2026 LC Joy Summit Program Booklet

LAKE COUNTY‌

joy summit‌ 2026

Jason Kotecki

Dr. Dominique

Pritchett

Amber Swenor

Reach New Heights!

Elevate your Spirit at the Lake County Joy Summit!

Schedule /Horario 8:00 AM

Doors Open | Registration Begins Las Puertas se Abren | Comienza la Registración

9:00 AM - 9:15 AM

Welcome / Bienvenida

9:15 AM - 10:30 AM

Jason Kotecki

10:30 AM - 10:45 AM

Break, Wellness Expo and Book Signing Descanso, Exposición del Bienestar y Firma de Libros

10:45 AM - 12:00 PM

Dr. Dominique Pritchett

12:00 PM - 1:15 PM

Lunch, Wellness Expo and Book Signing Almuerzo, Exposición del Bienestar y Firma de Libros

1:15 PM - 2:30 PM

Amber Swenor

2:30 PM - 2:45 PM

Closing Remarks, Expo & Book Signings Commentarios Finales, Exposición y Firma de Libros

Title: Curing Adultitis: Your Prescription for Less Stress and More Success Curando el Adultitis: Su Prescripción para Menos Estrés y Mas Éxito

Capacity Over Chaos™: Evolving How We Live, Liberate Wellness & Lead Capacidad Sobre el Caos: Evoluciónando Cómo Vivimos, Liberar el Bienestar y Liderar

Unleash your Radical Authenticity: A Path to Greater Joy and Freedom Desate su Autenticidad Radical: Un Camino Hacia Mayor Alegría y Libertad

www.LCJoySummit.com

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Theme Song (Verse 1) Today’s the day to rise and shine, A space for hearts and hope to climb.

Feel the spark, let courage flow, Together here, we rise, we grow.

(Chorus) Lift your voice, let the light break through, This day was made for me and you.

Stronger together, we rise as one, The joy we share has just begun!

(Verse 2) Stories told to heal and inspire, Voices that set our souls on fire.

With every word, the spirit soars, Unlocking hope behind closed doors.

(Chorus) Lift your voice, let the light break through, This day was made for me and you.

Stronger together, we rise as one, The joy we share has just begun!

(Bridge) Explore, connect, recharge, renew, A moment of peace created for you.

The power of joy, the strength we find, A spark that lingers in heart and mind.

(Final Chorus) Lift your voice, let the light break through, This day was made for me and you.

Stronger together, we rise as one, The joy we share has just begun!

(Outro) The joy we share — has just begun!

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WELCOME TO THE LAKE COUNTY JOY SUMMIT! We are thrilled to welcome you to the Second Annual Lake County Joy Summit! Our mission remains simple: to provide each of you with an informative, uplifting, and transformative experience.

To make this possible, we have curated a dynamic program featuring three incredible speakers who represent the very best in creativity, wellness, leadership, and joy.

We are deeply grateful to have these distinguished individuals join us today, as they have generously committed to helping us unlock our full potential: Jason Kotecki, one of the world’s only artists to earn the CSP® (Certified Speaking Professional), brings more than 20 years of experience helping people beat burnout, spark innovation, and break free from limiting beliefs.

Dr. Dominique Pritchett, PSYD, LCSW, is a nationally recognized clinical psychologist, social worker, author, speaker, and wellness catalyst on a mission to create cultures of wellness where people are valued as souls—not statistics.

Amber Swenor is a professional speaker, certified retreat facilitator, leadership coach, musician, and business consultant committed to helping leaders rise to their purpose and teams align behind a shared vision.

In addition to these inspiring speakers, the day will feature a variety of health and wellness exhibitors.

We encourage you to visit their booths and discover the services they offer. Lunch will also be served, providing the perfect opportunity to network and connect with fellow attendees.

Thank you for being here today. We are excited for the journey ahead, and we are confident that the insights shared here will leave you feeling empowered, encouraged, and full of joy.

Let’s make this another day to remember!

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¡BIENVENIDO A LA CUMBRE DE ALEGRÍA DEL CONDADO DE LAKE! ¡Es un honor darle la bienvenida a la Segunda Cumbre de Alegría Anual del Condado de Lake!

Nuestra misión permanece sencilla: Brindar a cada uno de ustedes una experiencia informativa, edificante y transformadora. Para hacer esto posible, hemos diseñado un programa dinámico que cuenta con tres conferencistas excepcionales, quienes representan lo mejor de la creatividad, el bienestar, el liderazgo y la alegría.

