Nick Venegoni, MFT (He/They) - San Francisco, CA

Nick Venegoni has a private practice in San Francisco, working with the LGBTQ+ community to heal from trauma and anxiety. Coming from a holistic approach, in addition to relational talk therapy, Nick also employs hypnotherapy, EMDR, somatic therapy, sound healing, energy work, Buddhist psychology and "shamanic"/animistic practices into his work.

Cheree Peterson, RN, BSN - Sacramento, California

Hello! My name is Chereé Peterson and I was born and raised in Sacramento, CA. I attended Pepperdine University and graduated in 2003 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. I was fortunate enough to study abroad in Florence, Italy my sophomore year. During my undergraduate studies, I conducted a research study and was published in Women in Sport and Physical Activity Journal, entitled: “The Female Physique: Motives Guiding Self-Evaluation.” Human behavior and psychology have always been an interest of mine. After Pepperdine, I went back to school and graduated from Samuel Merritt University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Since then, I have worked as a RN in many different settings, including Neuro Trauma ICU and the Emergency Department. More recently, I have been working in an outpatient Interventional Radiology department. For the past 7 years or so, I have been on my own healing and spiritual journey. Psychedelics have really helped me delve into some deep issues. I’ve introduced several friends to psychedelics and I truly feel the world would be a better place if we all could experience these medicines. I have always wanted to help people, and as I continue my career as a RN, I feel our standard healthcare model is failing most patients. I feel that psychedelic therapy can help in ways western medicine cannot. I am beyond excited for this new and exciting chapter in both my personal and professional development.

Molly Collins, md (She/Her/Hers) - Yardley, Pennsylvania

Hello everyone! I work as a palliative care physician in Philadelphia. My work in palliative care has been my calling from a very young age, since I helped care for both of my grandmothers in my home with hospice. After residency in internal medicine, I practiced as a primary care physician in Philadelphia for several years, after which I completed a palliative care fellowship in 2016.

Since 2016, I have worked at Fox Chase Cancer Center, which is part of Temple Health. I have a passion for medical education and I built a Hospice & Palliative Medicine Fellowship at Fox Chase, now in its 5th year.

In June of 2022, I started a "YOLO" (you-only-live-once) sabbatical. I've enjoyed having a break in clinical care, resting, learning, and refocusing. I'm grateful to participate in several courses this year, including the Sound Mind course and a contemplative medicine fellowship through the New York City Zen Center.

My other roles are as important as that of a healer; I'm a mother of 2 boys, wife, friend, daughter, and sister. I am very excited about this year learning with and from all of you.

John Winhusen, PhD (He/Him/His) - Cincinnati, Ohio

I have a PhD in clinical psychology and I am a licensed clinical psychologist in Ohio. I am a Professor of Psychiatry and the Director of the Center for Addiction Research at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. I have conducted research funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) for over 20 years with a focus on improving the treatment of substance use disorders. I am interested in the potential of psychedelics (particularly psilocybin) for the treatment of stimulant use disorder (methamphetamine and cocaine).

Jeanne Detch, Juris Doctor (She, Her) - San Diego, California

Hi. I'm Jeanne. I am a psychedelic ceremonial practitioner, an apprentice in the Peruvian plant medicine traditions, and a trauma recovery coach in training.

I am also a survivor of severe child abuse. The wounds wreaked havoc in my life for decades until I discovered entheogens. I have been fortunate to be able to work extensively with psychedelic therapists as well as with traditional ceremonial medicine practitioners. With their help I experienced profound healing and found a passion for helping others heal through medicine work.

I recently survived a rare bone cancer and had to have my right leg amputated above the knee. I am learning to live with my new disability and am currently on leave from my law practice, where I represent pharmaceutical developers and high-tech companies in high-stakes litigation.

Kim Stravers, BA (She/Her) - Phoenix, Arizona

I am a certified death doula and celebrant, NEDA-proficient after-death care educator, and funeral attendant. In parallel, I'm a career writer and editor whose journalism has taken her everywhere from literary spaces to the X Games. While I lack clinical training, I consider myself a quick and dedicated study, and I welcome the challenge of this coursework and collaboration in the spirit of the opportunity it will provide me to more deeply serve the dying and the grieving. 

