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Our Team and Advisors

Board of Directors

mindfulness in schools training

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 is the founder and Executive Director of Inner Strength Education She has 40-years indepth experience working with contemplative tools, systems thinking modalities, and transformational philosophies and has presented around the world, including recently at the global C20 Technology & Education panel. Amy oversees the organization’s curriculum and strategic development, instigating key partnerships with Villanova University and XPRIZE Connect. She still loves teaching in the classroom to both students and school staff, and is dedicated to create common understanding about why whole person wellness is an essential element education and is a critical component of preparing our youth to thrive and be successful in our complex world. A Cornell University College Scholar, Amy is the author of seven books including The Conscious Classroom. She has been honored with a Philadelphia Social Innovation Award, and Nautilus, Publishers Weekly Ben Franklin, and IPPY book awards.
Barbara Booker

Barbara Booker

BOARD MEMBER

Barbara Booker has has a long and successful career as an independent educational consultant, operations engineer, and teacher. Her recent work included fulfilling a key role on a nationwide math research study to assess the effectiveness of grade school math curricula. She is passionate about creating modalities that are culturally relevant and accessible to LatinX students, supporting teachers, and facilitating school-based research to improve student’s engagement and learning. She has been married to James for 40 years and they have two amazing girls and a grandson.
James Booker

James Booker

BOARD MEMBER

James worked as an Enterprise Solutions Architect, Technology Strategist, Delivery Manager and IT Executive for over 40 years in the telecommunications, financial services, publishing, healthcare industries. He has architected and managed the delivery of many large and highly complex systems for Fortune 500 companies and government agencies. He is passionate about encouraging youth to persevere and never accept imposed limitations on what they can achieve.

Jordan Divito

BOARD MEMBER

Jordan serves as PA State Senator Art Haywood’s Philadelphia District Director, building community partnerships and working on constituent issues. She is an experienced social service and government professional of 10+ years and is passionate about working in programs that aim to lift neighbors out of poverty. Jordan’s passions include advocacy for mental health and life skills support, affordable and accessible housing, civic education, community building and resiliency. She excels as a trainer and leader, providing caring problem solving and sharp strategic thinker. She is also professionally trained for emergency response and disaster preparedness and disaster mental health supports.
Leashia Lewis, Villanova Athletics DEI&B Director

Leashia Lewis

BOARD MEMBER

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.
Rebecca Donahue

Rebecca Donahue

FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE CHAIR

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.
Ron LaSalvia

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.

Shannon Ellis

BOARD MEMBER

Shannon Ellis, is a dynamic leader in education with over a decade of dedicated service toward advancing equity in education. Her expertise spans implementing innovative social and emotional learning, restorative-justice practices, mental health and data-based decision making. Her commitment to student well-being is further highlighted by her work in supporting students experiencing parental and family incarceration. She first connected with Inner Strength while serving in the School District of Philadelphia Office of School Climate & Culture. Shannon received her B.S. in Business Management with a concentration in Marketing from East Stroudsburg University and M.Ed. in School Psychology from Howard University.

With Gratitude for Your Service

Emeritus Board Members

Ayanna Matlock | Jeff Carreira | Sharon Kind | Steve Gross | Cindy Leavitt | Daniel Cantor

Our Team

Inner Strength runs on the creativity and passion of our talented team. Each brings a wealth of experience and passion to help empower the youth of today to realize their dreams and goals. All our instructors have successfully completed the 60-hour Inner Strength Teacher Training and participate participate in ongoing professional development sessions to support one another and deepen their skills and knowledge. Our instructors bring decades of experience in meditation practice, K-12 educational instruction, trauma-informed modalities, mindful movement, and performance and fine arts. 