Estamos profundamente agradecidos de contar hoy con la presencia de estas distinguidas personas, quienes han asumido generosamente el compromiso de ayudarnos a alcanzar nuestro máximo potencial.

Jason Kotecki, es uno de los pocos artistas en el mundo en obtener la designación CSP® (Certified Speaking Professional / Profesional Certificado en Oratoria), y cuenta con más de 20 años de experiencia ayudando a las personas a vencer el agotamiento, impulsar la innovación y liberarse de creencias limitantes.

Dra. Dominique Pritchett, PSYD, LCSW, es una psicóloga clínica, trabajadora social, autora y conferencista de reconocimiento nacional, así como una promotora del bienestar cuya misión es cultivar culturas en las que las personas sean valoradas como seres humanos y no como estadísticas.

Amber Swenor es una conferencista profesional, facilitadora de retiros certificada, consultora de liderazgo, artista musical y consultora empresarial, comprometida en ayudar a los líderes a cumplir con sus propósitos y a que los equipos se alineen bajo una visión común.

Además de estos inspiradores conferencistas, el día incluirá una variedad de expositores enfocados en la salud y el bienestar. Le animamos a visitar sus puestos y descubrir los servicios que ofrecen. Se ofrecerá almuerzo, brindando la oportunidad perfecta para conectarse y compartir con otros participantes.

Gracias por estar aquí hoy. Nos entusiasma el camino que tenemos por delante y confiamos en que las ideas compartidas lo dejarán sintiéndose empoderado, alentado y lleno de alegría. ¡Que este sea un día memorable para todos!

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JASON KOTECKI Jason Kotecki is the artist who speaks.

Really, really well.

Jason Kotecki is an artist who speaks. Really, really well! A master of wit & whimsy, he is an expert at helping people “Escape Adulthood,” in order to beat burnout and become more creative by breaking rules that don’t exist. Jason uses his extraordinary artistic gifts, combined with humor and memorable storytelling, to spark intentional thinking that reenergizes people to reclaim their passion and purpose.

Jason and his wife, Kim, have made it their mission to help people and organizations break free from Adultitis to live lives with adventure, meaning, and joy. Jason is passionate about sharing his message that there is more to life than the hectic busyness, cynical lethargy, and overwhelming stress that is typical of most modern lives. Jason's inspiring, entertaining, and heart-warming programs are visual masterpieces jam-packed with relevant, practical information coated in fun.

Jason’s colorful art has been collected and licensed all over the world, and his insights have been featured in publications like Inc. and Woman’s Day. He is the author of eight books, including "Penguins Can’t Fly + 39 Other Rules That Don’t Exist," which has been translated into languages he can’t even read. His book "A Chance of Awesome: How Changing the Way You See Changes Everything" was a welcome guidebook throughout the pandemic. Jason’s newest non-fiction book is “Must Be Nice: Your Guide to Growing Beyond the Compare Game.” He released his first children’s book in September, called “The Penguin Who Flew.”

Get a sneak peek: https://EscapeAdulthood.com Get tested for Adultitis: http://Adultitis.org

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Support Safety and Stability in Lake County When challenges arise, LCCF’s (Lake County Community Foundation) Community Crisis Relief Fund delivers quick, flexible support so local nonprofit organizations can respond with compassion. Your gift ensures critical services (food, emergency aid, mental health, legal suport and more) are available without delay.

To learn more or donate: lakecountycf.org 847-377-0520 x 21

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Unleash Your Radical Authenticity: A Path to Greater Joy and Freedom

AMBER SWENOR

Embrace Authenticity, Empower Your Team, Create Sustainable Success

Amber Swenor is a transformational leadership strategist, certified retreat facilitator, musician, and business consultant who helps leaders lead from who they truly are, using authenticity as a strategic advantage, and guides teams to align around a shared vision for meaningful, sustainable results.

As the founder of Soul Seed Strategy, Amber works with missiondriven organizations to strengthen leadership, culture, and

Enjoy this Free Gift: The Authentic Leadership Guide

collaboration by connecting who people are, with how they lead.

Her book, Unleashed: A Been-There Rocked-That Guide to Radical Authenticity, is a Wall Street Journal bestseller that helps people stop performing for approval and start leading from who they truly are, creating more sustainable leadership, confidence, and impact.

