Speakers and More

Wellness Technology Expert and host of Beautifully Broken Podcast

Freddie is a leading expert in the field of wellness technology. Certified in Functional Health, Biological Medicine, and International Sports Science, he has been featured in prestigious publications such as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and the upcoming Amazon Prime Documentary: Biohack Yourself. Freddie is also a proud survivor of metastatic cancer, Lyme, and toxic mold, which has given him a unique perspective on the power of the human spirit and how to live a healthier, happier life.

As the host of the critically acclaimed 'The Beautifully Broken Podcast,' Freddie empowers and educates listeners on the value of wellness technology, to help people activate their body's natural healing mechanisms. He conducts interviews with experts in various fields of wellness and provides practical information on these topics, along with tips, resources, and testimonials from listeners.

Before dedicating his life to wellness, Freddie was a talented performer, having toured across the country in Broadway productions of Phantom of the Opera, Billy Elliot, and Cagney the Musical. With a deep understanding of the healing power of music, he continues to sing every day!

Director of the Float Clinic and Research Center at the Laureate Institute for Brain Research (LIBR)

Dr. Emily Choquette is an Associate Investigator and Director of the Float Clinic and Research Center at the Laureate Institute for Brain Research (LIBR) in Tulsa Oklahoma. She received her PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of South Florida and completed her clinical internship at the Michael E. DeBakey Veteran’s Administration Medical Center in Houston, TX. Her previous research and clinical work centers on women’s health, disordered eating, trauma, and substance use. She joined the Laureate Insitute for Brain Research as a postdoctoral fellow in 2021 under the mentorship of Drs. Robin Aupperle and Sahib Khalsa. In December 2023, she was awarded a National Institute of Mental Health funded Career Development Award. In this grant, Dr. Choquette explores the effect of float-assisted psychotherapy on interoception as a mechanism for the reduction of body image distortion in women with anorexia nervosa.

President of the Float Conference, Co-owner of Sukhino Float Center and Salt Cave, Owner of Mindfull Solutions

With more than 20 years of training and marketing experience, Kim is passionate about helping individuals and wellness center owners create a ripple effect on the world. Besides owning Sukhino Float Center & Salt Cave in Indiana, she founded the Float Center Owner's Guide (podcast + marketing and training resources) and Mindfull Solutions. She is a co-host of the Art of the Float podcast, a member of the Float Research Collective fundraising team, and a liaison for the FTA. She's on a mission to change the world, one float at a time.

President of the Floatation Tank Association, Float Conference Board Member, Owner of Float Light

Jonathan has an insatiable passion for the float experience and industry. Driven by what he calls his, “superpower,” a medical condition known as ADHD. But it wasn’t until discovering floatation therapy that provided him a therapeutic alternative to medication for his condition. Not long after his first sensory deprivation experience, Jonathan and his wife Jessie founded Float Light in Appleton, Wisconsin. Float Light was an immediate success and was admired by the industry and community.

Jonathan then focused his attention toward the float industry by becoming a contributing member of the Floatation Tank Association (FTA) and joining the education and outreach committee, hosting and presenting workshops and roundtable events. In addition to his work through the FTA, Jonathan shares his expertise and knowledge for free through online workshops, consultation, business tools and marketing content for float centers, spas and other businesses. Jonathan is an expert in marketing, advertising, videography, graphic design and software engineering. His ultimate goal is to educate the float community on strategies that build public awareness of floatation therapy and the many benefits it provides.

Researcher at Institute of Frontier Areas of Psychology and Mental Health, Freiburg

Helena started her Ph.D. in 2022 at the Medical Faculty of the Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg on the topic of Psychological stress reduction through Floatation-REST. The doctoral project is supported by a scholarship from the Hanns Seidel Foundation through means of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) Germany. She completed her studies in Clinical Psychology and Neuro-Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Freiburg in 2020 with a thesis on Waiting in virtual reality.

