Presenters - International Symposium of Esoteric Studies

Scott Olsen Ph.D

Presenter

Scott Olsen, Ph.D., is emeritus professor of philosophy & religion at the College of Central Florida.

Scott Olsen Ph.D

Presenter

Scott Olsen, Ph.D., is emeritus professor of philosophy & religion (retired) at the College of Central Florida. A lifelong student of the ancient wisdom, Scott was mentored by esotericist Dr. Douglas Baker. He also studied and collaborated with geometers Keith Critchlow, John Michell and Dan Pedoe, physicists David Bohm and Mohamed El Naschie, philosopher of religion Huston Smith, mathematician Alexey Stakhov, and astronaut/mystic Edgar Mitchell. Former president of the Florida Philosophical Association, a national speaker for the Theosophical Society in the US and the UK, and regular presenter for the New York Open Center’s Esoteric Quests, Scott lectures widely on the perennial philosophy with special emphasis on Plato, the golden mean and transformative states of consciousness. Scott is the author of the award-winning international bestseller, The Golden Section: Nature’s Greatest Secret (now in nine languages), and more recently with three physicists, A Grand Unification of the Sciences, Arts & Consciousness.

Joseph Selbie

Presenter

Author of Break Through the Limits of the Brain, The Physics of God and The Yugas.

Joseph Selbie

Presenter

Joseph Selbie is the author of paradigm-changing The Physics of Miraculous Healing. A polymath, Joseph is known for creating bridges of understanding between the modern evidenced-based discoveries of science and the timeless experience-based discoveries of the mystics. He is also the author of The Physics of God, a unification of science and religion; Break Through the Limits of the Brain, neuroscientific support for spiritual experience; and The Yugas, a factual look at India’s tradition of cyclical history. He has presented at many conferences and has appeared on numerous programs including: The Chopra Well with Deepak Chopra, Coast to Coast with George Noory, Gaia’s Open Minds with Regina Meredith, and Buddha at the Gas Pump with Rick Archer. He was nominated Trailblazer of the Decade by Om Times Magazine and appears with Elizabeth Rohm in the 2014 docudrama, Finding Happiness. A dedicated Kriya yoga meditator for over fifty years, he has taught yoga, meditation, and universal experiential spirituality throughout the US and Europe. In 1975 Joseph became a member of Ananda, a spiritual movement inspired by the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda, author of Autobiography of a Yogi.

Melodi Simay Acar M.Sc.

Presenter

Bio-inspired Kinetic Architect. Melodi learns from Nature's Language and applies them as a Design Scientist.

Melodi Simay Acar M.Sc.

Presenter

Bio-inspired Kinetic Architect from Istanbul, Turkiye. She looks deep into the harmony of nature to learn ways to regenerate within Design Science-Synergetics philosophy, Sustainability and Permaculture Designer (GEN), Inventor of BiO-ToL - a self-patented efficient and variable structural system, Design Scientist (Buckminster Fuller Institute). Understanding the significance of how nature-inspired technologies bring powerful solutions to human needs, Melodi focuses on nature’s ingenuity and regenerative life processes. She teaches Bio-inspired Design courses at universities and facilitates workshops for children and adults ranging from ages 3 to 93.

Clare McCord, Ph.D

Presenter

Clare is a teacher passionate about education, leadership and health, empowering transformation.

Clare McCord, Ph.D

Presenter

Dr. Clare McCord, author of Human Renaissance, is an educator, coach, consultant, and healer with a passion for helping people to access and use their power. For over forty years, Clare has studied alternative health practices, spirituality and ancient wisdom while pursuing successful academic and corporate careers. She believes that a New Renaissance of human consciousness and creativity is underway! As a professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Clare enjoyed a unique appointment in both the College of Liberal Arts and the College of Business. Her spectrum of specialty areas includes Renaissance English literature, rhetoric, organizational communication, organizational behavior and development. She has always served as a bridge between disciplines and traditions, and been a catalyst for change. Her commitment to helping people be more productive in life contexts spurred her to start McCord Consulting in 1990, through which she continues to provide executive coaching and consulting services to a wide range of organizational and individual clients. Clients include universities, healthcare organizations, Fortune 500 companies, government, and law enforcement, including the FBI. Clare’s wellness practice includes coaching and healing techniques. She has completed training in complimentary health modalities including Eden Energy Medicine, Pranic Healing, Touch For Health, and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). She is also a Reiki Master and a certified BodyTalk practitioner. Clare continues her volunteer work as a life-long community leader and is currently working on a podcast series and book projects which include a companion update to Human Renaissance, books based on her proprietary communication tools and methods, and a book on leadership.