Amber’s mission is to facilitate the rise of conscious, human-

Enter code: LEADER

centered leadership, helping individuals and teams awaken their authenticity and create lasting impact together. When she’s not speaking on stages, you’ll find her rocking with her band, Morningstar.

Learn more at: www.Amber-Speaks.com

Unleash Your Authenticity | Amber Swenor © 2026. All rights reserved. www.Amber-Speaks.com

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Unleash Your Radical Authenticity: A Path to Greater Joy and Freedom

Think- Feel - Do Framework A leadership problem or challenge you’ve been experiencing:

THINK

FEEL

DO

Unleash Your Inner Genius What’s a quality, talent or skill you’ve been hiding, downplaying or making yourself wrong for, that might actually be part of your unique genius that’s waiting to shine?

Joy Drains What’s depleting you?

13 Unleash Your Authenticity | Amber Swenor © 2026. All rights reserved. www.Amber-Speaks.com

Claim Your Authentic Identity What are 3-5 words that describe who you are, your best qualities?

With the instruction given, write down your next 3-5 words here:

Key Takeaways From this session.

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LAKE COUNTY JOY SUMMIT PLANNING PARTNERS

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Thank you to our Exhibitors A Safe Place Website: https://asafeplaceforhelp.org/ Telephone: 815-345-1176 Description: We offer support services for everyone. Men, Women, Children, Senior Citizens, LGBTQ+ Individuals, and Teens. In addition to a 24/7 hotline for emergencies. We offer emergency shelter, housing, individual and group counseling, Courthouse Advocacy, Community & Prevention Education as well as a Family Visitation Center

Allendale 4 Kids Website: allendale4kids.org Telephone: 847-356-2351 Description: Allendale provides kids with a safe haven. Not only is it an idyllic setting, tucked away from the chaos and confusion they’ve come from, it’s an encouraging and uplifting community. It’s a positive environment with a history of earnest outreach and a culture of caring – where kids can find the courage to fear less and hope more.

Arden Shore Child & Family Services Website: https://ardenshore.com Telephone: 847-623-1730 Description: Arden Shore provides trauma-informed, culturally and linguistically responsive counseling for children, youth, and families. Our Behavioral Health team offers individual, family, and group therapy, helping families build coping skills, strengthen relationships, and navigate life’s challenges with support.

Authors, Coaches, Speakers, & Besties Cheri Neal & Sheryl Goodwin Magiera Description: Cheri Neal writes and speaks about transformation and intentional change. Her books blend real-life stories with the wisdom of nature to help readers reconnect with clarity and joy. Sheryl Goodwin Magiera is a coach whose guided reflection book helps readers build self-awareness, self-love, and clarity.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Metro Chicago Website: www.bbbschgo.org Telephone: 773-550-4486 Description:We are a non for profit that creates and supports 1:1 mentoring relationships

Birth to Five Illinois Website: https://www.birthtofiveil.com Telephone: 773-739-2107 Description: Help advance Child Care / Education

Bob’s Classic Kettle Corn Email: BobsClassicKettelCorn@gmail.com Telephone: 847-980-7072 Description: Freshly popped kettle corn Bradley Counseling Center at Allendale Association Website: https://allendale4kids.org Telephone: 847-356-3322 Description:Outpatient therapy/anger management/psychological testing; STAR - homeless shelter for young adults; CSSP intensive in home/community behavioral health treatment

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Brushwood Center Website: https://brushwoodcenter.org/.

Telephone: 630-217-6361 Description: Brushwood Center works collaboratively with community partners, artists, health care providers, and scientists to improve health equity and access to nature in Lake County, Illinois, and the Chicago region. We engage people with the outdoors through the arts, environmental education, and community action.

Catholic Charities - Family Self-Sufficiency Program Website: www.cityofhope.org Telephone: 847-342-6910 Description: Personalized & Comprehensive Cancer Care City of Hope Website: www.cityofhope.org Telephone: 847-342-6910 Description: Personalized & Comprehensive Cancer Care CYN Counseling Center Website: www.cyngrayslake.org Telephone: 847-548-6000 Description: Outpatient mental health services for people of all ages, therapeutic mentoring, parenting classes, employee assistance programming Community Action Partnership of Lake County Website: www.caplakecounty.org Telephone: 847-249-4330 Description: Back to school supplies, rent, mortgage, water, food pantry, utility under the LIHEAP dept. Weatherization for energy efficient homes, scholarship assistance

Diabetes Sisters Website: https://diabetessisters.org Description:Online support, education, and advocacy for women, 18+ living with any form of diabetes.