Resident Microbiologist, and Senior Consultant for Vore & Associates, LLC | Float Conference Board Member | FTA Board Member

Dr. Roy Vore is the senior consultant with Vore & Associates LLC, a consulting company specializing in aquatic facility management, operator training, and risk management. He is internationally recognized as the pool and spa sector's leading authority on recreational water illness. Since 1991 he has been the aquatics industry’s voice, translating the complexity of microbiology into the everyday language of operators. His efforts include drafting portions of the CDC’s Model Aquatic Health Code, writing the NSPF’s recreational water illness manual, and a variety of fact sheets on microbial issues for APSP. Dr. Vore has over 90 scholarly papers and presentations on the selection and use of industrial biocides, biocide testing methodology, the microbiological of swimming pools and spas, and the governmental regulation of biocides. Roy became interested in floating due to the unique physiology of float tanks and the potential for non-pharmaceutical treatments for our overly stressed society. Roy’s hobbies include making beer and bird watching – which usually includes drinking the beer.

President of True REST, and Board Member of the Floatation Tank Association

Mandy (Rowe) Miller joined the True REST Float Spa team in 2015. Inspired by the True REST vision she joined the corporate team spearheading franchise sales and construction. Since then she has grown into the role of President and also oversees the operations of all corporate managed locations. She is passionate about holistic wellness and enjoys innovating the Float Therapy experience to create the most impactful and customizable experience for members. She was first exposed to True REST when her friend's father, a Navy SEAL, raved about the Float Pod he used for physical and mental recovery. Through True REST she was introduced to, and recently joined the board of, the Yellow Ribbon Fund that helps post 9/11 veterans find holistic recovery options at home. She also sits on the fundraising committee for the Float Collective, and the board of the Float Tank Association.

Doctor of Physical Therapy at Audie L. Murphy VA Hospital Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center

Dillon Bomer is a Doctor of Physical Therapy at Audie L. Murphy VA Hospital Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center. He received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Texas Health San Antonio in 2010, Bachelor of Science in Health Care Science from the University of Texas Health San Antonio in 2008, and his Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Texas San Antonio in 2006. He began his career in 2010 at Christus Santa Rosa Rehabilitation Center and has worked at Audie Murphy since April 2011 when he began seeing vestibular patients for the VA. Dillon began working for the Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center in 2013 and was designated as a Polytrauma/Vestibular specialist by the VA in 2015. In 2015, Dillon began incorporating treatment of headache along with vestibular rehabilitation. He incorporates an evidenced based multimodal approach in his headache treatment using therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, and neuromodulation.

Currently, Dillon serves as the Polytrauma Outcomes Coordinator as well as the vestibular therapist for Audie L. Murphy’s Intensive Evaluation and Treatment Program (PACER) which serves active-duty Special Operation Forces service members. Dillon has served as staff physical therapist for an NIH funded study on a functional restoration pain management study and is currently working on a qualitative research project looking into the benefits of Foundation Training for LBP patients. He has been an active board member for the Alamo Head Injury Association since 2019 and is co-chair of their annual Brain Injury Symposium Committee.

Dillon has enjoyed float tanks since 2013 and has advocated for REST at the VA since 2015. Dillon enjoys watching and playing basketball since adolescence and has practiced Muay Thai since 2012. He and his wife Fiorela can be found on the weekend spending time at local parks and museums with 5 ½ -year-old Luca.

Float Enthusiast, Researcher, Scientist, Graphic Designer, and more

Dr. Flux is a researcher and creator in the novel therapeutics and mental health space, returning for his seventh Float Conference. He currently serves as a consulting scientist on multiple research projects across various universities, focusing on topics from the microbiome to psychosis. Additionally, he teaches asynchronously at the University of Colorado Boulder. An experienced public speaker and science communicator, Flux has presented at numerous conferences, appeared on multiple podcasts, and is developing a social media project to challenge our assumptions about what defines "normal."

Owner of Float Magic and Board Member of the Float Conference

Shawnee has been in the public and community relations role for almost two decades. Prior to opening her float center she wore the hat of nurse by night and Community Relations by day for a large corporation. Developing and cultivating relationships is one of Shawnee's greatest strengths (and dancing, we must not forget dancing). Serving on state boards and community leadership roles has allowed her to see the unique web that can be created for float centers and small businesses to become a nexus in their community. Shawnee opened her doors to Float Magic in February of 2021 amidst the uncertainties of the pandemic. This allowed her the opportunity to pour intentional energy into becoming the Wellness Expert for her community, fostering that immensely important aspect of trust.

