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Close Up Radio Spotlights Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Advocate, Reiki Practitioner, and Psychic Healer Coventina Waterhawk

Posted January 12, 2026 • 00:39:15

La Cruces, NM - Surviving the early storms of her own life, Coventina Waterhawk is bringing hope and practical support to others navigating mental health challenges and addiction. From her first encounter with suicidal ideation at age seven to her journey through recovery and spiritual awakening, Coventina’s story is one of raw honesty, resilience, and resourcefulness. Today, she uses her experiences and natural talents to help others find light in their darkest moments, offering everything from accessible coping skills and boundary-setting advice to psychic readings and Reiki healing.Coventina’s introduction to emotional pain came early. “I was writing poetry about how I felt, but I was also snipping the skin on my wrist. The physical pain distracted me from the emotional pain,” she recalls. By her early teens, she was drinking to escape. Family revelations about her adoption, combined with a childhood marked by trauma and questions of belonging, deepened her struggles. “I felt like the black sheep of the family. I always questioned authority, wanted to speak up, but everyone wanted me to stay quiet,” she remembers.Despite seeking help, Coventina faced a system that failed to provide answers or a true understanding. “I never really got any help. And my parents blamed me for needing help that didn’t work,” she shares. Later, undiagnosed trauma and addiction led to years of searching for relief through substances—until her recovery began.Coventina’s journey illustrates the tangled roots of dual diagnosis, a term she defines: “People who are diagnosed with mental and substance use disorders.” For her, addressing both mental health and addiction meant learning not just to survive, but to build a life with purpose.Through her multi-award-winning, Kindle #1 bestselling book “Dually Diagnosed, Dually Blessed: From Struggle to Purpose,” Coventina offers real-life wisdom for individuals with dual diagnoses and their families. The book includes her own story and those of others who have found recovery, stability, and new ways of coping. “I wanted to share the coping skills that worked for the other authors and me. These are tools that anyone can try,” she explains.A cornerstone of Coventina’s approach is her “Pick Me Up Jar,” a simple, creative exercise that anyone can try at home. She fills a jar with written affirmations, words of encouragement, and small action steps. “When you’re having a crisis or just feel down, you can pull out a note. Sometimes all it takes is one positive reminder to get through the moment,” she shares.Coventina’s story is also about setting boundaries, especially with loved ones still struggling with addiction. “You have to love yourself first, even when it’s excruciatingly painful to step back,” she says, describing her relationship with her daughter. “It’s like putting the oxygen mask on yourself first. You can’t save someone who isn’t ready, but you can take care of ‘you’.”Having reclaimed her life, Coventina now helps others as a certified Reiki practitioner and intuitive reader. She has been practicing Reiki since 2006 and reading Tarot since 2001. “Healing is subtle. Sometimes you don’t notice the pain is gone until it’s just gone. And when I do Tarot readings, the answers just come to me. Often, my clients tell me things start to make sense later,” she says. Her sessions blend gentle energy work with psychic insights, drawing from a gift that was evident even in childhood. As she humorously observes, “Looking back, I should have charged my friends their allowances for my services.”Coventina’s talents as a medium have grown with her practice. She describes a time when, during a Reiki session, she delivered a message from a client’s grandfather to provide comfort and closure. “It’s just who I am. I help others with my gifts, so they can live their dreams, too.”Her writing has also reached a wider audience. In addition to “Dually Diagnosed, Dually Blessed,” Coventina’s work appears in collaborative anthologies, such as “Energy-Frequency-Vibration: The Art of Healing Vol #2”, a best seller in Canada, published in 2023. Her first book, “The Freed Soul: From Domestic Violence to Freedom,” is a collection of poetry about surviving unfathomable domestic abuse, published in 2016.Coventina currently partners with her local Suicide Prevention Task Force, co-hosting fundraising book signings to spread the message of hope to those who need it most. Her book also serves as a workbook for an IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program), where she teaches holistic coping methods to patients.Above all, Coventina encourages others to keep reaching out for help, even when stigma and misunderstanding persist, and to speak up, even if your voice cracks. “Sometimes, one day at a time is too much. One breath at a time is manageable for anyone in crisis, and remember that “Happiness is being.”For Coventina Waterhawk, the journey from struggle to purpose is an ongoing one. Gratitude, the guiding force for everyday life, and hope is the glue. One day, during meditation, Coventina had an epiphany: HOPE= Help Others Process Emotions, and realized it was what she had been doing since the age of ten. She invites others to walk with her on a journey of transformation, resilience, and hope, one step at a time.For more information about Coventina Waterhawk, please visit https://www.coventinawaterhawk.com/

