Image by Nicole Sincavage @nikkisinkphotograhy
September 16, 2026 (7-10pm CST)
esilience rocks
Stories forged through fire
Join Us For An Evening Of Resilience, Transformation, Rock, And The Breathtaking Power Of The Human Spirit.
● Immerse yourself in “Phoenix Tales”—real, raw, extraordinary stories from 11 authors of the newly published book “Got R-Factor? Words of Wounds Turned to Wisdom.” These everyday heroes survived what should have broken them and now illuminate the path for those still searching for their way out of the dark.
● Learn tools to develop your own resilience—tools that can carry you through trauma, loss, and the darkest nights of your soul.
● Get inspired and ROCK out to your favorite songs with our award-winning live band.
It is our intention that you leave empowered, realizing that:
● Your voice matters.
● Your healing matters.
● And your story has the power to transform lives.
When:
September 16, 2026,
7:00–10:00 PM CST
● 6:00 pm VIP seating
● 7:00–9:00 pm ROCK GALA
● 9:00–10:00 pm Book signing, meet-and-greet, and social mingle with hors d’oeuvres and drinks
What Is Included In The Ticket?
● Got R-Factor? paperback book (available for signing by all authors)
● 3 contact hours for CEU (continuing education units)
● Book signing and networking
● Cash Bar available
Location
Des Plaines Theatre
1476 Miner St, Des Plaines, IL 60016
The Des Plaines Theatre is located in the heart of downtown Des Plaines, Illinois. Originally opened in 1925, it has undergone several renovations and is now a beautifully restored historic venue. The theatre features a unique blend of Spanish Baroque decorative ceramics with modern elements, including a neon marquee.
GET CEU UNITS (3.0 contact/clock hours)
Dress to impress: Glamorous Rock style!
The book
Got R-Factor? Words of Wounds Turned to Wisdom is an anthology of resilience—a tapestry of strength and healing, a modern-day comfort for the soul.
This collection features raw, real stories from everyday heroes who have survived unthinkable adversity and thrived in spite of it. It aims to show anyone going through dark times that they are not alone—and that they have the power to transform their suffering into something greater, something magnificent.
Grounded in research on resilience, the book introduces eleven pillars of resilience along with practical tools to help you develop them within yourself. This book is a movement of light in a world that desperately needs it.
Featured Authors
Dr. Anna Margolina born in Moscow, Russia, was once an unusually bright and talkative child who later lost her voice to severe stuttering. To reclaim her voice and confidence, she embarked on a courageous journey into early trauma experienced in a Soviet boarding school. Today, she helps others heal through hypnotherapy and energy alignment. She lives in Seattle, Washington, with her family.
Catharine “CeCe” Cunningham knows what it’s like to appear strong while feeling unsettled within. After navigating cancer, physical injury, and years of relentless pressure, she lived in constant tension. Her chapter reveals her journey out of survival mode and into a place of safety and calm. Today, she helps high-functioning women understand their emotions and gently shift patterns through hypnosis, intuitive insight, and a mind-body approach.
Debbie Skowron a mother of three boys, endured the unimaginable loss of her oldest son after 25 years of his battle with substance use disorder. Through her own grief and depression, she chose to reclaim her life by helping other parents survive—and even thrive—after loss. She describes her role as offering “a bucket of cool water” to those navigating the same pain. Debbie lives in the western suburbs of Chicago.
Jacqueline Durand, a survivor of a nearly fatal dog attack, is a 26-year-old living in Dallas, Texas, with her service animal, Luna. Since her recovery, she has become a passionate advocate for awareness, responsible pet communication, and mental health. She uses her voice to remind others that they are not alone in their struggles.
Kacee Picot faced early-life instability, including family separation and sexual assault, leading to deep anxiety. Over time, she transformed her survival instincts into a 38-year career as an Integrative Hypnotic Coach. Through her work with Hypno Awakening, she helps individuals reduce stress, transform habits, and reconnect with their inner strength.
Kyle Edwards lives with CPTSD and has survived extreme abuse, violence, poisoning, stabbing, a brain injury, and near-fatal alcohol poisoning. Existing in a constant state of hypervigilance, he channels relief through art and hobbies. A fencer, musician, antique collector and trader, poet, and geometrician fascinated by architecture, Kyle helps others transform lifelong adversity into a powerful creative force.
Michael Pappas, a practicing psychic hypnotist near Salem, Massachusetts, faced persecution growing up as a gay child in the 1990s while experiencing paranormal activity and psychic abilities. His path led through addiction before he learned to embrace self-love and integrate his past. Today, he helps clients evolve spiritually and energetically, working with psychic vision and energy clearing.
