Patricia A. Forde, MA, RN, founder of the MindHealingSM Institute, brings a unique combination of experience and expertise to her work promoting the vitality, resilience, productivity and creativity of individuals and organizations. While enjoying a career with several Fortune 500 retail corporations, Pat was confronted with a series of tragedies in her own family, which added the role of caregiver to her already busy schedule as executive and mother. In response, she developed a successful business developing and selling adaptive clothing and equipment for persons with disabilities and their caregivers.

In an effort to better appreciate the challenges that face persons with disabilities and their caregivers, Pat augmented her undergraduate degree in business with Master level studies in health care and aging. Then she furthered her knowledge base by adding her RN license, ultimately switching careers.

While working as a hospital-based nurse, Pat integrated her personal practice of meditation, relaxation, behavioral kinesiology, reiki, yoga therapy and other wellness techniques into her contacts with patients and associates. For the past 10+ years, since completing her training as a Nurse Meditation Specialist, she has brought her practice to corporate, healthcare and wellness settings ranging from individuals, groups, homeless shelters, rehabilitation agencies and private clubs. Pat says that her service to persons who are homeless was transformational.

Pat’s continuing interest in persons in stress and distress and their caregivers propelled her to become a Certified Yoga Therapist, a Reiki Master and an Acceptance, Commitment Therapy (ACT) practitioner. She has observed first-hand the healing power of these techniques, especially mindful meditation in cases of trauma, stress and hurt.

For two years, Pat augmented her personal connection and coaching with persons in distress and recovery from substance use disorders by hosting a weekly web-based mutual help meeting under the auspices of IN THE ROOMS®, the global recovery community. Regular attendees signed on from throughout the United States and as far away as Ireland, Germany, Thailand and Australia. She is currently chronicling her experience in her forthcoming book on mindful meditation, resilience and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy/Training.

Pat splits her time between Florida’s Palm Beach and Miami-Dade Counties. In her spare time, she is a fiber and watercolor artist, enjoying nature and the company of her husband, clinical psychologist Dr. Paul Ahr, her adult daughters Victoria and Tricia and her Yorkshire Terriers Brea and Princess.

Pat is the President of the MindHealing InstituteSM and she regularly teaches, coaches and consults in the areas of meditation, relaxation, stress reduction, ACT and reiki.

MindHealing Institute

The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness is a national non-profit organization dedicated to providing programs and activities aimed at outreach, education, early intervention, and advocacy for all eating disorders.

Founded in October 2000, The Alliance has worked tirelessly to raise awareness; eliminate secrecy and stigma; promote access to care; and support those susceptible to, currently struggling with, and recovered from eating disorders. We create a bridge for those needing and seeking help by connecting people with resources to assist them in recovery.

The Alliance offers comprehensive services, including: educational presentations to schools, healthcare providers, hospitals, treatment centers, and community agencies; free, clinician-led weekly support groups for those struggling and for their loved ones; support and referrals through both our free help-line and comprehensive referral website, www.findEDhelp.com; and advocacy for eating disorders and mental health legislation. In August 2017, The Alliance opened Psychological Services, which offers direct, low-cost, life-saving treatment to underinsured and uninsured adults in our community.

Since its inception, The Alliance has offered presentations on eating disorders, positive body image, and self-esteem to more than 300,000 individuals nationwide. Over the past 18 years, we have demonstrated our tireless commitment to making a positive impact on our community.

Director of Operations, The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness

Following the devastating hurricane of 1928, community leaders recognized the need for a unified effort to respond to human needs. Therefore, in 1929, several federated organizations were formed in Palm Beach County.

Since that time, the original organizations have undergone many changes in title and structure. At one time, four separate United Way organizations existed in Palm Beach County. In 1987, United Way of Delray Beach and United Way of Greater Boca Raton joined to form United Way of South Palm Beach County. This was followed by the staff consolidation of United Way of Palm Beach County and United Way of South Palm Beach County in 1990. The merger of these organizations was completed in July 1992, forming what is now known as United Way of Palm Beach County, Inc.

Today, United Way of Palm Beach County, Inc. serves all of Palm Beach County except for the island of Palm Beach, which is served by Town of Palm Beach United Way.

United Way of Palm Beach County

The Zoological Society of the Palm Beaches, Inc. (Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society) exists to inspire people to act on behalf of wildlife and the natural world.

We advance our conservation mission through endangered species propagation, education and support of conservation initiatives in the field.

Our commitment to sustainable business practices elevates our capacity to inspire others.

Catering and Sales Manager, Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society