Ellie Mental Health Website: www.elliementalhealth.com Telephone: 847-242-2370 Description: We're transforming the culture of mental health with out individual, couple, and family services treating ages 4-99+ through a variety of modern and unique therapy modalities with a clinician you can truly vibe with. We accept most major insurance plans, including Medicaid, Medicare, and TriWest.

Family First Center of Lake County Website: www.familyfirstcenter.org Telephone: 224-421-0948 Description: Counseling, Emergency Services, Yoga, Family Services and Mental Health First Presbyterian Church of Libertyville - Stephen Ministry Website: firstpreslibertyville.org Telephone: 847-445-2366 Description: Stephen Ministers have been trained to be compassionate care givers who listen with love to people who are grieving or going through a difficult time. Care receivers must be 18 years old or older. Care givers and care receivers are the same gender and time and place of confidential meetings are mutually agreed upon. Prayer is offered if the care receiver desires it.

This service is an outreach to our larger community and is welcoming to all, regardless of background.

Hispanic American Community Education and Services (HACES) Website: https://haces.org/ Telephone: 816-896-5432 Description: Nonprofit that provides family based immigration services and support to immigrant families

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Illinois State Senator Mary Edly-Allen Website: https://www.senatoredlyallen.com Telephone: 847-548-5631 Description: Assist with connecting you to community resources and navigating state agencies. Community resources include connection to rental/mortgage/utility assistance, senior resources connection, healthcare community resource referrals, and more!

Lavelle Law Website: www.lavellelaw.com Telephone: 847-705-7555 Description: Our highly respected team of attorneys offers extensive experience in tax, business, M&A, estate planning, probate, litigation, bankruptcy, commercial and residential real estate, family and divorce, health, banking, and law practice management consulting.

Live Well Lake County Network Website: https://livewelllakecountyil.org/.

Description: The Live Well Lake County Network is a community-led coalition of over 60 different organizations and more than 150 partners working to improve the health and well-being of those who live, learn, work and play in Lake County.

Current priority areas include access to physical and mental healthcare, education and housing.

NICASA Website: https://nicasa.org Telephone: 847-546-6450 Description:Peer support, counseling mental heath, substances, and gambling, prevention, parenting

Northern Illinois Recovery Community Organization Website: www.nircolakecounty.org Telephone: 847-662-3205 Description: Support Services for individuals and families impacted by substance use and mental health. Overdose prevention education and NARCAN Distribution..

SGA Youth & Family Services Website: https://sga-youth.org Telephone: 224-419-1891 Description: From Parenting, to Early Childhood Education, Education Supports, and Workforce Development, we provide services at every stage of life.

Soulganize Your Life Email: Wynnemarielacey@gmail.com Telephone: 630-881-3052 Description: Book signing and Numerology readings

State Representative Joyce Mason Website: www.repjoycemason.com Telephone: 847-485-9986 Description: Assistance with state agencies and other issues

United Way of Lake County Website: uwlakeco.org Telephone: 847-775-1014 Description: Education and 211 Waukegan Community Bank Website: www.waukeganbank.com Telephone: 847-775-3780 Description:Banking Service

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ZINNIA & MONARCH FESTIVAL... & BEES TOO! AUGUST 15 & 16 , 2026 from 1- 5 PM

5K & Kids Fun Run 8/15 AT 8:30 AM

Bubble Bash 8/15 AT 9:30 AM

Piñatas 8/15 AT 4:00 PM

Butterfly Release 8/16 AT 4:30 PM

Food Trucks | Entertainment | Arts | Crafts Vendors | Education | Contests and More!

Hope La Monarcha A Symbol of Transformation Takes Flight

Zion Park District Band Shell, 2400 Dowie Memorial Dr., Zion, IL (In case of rain,festivalwillbemovedtoLeisureCenteratsame location)

Complete lineup at ZinniaAndMonarchFestival.com For further information call Zion Township at 847-872-2811

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5K Joy can be found in creating healthy habits! Consider training for a 5k this year!

May 2nd A Safe Place has our EmpoweRun/Walk 5k at Independence Grove in Libertyville.

