Initiative Co-Chair

Erin Lee, Founder of the Touchless Wellness Association, United Kingdom

With over 25 years of experience in construction and wellness, Erin is a global designer specializing in heat experiences and halotherapy rooms. She is dedicated to making well-being universally accessible through her expertise and passion for touchless wellness. Erin is a prominent figure shaping the future of wellness innovation and accessibility as the Founder of the Touchless Wellness Association, Owner of Koru Wellness Ltd, Global Advisor & Design Consultant for Halotherapy Solutions, Founder of the UK Halotherapy Network, and Co-Chair of the newly formed Touchless Wellness Initiative within the Global Wellness Institute.

Initiative Co-Chair

Alina Hernandez, Founder, Wellness Innovation Hub, Germany

Alina M. Hernandez is an internationally recognized, award-winning wellness industry thought leader and Experience Architect specializing in human-centric systems. Her work pioneers Experience Design as infrastructure across wellness, hospitality, and longevity platforms—helping organizations eliminate costly assumptions before anything is built by translating human behavior, translational science, and systems thinking into adaptive, experience-led operating models – and design briefs – that deliver both ROI and Return on Experience (ROX). Founder of the Wellness Innovation Hub and Co-Chair of the Global Wellness Institute’s Mental Wellness Initiative, Alina advises leaders on designing living systems that evolve alongside human needs, technology, and long-term wellbeing.

Karl Chen

Founder and CEO of Prism Light Pod, United States

Karl, a seasoned entrepreneur, brings four decades of startup and executive management expertise. A tech aficionado and trailblazer, he established Prism Light Pod in 2016 to introduce full-body red light therapy to high-achieving individuals and health enthusiasts. This pioneering company specializes in whole-body red-light systems that enhance cellular recovery by up to 10 times. The esteemed Prism Light Pod and Light Pads excel in revitalizing the body, alleviating chronic pain and inflammation, and promoting anti-aging and weight loss. Based in Denver, Colorado, the products are globally distributed and supported. Karl holds an MBA from Bentley University and a Bachelor of Science from Babson College.

Nigel Franklyn

The Spa Whisperer & Co-Founder: Moss Wellness Consultancy, Germany/US

Nigel Franklyn has made a tremendous impact on the global wellness industry over the past 25 years. As the co-founder of Moss Wellness Consultancy and MOSS of the ISLES, he has leveraged his expertise in concept creation, strategic development, and wellness design to help luxury hospitality groups deliver innovative spa experiences. Recognized as “The Spa Whisperer,” Nigel is a visionary leader who understands how to integrate holistic wellness philosophies into distinctive brand identities. He brings a unique perspective informed by extensive international experience working with top operators. Nigel’s recent recognition as Global Wellness Personality of the Year underscores his outstanding record of success in advancing the industry. Through his work, he continues to redefine what wellness means for travelers and locals alike. Nigel is also an Advisory Board Member of the Touchless Wellness Association 

Sammy Gharieni

Founder & CEO of the Gharieni Group, Germany

Sammy Gharieni is the visionary founder and leader of the Gharieni Group, a global wellness brand known for pioneering innovation. Over 30 years ago, he revolutionized the treatment bed industry by establishing the Gharieni Group to fill important market gaps. Today, the company has a presence in 120 countries and leads the spa, wellness, and medical treatment furniture sector. Sammy Gharieni is recognized for his unique perspective gained from an international upbringing and engineering education in Germany. He continues to travel the world seeking inspiration for new business opportunities and process improvements. With a customer-centric mindset, Sammy focuses on continually enhancing service, curating exceptional experiences, and refining operations to deliver superior value for customers and consumers. He was awarded the prestigious ‘A Life of Beauty Award’ for his contributions to the wellness industry.

Shannon Stanford, PhD

CEO & Clinical Director, Alive Education, United States

Dr. Shannon Stanford is a Los Angeles–based behavioral scientist and healthcare executive working at the intersection of behavioral science, neuro-wellness, and the future of integrative health. She serves as Chief Executive Officer of ALIVE Education Management & Services and Chief Clinical Officer of Leena Care, where she leads clinical strategy and behavioral health program development focused on improving outcomes for children and families. With a background in behavior analysis and healthcare leadership, Dr. Stanford’s work centers on understanding how behavioral science and nervous system regulation can inform more holistic approaches to health and wellbeing. Her clinical and executive experience spans home, school, and community-based behavioral health services, with a focus on designing systems of care that are both evidence-based and human-centered

Lotti Tyson

Global Head of Brand Déesse PRO, United Kingdom