gravity

Michael J. Menard

Michael J. Menard is a visionary inventor, global business pioneer, acclaimed author, and passionate social advocate whose life exemplifies the alchemy of turning adversity into world-changing impact. At 74, he stands as a testament to resilience, having revolutionized industries while igniting a movement against childhood trauma—the silent epidemic he calls humanity’s greatest threat.

From his groundbreaking patent for the first disposable infant diaper at age 19, to accumulating 14 patents that transformed the absorbent products industry and generated billions in global value, Michael’s innovative genius shone early during his 25-year tenure at Johnson & Johnson. Rising to become the company’s first Worldwide Vice President of Engineering, he led engineering for the world’s largest healthcare firm before co-founding The GenSight Group in 2002. There, his AI-driven strategic software advised C-level executives at NASA, the UN, Coca-Cola, Pfizer, and Fortune 100 giants, optimizing billions in investments.

As an author, Michael’s books blend personal triumph with profound insights: A Fish in Your Ear (2012) and Corporate Transformation (2017) offer business wisdom, while The Kite That Couldn’t Fly (2024) shares his raw childhood memoir, and Greater Than Gravity (forthcoming) exposes trauma as America’s #3 killer, backed by irrefutable data on its role in addiction, suicide, and incarceration.

Founder of UACT (United Against Childhood Trauma), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Michael advocates for awareness, healing, and prevention—emphasizing the “sacred 60 days” post-birth. Through keynote speaking at venues like the University of Texas School of Social Work, he inspires transformation, proving scars can become stars that light paths for millions.

Erik Vecere

As Chief Partner Success Officer for National Fatherhood Initiative (NFI), Erik Vecere develops and nurtures partnerships with network-based entities that have relationships with groups of human service organizations to help them assess their father-friendliness, and be more father-inclusive.

Mr. Vecere also facilitates strategic planning meetings that culminate in action plans, provides trainings on NFI programs, and oversees the implementation of funded and non-funded projects.

Mr. Vecere received a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Geneva College, Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania in 2006, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications from Robert Morris University, Moon Township, Pennsylvania in 1991 and an Associates Degree in Letters, Arts and Sciences from Pennsylvania State University, Altoona, Pennsylvania in 1989.

Willard Robertson

Willard Robertson is the Executive Director of the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling and a seasoned nonprofit leader with more than 30 years of experience in mental health, education, and gambling harm prevention. Prior to stepping into the Executive Director role, he served three years on the VCPG Board of Directors, strengthening statewide partnerships and advancing the organization’s mission.

Previously, Willard was the Problem Gambling Prevention Specialist for Highlands Community Services, where he developed and delivered local, regional, and statewide prevention strategies, engaged youth with evidence based education on addiction and brain development, and provided suicide awareness training to community organizations.
He also coordinates the Washington County Prevention Coalition, leading collaborative efforts in suicide prevention, substance use education, and gambling harm awareness.

Throughout his career, Willard has built coalitions, expanded stakeholder engagement, and represented Virginia at national conferences focused on gambling harm.

Daryl Washington

In January 2026, Daryl Washington was appointed by Governor Abigail Spanberger as Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS). DBHDS is a state agency that operates 12 state hospitals and centers with over 5,600 employees and oversees a $2 billion system that annually serves over 200,000 Virginians and families struggling with behavioral health disorders and developmental disabilities.

Prior to joining DBHDS, Daryl served as Executive Director of the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB), a role he was appointed to in 2018. In this role, he was responsible for overall operations at the CSB, which is the public behavioral healthcare and developmental disability services agency for the County of Fairfax and Cities of Fairfax and Falls Church. Prior to serving as the executive director, Daryl served as the Deputy Director of Clinical Operations for the CSB. Daryl has 32 years of experience in the behavioral healthcare field and has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for the past 30 years. During Daryl’s professional career, he has also worked for Fairfax County Public Schools as a school social worker and several private behavioral healthcare organizations. He has clinical training to provide services to youth, adolescents, adults and couples. Daryl served as a board member of the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority, National Association of County Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability Directors, and Volunteer Fairfax.

Daryl holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a bachelor’s in social work from North Carolina State University.

Christina Powell

Christina Powell, MSN, RN, NCSN, is a Nursing Instructor in the College of Nursing at Radford University and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (Leadership) candidate. She brings extensive experience in nursing education, community and population health, pediatric nursing, and school nursing. Her work focuses on improving health outcomes through evidence-based practice, interprofessional collaboration, school-based health initiatives, mobile health services, trauma-informed care, and resilience-building programs.

Mrs. Powell’s scholarship and community engagement efforts emphasize Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), trauma-responsive practices, and the development of community-based resilience initiatives that promote healing and well-being across the lifespan. She is actively involved with the Radford University CARES Mobile Health Clinic and collaborates with healthcare, educational, and community partners throughout Southwest Virginia, including RYAP in Radford, to improve access to care and advance health equity.

A native of Roanoke, Virginia, Christina lives with her husband and their two dogs. Together, they enjoy spending time with their three adult children, son-in-law, grand cat, and grand ferret. In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, and holding babies.

At Defying Gravity: A Commonwealth Response to Childhood Trauma, Christina will present “Community-Based ACEs Trauma-Resilience Training,” highlighting collaborative strategies that empower individuals, families, and communities to build resilience and create trauma-informed systems of support.