A Team Dedicated to
Mindfulness in Action
Volunteer Opportunities
Are you interested in supported our mission as a volunteer? We are always seeking new team members who are looking for a rewarding way to get involved with mindfulness, support Pittsburgh communities, learn new skills and have fun doing it!
Our small but mighty operation is made possible through a team of dedicated, part-time staff and a large network of volunteers and supporters.
Awaken Pittsburgh, a 501c3 non-profit organization, relies on the dedication of our board, staff, partners and supporting donors all working together to foster well-being, empathy, and compassion for all through evidence-based mindfulness programs, activities, and events.
RICK STACHEL
Board President
Rick is an assistant professor of healthcare administration. He has taught at the college level for over 20 years. Prior to taking a full-time position in higher education, Rick worked in marketing and research in the medical device industry. He has also worked in economic development and started his professional
career as a broadcast journalist. Rick has been a nearly life-long practitioner of mindfulness and meditation, first learning in his early teen years. He credits his practice with an improved ability to deal with stressful situations we all face in daily life as well as increased focus on positivity. He is a Pittsburgh native and enjoys spending time with his family in the area’s many parks and at Heinz Field during Steeler Sundays. Rick has a doctorate in information systems from Robert Morris University. His dissertation research focused on using internet-connected and digital devices to improve positivity through various tools, including mindfulness. He also holds an MBA in international business.
Ryan Fisher
Board Co-CHair
Ryan has 8 years of experience in Human Resources. He
currently works at Verisys Corporation as a Payroll and Benefit Manager. Prior
to working at Verisys, he worked at Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals in
their Human Resources department. He regularly promotes employee benefits such
as Employee Assistance Programs on a regular basis. Ryan has his Masters in
Human Resources from Utah State University and his Senior HR Certification from
the Society of Human Resources Management. Ryan is involved in his local HR
chapter where he continues to learn best practices to share with others. He is
an avid learner. Ryan became interested in mindfulness through his own mental
health journey. For fun, Ryan enjoys writing and recording music. At his work,
he has a special channel called #FreestyleFridays where he raps and sings about
benefits or company events.
Ryan Fisher
Board Co-Chair
JOHN WATTS
Board Secretary
John is a management and technology consultant with 20+ years of experience in financial accounting, planning, analytical and reporting processes and systems. He is passionate about progress and sustainability across education, mental health, physical health, the environment and safety. In continual pursuit of open-minded and bi-directional self-improvement through helping others, John believes that mindful education and practices, especially for young people, are essential to living healthier lives and solving most human-made problems.
PAUL BLOCK
Board TREASURER
Paul Block has been a CPA for 40 years, working in the nonprofit arena as a tax preparer and consultant for over 20 of those years.
Besides graduating from Allegheny College with a BS in economics/mathematics, and an MS in Taxation from RMU, he also holds an MBA and JD from Duquesne University School of Law.
He is a member of the American Institute and PA Institute of CPA’s, the Estate Planning Council of Pgh and the Pgh Planned Giving Council.
He serves on the boards of the Chatham Baroque (treasurer), Service Coordination Unlimited (treasurer), The Pittsburgh Schweitzer Fellows Program (treasurer), The Three Rivers Business Alliance (treasurer), POWER, and The Allies for Health and Well Being (Treasurer).
PAUL BLOCK
BOARD TREASURER
CHRIS BEVEL
STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE CHAIR
Christopher is the owner of Bevelroom Consulting, a consultancy focused on customer-centric demand generation for service businesses. With over 15 years of experience
across several industries, Christopher strives to create remarkable brand experiences and optimize results for business and customers. His customer-centric approach blends design thinking, data-driven decision making and digital-first strategies that help organizations understand and reach customers more effectively. Christopher’s journey into mindfulness started before he attended George Washington University to earn an MBA. He realized that mindfulness was a great way to be a better student and balance work and life.
CHRISTOPHER BEVEL
STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE CHAIR
CHRIS FUTRICK
Board MEMBER AT LARGE
Chris is a management, sales and business development executive with over twenty-five (25) years of high performance results in various industries, with nearly twenty years focused on the commercial nuclear/power/utility, nuclear decommissioning, electronics and mechanical markets. He has leveraged his commitment to disciplined mindfulness and focused performance based Emotional Intelligence training to maximize his roles as a Team Builder, Leader, Father and Grandfather.
Chris and his wife Kim live in Bethel Park PA and are both lifelong Pittsburgher residents with a deep appreciation for the unique qualities and people of the Pittsburgh Region. Chris has his undergraduate degree in Business, Marketing from The Pennsylvania State University, his Executive MBA from Quantic, and various leadership and coaching training certifications that directly support his work in support of Awakens mission. Chris is a passionate baseball fan, coaching youth baseball in the Bethel Park Community for the Recreation and Travel Teams.
CHRIS FUTRICK
BOARD MEMBER AT LARGE
SARA HAMILTON
Board MEMBER AT LARGE
As a Board Member of Awaken Pittsburgh Sara is a dynamic CPG leader with experience across government, enterprise software, and sales. She has a unique blend of expertise in quantitative data analysis, category management, and shopper/consumer insights, which she uses to drive growth for Fortune 500 CPG companies. She has a proven track record of success in leading sales teams, closing strategic deals, and delivering value to clients. She is also the Treasurer for The Seats Foundation, a non-profit that encourages civic engagement and community connection through a mobile app. She and her husband currently live in Idaho with their two dogs, Kona and Bella and enjoy exploring the outdoors.
