Meet Joy’s Guests
Hover over each photo to read guests’ bios, as they were the day they were featured!
Matt Harms is a long-time Newscast Director at WJXT-TV. He holds an Associate's degree in Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology.
Matt Harms
Recent Amputee
Dan Nevins led an extensive career with the United States Army National Guard, joining right after high school. In 2004, Dan deployed to Balad, Iraq, as a squad leader where an IED detonated beneath his vehicle, resulting in a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and eventually the amputation of both his legs. In 2009, Dan joined the Wounded Warrior Project® team.
Dan Nevins
Retired Army veteran, double amputee, motivational speaker
Carol Visconti, LMHC, LPC, is Associate Clinical Director at Baptist Health, overseeing Behavioral Health services and intern training. Since joining in 2015, she launched the Bridge Program and led the Collaborative Care Model. She holds a BS in Accounting and an MA in Clinical-Counseling Psychology. Before her mental health career, Carol ran a payroll service. She relocated to Florida in 2014 after eight years in New Jersey’s mental health field.
Carol Visconti
Licensed Mental Health Counselor | Baptist Health, Jacksonville FL
Nikki Celso
Career caregiver
Yessica Marshall, a licensed clinical social worker and Social Services Manager at Baptist Health, holds a bachelor's in communication disorders and an MSW from Boston University. She has experience in hospice care, dementia case management, and leadership at Baptist Health. Her immigrant background and commitment to families guide her work in social care.
Yessica Marshall
Licensed clinical social worker |Baptist Health, Jacksonville FL
Barbra Walker
Domestic violence survivor
Dr. Gail A. Patin, LCSW, is the CEO of Hubbard House, Inc., the domestic violence center for Duval and Baker counties in Northeast Florida. Before becoming CEO in 2017, she held leadership roles at Hubbard House for nearly 20 years, including 14 as COO. She also served as CEO of Harbor House in Orlando. Dr. Patin holds a doctorate from the University of North Florida and an MSW from the University of South Carolina. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker, she has developed innovative programs for domestic violence survivors that have been replicated statewide.
Dr. Gail Patin
CEO | Hubbard House, Jacksonville FL
Dr. Knuckley studies the Protein Arginine Methyltransferases (PRMTs), a family of enzymes involved in adding methyl groups to arginine residues in proteins. Dysregulated arginine methylation plays a key role in diseases like cardiovascular disease and cancer, making PRMTs important therapeutic targets. His lab develops high-throughput methods to explore substrate specificity in this enzyme family to aid in novel drug development.
Dr. Knuckley also researches guanidinium-modifying enzymes (GMEs), focusing on agmatine deiminase (AgD), which is expressed in pathogenic bacteria and may contribute to acid resistance and immune response enhancement.
Dr. Bryan Knuckley
Professor/Chair of Chemistry & Biochemistry | College of Arts & Sciences (COAS)
My research focuses on studying secreted factors in microenvironment of both normal and neoplastic cells. I study the role of these secreted factors on a cell's interaction both with the other surrounding cells and the organism as a whole. I am especially interested in the development of targeted drug therapies for cancer that minimize side effects for normal cells. I work with both natural products and their derivatives, like Saffron and Turmeric as well as with lab-engineered targeted therapies like Galectin-3 and PRMT inhibitor peptoids and examine their anticancer properties and mechanism of action.
Dr. Fatima Rehman
Associate Lecturer
Biology | College of Arts & Sciences (COAS)
Dr. Corey Causey is a chemistry and biochemistry associate professor at UNF, and part of a team seeking a second patent for a possible cancer-fighting drug.
Dr. Corey Causey
Associate Professor of
Chemistry & Biochemistry | College of Arts & Sciences (COAS)
Joshua C. Gellers, PhD, is a Professor and Director of the MA in International Affairs Program at the University of North Florida, and a Research Fellow with the Earth System Governance Project. His research focuses on environmental politics, rights, and technology, with work published in numerous peer-reviewed journals. He also runs Enviro Rights Map, a Google Maps-based site cataloging global constitutional environmental rights. Gellers is the author of The Global Emergence of Constitutional Environmental Rights (2017) and Rights for Robots: Artificial Intelligence, Animal and Environmental Law (2020).