Hart Steen

Presenter

Hart inspires individuals to engage with their inner voice and rediscover their Divine nature.

Hart Steen

Presenter

Hart is a thought leader with extraordinary intellectual and creative capabilities developed independently of formal training or conventional education. As the founder of The Divine Remembering, Hart channels from a greater source of wisdom, reviving timeless truths and revealing hidden connections for this unique time in history. Hart’s intuitive grasp of complex concepts and ability to connect seemingly unrelated fields allow him to innovate independently of any specific institution or ideology. Through his entrepreneurial ventures, consulting work, and personal coaching, he has gained valuable insights into humanity’s most pressing issues. Driven by a passion for profound change in what it is to be a human being and alleviate suffering, Hart empowers individuals to heal, reach their highest potential, and confidently navigate the unknown. His unconventional approach challenges the status quo, offering groundbreaking perspectives and frameworks for radical transformation supported by modern scientific discoveries and ancient wisdom. Fueled by an insatiable pursuit of truth, Hart’s extensive research and spiritual endeavors explore the intersections of science, spirit, and story, drawing from consciousness studies, neurobiology, quantum physics, mysticism/esotericism, psychology, and more. Hart inspires individuals to engage with their inner voice and rediscover their Divine nature, teaching that our story transcends the known hero’s journey to the next adventure, The Healer’s Journey.

Marcus Hayward RMN, BA (Hons)

Presenter

Marcus is a Health Care and Leadership Specialist who incorporates Metaphysical Teachings into his work.

Marcus Hayward RMN, BA (Hons)

Presenter

Marcus Hayward RMN, BA (Hons) Presenter Marcus Hayward (born 8:18pm, July 25, 1958, in Cairns, Australia) grew up in St. Albans, England. After an existential crisis, he was introduced to Douglas Baker and discovered metaphysics in 1979 while training as a psychiatric nurse. He qualified in nursing in 1982 but left the NHS to focus on metaphysical studies at Claregate College, and working on Baker’s books, lectures, and audio-visual projects over the next 2 decades. Marcus met his wife in 2000 and in 2002 had a son and returned to the NHS, quickly advancing into senior management, and achieving a ‘starred’ first-class BA (Hons) in health care policy and leadership in 2008. Marcus retired in 2024 to refocused on his metaphysical interests and share insights he has garnered through the years.

Giulia Lombardi

Presenter

Giulia is a Naturopath Therapist and a specialist in Bach Flower Remedies which she combines with Esoteric Astrology.

Giulia Lombardi

Presenter

Giulia Lombardi is a Naturopath from Terrinca, Italy, residing in the scenic Apuan Alps in Tuscany, where she runs a small farm cultivating fruits, vegetables, and herbs. As a therapist, Giulia specializes in Bach Flower Remedies and Esoteric Astrology. While she has gained extensive knowledge of Dr. Edward Bach's herbal remedies through dedicated study, her most profound insights come from her personal observations and experiences with the remedy flowers in their natural, wild environment. A qualified hiking guide, Giulia has a deep connection to nature, offering her a unique understanding of the true essences and vibrational qualities of these healing herbs

Dieter Gedeik

Presenter

Through his studies of Metaphysics, Dieter’s life purpose, to inspire and educate by, “Spreading the sacred word.”

