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| Michael Torchia, founder of "Children's Fitness Academy" and "Operation Fitness™", has skillfully chosen a panel of renowned experts in various fields of business, health and wellness. These specialists were not only chosen for their wisdom and prowess in their respective fields, but also for their passion for solving the epidemic of obesity and helping Americans live healthier, happier and more productive lives. Read more about each member of this highly skilled panel by clicking on their names below: Michael Torchia - President and Founder Brent Berger - Business Operations Manager Brent Berger is an operations specialist with expertise in business development, strategy, and finance. Mr. Berger earned a Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology from DePaul University, a Masters Degree in Human Factors Applied Psychology from California State University, and an MBA from Thunderbird, the Garvin School of International Management. Early in his career, Mr. Berger managed debt for JMB Realty, an international real estate development company, conducted due diligence research for a Boston Capital Ventures, and learned risk management, operational efficiency, and sales management while at State Farm Insurance. Mr. Berger then co-founded an international music distribution company, serving as Technology Director, VP Operations and as a board member. Beyond his corporate duties, he coordinated business plan development, equity funding strategy and handled shareholder relations. He then applied his skills as a Human Factors Engineer and as an Apple Computer Specialist where he rolled-out an account management strategy that led to contracts with the largest advertising and marketing companies in the world. Further leveraging his passion for technology Brent joined Quark, the market leader in publishing software to help spearhead a new Custom Solutions OEM Division. This intrapreneurial effort required mining the company's intellectual property for commercialization and his efforts continue to create cash flow for the company today. Brent now offers his services to the company where he is helping to define operations management, use of proceeds, lean thinking strategy, and synergy with governmental initiatives. Brent believes that "Operation Fitness™" and the "Children Fitness Academy" offer out-sourced, carefully managed fitness and diet programs for helping to ensure that school age children become physically active and healthy adults. Operation Fitness, Children’s Fitness Academy and the Holistic Healing Foundation. Bernie Hourihan - Chief Financial Officer Bernie Hourihan brings to Operation Fitness™ over thirty years of senior management experience in international corporate accounting and operations with such companies as ITT, Xerox, Wall Data, iLogistix, and Autotrol Technology Corporation. A graduate of Purdue University, Bernie began his career as a CPA with Arthur Young & Company in Dallas, Texas working in both audit and tax including partnerships, trusts, and non-profits. He then served as corporate controller for Autotrol Technology in Denver, Colorado through their initial public offering. He spent the following ten years in California’s Silicon Valley where he was international controller for ITT Qume’s Taiwan and Caribbean operations and general manager for their Puerto Rico factory, as well as operational auditor for Xerox. He then served as materials manager for Seattle based Wall Data where he outsourced all their manufacturing. Finally, he joined California based iLogistix, responsible first for their Brazil and Mexico financial and accounting operations and then for all world-wide accounting and management reporting. For the past four years, Bernie’s worked in Los Angeles as a project accounting and information systems resource to technology and entertainment industry clients. A CPA in California and Colorado, Bernie has comprehensive knowledge and experience in financial planning, information systems, cash management, operational and financial controls, and corporate accounting and management reporting for both profit and non-profit corporations and will utilize these skills for both the Children’s Fitness Academy™ and Operation Fitness™ and the Holistic Health Foundation Boden Stephenson - Chief Marketing Officer Boden Stephenson is a senior business brand strategist with expertise in web-based technologies, communities and development, as well as in the fashion and retail spheres. His BA in the History of Art from Cornell University – one of the school’s most prestigious and academically rigorous multidisciplinary lines of study – informs his approach to business and strategy. Beyond the halls of one of America’s Ivy League schools, Boden spent a year abroad, returning to begin his career in a Project Management position with Xerox subsidiary XL Connect. His first client, Tommy Hilfiger, turned out to be the first in what would become a long list of clients interwoven with technology, fashion, media and business. That first project with Tommy Hilfiger involved Boden taking the then-fledgling clothier from a 4-PC office installation in New Jersey to a 28-point worldwide network supporting a multimillion dollar business entity – to this day, a juggernaut in the fashion industry. Realizing the importance of newly emerging opportunities that Web-based technologies represented for businesses, Boden left XL Connect after working with UK Telco giant British Telecom, Continental Airlines, and Verizon. His knowledge of internet technologies and aptitude for translating between business, creative, and technical individuals and their vastly different business cultures signaled an opportunity: to create a new media agency. Wurl Communications, Boden’s vision realized with a business partner in 1996, was eventually sold boasting a client list with blue chip members like the New York Public Library, Maxell, Agfa Medical, and innumerable New York-based local businesses as well as various international clients. In 2001, Boden launched Burning Buddha, an apparel line he created targeting fashion conscious yogaheads and other