Dr. Joshua Gellers
Political Science Professor, AI expert |
University of North Florida
Vena Patton was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and has been an active participant in Alzheimer's walks for the past 14 years–ever since her mother received the same diagnosis.
Vena Patton
Living with Alzheimer’s
Dr. Philip W. Tipton is an assistant professor and senior associate consultant in Neurology at Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL. He specializes in treating movement and neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson’s and gait abnormalities. He leads the MCF Movement and Gait Labs and offers treatments like botulinum toxin injections and deep brain stimulation.
Dr. Tipton's research focuses on improving diagnosis and treatment of movement disorders through technology. He also educates students and serves as Associate Program Director for the Behavioral Neurology Fellowship, regularly lecturing to promote public health education.
Dr. Philip Tipton
Neurologist | Mayo Clinic,
Jacksonville FL
Stefanie Wardlow holds degrees in gerontology and adult education. She has been with the Alzheimer’s Association Florida chapters since 2005 and currently serves as a senior program manager of quality initiatives. She oversees statewide outreach and awareness initiatives including managing the Brain Bus program. Stefanie has been named an Alzheimer’s Association research champion for Florida, serving as a content expert to inform the community about the current state of Alzheimer's and dementia research.
Stefanie Wardlow
FL Alzheimer’s Association
Lakesha Burton spent 24 years with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, was the first black woman in Jacksonville to run for sheriff, was a local TV News Crime and Safety Analyst, and was appointed to Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan’s cabinet as the Director of Community Initiatives. Lakesha is now focused on caring for her husband, Greg, who suffered a debilitating stroke that resulted in his being diagnosed with global aphasia.
Lakesha Burton
Community Leader | Jacksonville, FL
Dr. Q, M.D., serves as chair of the Department of Neurologic Surgery at Mayo Clinic's campus in Florida, and he is recognized with the distinction of a named professorship, the William J. and Charles H. Mayo Professorship. In addition to his clinical activities, Dr. Quinones-Hinojosa leads NIH-funded research to find a cure for brain cancer. He has authored numerous high-impact scientific journal articles, chapters, abstracts and books.
Dr. Alfredo Quinones-Hinojosa (Dr. Q)
Chair, Neurologic Surgery Dept. | Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville FL
Kenny Krebs
Business Owner | “The Carpenter” Movie Executive Producer & Co-
Screenwriter
John Delaney served as mayor of Jacksonville, Florida, from 1995 to 2003, and as the president of the University of North Florida from 2003 to 2018. In 2021, he was named President of Flagler College after a few months as Interim.
John Delaney
Flagler College President | St. Augustine, FL
Former Mayor of Jacksonville FL
John Peyton is president of Gate Petroleum. He served as Mayor of Jacksonville, Florida from 2003 to 2011. In 2016, Peyton was elected as the 2018 JAX Chamber Board of Directors chairman.
John Peyton
Business Owner | Former Mayor of Jacksonville, FL
Christian Miller is a track and field athlete from St. Johns County, Florida who competes as a sprinter. In July 2023, he ran 10.06 seconds for the 100 metres as a high school junior, an U18 World Record. The following season, he lowered his personal best to 9.93 seconds. On October 15, 2024, Miller announced that he would forgo a collegiate career and go pro, having signed several professional contracts with big name brands like Puma and Oakley.
Christian Miller
Pro Track Athlete | St. Johns County FL
Kym Castillo is a passionate, long-time volunteer with the Sea Turtle Patrol Hilton Head Island (STPHHI), an organization that plays a crucial role in monitoring and protecting sea turtles and their hatchlings on Hilton Head Island through beach monitoring, nest relocation, and public education and outreach.
