Press Kit

Change Your Mind. Align With Your Purpose. Feel Groovy!

Steph Palermo

Empathic Messenger, International Speaker, Radio Talk Show Host, and Author.
For Media Inquiries and Bookings
Contact Steph Palermo
steph@juststeph.com
The Just Steph Show

Why Just Steph

Steph Palermo was born into an American-Sicilian family just outside Boston, Massachusetts. There were no ultrasounds in 1966. Along with the dysfunctions of her family, Steph entered this world with a rare disorder, Poland Syndrome. Fingers were missing from her right hand which was part of a much shorter arm. Another PS trait is the absence of the affected side’s pectoral muscle.

All around, life was going to be a bit more difficult for Steph Palermo. Her home was equally filled with laughter and tears. Steph witnessed abuse, a gambling addiction and violence. The dinner table was a sanctuary. All the family events revolved around eating meals most Americans experienced only in restaurants. At a very young age, Steph began to use food to find the “happy place.”

Meanwhile, outside the home, Steph faced the world. She was unable to play instruments, most sports and was slower at completing ordinary tasks. She was ostracized, mocked and left out. Steph had numerous surgeries to help her gain better use of her right hand. When the physical pain of bone and skin grafts wore off, the emotional effects lingered. She sometimes felt like a side show freak.

Steph, a naturally extroverted people lover, began to hide. She used food to find comfort. By second grade, Steph packed on the pounds. She hid her hand, and now she had a weight problem. This continued through adolescence, and her self-esteem was rock bottom.

Fast forward through a rough marriage and birthing four boys, Steph decided to take charge of her body. She hired a nutritionist and started boxing. She dropped one hundred pounds from the birth of her last son. This was the easy part. Steph had to battle her lack of self-confidence and embarrassment of her limb difference, always believing she was ugly and not worthy to be loved.

Boxing and years of therapy helped Steph gain the confidence she needed to start loving herself. It wasn’t until Steph started speaking about living with a limb difference that she realized she wasn’t alone in the journey against her false self. She finally started to laugh at herself, not take herself so seriously. This was the dawn of true joy for Steph.

Today, Steph continues to box, cook, socialize and ask for help when a task is daunting. If anyone understands the rocky road to peace, Steph does. She no longer hides behind food, although she still loves the party. Steph loves unconditionally knowing that the people who walked with her through her struggles are her cheerleaders. Steph continues the daily journey striving to love wholeheartedly and attain balance and peace.

“Steph is truly a force of nature, a special soul who genuinely cares about the people she works with and the universe in general.  Her passion is contagious.  As someone who has read many, many self help books and lectures, Steph keeps it real.  One of the best messages I learned from her is understanding that self-care is not selfish.  She is a shining example that believing in yourself is the greatest gift you can give to the world.”

Sandra K. Benson
Global Business Development Director, Construction
Hexagon PPM

What Does Just Steph Offer?

Keynote Speaking for the Medical Community

Born with Poland Syndrome, Steph raises awareness of the realities of life with a limb difference. Healthcare Providers and students, caregivers and patients will come to understand that living with a rare disorder is more than a physical hardship. Steph discusses the emotional journey that parallels medical treatment, coping mechanisms and caring for your loved one who is bearing the burden of a chronic condition.

Motivational Speaking

Steph inspires audiences to live life to the fullest, enjoying all the world offers. By promoting physical, emotional, spiritual and intellectual balance, Steph offers solutions to seemingly impossible personal issues. She draws from her life’s experiences, living with a limb difference, personality and sense of humor to share her message. Her Sicilian heritage and Boston wit make for an always uplifting and honest message. She realizes that everybody has two lives, and the second one begins when you acknowledge you only have one.

Ruby Slippers Workshop

Steph will integrate her personal journey with strategies to achieve balance in the four aspects of the human person: physical, emotional, spiritual and intellectual into half or full-day workshops. During your time with Steph, you and your group will gain a better perspective on your lives, how to live a more peaceful existence and advance toward self-love and true joy. The Ruby Slipper Workshops are fun and synergistic with round table discussions, reflection questions and interaction with Steph. Once you complete one of Steph’s Ruby Slipper Workshops, you will know you’ve had the power all along!

Lunch and Learns

According to Simon Sinek, “Happy employees ensure happy customers. And happy customers ensure happy shareholders—in that order.” “Working hard for something we don’t care about is called stress; working hard for something we love is called passion.” Bring Steph into your workplace during lunch to show your employees you care about the whole person. Over lunch, Steph will guide your greatest assets toward self love, care and respect. She demonstrates that every day can be amazing, Monday is the new Friday.

Personal Consultations

Steph is available for one-on-one advising. She taps into her empathic abilities to help clear the path for individual advancements at home and in life in general.

Appearances and Events

Medical Professionals from Cape Cod Hospital

Steph will be sitting on a panel with the Medical Professionals from Cape Cod Hospital. She will have books and some handouts available at her table at the conference. See https://capeplymouthbusiness.com/enterprising-women-2/ for more information.

 

Boston Voyager Interview

Steph was blessed to be interviewed by the Boston Voyager. Read the full article here http://bostonvoyager.com/interview/meet-steph-palermo-just-steph-north-shore

Dubai Global Nursing Conference

I wanted to make you aware of an amazing opportunity for me as a speaker and Rare Disorder Patient. I have been invited to speak at The Global Nursing Conference in Dubai, September 13-14, 2018. This is very exciting. I will be addressing doctors, nurses, healthcare educators on what it is like to live with a Rare Disorder (#Perfect). I am currently seeking sponsors as I will not be compensated at all, even travel. If you know of any doctors, pharmaceutical companies or research companies that may be involved in spreading awareness of Rare Diseases, kindly share my information or contact me via my CONTACT US form.

EVENT LINK: http://nursing.eventsocean.com

UPDATE:

“My talk will be in the Keynote Forum after the Opening Ceremony between 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Exact time will be shared after the Scientific Programme is approved by DHA.”

 

Boston City of Champions Event for Rett syndrome

Boston City of Champions Event for Rett syndrome
Saturday, November 10th at 6:30pm
Boston Harbor Distillery
Enjoy apps & spirits, live music, a silent auction and the chance to celebrate all who have Rett syndrome and are champions in their own way!
Website: http://www.rettsyndrome.org/cityofchampions
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bostonrettchampions/