ABOUT DR. ZELANA
Dr. Zelana Montminy is a renowned Behavioral Scientist delivering a fresh perspective rooted in science. Whether it’s as a researcher, bestselling author, keynote speaker, board member or being featured in various media, Dr. Zelana is challenging cultural myths and paving the way for mental fitness.
A prominent figure in Positive Psychology and one of Maria Shriver’s Architects of Change, Dr. Zelana is the author of 21 Days to Resilience (HarperCollins) which has been published in several other languages. She is currently working on her next book Finding Focus in the Age of Distraction coming Spring of 2025 (Hachette). Dr. Zelana is a go-to authority in the media, as well as a highly sought after speaker and consultant to executives, corporations, schools, and universities worldwide.
In addition to advising hundreds of industry leading companies, Dr. Zelana has partnered with the JUMP! Foundation to bring resilience programs to underprivileged youth, and is consulting on curriculum for a variety of schools and universities. She is currently working with U.S. Olympic and Paralympic teams on mental health and resilience training. Her clients include most recently American Express, KPMG, Coca Cola, Estee Lauder, Bank of America, and Capital Group. An advocate of mental fitness and cultural myth-busting, she has partnered with Dr. Oz and appears regularly on Access Hollywood, The Today Show, Good Morning America, The Doctors, and more. She also makes ongoing contributions to the pages of Real Simple, Health Magazine, Los Angeles Times, Parents, Redbook, Better Home & Gardens, People, Psychology Today, Huffington Post, and a variety of other editorials.
Dr. Zelana graduated from Pomona College with honors and holds Masters and Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology, as well as certifications in nutrition from Cornell University. Her doctoral research was at the forefront of ground breaking new science in health, searching deeper into what drives us toward optimal well-being. Dr. Zelana regularly speaks at various academic, business, and non-profit institutions around the world. She conducts leadership seminars, corporate and private retreats redefining wellness, and hosts transformational mental fitness boot-camps.
As Executive Producer and lead on camera talent, Dr. Zelana has headlined a variety of shows on the TV Guide Network, E! Entertainment Television, PopSugar Studios, and Awesomeness TV. She hosted a weekly Instagram Live show on her IGTV channel called Power Up! in which she interviewed thought leaders and influencers through a mental health lens. Examples of segments include Katherine Schwartzenegger Pratt and Dr. Zelana discussing forgiveness, Molly Sims on lifestyle and beauty, Alex Elle on courage, Dr. Dan Siegel on parenting, Catherine McCord on healthful recipes, Yasmine Cheyenne on healing, and many other captivating guests. She has also enjoyed a wide-spanning performing arts career, including multiple national anthem singing performances for the San Diego Padres, Boston Red Sox, piano competitions, commercial and music video appearances and national poetry awards.
Dr. Zelana is a member of the American Psychological Association and is active in the Young President's Organization, having served in a variety of chapter, regional and international board roles. She is on the Advisory Council of Common Sense Media and on the Scientific Advisory Board of Lovevery. Dr. Zelana also serves on the NextGen Board and Women's Circle of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Foundation. She is the Chair of Parent Education at the Village School and an Advisory Board Member at Montminy & Co. as well as Managing Partner of the Montminy Group.
Dr. Zelana actively supports charitable organizations related to our health, youth, and the environment, including the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Foundation, Common Sense Media, Conservation International, Los Angeles Children’s Hospital, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Women’s College Hospital, Ikamva Labantu in South Africa, among others. She is based in Los Angeles and is a devoted wife and mom to three young children — who are her greatest teachers!