Part 2: Close Up Radio Welcomes Back Retired Urban Planner Richard G. Bickel

Posted January 12, 2026 • 00:26:01

Ardmore, PA - In a world where city planning can feel shrouded in jargon and authority, Richard G. Bickel, retired urban master planner, cuts through the noise with a message that’s as refreshing as it is overdue: urban planning is simply a conversation, not a mystery. After decades shaping communities in the Northeast and beyond, Bickel is charting a new path for the field by replacing intimidation with invitation and top-down mandates with good old-fashioned listening.Bickel’s philosophy rests on the powerful yet under appreciated idea that planning is a communication mechanism, not just a technical discipline. “Everyone should know more about it and not be mystified,” he says. “Urban planning relies on common sense. The real skill is friendly persuasion.” In an era when debates about affordable housing, public transit, and neighborhood character often erupt into acrimony, Bickel’s approach couldn’t be more timely.Rather than showing up to public meetings with a predetermined plan and a planner’s badge, Bickel urges colleagues to recognize their own perspective and affiliations. “As an urban planner, you are usually not an independent actor. You have to see where you’re coming from, who you represent, and how that shapes your vision,” he explains. This humility, rare in stories of urban master builders, distinguishes Bickel from the likes of Robert Moses, whose towering legacy in New York City remains both legendary and cautionary. Moses, as Bickel recounts, wielded exceptional power thanks to political backing and a forceful personality, leaving behind expressways, bridges, and parkways sculpted to his will. But Bickel is quick to point out the perils of unchecked authority: “Most planners would love to have that kind of power, but we never do and that’s for the best.”Bickel’s career has taken him from the neighborhoods of Philadelphia to the ferry docks of Nantucket, confronting the hopes and fears of residents at every stop. He’s seen firsthand how communities react when change comes to their doorstep, sometimes with curiosity, more often with suspicion. The famous “Not In My Backyard” syndrome, or NIMBYism, is a recurring challenge. As Bickel notes, “NIMBY comes up whenever people feel threatened at any scale. Whether it’s a neighborhood facing new development or a city losing funding, the reaction is the same: dig in, delay, defeat.”His tenure at Philadelphia’s public transit agency created a front-row seat to these dynamics. Tasked in the 1990s with managing a new parking garage project adjacent to the Ardmore train station, Bickel faced a roomful of residents convinced that congestion and chaos were imminent. “They didn’t see opportunity, only the worst-case scenario. It took decades before construction finally began.” For Bickel, this underscores the essential work of planners: patiently building trust, answering fears with facts, and, above all, embracing compromise.Central to Bickel’s vision is the delicate dance between growth and the preservation of neighborhood character, which is always a tension that defines cities across America. “From a planner’s perspective, diversity is a good thing,” he observes. But for many suburban homeowners accustomed to uniform blocks of single-family houses, that same diversity can seem like a threat. The mention of affordable housing or mixed-use development can instantly sour the mood, conjuring images of high-rises or unwanted apartments next door. “The social principles of integration and mixed development are alien to most people’s experience,” Bickel reflects. Yet he remains optimistic that, with persistence and genuine dialogue, communities can break down those mental barriers and imagine a broader, more inclusive future.His analysis stretches from the crowded commuter corridors of the Northeast to the rail ambitions of California, tracing the uneven progress of American cities and the distinctive challenges they face. Bickel is quick to highlight the places where architecture, design, and land use have blended with success, citing the influence of Frank Lloyd Wright in Wisconsin or the vibrant networks of rail towns outside Boston, New York, and Philadelphia. But he also warns of pitfalls, from ill-conceived infrastructure projects to missed opportunities for compromise.Bickel’s insights are not limited to the drawing board or planning commission. He believes the human stories embedded in every neighborhood are the real blueprint for a thriving city. Whether it’s a generations-old family home or a new arrival seeking community, every voice has a place in the conversation. And for Bickel, the most essential tool isn’t a map or a zoning code, it’s the willingness to listen.As cities today grapple with the growing pains of density, affordability, and changing work patterns, Richard G. Bickel’s legacy offers a road map that is as practical as it is profound. “The theory of planning is one thing,” he says, “but the reality is you’ve got to work with people. Be ready to compromise. That’s what makes a city work.”About Richard G. BickelRichard G. Bickel is a retired urban planner who has served with distinction at the Montgomery County Planning Commission, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), and the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC). He is currently a Senior Advisor at EconSalt, supporting thoughtful, pragmatic approaches to urban planning nationwide.For more information about Richard G. Bickel, please visit https://econsultsolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Bickel-Richard-G.-Bio-1.pdf/ and https://www.24-7pressrelease.com/press-release/526916/richard-g-bickel-faicp-celebrated-for-excellence-in-the-field-of-urban-planning/