Sara HaMILTON
BOARD MEMBER AT LARGE
NADIM HUSREFOVIC
Board MEMBER AT LARGE
Chris is a management, sales and business development executive with over twenty-five (25) years of high performance results in various industries, with nearly twenty years focused on the commercial nuclear/power/utility, nuclear decommissioning, electronics and mechanical markets. He has leveraged his commitment to disciplined mindfulness and focused performance based Emotional Intelligence training to maximize his roles as a Team Builder, Leader, Father and Grandfather.
Chris and his wife Kim live in Bethel Park PA and are both lifelong Pittsburgher residents with a deep appreciation for the unique qualities and people of the Pittsburgh Region. Chris has his undergraduate degree in Business, Marketing from The Pennsylvania State University, his Executive MBA from Quantic, and various leadership and coaching training certifications that directly support his work in support of Awakens mission. Chris is a passionate baseball fan, coaching youth baseball in the Bethel Park Community for the Recreation and Travel Teams.
NEDIM HUSREFOVIC
DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR
ALEXANDER LISOWSKI
ASSISTANT BOARD TREASURER
Alex is a CPA with a background in serving financial service audit clients. Born and
raised in Pittsburgh, he is a proponent of working hard to grow diversity in the greater Pittsburgh region. A member and advocate of the LGBTQ community, Alex has served as the founder and chair of the LGBTQ BRG in his workplace. Alex’s journey of mindful meditation began after entering the workplace where he realized that finding his center was a key driver to his success. From practicing yoga regularly to supplementing his meditation with literature on mindfulness, Alex wants Pittsburgh to share in the success by broadly introducing mindful meditation. Alex holds a B.S. in Accounting and Information
Systems Management from Duquesne University.
ALEXANDER LISOWSKI
BOARD ASSISTANT TREASURER
LORA MCKNIGHT
BOARD MEMBER AT LARGE
Lora McKnight serves as Chief Operating Officer at Vibrant Pittsburgh, a nonprofit that accelerates the business community toward equitable, inclusive, and diverse workplaces, creating a future-forward region. Lora has developed and facilitated a variety of programs to accelerate the adoption of best practices in diversity, equity, and inclusion, including Vibrant Councils, Vibrant Workplaces education and learning solutions, and the Vibrant Index. In addition to board service with Awaken Pittsburgh, Lora currently serves on the Board of Directors of Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance. Previously, Lora worked with The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Southwestern PA and Chatham University. Lora received her Bachelor of Science (Psychology) degree from Illinois State University and holds a MLIS degree from the University of Pittsburgh.
LORA MCKNIGHT
BOARD MEMBER AT LARGE
SHAWN MEREDITH
BOARD MEMBER AT LARGE
Shawn is the owner of Skillful Leadership, an executive coaching firm that specializes in the human factors of leadership and teaming. He coaches globally and has served clients on every continent but Antartica. Shawn has been a professional coach since 2013, after leaving a 15 year career in community mental health serving all of Allegheny County. In that career, he started as an Ecosystemic Family Therapist and in time was promoted to an executive member of the leadership team. Shawn started his exploration of mindfulness in 2001 while working on his senior dissertation: Cognitive Dissonance in Politically Active Sri Lankan Buddhist Monks. Since then, he continues to pursue mindfulness both experientially and academically in the spirit of better helping those he coaches. He is a self described "human biologist", who often tells his clients that, "mindfulness is the cardio of the brain, which is essential for growth." Shawn currently resides in the South Hills of Pittsburgh with his wife and two children.
SHAWN MEREDITH
Marketing Chair
SHAWN MEREDITH
BOARD MEMBER AT LARGE
Shawn is the owner of Skillful Leadership, an executive coaching firm that specializes in the human factors of leadership and teaming. He coaches globally and has served clients on every continent but Antartica. Shawn has been a professional coach since 2013, after leaving a 15 year career in community mental health serving all of Allegheny County. In that career, he started as an Ecosystemic Family Therapist and in time was promoted to an executive member of the leadership team. Shawn started his exploration of mindfulness in 2001 while working on his senior dissertation: Cognitive Dissonance in Politically Active Sri Lankan Buddhist Monks. Since then, he continues to pursue mindfulness both experientially and academically in the spirit of better helping those he coaches. He is a self described "human biologist", who often tells his clients that, "mindfulness is the cardio of the brain, which is essential for growth." Shawn currently resides in the South Hills of Pittsburgh with his wife and two children.
CARL E. PATTEN, II
Board Member at Large
Carl is a native of Memphis, TN, and has lived in Atlanta for 19 years. Carl has 16 years of strategy, operations, and technology experience across multiple sectors. Carl holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; M.Div. in Hebrew Bible from the Interdenominational Theological Center; an M.B.A. from Emory University, Goizueta Business School. He is currently pursuing his D. Min from Emory University, Candler School of Theology. Carl serves as the Head of Product & Technology at Open Doors, a housing equity organization, and Managing Director of ExcelR8 Advisory Services. His experience includes Global Healthcare Innovation Director at NTT Data and Healthcare Strategist at Accenture. Carl has traveled to 40+ countries and utilizes his spare time to cook, volunteer, and collect cufflinks. In 2019, Carl was named Top 40 Under 40 for The Whole Truth Magazine. Carl is a newly wed and celebrates life with his wife, Karen Young Patten, and their dog, Jackson.
PATRICIA RAFFAELE, M.A., CAE
Board MEMBER AT LARGE
Pat Raffaele is a nonprofit and association executive with a passion for community engagement focused on improving access to healthcare, including community health, and mental health.
