Mr. Carlos Alvarez is a speaker, researcher, and innovator in Right Brain Restorative Practices. With a graduate degree in Forensic Psychology specializing in sexual deviancy and an undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice focused on juvenile offenders, Carlos has extensive expertise in the field. As the founder and trainer in Right Brain Restorative Practices, he is committed to transforming school discipline and culture. His work aims to address youth and community violence through innovative approaches. Carlos’s dedication to restorative justice practices has made him a leader in reshaping how schools and communities handle conflicts and behavioral challenges. His efforts have positively impacted countless schools, administrators, teachers, and students.

Dr. Bob Weathers, whose Ph.D. is in clinical psychology, has served as a graduate-level educator -- and more recently, addiction recovery coach -- with nearly fifty years of experience in providing mental healthcare services and professional training. A passionate advocate for holistic healing, Dr. Weathers draws on both academic expertise and personal experience (including in long-term recovery himself) to guide individuals toward transformative change. He specializes in strengths-based, compassionate, and empowering approaches that emphasize emotional resilience, nervous system regulation, and the integration of mind, body, and spirit. Along with having served long-term as university professor and administrator (specializing in online curriculum design and professional accreditation), Dr. Weathers has authored numerous publications.  His two most recent books (on Cambridge University Press) address "recovery resilience." Plus, he has authored several other recent books and guided audio programs on mindfulness, forgiveness, and gratitude practices -- along with building personal creativity vs. professional burnout -- all geared toward successful, sustained recovery and healthful living. 

Dr. Andrea Hodge is a Colombian-born materials scientist and the Department Chair of the Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering & Materials Science at the University of Southern California. A first-generation college student, she now holds the Fluor Professorship and is also a Professor of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering. Additionally, Dr. Hodge served as Vice Provost of Student Affairs from 2016-2020 at the University of Southern California (USC).

Dr. Hodge is a leading expert in engineered nanomaterials, with research focused on micro- and nanoscale structures,  grain boundaries, and materials for extreme environments. She earned her Ph.D. in Materials Science from Northwestern University and previously worked at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. A passionate STEM advocate, Dr. Hodge mentors future scientists and leads an interdisciplinary research group advancing materials innovation.