Board of Directors
Anthony Holland
Co-President & Co-Chair, DEI Committee Chair
Tony brings his depth of technology and large systems expertise as VP of SAP Partner Sales Channels. A recipient of Villanova's Bartley Medallion and Executive Coach for Villanova's EMBA Business Leadership Program, Tony will be helping develop Inner Strength's leadership team.
Amy Edelstein
Founder & Executive Director, Secretary
Amy Edelstein, educator, author, and public speaker is a powerful communicator of ideas and beliefs that can help us transform ourselves and the culture we live in. She is the founder and executive director of the Inner Strength Foundation. Amy has 40-years experience working with contemplative tools and developmental philosophy, and has taught in half a dozen countries around the world. She oversees the work of the organization, the teaching team, all curriculum, and also instructs in the schools. Amy is a Cornell University College Scholar, recipient of a 2019 Philadelphia Social Innovation Award, and author of six books including the award-winning bestseller The Conscious Classroom.
Ayanna Matlock
Deputy Secretary
Ayanna Matlock, Deputy Chief Transformation Officer, Organizational Health for SEPTA, the 6th largest transit agency in America. She brings many talents to Inner Strength. A student of meditation for many years, she has also spent many years supporting builders of urban culture in the non-profit sector. At SEPTA in their Innovation Department she helps modernize through employee & customer insights. As she says, “I’ve appreciated its introspective philosophy and its deep pursuit in awareness of self. I believe in the power of Design Thinking and the “Yes, and …” spirit. It really does give everyone a voice in how we all make life more loving & compassionate. My greatest gift, is my growing son, Joshua.”
Jeff Carreira
Jeff Carreira is a master teacher of philosophy, meditation, and cultural evolution. He is the author of six books on the subject and maintains an active international teaching schedule. Widely considered one of the leading innovative voices in evolutionary philosophy and transformative spirituality, Carreira also has a traditional educational background, holding an M.A. in curriculum development and has taught in the Massachusetts Public School System. He has 25-years experience with contemplative practices and is cofounder of Emergence Education, which creates transformational programming for adults. Jeff serves on the Board of Directors and as a program advisor for the Inner Strength Foundation.
Leashia Lewis
Leashia Lewis is the director of Villanova University UNITAS, the Athletics Departments DE&I initiative. She holds a MA from Villanova in Secondary Counseling along with an undergraduate double major and triple minor. Committed helping underrepresented students succeed in college and career placement, she worked for many years as a high school counselor. Lewis is certified through Pacific Educational Group in Courageous Conversations about Race Protocol, is a board member of the Villanova Varsity Club Hall of Fame for Athletics, a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC); and Pennsylvania Association for College Admission Counseling (PACAC); American School Counseling Association (ASCA), and was an All-American track and field athlete on Villanova’s track and field team.
Ron LaSalvia
Co-President & Co-Chair, Treasurer
Ron has an extensive background in leadership and business. After graduating MIT, Ron served in the US Navy for 24 years, including as Captain of two nuclear submarines. He went on to Wharton Business School, receiving its highest honor Palmer Scholar, and became President and COO of a $1.5B technology company. The stress of business pushed Ron to explore well-being modalities, leading to a deep and empowered relationship with the value of our interior life. He now runs Operational Zen helping business leaders find a deeper context of balance, meaning and purpose for their work and personal lives. A proud Central High School graduate, Ron is passionate about making Philadelphia public schools flourish.
Sharon Kind
Nominating Committee Chair
Sharon Kind brings her expertise and enthusiasm to the ISF Board. She holds an M.A. in Early Childhood Education, is co-founder of Southeast Early Childhood Learning Center, Founder of Yoga Evolution, and longtime teacher of Yoga, and Qigong. She is also an Interfaith Minister and mother of 3 beautiful sons. Sharon also serves as a board member for the Patricia Kind Family Foundation.
