Courtney Walls is the owner of Wayfinder Social Media. “What started as a passion for social media quickly became a full-fledged career, and I’m grateful every day for the opportunity to work with clients who trust me to elevate their brands online,” said Courtney. “Outside of work, I love to travel and get excited to find to a good craps table while I’m on vacation! Spending quality time with my husband, daughter and brother is really important to me and is always the highlight of my week. When I’m not with family, you can find me taking classes at Synergy and weightlifting! Above all, I want to thank my Dad for being my constant mentor and inspiration. His unwavering support and guidance gave me the confidence to take the leap into launching this business officially, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without him.”
Kristen Atwell joined Wake Forest Sports Properties’ (LEARFIELD), Wake Forest University’s athletics multimedia rights holder, as Senior Director of Business Development in September of 2023. Kristen previously served with Van Wagner Sports & Entertainment as General Manager of Business Partnerships at William & Mary in Williamsburg, VA. In her role with the Tribe, she was responsible for maintaining successful campus and athletics relationships, while also building new relationships and growing the partnership portfolio. Prior to William & Mary, Kristen was the director of sponsorship sales with Van Wagner. Before that, she was the first female general manager of the Cincinnati Red Minor League organization in Greeneville, TN. Kristen’s background also includes a four-year full tuition career on the women’s basketball programs of Tusculum College in Greeneville after transferring from The University of Findlay in Findlay, OH. Kristen’s educational background includes a B.A. in sports management from Tusculum College, M.A. in human resource and talent development from Tusculum College and most recently a M.A. in human services counseling with an emphasis in life coaching and leadership from Liberty University in 2024. A Wytheville, VA native, Kristen now resides in Winston-Salem.
Liz Levstek is the digital and social media manager for JOLO Brands, which includes JOLO Winery and Vineyards and Rayson Winery and Vineyards. Since joining the team in June, Liz has been instrumental in enhancing JOLO’s online presence, driving its social media following from 7,000 to more than 18,000 while also expanding awareness and marketing efforts for Rayson Winery. Her strategic approach to digital engagement has increased the brand’s visibility and helped put Yadkin Valley wines on the map with their award-winning wines. Liz is also a board member for the International Wine Symposium, set to take place May 21-24, 2025, at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem. This prestigious event will bring together wine professionals from the world’s greatest wine regions for a global exchange of knowledge and culture. Outside of her professional work, Liz enjoys sharing her love for wine and cooking, volunteering in the community and leading JOLO and Rayson’s philanthropic initiatives. She loves golfing with her partner, Derek Bernstein, and finds joy in spending time with her family and dogs. With her dedication to storytelling and community engagement, Liz continues to make a meaningful impact on the wine industry and beyond.
Suzie Blackman is the visionary founder of Synergy Winston-Salem, Winston’s premier and only Spin, HIIT, Yoga and Hybrid Fitness Studio. She has been teaching fitness since 2012 and looks forward to celebrating Synergy’s 2nd birthday on January 10, 2025. Suzie’s fitness journey began at a young age growing up as an athlete and dancer. After graduating from UW-Madison, she completed her 200-hour RYT certification at Blue Heron Wellness in Silver Spring, MD – a milestone that launched her fulfilling path into mind, body and spiritual wellbeing. Her extensive experience includes working at local studios in the DMV and Winston-Salem area, managing and leading trainings at CorePower Yoga, personal training at Equinox in Bethesda, MD and for her own business, Attainable Wellness L.L.C., serving as Lead Instructor and Community Coordinator for a CycleBar franchise, and becoming a Certified Holistic Health Coach through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in 2016. The birth of her daughter became the catalyst that inspired Suzie to open her own studio. She is eternally grateful to be a mama and for her partner, Max, who encourages and supports her dreams.
Crystal Jones was born and raised in Danville, VA and has called Kernersville home for almost 12 years. She is married with five children and states she could not be where she is today without their love and support. She is the founder and owner of The Study Station. She has a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies K-8, is a licensed teacher and a Orton Gillingham tutor. Teaching is truly her passion as she loves watching children learn and grow. She has taught in the public school systems and tutored for more than 15 years. Her love for teaching children how to read led her to become trained in the Orton Gillingham approach to help struggling learners. Crystal is currently working towards her certification as a Brain Integration Specialist to help students with learning challenges, particularly in areas of memory, auditory processing, visual processing, focus and attention. Crystal states, “It has been a lifelong dream of mine to open my own business and help local families. Here I am, living my dream. It’s been four years, and I now have 20 employees. We offer K-12 tutoring and enrichment at our Kernersville location. I am in the process of hopefully opening up a second location!