Amy Edelstein

Founder & Executive Director

Amy Edelstein is the founder and Executive Director of Inner Strength Education She has 40-years indepth experience working with contemplative tools, systems thinking modalities, and transformational philosophies. Amy oversees the organization’s curriculum and strategic development, instigating key partnerships with Villanova University and XPRIZE Connect. She still loves teaching in the classroom to both students and school staff, and is dedicated to create common understanding about why whole person wellness is an essential element education and is a critical component of preparing our youth to thrive and be successful in our complex world. A Cornell University College Scholar and recipient of a Philadelphia Social Innovation Award, Amy is the author of seven books including award-winning The Conscious Classroom.

Alyson Showell LaPorta

COMMUNICATIONS & GRANT PROPOSAL MANAGER

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.
Amaro Truong

Amaro Truong

Software Engineer

Amaro Truong was in the Inner Strength Teen Program when he was a junior at Central High School in 2020. His natural interest and technological aptitude led him to intern and beta test our mobile app VIBE before its initial release. Now a Software Engineering Student at Drexel, Amaro is bringing his dual skills of AI experimentation and appreciation for the de-stress needs of youth to program and upgrade the Inner Strength online library for teens and our mobile app.

Christina Smith

Instructor

Christina brings her dedication to fostering emotional well being, focus, and self awareness in children. A former high school teacher in Philadelphia, she understands the importance of presence and mindful practices for students.Christina is a certified yoga instructor and uses those practices to create a calm and nurturing environment where children can be supported. She applies her passion in various outlets, teaching yoga to seniors, working as a wellness chef specializing in vegan and plant-based cuisines, and offering nutritional and movement instruction. Christina joined Inner Strength in 2024 after completing the 60-hour Teaching Inner Strength school mindfulness teacher training.

Eliza Taylor

Instructor

Eliza Taylor started her career as a classroom teacher in Denver Public Schools and was trained in the progressive British Primary approach. With a Master’s in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology from Buddhist-based Naropa University, she served as school counselor at Community Partnership School in North Philadelphia for ten years, implementing counseling and Social Emotional Learning programs there. She has a passion for the power of play, nature, and mindfulness to connect us to ourselves, one another, and the world. Eliza joined Inner Strength in 2024 after completing the 60-hour Teaching Inner Strength school mindfulness teacher training.

Gaby Marquez

Instructor

Gaby’s passion for mindfulness began when she was first introduced to the practice in college. She holds a Master of Arts in general theoretical psychology and is pursuing a second master’s degree in history. Gaby brings a wealth of experience in education and organizational management and is deeply committed to lifelong learning. Thus, she is continually refining her practices to create a supportive, nurturing, and growth-oriented environment, ensuring that her approach is adaptable and evolves to meet the needs of those she serves. Gaby joined Inner Strength in 2024 after completing the 60-hour Teaching Inner Strength school mindfulness teacher training.

Heather Stapleton

Instructor

Heather is a certified yoga teacher and barre fitness instructor, as well as a parent of two teenagers. Prior to her career in wellness, Heather worked as an attorney for the federal courts for 15 years. A graduate of Cornell University and The University of Pennsylvania Law School, Heather brings her intellectual curiosity and love of learning to teaching the Inner Strength curriculum. Heather joined Inner Strength in 2024 after completing the 60-hour Teaching Inner Strength school mindfulness teacher training.

Holly Henry

Instructor

Holly joined Inner Strength in 2016 bringing her passion for mindfulness and teaching youth to our students. She 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 completed her Level 1, 2 & 3 Teaching Inner Strength teacher training certification and also completed her Verge Yoga children’s yoga teacher training.
Jazman Dobson, Inner Strength Instructor

Jazman Dobson

Instructor

Jazman joined Inner Strength in 2019, after completing the 150 hour Teaching Inner Strength teacher training Levels 1, 2, and 3. She brings her love of mindfulness practice and musical talents to the classroom. When not touring with one of her bands, Jazman practices and teaches mindfulness, yoga, and reiki. Her mindful movement work with students is informed by her classical training in dance.