Stephen Gross
Stephen Gross brings decades of experience in the financial and investment world. He is founder and principle of Stephen M. Gross Inc. He is also an active alumnae of Central High School and knows the importance of supporting high school students. A dedicated mindfulness practitioner, he also brings knowledge and passion of Inner Strength’s core work.
Organization Team and Instructors
Our organization runs on the creativity and passion of our talented team.
Amy Edelstein
Founder & Executive Director
Amy Edelstein, educator, author, and public speaker is a powerful communicator of ideas and beliefs that can help us transform ourselves and the culture we live in. She is the founder and executive director of the Inner Strength Foundation. Amy has 40-years experience working with contemplative tools and developmental philosophy, and has taught in half a dozen countries around the world. She oversees the work of the organization, the teaching team, all curriculum, and also instructs in the schools. Amy is a Cornell University College Scholar, recipient of a 2019 Philadelphia Social Innovation Award, and author of six books including the award-winning bestseller The Conscious Classroom.
Alyson Showell LaPorta
Director of Communications & Grant Administration
Alyson Showell LaPorta brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Inner Strength Education, with a career spanning two decades in the non-profit sector. Her diverse background includes working in various fields such as education, refugee resettlement, workforce development, program development and management, grant management, and nonprofit staffing. In her role at Inner Strength Education, Alyson takes on responsibilities related to grant writing, media outreach, and public communications. Alyson's contributions to the community have been recognized, as she received a Mayor's Commendation for her outstanding work on the Philadelphia Adult Literacy Project. Alyson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Temple University, where she developed strong communication and writing skills that continue to benefit her work in the non-profit sector. She further pursued her academic endeavors with a Master of Science degree in Forensic Psychology from Walden University, equipping her with a unique perspective and understanding of human behavior and the factors that influence positive change. Outside of her professional pursuits, Alyson is a proud mother to twin boys, an experience that has deepened her appreciation for the importance of mindfulness and self-care.
Haylee Warner
Instructor & Donor Engagement
Haylee Warner is a trauma-sensitive yoga instructor and holistic health and wellness counselor with a focus on Ayurveda. She is a fulltime instructor for Inner Strength, working with students in a variety of schools and developing content for the mobile app and other classroom resources and async programs. She brings her expertise and sensitivity to the classroom, coupled with her expertise in the creative movement arts.
Jai Thompson
Strength & Stability Program Coordinator
Jai Thompson (they/them), Strength & Stability Program Coordinator, is a West Philadelphia native; Lock Haven and Arcadia University graduate and undergraduate recipient. Jai is an artist, activist, community member, social worker and healer. They have worked in HIV/AIDS prevention and education for over 15 years, working to dismantle the systemic imbalance of unattainable healthcare, educational resource and social emotional care to Queer and Trans youth within the city of Philadelphia. To date, they prioritize Black & Brown youth within the Philadelphia School District navigate gun-violence. Jai has served on several QTBIPOC organizations board of directors and as the liaison for BIPOC communities to support their social, emotional and systemic needs. Above all, Jai is a lover of people. Jai will set up programs for the Strength & Stability work, coordinate program delivery, as well as create new curriculum and instruct.
Julie Coopersmith
Sr. Instructor & Special Projects
Julie Coopersmith has over 20 years experience in Mindfulness and Yoga practices. She oversees ongoing skills development for Inner Strength instructors, develops classroom curriculum including teen leadership programs, teen retreats, and school mindfulness rooms, and is a Senior Instructor for Inner Strength. In addition, Julie sources strategic partnerships with other innovative programs in the education world. Julie has studied Mindfulness Meditation, has studied with Patricia Broderick, PhD, is a graduate of the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction program, and has taken extensive coursework in therapeutic yoga. She has developed programs with Occupational, Physical, and Speech therapists and has partnered with them for children and adolescents in school settings as well as privately. Julie is certified with Yoga Ed for school aged children and with the Yoga Alliance, EYT-500 hours. Julie holds an MBA in Health Care Administration.
