Laura Castoldi – Holistic Chef & Macrobiotic Counselor

Hallo, my name is Laura, I am 51 years old, I have two children, Benedetta (18) and Giovanni (15) and I am a former professional translator and English teacher for kids.

In 2008 and 2012 I was diagnosed with breast cancer and the second time I decided to play an active role in my recovery. It was then that I realized how food could play a crucial role, either positive or negative. I therefore decided to make some major changes in my diet and to dedicate my life to explore the power of food and healthy cooking, which I consider an occasion to play with colors, flavors, perfumes and textures, but also an opportunity to share my experience with people, to take care of myself and others.

I decided to go back to school and I attended “La Sana Gola” in Milan, where I am still studying (I think I will never stop learning by my teacher and mentor Martin Halsey) and where I work as a teacher. I have also created “I buoni sani”, my life project which includes a small macrobiotic restaurant, cooking classes, conferences and macrobiotic counseling.

I love traveling around the world, I love arts, reading and above all I love writing, which helped me overcome many difficult situations in my life.

I am very excited and grateful because last July I published a book written with my teacher and mentor Martin Halsey, “La mia cucina contro il cancro”, telling my experience with cancer and food. I hope it will help many people who are going through this terrible experience, which fortunately for me became the beginning of a new life.

Martin Halsey is American living in Italy and is a husband and father of three girls. After receiving his degree in biology and studies of nutrition he became interested in holistic healing and macrobiotics. He has been involved in numerous macrobiotic projects throughout the world and was closely associated with Michio Kushi. Martin is the founder and principle teacher of The Milan School of Natural Cooking and Healing, founded in 1996. In 2012 the school received recognition as a training body for Natural Cooking and Food Therapy from the Lombardy Region and since 2015 it has been recognized nationally for the inclusion of its members in the professional registers of Holistic Therapists and Holistic Chef.

Martin has over 40 years of experience in the field of macrobiotic healing and is one of the world’s leading experts. Every year he sees hundreds of people in consultation and often manages to solve problems for which traditional medicine has no answer. He is the author of 20 books, numerous video training programs and has created countless courses, lectures and workshops. To learn more about the school and its international activities, visit www.lasanagola.com.

Nathan Walz – Peak Performance Coach

Nathan helps overwhelmed professionals increase performance by creating a lifestyle that gives you more energy, focus, drive, and deeper connection to purpose. Using the science of Quantum Biology he gives you the tools you need to increase your energy, age in reverse, have a strong immune system, healthy brain, and become a master of your mind.

Patrick Riley – Macrobiotic Educator, Counselor, & Shiatsu Therapist

Patrick M. Riley has been an advocate of natural health care since 1978. A graduate of La Salle University in Philadelphia, Patrick pursued studies in macrobiotics, shiatsu and related health subjects at the Kushi Institutes in London, England and Boston, MA in 1982. Following a brief employment in the natural food industry, he co-founded the Bucks County Macrobiotic Center in Langhorne, PA. It was here at the community level that Patrick refined his skills as a teacher, therapist and counselor.