Speakers and More

Float Researcher at Laureate Institute for Brain Research

Dr. Emily Choquette is a postdoctoral research fellow at the Laureate Institute for Brain Research (LIBR) in Tulsa Oklahoma. She received her PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of South Florida and completed her clinical internship at the Michael E. DeBakey Veteran’s Administration Medical Center in Houston, TX. Her previous research and clinical work centers on women’s health, disordered eating, and substance use. She is currently working with Dr. Sahib Khalsa examining the therapeutic effects of floatation for treatment of body image disturbance in anorexia nervosa. She is interested in leveraging novel therapeutics and technology to alleviate suffering from mental health conditions.

Resident Microbiologist, and Senior Consultant for Vore & Associates, LLC | Float Conference Board Member | FTA Board Member

Dr. Roy Vore is the senior consultant with Vore & Associates LLC, a consulting company specializing in aquatic facility management, operator training, and risk management. He is internationally recognized as the pool and spa sector's leading authority on recreational water illness. Since 1991 he has been the aquatics industry’s voice, translating the complexity of microbiology into the everyday language of operators. His efforts include drafting portions of the CDC’s Model Aquatic Health Code, writing the NSPF’s recreational water illness manual, and a variety of fact sheets on microbial issues for APSP. Dr. Vore has over 90 scholarly papers and presentations on the selection and use of industrial biocides, biocide testing methodology, the microbiological of swimming pools and spas, and the governmental regulation of biocides. Roy became interested in floating due to the unique physiology of float tanks and the potential for non-pharmaceutical treatments for our overly stressed society. Roy’s hobbies include making beer and bird watching – which usually includes drinking the beer.

Float Enthusiast, Researcher, Scientist, Graphic Designer, and more

Dr. Flux is a researcher and creator in the novel therapeutics and mental health space, returning for his seventh Float Conference. He currently serves as a consulting scientist on multiple research projects across various universities, focusing on topics from the microbiome to psychosis. Additionally, he teaches asynchronously at the University of Colorado Boulder. An experienced public speaker and science communicator, Flux has presented at numerous conferences, appeared on multiple podcasts, and is developing a social media project to challenge our assumptions about what defines "normal."

President of the Float Conference, Co-owner of Sukhino Float Center and Salt Cave, Owner of Mindfull Solutions

With more than 20 years of training and marketing experience, Kim is passionate about helping individuals and wellness center owners create a ripple effect on the world. Besides owning Sukhino Float Center & Salt Cave in Indiana, she founded the Float Center Owner's Guide (podcast + marketing and training resources) and Mindfull Solutions. She is a co-host of the Art of the Float podcast, a member of the Float Research Collective fundraising team, and a liaison for the FTA. She's on a mission to change the world, one float at a time.

President of the Floatation Tank Association, Float Conference Board Member, Owner of Float Light

Jonathan has an insatiable passion for the float experience and industry. Driven by what he calls his, “superpower,” a medical condition known as ADHD. But it wasn’t until discovering floatation therapy that provided him a therapeutic alternative to medication for his condition. Not long after his first sensory deprivation experience, Jonathan and his wife Jessie founded Float Light in Appleton, Wisconsin. Float Light was an immediate success and was admired by the industry and community.

Jonathan then focused his attention toward the float industry by becoming a contributing member of the Floatation Tank Association (FTA) and joining the education and outreach committee, hosting and presenting workshops and roundtable events. In addition to his work through the FTA, Jonathan shares his expertise and knowledge for free through online workshops, consultation, business tools and marketing content for float centers, spas and other businesses. Jonathan is an expert in marketing, advertising, videography, graphic design and software engineering. His ultimate goal is to educate the float community on strategies that build public awareness of floatation therapy and the many benefits it provides.

Float Pioneer | Samadhi Tank Co

Glenn Perry, along with his partner Lee, who died last year, were inspired by Dr John Lilly to start Samadhi Tank Co and the floatation tank industry. Glenn invented the use of lots of salt to allow people to float weightlessly in the isolation tank. Together they designed and sold the first commercial float tanks. They also started the first float tank center to assist in selling those tanks. Additionally, they trained others in a method of running those centers and how to interact with the floaters to allow the floater to be comfortable floating instead of afraid and how to get the most out of their time floating. They have always been especially passionate about the amazing benefits of frequent floating in as distraction free environments as possible.

Float Enthusiast

Through professional athletics and performance, to a decades long practice of meditation, yoga, scientific/philosophical/poetic immersion. Retiring from a 30+ year career as a Psychiatric RN, researcher, educator, therapist and Anatomist. Continuing a private practice of an increasingly simple but deepening somato/spiritual nature. Developing into a ‘Float Contemplative’ in which suspension and immersion dynamics inform a growing intertwinement of science and spirit. Hopefully thinking, moving, communicating from a more interconnected sensibility.

