Speakers for St. Pete Beach Conference

May 15-18, 2024

 “The Circadian Advantage”  – Josh Rosenthal, MD – The biophysics of the utilizing circadian mechanism will be reviewed with special attention on how it can be tuned to optimize mitochondrial function and clinical results.

Josh Rosenthal, M.D. is a Board-Certified Sleep and Regenerative Medicine Specialist.  In his dedication to understanding true health and wellness, he had to unlearn the current model of healthcare’s approach to holding off disease.  After using light and circadian biology to successfully treat his own weight and health issues, he continued studying biophysics and discovered why healthcare is failing miserably at helping the population who is increasingly getting sick and staying sick.  By integrating his expertise of circadian biology, mitochondrial medicine, and photobiomodulation, he now helps clients rebuild their mind and body health at the cellular and subcellular levels.

Dr. Josh does advanced, regenerative therapies and one-on-one integrative medical programs with clients in New York, Florida and Pennsylvania.  Attacking the subcellular root cause, his unique MitoCircadianä approach recreates optimal health by resetting the body’s clock, improving the environmental terrain, and repairing the bioenergetics for an integrative wellness approach.  He performs innovative and transformative mitochondrial therapies alongside his lifestyle, nutraceutical and electroceutical approaches for health and longevity.

“New Science of Intention and Consciousness-Application and Outcomes”  –  Hans Lessmann, O.D., FCOVD, FCSO

This course will discuss the fascinating new science of intention and consciousness and the impact this may have on the mind-body connection, the doctor-patient relationship, and other relationships.  The course will review practical applications in patient and staff interactions to facilitate favorable outcomes.

Dr. Lessmann integrated syntonics into his practice in 2006.  He is both a Fellow of the College of Syntonic Optometry and the College of Optometrists in Vision Development.  He is past President of the College of Syntonic Optometry (2016-2019), The Society for the Education of Physicians and Patients (2007-2016), and the Western Pennsylvania Optometric Society (2001).  He was awarded the Charlie Butt’s award for Distinguished Service in 2019 by the College of Syntonic Optometry and Pennsylvania Optometrist of the Year in 2003 by the POA.  In 1992 Dr. Lessmann purchased the practice of Dr. Harry Wachs, a renowned developmental Optometrist, author, and scholar of Piaget’s theory of child development.  He continues to practice in Pittsburgh specializing in vision therapy and optometric phototherapy and is a 1986 Graduate of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (Salus University).

“Photo-biomodulation for Aging, Parkinson’s, etc.”  – Anita Saltmarche, BScN MHSc

• a review of the relevant clinical photobiomodulation (PBM) research
• key PBM research highlights and their potential translation into practice
• suggested treatment protocols and different applications of light energy
• a hands-on demonstration of PBM devices for clinic treatment and/or patient-administered home treatment

Anita has over 17 years of Photobiomodulation Therapy experience providing clinical, educational, research, and consulting services. Her passion is treating those who experience neurologic conditions, to assist them on their healing journey.

“Homeopathy” by Ed Kondrot, M.D., FCSO

“Collaborative Care with Neurologist” by Alia Santoyo, O.D., FSCO

Dr. Santoyo is a 2006 graduate of the Illinois College of Optometry and a 2019 Fellow of the College of Syntonic Optometry.  She is a member of the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association, College of Syntonic Optometry, Ocular Wellness and Nutrition Society, and OEP.  She enjoys working with all patients; however, her main focus is Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation. Dr. Santoyo is also a health and wellness educator.  She recently received her Masters in Cannabis Science. She is certified in breathwork, yoga, mindfulness, meditation and a life coach, which she also incorporates into her treatment programs.  Dr. Santoyo is excited as she is pursuing an Apprenticeship in Shamanism, certification for Advanced Sound Healing, and a degree in Functional Nutrition.

“Light on the Vagus Nerve”  –  Aaron Nichols, O.D., FAAO, FCOVD

Dr. Nichols has a passion for teaching, lecturing, and research. Dr Nichols has a clinical interest in behavioral optometry, traumatic brain injuries, and optometric phototherapy. He has been selected to be an annual speaker at the Michigan Vision Therapy Study Group in Grand Rapids. Additionally, the College of Syntonic Optometry has invited him to speak at their international annual meeting. He continues to break the barrier about the importance of vision and lectures at meetings regionally, statewide, and nationally. Dr. Nichols is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and a Fellow of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development.

“Advancements in Photomedicine” – Raymond Gottlieb, O.D., Ph.D., FCSO, CSO Dean 

Dr. Gottlieb is a Graduate of the University of California, Berkley.  He has published numerous articles and books about vision therapy and phototherapy, including the book Attention & Memory Training (OEP 2005) & co-produced The Road Without Glasses Method DVD (Cambridge Institute for Better Vision) for presbyopia reduction.  He serves as the current Dean of CSO spending time in his retirement researching.