links among oral health, breathing, sleep, chronic inflammation, and long-term health. She founded Oral-Vitality, advancing oral-systemic health through clinical care, education, and collaboration between dental and medical professionals.

Dr. Carson maintains practices in Newport Beach and Agoura Hills, California. Her Newport Beach practice specializes in dental sleep medicine, providing comprehensive evaluations and personalized oral appliance therapy for patients with obstructive sleep apnea and snoring while considering the broader relationship between breathing, sleep, oral health, and systemic wellness.

She is the 2027 President of the American Academy for Oral Systemic Health (AAOSH) and co-host of two podcasts: “Sleep, Sex & Senility,” which brings oral-systemic health discoveries to the public, and the upcoming “Vital Signs & Smile Lines,” which explore their science and clinical implications for healthcare professionals.

Through her clinical, speaking, and educational work, Dr. Carson helps people understand how oral health can reveal clues about overall well-being and influence healthy aging.

Her guiding philosophy is simple: The mouth is not separate from the body, and understanding that connection can change how we care for our health.

Clint Hufft

Officiant, Podcast Producer, Auctioneer

October 15th, 2026

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Clint Hufft is a versatile officiant, host, podcast producer, and benefit auctioneer with decades of experience bringing energy and heart to high-profile events. Known for his warm, engaging presence, Clint has officiated weddings for couples across the globe, bringing a deep respect for diverse traditions, cultures, and spiritual beliefs to every ceremony he leads.

His officiating work has made a splash in pop culture, with notable roles presiding over celebrity weddings for stars like Britney Spears and Paris Hilton, as well as landmark televised nuptials including ABC’s Trista & Ryan’s Wedding and Fox’s MasterChef. Beyond officiating, Clint is a sought-after live announcer and master of ceremonies, having hosted events for ESPN, Fox Sports West, and the Arnold Schwarzenegger Sports Festival.

As a prominent voice in the event industry, Clint hosts and produces several popular shows, including the Wedding Ceremony Podcast and the Wedding MBA Podcast. He also lends his talents as a professional charity auctioneer, raising critical funds for organizations such as Make-A-Wish, Susan G. Komen, and the Southern California Hospice Foundation.

Clint will discuss the wonderful ways the humans are alike and unique. 

Jenny Grant Rankin

Author/Lecturer

February 19th, 2026

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Dr. Rankin will discuss the easy ways to get featured in news, publications and beyond.

Dr. Rankin, a Laguna Beach resident since birth, is a Mensan with two doctorates (a PhD and LHD). She has taught at the University of Cambridge and Columbia University, lectured at the University of Oxford and for TED, trained US federal agents, and graced mainstream stages everywhere from the DR Congo to International Comic-Con. Dr. Rankin has been honored by the White House for her work, has written 14 books, and writes for Psychology Today. Before becoming an author and lecturer, Dr. Rankin served in higher and public education as an award-winning educator, as chief education & research officer (CERO) of a global data systems company she co-owned from founding to sale, and as Fulbright Specialist for the US Department of State. Her media appearances are extensive, and she serves alongside Nobel laureates and international thought leaders on multiple company advisory boards. The American flag was once flown over the US Capitol Building (on Capitol Hill) in her honor.

Dionne Mejer

Founder of Revenue By Design

January 16th, 2026

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Dionne Mejer is a sought-after speaker, facilitator, and the driving force behind the Sales with Soul™ and Lead with Soul™ movement. With more than 20 years of experience spanning sales, strategy, and leadership, she helps organizations align people, processes, and technology to build Revenue Excellence Programs rooted in high-performing, human-centered teams.

As the Founder of Revenue by Design, Revenue Excellence Principal, and author of The Stepped Approach, Dionne has guided startups and global enterprises through meaningful transformation—delivering measurable outcomes such as 30% increases in close rates while creating lasting cultural impact.