She hopes to share some nuggets of her success and empower those of us in the Float industry to do the same for our communities. Education, community involvement, corporate relations, and non-profit volunteering have all been pillars to boost the reputation of Float Magic in the Magic Valley. Honing in to her unique gifts that were developed while being a floor nurse, caretaker and mother has also provided a valuable position to lead from, both in her community and in her organization. Her philosophy is the more vulnerable we can be with others, the more access we create to changing lives.

Float Pioneer | Samadhi Tank Co

Glenn Perry, along with his partner Lee, who died last year, were inspired by Dr John Lilly to start Samadhi Tank Co and the floatation tank industry. Glenn invented the use of lots of salt to allow people to float weightlessly in the isolation tank. Together they designed and sold the first commercial float tanks. They also started the first float tank center to assist in selling those tanks. Additionally, they trained others in a method of running those centers and how to interact with the floaters to allow the floater to be comfortable floating instead of afraid and how to get the most out of their time floating. They have always been especially passionate about the amazing benefits of frequent floating in as distraction free environments as possible.

Float Enthusiast

Through professional athletics and performance, to a decades long practice of meditation, yoga, scientific/philosophical/poetic immersion. Retiring from a 30+ year career as a Psychiatric RN, researcher, educator, therapist and Anatomist. Continuing a private practice of an increasingly simple but deepening somato/spiritual nature. Developing into a ‘Float Contemplative’ in which suspension and immersion dynamics inform a growing intertwinement of science and spirit. Hopefully thinking, moving, communicating from a more interconnected sensibility.

Owner of Urban Float in University Place Washington

Enlisting in August 1994 as a Nuclear Machinist Mate, Mr. Puryear reported to Great Lakes for Basic Training on December 28th of that year. He completed Nuclear Field “A” school and Nuclear Power School in Orlando Florida from March 1995 – January 1996. After completion of Prototype in Balston Spa New York Mr. Puryear reported to USS ALASKA SSBN 732 Gold in ecember 1996. Mr. Puryear completed five strategic deterrent patrols and the C-4 to D-5 missile conversion before transferring to Navy Recruiting District New York as the Nuclear Field Coordinator in June 2001. As Nuclear Field Coordinator he was selected as the Region North Nuclear Program Coordinator of the year for 2002. In his off time he completed his Bachelors in Nuclear Engineering Technology from Thomas Edison. In September 2004 Mr. Puryear was commissioned into the Medical Service Corps as a Radiation Health Officer. After completion of Radiation Health Officer School he reported to Naval Intermediate Maintenance Facility, Pacific Northwest in March 2004. In 2006 Mr. Puryear was selected for out service training and reported to Purdue University in Lafayette Indiana in July of that year. In June 2008 Mr. Puryear graduated with a Masters degree in Health Physics and transferred to USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER CVN 69. While onboard the “IKE” Mr. Puryear completed two deployments to 5th Fleet in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In July 2010 Mr. Puryear transferred to, Naval Hospital Bremerton to serve as the Radiation Safety Officer. In March 2011 Mr. Puryear was one of the first Radiation Health Officers deployed to Japan to assist in Operation Tomodachi and clean-up of Naval Assets from the nuclear accident at the Fukushimi nuclear plants. Mr. Puryear trained and supervised personnel in decontamination techniques onboard USS Chancellorsville CG 62. Afterwards he reported to Yokosuka and was part of a team of Radiation Health Officers that performed internally monitoring for all Naval personnel in the 7th Fleet. Mr. Puryear transferred to his last duty station at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard where he has served as the Deputy Director of Radiation Health. Mr. Puryear retired after 22 years of Naval Service in February 2017. In November 2018 Jessie opened an Urban Float location in University Place, WA. Jessie is married with two children Carson and Piper aged 16 and 10.

Owner of Float Nashville

Rachel Benton, who holds an MBA, has achieved early financial success, building a multi-million-dollar net worth and a portfolio that surpassed many milestones. As the owner of several businesses, she utilizes innovative tools such as Floatation Therapy and Human Design to remain fully embodied, resulting in scaling businesses, empowering employees, and staying profitable with a body-led or bottom-up approach.

