A fierce advocate for criminal justice reform, Laura has been working since 2014 for comprehensive cannabis legalization in Vermont which creates both a vibrant, locally-based cannabis economy as well as abundant participation opportunities for those most heavily impacted by prohibition and the War On Drugs.
See Laura in the ‘Politics, Advocacy, and Legislative Change’ panel at 9:15 A.M.
Linda is a Massachusetts hemp and tomato farmer and legendary activist in the New England cannabis community. She is co-founder of the Massachusetts Cannabis Reform Coalition/NORML and served as its Treasurer for many years.
See Linda in the ‘Politics, Advocacy, and Legislative Change’ panel at 9:15 A.M.
Jessilyn Dolan, RN, is a nurse educator and consultant for medicinal cannabis, maternal child health, substance, and opioid use and mental health disorders. She is the co-owner of NurseGrown Organics-Vermont Hemp and CBD, a proud Clean Green certified hemp farmer, an experienced herbalist, and massage therapist. Jessilyn co-owns HomeGrown Consulting, is a cultivating cannabis caregiver and medical marijuana patient and is the founder of the Vermont Cannabis Nurses Association.
See Jessilyn in the ‘Cannabis and Parenting’ panel at 9:15 A.M.
A Vermont local, Dionne Heyliger graduated from UVM with a bachelor of science in nursing and is a mother of 2 teenagers. As a registered nurse, she has worked with residential and outpatient clients seeking help for addiction and is currently working as an inpatient staff nurse. She loves mountain biking and snowboarding and is a supporter of clean grown cannabis medicine.
See Dionne in the ‘Cannabis and Parenting’ panel at 9:15 A.M.
Nicola Batten is the Regulatory Affairs Liaison in Vicente Sederberg’s Denver office. She assists clients with competitive licensing applications around the U.S. A testament to her knowledge & experience, her team has won more competitive cannabis licenses for clients than anyone else in the world.
See Nicola in the ‘Licensing Application Workshop’ at 9:15 A.M.
Executive Business Advisor and mentor to family owned businesses/companies. Expertise in start-up systems development, funding/capital raise for growth, mergers, and acquisitions.
See AJ in the ‘Scaling Up Your Business’ panel at 10:05 A.M.
Meghan Lynch serves as president and CEO of Six-Point Creative, a brand development agency. Her expertise lies at the intersection of business strategy and brand strategy. Meghan recently earned the 2019 Enterprising Women of the Year Award for her commitment to helping women entrepreneurs.
See Meghan in the ‘Scaling Up Your Business’ panel at 10:05 A.M.
Tamala J. McBath, is the Chief Execution Officer of the National Cannabis Risk Management Association. An executive with more than 25 years of experience in risk management, operations, and business development, she brings a unique approach to resolving issues that many organizations face. Tamala is a certified Talent Optimization Consultant and specializes in helping organizations align business strategy with their people strategy by creating high performing teams to drive business results.
See Tamala in the ‘Scaling Up Your Business’ panel at 10:05 A.M.
Amber Bassett is an artist and climate resilience activist living in Southern California. Her work bridges diverse topics ranging from indigenous rights, rights of nature, emission drawdown, visual data, restorative justice, regeneration of ecologies, and holistic economy models. See more of her work at www.regenerativefootprint.org.
See Amber in our ‘Beyond Green: Circular Economics, Restorative Practices, And Intergenerational Justice’ panel at 10:05 A.M.
Sarah is the Cofounder and Herbalist behind Hillside Botanicals, an organic hemp and medicinal herb farm in Central VT specializing in regenerative agriculture. She is a graduate of UVM (’15) and two Permaculture Design Certification programs. She is also completing her Clinical Herbalist training.
See Sarah in our ‘Regnerative/Restorative Economies’ panel at 10:05 A.M.
Caitlin Bernhard is a MA Cannabis NP and Wellness Coach with a background in Family Medicine, Bodywork, Hatha Yoga, and Herbalism. She is the founder of Azalla Health and Wellness, LLC, and a member of the ACNA. She has presented throughout MA and CT and was a panelist at the 2019 ACNA conference.
