2025 Guest Speakers

Founder-Host: Roaring Lion Ranch & Retreat

In 2016, Christina Yoc set out to transform a 10-acre property in the Midwest into something more than just a working farm — she envisioned a place where people could reconnect with nature and rediscover the value of simple, intentional living.

A graduate of Purdue University’s Krannert School of Business, Christina brings over 20 years of experience in veterinary medicine and business management. With a natural entrepreneurial spirit and a deep love for following her passions, she has blended her professional background with her personal values to create something truly unique.

Her deep love for animals, the land, and lifelong learning laid the foundation for what would become Roaring Lion Ranch.

Guided by a passion for holistic living, a heart for helping others, and a desire to inspire, Christina created the Ranch as a space to slow down, unplug, and get back to basics — all while embracing the balance between modern life and natural simplicity.

Event Host: Soil Food

Sid Stanton is the creative force behind Soil Food, a Central Illinois–based family business she co-founded in 2015 alongside Ed Gonet. What began as a humble basement experiment soon blossomed into a thriving commercial worm farm supporting gardens, orchards, and farms around the globe. Sid brings her passion for ecological soil health to life by producing 100% pure worm castings—natural, nutrient-rich fertilizer she affectionately calls “worm poo.” A featured guest on NPR Illinois, Sid emphasizes educating others on how to grow healthy soil and build a sustainable future nprillinois.org+3nprillinois.org+3instagram.com+3.

In addition to Soil Food, Sid runs Sid Stanton Design in Petersburg, IL, where she channels her artistic eye and entrepreneurial spirit into community-enhancing design projects. Whether it's elevating a backyard ecosystem or refreshing a local space, Sid’s creativity and dedication are evident in every endeavor.

A lifelong gardener and eco-advocate, Sid believes in the power of small, thoughtful actions to spark big change. At Roaring Lion Ranch, she helps guests cultivate curiosity, connection, and hands-on learning—from worm-friendly composting to beautiful, meaningful design.

Guest Speaker: McCaffrey Health Center

Guest Speaker – Dr. Sean McCaffrey

Dr. Sean McCaffrey is a renowned holistic healthcare practitioner with over 20 years of experience in restoring health and wellness. As the founder of McCaffrey Health Center in Springfield, Illinois, he developed the McCaffrey Method, an integrative approach combining chiropractic care, functional neurology, nutritional therapy, and various traditional healing modalities. drseanmccaffrey.com+2Engage+2McCaffrey Health+2

Dr. McCaffrey holds a Doctorate of Chiropractic and post-doctoral licenses in Digestive and Internal Health. He was among the first physicians in the U.S. to be certified as an Internal Health Specialist. McCaffrey Health+6McCaffrey Health+6McCaffrey Health+6

A passionate educator and speaker, Dr. McCaffrey has lectured at over 100 venues nationwide, including the National Arthritis Foundation and Logan University. He also hosts weekly health segments on local media, such as "Wellness Wednesday" on Fox 55 and "House Calls" on Sports Radio 1450. McCaffrey Health+1McCaffrey Health+1McCaffrey Health+2McCaffrey Health+2McCaffrey Health+2

At the retreat, Dr. McCaffrey will share insights into the body's stress responses and offer practical strategies for achieving balance and vitality through natural health practices.

Guest Speaker: CBD Botanicals

Jim Weddigen is the founder of CBD Botanicals, a trusted provider of premium hemp products committed to wellness and education. With over 17 years of experience in pharmaceutical and pulmonary healthcare, Jim brings a unique blend of scientific expertise and practical knowledge to his work with plant medicine.

At this retreat, Jim will break down how CBD and THC interact with the human body, specifically focusing on the endocannabinoid system—a crucial network that helps regulate pain, mood, sleep, and immune response. Drawing from his extensive background, Jim offers clear, evidence-based insights into how cannabinoids can support natural healing and enhance overall wellbeing.

Whether you’re exploring natural alternatives for stress management, pain relief, or general health, Jim’s approachable presentation will equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about integrating hemp-based remedies into your lifestyle.