With years of transformative insights, Rachel, as the founder of Embodied Abundance and owner of Float Nashville, fuses her knowledge of financial wealth, nervous system regulation, and Human Design. Helping clients shed cultural conditioning, reconnect with their bodies, and create a life beyond their dreams. Through her engaging talks on stage, Rachel empowers audiences to tap into their bodies' wisdom to overcome fear and build a life beyond their dreams.

Owner, GM of Float Seattle | Float Conference Board Member

Andrew Loppnow is PNW born and raised and an explorer at heart. Over the last decade, he has developed practices around float tanks, spiritual herbalism, meditation, and yoga, to alchemize his own depression and self-doubt into purpose and self-belief. Andrew sees floating, in particular, as the most accessible tool in the modern world to tap into our true potential. As the owner and general manager of Float Seattle, Andrew has grown the business from 2 to 4 locations and committed deeply to his mission to provide space for relaxation, healing, and growth for anyone seeking wellness on their own terms.

Owner of Float8

Matt is an entrepreneur living in South Florida with his wife Destiny and their sweet Australian Shepards. The Becks are avid travelers as well as passionate fans of live music and the culinary arts.

In his previous life, Matt worked in the music industry. That career coupled with the challenges of life led him to such an unhealthy level of stress and anxiety that he was desperate for help. Then he found floating! Matt's time in a float tank helps him to maintain the perspective needed to live a fulfilling life. The float practice provides him with so much value that he is truly inspired to provide the service to his community. Matt is a true believer that floating has made him a better husband, son, boss, and Earthling.

When not grinding on business endeavors, Matt enjoys spending his time and energy working around his home and garden, competing against the more fit in the gym, breathing through difficult yoga poses and chasing a ball and avoiding collisions on the soccer field and beach volleyball court.

Qi Gong Practitioner

Dr Linda Nadia Hole MD, is a Qigong Master practioner, author, & physician of over 40 years experience; & consulting editor for landmark textbook Chinese Medical QiGong. Besides her family, dolphins, floating, & dancing - her passions include healing in the way of Love; and the Sacred Ho'oponopono Breath of Aloha, Peace, and Qi

Co-owner, Still Point Wellness

Corey created the weekly didgeridoo meditation at the Esalen Institute and uses the instrument to help facilitate deep meditation and inner journey work. With a unique combination of playing didgeridoo and spoken word guided imagery from his experience as a somatic psychotherapist and trauma relief counselor, Corey creates a space imbued with self inquiry, exploration and deep presence. In addition to his counseling practice he also co-owns and operates Still Point Wellness in Asheville NC, with 5 float tanks and a staff of Esalen Massage practitioners.

Treasurer of the Floatation Tank Association, Float Conference Board Member, Co-Owner of Ocean Elements Salt Spa & Float Center

Allan & Jeanne Mills have owned Ocean Elements for 5 years offering multiple modalities. They have 2 adult children, Eva and Arran, and an 11-year-old miniature schnauzer, Dexter. Jeanne is a Registered Nurse and leverages her medical knowledge to help her clients work through their anxiety, pain, stress and sleep issues through customizing the multiple services they offer. She is a Certified HeartMath® Practitioner and helps her clients achieve coherent alignment of their physical, mental and emotional systems. Jeanne has executive level board experience with both the Baltimore Area Chapter of Legal Nurse Consultants and the Ocean Pines Swim Team. She tries to float weekly and enjoys taking advantage of the other relaxation modalities when possible.
Jeanne is also a Board Member for the Float Conference and the Treasurer of the Board for the Floatation Tank Association.

Owner of Float San Antonio and 2024 Float Conference Local Liaison

Jeremy Jacob is the co-owner of Float Wellness Spa and Evolve Human Optimization Labs in San Antonio, TX alongside his wife Courtney. During their 8 years of operations Float Wellness Spa has expanded from 3 float tanks to 5 float tanks, three massage rooms, a couples massage room, two infrared saunas, and a salt cave. In 2022 they opened a new concept with Evolve and are now franchising the Evolve model.