Artist & CEO of More Floats

Bryce Evans is a multidisciplinary artist living in Montreal and the CEO of More Floats, the expert marketing partner for float centers. After a powerful first float experience over a decade ago, he has had a committed float practice of over 400 hours and focused his marketing expertise to elevate and grow the industry. Initially, working with leaders in the industry like Float House (at the time the largest float center in the world and the first float center in Vancouver) he has helped launch and grow some of the top centers around the world. Now, he is dedicated to creating educational content and highlighting powerful stories for float therapy to encourage more people to commit to a regular float practice. To create a ripple effect of calm, healing and connection.

Owner of Urban Float in University Place Washington

Enlisting in August 1994 as a Nuclear Machinist Mate, Mr. Puryear reported to Great Lakes for Basic Training on December 28th of that year. He completed Nuclear Field “A” school and Nuclear Power School in Orlando Florida from March 1995 – January 1996. After completion of Prototype in Balston Spa New York Mr. Puryear reported to USS ALASKA SSBN 732 Gold in ecember 1996. Mr. Puryear completed five strategic deterrent patrols and the C-4 to D-5 missile conversion before transferring to Navy Recruiting District New York as the Nuclear Field Coordinator in June 2001. As Nuclear Field Coordinator he was selected as the Region North Nuclear Program Coordinator of the year for 2002. In his off time he completed his Bachelors in Nuclear Engineering Technology from Thomas Edison. In September 2004 Mr. Puryear was commissioned into the Medical Service Corps as a Radiation Health Officer. After completion of Radiation Health Officer School he reported to Naval Intermediate Maintenance Facility, Pacific Northwest in March 2004. In 2006 Mr. Puryear was selected for out service training and reported to Purdue University in Lafayette Indiana in July of that year. In June 2008 Mr. Puryear graduated with a Masters degree in Health Physics and transferred to USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER CVN 69. While onboard the “IKE” Mr. Puryear completed two deployments to 5th Fleet in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In July 2010 Mr. Puryear transferred to, Naval Hospital Bremerton to serve as the Radiation Safety Officer. In March 2011 Mr. Puryear was one of the first Radiation Health Officers deployed to Japan to assist in Operation Tomodachi and clean-up of Naval Assets from the nuclear accident at the Fukushimi nuclear plants. Mr. Puryear trained and supervised personnel in decontamination techniques onboard USS Chancellorsville CG 62. Afterwards he reported to Yokosuka and was part of a team of Radiation Health Officers that performed internally monitoring for all Naval personnel in the 7th Fleet. Mr. Puryear transferred to his last duty station at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard where he has served as the Deputy Director of Radiation Health. Mr. Puryear retired after 22 years of Naval Service in February 2017. In November 2018 Jessie opened an Urban Float location in University Place, WA. Jessie is married with two children Carson and Piper aged 16 and 10.

Owner, GM of Float Seattle | Float Conference Board Member

Andrew Loppnow is PNW born and raised and an explorer at heart. Over the last decade, he has developed practices around float tanks, spiritual herbalism, meditation, and yoga, to alchemize his own depression and self-doubt into purpose and self-belief. Andrew sees floating, in particular, as the most accessible tool in the modern world to tap into our true potential. As the owner and general manager of Float Seattle, Andrew has grown the business from 2 to 4 locations and committed deeply to his mission to provide space for relaxation, healing, and growth for anyone seeking wellness on their own terms.

Qi Gong Practitioner

Dr Linda Nadia Hole MD, is a Qigong Master practioner, author, & physician of over 40 years experience; & consulting editor for landmark textbook Chinese Medical QiGong. Besides her family, dolphins, floating, & dancing - her passions include healing in the way of Love; and the Sacred Ho'oponopono Breath of Aloha, Peace, and Qi

Co-owner, Still Point Wellness

Corey created the weekly didgeridoo meditation at the Esalen Institute and uses the instrument to help facilitate deep meditation and inner journey work. With a unique combination of playing didgeridoo and spoken word guided imagery from his experience as a somatic psychotherapist and trauma relief counselor, Corey creates a space imbued with self inquiry, exploration and deep presence. In addition to his counseling practice he also co-owns and operates Still Point Wellness in Asheville NC, with 5 float tanks and a staff of Esalen Massage practitioners.

Treasurer of the Floatation Tank Association, Float Conference Board Member, Co-Owner of Ocean Elements Salt Spa & Float Center

Allan & Jeanne Mills have owned Ocean Elements for 5 years offering multiple modalities. They have 2 adult children, Eva and Arran, and an 11-year-old miniature schnauzer, Dexter. Jeanne is a Registered Nurse and leverages her medical knowledge to help her clients work through their anxiety, pain, stress and sleep issues through customizing the multiple services they offer. She is a Certified HeartMath® Practitioner and helps her clients achieve coherent alignment of their physical, mental and emotional systems. Jeanne has executive level board experience with both the Baltimore Area Chapter of Legal Nurse Consultants and the Ocean Pines Swim Team. She tries to float weekly and enjoys taking advantage of the other relaxation modalities when possible.
Jeanne is also a Board Member for the Float Conference and the Treasurer of the Board for the Floatation Tank Association.