Katy Kopnitsky
Operations Manager
Katy Kopnitsky (they/them), Operations Manager, is a learner first and always, as well as a facilitator, organizer, writer, educator, and sharer of embodied practices and somatics. Katy brings their experience in Grants Management, Systems, public funding, and process-driven organization to Inner Strength. Katy is driven by a belief that a world where we are all held in love and dignity and given all that we need to create safety, belonging, and wellbeing together is possible, inevitable, and ours to shape. Katy brings years of experience in operations, development, communications, and team support with nonprofits and grassroots organizations to their role as Operations Manager with Inner Strength Education.
Neanta Parnell
Instructor & Communications Associate
A Philadelphia native, Neanta Parnell, Strength & Stability Communications Associate & Instructor, is a PA certified massage therapist and 200HR yoga instructor with a master’s in professional writing. Motivated by a love for people and spiritual growth, Neanta uses empathy and authenticity to evoke the best qualities out of each person she meets. She exists in a mindset of intentionality, no word spoken or action taken in absence of purpose and essentialism. Neanta hopes to use her professional and personal skills to help teens learn self-love and self-compassion, prompting them to live happier, healthier lives. Neanta will be assisting with Inner Strength Communications as she trains to join the Instructors' Cohort. Senator Haywood's Back-to-School Event
Amelia Mraz
Instructor & Research Support
Amelia Mraz is completing her Masters Degree in Public Health this year, satisfying her fieldwork placement as a member of the Inner Strength Strength & Stability team, supporting youth most impacted by gun violence. She brings experience working with youth as well as innovative mental health supports. Mraz is the founder of Half Mad Honey, a mental wellness apiary in Philadelphia's Navy Yard.
Instructors-at-Large
The following Inner Strength instructors make up the Inner Strength Instructors’ Cohort, having successfully completed the 120-hour Inner Strength Teacher Training. Our diverse team collectively brings decades of experience in meditation practice, K-12 educational instruction, mindful movement, and performance and fine arts. All instructors participate in monthly professional development sessions to support one another and deepen their knowled
Helena Showell
Instructor
She is an educator, writer, photographer, graphic designer, artist, and nature lover. Helena has a Master of Fine Arts in Media Designm Bachelor of Arts in Communications/E-commerce and Technology Management; and an Associate of Science in Graphic Design. Helena is an avid practitioner of mindfulness and combines her experience of the benefits of mindfulness with her love for working with youth.
Holly Henry
Instructor
Holly is a communications specialist with core strengths in public relations, strategic marketing communications and advancement with extensive experience working for nonprofit organizations, educational institutions and foundations. Her special interests are education and healthcare /wellness. She is certified to teach yoga and mindfulness to grade school children through Verge Yoga as well as her Inner Strength certification for work with high school students.
Jazman Dobson
Instructor
Mindfulness, yoga, and reiki instructor, musician and classically trained dancer, Jazman Dobson joins Inner Strength as our Mobile App Content Manager & Engagement Specialist and classroom instructor.
Jody Long
Instructor
Jody’s foundation in mindfulness was established through her early Quaker education. She was an early childhood art teacher. She earned a BFA from the University of Michigan Stamps School of Art, an MAT from the University of the Arts, and certificates in numerous healing modalities. Her most current interest and training is in Family Constellations.
Lisa Laney
Instructor
Lisa is an experienced E-RYT 500 yoga teacher and holds a 900-hour meditation certification with Clearlight Meditation Institute. Lisa teaches yoga and mindfulness in the greater Philadelphia area. She has a background in theatre, dance and music.
Patrick Gleeson
Instructor
Patrick Gleeson is a data scientist, researcher, and long-time meditation practitioner. He first discovered mindfulness in high school, and wants to help bring its transformative benefits to teens in Philadelphia. Patrick is an avid runner and is currently training for his first Century, or 100 mile bike ride.