As the Chief Relationship Officer for Healthcare Council of Western Pennsylvania, now The Center for Healthcare Solutions, she supported member organizations through strategic communications, advocacy, development, and by providing educational and networking opportunities. She served as the organization’s primary development professional, creating a successful sponsorship program and receiving grants that supported front-line healthcare
workers, increasing access to healthcare for individuals and families, and providing services related to social determinants of health.
Through her work at The Center for Health Affairs and CHAMPS (The Center) in Cleveland, Ohio, she created and implemented a successful corporate and events sponsorship program, connecting partners with members through The Center’s innovative programming.
In addition to serving on the Board of Directors of Awaken Pittsburgh, she recently joined the Board of Directors of Global Links. She also serves as a member of the Advisory Council of STANDING FIRM, a program of the Women’s Center & Shelter of Great Pittsburgh.
Pat is a certified association executive through the American Society of Association Executives. She is a member of the Women’s Leadership Council of the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, and a graduate of Leadership Pittsburgh.
PATRICIA RAFFAELE, CAE
DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR
MIA-ANN SPADAFORA
Board MEMBER AT LARGE
Mia-Ann is a Pittsburgh native, and it has caused her to have a passion for making the Pittsburgh community a better place for all. She obtained her B.S. in Business Administration from High Point University and obtained her Master of Health Administration from the University of Pittsburgh recently. She works as a healthcare administrator within the local region at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. Mia-Ann has a strong passion for the pediatric division. She wants to help ensure kids have all the resources they need to be healthy and live long, fulfilling lives. Mindfulness is important to Mia-Ann because of the impact it can have on an individual's mental health and overall wellbeing. Mia-Ann uses her spare time to be outside, travel, read, and spend time with loved ones.
MIA-ANN SPADAFORA
Board Member at Large
STEPHANIE M. ROMERO, Ed.D.
Founder & Executive Director
Stephanie is an educator with 20+ years of experience teaching elementary, middle school, high school and college students. She has been a meditator and mindfulness practitioner for more than 15 years. In 2013, seeking to bring others the same benefits she was experiencing, Stephanie was trained in the Path of Freedom Mindfulness Curriculum, which she delivered through the HOPE pre-release program in the Allegheny County Jail. Stephanie’s dissertation was the culmination of three years of research into mindfulness in education. She is a member of the University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Mindfulness and Consciousness Studies.
DAWN LEHMAN
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Dawn has trained countless people to mediate conflicts has conducted over 100
restorative dialogues ranging from minor school infractions to violent felonies. She is a Professional Coach, helping people live in alignment with their ideals, and enjoys engaging others to think about how organizations and communities can best represent shared values. Dawn has practiced mindfulness in the tradition of Thich Naht Hanh for twenty years and holds a B.A. in Social Work and an M.A. in Conflict Transformation.
DAWN LEHMAN
Program Coordinator
EDDY PAUL THOMAS, MAOM
Marketing and Communications Manager
In his role as the Fractional Marketing and Communications Manager, Eddy Paul Thomas
orchestrates Awaken Pittsburgh's print and digital landscapes, showcasing the
transformative impact of their work. At the helm of a highly skilled and creative team of marketing interns and volunteers, Eddy crafts compelling narratives and innovative strategies that not only tell Awaken Pittsburgh's story but also amplify its reach and resonance. His leadership in this space isn't just about managing – as a former Professor of Cross-Cultural Communications, it's about inspiring a wave of change and connection through every message and campaign.
With his master’s in organizational management (MAOM), Eddy’s business expertise
aids his nonprofit experience. He brings a diverse perspective to the executive table and challenges leaders to move beyond their comfort zones. Eddy’s work intersects organizational growth, leadership development, digital marketing, and entrepreneurial expansion.
EDDY PAUL THOMAS, MAOM
MArketing and Communications Manager
EDDY PAUL THOMAS, MAOM
Marketing and Communications Manager
In his role as the Fraction Marketing and Communications Manager, Eddy Paul Thomas
orchestrates Awaken Pittsburgh's print and digital landscapes, showcasing the
transformative impact of their work. At the helm of a highly skilled and creative team of marketing interns and volunteers, Eddy crafts compelling narratives and innovative strategies that not only tell Awaken Pittsburgh's story but also amplify its reach and resonance. His leadership in this space isn't just about managing – as a former Professor of Cross-Cultural Communications, it's about inspiring a wave of change and connection through every message and campaign.
With his master’s in organizational management (MAOM), Eddy’s business expertise
aids his nonprofit experience. He brings a diverse perspective to the executive table and challenges leaders to move beyond their comfort zones. Eddy’s work intersects organizational growth, leadership development, digital marketing, and entrepreneurial expansion.
BRITT DORAZIO
Program Deliverer
In 2011, Britt made a deep resolve to take an active part in her healing process. Since then she has been a dedicated practitioner and facilitator
living at the intersection of inner space exploration and creative expression. She believes that working with the languages of the arts, the body, and the breath, together, in community, has the compassionate power to bring us back home to ourselves, each other, and the land. Britt received her meditation certification from Sarvaguna Yoga Institute in Dharamshala, India. She received her social emotional arts certification from UCLA’s Arts & Healing School. Britt has dedicated many hours of training in nervous system regulation, non-judgmental facilitation, and anti-violence in education. Britt works with a wide range of communities. Currently, she works most closely with youth and folks with autism, intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities. This work has expanded her heart in ways she never imagined. In her free time, Britt loves nothing more than communing with the Earth and drinking tea with her loved ones.