I am delighted to recently have learned that SoundMind is producing a death-specific course of study that I can access after my Level 1 training! I hope to in some way contribute to this programming and knowledge base as I simultaneously learn how to operate as a facilitator in my lane and in my state of residence.

Jocelyn Nicole Wensel, Masters in Medical Sciences (She/her) - Eugene, ORegon

Jocelyn Wensel is a second-year medical student at the International University of Health Sciences. She has her Bachelors in Biology from Claremont McKenna College and a Masters Degree in Medical Sciences from Heritage University. She is passionate about diversity, equity and inclusion. She is interested in working in the public health policy space and hopes to incorporate knowledge of functional and integrative medicine, plant based nutrition, yoga, reiki, and psychedelics into her future practice in family medicine.

Ri Berkowitz/Hot Summer, BS in Communications (They/per) - PDX, Oregon

Hey, I’m Ri (pronounced ree) also known in some circles as Hot Summer. I’ve been working on expanding my heart and healing for upwards of a decade, working underground with psychedelics for the last handful of years. Am eternally grateful for the growth I’ve received through my experience with plant medicine healing. I am a Tender Queer and a Life Tourist. As an empath I am quick to tears, and delight in being present, harvesting the sweetness of life; I feel very connected to hummingbirds. I feel excited to be moving from a curator of external experience as a tour guide, into a guide of internal landscapes and multi dimensional healing. As a seer of infinite possibilities and maker of magic in the mundane, I am emotionally intelligent and highly sensitive. I love fun and playing games of all sorts. Singing and raising our collective vibrations through song is another one of my favorite practices. Ritual throughly inspires me. Puns, dad jokes, and word play are also food to my soul. I was raised in a multi religious home and consider myself a cashew, (half Catholic half Jewish!) I am a compassionate conflict worker and community facilitator. I identify as a connector. As such, I co-created the Reconciliation Emotional Awareness and Repair (REAR) Circle and have been a member of the Radical Faeries in southern Oregon for years. I’m very much looking forward to learning with and from you all!

Jessie Wofsy, NP (she/her/hers) - Albany, California

Hello everyone! I am a nurse practitioner and have worked in hospice and palliative care for the last 12 years, the majority of that time with Kaiser Permanente in the SF bay area. I completed my bachelors degree at University of Oregon and my graduate training at UCSF. I am very interested in the use of psychedelics for people navigating serious and advanced illnesses, especially those with depression, anxiety and existential distress. I am thrilled to start learning with and from you all through this program.

Patrick Wadsack-Stewart, BS, ncsu (He/His) - Raleigh, North Carolina

Hi! I am a post-undergrad student from North Carolina who is really interested in the science of psychedelic drugs. I am fascinated how they work in the mind and brain and their relationship to cultural change. I have read so much of the scientific literature and have had my own personal excursions into the shadow realms, so to speak, however I lack a lot of first hand experience seeing how these compounds truly affect and change peoples lives, besides a handful of my own friends. I am interested in the Icaros and developing methods to help these compound run their magic. In a way, it is like working with magic, or maybe not because maybe the brain is the best personal healer - however I ultimately would like to help figure these things out. I think this space has lots to explore, but in particular, this space reveals our own minds and changes relationships to reality... very powerfully... - how interesting is that? How explored is that?

I love music and cephalopods, helping people, creating artwork and thinking about things in terms of each other. One of my favorite subjects is evolution as a pretty framework for thinking about things. I am excited but tentative about the neuroscience of psychedelics especially using the human connectome to picture their effects in terms of connections, and thinking about them in terms of entropy and harmonic shifts in frequencies, in particular I am a fan of Selen Atasoy and Robin Carhart Harris analyses, even if the (his) clinical trial had some hiccups; however, though I know psychedelics great power and potential, I also know that sometimes their claims outstrip the data, and I want us to be very clear and rational with our claims. I also like to focus on how they are affecting philosophies, minds, our relationships, and cultural purposes. Indeed, I think though the neuroscience gives an interesting tool to understand what they are doing, or rather how they are doing it, but at the end of the day it is human lives, personalities, and minds that experience their effects. But I suspect I am preaching to the choir ;)

I love astronomy and discovering and uncovering the world! I know that there are numberless galaxies, even within our own minds, just waiting for a Voyager probe, with your signature on it, to travel beyond. Let us make magic happen and learn from each other and grow our roots until like bamboo we shoot from the ground and into eachothers lives and hopefully the imagination.

