Our Mission
Our mission at 'The Weighted Connection' is to empower individuals on their journey
toward holistic well-being by integrating evidence-based knowledge from psychology,
exercise science, and healthy living practices.
Through our podcast, we aim to bridge the gap between mental health, physical fitness, and psychological well-being, exploring the intersectionality of these disciplines.
By delving into topics ranging from the psychology of motivation and behavior change to the science behind weight training and exercise science, we strive to provide listeners with actionable insights and practical
strategies for cultivating a balanced lifestyle.
Our goal is to inspire and educate our audience to prioritize both their mental and physical health, fostering a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between mind and muscle.
Who we are:
Dr. Melissa Brown, PsyD.
Dr. Melissa Brown is a dedicated psychologist with a profound love for helping others
and the natural world. She has been licensed in Pennsylvania since 2008. With a career
spanning almost two decades, Dr. Brown is committed to understanding the human
mind alleviating psychological distress among various populations. She has worked in
numerous settings focusing her efforts within Central Pennsylvania for the last 13 years.
Her clinical orientation is founded on various psychological principles, guided by a deep
desire to educate clientele. She believes education is essential to aiding people during
their most difficult moments in life.
Beyond her professional endeavors, she finds solace and inspiration in nature,
spending her weekends exploring hiking trails, walking and playing with her family
outside, and photographing the beauty of the natural world. Her passion for nature not
only rejuvenates her spirit but also informs her therapeutic approach, incorporating
elements of eco-therapy and mindfulness into her practice. Dr. Brown firmly believes in
the healing power of nature and often finds herself retreating to nature when she feels
overwhelmed and stressed, as she encourages others to do.
In addition to her work in psychology and her love for nature, Dr. Brown is deeply
passionate about fostering connections among people. She volunteers her time to lead
community workshops and support groups, creating safe spaces for individuals to share
their experiences and support one another. Her genuine empathy and dedication to
promoting mental well-being extend beyond the confines of her office, as she actively
works to build a network of support and understanding within her community.
Committed to holistic health and well-being, Dr. Brown embodies a balanced lifestyle
that integrates her professional expertise with her personal passions, inspiring others to
live authentically, connect deeply, and nurture both their mental and physical health.
Moreover, it is her hope that partnering with an expert with the foundation in nutrition
and exercise, she can expand the healing process of individual therapy beyond the
office setting.
Stacy Garonzik, MS, LCN, CPT
From native Pennsylvanian farm-girl to top NPC National level bodybuilder and wellness expert, Stacy's life, education, and career are reflective of her belief in "total wellness." Having grown up on her family's dairy farm which involved physical labor and a working knowledge of the animals, land, and
plants, Stacy is a strong advocate for the healing power of food. As a classically trained ballet dancer and elite athlete, Stacy has been a proponent of what she preaches to clients (including Kobe Bryant in the fledgling stages of his career) - that good health starts inside of us and works its way out.
Stacy's has a Bachelor's Degree from Lebanon Valley College and a Master's Degree from Villanova University.
The body is a temple and achieving total wellness requires a strong foundation built on these three integrated components of health: strength of mind, body, and spirit. Stacy has assisted thousands of
people reach their ultimate physical potential and wellness goals during her 30 plus year long career
You can follow her social @stacygfitness.