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BE Grounded.

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Frances Borshell, MBA

Co-Founder

I wanted to do something that could change people's lives for the better. For me, there's no better way to do that than to strengthen our mental fitness.

 

I spent much of my childhood suffering from anxiety. I didn't know what it was at the time. My parents didn't either. All we knew was I was afraid. I was afraid of everything. The light, dark, being alone, being around people I didn't know. You name it. I was afraid, and where there was fear, there was no joy. 

My mental fitness journey took off.

When I was 24 years old, I rushed to the ER fearful that I was having a heart attack. Nope. It was a panic attack. Panic what? The doctor diagnosed me with anxiety and gave me a prescription. Given my fear of drugs, I threw the prescription in the trash and decided to find a cure on my own. 

I immersed myself into a mental fitness journey with the goal of mental wellness. I started one-on-one therapy, took self-development courses and embarked on leadership training. I earned a few degrees, including one in psychology.  

I also became trained in Transcendental Meditation, gratitude, art, yoga, sound and present mind awareness techniques. Studying with Eckhart Tolle and learning from some of the most renowned teachers, I could feel shifts within me. I could observe myself without reacting to myself. It was very powerful to experience. 

 

I soon realized something extraordinary. I realized I couldn't remember the last time I had anxiety or a panic attack. I wasn't afraid anymore. I wasn't worried or trapped in my thoughts. I realized I had finally grounded myself. I was happy deep down to my soul. 

 

What does being grounded feel like?

When you are grounded, you're in a state of mind where you are aware of what is happening in the present moment. You feel calm, and your mind is calm. You are focused on one thing: the present. Your brain is not frantically jumping from one thought to another or obsessing on anything. It feels like freedom.  

Our Team.

Our team at Grounding Spot is a dynamic tapestry of dedicated individuals, ranging from experienced instructors and coaches to our guest service representatives and visionary corporate leaders. We stand united as an organization propelled by a shared passion: the relentless pursuit of creating meaningful change in the lives of others. Embracing the philosophy that teaching is an ongoing journey of learning and that true leadership is not just about doing, but about BEing, we're committed to fostering a community where every interaction is an opportunity for growth and empowerment.

BE Present

Bret  Borshell, MBA

Co-Founder & COO

Prior to attending the University of Washington in Seattle and earning his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Bret grew up in the Lake Tahoe area immersed in the outdoors. Bret began studying martial arts in 1991 and apprenticed with the President and Founder of the American Shorin-Ruy Karate Association for over a decade, earning his First-Degree Black Belt in 2004.

 

Later, Bret earned his Master’s Degree in International Business Administration from Florida Atlantic University and went on to earn the Platinum Real Estate Award as the number one agent out of 700 RB agents in the State of Florida.  While growing his real estate business, Bret became trained and is an avid practitioner of Transcendental Meditation and Present Mind Awareness. He also practiced mindfulness meditation and tai chi for 30 years.

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With Bret’s Japanese philosophies rooted in martial arts, Bret believes change begins with oneself and expands from self to others through positive interactions. Like his wife, Frances Borshell, Bret has been personally impacted by mental health and is committed to helping transform mental health in SWFL and beyond through the non-profit he and his wife founded called Grounding Wire.

BE Enthusiastic.

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Terry Walker

Chief Operations Officer

Terry Walker's journey began in Ohio, where she spent 25 years immersed in the world of Dressage, working alongside top trainers in the US, Canadian Olympic Team, and Volvo World Cup. A life-changing fall from a young horse abruptly ended her equestrian career, prompting a year of profound reflection and transformation.

Turning her focus to education, Terry earned a Gemology degree from the American Gemological Institute and pursued Equine Breeding and Theriogenology classes at The Ohio State University's Department of Veterinary Medicine. She also ventured into the beauty industry, becoming a licensed Managing Aesthetician through The Ohio State School of Cosmetology and launching her own Mineral Makeup Business.

Terry's career evolved into management with roles including overseeing a Laser Skin Care clinic and serving as a surgical assistant for the Chief of Plastic Surgery at a major Columbus hospital.

She later managed Central Ohio's largest aesthetic practice, achieving recognition for her contributions to national accounts and clinical trials.

 

Eighteen years ago, Terry was recruited by one of Southwest Florida's largest dermatology practices. There, she has managed multiple locations, spearheaded office expansions, MedSpas, and Lasik surgery suites. Throughout her diverse career, Terry remains committed to treating every individual with dignity, empathy, and respect, driven by her belief that everyone has a story worth understanding.

Outside of work, Terry volunteers with Grounding Wire, a non-profit focused on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, spurred by personal experiences with loss. Her journey continues to be shaped by a deep dedication to helping others overcome challenges and find their path to wellness and fulfillment.

BE Excellent.

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Stephen Prendiville, MD

Medical Director

Dr. Stephen Prendiville is recognized as the facelift expert serving Ft. Myers, Naples, Port Charlotte, and Punta Gorda. Trained exclusively in surgery of the head and neck, Dr. Prendiville offers the latest advances in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery.


Procedures include reconstructive surgery after skin cancer removal, and mole removal. In addition, Dr. Prendiville performs a wide range of minimally invasive and surgical procedures for facial rejuvenation. These procedures include, but are not limited to facelifts, rhinoplasty (surgery of the nose), blepharoplasty (eyelid lifts), skin rejuvenation lasers, neuromodulators such as Botox®, Dysport®, facial volumizers such as Sculptra®, Voluma®, and injectable wrinkle fillers such as Juvederm®, Resylane®, and Perlane®, and minimally invasive soft tissue tightening techniques like Ultherapy®.

