It’s All About Food

Part I: Deborah Merlin, Victory Over ADHD.  Deborah Merlin’s mission was to become an advocate for her special needs twins. Medical professionals only offered drugs.  She sought alternative methods, did extensive ADHD and other health-related research, and kept impeccable records. In 1993, she co-chaired the Westside Cities Council to help promote Public Law 99457, part H, to implement early intervention services from birth through three years of age for children at risk. In 1990 and 1991, she coordinated outreach to pediatricians (under Public Law 99457, part H) and coordinated presentations at hospitals to educate pediatricians on early intervention services and resources for children at risk from infancy to three years of age. She is a frequent guest speaker on radio shows through out the United States and Canada.  She is a consultant to parents who need support, provides resources regarding their children’s individual needs, and she is an artist. Part II: Humane Investing with Brenda A. Morris. Brenda Morris graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1994 after transferring from the University of New Hampshire two years earlier when her family moved to Virginia. She spent over a decade in the financial service industry with a large firm in different capacities, though most recently as a financial planner. Over the years she grew increasingly uncomfortable with the model to which most of the industry still subscribes. When she felt that the clients with whom she enjoyed working the most often received the least amount of attention, she ventured downtown to coach advisors on the managed money platform, and then later to the financial planning team to consult advisors on the investment planning process. During this time she worked on her CFP® designation, all with the hope of making a transition back into a role where she could assist clients directly and quite literally spend her day helping people achieve their hopes and dreams. In addition to holding her Certified Financial Planner™ designation, Brenda has successfully completed the FINRA sponsored Series 6, 7, 63, 66, examinations and is insurance licensed. She is a member of the Financial Planning Association and is the Treasurer on the Board of her homeowner’s association, as well as Treasurer for the Richmond Chapter Society of Alumni for the College of William and Mary. As a coordinator of the annual Richmond Vegetarian Festival and an active member of the Vegetarian Society of Richmond, she enjoys meeting and educating people on the virtues of living a healthy, cruelty-free lifestyle.