TRINLEY BUSBY
Program Deliverer
Trinley has a professional background in mental health and harm reduction. In Vancouver, Canada’s Downtown Eastside (DTES), she worked as a frontline service provider in shelters, transitional and permanent housing serving those experiencing homelessness and struggling with concurrent mental health and substance abuse challenges. She also worked with community-based groups in the DTES to address poverty and housing injustices and as an advocate and ally to those engaged in survival sex-trade. Trinley has studied and practiced meditation extensively for the past 15+ years. She became an authorized meditation instructor and teacher in 2011 and has led numerous beginner and advanced meditation workshops and retreats in the Canada, USA, Mexico and Europe.
MEERAJ MOOSA
Program deliverer
Meeraj is a certified yoga instructor and Reiki master. She has received her certifications from various locations and believes that has helped her to expand her knowledge and background in different therapeutic modalities. As a co-owner of Inspirit, a virtual studio Meeraj can offer yoga and reiki to people all around the world. It is a gift to be able to share transformative practices and an even greater gift to know the impact they will have on our community for years to come. Meeraj has done extensive work with youth who have autism and intellectual disabilities. It is also in this work that she finds joy and purpose. With the growing need and desire to be more mindful, Meeraj has leaned into training with Awaken and hopes to facilitate meaningful discussions and growth amongst her peers. As a resident of Pittsburgh, PA Meeraj loves to be with her partner and explore the parks and food scene.
Meeraj moosa
Program Deliverer
MEERAJ MOOSA
Program Deliverer
Meeraj is a certified yoga instructor and Reiki master. She has received her certifications from various locations and believes that has helped her to expand her knowledge and background in different therapeutic modalities. As a co-owner of Inspirit, a virtual studio Meeraj can offer yoga and reiki to people all around the world. It is a gift to be able to share transformative practices and an even greater gift to know the impact they will have on our community for years to come. Meeraj has done extensive work with youth who have autism and intellectual disabilities. It is also in this work that she finds joy and purpose. With the growing need and desire to be more mindful, Meeraj has leaned into training with Awaken and hopes to facilitate meaningful discussions and growth amongst her peers. As a resident of Pittsburgh, PA Meeraj loves to be with her partner and explore the parks and food scene.
KALEN TENDERNESS TIERNEY
Program Deliverer
Kalen tenderness Tierney or tender is person navigating the world in a trans non-binary white body, working at the intersection of somatics, meditation and social justice. tender is a facilitator, teacher, ceramicist, and builder for social change. They are currently studying the history of bodies, critical phenomenology, polyvagal theory, the Dzogchen meditation tradition and somatic practices. tender has been living in the Pittsburgh area since the early 2000’s when they moved here to pursue a degree in philosophy with a focus on queer and gender theory. Over the last decade tender has worked with various groups to combat social injustice, including their work with Braddock Tiles and as a core member of WHAT’S UP?! Pittsburgh. They live with their canine companion in a 1960 Airstream camper. tender lives for wild blueberries, the ocean, rocks, trees, sky, animals and being in the forest.
KRISTY WEIDNER
Program Deliverer
Kristy Weidner is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Co-Owner of the Village Center for Holistic Therapy. She completed her master’s in social work from the University of Pittsburgh. She is fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) and has extensive experience in working with Deaf and hard of hearing clients, family members and within the culture of the Deaf Community. She has also taken an active role within our First Responders Community and continues to offer events and workshops to this population. She became a 200 hour certified yoga instructor in 2018, and studied with Max Strom, global speaker, teacher, actor, and founder of Inner Axis yoga. She also completed her mindfulness meditation teacher training with Lodro Rinzler, author and Buddhist meditation teacher based in New York City.
MARK A.D. WILLIAMS
Program Deliverer
Mark is a father, partner, educator, gardener, musician, and mindfulness practitioner. More importantly, Mark is a human. Most importantly, we all are! Mark is a certified Pre K – 4th grade teacher with a masters in foundations of education and mindfulness for educators from Antioch University. He works to build bridges between the branches of our human family tree that have forgotten we share the same roots. It’s Mark’s hope that by remembering our shared identity we can be free to celebrate our uniqueness and work together to create a kinder world.
SHANNON JENKINS
Program Deliverer
Shannon has had two life events that have placed her squarely in the experience of life-before and life-after: cancer and the loss of mobility as-she-knew-it at age twelve, and the death of her brother when she was 27. Both carved the paths she would take to working with neurodivergent learners and the gravitation to mindfulness practice. Shannon began teaching neurodivergent learners in 1999, and has worked as a caseworker for non-profits and government agencies as well. She has been in relationship with meditation and mindfulness practice for 11 years. Shannon finds putting hands in soil, petting animals, laughter, silliness, movement, and deep hugs to be an important part of this practice. She believes learning to love where you are is a radical act.
JACKSON KERCHIS
PrOGRAM DELIVERER
Jackson believes that science and contemplative practice have the power to transform the world of businesses and organizations. He combines his experience as a happiness researcher and educator with his business acumen as a former consultant and startup executive to deliver unique, insightful, and inspiring content at the intersection of mindfulness practice and daily life.
After finishing his economics major at University of Alabama in two years, he decided to create the world’s first Bachelor of Science in Happiness Studies.
Over the next few years, he won research grants, instructed the first Happiness Habits course at the University of Alabama, and lived as a Zen monk. He is an author, trainer, and certified executive coach.