Kym Castillo
Sea Turtle Patrol | Hilton Head Island, SC
Madison Schemitz survived a near fatal stabbing by her ex-boyfriend that left her partially paralyzed from the chest down. She has since regained much of her mobility after more than a year in rehab. She is strongly supported by her family, friends, and the entire St. Johns County community.
Madison Schemitz
Domestic Violence Survivor | College Student
Brad Satcher is a skilled woodworker, and the owner of The Patriot's Barn, where he creates his one-of-a-kind handmade wooden flags. His patriotic works of art are coveted by famed politicians, military families, and law enforcement nationwide.
Brad Satcher
Business Owner | Woodworker
After experiencing violence on the streets as an "enforcer" in a New York gang, Doctor Garland Scott now dedicates his life to helping ex-offenders and those fleeing gang life. Garland is presently the Outreach and Support Manager for the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, a division of investigations under the Jacksonville Violence Reduction Strategy. Garland is also the founder of Operation Safe Passage, a faith and community-based organization helping high risk individuals start a fresh life.
Dr. Garland Scott
Pastor | Founder of Operation Safe Passage and The Noah’s Ark
Randy Lefko is an award winning sports photographer for the Clay Today newspaper. Randy studied photojournalism at the University of Alabama. For 40+ years, he has captured the defining moments of an athlete's spirit at all kinds of sporting events. He is also passionate about mentoring young photographers.
Randy Lefko
Sports Photographer
Caeleb Dressel is an Olympic swimmer known for the 100-meter freestyle and 100-meter butterfly. He has broken numerous world records and earned 10 Olympic medals, nine of which were gold. Caeleb comes from a family of swimmers and began swimming at a young age. At Clay High School he set multiple national high school records, and met his future wife who was also a swimmer.
Caeleb Dressel
Olympic Swimmer
Pat and David Balanky got married in 1954. David worked in law enforcement and as a private investigator. After raising their three children, the couple focused on Pat's nursing career. The two have taken on countless adventures in life, including several mission trips to help those in need in Haiti.
Pat & David Balanky
Married 70 Years
Jen Fortune is a licensed mental health counselor with 18 years of experience in private practice and prior experience in corporate training and consulting. In 2007 Jen earned her master’s degree in counseling psychology at the University of North Florida. As a professional therapist, Jen provides support and empowerment to individuals and couples by enhancing their cognitive skills, natural strengths, and coping strategies.
Jennifer Fortune
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Cdr. Erica Weber
JSO Commander
Dr. Erin Joy is a visionary entrepreneur, business psychologist, and CEO of Erin Joy Companies. With decades of experience in entrepreneurship, business strategy, and executive coaching, she empowers business owners to overcome challenges and reach their full potential. Dr. Joy is a sought-after speaker, consultant, and the founder of multiple successful ventures. As an author and adjunct professor, she helps entrepreneurs achieve lasting success through coaching, strategy, and mindset transformation.
Dr. Erin Joy
Business Psychologist | Entrepreneur | CEO
As a single mother of three, Londeshua Kendrick made the life-changing decision to adopt her 7 nephews to keep them out of the foster care system and ensure they had a stable, loving home. Londeshua openly discusses the challenges of raising 10 children—managing schedules, finances, and emotional needs.
Londeshua Kendrick
Mother of 10 Kids
Lauren Guion currently serves as the Adoption and ICPC/OTI Supervisor at The LJD Jewish Family & Community Services in Jacksonville, FL, where she leads a team of adoption coordinators and family services counselors. Lauren oversees caseloads, reviews legal records, and provides guidance on complex dependency cases.
Lauren Guion
Adoption and ICPC/OTI Supervisor | The LJD Jewish Family & Community Services
Olympian Poe Pinson, a skilled skateboarder from Fernandina Beach, FL, began skating at age 4. She gained recognition with top finishes at Dew Tour and X Games in 2019. In 2024, Poe qualified for the Paris Olympics, finishing 5th in Women’s Street. Known for her love of skating over winning, she is sponsored by several large companies including Nike SB.