Dieter Gedeik

Presenter

Dieter Gedeik Presenter Dieter Gedeik was born 1943 during WWII in Germany. He is a published Author and has written and created five HD Videos and established his website www.douglasbaker.org. In addition to his own work, the website makes available over 500 audio lectures, 75 lecture videos and links to 180 eBooks written by his teacher and mentor Dr. Douglas M. Baker MD, and distributed in 10 major languages world-wide. Dieter has lectured both in the US and Canada. His interest in Metaphysics started at age nine when he began reading what little was available in Germany at that time. At thirteen he was profoundly inspired by reading the German translation of Paramahansa Yogananda’s autobiography. Five years later, he emigrated to New York with one small suitcase, a tool box, a few dollars, and little English. He embraced his new life in America and at age 21 was drafted into the US Army and spent a tour fighting in Vietnam. Afterwards, he settled on Oahu, Hawaii, where he spent half of his professional life in electronics engineering and the other half managing Hi-Tech companies. His career allowed him to live and work in the Far East and Europe, where he met his English wife in Spain. By age 26 he had read most of the Metaphysical classics: Cayce, Leadbeater, Bailey, Bessant, Blavatsky, etc. In Honolulu he studied for three years with the Aquarian Foundation led by the physical phenomenon Medium, K. M. Reinhart. He also recorded, filmed and conducted stringent tests upon the Medium. It was there, where he met Dr. Douglas M. Baker from England, who was on a US nationwide Metaphysical lecture tour. In 1987, Dieter with his wife and son moved for two and a half years to England, where he completed a Metaphysics course at Claregate College and worked and studied with Dr. Baker. In 2009 he completed a two year “Metaphysics Leadership Training” course by Lucille Cedercrans. It is Dieter’s purpose in this life, to inspire and educate by, “Spreading the sacred word.” He recently moved with his wife of 54 years to Virginia to be closer to family.

Rebecca Dingle

Presenter

Rebecca is a Seven Ray Psychologist, integrating Somatic Experiencing and Transformational Teachings.

Rebecca Dingle

Presenter

In 1975, Rebecca met Dr. Baker and, two years later, joined his team in England to assist with preparations for the opening of Claregate College in September 1977. During her decade at Claregate, she played a key role in supporting Dr. Baker with Ray Analyses, Astrology classes, and the Claregate Metaphysics Correspondence Course. Upon returning to the United States, Rebecca continued to expand her knowledge and practice of Dr. Baker's teachings, integrating Somatic Experiencing and the Christian transformational teachings as developed and advanced by Cynthia Bourgeault.

Judy Stamper, MA, LMHC

Presenter

Judy is a counselor passionate about the history and use of sound frequencies to facilitate healing.

Judy Stamper, MA, LMHC

Presenter

Judy Stamper is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor serving clients in Volusia County, Florida since 1986. With focus and commitment to mental wellness in her community, she established her private practice in 1990. Before her counseling career, Judy played piano in a ragtime band touring NATO bases throughout the Mediterranean and numerous US cities. These extensive travels led her towards her calling to become a counselor. She has had a lifelong interest in spiritual and esoteric studies. In 2012, while participating in a shamanic retreat, Judy had a profound experience with the healing power of sound using crystal bowls. This inspired her to incorporate sound healing with traditional counseling; she has developed a client-centric, customized method combining sound frequencies and guided meditations. This method provides transformative therapeutic benefits and deepens her dedication to exploring the healing power of sound.

Jeff Dunphy

Presenter

Professor of Metaphysics and Esoteric Scientist. Jeff is a student and teacher of Ancient Wisdom Traditions.

Jeff Dunphy

Presenter

Jeff Dunphy, Professor of Metaphysics and Esoteric Scientist. Jeff is a student and teacher of Ancient Wisdom Traditions that have been passed down through the ages. Jeff holds a Master’s degree in Metaphysics and is a teacher, philosopher, and healer. He has travelled the earth in pursuit of Wisdom teachings that have been prophesied to contribute to the emancipation of humanity. He is directed to share these teachings with those who have eyes to see and ears to hear. The message of the Ancient Wisdom is profoundly simple and eternally deep – through meditation, study, and service one can integrate the soul or genius into the personality and become an exquisitely directed instrument of the Divine. As we begin to live purposeful lives utilizing the Ancient Truths, we begin the journey of bringing Heaven to Earth. Jeff is the founder and director of Retooling the World. He is intimately engaged in the teachings and legacy of Douglas M. Baker and the Claregate College and a graduate of same.

Charlene R Johnson, B.Mph

Presenter/Organiser

Charlene is an Author, Certified Archetypal Consultant & Professional Astrologer working in Central Florida.

Charlene R Johnson, B.Mph

Presenter/Organiser

Charlene R Johnson, a life-long student of astrology even as she wore many different career hats, turned a hobby into a career after meeting Dr. Douglas Baker and sensing the magnitude and importance of the Esoteric Sciences. She started SkyDance Astrology in the auspicious year of 2000 and has been working with clients and students and collaborating with other Claregate graduates from all over the world ever since. Currently living in central Florida, she continues to expand her vision of all that the metaphysical sciences can bring to the world.