JACKSON KERCHIS
Program Deliverer
TANISHA RAMSEY
Program Deliverer
Tanisha Ramsey is a Licensed Professional Counselor who completed her undergraduate studies at Penn State University and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. She also attended Carlow University where she obtained a Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling. She has experience working with young to middle aged adults, individuals in treatment for drug and alcohol abuse, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, and with individuals who have experienced abuse and trauma. Tanisha participated in the Mindful Connections program and has seen the value and benefit mindfulness has brought to her personal and professional life. She is excited to share the skills and knowledge with others as a program facilitator.
YVETTE SHIPMAN
Program Deliverer
Yvette’s life’s work in justice and transformative change embodies a social practice of creativity towards healing and spiritual growth. As a trained mediator and facilitator, Yvette moves through the world with integrity and ease; honoring folks where they are. She works to build generative spaces with individuals and organizations to bring about individual, collective, and societal transformation. Yvette feels most connected to herself and her ancestors when practicing the artistry of tea and tisane blending and conversation. Yvette has a B.A. in Communications and an M.A. in Social and Public Policy with a focus on Conflict Mediation and Peace Studies.
DANIELLE WILLIAMS
PROGRAM DELIVERER
Danielle’s work is in blending her knowledge of physical health with her experience in family-centered care and community building. She holds a B.S. in Athletic Training from the University of Michigan and a M.S. in Exercise Physiology from the University of Pittsburgh. Following burnout from the concurrent demands of graduate school and work, Danielle completed a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course. The draw of mindfulness was its simplicity, accessibility, and transformative potential. The fruits of which she continues to see blossoming within herself and the families and communities she has the opportunity to engage with. Danielle has great hope in Love, shown in part through mindful living, and its power to foster peace and awaken creativity. Danielle feels most at peace and creative being outside, listening to music, reading, and participating in many varied sports and forms of physical activity.
dANIELLE WILLIAMS
Program Deliverer
DANIELLE WILLIAMS
PROGRAM DELIVERER
Danielle’s work is in blending her knowledge of physical health with her experience in family-centered care and community building. She holds a B.S. in Athletic Training from the University of Michigan and a M.S. in Exercise Physiology from the University of Pittsburgh. Following burnout from the concurrent demands of graduate school and work, Danielle completed a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course. The draw of mindfulness was its simplicity, accessibility, and transformative potential. The fruits of which she continues to see blossoming within herself and the families and communities she has the opportunity to engage with. Danielle has great hope in Love, shown in part through mindful living, and its power to foster peace and awaken creativity. Danielle feels most at peace and creative being outside, listening to music, reading, and participating in many varied sports and forms of physical activity.
DEBORAH BROOKS
PROGRAM DELIVERER
Deborah Brooks is a licensed dietitian-nutritionist, a longtime meditator, and an ordained member of the Order of Interbeing in the Plum Village Buddhist tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh. She focuses in particular on mindfulness of the body as a source and subject of awareness and healing. Her professional background is in healthcare, working with older adults. Deborah has been teaching mindfulness meditation for 20-plus years and has led and organized many retreats, workshops, presentations, and days of mindfulness for her practice center, Laughing Rivers Sangha. Deborah’s practice is enriched by music and singing, exercise in nature, healthy eating and the love and support of her spiritual community . She is thrilled to have an opportunity to foster peace and healing by offering
mindfulness practice to people in the city that she loves.
DEBORAH BROOKS
Program Deliverer
LOVIE JJ FOSTER
PROGRAM DELIVERER
Dr. Lovie Jewell Jackson
Foster has served diverse roles in community-based social work for more than 25
years. Her current work focuses on organizational culture change emphasizing
holistic wellness, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging as Wellness
Manager for Allegheny County Children, Youth and Families, where she has served
since 2017. Prior to this, Dr. Foster was an Assistant Professor in the
University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work from 2011-2017, where she
conducted innovative human-centered design and mental health services research
with diverse youth—creating electronic tools for mental health education,
screening, and referrals. Dr. Lovie has a Bachelor of Arts in Communications
from Washington State University, a Master of Social Work from Portland State
University, and PhD in social work from the University of Washington, where she
also studied prevention science. She moved to Pittsburgh in 2008 to do research
on translating evidence-based child trauma interventions for implementation in
diverse communities.
Dr. Lovie is most passionate about healing
intergenerational trauma, especially in Black families and communities. As the
founder of LOVIE (LOVe, Inspire, Empower), she consults
and conducts mixed methods research, teaches yoga and meditation, and conducts
wellness workshops for youth and adults
LOVIE JJ FOSTER
Program Deliverer
Ashley Cifone
PROGRAM DELIVERER
Ashley Cifone is a regular human person with a deep desire for collective liberation. She believes that humans grow through and toward relationships, and that mindfulness is a practice that can nurture deep emotional connection. She has recently begun a new career as a counselor built upon 20 years of service educating children and their families in a variety of roles.
Mindfulness became a large part of her approach to guiding children and families through challenging moments, which ultimately guided her through them, too.
Ashley believes that mindfulness can be made to fit anyone who wants to incorporate into their lives- there's no one, perfect way. She is a strong advocate for social justice and is dedicated to dismantling systems of oppression through her work as a caregiver, educator, and counselor and beyond, and within herself. She received her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and is toying with the idea of getting a PhD. Ashley loves being a part of nature, gardening, and learning.
