Somewhere in the Middle with Michele Barard

Somewhere in the Middle with Special Guest Best-Selling Author and Coach Tana Session

Somewhere in the Middle with Michele Barard Welcomes Tana Session, a Huffington Post “10 Female Experts to Follow in 2018”

Tana Session was born into the New York City foster care system and remained there until she was 3 ½ years old. She experienced various hardships throughout her life, but learned they were not her fault…but they were her problem. She set out to establish a life that was quantum leaps from where she started. Recently recognized as a Huffington Post “10 Female Experts to Follow in 2018,” Tana has built a successful career in Human Resources and a successful business in spite of her background. She continues to use her adversities as fuel and not excuses.

Tana has served as the top Human Resources leader for multiple organizations. She embeds her passion for the field of Human Resources and Coaching in all of her programs. In 2014, Tana established her award-winning, WMBE-certified coaching and consulting practice. Noted as a powerful international speaker, Tana shares her poignant career and life coaching tips with audiences from a personal perspective. Tana is now a bestselling author and an award-winning international speaker.

In November 2016, Tana released her first book entitled Inside the Revolving Door: Chronicles From the Human Resources Department. In January 2017, she released the #1 Best-seller Get Your Career Life in Order, a step-by-step career management and job-hunting self-help guidebook. Her third book, The Little Book of Motivation & Inspiration – Volume I, was released in January 2018. Tana is also a contributing writer for Forbes.com and BlackEnterprise.com and has been featured in Huffington Post, Essence Magazine, and on various television, syndicated radio and podcasts. In August 2017, the University of Phoenix recognized Tana as one of its Distinguished Alumni of Southern California. Tana also joined the team of UCLA Extension as an Instructor for the Human Resources Development course, the final class in their top-rated 18-month Human Resources certification program.

Somewhere in the Middle with Special Guest Bestselling Author Dr. Marcia Demers

Somewhere in the Middle with Michele Barard Welcomes Bestselling Author Dr. Marcia Demers

Marcia Demers is an accomplished professional with many successful credits to her name. She has ten years of experience in clinical pharmacy and holds a Doctorate in Pharmacy from Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Demers is a licensed pharmacist in Florida, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. She is a member of the Phi Delta Chi Pharmaceutical Fraternity, which recognized her as the most volunteered brother. She is a member of Nova Southeastern’s Rho Chi Honors Society, which recognizes students for consistent academic excellence. 

In addition to her many achievements, Marcia is now a two-time international best-selling author. She recently became certified as an Author Coach, showing others how to become best-selling authors using a foolproof formula. She epitomizes energy, creativity, commitment, reliability, and integrity, in every area of her life. She is also a licensed Realtor. Her goal is to assist others with one of their most important investments and helping to make homeownership attainable for people who think they never could achieve that dream. 

Marcia is a highly driven, self-motivated individual who enjoys people, reading, dancing, travel and working out. While she remains consistently engaged in working on her own personal growth and development, her core passion is philanthropy, giving back and helping others to achieve their goals and dreams.

Somewhere in the Middle with Special Guest Author Denise August

Somewhere in the Middle with Michele Barard welcomes Denise August, author of If Only I Knew Then What I Know Now

Denise M. August is the youngest of five born to Lottie & Alfred August in Los Angeles, CA.  The family later moved to Oakland, CA, where she grew up and developed an interest in dance, music, and entertainment.  She holds an Associate of Arts Degree in Human Services.

Denise is a single mother of two and a proud grandmother of five.  She has worked in television broadcasting with Fox Channel 2 and ABC Channel 7 news. She has spent the last 20 years working for Contra Costa County CCTV and Employment and Human Services. 

Denise August’s first book, “If I Only Knew Then, What I Know Now,” is a God-inspired autobiography depicting how God guided her through the various challenges of her life. Denise was crowned the “2014 Christian Woman of The Year” in Sacramento, CA by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. & “2016 Woman of Valor” in Richmond, CA by the Iota Chapter of the Beta Pi Sigma Sorority. She also has been recognized by the Mayor of Sacramento, Assemblymen, a State Senator, and the Sacramento Board of Supervisors.

Somewhere in the Middle with Special Guest Investment Strategist John Kane

Somewhere in the Middle with Michele Barard welcomes Special Guest Investment
Strategist John Kane

John Kane is a professional investor and entrepreneur with a degree in finance. He had suffered financial setbacks in 2008 with his real estate portfolio and decided to go more into institutional finance. John turned his hobby of investing into a large financial group that manages millions of dollars of investments. His firm advises banks on proper trading protocols.