See Caitlin in our ‘The Endocannabinoid System and Women’s Bodies’ panel at 11:00 A.M.
Yamil Sarabia, the owner of Sarabia Holistic, is one of the most highly skilled and very sought after holistic health therapists in the New York metropolitan area. Multi credentialed and licensed, she is known for her perceptive hands and intuitive nature when it comes to the human body, somatoemotional release and ability to harmonize the Holistic Triad; Mind, Body and Spirit.
See Yamil in our ‘The Endocannabinoid System and Women’s Bodies’ panel at 11:00 A.M.
Lauren is a 1998 Norwich University Graduate and worked as a Psychiatric Nurse/Administrator at Central Vermont Medical Center and the former Vermont State Hospital for 14 years. She received her Aromatherapy Certification from Aromahead Institute in 2012 and founded AroMed Aromatherapy, an online, wholesale and retail business specializing in organic and ethically wild-harvested essential oils, plant based remedies, CBD synergies and body care products. Lauren recently received certification from the University of Vermont Cannabis Science and Medicine program.
See Lauren in our ‘The Endocannabinoid System and Women’s Bodies’ panel at 11:00 A.M.
Abha Gupta is a horticulturist for Hortisol USA, focusing on fertilizer production for the green industry. In this capacity, she helps growers understand nutrient use and best management methods. Prior to Hortisol, she worked for UVM Extension in field research and outreach for the agricultural community and managed the hemp research program. Her involvement in agriculture has included teaching college classes, managing an organic vegetable farm, and writing on local production systems.
See Abha in our ‘ Keeping It Green And More Than Green’ panel at 11:00 A.M.
Stephanie Waterman is a native Vermonter who has been gardening most of her life. Her interest in cannabis cultivation started when she met her husband in 2003. He was a grower and taught her all about how to cultivate the amazing plant. In 2014 she opened White River Growpro with her husband in an effort to share their passion with the public. White River Growpro is a full service grow store, specializing in cultivation, harvest, and processing equipment for growers of all sizes. Stephanie specializes in helping indoor growers maximize their yields while focusing on energy efficiency. In 2017 Stephanie began speaking out as an advocate for common sense cannabis reform. She has done some lobbying at the State House, and works to inform growers of what’s going on in the legislature and encouraging them to speak up and share their opinions with their representatives.
See Stephanie in our ‘ Keeping It Green And More Than Green’ panel at 11:00 A.M.
Christine is the Director of Horticulture Operations at Meristem Farms. has worked for more than 25 years in commercial horticulture in Alaska, Massachusetts and Vermont with a specialty in Integrative Pest Management (IPM). Her organic farming work has ranged from tomatoes to poinsettias to cannabis.
See Chris in our ‘ Keeping It Green And More Than Green’ panel at 11:00 A.M.
Sharon is a 20 year veteran in the accounting world who has taken a special interest in Internal Revenue Code section 280E, as it relates to the cannabis industry. With over 20 hours of continuing education on this topic, she aims to educate business owners on this topic and help them minimize its effect.
See Sharon in our ‘Addressing Banking, Capital, and Tax Needs’ panel at 11:00 A.M.
As co-founder/CFO of Rebel Rock, Melissa Diaz, CPA, provides financial guidance for a variety of cannabusinesses. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Arizona Cannabis Chamber of Commerce and has shared her expertise with publications such as Cannabis Dispensary and Marijuana Business Daily.
See Melissa in our ‘Addressing Banking, Capital, and Tax Needs’ panel at 11:00 A.M.
Joyce leads operations at Big Rock Partners, a strategic advisory firm serving investors and companies at the intersection of food, hospitality and cannabis. Their portfolio includes PharmaCann, Cannacraft, Henry’s Original, Vertosa, Kikoko, Sonoma Hills Farm, Garden Society, Sava, and others.
See Joyce in our ‘Addressing Banking, Capital, and Tax Needs’ panel at 11:00 A.M.
Kara is a Scientist in the Analytics division at Northeast Processing. She came to Vermont from Chicago to pursue a career in the Cannabis industry. With 6 years of analytical chemistry experience in the QA/QC and R&D space, she brings a wide range of knowledge and skills that can be applied to testing cannabis flower and products for safety and compliance.