Ashley Cifone
Program Deliverer
MICHELLE KING
PROGRAM DELIVERER
Michelle King is a learning instigator and love activist. A true production of US foreign policy, she was born in 1968 to an African American father and an Ethiopian immigrant mother. Her father was a serviceman in the US Army, and she spent half her childhood in West Germany, and the other half split among army bases in California, North Carolina, and Colorado. Long fascinated by the ideas and values around identity, Michelle grapples with a life-long inquiry of being raised an “American” outside of her country and reconciling what that actually means now living in America. All of her intersectional identities and lived experiences are the “big data” which have deeply informed her practice as a middle school social science teacher for over 22 years. Michelle is a lifelong learner and is joyfully in search of ways for us humans to learn in public as well as to get out of our heads and into our hearts.
Michelle KING
Program Deliverer
URSULA LeSIC
PROGRAM DELIVERER
Ursula Lesic has over 25 years of experience as an organizational development consultant, coach, facilitator, and educator. She has spent her professional career helping individuals and teams live into their leadership by helping them connect to their purpose and their values along the way. By cultivating a strong foundation in resilience, vulnerability, courage, and empathy, Ursula’s clients are letting go of the idea of “armoring up” to succeed and are putting their talents and gifts into real practice, taking some risks, and taking good care of themselves. Ursula is passionate about working with her clients to develop mindfulness and presence for themselves and bringing these teachings into organizations. Her passion is fostered from her personal practices of yoga and meditation that have deepened with advanced practitioner training in stress reduction, mindfulness, compassion, shame, failure, and trauma informed practices developed by Jon Kabit-Zinn, Jack Kornfied, Tara Brach, David Trelevan, Brené Brown, Ashley Good, and Lakeside Global Institute.
URSULA LESIC
Program Deliverer
ETHAN MAYS
Research Assistant
Ethan is a fourth year psychology major at Stockton University. He worked in the Children’s Learning Lab at Stockton University for two years conducting research on children’s thought processes of food and contagious illnesses. He is currently working on a Senior thesis, studying the effects of meditation on biases. Ethan also works as a Registered Behavior Technician, delivering ABA therapy to children on the Autism spectrum. In his leisure time he loves to read, play basketball, meditate and practice yoga.
ETHAN MAYS
Research Assistant
Ethan is a fourth year psychology major at Stockton University. He worked in the Children’s Learning Lab at Stockton University for two years conducting research on children’s thought processes of food and contagious illnesses. He is currently working on a Senior thesis, studying the effects of meditation on biases. Ethan also works as a Registered Behavior Technician, delivering ABA therapy to children on the Autism spectrum. In his leisure time he loves to read, play basketball, meditate and practice yoga.
MARYBETH SALAMA
VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
MaryBeth is a retired Family Physician with added qualifications in Hospice and Palliative Medicine. She spends her time now volunteering at Awaken and for The Neighborhood Resilience Project providing health care for those without insurance. She also volunteers with 412 Food Rescue to help distribute unused food and fight local hunger. She is a faculty member at The Academy of Communication in Healthcare (ACH); an institution
committed to improving communication and relationships in healthcare.
MARYBETH SALAMA
VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
DINEKE TOLKAMP
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Dineke is a Registered Psyhologist from Canada, who is presently living in Vancouver, Canada. She is part of the research team at Awaken Pittsburgh. Through her work as a psychologist, Dineke has seen the positive impact of teaching others mindfulness and emotion awareness skills. She is excited to be part of a team that demonstrates this through research and to be part of an organization that is making a difference in the community. Dineke enjoys trying new things, being outside, gardening, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.
ELIZABETH BARGER
DATABASE BARGER
Beth is a managing partner of a women-owned consulting company in Northern Virginia. Beth is a Reiki practitioner and has been practicing mediation for almost ten years. As a passionate champion of meditation and mindfulness enhancing all facets of her life, Beth volunteers to maintain databases for Awaken Pittsburgh. By effectively collecting and organizing this information, Beth hopes to increase the participation of such life-altering programs.
BRIAN WALSH
oNLINE CONTENT DESIGNER
Brian is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh where he studied Supply Chain Management. He was drawn to volunteering with Awaken Pittsburgh by his belief that practicing mindfulness is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves, and sharing it is one of the greatest gifts we can give others. He began volunteering in 2020 and is grateful to be able to work with an organization that offers life-changing tools to the Pittsburgh community.
LARISSA EVANS
oNLINE COMMUNITY PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Larissa has been practicing meditation and yoga for over 15 years. She completed her MS in Couple and Family Therapy at Virginia Tech where she developed a passion for experiential therapies such as Internal Family Systems and Emotionally Focused Therapy. She was a full time parent for five years and is now working in education. Having also lived in Las Vegas, Southern California, and Northern Virginia, Larissa is proud to call Pittsburgh home now.
LARISSA EVANS
ONLINE COMMUNITY PROGRAM COORDINATOR
RYAN MCCARTHY
LEGAL ADVISOR
Ryan is an attorney that provides legal assistance on various matters to the Executive Director of Awaken Pittsburgh. As a former soldier and Iraq veteran, Ryan has personally experienced the life-changing value of sustained mindfulness practice and connection with a community of practitioners. Ryan hopes to share his passion for mindfulness practice with others in need, especially first responders and other veterans.
RYAN MCCARTHY
LEGaL ADVISOR
ROMAINE KNOX-CHAPMAN
GRANT WRITER
Romaine is currently a Trust Administrator for a non-profit special needs trust agency and she takes great pleasure to assist her clientele with their quality of life. Romaine has an MBA from Chatham University and a BA from Duquesne University. Also, she has acquired a certificate in Grant Writing from Community College of Allegheny County. Romaine has worked for both non-profit and for-profit companies and will extend her expertise, whenever an opportunity presents itself. Volunteering is a way she can connect with the community. Not only does Romaine persevere professionally, but she also social dances and plays tennis for fun and to relieve stress. Romaine is a semi-social butterfly, but also enjoys her quiet time to stay focused. She is thrilled to volunteer with Awaken Pittsburgh and to help with the growth of the organization.