Jenna Kelly

Instructor

Jenna Kelly joined Inner Strength in 2023. She brings her passion for wellness and instructing to Inner Strength. Co-founder of Balanced Planet Yoga, she runs certification Yoga Teacher Training programs as well as ongoing classes and personal training. Her approach is informed by her discipline in US military service, personal physical training certification, parent of 3 children, and passion for bringing out the inspiration of each individual she works with. Jenna has completed her Inner Strength Teen mindfulness Teacher Training Level 1, 2 & 3, and holds her Personal Training Certificate through the American Counsel on Exercise (ACE), a Functional Training Certificate from Perform Better YBarre and Yoga Sculpt.
Lisa Laney

Lisa Laney

Instructor

Lisa joined Inner Strength in 2017 after completing her Teaching Inner Strength teen mindfulness teacher training Levels 1, 2, &3. She is an experienced E-RYT 500 yoga teacher and holds a 900-hour meditation certification with Clearlight Meditation Institute. Lisa brings her background in theatre, dance and music to her work with students.

Michele McShea

Finance & HR Manager

Michele McShea comes out of retirement to bring her warmth and 35+ years of finance experience to support the work of Inner Strength and bring knowledge and expertise to our new partnerships, grants, and collaborations. Michele is an experienced Finance Director with a demonstrated history of working in the information technology and services industry. Skilled in Analytical Skills, Sales, Management, Leadership, and Risk Management. Strong accounting professional with a MBA focused in Finance from Temple University – Fox School of Business and Management.
Patrick Gleeson

Patrick Gleeson

Mobile App Usability

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. He has completed Teaching Inner Strength Levels 1, 2, & 3 school mindfulness certification.

Paul Wheatley

Development Consultant

Paul Wheatley serves as Inner Strength’s Development consultant, overseeing our 10 Year Anniversary Campaign, legacy gifts, and donor relations. He is an award-winning development professional. He won the HAF Innovation Award (2022) and the Sanofi Health Accelerator Award (2023) for his work creating medical educational films for nonprofits. As Chief Development Officer at Covenant House PA, he raised $4.5 million. Paul holds a Masters in Creative Writing from Trinity College Dublin and a Diploma in Creative Writing from Oxford University. His career includes producing documentaries on Irish poets and has presented on nonprofit branding at the University of Pennsylvania and IBX’s ‘Digital Fundraising for Nonprofits’.

Susan Aguilar

Executive Assistant

Susan Aguilar joined Inner Strength in 2023, bringing a keen eye for detail and strong organizational skills. With a background in executive assistance, she ensures seamless operations across projects and communications. Her passion for creating order and supporting meaningful work aligns with her commitment to personal growth and mindfulness. Outside of work, Susan is deeply passionate about protecting and caring for animals and regularly adopts dogs, birds, and other creatures who come her way. She holds certifications in hypnotherapy, reiki, and holistic health coaching.

Yunan Wu (Tina)

NPL Intern

Tina Wu is currently pursuing a Master’s in Non-Profit Leadership at the University of Pennsylvania. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Finance and a master’s degree in Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the UK. Tina has founded her own business and taken on leadership roles in management, fundraising, and marketing. She is also a professional dancer and artist, bringing creativity into her work and passion for community empowerment.

Beckham Truong

Mobile App Developer

Beckham participated in the Inner Strength Teen Program as a junior at Central High School in 2022, where he developed a strong interest in mindfulness. With a passion for technology and prior experience in QA, he gained valuable skills in testing and UX. Now a Software Engineering student at Drexel University, Beckham combines his expertise in technology and mindfulness by contributing to the Inner Strength mobile app and chatbot, designed to help teens manage stress and empower them to thrive.

Advisory Board

mindfulness in schools training

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.
mindfulness in schools training

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.