This extensive range of surgical and non surgical procedures are performed in office and in our state of the art surgical center, which is accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (AAAASF).

 

Dr. Stephen Prendiville serves the Southwest Florida area. He is a Fellowship Trained and Double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon in Fort Myers – certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and The American Board of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery. You can expect natural looking results–with the latest advances, the greatest respect and treatments tailored to your personal goals.

BE Creative.

Alonso Yabar

Chief Mental Fitness Officer

With over 15 years of experience as a coach, psychologist, and facilitator of leadership seminars and men’s circles, Alonso Yabar has had the privilege of working with a diverse range of individuals worldwide. From high-performing CEOs and successful artists to law enforcement officers, athletes, couples seeking relationship enrichment, parents supporting their children, team leaders, and individuals from various financial backgrounds, Alonso's journey has provided him with deep insights into the human condition—spanning from profound pain to aspirations and challenges.This extensive exposure has instilled in Alonso a profound gratitude and a commitment to serving his clients with genuine honesty, unwavering presence, and heartfelt care.

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Alonso has observed that, despite our perceived uniqueness, we often share common internal struggles. This realization fuels his mission to normalize fulfillment, joy, and freedom for all. He endeavors to illuminate blind spots with compassion, guiding individuals to embrace their authenticity and live from their core selves. Additionally, Alonso is dedicated to creating systems and pathways that empower individuals to cultivate lives rooted in love and freedom.

His work is driven by a belief in the transformative power of embracing one’s true self and creating supportive environments where personal growth and authenticity thrive.

BE Authentic.

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Nancy Gerald, MA, ERYT-500

Chief Community Officer

Nancy M. Gerald – MA, ERYT-500

Meet Nancy Gerald, a dynamic individual who weaves together a rich tapestry of life experiences, curiosity, education, and extensive training to deliver exceptional coaching and educational experiences. Her journey into yoga and health education began in 2011, initially as a means to navigate the stresses of her corporate career. Over the years, she has evolved into an ERYT-500, Life and Health Coach, and Health Educator.

Nancy is deeply passionate about empowering her yoga students to achieve remarkable results through a blend of time-tested yoga practices and coaching techniques, infused with authenticity, knowledge, and empathy. Clients appreciate her positive outlook and knack for breaking down goals into manageable steps, ensuring sustainable success in their wellness journeys.

Her unique approach, affectionately dubbed her “secret recipe,” encompasses:

  • Goal Setting

  • Self Awareness

  • Mind Shift

  • Accountability and Support

  • Action

  • Celebrating Progress

Beyond her roles as a health coach, educator, and yoga instructor, Nancy boasts a storied career in major and planned gift fundraising spanning 26 years. Her professional path includes esteemed positions at prominent nonprofit organizations such as the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, and Arizona Cancer Center. Nancy has generously contributed her expertise and leadership to initiatives like the Planned Giving Roundtable of Arizona, Sojourner Domestic Violence Shelter, Phoenix Rescue Mission, Write a Will initiative, and Soroptimist International.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Nancy finds joy in her marriage to Tom Palmer. Together, they indulge in exploring the latest AI initiatives, experimenting with new recipes, practicing yoga, and doting on their beloved Papillon companions – Benjamin Thomas “Bennie” and Alexandra Hope “Allie”.

Discover more about Nancy’s transformative approach to health and wellness, where her passion for coaching meets a wealth of diverse experiences, guiding clients towards lasting fulfillment and vitality.

BE Grounded.

Mary Smith

Human Resources

Mary Smith, Director of Human Resources for Grounding Spot, brings a refreshing perspective to the field with her deep-rooted commitment to nurturing workplace culture. Born and raised in the Columbus, Ohio area, Mary's career in human resources spans many years, marked by her steadfast belief in a people-first philosophy.

At Grounding Spot, Mary prioritizes cultivating a thriving organizational culture where every team member feels valued and empowered. Her approach to HR goes beyond traditional practices, focusing on creating environments that foster growth, collaboration, and employee well-being.

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Outside of her professional life, Mary finds solace and joy in the outdoors, cherishing moments with her husband, children, and two beloved dogs. Her dedication to her family and community mirrors her professional ethos, making her not just a leader in HR but a passionate advocate for meaningful connections and positive workplace environments in Columbus and beyond.

BE Calm.

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Tom Palmer

Chief Technology Officer, Thai Massage Certified, & Yoga Master

Meet Tom, an esteemed international yoga instructor, bodyworker, and healer with an impressive 18 years of personal yoga practice and 17 years of experience instructing yoga.

 

Tom brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his teachings. At the age of 60, he embodies a healthy lifestyle centered around nutrition, meditation, yoga, energy healing, and an unwavering dedication to his ongoing personal growth.

In addition to his extensive yoga training, Tom holds certifications as a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT MA56892) and is Board Certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). He also carries the designation of Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT 200). These credentials validate his commitment to providing exceptional care and service to his clients.

Tom offers the ancient art of Thai Massage and specializes

in healing the mind, body, and soul, relieving aches and pains. His intuitive gifts enable him to apply the right techniques with care and compassion, resulting in improved overall health for his clients.

 

Tom’s dedicated studies with traditional Thai healers in Thailand have deepened his understanding of this ancient healing practice. Whether you’re seeking relief from specific discomfort or aiming to enhance your overall well-being, Tom’s Thai Massage sessions are tailored to meet your unique needs. Experience the rejuvenating power of Thai Massage and embark on a journey toward holistic wellness.

Please note that it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for any persistent or severe pain or medical conditions. Individual results may vary.

FL LMT MA56892, NCBTMB Board Certified, E-RYT 200

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