ROMAINE KNOX-CHAPMAN
GRANT WRITER
MOLLY GREENO
VoLUNTEER QUALITATIVE RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Molly is a pediatric psychometrist for the neuropsychology department of a medical center in Minnesota. She is passionate about Awaken Pittsburgh’s mission to help communities through mindfulness and is excited to have the opportunity to help with research projects that will help expand the current literature on mindfulness. In her free time, Molly enjoys baking, reading, getting out onto the trails, and volunteering as a crisis counselor.
MOLLY GREENO
VOLUNTEER QUALITATIVE RESEARCH ASSISTANT
SARAH URBANIC
ONLINE COMMUNITY COORDINATOR
Sarah currently works full-time at a school for children with disabilities and is attending graduate school at Carlow University to one day become a professional counselor. She enjoys spending time with loved ones, outdoor activities, and taking care of her precious houseplants. Mindfulness has been an important aspect of Sarah’s life for over six years now and she’s so grateful to have the opportunity to volunteer for Awaken Pittsburgh.
SARAH URBANIC
ONLINE COMMUNITY COORDInATOR
YVONNE BENINATI
PROPOSAL WRITER
Yvonne has a JD from the University of Pittsburgh, an MPH from the University of Texas School of Public Health, and a BS in Sociology from the University of Houston. Yvonne practiced law for 10 years, both in private practice and as a clerk with the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. She has also served as a professional fundraiser working for such diverse organizations as the University of Pittsburgh, the Senator John Heinz History Center, the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, and the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation International. Yvonne loves spending time with her four granddaughters, doing artwork (bead-woven jewelry, floral paintings, and mixed media pieces), and volunteering her time as a proposal writer with nonprofit organizations. Yvonne took a mindfulness-based stress reduction class and has been meditating and practicing mindfulness ever since. Yvonne is grateful for the opportunity to work with Awaken Pittsburgh and hopes to help broaden its reach to serve more communities.
YVONNE BENINATI
PROPOSAL WRITER
YVONNE BENINATI
PrOPOSAL WRITER
Yvonne has a JD from the University of Pittsburgh, an MPH from the University of Texas School of Public Health, and a BS in Sociology from the University of Houston. Yvonne practiced law for 10 years, both in private practice and as a clerk with the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. She has also served as a professional fundraiser working for such diverse organizations as the University of Pittsburgh, the Senator John Heinz History Center, the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, and the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation International. Yvonne loves spending time with her four granddaughters, doing artwork (bead-woven jewelry, floral paintings, and mixed media pieces), and volunteering her time as a proposal writer with nonprofit organizations. Yvonne took a mindfulness-based stress reduction class and has been meditating and practicing mindfulness ever since. Yvonne is grateful for the opportunity to work with Awaken Pittsburgh and hopes to help broaden its reach to serve more communities.
SNEZANA DJORDJEVIC
aDMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
Snezana has been working as an accountant, interpreter, and translation expert. She has a B.S Degree in Agriculture from the University of Belgrade and certification in the Environmental Health Risk Assessment Program from the University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public Health. In her free time, she likes to walk, hike and travel. Besides that, she likes to read, socialize and take care of her house plants and outdoor plants. She enjoys learning new things and has a keen interest to gain knowledge about mindfulness and spirituality by being a part of Awaken Pittsburgh. She is glad to be able to help Awaken Pittsburgh’s mission and the opportunity to learn and broaden her knowledge in this field.
SNEZANA DJORDJEVIC
ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
PUDJI SIREGAR-PERK
VoLUNTEER
Pudji is a digital marketing enthusiast with over 7 years of experience in the field. In recent years, she has focused on Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) and Marketing Analytics. Pudji is a member of Women in Experimentation, a community of CRO specialists. She was born in Indonesia but now lives in the Netherlands. Every two years, she spends the summer in her hometown, Bali. Pudji is also a full-time mom to a 2-year-old and is expecting her second baby in September.
PUDJI SIREGAR-PERK
WEBSITE & SEO Manager
SHANNON DRUFFNER
aDMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Shannon graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Public Health. She moved to Pittsburgh last summer for a temporary job at the food bank working with the child nutrition team. Now, Shannon works for Harvie Farms as an operations assistant. She has been practicing yoga and mediation since the start of the pandemic, and it has been a really positive change in her life. Shannon is very excited to be volunteering for this organization and helping make a difference in the community. Shannon also enjoys reading, doing puzzles, hanging out with friends, and spending time outdoors!
SHANNON DRUFFNER
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Yael Gutman
Volunteer
Yael is a psychologist from Mexico, eager to volunteer as part of the research team at Awaken Pittsburgh. Ever since meditation and mindfulness practice served her as a coping method through the COVID-19 pandemic, Yael is convinced of its power to benefit people’s lives, and is glad to be helping this organization’s efforts in spreading it to its community. Other activities she enjoys are music, reading and spending time with friends and family, all of which bring great joy to her life.
YAEL GUTMAN
VOLUNTEER
SACHI PONDA
VOLUNTEER
Sachi is a recent grad; she did a Master's in Business Administration with a focus on Business Analytics. Throughout her career, she has explored the creative side of work as a business owner in arts and crafts, a graphic designer, and a business analyst. She is willing to spend her time volunteering at Awaken to strengthen her ties to the community.