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 thousands of graduates in 85 countries. 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.
mindfulness in schools training

Ayanna Matlock

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.”
Theresa Shropshire, Founder Nalaverse

Theresa Shropshire

Therese Shropshire is the founder of Nalaverse, a wellness platform that features black instructors and supports both individual and corporate wellness. With more than 400 hours of original curated mindfulness, yoga, and sound practices, Nalaverse is one of the leading platforms for black-centered wellness work. A graduate of Stanford and Wharton MBA, Theresa brings her business and marketing acumen to the world of wellness.

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 $110 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.

TEAM

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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 35-years experience working with contemplative tools and developmental philosophy, and has taught in half a dozen countries around the world. She is also the cofounder of Emergence Education Press, a publishing house which produces transformational books and programs for adults, reaching 10,000 individuals a year. Amy is a Cornell University College Scholar, recipient of a 2019 Philadelphia Social Innovation Award, and author of five books including the award-winning bestseller The Conscious Classroom.

mindfulness in schools training

Ayanna Matlock 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. She works at the 6th largest transit agency in America (SEPTA), in their Innovation Department helping us implement and 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 an 8 year old, named Joshua.”

mindfulness in schools training

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.

mindfulness in schools training

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.

mindfulness in schools training

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.

mindfulness in schools training

Cindy Leavitt, Chief Information Officer, Temple University brings her passion for leadership, technology, and mindfulness to the board.

ADVISORY BOARD

mindfulness in schools training

Brendon Jeremi-Jobs is a pioneering teacher and educational leader, committed to transformative education on race, gender, and history. He currently teaches 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.

mindfulness in schools training

Cheryl Tuning, is Vice President of Marketing for AVI Foodsystems. Reporting directly to the CEO, she is the senior leader responsible for planning, development and execution of the company’s marketing and communications strategies both internally and externally. Her expertise lies in high performance team building and stakeholder engagement. She is known for her ability to inspire, execute flawlessly and produce results. Her work envisioning a 5-year strategic Marketing Plan for ISF has provided valuable guidance for the organization.

Claire Zammit is the co-creator of the Feminine Power courses for women and co-leads a thriving community of tens of thousands of women throughout the world. A highly trained specialist in transformative education, Claire has a unique gift for designing leading edge programs that give participants access to new worldviews which lead to lasting personal change. Claire holds an MA in Social Ecology and is currently completing her doctorate in Transformative Learning & Change at the California Institute of Integral Studies. She is the co-author of the forthcoming book, Feminine Power: Awakening to the Creative Force of Life and co-creator and co-host of the acclaimed Women on the Edge of Evolution teleseries.

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 50 countries, numbering more than 6,000 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.

mindfulness in schools training

Licensed clinical psychologist, Daniel Cantor works in the greater Philadelphia area specializing in addiction issues. He has served at the Philadelphia Consultation Center, Girard Medical Center, and Key Recovery Center. He is a meditation practitioner and long time student of evolutionary philosophy. Daniel serves as a Board Director of the Inner Strength Foundation.

Joshua Kisver is Vice President of Finance & CFO for the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), a world leader in promoting quality health care. He has over 18 years of management and financial experience in the not-for-profit industry and is a certified public accountant. Joshua also serves on the Board and is Treasurer for Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children – Philadelphia County. He received his BBA from Temple University and his MBA from Drexel University.

mindfulness in schools training

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.

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.

Peter is the lead consultant at the Heller Fundraising Group, located in New York City with nonprofit clients everywhere. He has over 25 years experience in the nonprofit world and has raised millions of dollars for many organizations while also making them stronger. Before starting his company in 2004 he worked at Columbia University for 10 years raising major support and becoming the Director of Development for Columbia’s Engineering School. Peter has taught Major Gifts Fundraising in Columbia’s Fundraising Management Graduate Program, has trained fundraisers at The Foundation Center and elsewhere, is Co-Chair of Gotham Networking’s “Make a Difference” group, and is co-executive producer of the award-winning documentary Vanishing of the Bees.