A native of Washington DC, John and his family currently reside in Arizona. He spends his time analyzing the markets for institutions in the morning. He is passionate about coaching entrepreneurs and individuals to think bigger by changing their mindset. From his training and experience with institutional bankers and traders, he has developed a system that enables companies to exponentially grow their cash flow. These tools can be used by anybody to increase their income. He has taught his system to everyday folks and well as large corporations for over a decade.

Somewhere in the Middle with Financial Advisor Steven Hutchinson

Somewhere in the Middle with Michele Barard welcomes Financial Advisor Steven Hutchinson

Steven Hutchinson was born in New York City in the Spring of 1959. He is one of seven children who more than survived childhood in New York City. He is a warrior who fights for his integrity and the integrity of his people. Steven Hutchinson has read hundreds of books, traveled to all 50 states, visited India five times, studied yoga, meditation, and the major religions. He was a
Hindu Priest for 15 years and is the author of Power Thought, a handbook for consciousness, and Budget Make It Now! Steven Hutchinson is presently writing his 3rd book, which addresses black entrepreneurship and the psychological warfare that is involved in that mighty endeavor.

He has had many business failures, which is the only real way to grow as an entrepreneur and be able to share that experience to help others. He is an entrepreneur focused on building an Empire, building a pyramid, building a society of Consciousness. Steven Hutchinson owns and operates PowerTaxx, which is an income tax startup, which he started as a lean start-up. He also is a licensed Insurance agent who provides financial products and teaches people how money works. Steven Hutchinson believes that since we live in a consumer nation we need to be producers to satisfy the needs, wants and demands of our people.

Somewhere in the Middle with Special Guest Cheryl Cooley of Klymaxx

Somewhere in the Middle welcomes Special Guest Cheryl Cooley, Lead Guitarist of Klymaxx

You know Cheryl Cooley from her amazing guitar playing as the lead guitarist of Klymaxx. The R&B all-female funk band, KLYMAXX is KLYMAXXTIC, and still going strong.

Their music is a staple on the radio and in dance clubs around the world. Belting out hits like, “The Men All Pause” and “Meeting in the Ladies Room” the group’s name is synonymous with classic women’s anthems. Their beautiful ballad, “I Miss You”, was Billboard Magazine’s #3 song of 1986 and still to this day is played when love is in the air. Continuing into the 90’s with the #4 R&B hit, “Good Love” followed their sultry Neo-Soul groove entitled, “Private Party” showed that they could flow with the changing music trends.

Much of the group’s success can be credited to Cheryl Cooley, Co-founder and original member. She has personally nurtured the group’s unique sound by overseeing the infusion of 80’s funk with a modern swag.

Cheryl's enthusiasm and vision have transformed KLYMAXX into a leaner, meaner entity producing live music that delivers dynamic vocals and uncompromised grooves.
These ladies are serious about entertaining their fans and continuing with the KLYMAXX legacy.

Somewhere in the Middle with Special Guest Norman A. Carter, Jr.

Somewhere in the Middle with Michele Barard welcomes Norman A. Carter, Jr., author of The Long Blue Walk: My Journey as a Philly Cop

Norman A. Carter was born and reared in the North Central section of Philadelphia, PA. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the US Army and trained as a Combat Medical Corpsman. In 1964, Carter was selected to attend and graduated from the prestigious United States Military Academy Preparatory School and later was honorably discharged with a rank of Specialist Fifth Class.
In 1967, Norman joined the Philadelphia Police Department. While in the department, studied Administration of Justice Curriculum for two years at Temple University. He served in various patrol and patrol-related assignments. During his 25-year career, Norman earned two commendatory letters and worked with the Guardian Civic League, which is a local chapter of the National Black Police Association to increase the number of minorities hired and promoted. He also participated in community meetings as well as radio and television programs to curtail violence and improve the relationships between the community and the Police Department.
In 1977, Carter gave the Police Department, its Internal Affairs Bureau, and the Mayor of Philadelphia detailed information about a criminal organization headquartered in the Roxborough/Manayunk section of Philadelphia. This organization was actively facilitated by Police Officers. The leader of this organization was eventually arrested and served five years in federal prison. Norman retired as a Police Corporal in the Narcotics Field Unit in 1992.
In 1993, he joined what later became known as the Office of Inspector General, Welfare Fraud Division where he was promoted to Claims Investigation Agent Supervisor. Norman retired from this position in 1997. In October 1998, he contributed to an exposé in the Philadelphia Inquirer revealing the process the Philadelphia Police Department used to decrease crime statistics. An indirect result of this exposé was the arrest of a serial rapist/murderer who had terrorized Center City Philadelphia and Ft. Collins, Co.
In May 2001, Norman contributed to an exposé in the Philadelphia Daily News that revealed the safety hazards encountered by prisoners transported by Police Officers. This resulted in improved safety provisions for all vehicles transporting prisoners in Philadelphia.
Norman A Carter is the author of The Long Blue Walk: My Journey as a Philly Cop, where he details his experience as an officer and as whistleblower helping to root out poor practices and corruption in the Philadelphia Police Force.

