Radio Maine with Dr. Lisa Belisle

Dr. Christine Hein is a well-respected emergency physician and the Chief Wellness Officer at Maine’s largest healthcare system. Chris grew up in Cumberland, Maine and graduated from Greely High School before earning her undergraduate degree at Colby College in Waterville, Maine and her medical degree from the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth in Hanover, New Hampshire. Chris believes in the importance of maintaining human connections in patient care. Her efforts to address healthcare worker burnout at MaineHealth include advocating for systemic improvements that allow practitioners to focus on the humans they seek to help heal. Join our conversation with Dr. Christine Hein today on Radio Maine.

Adele Ngoy is a fashion designer, educator, and entrepreneur who has made a profound impact on the Maine community. Originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Adele arrived in the United States in 2000 as a refugee, driven by a determination to provide a safe, supportive environment for her three young children. After several years in Portland, Adele’s passion for empowering others led her to establish the non-profit Women United Around the World. Her organization teaches sewing and helps new Mainers connect with the local community. Still active in fashion design, Adele now owns the much beloved and well-regarded Antoine's Tailor Shop on Congress Street. Join our conversation with Adele Ngoy today on Radio Maine.

Nikki Fontaine is a visual artist and holistic skincare specialist. Formerly a high-level makeup artist working with globally recognized clients in the entertainment field, Nikki transitioned into natural and plant-based treatments after moving to Maine from New York City during the pandemic. Her journey led her to formal esthetician training. Nikki now practices at Abura Skincare, an eco-focused skincare studio in Portland, Maine, where she incorporates botanical ingredients, such as calendula and blue tansy, to promote skin health. Her unique approach includes facial sculpting, which targets muscle tension and enhances overall well-being. Join our conversation with Nikki Fontaine today on Radio Maine.

? "Bigger isn’t always better. Detail, style, and special can be better than bigger." — Patty Cooke, Founder and Principal Designer at Patty Cooke Designs As a designer who transformed her career path from art and printmaking to construction and interior design, Patty Cooke’s journey is a powerful reminder that embracing change, trusting your intuition, and preserving what others might discard can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Patty’s work on the historic Pickering House Inn in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, exemplifies her unique approach. In a pivotal moment when the Inn risked being turned into a nondescript commercial space, Patty and her husband intervened. Without prior hospitality experience, they acquired the property, infusing it with their combined skills—his business acumen and her creative vision. The result? A stunning blend of history, modern comfort, and timeless character that attracts guests who value authenticity and craftsmanship. ?? Key Insights from Patty's Story: Career Pivot: Transitioned from printmaking and marketing into full-scale design and construction, demonstrating that creativity knows no bounds. Client Approach: Listens deeply and preserves the soul of a building, showing that repurposing existing spaces can be more powerful than starting anew. Inspiration: Draws from her art background, family, and the unexpected moments where history and present intersect, like finding an original Inn door that now graces the Pavilion restaurant. Community Engagement: Ensures her projects tell stories that resonate with visitors and locals alike, reminding us that preserving history can enrich communities and foster connection. ?? Why Patty's Journey Resonates: Her journey speaks to the power of adaptability and the importance of seeing beyond the surface. It's about reimagining spaces not just for aesthetics but for the well-being and delight of those who live, work, and visit them. It’s a testament to resilience, showing that success often comes from staying true to your vision, even when the path is uncertain. ?? Join the Conversation: Want to be inspired by more stories like Patty's? Explore the renovation of the Pickering House Inn or hear more from my conversation with her on Radio Maine. Connect with me and share your thoughts on preserving history through design, or let me know if you’ve experienced an inspiring career pivot. ?? Your Turn: What lessons do you draw from career reinvention and the preservation of stories through your work? Drop your reflections below or engage with the episode to learn more about Patty’s philosophy and work.

Paula Hamel Daher is an accomplished interior designer and founder of Daher Interior Designs ????? Paula’s successful design practice draws on her educational background in civil engineering and computer science, and thrives on client collaboration. Based in Boston and Kennebunk, Maine, Paula has traveled globally, and actively sources unique local craftsmanship for her projects.????? Join our conversation with Paula Daher today on Radio Maine. ????????

Mary Lynn Burke is a multifaceted artist whose journey began in social work. Her background in photography, painting, and drawing shaped her empathetic, expressive style. After earning a degree in social work, Mary Lynn worked in various roles, including therapeutic preschool and adoption services, before discovering her passion for art and becoming a commercial photographer ??????? A transformative move to New Zealand led Mary Lynn to explore new mediums like cyanotype, inspired by the landscapes around her. Influenced by Abstract Expressionism, Mary Lynn’s work explores themes of vulnerability, nature, and time; blending chance with intuitive expression. Now based in Lexington, Massachusetts, Mary Lynn’s approach to art reflects her global experiences, offering a deeply personal yet universal perspective ??????? Join our conversation with Mary Lynn Burke today on Radio Maine ?????

Grace DeGennaro is a renowned artist and educator whose work has been exhibited widely across the United States and around the world ????? Originally from Long Island, New York, Grace now lives in Yarmouth, Maine. She earned degrees in Fine Arts from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York and Columbia University in New York City ???????? Grace’s work reflects a unique blend of spirituality and abstraction, deeply influenced by her Catholic upbringing and years of exploring sacred geometry. Using a meditative process, Grace creates intricate patterns and compositions that reference natural cycles, time, and space. Her artistic approach intertwines visual arts with literature, as she draws inspiration from myths, fairy tales, and her extensive reading ??????? Join our conversation with Grace DeGennaro today on Radio Maine ????

Pasha Marlowe is the CEO of Neuro Belonging, a company dedicated to advancing neurodiversity and disability inclusion ?????? With over 30 years of experience as a therapist and health coach, Pasha connects deeply to Maine through personal and professional ties, seeking to shift the narrative around neurodiversity in the state. Pasha emphasizes the importance of recognizing individual differences rather than conforming to a "normal" standard ?????? The conversation highlights the need for inclusive practices in workplaces and communities, advocating for accommodations that celebrate diverse experiences ????? Join our conversation with Pasha Marlowe today on Radio Maine ????

Margot Hartford is a multidisciplinary artist and commercial photographer originally from Waterloo, Canada. ???????? With a background in photography and film, Margot has spent nearly three decades exploring creativity. Margot’s journey from commercial photography to fine art demonstrates the freedom that comes from breaking traditional artistic rules. Margot’s vibrant work is informed by childhood nostalgia, and incorporates innovative techniques like image transfer and encaustics. ?????????? Join our conversation with Margot Hartford today on Radio Maine ???????

Dr. Todd Otten is a board-certified family physician with over two decades of experience in medicine. ???? Todd, who has ties to Maine through his past work as a naval flight surgeon, champions an approach called “Our Quadruple Aim,” which seeks to drive systemic change in healthcare. ?????????? His groundbreaking book, Ripple of Change, co-authored with his patient Joshua Judy, delves into the challenges of burnout and offers a hopeful path forward. Todd believes that collaboration and innovative models will transform the way we offer and access care. ??????? Join our conversation with Dr. Todd Otten today on Radio Maine.