Whether coaching executives one-on-one or energizing a room from the stage, Dionne blends grit, grace, and strategic insight to drive clarity, trust, and momentum. Attendees leave her talks and workshops feeling relieved, energized, and empowered with a fresh perspective—and clear, actionable steps to achieve meaningful, sustainable growth.

Dave Kiff

Laguna Beach City Manager

November 20th, 2025

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Dave Kiff brings substantial local government experience and expertise to the City of Laguna Beach. Prior to his appointment, he served as the Division Director for the Sonoma County Department of Health Services, overseeing homelessness programs totaling $30 million annually. Additionally, Kiff has served as Interim City Manager for several California cities, including Sonoma, Healdsburg, and Huntington Beach. He also brings extensive experience as the former City Manager of Newport Beach, where he successfully managed a $300 million budget, staff of over 700, and a diverse range of city services for nearly a decade.

Kevin Ware + Leslie Burt

Lead Concierge of Visit Laguna Beach + Owner of Spa Del Rio

May 21st, 2026

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Ware was born in Fullerton California. As a teen, his favorite destination was Laguna Beach where he enjoyed bodysurfing at Crescent Bay. He studied art at Fullerton College and studied design at Woodbury University. While working in the music industry and collecting massive amounts of music, he moved to Laguna Beach and began working with the Preparator Team at the Laguna Art Museum. Today, after 20 years in Laguna, he is the Lead Concierge at Visit Laguna Beach, and loves being an ambassador to his favorite place. He is also proud to host his weekly radio show, Kevin’s Beach on Laguna’s community radio station KXFM. Kevin’s been sharing his unique and creative collection of music on KXFM since the station’s beginnings in 2012. Kevin also has a passion for art. His paintings have been showed in different venues around town.

Burt, an experienced esthetician and massage therapist for both humans and canines, recently represented Spa Del Rio in the World Championship of Massage Therapy in Copenhagen, Denmark. With a background in marketing and sales, she opened the boutique spa alongside her mom and sisters, a close-knit family of five. What began as a family venture has grown into a trusted destination for exceptional massage and facial services. Since opening in 2020, Spa Del Rio has been recognized as the #4 Best Massage in the U.S. by Yelp, and holds more 5 star reviews than any other spa in Laguna Beach.

Dr. Ashley Niklas

Founder of Luminovate Solutions

April 16th, 2026

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Dr. Nicklas will talk about how to succeed and lead in a time where uncertainty is the only certainty.

As founder of Luminovate Solutions, Dr. Nicklas is a strategist who helps organizations create environments where people can learn, adapt, and do their best work. With a background in psychology and research in adult learning theory and andragogy, she brings a thoughtful, evidence-based approach to growth and development. Her experience across corporate, small business, educational, nonprofit, and consulting settings gives her a broad perspective on what helps different organizations thrive in fast-moving environments. Ashley believes that when people are well supported with practical tools and clear guidance, they become more adaptable, more effective, and better equipped to turn challenges into opportunities. This creates stronger organizations and lasting results that benefit everyone involved.

Alexis Neel

Marketing Automation Manager at Relativity

March 19th, 2026

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Alexis is a natural-born public speaker with over a decade of experience, including formal training in speech and debate, which lead her to become a nationally-ranked speaker in Oratory, long-form persuasive speaking. For the past 11 years, her career has focused on digital marketing, specifically in the B2B and SAAS fields. Alexis has a deep passion for nature, conservation efforts, and renewable energies. She often gives public presentations in her field of expertise, but is currently expanding to Christian-based topics, environmentalism, and energy-based topics.

Shaena Stabler

CEO of the Stu News Network

August 20th, 2026

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Shaena Stabler is the CEO of the Stu News Network, a regional digital media company dedicated to strengthening communities through trusted, independent local journalism. Since joining Stu News Laguna in 2011, she has helped grow the organization into a network that now serves Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Costa Mesa and Dana Point, with the recent launch of Stu News Arts. Through thoughtful storytelling and community engagement, the network connects tens of thousands of readers each month with the people, places, businesses and organizations that shape the communities they call home.

