Meet the PS Council
The PS Council is our influential network of voices across the fields of fitness, medicine, mental health, sex, beauty, parenting, finance, home organization, and more.
This collective of experts — including doctors, therapists, personal trainers, manicurists, and sexologists — is committed to sharing their knowledge with the PS community in order to make health and wellness more inclusive and accessible.
Akua Ampadu, MD, is a board-certified internal-medicine-trained hospitalist physician passionate about providing quality adult care. Outside of taking care of patients on the hospital ward, she has an interest in harnessing the power of innovative solutions to ensure health equity and equal access to excellent healthcare for all. As an editor and content contributor to several media outlets, she is committed to providing accurate medical information to the public. Using her personal experience with work- and life-related burnout, she also provides reformative training for those going through their own resilience journeys, knowing that optimal health is garnered through a holistic approach focusing on mind, body, and spirit.
Kate Balestrieri, PsyD, is a licensed psychologist, a certified sex therapist, and the founder of Modern Intimacy. Passionate about sex positivity, pleasure equity, and healing from trauma, she hosts the "Get Naked With Dr. Kate" podcast, which helps people live an empowered sexual and relational life.
Rebekah Love is a home organizer, writer, creative, and the founder of Organize For Love, a home organizing company. Dr. Shirley Madhère, host of the Forever F.A.B. podcast, has coined her an Environmental Wellness Warrior. She is passionate about expanding how African American families experience the freedom that organization brings to their home. Through her professional home organizing program, products, and educational content, she helps her audience of 40,000 create a healthier and happier home life.
Ariel Belgrave is the CEO of Gym Hooky and a leading women’s fitness expert specializing in strength training, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), nutrition, and stress management. With over a decade of experience, Ariel is dedicated to making fitness accessible and sustainable for women around the globe. Her signature framework, L.E.A.N., has transformed the lives of millions, empowering women to build healthy habits, get stronger, and overcome burnout. Ariel’s work has been featured on Good Morning America, The Today Show, Forbes, NBC, Shape, and Glamour. She is also a sponsored Under Armour athlete.
Dianne Bondy is a social justice activist, author, accessible yoga teacher, and leader of the Yoga For All movement. She empowers everyone, regardless of their shape, size, ethnicity, or level of ability, to discover movement and longevity. Dianne is the author of the international best selling book, “Yoga for Everyone,” co-author of “Yoga Where Yoga Are,” and a frequent contributor to Yoga International, DoYou, Yoga Girl, and Omstars. She has been featured in publications such as The Guardian, Huffington Post, Cosmopolitan, Mashable, and People.
Natanya Bravo, founder of The Bravo Life, transitioned from a successful career creating global brand campaigns to empowering women worldwide. Leaving behind the corporate world, she booked a one-way ticket to Paris and founded The Bravo Life, now a global community of over 30,000 women. Through digital education, coaching, and events, Natanya provides the tools, resources, and strategies for purpose-driven leaders to create and grow thriving businesses that serve others. As a transformational business and mindset coach, she inspires women to realize and actualize their full potential.
Dr. Kristen Casey is a licensed clinical psychologist and mental health expert. She completed her doctorate of psychology at Midwestern University, and her APA postdoctoral training at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Dr. Casey is the founder of Evolve Psychological Services, Co-Host of The Welcome to Group Therapy Podcast, Sleep Expert for Sleepopolis, and Clinical Advisor for Dawn Health. She has over 10 years of clinical experience and has been featured in Forbes, Bustle, and PS for her contributions to mental health.
Gina Edwards discovered her passion for nails during her studies as a psychology major; it was a way to help pay for college expenses. Her eye for detail developed, and her love for nail art consumed her. She secured credits with top magazine and commercial clients, which led Gina into other areas of the industry.
Gina has left her finishing touch on the nails of celebrities such as Taraji P. Henson, Kim Kardashian, Bella Hadid, Mary J. Blige, and Venus Williams. Her work has graced the covers of Vogue, Allure, Harper's Bazaar, and Elle Magazine. She has been a global brand ambassador for Kiss products and has led fashion shows from Calvin Klein, Carolina Herrera, Burberry, Rebecca Minkoff, and Alice + Olivia. Gina continues to collaborate and forecast nail trends with brands in the industry.
Shira Gill is a globally recognized home organizing expert and author with a minimalist philosophy. She has inspired thousands of people to clear clutter from their homes and lives, and developed a process and toolkit that applies to anyone, regardless of budget, space, or lifestyle. Shira is the bestselling author of Minimalista and Organized Living and has been featured in 100+ print and media outlets including Good Morning America, Architectural Digest, Vogue, Real Simple, and The New York Times.
