Mary Ellen Copeland, PhD, developed Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) with a group of people with lived experience who were attending a mental health recovery workshop in 1997. She is the original author of the WRAP Red Book, as well as dozens of other WRAP books and materials. She has dedicated the last 30 years of her life to learning from people who have mental health issues; discovering the simple, safe, non-invasive ways they get well, stay well, and move forward in their lives; and then sharing what she has learned with others through keynote addresses, trainings, and the development of books, curriculums, and other resources. Now that she is retired, and that, as she intended, others are continuing to share what she has learned, she continues to learn from those who have mental health issues and those who support them. She is a frequent contributor to this site.

Bill Peterson is a senior business development executive and leader with more than 20 years of experience guiding organizations through growth, change, and innovation. His career has spanned international sports, media, and technology, where he has consistently built partnerships, expanded markets, and inspired teams to pursue bold goals.

As Commissioner & CEO of the North American Soccer League, William led the league through a transformative period, growing revenue by nearly 400% and securing partnerships with global brands including CBS Sports, ESPN, and Under Armour. Earlier, as President of NFL Europe, he expanded professional football across seven countries, forging sponsorships and building cross-cultural connections that grew the sport’s reach and fan base. His leadership at AEG Sports and Centerplate further strengthened his expertise in sponsorship, media relations, and strategic growth. Today, as Managing Partner of TopSport Solutions, he advises companies in sports, technology, and experiential industries on brand development and market expansion.

A lifelong learner, William has pursued advanced education at MIT’s Sloan School of Management, completing its program in AI for Business Strategy. He also holds a B.S. in Health and Physical Education from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania.

Beyond the boardroom, William brings a passion for resilience, empowerment, and personal growth. Drawing on his professional journey, he connects lessons from high-stakes negotiations, leadership challenges, and international experiences to the core principles of wellness and recovery. His message is grounded in the belief that hope, responsibility, learning, advocacy, and support are not only essential for organizational success, but also for personal well-being.

William’s story demonstrates that no matter the arena — business, sports, or life — with vision, determination, and the right support, we can get well, stay well, and achieve our goals.

Dr. Akua is an Empowerment Speaker, Lead Advanced Level WRAP Facilitator, Life Strategist, and current ISI Fellow with Fielding Graduate University, conducting research to explore supports for Black women’s wellness in the workplace.

Her work will also be featured in an upcoming Fielding Graduate University monograph, offering a call to leaders to move beyond statements of solidarity and take responsibility for cultivating workplaces through daily practices of equity, trust, and repair.

With a deep commitment to wellness, equity, and leadership development, her work focuses on helping individuals and organizations cultivate emotionally intelligent, healing-centered practices that support authentic growth.

She holds a Ph.D. in Human Development with a concentration in Traumatology Counseling, two master’s degrees, and multiple coaching certifications.

Through her writing, master classes, research, and thought leadership Dr. Akua continues to create spaces where people are invited to reclaim wellness, challenge harmful norms, and lead with intention.