Robin Hall
Instructor
Robin Hall is a Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction facilitator with 14+ years of mindfulness meditation experience and a background in healthcare marketing. In addition to teaching, Robin is the Operations Manager for the Penn Program for Mindfulness where she manages the People of Color Initiative, providing a safe space for this population to explore mindfulness. Robin is passionate about increasing the implementation of innovative health and wellness initiatives in the workplace, demystifying mindfulness and making it more relatable and accessible to beginners.
Advisory Board
Michael Baime
Dr. Baime is a Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and the founder and Director of the Penn Program for Mindfulness. Since 1992, the Program has trained more than 10,000 people in mindfulness-based stress management. At Penn, Dr. Baime has developed and led numerous courses about mindfulness meditation and mind-body medicine.
Brendon Jeremi-Jobs
Brendon Jeremi-Jobs is a pioneering teacher and educational leader, committed to transformative education on race, gender, and history. He is the head of Abbington Friends Upper School and brings his lens of racial equity to the work of the school. Brendon formerly taught World & African American History, and Sociology in the Philadelphia Public Schools. In 2016 Jobs was selected from over 10000 teachers to advise the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation on K-12 Educational Programming. He has been awarded prestigious teaching fellowships and worked as a Lehman Fellow, a National Constitution Center Annenberg Fellow, a James Madison Fellow, and an Education Pioneer Fellow with the SEED Foundation in Washington, D.C. He also received the Dr. Ruth Wright Hayre Teacher of the Year Award and was nominated twice for the Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching. He received his M.A. from University of Pennsylvania, and his BS from Columbia University.
Nancy J. Kelley
Nancy Kelley served as the Founding Executive Director of the New York Genome Center. She led the Center from a start up through its current stage as it became a world-class genomics research center, raising $110 million to do so. Many of NYGC’s foundational elements, such as its Pilot Laboratory at Rockefeller University, the NYGC Innovation Center, and key clinical and technology partnerships, were established under her leadership. Ms. Kelley oversaw the build of NYGC’s permanent facility in New York City and recruited a large scientific and management team as well as several of the Center’s Associate Members. She holds a Doctorate of Jurisprudence from Harvard University and has over twenty years of executive management and board experience in starting, growing, and restructuring organizations, raising capital, recruiting diverse management teams, creating and implementing strategic plans. Nancy serves as an Advisor to the Inner Strength Foundation.
Rebecca Donahue
Rebecca Boulay Donahue, Director of Events at The Westin Philadelphia and The Rittenhouse Hotel, brings her eye for impeccable detail, budget conscious hospitality, and passion for youth wellness to Inner Strength. With her accomplished ability to manage large and diverse teams from event staff to client CEOs, meet the needs of the most demanding Fortune 500 clients, Rebecca helps Inner Strength connect with the broader community and share the strength of its message.
Craig Hamilton
Craig Hamilton, founder of Evolving Wisdom, is a pioneer of evolutionary spirituality and conscious evolution. A powerful educator and innovator of online transformative coursework, Craig has graduates in 85 countries, numbering more than 16,000 to date. Craig is a founding member of Ken Wilber’s Integral Institute, a member of Deepak Chopra’s Evolutionary Leaders Forum, and was a participant in the Synthesis Dialogues, a 35-person interdisciplinary think tank presided over by the Dalai Lama. In his current work, Craig is helping to articulate an authentic evolutionary spirituality—an “integral enlightenment” which illuminates the vital relationship between individual transformation and collective evolution.
Theresa Shropshire
Claire Zammit
Claire Zammit is the creator of the Feminine Power courses for women and founder of the Institute for Woman-Centered Coaching. Her groundbreaking doctoral research on the underlying obstacles blocking intelligent women from excelling has been praised as a seminal contribution to the advancement of women. Her work has helped millions of women around the world transform. In 2010, she co-founded Evolving Wisdom, one of the most successful online transformational learning enterprises, generating over $75 million in revenue and reaching millions of people from 180 countries. Claire earned her Ph.D in Transformative Learning & Change at the California Institute of Integral Studies.