Nicole Sincavage survived a devastating tractor-trailer accident that broke every bone in her face. This life-altering experience ignited her passion for photography, capturing fleeting moments and preserving memories that might otherwise be lost. Her work reflects the fragile beauty of life beyond “rainbows and butterflies.”
Teresa Wilkes is an entrepreneur, licensed real estate professional, and philanthropist whose journey from teen motherhood to business success has inspired many. After raising three children as a single mother, she built a successful career spanning more than 17 years in fashion, beauty, and style. She became one of the only African American women in Illinois to own a women’s apparel and accessories wholesale company while mentoring emerging designers and creatives in the industry. Teresa has been featured in numerous magazines, received multiple awards for leadership and entrepreneurship, and founded impactful women’s initiatives and charitable events that have inspired and supported women across several states. She has also served on the boards of organizations including Boys Hope Girls Hope and Fashion Group International. Today, Teresa focuses on real estate, investment ventures, and creating opportunities that help families build generational wealth. Her work is driven by a passion for empowering others, creating lasting impact, and turning purpose into legacy.
Ursa Khan was diagnosed with cancer as a young girl, a life-changing experience that led her to discover profound inner courage. She transformed from a vulnerable patient into a strong labor and delivery nurse, now dedicating her life to supporting others at the very beginning of theirs. Her story embodies resilience and courage in the face of adversity.
Yesenia Phethmany transformed childhood trauma into a powerful inner voice and path to healing. Through her practice, Spiral Sacred Love, she offers intuitive healing experiences rooted in 15 years of transformational work, blending meditation, Reiki, chakra balancing, sound therapy, yoga, and ancestral rituals to support deep alignment and empowerment.
Forward By
Traci Sanders Campbell is an author, entrepreneur, and 20+ year technology consultant dedicated to empowering women in leadership and business. She is the founder of The BIBO (Beauty In Beauty Out) Foundation and BeSpire TV, a streaming network that delivers positive, informative, and entertaining content. She is the author of "The C.H.A.M.P. Within" and serves as the executive producer and host of "The B Zone w/Traci S. Campbell", which has aired on terrestrial and digital radio since 2017.
Event Organizers
Bridget Mulroy served as editor and publicist for the book The R Factor, where she played a central role in shaping its editorial voice and leading its national promotion. Her work on the project helped bring the book to a wide audience, reflecting her strengths as both a storyteller and a strategic communicator within the publishing world.
A New Jersey–based journalist and lifestyle writer, Mulroy explores the intersection of culture, luxury, wellness, and modern social life. She is a contributor to publications including Social The Lifestyle Magazine, New Jersey Digest, New Theory Magazine, and NewsBreak, where she is known for blending narrative storytelling with thoughtful commentary on contemporary issues.
Her work spans high-society profiles, emerging wellness trends, and deeply personal human-interest features, often weaving lived experience with broader cultural insight. Over the course of her career, she has built an extensive portfolio across digital media, profiling notable figures, covering influential events, and contributing to conversations around culture, health, and social dynamics with a voice that is both engaging and perceptive.
Based between New Jersey and New York City, she continues to chronicle the people, ideas, and experiences shaping modern life.
Dr. Marina Kostina is the visionary behind this book, shaping both its scientific foundation and overall structure. She is a bestselling author, TEDx speaker, educator, and clinical hypnotherapist specializing in trauma and addiction, as well as the founder of Ravenous 4 Life, a healing center in Chicago.
After surviving a life-threatening skydiving accident in 2022 that left her with severe injuries, she defied medical expectations through her own methods. Her journey inspired her bestselling book 52 Pieces: A Manual of Light to Survive the Abyss of Trauma, which gained major recognition and awards.
Driven by her transformation, she later curated a collection of powerful stories to highlight resilience and help others navigate life's toughest challenges.
CHICAGO ROCK EXCHAGE
We’re excited to announce the Chicago Rock Exchange as our rock band for the evening of the Resilience Rocks Gala. For over 20 years, CRE has performed at the top clubs in Chicago, New York, London—all the best venues for rock and roll… From the stages of House of Blues, City Winery, Hard Rock New York, Des Plaines Theater, and Space in Evanston, they’ll bring their energy, talent, and charisma to the stage of Resilience Rocks!
Having held many events supporting trauma survivors overcome difficulties with their music, this is a perfect collaboration with our book launch as all of the band members are passionate about supporting people who have suffered.
For more information on the band, check out:
https://chicagorockexchange.com/about
GET CEU UNITS (3.0 contact/clock hours)
Dress to impress: Glamorous Rock style!
Media Coverage
GET CEU UNITS (3.0 contact/clock hours)
Dress to impress: Glamorous Rock style!