What do you call a woman who owns the world records (women’s T44 classification) in the 100m, 200m and 400m dashes and runs her own non-profit organization for people with physical disabilities? U.S. Paralympian April Holmes. Tune in to hear her live; 7/31/09 9:00 am EST on our new Grow Through It & Lead inspirational/motivational radio show.

Since her career in Paralympic track & field began in 2002, Holmes has continued to succeed, improving each and every step of the way. Her latest feats include breaking her own world records in the 100m and 200m dashes at the 2006 U.S. Paralympics Track & Field National Championships in Atlanta, GA. She then led a strong US delegation to the IPC World Championships in Assen, Netherlands where she excited the crowd with commanding gold winning performances in the 100 and 200 meter races.

It wasn’t until 2001 when Holmes was involved in a train accident that resulted in the loss her left leg below the knee. While she lay in her hospital bed, a doctor told her about the Paralympic Games and a new goal was firmly implanted in her mind.

Off the track, Holmes runs the April Holmes Foundation, a non-profit organization tasked with assisting people with physical and developmental disabilities in every day life. Having recently completed her MBA in Marketing, Holmes plans to use her education to improve the awareness of persons with disabilities while eventually testing her entrepreneurial skills in event planning.

Dr. Larona Gore was born in Brooklyn, New York, but spent the majority of her childhood in North Carolina. She is a 1992 graduate of Elizabeth City State University in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, where she received her BS degree in Business Administration.

She is also a graduate of Life University Chiropractic College in Marietta, Georgia, where she received her Doctorate of Chiropractic degree in 2008. Dr. Gore is the owner and Chiropractic physician at the New Life Chiropractic & Wellness Center, LLC of Marietta.

Currently, Dr. Gore is a member and associate minister at Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Marietta, Georgia. She is also the President and CEO of Larona Johnson Gore Ministries, a non-profit organization, and has produced various gospel music projects. In addition, Dr. Gore has traveled throughout the country ministering the word of God in word and song. She produced and was featured in a 30 minute television show, the “Larona Gore Gospel Special” that aired on Fox Television in North and South Carolina in 2001 and 2002.

Other memberships include the Cobb County NAACP, Cobb Chamber of Commerce, Cobb Executive Women, Georgia Chiropractic Association, and the International Chiropractic Association.

We proudly welcome Dr. Larona Gore to the Network. Look for her in the next edition of People You Need to Know! Her office can be reached at (770) 427-0044.

If you wear contact lenses or if you are considering wearing them, you MUST listen to this interview with Dr. Valerie Robbins-Acker, a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Before evacuating to Atlanta in 2005 from Katrina, Dr. Val lived in New Orleans, Louisiana, with her husband, Dr. Mike Acker and their 3 children. She received her undergraduate degree in Biology Pre-Med from Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland, and her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry in Philadelphia. Dr. Val and Dr. Mike own College Optical Express on the campus of Georgia Tech in Midtown Atlanta. Dr. Val also sees patients at Super Target Optical in Stone Mountain, Georgia.

Tune in and get the information you need regarding eye contacts.

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When was the last time you saw an Eye Doctor?

Find out why it’s important to keep your eyes healthy. Our guest, Dr. Michael D. Acker, II is the Center Director/Owner of College Optical Express in Midtown Atlanta on the campus of GA Tech. He is a Residency trained Contact Lens Specialist and a native of New Orleans, Louisiana. Dr. Acker has a BS in Chemistry (Pre-Med) from Xavier University. He received a Doctor Of Optometry from the Pennsylvania College Of Optometry, Philadelphia.

Tune in and find out why you should see an eye doctor today!

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Dr. Tameka Hall is an orthodontist in Lithia Springs, Georgia, who specializes in providing superior care for adults and children.

She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychobiology from Binghamton University in New York in 1998, and her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2003 from Meharry Medical College. Dr. Hall was one of a few select students inducted into the National Dental Honor Society, Omicron Kappa Upsilon.

After graduation, she studied an additional two years and received her Certificate in Orthodontics from Columbia University in New York.

A National Dean’s List Scholar, Dr. Hall has received many awards, including the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Aptitude and Achievement Award and the United States Achievement Academy All-American Scholar Collegiate Award.

Dr. Hall is an active member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association and the Georgia Dental Association.

The New York native now resides in Atlanta. She enjoys the theater, traveling and spending time with her family.

Look for Dr. Tameka Hall in the next edition of People You Need to Know. Her office can be reached 770.732.6008