active affluents. A tongue-in-cheek wryness combined with great styling and superior construction from Peru, Burning Buddha was picked up first by Fred Segal and Barney’s, and Boden quickly parlayed the warm reception of his new brand into a 50-store US footprint, coverage in the Pre-MAGIC and MAGIC issues of DNR in its second season along with German and Italian Glamour, The View, Bill Maher, sales in Paris, Düsseldorf and Singapore, MTV exposure, and celebrity placements. Leaving Burning Buddha behind after 5 seasons to pursue further projects, Boden maintains a list of strategic business development clients and deploys his professional network and cross-industry experience to build relationships with top designers, artists, culinary experts, and technologists to support CFA and Operation Fitness™ with the best-of-practice vendors to be had. Boden will surround the operation with brand synergies, strategic partnerships and creative reach to provide top level talent in specific areas supporting CFA and Operation Fitness™ and the Holistic Health Foundation varied initiatives. Jerry Brainum - Research Analyst & Fitness News Editor Jerry Brainum has been involved in all aspects of fitness and nutrition research for over 37 years. He has acted as a nutritional advisor for world-class athletes, including boxer Oscar De la Hoya and basketball star Vlade Divac. Considered an authority in sports nutrition and ergogenic aids, Jerry has had over 2,000 articles published in a wide range of magazines. He has also served as Science editor for Muscle and Fitness, Editor-at-large for Flex magazine and has contributed to Let's Live, Ironman, Muscular Development and other publications. As a noted expert on all aspects of exercise and nutrition, Jerry has published over 3,000 articles in over 20 national and international publications. These publications include: Muscle and Fitness, Flex, Muscular Development, Let's Live, Excel, Men's Fitness, and numerous others. Since 1985, he has been a columnist for Ironman magazine, writing three monthly columns, "Bodybuilding Pharmacology," Exercise Science," and "Nutrition Science" as wells as numerous feature articles. Jerry was also the Science editor of Muscle and Fitness magazine from 1987-1995. Jerry also published a professional newsletter, Applied Metabolics for two years, which featured state-of-the-art practical nutrition and exercise research. In addition to his writing, Jerry is a sought-after nutrition advisor for many professional athletes. Among the athletes he's worked with are champion boxer, Oscar De La Hoya (Jerry was his nutritionist for 3 years, during which time Oscar was undefeated); Undefeated boxer, Floyd Mayweather Jr.; Undefeated cruiserweight boxing champ and best boxer of the 1996 Summer Olympic games, Vasili Jirov; Professional Basketball player, Vlade Divac, and many others. Athletes throughout the world regularly seek Jerry's advice and help in matters pertaining to sports performance nutrition and ergogenic aids. Jerry's responsibilities will include writing editorials, verifying research, and organizing editorial staff to provide "Children Fitness Academy" and "Operation Fitness™" and the Holistic Health Foundation with the most current cutting edge diet, exercise, and wellness data. Robert Scott Bell - Research and Product Development Robert is a well-respected businessman. He got his BA in Psychology from Emory University, then went on to get is D. A. Homeopathy from the American Academy of Clinical Homeopathy in Conyers, Georgia. His professional experience includes being VP of Marketing, Sales and Education for the prestigious Newton Laboratories, one of the premiere homeopathic companies in the nation. At present, he is Director of Product Development at Natural-Immunogenics, Corp. in Pompano Beach. Florida. He has dedicated his life to homeopathy and self-healing through the “Art of Health.” A skilled public speaker and broadcast personality, he represents a variety of health and wellness protocols on TV and radio and at various worldwide organizations, meetings and conferences. His nationally syndicated radio show “The Power To Heal Is Yours” provides in-depth topics on health and wellness that include physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, economic and political themes. Mr. Bell is heading the R&D department, for Operation Fitness, Children’s Fitness Academy and the Holistic Healing Foundation. Jason Trost - Curriculum Development Advisor Jason Trost, MS in Ed. is an educator and writer with more than 10 years of experience. Recently relocating to Southern California, he is currently a freelance writer specializing in marketing materials for various organizations. Utilizing a diversity of skills, Jason has worked diligently to add value to the lives of thousands of inner-city students in his native Buffalo, NY, where he spent many years creating educational programming for various not-for-profit institutions. For Studio Arena Theatre, he assessed, evaluated, and improved the performance of the Creative Empowerment Program (CEP), a grant-funded project that combined theatre arts and visual arts to help educate children in inner-city schools. For Buffalo Arts Studio, he created and established the Project CREATE Education Program, which brought professional-level art classes to underserved inner-city students in grades K-12. He developed in-house educational programming as well as collaborative projects with other not-for-profits and corporate partners, acting as a visible and vocal representative of the organization in community affairs. Corporate experience includes many years of work with a consulting company in the finance industry to develop and create training materials for their clients across the country. These include new training programs and manuals, revisions to existing programs and materials, as well as writing and producing numerous training videos. He provides the following services for "Children Fitness Academy", "Operation Fitness™." and the Holistic Health Foundation