Somewhere in the Middle with Michele Barard with guest Marcus Tony Campbell, author of Rich City Thug-Life

Somewhere in the Middle welcomes Marcus Tony Campbell, author of Rich City Thug-Life

Marcus Tony Campbell was raised, along with his brother, in a single-parent home in Richmond, Virginia. As a young man, he got involved in the street life and in the process was eventually incarcerated. While incarcerated, a friend he knew from the street suggested he try writing since he read so much. Not paying any attention, it took for Marcus to get out and get reincarcerated before he gave writing a try. After reading Zane's Sex Chronicles, he thought to himself, I can do that and thus his first novel Club S.E.X. was written. After another setback, he wrote Rich City Thug-Life. He does all his own writing, editing, proofreading, typing, and printing. The true meaning of self-publishing. So far, he has gotten Rich City Thug-Life into his home library system and has been featured in a magazine and at Author Speaks at his main library.

Somewhere in the Middle with Michele Barard and special guest Dr. Kiva Davis

Somewhere in the Middle Welcomes Chiropractor and Yoga Instructor Dr. Kiva Davis

Dr. Kiva L. Davis, DC is a licensed Chiropractor, with a strong background in Anatomy and Kinesiology, and is a registered Yoga Alliance E-RYT® 200, YACEP® teacher.

Dr. Kiva’s approach to anatomy and yoga is lighthearted and passionate.  She has practiced Yoga for more than ten years.  Her introduction to Holistic health was in 2003 when she received a certification in Reflexology.

She became interested in Yoga after taking a class at a local gym in the late 90’s.  Her desire to deepen her understanding of the practice resulted in her obtaining a certification to teach from Yoga Lotus in 2007.  She completed more than 700 educational hours in Hatha Yoga at Yoga Lotus, Kemetic Yoga, and Rocket Yoga.

Dr. Kiva considers herself the "happy" yoga teacher and is known for her engaging style and ability to share concepts in a clear and accessible way. As her students move through asanas, she wants them to experience the movements and the freedom that can be obtained. She compares yoga movements to dance.

She conducts Anatomy training for several Yoga Teacher Training programs and she is certain that a strong foundation in anatomy gives teachers advantages in class development.  Kiva believes strongly in bringing humor to her classes and training while still respecting the practice. Her mission is to empower students and teachers to move beyond perceived limitations to find freedom, confidence and to allow energy to flow through their bodies.

Dr. Kiva is a graduate of Texas Southern University with a major in Psychology and minor in Art History and received a Doctorate Degree from Texas Chiropractic College.  She is enrolled in a 500-hour yoga program and a Chiropractic Diplomate Program in Nutrition.

Somewhere in the Middle with Michele Barard and guests Daisy Brown and Phil Hilinski

Somewhere in the Middle Welcomes Daisy Brown and Phil Hilinski

Daisy Brown is a native of Baltimore, MD, where she currently resides.  She is the Road Manager for The Chi-Lites featuring Marshall Thompson and has been a member of that organization for the past 46 years.  She is a retired legal secretary having worked in the field of law for 40 years and, for the past six years, Ms. Brown has been a dedicated supporter of the Miss Dream Castle Pageant, which gives young women a chance to showcase their talent and supports education scholarships to children in Jamaica.

Daisy Brown has served in the US Military and received an honorable discharge in 1982. In 2004, she became a life member of Associates of the Vietnam Veterans (AVVA). She joined The Enlisted Association (TREA) Chapter 9 in 2012, where she serves as secretary.  Daisy is the producer and co-host of the online radio show “Called To Serve” and is co-producer of “Soul School Music,” which is hosted by Marshall Thompson of The Chi-Lites.  Ms. Brown also is an accomplished poet and lyricist.

Philip J. Hilinski was born in Cleveland, OH. He is a military veteran who served 21 years in the US Army from 1973 to 1994 when he retired as a Master Sergeant with a rank of E-8. During his time in the military, Philip served mainly in the United States. He also has worked as a contractor in the Middle East.

Philip is a member of several veterans organizations, including The Enlisted Association (TREA), where he currently serves as a Director on the TREA National Board of Directors and is in charge of an IT Committee.

Philip J. Hilinski is married with four adult children and lives near Columbus, Ohio, where he resides with his wife, Judith.