Frequently Asked Questions
Everything event planners, organizations, and individuals commonly ask — answered directly.
ABOUT ELAINE
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Dr. O’Brien is a positive psychology practitioner and movement scientist with 35+ years of applied research and practice at the intersection of human flourishing, physical movement, and play. She holds a PhD in Human Movement Psychology from Temple University and a Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) from the University of Pennsylvania — credentials that uniquely position her at the crossroads of body-based science and psychological wellbeing.
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The MAPP is a graduate program founded by Dr. Martin Seligman at the University of Pennsylvania — one of the world’s most rigorous and respected programs in the science of human flourishing. Elaine was among the early cohorts globally to complete both a MAPP and a doctorate in human movement, making her uniquely positioned at the intersection of these disciplines.
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Dr. O’Brien’s research spans the psychology of group exercise, positive emotion and movement motivation, character strengths in physical activity design, aqua fitness and older adults’ wellbeing, and organizational applications of embodied positive psychology. Her work has been applied with over 32,000 participants and organizations, including Eli Lilly. A chapter on organizational wellbeing and the power of play is forthcoming in a 2026 edited volume.
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Dr. O’Brien is based in Ocean Grove, New Jersey, USA and works internationally. She has delivered programs and keynotes across the United States, Ireland, Spain, and Canada, and accepts engagements globally.
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Dr. O’Brien works with corporate organizations, healthcare systems, educational institutions, community organizations, and professional associations. Past clients include Eli Lilly, Johnson & Johnson, AllState, IE University (Madrid), the National Aerobics Championship, the International Positive Psychology Association, and organizations across the US, Ireland, Spain, and Canada.
PROGRAMS & WORKSHOPS
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Yes. All of Elaine’s programs are tailored to your context, audience, goals, and industry. The frameworks are consistent; the delivery is always adapted. The starting point is a discovery call where Elaine learns about your needs before recommending a format.
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Yes. Many organizations combine a keynote with a workshop, or integrate elements from Strengths in Motion™ and The Power of Play into a single retreat or conference day. Elaine designs multi-program engagements regularly — discuss options on your discovery call.
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Strengths in Motion™, Zesty Aging, and The Power of Play are all available in virtual and hybrid formats. SplashDance requires a physical pool and is in-person only. Keynote formats across all programs are available virtually.
KEYNOTE SPEAKING
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Dr. O’Brien speaks on positive psychology and wellbeing, the power of play at work, movement and mental health, healthy and zesty aging, meaning and purpose, and organizational wellbeing culture. Her keynotes are evidence-based, energizing, and often involve movement — audiences leave having experienced the science, not just heard about it.
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Standard AV (microphone, screen, clicker) is required. Most keynotes involve movement; a cleared floor space large enough for the audience to stand and move is needed — this is typically achievable in most conference rooms. Full technical requirements are provided in the booking confirmation.
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Yes. Elaine is available for panel discussions, fireside chats, and co-facilitated sessions on positive psychology, workplace wellbeing, movement and mental health, healthy aging, and play. Contact to discuss format and fit.
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Item descriptionFor major conferences, 2–4 months’ advance notice is strongly recommended. For smaller events and workshops, shorter lead times are often possible. Check availability via the booking form, and a response will follow within 48 hours.
Ready to bring this work to your organization or community?
Keynotes, workshops, consulting, and programs, start with a 30-minute discovery call.