Radio Maine with Dr. Lisa Belisle

Fashion Design and a Fresh Start: Adele Ngoy

Adele Ngoy is a fashion designer, educator, and entrepreneur who has made a profound impact on the Maine community. Originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Adele arrived in the United States in 2000 as a refugee, driven by a determination to provide a safe, supportive environment for her three young children. After several years In Portland, Adele’s passion for empowering others led her to establish the non-profit Women United Around the World. Her organization teaches sewing and helps new Mainers connect with the local community.  Still active in fashion design, Adele now owns the much beloved and well-regarded Antoine's Tailor Shop on Congress Street. Join our conversation with Adele Ngoy today on Radio Maine.

Holistic Esthetician: Nikki Fontaine

Nikki Fontaine is a visual artist and holistic skincare specialist. Formerly a high-level makeup artist working with globally recognized clients in the entertainment field, Nikki transitioned into natural and plant-based treatments after moving to Maine from New York City during the pandemic. Her journey led her to formal esthetician training. Nikki now practices at Abura Skincare, an eco-focused skincare studio in Portland, Maine, where she incorporates botanical ingredients, such as calendula and blue tansy, to promote skin health. Her unique approach includes facial sculpting, which targets muscle tension and enhances overall well-being. Join our conversation with Nikki Fontaine today on Radio Maine.

Restoration + Design: Patty Cooke

Home designer Patty Cooke brings a unique approach to her craft, applying principles from art and architecture to create harmonious spaces. Patty believes in the importance of reworking existing spaces rather than opting for new construction, believing that character and history add depth to design. Her passion for preserving historic buildings shines through in projects like the Pickering House Inn in Wolfeboro, NH. Patty strives to create environments that enhance mental well-being, incorporating original materials and thoughtful aesthetics. Join our conversation with Patty Cooke today on Radio Maine.

Interior Design Visionary: Paula Daher

Paula Hamel Daher is an accomplished interior designer and founder of Daher Interior Designs. Paula’s successful design practice draws on her educational background in civil engineering and computer science, and thrives on client collaboration. Based in Boston and Kennebunk, Maine, Paula has traveled globally, and actively sources unique local craftsmanship for her projects. Join our conversation with Paula Daher today on Radio Maine.

Portland Art Gallery Artist Mary Lynn Burke

Renowned Artist Grace DeGennaro and her Meditative Process

Grace DeGennaro is a renowned artist and educator whose work has been exhibited widely across the United States and around the world. Originally from Long Island, New York, Grace now lives in Yarmouth, Maine. She earned degrees in Fine Arts from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York and Columbia University in New York City. Grace’s work reflects a unique blend of spirituality and abstraction, deeply influenced by her Catholic upbringing and years of exploring sacred geometry. Using a meditative process, Grace creates intricate patterns and compositions that reference natural cycles, time, and space. Her artistic approach intertwines visual arts with literature, as she draws inspiration from myths, fairy tales, and her extensive reading. Join our conversation with Grace DeGennaro today on Radio Maine.

Design Savant: Vivian Beer

Vivian Beer is a renowned sculptor and furniture designer/maker originally from Bar Harbor, Maine. A graduate of the Maine College of Art in Portland and the Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, Vivian has transformed the public art landscape with her large-scale installations, including her recent work in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, titled "Woven Together." This project creatively intertwines durable materials like metal and bronze to celebrate women and evoke empathy in the community. Vivian’s work has been in many well-known institutions, including the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and the Smithsonian in Washington, DC. Vivian’s journey through the male-dominated art world and other personal experiences have shown her the importance of resilience in the face of adversity.  Join our conversation with Vivian Beer today on Radio Maine.

Advocate: Pasha Marlowe

Pasha Marlowe is the CEO of Neuro Belonging, a company dedicated to advancing neurodiversity and disability inclusion. With over 30 years of experience as a therapist and health coach, Pasha connects deeply to Maine through personal and professional ties, seeking to shift the narrative around neurodiversity in the state. Pasha emphasizes the importance of recognizing individual differences rather than conforming to a "normal" standard. The conversation highlights the need for inclusive practices in workplaces and communities, advocating for accommodations that celebrate diverse experiences. Join our conversation with Pasha Marlowe today on Radio Maine.

Dr. Todd Otten

Dr. Todd Otten is a board-certified family physician with over two decades of experience in medicine. Todd, who has ties to Maine through his past work as a naval flight surgeon, champions an approach called “Our Quadruple Aim,” which seeks to drive systemic change in healthcare. His groundbreaking book, Ripple of Change, co-authored with his patient Joshua Judy, delves into the challenges of burnout and offers a hopeful path forward. Todd believes that collaboration and innovative models will transform the way we offer and access care. Join our conversation with Dr. Todd Otten today on Radio Maine.

Portland Art Gallery Artist: Margot Hartford

Margot Hartford is a multidisciplinary artist and commercial photographer originally from Waterloo, Canada. With a background in photography and film, Margot has spent nearly three decades exploring creativity. Margot’s journey from commercial photography to fine art demonstrates the freedom that comes from breaking traditional artistic rules. Margot’s vibrant work is informed by childhood nostalgia, and incorporates innovative techniques like image transfer and encaustics. Join our conversation with Margot Hartford today on Radio Maine.