Meet the Team
What happens when two wounded souls find love but don’t know how to make it work? For Dr. Richard (Rick) Marks, founder of The RelateWell Institute, this question became his life’s mission.
Raised in a home shadowed by abuse and addiction, Rick developed deep insecurities that followed him into adulthood. At 17, a life-changing encounter with faith led him to enlist as a Navy chaplain’s assistant, where his passion for helping others began to flourish. It was there he met Louella, another survivor of a broken home marked by abuse and alcoholism.
Two broken people fell in love and married in 1984, but neither understood healthy, mature love. What followed was a journey of discovery that would transform not only their marriage but the lives of thousands of others.
Today, Dr. Marks has created RelateWell-a research-based curriculum teaching essential relationship skills to youth, singles, and couples. His track record speaks volumes: 85% of highly distressed couples completing his intensive programs remain together with reported marital satisfaction after one year.
With over 25 years of experience conducting relationship seminars across denominational lines, Dr. Marks brings unique credibility. His diverse background includes 12 years as a Navy chaplain’s assistant, senior management in psychiatric hospitals, Assistant Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy, Director of counseling at a 25,000-member church, and Special Assistant for Marriage and Fatherhood to Governor Brownback in Kansas.
Beyond faith communities, Dr. Marks transforms workplace dynamics, teaching emotional leadership to companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida and John Deere. His media presence includes regular appearances on NBC12’s “The Chat,” Channel 4’s “The Morning Show,” the 700 Club, and his weekly radio show “Real Talk with Dr. Rick.”
Now, alongside his three thriving adult children and Louella-his partner in both life and ministry-Dr. Marks continues turning pain into purpose, proving that even the most broken relationships can become beautiful.
Mieko Paige lives by a simple yet profound truth: life flourishes through meaningful connections with God, ourselves, and others. This philosophy doesn’t just guide her personal journey-it’s the driving force behind everything she does professionally.
Mieko’s story began in the fast-paced world of corporate finance, where she cut her teeth at the headquarters of a major international telecommunications company. Armed with her B.S. in Accounting and MBA, she developed the business acumen and resilience that would later fuel her passion for transforming relationships. She transitioned into the world of personal finance, where for over two decades, her financial expertise and multi-state licensing have opened doors to serve clients across the country. But Mieko discovered her true calling lay beyond balance sheets and profit margins.
As Marriage and Program Director for Live the Life Northeast Florida, Mieko didn’t just talk about change-she helped create it. Her division’s groundbreaking collaboration successfully reduced Jacksonville’s divorce rate, proving that intentional relationship investment yields real-world results.
Today, as Chief Operating Officer for the RelateWell Institute, Mieko brings transformational relationship training to those who need it most. She equips businesses, faith communities, and distressed couples with the tools to build emotionally healthy connections.
As a Master Teacher and Trainer in RelateWell, Mieko specializes in developing emotionally intelligent leaders and skilled marriage mentors. Whether she’s working with singles or married couples, her approach combines professional expertise with genuine heart.
Her sought-after speaking and teaching style reflects a unique blend: the strategic mind of a business professional and the compassionate heart of someone who truly believes every relationship can thrive.
Mieko has been married to Christopher since 1998, and they have 3 young adult children. She believes, “The quality of your life is determined by the quality of your relationships.” Harvey Mackay