Dr. Tracey Arbour DPM, ABPOPPM

Presenter

Tracey transitioned from podiatry to integrative medicine, specializing in esoteric healing and metaphysics.

Dr. Tracey Arbour DPM, ABPOPPM

Presenter

Tracey A.M. Arbour, DPM, ABPOPPM Dr. Tracey Arbour was born in Dearborn, Michigan and is a graduate of Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine [Chicago, Illinois]. She completed her Podiatric Surgical Residency at Detroit Central Hospital and moved to Alexandria, Louisiana opening a private practice at St. Frances Cabrini Hospital. She held committee positions at both SFCH as well as the Central Louisiana Ambulatory Surgery Center and coordinated Continuing Education Programs for the State of Louisiana Podiatric Medical Association where she also served on their Professional Peer Review Committee. After starting her family, she returned home to Michigan. There she became an Attending Physician at the John Dingle VA Medical Center in Detroit training Podiatric Medicine and Podiatric Surgical Residents. She was active in the S.E. Division of the Michigan Podiatric Medical Association where she held an officer position for several years. As fate would have it, in 1997, her medical career came to a premature end due to an occupational health condition. This lead her from conventional allopathic medicine to whole-health integrative and complementary medicine. She completed the Claregate College Correspondence Course in England, training in the Ancient Wisdom Teachings, Metaphysics and the Esoteric Sciences. She is a founding member of the Michigan Chapter of the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine (AIHM) and practices Esoteric Healing through Fields of Consciousness. Trained in Energy Balancing by Numbers, the Lloyd Mear Method she hosted clinics for Lloyd Mear throughout Michigan in conjunction and cooperation with the Ann Arbor Community Group of IONS [Institute of Noetic Sciences]. She has held advisory and consulting position in the Michigan Chapter of the AIHM as well as The Energy Medicine Research Institute in Michigan where she assisted in research endeavors through Oakland University [in Auburn Hills Michigan]. Currently, she is continuing the legacy of Douglas Baker B.A., M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P. and Claregate College by coordinating with Claregate graduates preparing a Dictionary of Medical Astrology. She enjoys spending time with family, friends and hanging out at ‘the barn’ with her favorite horses.

Dave Scott

Presenter

Dave has long been fascinated by dream symbols and the deeper spiritual significance they convey.

Dave Scott

Presenter

Dave spent 6 intense years working directly with Douglas Baker from 1974 through 1979. Through those years I did more than 30 transatlantic crossings helping with his lecture tours across Canada and the United States. In 1977 Claregate College was born and a team of people began to show up. This core group helped DB’s work blossom with his books and audio lectures starting to catch hold. In December 1979 I was denied entry back into the UK as Margaret Thatcher's immigration policy didn’t want Americans taking UK jobs, so my life radically changed away from the core group working with Baker. I began a custom building business for the next 40 years whilst keeping inner disciplines going using meditation, dream work and active imagination. In 1997 I entered Jungian analysis with Tess Castleman in Dallas, Texas which helped me integrate my inner esoteric work and have the advantage of a trained analyst which offers insight and perspectives on any “blind spots” regarding personal growth. In my presentation I will give anecdotes and considerations toward applying what I have learned from working directly with Douglas Baker. I will also talk about Dr. Baker’s focus toward reviving the new Esoteric Astrology which became his main work all the way until the end of his long life.

David Zimmerman B.Mph

Presenter

David Zimmerman is a lifelong student of the Ageless Wisdom, a lecturer and writer on Esoteric subjects.

David Zimmerman B.Mph

Presenter

David Zimmerman B.Mph is an Artist and former General Motors Executive. A graduate of Claregate College of England and Vietnam War Veteran. A lifelong student of the Ageless Wisdom Teachings. David provides new insights suitable for our times. He is a sought after lecturer and also a producer and generous supporter of educational videos and writings on Esoteric subjects throughout the United States, England and Australia and South Africa. A Theosophists of over 50 years standing

Arturo Cuscó

Presenter

Arturo Cuscó, media specialist & author of Celestial Music: Mind, Sentience & Divine Tales.