Poe Pinson
Olympic Skateboarder
Allen Weiss, MPT, ATC/L, is a seasoned physical therapist and certified athletic trainer based in Clay County, Florida. His career began in 1997. He co-owns Preferred Physical Therapy, where he oversees daily clinical operations and patient care. Allen's commitment extends to the local community, having collaborated with every high school sports program in Clay County.
Allen Weiss, MPT, ATC/L
Physical Therapist | Certified Athletic Trainer
Paris Richardson is a Double Gator, earning her Bachelor’s in Public Health and soon her Master’s in Health Administration from UF. A passionate health equity advocate, she combines academic work, internships, and research to uplift her community. Paris is also a UF cheerleader, member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and former Miss UF and Miss Northeast Florida. Through the Miss America Organization, she’s earned more than $15,000 in scholarships and promotes her initiative, Paris’s Pals, to advance community wellness.
Paris Richardson
Miss Gainesville | Student | Community Advocate
Suzie is a dynamic and results-driven engagement and business professional with over three decades of experience in employee relations, culture transformation, and strategic partnership development. She is passionate about creating thriving workplaces, fostering employee well-being, and aligning organizational values with business objectives.
Suzie Pollak Becker
Strategic Business & Community Engagement Specialist
Rebecca Davis, is the Founding Executive Director of R.E.S.T.O.R.E., a program that helps formerly incarcerated women transition back into society. Her passion for social justice and deep understanding of these women’s challenges informs her work in providing them with the support, resources, and guidance they need to rebuild their lives.
Rebecca Davis
Founding Executive Director of R.E.S.T.O.R.E.
Linda Edell is the current chairwoman of the Jacksonville Ladies, a group of Ladies that volunteer at the Jacksonville National Cemetery. Their mission is "no veteran will be buried alone at Jacksonville National Cemetery". Linda was married to a Vietnam veteran and has been with the Ladies for 9 years, serving as chairwoman for the past 5 years.
Linda Edell
Chairwoman of the Jacksonville Ladies
Laurel Day is a Florida State University student set to graduate in the Fall, 2025 with a hospitality and tourism degree. She was on Landis Green during the FSU campus shooting in April, 2025 and actively warned others to run during the shooting. Deeply connected to her campus community and faith, Laurel demonstrated remarkable composure and mental clarity during the traumatic event.
Laurel Day
FSU Student | Campus Shooting Survivor
Melissa Warren is a Clay County, FL wife and mother. She plays a key role as the daughter and manager of the family-owned restaurant & coffeehouse, The Urban Bean Coffeehouse Cafe. A routine annual mammogram—encouraged by her husband—led to the diagnosis of a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer called triple negative. After aggressive rounds of chemotherapy & radiation, Melissa has tested negative for the cancer and is on a mission to advocate for early mammogram screenings.
Melissa Warren
Breast Cancer Survivor
Matt Kennedy is a 30-year veteran firefighter in Jacksonville, FL. His wife Cheryl has served as a nurse for more than 26 years, currently serving as a hospital ER nurse manager for Baker County (FL) Medical Services. Together, they were off duty when they save 2 people from a burning SUV involved in a fatal motorcycle crash. The Kennedys’ 4 children also have dedicated careers serving their community.
Matt & Cheryl Kennedy
Veteran Firefighter | ER Nurse
Sheriff Bill Leeper is a Nassau County, FL native, retired Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) Captain, and three-term Sheriff elected in 2012. A former Fernandina Beach Mayor and Minor League Baseball player drafted by the Mets, he’s also a local business owner with his wife, Emma, and published author of the book “Highway of Horror” detailing some of the horrific traffic crashes he’s seen when with FHP.
Sheriff Bill Leeper
Retired FHP Captain | Sheriff | Author
Jessie Clifton is a dance instructor in Jacksonville, FL and advocate for childhood trauma awareness. It’s been nearly 3 decades since her 8-year-old sister Maddie was murdered by their 14-year-old neighbor. Jessie is now sharing her story to inspire healing, resilience, and safety for children everywhere.
Jessie Clifton
Sister of Maddie Clifton | Voice for Healing & Awareness
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