SACHI PONDA
VOLUNTEER
MaDHAVI DESAI
WEBSITE VOLUNTEER
Madhavi joined Awaken Pittsburgh in April 2023 as a volunteer for Awaken Pittsburgh's website. Her role is to design and develop the website and do site maintenance, plus work with the team to ensure the site aligns with the goals and objectives of the organization.
She received a BS in Computer Science from San Jose State University and has worked over 20 years in the IT sector in various roles with wide exposure to various technologies. She has lived in the bay area with her husband since 1990 after immigrating from India and has two adult kids. In her free time she likes to go for walks, watch TV, cook various dishes for family, and crochet.
MADHAVI DESAI
Webmaster
CARRINGTON BRYAN
MARKETING INTERN
Carrington is a first year Architecture student at the University of Pittsburgh. He plays the alto sax in the Pitt Varsity Marching Band and illustrates for the Pitt News! Aside from his school activities, he's a visual artist whose body of work surrounds themes of freedom and peace of the mind. He is a lifelong learner who is constantly growing and experiencing the world through art and his journey of mindfulness. He loves creating, especially sewing. One day, he will design costumes for film and television and open his own fashion house!
CaRRINGTON BRYAN
MARKETING INTERN
EMMA SHEARER
MARKETING INTERN
Emma is currently a Junior majoring in Studio Arts at the University of Pittsburgh. She chose to intern with Awaken for her passion in not only graphic design, but also the bettering of mental health. She loves to create digital work, paintings, and uploading sketches and tutorials on social media platforms like Instagram and Tik Tok. In her free time, she loves to travel, listen to music, and spend time with friends.
EMMA SHEARER
MARKETING INTERN
CATHERINE MAGSINO
ANALYTICS & CONVERSION RATE OPTIMIZATION SPECIALIST
Catherine Magsino
Catherine is a Data Science and Analytics Manager with over 15 years of experience in the industry. Her educational background consists of four bachelor degrees in Business Administration (Human Resources Management), Economics, Chemistry, and Biochemistry from the University of Washington, along with intensive Data Science training from Metis.
She enjoys merging her technical, creative, and storytelling abilities to drive data-based decisions and impact within organizations, while also fostering a collaborative and empowering environment for her team members to develop and grow.
Catherine is eager to volunteer her time to causes she believes in, particularly within underrepresented and underprivileged communities. She currently serves as a founding Board Director for Diversity in Data Science, served as a Women in Data Science Ambassador and Overall Conference Planning Lead for the WiDS Puget Sound Conference for several years, and was also a Board Director for Accessifiers, an organization that provides technology to students with disabilities in impoverished areas.
Catherine has recently started practicing mindfulness and has first-hand experience of its positive benefits. She is ecstatic to volunteer and contribute her data skills to Awaken Pittsburgh to help further spread its mission to foster well-being, empathy, and compassion for all by teaching and encouraging mindfulness and meditation practices.
Neena Sabherwal
Editor & Copywriter
Residing in Pittsburgh, Neena is a National Certified Counselor with a M.S.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Duquesne University. She is deeply passionate about merging her expertise in mental health, research acumen, and content creation skills to educate, empower, and uplift individuals from all walks of life.
As a dedicated advocate for the expansion of trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and easily accessible mental health services, Neena eagerly volunteered her time at Awaken Pittsburgh. She appreciates the opportunity to contribute to their mission of bringing the
transformative power of mindfulness to individuals in the community and beyond.
In all her pursuits, Neena embraces a mindset of curiosity, which serves as the cornerstone of her personal and professional ethos. By fostering an insatiable curiosity, Neena not only continually strives to deepen her own insights and perspectives, but also to enhance her ability to connect with others and see them for who they truly are: fellow humans simply
trying their best to navigate the wild ride called life.
NEENA SABHERWAL
Editor & Copywriter
BENJAMIN KOFFY
VIDEO EDITOR
Benjamin Koffy works in Video Production at Accra, Ghana (West Africa).
He is trained in Communication Design, with an Animation major and has been involved in Accras' vibrant media space since 2010, after graduating from college.
Equally, he has experience as in 2D and 3D Motion Graphic design, as well as experience as a Video Producer and Post Producer.
Benjamin is driven by the idea that, "to whom much is given, much is expected.” Now, is that moment of giving back for Benjamin.
CHUSHAN XIAO
DIGITAL CONTENT CREATOR
I am a graduate of a Master's Degree in E-Science and Product Management.
I really enjoy doing marketing-related things and have experience in product, marketing, social media, and UI/UX design.
I want to help as many people as I can, as much as I can. I like to spend my free time traveling, watching movies, reading, and drawing, all of which make me feel calm and happy.
LISA MURSLACK
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Lisa is recently retired and enjoying the opportunity to learn new things as well as contribute to the administrative efforts of Awaken Pittsburgh. She worked for 17 years in banking before her first "retirement". She became a stay at home mom to 4 kids (including triplets) and actively volunteered in leadership and support roles in their schools and sports teams. For the last 9 years she was the office manager in a growing dental practice and helped the doctors in managing their business. Lisa enjoys running and working out, cooking/baking, reading, and traveling to see her kids!
LISA MURSLACK
Administrative
Assistant
CHUSHAN XIAO
DIGITAL CONTENT CREATOR
I am a graduate of a Master's Degree in E-Science and Product Management.
I really enjoy doing marketing-related things and have experience in product, marketing, social media, and UI/UX design.
I want to help as many people as I can, as much as I can. I like to spend my free time traveling, watching movies, reading, and drawing, all of which make me feel calm and happy.