Close Up Radio Welcomes Back Dedicated Surgeon Dr. Sharona Ross

Posted January 12, 2026 • 00:29:12

Tampa, FL - With surgical robotics advancing faster than ever and the boundaries between technology and medicine blurring in extraordinary ways, Dr. Sharona Ross, MD, FACS stands at the forefront of this medical revolution, blending surgical mastery with an unwavering commitment to patient care and progress. As the 2024 President of the Society of Robotic Surgery, the 2025 President of the Society of Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgeons (SLS), and current Chair of Telepresence for the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), Dr. Ross is actively shaping the evolving future of surgery, focusing on minimally invasive, robotic, and digitally connected techniques for complex abdominal conditions.Trained in every aspect of surgery (except for brain and orthopedic procedures), Dr. Ross has developed deep expertise in Foregut and Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) surgery. Her daily practice encompasses the entire “gut spectrum from the esophagus, stomach, and small bowel to the pancreas, biliary tree, adrenals, and abdominal sarcomas. “My specialty covers everything from benign and malignant diseases and disorders of the upper GI tract to pancreas and biliary system,” Dr. Ross explains. “These are areas where robotic and minimally invasive techniques can make a profound difference in patient outcomes.”But what truly distinguishes Dr. Ross is her relentless pursuit of surgical advancement, not for technology’s sake, but for better patient recovery and survival. “I perform virtually all of my operations robotically,” she states. “Gone are the days of large incisions and extended hospital stays. With minimally invasive robotic surgery, we see faster recoveries, less pain, and fewer complications. In fact, I haven’t needed to perform an open operation in years thanks to the evolution of chemotherapy and surgical technology.”Dr. Ross is uniquely positioned as an early adopter and innovator in single-port robotic surgery, having obtained an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) from the FDA that enables her to convert complex Foregut and HPB operations to single-incision procedures. Supported by Intuitive Surgical, the company behind the da Vinci robot, Dr. Ross is at the cutting edge of adapting new robotic platforms for advanced abdominal surgeries. “We moved from open, to multi-incision, and now to single-port operations,” she explains. “This is where the field is heading, and our IDE allows us to demonstrate both safety and effectiveness, paving the way for larger studies and, ultimately, broader patient access.”Her leadership extends far beyond her own operating room. Dr. Ross sits on the global advisory board of Intuitive Surgical, helping to guide industry development in ways that prioritize both innovation and patient safety. As robotic and digital surgery accelerate, she works closely with her colleagues to ensure that surgeons remain central in setting standards for care, data sharing, and ethical technology integration.Her leadership extends far beyond her own operating room. Dr. Ross sits on the global advisory board of Intuitive Surgical, helping to guide industry development in ways that prioritize both innovation and patient safety. As robotic and digital surgery accelerate, she works closely with her colleagues to ensure that surgeons remain central in setting standards for care, data sharing, and ethical technology integration.“While technology advances rapidly, we cannot lose sight of the human element,” she asserts. “We’re actively involved in writing consensus guidelines and participating in multidisciplinary meetings. The goal is to ensure that surgical data and new tools are used wisely and safely, and that patients always come first.” Through SAGES, where she chairs the new Telepresence Task Force, Dr. Ross is also helping formalize best practices for real-time remote collaboration, mentoring, and even tele-surgery, where surgical expertise can be shared across continents at the touch of a button.Dr. Ross believes strongly that the future of surgery must be shaped by those who care for patients, not solely by technology companies. “If we as surgeons and clinicians don’t engage fully, the direction of innovation might be set by engineers who don’t always appreciate the nuances of patient care. We’re making sure that ethical considerations and quality are not afterthoughts, they’re built-in from the beginning.”As digital surgery, artificial intelligence, and global surgical connectivity become more prominent, Dr. Ross continues to advocate for physician leadership, robust data standards, and responsible technology adoption. Her efforts to reduce surgical trauma, accelerate patient recovery, and improve survival in complex abdominal cancers are not only reshaping both patient lives but the broader field.For Dr. Ross, the next few years will see even more integration of robotics, AI, and data-driven decision-making in the operating room, with new frontiers in telepresence and digital surgery opening access and expertise worldwide. “We’re at an exciting juncture,” she adds. “The only way to ensure the safest, most effective future for surgical patients is through direct clinician involvement, rigorous standards, and a clear focus on real-world outcomes.”Stay tuned as Dr. Sharona Ross and her colleagues at the Society of Robotic Surgery and SAGES continue to lead the evolution of surgery, making 2026 a time to watch for every patient, provider, and technologist invested in the future of medicine.About Dr. Sharona Ross, MD, FACSDr. Sharona Ross is a board-certified general surgeon specializing in Foregut and Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) robotic surgery. Based in Tampa, Florida, she has performed over a thousand of advanced robotic procedures and is recognized internationally for her contributions to minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Ross is the immediate past president of the Society of Robotic Surgery, the 2025 President of the Society of Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgeons (SLS), chair of the Telepresence Task Force at SAGES, an advisory board member for Intuitive Surgical, and founder of the Women in Surgery Career Symposium this coming February 6 and 7, 2026. She is dedicated to advancing surgical technology while prioritizing patient outcomes, safety, and ethical leadership in the field.For more information about Sharona Ross, MD, FACS, please visit https://women-in-surgery.com/faculty/ and https://finance.yahoo.com/news/inner-circle-acknowledges-sharona-b-194600540.html