See Kara in our ‘Cannabis Science – History, Tech, and Research’ panel at 1:45 P.M.
Jennifer Whetzel is a marketing professional and founder of Ladyjane Branding. With more than 25 years of branding, marketing & advertising experience, she is now focused on helping cannabis businesses develop their unique brands that lead to deep connections with consumers.
See Jennifer in our ‘The Ins and Outs Of Running A Legal/Illegal Business’ panel at 1:45 P.M. and ‘Gender Parity Roundtable Discussion’ at 2:30 P.M.
Since 2008, Alyssa has cultivated cannabis on small, large, and industrial scales. Shes grown indoor, outdoor and greenhouse THC flower in CT, CA and OR, and most recently managed a 15 acre CBD farm in VT. She implements organic, regenerative and biodynamic practices.
See Alyssa in our ‘The Ins and Outs Of Running A Legal/Illegal Business’ panel at 1:45 P.M. and ‘Environmental Sustainability Roundtable Discussion’ at 2:30 P.M.
Leslie was the founder and President/CEO of Tapestry Health for 40 years. Under her leadership, thousands in western Massachusetts received pioneering public health services. She served for many years as the Co-Chair of the Massachusetts Family Planning Association and the Statewide AIDS Project ABLE. Appointed by Governor William Weld she served on the Massachusetts Governor’s Women’s Commission. Leslie also served as President of the National Reproductive and Health Association and Chair of NFPRHA’s Public Affairs Committee. She has testified in Congress and the Massachusetts State House and served on many Board of Directors, including the Guttmacher Institute. She received many awards including the Cory Award and the Mass Political Caucus’s Abagail Adams Award. More recently Leslie helped start New England Treatment Access (NETA), the first medical and adult-use cannabis dispensary east of the Mississippi. She currently serves as both the Regional Director for Western Mass and the Director of Patient Services.
See Leslie in our ‘Community Relations and Culture Change’ panel at 1:45 P.M.
Scheril Murray Powell, Esq. is currently employed as a Cannabis and Civil Law Attorney, Scheril Murray Powell, P.A.. She is also General Counsel for Minorities for Medical Marijuana, General Counsel for Buds 4 Vets and General Counsel for Patience with Patients. As a Cannapreneur, Scheril is the President of Canna Headhunters, a staffing agency in the Cannabis Industry that connects Cannabis talent to opportunities.
See Sheril in our ‘The Ins and Outs Of Running A Legal/Illegal Business’ panel at 1:45 P.M.
Callie is the Sr. Technical Lead of Cannabis Product Development at Autumn Harp, a local cosmetics and personal care manufacturer in Vermont. With a background in Chemical Engineering and Cosmetic Science and over 5 years of product development experience, Callie has shifted her energy and career focus into the cannabis space to tackle some of the unknowns of the topicals landscape.
See Callie in our ‘Cannabis Science – History, Tech, and Research’ panel at 1:45 P.M.
Stephanie is a certified Clinical Herbalist that has been working in depth with the Cannabis plant for the past 10 years, primarily as a medicine maker. In addition to her clinical herbal training from the Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism, she also holds a Professional Certificate in Cannabis Science and Medicine from the University of Vermont, and is a certified Cannabis Coach through the Cannabis Coaching Institute.
Stephanie has long been fascinated by plants, particularly the cannabis plant, and how they bring together the realms of science, spirituality, healthcare, social justice, and ecology. She lives in East Montpelier with her partner, daughter, cat, and 7 chickens, and is the founder and owner of CannaBotanicals, through which she offers cannabis education, wellness and business coaching, and a line of handcrafted CBD products.
See Stephanie in ‘The Inner Work of Running a Cannabiz: Navigating Fear and Cultivating Resilience’ at 2:30 P.M.