William K. Bergman - Kinesiologist & Sports Rehab Advisor William Bergman, PhD is a doctor of Philosophy, Human Behavior, and Kinesiology. In addition to being MEDX Certified from the University of Florida School of Medicine, he is also a licensed massage therapist, personal trainer and fitness consultant. He is currently co-owner and director of the Structural Wellness Center in Westwood, CA Dr. Bergman's professional experience includes Directorship of The Joint Rehabilitation & Sports Medical Center, Inc Los Angeles, CA. Bill acted as Rehabilitation Service Coordinator at Santa Monica Spine Care, Clinic Director and Supervisory Technician at Performance Spine Center, and Medx Technician and Rehabilitation Therapist at Jekot Health Center. Bill's roots are tied to all aspects of nutrition and fitness. He started in the industry as assistant manager of Jack Lalane's Fitness Center. Bill is among the most experienced MEDX Rehabilitation Technicians in the world, and was a pioneer in the development of non-surgical treatments/prevention programs involving a combination of therapies. He has treated well over 7,000 patients and has been a consultant and personal trainer for the last 20 years. Operation Fitness, Children’s Fitness Academy and the Holistic Healing Foundation. Bill Grant - Director Of Seminars and Motivational Speaker Bill is a World Renowned Fitness Expert with more than 45 years of professional experience in bodybuilding, health and fitness. Bill started his bodybuilding career at the YMCA in 1960. His dedication to the sport has rewarded him the titles Legendary Bodybuilder, Mr. America 1972 and Mr. World 1974. Bill transferred his knowledge of fitness and nutrition to the personal training industry and founded Bill Grant Nutrition LLC, The Next Generation of Sports and Performance Nutrition to develop quality nutritional and performance products that are not only safe and effective but products that work and give real results. Bill's professional experience includes producing and hosting his own successful cable television fitness program and radio show "Fit for Life" covering all aspects of fitness, sports medicine, and diet while incorporating expert guest speakers in the areas of total fitness and nutrition. His lifetime commitment is dedicated to maintaining a healthy lifestyle in today's world. Bill has appeared on various news programs including ABC, CBS, CNN, WOR, ESPN, and Fox News. His articles and interviews in health and fitness magazines worldwide easily identify him as the perfect spokesperson for a vigorous exercise program, proper nutrition and a healthy attitude. Bill has been honored with a lifetime achievement award for his dedication and never ending contributions to the sport of Bodybuilding and the Muscle Beach Hall of Fame award. Throughout his early teen years, Bill developed a poor self-image. He joined the YMCA to improve his self-confidence providing him with the experience to share the benefits of exercise with the youth of today. Bill has continued to work with kids in the inner cities and has been involved with the Newark YMCA Sports Legends Program for over ten years tutoring kids on exercise, education and discipline. Operation Fitness, Children’s Fitness Academy and the Holistic Healing Foundation. Frank E. Kaden, D.C. holds a B.S. in Cellular and Molecular Biology from California State University at Northridge and a Doctor of Chiropractic from Los Angeles College of Chiropractic. He practices many chiropractic techniques and is certified in Applied Kinesiology. Dr. Kaden specializes in Diversified Chiropractic, Applied Kinesiology, Sports Rehabilitation and Nutrition. Dr. Kaden is currently co-owner and director of the Structural Wellness Center in Westwood, CA. His prior professional experience includes positions as a treating Chiropractor at the Joint Rehabilitation and Sports Medical Center, Inc. in Los Angeles, and at the New Century Medical group in Century City. Dr. Kaden has successfully treated thousands of patients with various conditions from all walks of life. He became interested in Chiropractic, Rehabilitation and Fitness as a young athlete. As a competitive swimmer and water polo player, he suffered various injuries and saw many of his teammates injured. Most of the injuries were successfully treated with Chiropractic and proper Rehabilitation. This has inspired Dr. Kaden to become a Chiropractor and aid those who suffer from ailments the way he and his teammates were helped. Dr. Kaden continued his education at California State University- Northridge, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology. He received his Doctor of Chiropractic at the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic, graduated Cum Laude, made the Dean's list every semester and was named to the Delta Sigma Honorary Society of the Healing Arts. While in Chiropractic school, Dr. Kaden became interested and Certified in a technique called Applied Kinesiology (AK). He has extensive Post Graduate hours and Certifications in a variety of Chiropractic disciples including Diversified (traditional), AK, Brimhall and the Kaufman techniques- both focus on the Gentle Mobilization approach of Chiropractic. Dr. Kaden also has many Post Graduate hours in Nutrition and Rehabilitation protocols. Operation Fitness, Children’s Fitness Academy and the Holistic Healing Foundation. Kathy Y. Ito - Psychotherapist/Director of food division Kathy Y. Ito, MSW, MFT, received a Master's Degree from U.C.L.A. in 1992 and has maintained a successful practice as a psychotherapist in Los Angeles for the past 12 years. Her Holistic approach to psychotherapy combines mind, body and spirit in the treatment of individuals struggling with depression and eating disorders. Kathy developed and facilitated The Weight Management and Smoking Cessation Programs for Kaiser Permannente which are still utilized by the organization today. Kathy's interests in nutrition and health led her to become a gourmet chef, specializing in the creation of light, healthy, tasty dishes made with fresh organic ingredients. Ms. Ito will oversee the psychotherapy department and food division, for Operation Fitness, Children’s Fitness Academy and the Holistic Healing Foundation.
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