Join Jim for an engaging session to uncover the science behind CBD and THC and learn how these powerful plant compounds work to restore balance and promote health.

Guest Speaker – Damon Bridges

Professional Medium

Damon Bridges is a highly regarded psychic medium based in Springfield, Illinois, known for his compassionate presence, grounded approach, and powerful intuitive insights. With years of experience connecting individuals with loved ones who have passed, Damon creates a space that is both healing and affirming.

Through his gallery-style readings and one-on-one sessions, Damon delivers messages of hope, guidance, and clarity — helping others find peace, validation, and a deeper connection to the spiritual world. His work is rooted in sincerity, empathy, and a true desire to help others navigate life’s journey with greater understanding.

At this retreat, Damon will offer an optional after-hours gallery reading, where attendees are invited to experience an evening of meaningful spiritual connection in a calm and welcoming setting. Whether you’re simply curious or seeking something deeper, Damon’s energy is one of comfort, authenticity, and insight.

Guest Speaker – Steve Epley

Steve Epley is co-owner of LevelUp Seed & Garden Supply, with locations in East Peoria and Springfield, IL. Founded in 2021 alongside his wife Ashley, LevelUp has quickly become a go-to destination for gardeners of all levels—particularly those interested in growing their own food, medicinal mushrooms, or cannabis with confidence Illinois Times+2eastpeoriavoice.com+2Facebook+2Facebook+9eastpeoriavoice.com+9Alignable+9.

A lifelong gardening enthusiast and former union carpenter, steamfitter, and pipefitter, Steve brings a hands-on, problem-solving mindset to every interaction eastpeoriavoice.com. He’s deeply committed to education over sales, often guiding customers in person and even visiting their homes to help optimize growing conditions .

Steve has a particular passion for organic grow mediums, plant nutrition, and holistic plant health. At this retreat, he’ll demystify the differences between grow mediums and teach you how to read plant signals to assess health, so you can cultivate your own food with clarity and confidence.

Expect practical insights, supportive guidance, and a warm, friendly approach rooted in real-world experience. Steve is dedicated to helping every gardener "level up" their skills and deepen their connection to the soil and the food it produces.

Seed Germination Specialist

We’re honored to welcome multiple guest speakers with deep expertise in seed germination and genetics. With years of hands-on experience in both cultivation and plant research, they have worked to either preserve original, untampered cannabis strains & also have a role in the genetic building blocks of today’s medicinal varieties.

With multiple approaches, their combined knowledge & expertise extends beyond the garden. These speakers will explore how specific heirloom strains can play a critical role in symptom management, from chronic pain and inflammation to anxiety and neurological conditions—when used with intention and respect as plant-based medicine rather than recreational use.

At the retreat, this rare and insightful session will cover: Best practices for germinating seeds naturally and successfully. Understanding landrace lineage and why it matters. The connection between strain profile, cannabinoid expression, and therapeutic outcomes

If you’re curious about growing your own medicine, preserving seed genetics, or using cannabis in a more mindful, informed way, this is a can’t-miss conversation—delivered by someone who lives and breathes plant integrity from the soil up.

Guest Speaker: Off-Grid Living Expert | Big Guy in a Tiny House

Neil Ruffolo, the driving force behind Big Guy in a Tiny House, brings real-world expertise in creating sustainable, off-grid living environments. Known for his practical DIY solutions and hands-on approach, Neil has inspired countless viewers with his YouTube series that explores life beyond the grid.

At the retreat, Neil will dive into essential off-grid systems and techniques, covering:

Off-Grid Lighting: kerosene, oil, propane lanterns; rechargeable battery cans; solar lighting

Solar Power Components: solar panels, charge controllers, inverters, and battery banks

Cooking Without Electricity: wood stoves, white‑gas and propane stoves, alcohol burners, and butane options

Neil’s approachable teaching style makes even complex systems easy to understand and replicate. He’s passionate about empowering individuals to build reliable, self-sufficient setups—whether you're preparing for emergencies, aiming for sustainability, or dreaming of a simpler lifestyle.

Join Neil to gain confidence in setting up off-grid lighting, solar power, and cooking systems that support your independence and connection to the land.