Close Up Radio Welcomes Back Government Fraud Consultant Jenniffer Wilson

Posted January 9, 2026 • 00:41:14

Washington, DC - If you want to know what really happens to government funds, ask Jenniffer F. Wilson. For over three decades, Wilson has been the steady hand and sharp mind behind some of the most incisive federal audits and government oversight initiatives in America. From tackling international fraud in Afghanistan and Ukraine to helping U.S. agencies streamline grant management, Wilson’s career as a Government Fraud and Accountability expert is marked by an unrelenting pursuit of transparency and good government. Today, as she navigates the private sector with Allocore, she continues to pioneer smarter solutions for grant management, oversight, and fraud prevention, proving that a vigilant auditor never truly retires.From her beginnings as a federal performance auditor, Wilson discovered an aptitude for identifying fraud, waste, and abuse buried in the gray areas of federal and state programs. “Not everyone has that critical mindset or the drive to look beyond the black and white,” Wilson explains. “It’s about being objective, independent, and diligent in pursuing how funds are actually being used.”Her rich experience ranges from tenure in federal Inspectors General offices to the Government Accountability Office’s Center for Audit Excellence, culminating in her leadership on financial management, grant management reforms and anti-fraud controls. In her current roles, Wilson leverages her expertise to bridge technology and oversight, working alongside engineers to create streamlined processes, increased transparency, and robust fraud controls in grant management.A Global Perspective on Fraud and OversightWilson’s recent work took her to Ukraine and Poland in 2024, where she trained Ukrainian internal auditors and engaged with anti-fraud and corruption organizations, think tanks, and Ukrainian government officials implementing digital transformation for the Ukraine reconstruction effort. “Ukraine has long faced corruption challenges. My focus was empowering local auditors with best practices and tools to detect and prevent fraud, particularly as billions in international aid flow into reconstruction projects,” says Wilson. “Giving them the methodology, not just the answers, helps them develop sustainable, homegrown solutions.”Throughout her career, Wilson has spotted patterns: rampant identity fraud (especially during the pandemic), misuse of federal grant funds at the sub-recipient level, and the exploitation of shell companies for improper gain. “The biggest issue is often not the technology, but the lack of effective vetting and operating procedures,” she notes. “We need to catch fraud before the money goes out the door, not after. That’s the shift we desperately need.”She highlights the importance of digital tools for Know Your Customer (KYC) processes and the necessity of combining new technologies with strong ethical frameworks. “Government waste often stems from duplication, poor internal controls, and lack of follow-through on audit recommendations. The answer isn’t just more tech, it’s about responsible implementation and a renewed commitment to ethics and best practices.”Wilson is vocal about the risks and responsibilities accompanying the digital transformation of government. She advocates for transparency from both government and big tech, stressing the importance of safeguarding personal data and resisting solutions that merely shift risks without addressing root causes. “Digital ID isn’t a panacea if the underlying verification and privacy issues remain unsolved,” she warns.Looking Ahead: Building Better Systems and Inspiring ChangeAs Wilson supports the launch of groundbreaking grant management technology and consults on major federal contracts, her focus remains constant: making a difference every day. “My mission is to build systems that genuinely prevent fraud and waste, while making it easier for those who do the right thing. I want my work to inspire positive change, both inside and outside government.”Ideal Clients and Future AmbitionsWilson welcomes partnerships with federal agencies, grant-making organizations, technology firms, and international entities seeking practical, ethical, and effective solutions to fraud and accountability challenges. She remains committed to innovation, whether developing new oversight systems, advising on digital transformation, or training the next generation of integrity-driven auditors.About Jenniffer F. WilsonJenniffer F. Wilson is a Government Fraud and Accountability Consultant with over 30 years of experience in federal oversight, performance auditing, grant management, and fraud and internal audit training. She has collaborated with U.S. and international agencies, including the Government Accountability Office, Pandemic Response Accountability Committee, and private sector technology innovators. Wilson is based in Washington, DC, and is currently supporting federal clients through innovative grant management solutions.For more information about Jenniffer F. Wilson, please visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniffer-wilson-a122b894/