ASafePlaceForHelp.org May 9th Mama’s Run Sponsored by the Coalition for Healthy Communities, Zion, IL ZBCHC.com August 15th Flight to the Finish 5k and Kids Dash (free) - part of the Zinnia and Monarch Festival… and Bees Too! Zion, IL ZinniaAndMonarchFestival.com In September For Cory’s Project sponsored by Community 365 - North Point Marina, Winthrop Harbor, IL Community365.org October 3rd For City of Hope’s Walk for Hope -, Zion, IL CityofHope.org/walktoolkit

TIPS TO GET YOU READY How to Train for a 5K: A 6-Week Plan for Beginners: https://www.verywellfit.com/sixweek-5k-training-schedule-2910850

5K Training Plan https://www.nike.com/running/5k-training-plan

Couch to 5K: How to start running in just six weeks https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/training/5km/a760067/sixweek-beginner-5k-schedule/

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Prioritize your mental health!

MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS! Mental health is just as important as physical health. At CYN Counseling Center, we provide accessible, compassionate care for individuals and families in Lake County and beyond.

WHY THERAPY? Therapy is a powerful tool for personal growth, healing, and resilience. It helps you: Manage stress, anxiety & depression Navigate life transitions & challenges Improve relationships & communication Build coping skills for everyday life Strengthen emotional well-being

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

HOW TO FIND A THERAPIST:

Choosing the right therapist starts with identifying your needs, whether for individual, family, or group therapy, or support with stress, trauma, or relationships. A good therapist should make you feel comfortable, understood, and supported, while providing tools and resources to help you navigate challenges and improve your well-being.

Language, accessibility, and availability matter. Flexible scheduling, including telehealth, supports consistency. Many therapists accept insurance, and options like sliding scale fees make therapy more accessible.

HOW WE CAN HELP: At CYN, we offer compassionate, accessible mental health support for all ages.

Therapy for children, teens & adults Family & parenting support programs Crisis intervention services Bilingual & culturally competent care

CYN COUNSELING CENTER 18640 W. Rte. 120 Grayslake, Illinois 60030 Phone: (847) 548-6000 Email: info@cyngrayslake.org Website: www.cyngrayslake.org

To find a therapist or mental health resource, visit Psychology Today (www.psychologytoday.com) for a directory of providers by specialty, insurance, and location.

For other resources in Lake County, call the Lake County 211 Community Helpline 211 Lake County is a free, confidential, 24/7 helpline connecting residents to essential services, including mental health support, crisis intervention, housing assistance, food resources, and more.

📞 Call: 211 📱 Text your zip code to 898211 🌍 Visit: 211lakecounty.org .

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Professional Development Hours

Lake County Joy Summit - PD hours- Please complete sign-in at the beginning of the day and the sign-out and evaluation at the end of the day. Your documents will be time stamped for accuracy.

PD Hours Sign-in Link:

PD Hours Sign-out Link

PD Hours Evaluation Link

https://bit.ly/3YVwGPe

https://bit.ly/4bOlawy

https://bit.ly/3LKPD48

Lake County Joy Summit - CEU hours for Childcare Workers, Social Worker/Therapist (LCP, LSW, LCSW & LCPC) - Please make sure to sign-in at the registration table and signout at the registration table at the end of the event. Complete the event evaluation to receive certificate of hours.

Event Evaluation

Certificate of hours will be given after evaluation has been submitted.

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Thank You for Joining Us at the Lake County Joy Summit!

Thank you for attending our Lake County Joy Summit! Your presence truly made this event a success, and we are thrilled that you could be part of such a meaningful gathering. We hope you enjoyed the inspiring speakers, engaging exhibitors, the beautiful host location, and the delicious lunch prepared for our attendees.

A special thank you to our dedicated volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure everything ran smoothly. We are already looking forward to the next Joy Summit, scheduled for January 30, 2027. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details! Thank you once again for being with us, and we can't wait to see you next year!

Please take the time to tell us how your experience was by scanning the QR code below and completing the evaluation.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LCJoy26 23

Thank you to our sponsors! We couldn’t do it without YOU! Abundance Level $7,500

Joy Bringer Level $5,000

Uplifter Level $2,500

Light Bearer Level $1000

Friend of the Lake County Joy Summit $250 - $500

Special Thank YOU!!!

Zion-Benton High School for hosting the Lake County Joy Summit

Starbucks, Zion Coffee Sponsor

Graphic Partners for printing the guidebooks

Elizabeth Montano & Hector Perez - Summit Mascot The Inn on Sheridan - Zion, IL. Room Accommodation for speakers

Lunch Provide by The Picnic Basket

Lake County Joy Summit January 30, 2027