Michelle Hope is your go-to maven for all things sex, love, and modern relationships. She navigates the spicy and often taboo terrains of intimacy and politics with unmatched audacity. A sexologist, author, and advocate for reproductive justice and sexual health equity, Michelle infuses her deep knowledge and extensive field experience into every dialogue. Whether breaking down barriers in conversation or pushing the boundaries of social norms, her approach is provocative, enlightening, and never for the faint of heart. Exploring the intersections of identity and desire, Michelle is here to shake up your perspectives, one bold truth at a time.
Christa Janine, a seasoned media professional based in Los Angeles, boasts a diverse educational background encompassing digital cinema, journalism, and anthropology, with a master of arts in journalism from Columbia College Chicago and soon-to-be-completed doctor of philosophy in anthropology and social change from the California Institute of Integral Studies. Alongside her academic pursuits, Christa is a prominent figure in the health and wellness industry, recognized as a 500-hour E-RYT yoga instructor and a trusted influencer in the digital fitness space, with over 115,000 followers across platforms. She currently instructs for Alo Moves and PS, leveraging her platform to encourage others to lead authentic lives and actively advocating for diversity and inclusion within the yoga and fitness space, spurred by her own experiences navigating the industry's systemic inequalities.
A former Division I track and field athlete, Ashley Joi is a certified personal trainer and PS Fit host. She uses a combination of HIIT and weight lifting to empower people to push past their physical and mental limits while making workouts challenging and enjoyable. Her training philosophy is grounded in her background in psychology and communication studies at the University of Rhode Island; this foundation enables her to connect with her clients as she builds them up from the inside out so they can achieve their goals, feel better about themselves, and incorporate fitness into their daily lives.
From major beauty campaigns to backstage at Fashion Week, Julie Kandalec is the nail professional editors, designers, and celebrities call on to make their dream nails come to life. The founding creative director of Paintbox in New York City, Julie made chic and on-trend nails accessible to a mainstream clientele and now shares two decades of experience with beauty professionals around the world as part of her online courses. Her clients include Pink, Selena Gomez, Jessica Chastain, Emily Blunt, Joe Jonas, Camila Cabello, and Lauren Sanchez. Her work has been featured in Allure, Cosmopolitan, Elle, Glamour, Harper's Bazaar, InStyle, Vogue, and WWD and in campaigns for Chanel, Dior Beauty, Gucci, Tiffany & Co., Glossier, Bobbi Brown, Urban Decay, and Maybelline. For more information, visit her website and follow her nail journey around the world at @julieknailsnyc and @julieknailacademy.
Dr Stephanie Liu is a family physician who delivers evidence-based health information for moms and little ones. Her blog, Life of Dr. Mom, launched after the birth of her first child to debunk scientific misinformation. Dr. Liu, aka Dr. Mom, became known as a relatable and credible source on topics ranging from infant nutrition to postpartum depression while amassing a social media following and acting as health expert for multiple news outlets including CTV News, National Post, and Today Show. In addition to her medical practice and work as a University of Alberta Assistant Clinical Professor, she also launched By Dr. Mom, an infant skincare line.
David Lopez is a New York-based hairstylist, beauty expert, and creative consultant known for his mission to degenderize and demystify the beauty industry. Through inclusivity and transparency, his work supports and inspires individuals on their journey to self-confidence. David has worked with celebrities like Ashley Graham and Chrissy Teigen and brands like Ulta Beauty, Kenra, and Bumble and Bumble, showcasing his versatility in front of and behind the camera. He champions inclusivity as a content specialist and creative lead at Ulta Beauty, and he extends his expertise as a creative strategy consultant to make significant strides in the beauty world.
Andrea Love is a biomedical scientist and award-winning science communicator. She has over a decade and a half of expertise in infectious diseases, cancer, and immunology. She excels at translating complex scientific concepts and data for broad audiences. Outside of her career, she is the founder of the science communication organization ImmunoLogic and is the Executive Director of the American Lyme Disease Foundation. She also writes for Skeptical Inquirer and the Genetic Literacy Project and was the 2023 American Medical Writers Association McGovern Award Recipient. She routinely speaks at scientific conferences and teaches CME courses for healthcare professionals.
Lauren is an award-winning registered dietitian, three-time book author, freelance writer, and speaker who prides herself on sharing evidence-based nutrition information in an accessible and practical manner. With over 22 years in the field, her extensive experience and dedication to promoting positive dietary habits have made her a trusted voice in the nutrition community. Lauren holds both a master’s and bachelor’s degree in nutrition, and she has held many leadership roles within the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics throughout her career. She is currently on the advisory board for the University of South Carolina's Dietetic Internship to help shape the future of dietetics education. Lauren also shares her time with a local nonprofit that supports pregnant, parenting, and young women in foster care to help them gain skills and resources to build a healthier future. She lives in Charleston, South Carolina with her family, and spends her free time either on the water or at the beach (unless she's attending a killer pilates class with her girlfriends).