TEAM

Our organization runs on the creativity and passion of our talented team.

Alyson has spent the better part of 14 years in the non-profit sector working in areas such as adult education, refugee resettlement, workforce development, program development/management, grant management, and non-profit staffing. She is an avid practitioner of meditation and mindfulness and is excited to be able to use that in a professional setting. Alyson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Temple University and a Master of Science degree in Forensic Psychology from Walden University.

Rebecca Donahue

Rebecca Donahue comes to Inner Strength from 10 successful years in the hospitality industry as events manager in large brand hotels. Rebecca currently sits on the
board of directors for Meeting Professionals International- Philadelphia Chapter. Wellness is a
huge part of Rebecca’s life and she is the First Author “An Exploratory Study of Wellness Travel:
Differences Between U.S. and Non-U.S. Travelers”. She has been a devoted practitioner of
yoga and mindfulness since college and is excited to be part of an organization that helps so
many youths find their own meditation and mindfulness practices. Rebecca holds a Bachelor of
Arts degree in Recreation, Sport Leadership and Tourism Management from University of
North Carolina Wilmington,

Julie Coopersmith has over 15 years experience in Mindfulness and Yoga practices. Julie has studied Mindfulness Meditation, has learned with Patricia Broderick, PhD and Jenny Mills, 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.

Lina holds a Masters in Mindfulness for Educators from Antioch University, and in addition to bringing her 13 years of dedicated mindfulness practice to ISF, she is also working as an Adjunct Faculty member in the Mindfulness for Educators Master’s and Certification programs. She is a certified school teacher in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and has over seventeen years of teaching experience in both the US and abroad.

INSTRUCTORS

The following ISF instructors have successfully completed the Inner Strength teacher training for the Teen Program, including mindfulness, cultural development, and primary theories of adolescent neuroscience and are part of our current teaching roster. All active instructors participate in weekly professional development sessions, continually deepening their knowledge, skill set, and ability to work together as a supportive cohort.

Debbie Wigrizer has been practicing meditation and yoga for over 20 years and is a Certified Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance. She has an avid meditation practice and has studied meditation with many inspiring teachers, and now guides yoga and meditation hiking retreats. As a graduate of the Mindfulness Curriculum Training with Mindful Schools and Mindfulness Education Programs for elementary and high School students, she continues to teach the value of meditation to students in the Philadelphia schools. In addition, for over 20 years, she has taught at Community College of Philadelphia. She has a BS and MS in Education as well as certificates in Medicinal Aromatherapy, Thai-Yoga Bodywork, Reiki and Yoga Outreach. She hopes to bring her passion for innerstrength and peace through mindfulness to as many students as possible in order to raise a more conscious community and world.

Haylee Warner is a trauma-sensitive yoga instructor and holistic health and wellness counselor with a focus on Ayurveda. She brings her expertise and sensitivity to the classroom, coupled with her expertise in the creative movement arts.

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.

Jody Long, Sr. instructor

Jody Smith Long began her first meditation practice at 14 years old. Over the years her mindfulness practices have been inspired by many teachers, yet her most profound learning has come through direct experience and personal discernment. For the past 15 years, Jody has guided people of all ages into experiences of stillness, insight, and inner strength as an energy healer. She holds a BFA, an MAT in the Teaching of Visual Arts grades K-12, and certificates in many healing modalities including Craniosacral Therapy, PSYCH-K , Reiki, IET, and Quantum Touch .

"Not only did this course help expand my horizons on how I perceive, it also helped me to become more aware of my surroundings and myself."

– Jada, 11th Grade

"I will take meditation and the developmental perspective with me to college because the ideas and practices that come with them have helped me develop a better self."

– Peter, 12th Grade

“The emotional work was the best. I typically appear very emotionless unless I'm with my friends. Identifying my emotions has helped me react better."

– De'siree, 9th Grade

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