Shaena believes local journalism is about far more than reporting the news – it is about building trust, fostering connection and strengthening the fabric of a community. Under her leadership, the Stu News Network has become one of Orange County’s leading hyperlocal news organizations, known for its commitment to thoughtful reporting, meaningful community partnerships and celebrating the people and organizations that make each city unique. She is passionate about bringing together residents, businesses, nonprofits, artists and civic leaders to create stronger, more connected communities.

Beyond her work in journalism, Shaena is deeply committed to serving others. She serves on the Board of Directors for Friendship Shelter and leads an ongoing drum club at Glennwood House. Whether she is publishing a story, building community partnerships or speaking with local leaders, Shaena is guided by a simple belief: local journalism strengthens communities, and when people feel informed, connected and inspired, entire communities thrive.

Louie Lacasella

Senior Management Analyst, Laguna Beach Manager’s Office

July 23rd, 2026

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Lacasella is a Senior Management Analyst in the City Manager’s Office for the City of Laguna Beach, where he supports the City’s economic development and communication efforts and advances City Council strategic priorities. In this role, Lacasella manages projects focused on business attraction, retention, and expansion, along with special initiatives such as the Laguna Beach Community Land Trust.

Lacasella has led several high-profile efforts on behalf of the City, including the entitlement process for the Promenade on Forest project, the Outdoor Dining and Parklet Program, rezoning efforts to expand open space, and administration of the Mills Act historic preservation program. He also oversees citywide programs such as the Commercial Beautification and Property Maintenance Program, which supports vibrant, visually appealing commercial districts.

With more than 11 years of experience in City Manager’s Offices across Southern California, Lacasella brings deep expertise in public administration. He holds a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Organizational Change and Administration and a Master of Public Administration (MPA).

Victoria Brattini

Founder of Laguna Meditation

June 18th, 2026

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Brattini, a certified Mindful Self Compassion (MSC) teacher/coach, enjoys teaching, inspiring and mentoring others, and has been a learner and teacher for over 30 years. A science degree in Psychology set her on a teaching and counseling journey that has included work with teenagers, university students, and adults. For ten years, Victoria also co-directed a program in Health Perspectives in Bryn Mawr, PA. While home schooling her two sons, she worked with parents on conflict resolution, creative problem solving, and multigenerational learning. Since founding Laguna Meditation in 2016, Victoria teaches, mentors, and presents to individuals and groups on meditation and mindful self-compassion practices.

MSC is an empirically-supported skill development program for cultivating self compassion in our daily life. It was developed from the groundbreaking research of Kristin Neff, Ph.D. and Christopher Germer, Ph.D. Victoria received her training directly from founders Christopher Germer and Kristin Neff along with Steve Hickman and Michelle Becker. She has the honor and privilege to guide people on a path to loving and holding themselves with tender compassion.

Ken Robertson

Commercial Real Estate Advisor

September 17th, 2026

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Ken Robertson is a commercial real estate advisor based in Laguna Beach. Through Sierra Creek Ventures and Cove Canyon Realty, he advises property owners, investors and local businesses on real estate strategy, leasing, investment sales and capital needs.

Ken brings experience spanning both institutional real estate and hands-on advisory work in coastal Orange County. His perspective is shaped by working with everyone from individual business and property owners to investors, lenders and larger real estate organizations. Today, he focuses particularly on the unique challenges and opportunities facing commercial properties and locally owned businesses in Laguna Beach and the surrounding coastal communities.

Ken has also hosted and participated in conversations on KXFM exploring real estate, business and community issues affecting Laguna Beach. He enjoys connecting market data with what owners and operators are experiencing on the ground—and helping people make practical sense of the forces shaping their businesses, properties and community.