Arturo Cuscó

Presenter

Arturo Cuscó, media specialist & writer, published the scientific & spiritual Musical Heliospheres Theory of Mind & Sentience in his May 2021 book: Celestial Music: Mind, Sentience, & Divine Tales. Through stories & science journalism, he explores the nature of consciousness, somatic psychology, & the ethics of health monitoring. With 500 hours of Teacher Training, Mr. Cuscó is also a student of yoga who specializes in empowering the speech center & cultivating flow, chi, or prana. Distinguished scholars of neuroscience, astrophysics & religious studies are almost finished with the academic reviews of his 1st Celestial Music book. 2025’s publications includes the post-academic-review edition of his 2021 title, and the sequel, Celestial Music 2: Bioelectricity & Galactic Voyage. Scholarly Reviewers of CM Theory Prof. Tony Goodson: Physics Ph.D. from Washington University, with focus on theoretical astrophysics; Bachelor Science degrees from University of Oklahoma in both Aerospace & Electrical Engineering; Co-Founder & Chief Engineer of OneRadio Corp., which builds low frequency radar technologies. Prof. Arnaud Delorme, PhD: neuroscientist at IONS, a CNRS Research Director in Toulouse, France, & a senior Research Scientist at the University of California; has authored over 160 publications, & specialized in statistical analysis of EEGs; Author of Why Our Minds Wander: Understand the Science & Learn to Focus Your Thoughts. Dr. Vedran Obućina is a Doctor of Philosophy in History (University of Regensburg 2021), with a Master in Divinity (Old-Catholic Seminary 2020); Holds a Master of Arts (MA) in Comparative Political Science (University of Zagreb 2007) & throughout his career has specialized in topics of Theology, Philosophy, Christian Theology, Inter-Religious Dialogue, & Ethics.

Alan Boxall

Presenter/Organiser

Alan is a professional Astrologer with a lifelong interest in Metaphysics and the role of Astrology in the modern world.

Alan Boxall

Presenter/Organiser

Alan Boxall is a seasoned professional astrologer and company director with a diverse background spanning several industries. Born in a small village in the south of England, Alan’s journey has taken him from working in farming, construction to becoming a photo finish operator in horse racing to thriving in video production as a cameraman and editor. His deep interest in astrology blossomed under the mentorship of Dr. Douglas Baker at Claregate College in England, where he studied and honed his skills accompanying Dr Baker on numerous lecture tours. Alan's passion for astrology eventually became his profession, allowing him to travel across Europe and the United States. Alan’s career is a testament to his ability to evolve, adapt, and pursue his interests with unwavering dedication. Whether working behind the camera or analysing a horoscope, his unique blend of skills and experiences has shaped a fascinating and multifaceted life.

Aryel Sanat, M.A. Thesis in Philosophy

Presenter

Aryel is the author of The Analytical Fallacy, The Inner Life of Krishnamurti: Private Passion and Perennial Wisdom; Dawn of a New Era: Krishnamurti and the Wisdom Explosion in the American Age

Aryel Sanat, M.A. Thesis in Philosophy

Presenter

Aryel Sanat, author of The Analytical Fallacy (M.A. thesis in philosophy); The Inner Life of Krishnamurti: Private Passion and Perennial Wisdom; Dawn of a New Era: Krishnamurti and the Wisdom Explosion in the American Age; and the soon-to-be-published Blavatsky for Adults: A primer on the lifestyle and transvictorian prerequisites for beginning a serious study of Blavatsky’s transformative insights. Aryel is a retired professor of philosophy and religion at the American University in Washington D.C. An active TS member since 1963, he’s always emphasized the perennial primacy of the esoteric. The esoteric is what happens in theosophical (transpersonal-transanalytical) states of awareness. Such states consist of a major spiritual-psychological transformation, and are totally unrelated to rituals, to what one believes in or what one has read. That transformation is essential in order to understand a truer significance of any and all exoteric “teachings." Unfortunately, it is precisely such exoteric “teachings” that many have erroneously assumed to be what they mistakenly call “Theosophy.” Aryel has lectured, taught, and participated in dialogues on esoteric issues nationally and internationally since 1964.

Scott Olsen Ph.D

Joseph Selbie

Melodi Simay Acar M.Sc.

Clare McCord, Ph.D

Hart Steen

Marcus Hayward RMN, BA (Hons)

Giulia Lombardi

Dieter Gedeik

Rebecca Dingle

Judy Stamper, MA, LMHC

Jeff Dunphy

Charlene R Johnson, B.Mph

Dr. Tracey Arbour DPM, ABPOPPM

Dave Scott

David Zimmerman B.Mph

Arturo Cuscó

Alan Boxall

Aryel Sanat, M.A. Thesis in Philosophy

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