Angela Hardiman’s role as Public Affairs Liaison with the Medical Marijuana Education and Research Initiative is a continuum of steadfast work from a consummate professional. Ms. Hardiman has been a team player on significant University projects including the most recent reaffirmation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) resulting in an unmarked accreditation status. Following, she was instrumental in the implementation of the University’s #WriteOnFAMU Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), a key component of the accreditation. Angela was also a member of the project management team for the College of Science and Technology’s application and successful designation as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Security by the National Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security. Diligence was a prelude to Ms. Hardiman’s entry to the higher education workspace. Notably, she enjoyed a successful and rewarding 15-year career serving in senior-level capacities at the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce as Senior Vice President, Membership Advancement, and the Florida Economic Development Council (FEDC) as President/CEO. Subsequently, Angela Hardiman Consulting, LLC. was formed where she continues to be a trusted source for the strategic direction and business development with an ability to convene diverse constituency groups. Other leadership roles and unique accomplishments include Former Chairman of the Board, Boys and Girls Clubs of the Big Bend, a gubernatorial appointment to the Florida Black Business Investment Board, and the first African-American woman featured on the cover of Tallahassee Woman Magazine, to name a few. Ms. Hardiman’s current professional and community affiliations include Leadership Tallahassee (a graduate member of Class XXII) and Tomahawk Diving Booster Club. Angela has an Associate of Arts degree from Tallahassee Community College and she’s currently completing her Bachelor’s degree at Florida State University (to be conferred: December 2020). Notwithstanding career ambitions, the importance of family is not lost on this hardworking professional. Angela relishes most in the rewards of motherhood with three high-achieving sons, Kalonji (24), Taj (18) and Malcolm (16).
See Angela in ‘Community Relations and Culture Change’ at 1:45 P.M.
Carol Angela Davis, JD Associate Director of Communications for Florida A&M University & Marketing/Communications Strategist, Medical Marijuana Education & Research Initiative
Carol Angela Davis, JD, is a creative and business innovator with a wide-ranging career in communications, journalism, education, marketing, community engagement and as an entrepreneur. Her ground-breaking business models, creative concepts and ability to strategize and execute cemented her position as a pioneer in technology, media and marketing skill sets she currently utilizes in higher education in both teaching and administration. In addition to her administrative duties, Carol is the architect of the communications and marketing strategy to inform and educate Florida’s diverse minority communities about medical marijuana and the impact of the unlawful use of marijuana – in 4 languages. The tools that she uses include social media, video, television, print, collateral materials, in person events, podcasts, radio programming, blogs and earned media.
Carol has the distinction of being one of the first online video bloggers in the U.S. (August 2000). Her Los Angeles based enterprise created an online platform supporting the global distribution of television and film content for hundreds of independent content providers, including celebrities. She created the ¡MPACT-Ed! (TM) – Impactful, Measurable, Personal and Collaborative Teaching for Engaging Education– designed to engage students and teach pedagogy through multi- disciplinary life-changing real-world active learning experiences; including reality television content and experiences as journalists at the 2012 and 2016 national political conventions.
A former Writer, Producer and Reporter for Chicago’s WGN- TV News and owner of proprietary online daily news programs: It’s About Finance, The Justice System and Vote Across America; Carol was among the first to generate revenue on the web using video based content. She has interviewed hundreds of CEO’s from the floors of the national financial exchanges. Separately, she managed national and
global media for Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Mark Geragos during the second trial of pop star Michael Jackson, who was acquitted of all charges.
She was the creator and Co-Principal Investigator of High Point University’s Democracy USA/American Dream Project, funded by a Think BIG! award, the university’s most prestigious grant. At Hampton University she was the recipient of the Teaching Excellence Award from the Office of the Provost.
The mother of 2 adult children, she is the author of children’s books Itty Bitty Kitty, The Fool from Bonderpool (He Wouldn’t Go to School!) and Teeth Have Feelings Too! So Brush Them!
See Carol in ‘Community Relations and Culture Change’ at 1:45 P.M.
Jessie Gill, RN is a cannabis nurse with a background in holistic health and hospice. She has a private consulting practice in NJ, and is the founder of MarijuanaMommy.com, a resource that teaches patients how and why to use cannabis. Jessie’s work and expertise has been featured in a variety of publications, news programs, and documentaries and she she’s spoken at events around the country.
See Jessie in ‘Cannabis And Parenting’ at 9:15 A.M.