Alyssa is a licensed clinical social worker, group practice owner, and keynote speaker. She received her Masters in Social Work from The University of Southern California and has been practicing for well over a decade. Her expertise as a therapist includes working in community mental health, the juvenile justice system, and in private practice. She has contributed to various well- known outlets to address strategies for increasing self- connection, and navigating conflict in relationships. Alyssa has facilitated workshops and keynotes for companies such as Disney, Meta, and Pinterest which focus on burnout, perfectionism, and employee wellness. Her recommendations for mental health strategies have been featured in Vogue, Elle, and Women's Health.
Rachel McClusky is an LA-based fitness professional with more than 10 years of experience. Her passion for movement has led her to teaching several modalities, and she holds 8-plus fitness certifications, including NASM. She created her fitness concept, The Recharge Method, and teaches virtually to clients all over the world. Rachel has been featured on The Today Show, Forbes, PS, FitOn, and more.
Israa Nasir is a New York City-based psychotherapist, writer, and the founder of WellGuide, a digital community for mental health awareness. Her debut book, “Toxic Productivity,” is coming out in November 2024. Israa’s works have been featured in NBC, Vox, Huffpost, Teen Vogue and other major publications and she sits on the Medical Board for menstrual health product and advocacy brand August. Israa received her undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of Toronto and her Master’s in Counseling at Adelphi University in New York. She is also certified in Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy.
Aditi Nerurkar, MD, is a Harvard stress expert, a television correspondent, and the author of "The 5 Resets." Her work has been featured by The New York Times, "Today With Hoda & Jenna," "Good Morning America," "Tamron Hall," "The Mel Robbins Podcast," and O magazine. Before becoming a physician, Dr. Nerurkar was a stressed patient looking for answers. Once she found her way out of stress, she vowed to become the doctor she needed. Named one of the 100 Women to Know in America for 2024, she's a frequent keynote speaker, with talks at the 2018 Forbes Under 30 Summit and other events.
Doyin (pronounced “doe-ween”) Richards is a best-selling children’s author, dynamic keynote speaker, and critically-acclaimed DEI consultant. His clients range from Fortune 100 companies to Elementary schools and he inspires people to be open about mental health/mental illness and embrace anti-racism in work, school, and beyond. He also delivered a TEDx talk on anti-racism. Doyin currently lives in southern California with his two young daughters, and is obsessed with basketball, cheesy pasta, and superhero movies.
Lynn Saladino, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist based in New York City and the North Fork of Long Island. Her private practice, Dr. Lynn Psychology, PLLC, has brought a holistic and practical approach to mental wellness for the New York City and Boston communities for almost 15 years. As psychology editor of Health magazine and author of its mental health column, "Let's Talk It Out," she offered an approachable perspective to mental health concerns. Her work has included features in Oprah Daily, NBC, and Business Insider. Dr. Lynn is on a mission to make mental health straightforward and fun whenever possible, and she's excited for the opportunity to bring this to the PS community.
Aliza Shapiro, LCSW, is a licensed therapist and founder of Therapy in the City, a private practice in NY, NJ, FL, CT, and CA. In her clinical work, Aliza helps adults, young adults, and adolescents overcome an array of mental health challenges including depression, anxiety, OCD, and related disorders. Her team specializes in evidence-based practices including CBT and DBT therapies, and serves individuals, couples, and families struggling with trauma, ADHD, relationships, eating disorders, and life transitions. Aliza is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness, and utilizes social media to normalize mental health topics, break stigmas, and foster community.
Vivian Tu
Finance expert
Vivian Tu, aka Your Rich BFF, is a former Wall Street trader turned finance expert, entrepreneur, New York Times bestselling author, and the host of your favorite money podcast Networth & Chill. On the second season of her podcast, she’s getting up close and personal about the good, bad, and downright ugly truths about money. Your Rich BFF has a community of over 6 million followers across the world and counting. Tu began her Wall Street career as a trader with JP Morgan, after which she joined BuzzFeed as a Strategy Sales Partner, where she worked on media and client partnerships. Tu graduated from the University of Chicago with a degree in Environmental Studies and Public Policy with an emphasis in Finance.
Jonet Williamson is a pro makeup artist and beauty educator with a belief that beauty should empower yourself and inspire others. She has worked on the set of tv & film productions, commercial ads, beauty campaigns, and editorials. Her work has been featured in commercial campaigns for Dolce & Gabbana, Nike, Barney's, Glow Recipe, & more. As a trusted voice within the beauty industry, Jonet's expert advice has been featured in prestigious publications including InStyle, Allure, Refinery29, Coveteur, Byrdie, Women's Health, & more. A quick pop over to her socials can help you take your makeup skills to the next level.