Close Up Radio Spotlights Cybersecurity Expert and Organizational Change Management Strategist Dr. Sharon L. Burton

Posted January 9, 2026 • 00:34:11

Wilmington, DE - As the digital world grows ever more intricate, Dr. Sharon L. Burton is an internationally recognized and cited Cybersecurity Professor, researcher, and thought leader, inspiring professionals and students alike to meet the challenges of our Internet infused era head-on. She prepares the next generation of digital defenders while empowering everyday citizens to stay safe online.With her extensive expertise spanning artificial intelligence, cybersecurity leadership, and change management, Dr. Burton’s career demonstrates the critical significance of staying agile and informed in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape.A passionate advocate for education and continuous self-improvement, Dr. Burton believes that true preparedness begins with knowledge, and she’s dedicated her career to equipping others to navigate the shifting terrain of cyber threats and technological advancements. “Technology constantly evolves”, explains Dr. Burton. “It forces you to think deeply and stay engaged with new developments. I’m someone who thrives on seeing how things change and ensuring others are ready for what’s next.”Dr. Burton’s journey is marked by academic excellence and a drive to bridge the gap between theory and practice. With a PhD in Cybersecurity Leadership from Capitol Technology University, a Doctorate in Quality Systems Management, dual MBAs (Management and HR Management), and a BS in Criminology, she brings an interdisciplinary approach to her work. Her certifications, including Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Project Management Professional (PMP), Master Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, and several AI-focused credentials, demonstrate a commitment to mastering today’s most vital skill sets.As a professor in the College of Aviation, Dr. Burton guides future leaders to think critically about digital safety and risk. She also extends her expertise beyond the classroom, serving as a researcher and mentor for those seeking to understand the nuances of cybersecurity frameworks and AI-driven innovation. Her work supports not just academic discovery, but also practical solutions to challenges faced by industry, government, and individuals.Dr. Burton is particularly vocal about the evolving nature of Internet security and cybercrime, especially phenomena like ‘pig butchering’ scams, which have cost victims billions. She emphasizes the significance of awareness and vigilance, noting that the convenience and anonymity of on line spaces have led to new vulnerabilities. “People often assume that what happens on the Internet is invisible. But, just as in public, our actions on line have real world consequences. Education and preparation are the front lines of protection.”Her expertise extends to complex topics such as the intersection of regulation, personal responsibility, and the global digital economy. Dr. Burton recognizes the challenges posed by limited regulation around emerging technologies such as AI, while also underscoring the vital role of citizen engagement: “We can’t expect change to happen in a vacuum. Raising our voices, staying informed, and demanding accountability are key, both from ourselves and from the systems we rely upon.”Through decades of teaching, consulting, and research, Dr. Burton has become a trusted resource for navigating the fast-changing world of cybersecurity and AI. Her advice is as pragmatic as it is encouraging: seek out education, ask questions about new technologies, and treat digital self-defense with the same seriousness we bring to physical safety.A strong proponent of empowerment through education, Dr. Burton advocates for continuous skill-building for industry leaders, students, and everyday citizens alike. She encourages learners to take advantage of data privacy courses at community centers and colleges, to ask detailed questions about the cyber features of everyday appliances, and to embrace change as an opportunity for growth rather than a source of anxiety.While she acknowledges the frustrations many feel about privacy, data breaches, and the role of major tech companies, Dr. Burton’s message is ultimately positive: “We are living in an era of constant change. Instead of resisting it, we can choose to be proactive by protecting ourselves, learning new things, and using our voices to shape the future we want.”Dr. Burton’s story is also an allegory to the power of mentorship and community. Inspired by the extraordinary women in her life (educators, community leaders, and family members who prized resilience and lifelong learning), she brings these same values to her students and colleagues, encouraging all to move forward with curiosity, courage, and an eye on the future.With expertise in areas ranging from artificial intelligence and cyber crime to strategic leadership and diversity, Dr. Sharon L. Burton stands at the forefront of today’s digital transformation, reminding us that adaptability, education, and vigilance are our strongest tools in this complex world.For more information about Sharon L. Burton, PhD please visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsharonlburton/ and https://faculty.erau.edu/SharonL.Burton/