Lisa Harrison, MSW, LCSW (She/They) - Fairbanks, Alaska 

Hi! My name is Lisa and I am currently living in Alaska. I am white, identify as a bisexual women, and I am neurodivergent. My clinical background is in experiential therapies, somatic body work, animal assisted psychotherapy, and trauma integration.

I find joy in nature, travel, and general exploration. My interests include attending and participating in live music events, cultural eating, and imaginative play. I haven't had the opportunity to incorporate psychedelics into my therapeutic practice, but I have been researching for years, and I am very much looking forward to learning. 

Fred Simon, CADC 1 (He/Him) - Los Angeles, California

Addiction Counselor.

joey alzamora, BFA (he/him/they) - Alexandria, Virginia (Piscataway Lands)

My name is Joey, 34, from the Washington, DC region. I have lineages from Guatemala and Peru. A son of immigrant parents I have grown up in the states but have strong connections to my ancestral land. I am a practitioner and cultivator of Psilocybin with 15 years of experience using Psilocybin as medicine for my own healing and 2 years of cultivation. I have a diverse background in Music and Photography, DJing and organizing music events. I am here to continue my healing journey, to become a Facilitator and help others on their quests for healing. I am Spirit-Led and devoted to creating New Earth with like-minded beings.

Paul LeVine, MPH (He/Him/His) - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I'm a 60 years old and newly "semi-involuntarily retired." I've worked within the healthcare industry for 35 years, a career that's provided me with a great deal of satisfaction. Having seen the impact of these substances for two close friends (one a former Navy top gun; the other a Washington, DC therapist), I have become very interested in helping others get the benefits that I've seen my friends reap with these substances. As someone who comes from a family ravaged by anxiety (mostly OCD), I'm also interested in seeing what type of promise psychedelics can provide. Finally, I see becoming a facilitator as an opportunity for me to focus on a deep interest I had after college, but did not ultimately pursue.

Kevin Dehesa, LPT (he/him/his) - Long Beach, CAlifornia

With over a decade of experience working as a licensed psychiatric technician in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, including state hospitals, Kevin has first-hand experience with some of the most marginalized groups of people and their mental health. Kevin has counseled and provided medication therapy to troubled and unwell individuals from all walks of life. Kevin focuses on harm reduction, integration, and exploring the healing properties of plant medicine.

Stacy Dunn, ND, LAc (She/her) - Eugene, OR

I am a naturopathic doctor and acupuncturist living in Eugene, Oregon. I specialize in integrative oncology and have been in practice for 19 years. I am interested in psilocybin as a means to support my patients facing late stage disease and end of life transitions.

Howard Zuo, bs (He/Him) - Orange County, California

Native of NJ; now living in SoCal. Undergraduate education in Chemical Engineering from Georgia Tech and professional background in Aerospace and IT.

Introduced myself to psychedelics during COVID lockdown; had plenty of time to learn and think. Watched Netflix's "Have a Good Trip: Adventures in Psychedelics". Through my personal journey and experimentation, I did a ton of introspection, healing and growth, which included psilocybin telling me: "You should go to therapy".

Pivoting my career into working adjacent to the mental health space by working as a Emotional Intelligence coach as well as Psychedelic Integration coach, my personal and professional goals are to:

Advocacy of mental health resources, including psychedelics, especially into the AAPI community.

Blending clinical data driven science with spiritual and cultural nuances to enable mental health and psychedelic resources more approachable.

Break cycles of generational trauma from a cultural perspective.

Figure out where I can take my career; been doing a lot of making it up as I go along.

Amy Savitsky, MA (She/Her) - New York, New York

Inspired by Michael Pollan's book and my own search for healing, I started working with and learning about the transformational potential of plant medicines and psychedelics in 2019, including Ayahuasca, San Pedro, Psilocybin, Ketamine and 5Meo-DMT. I've spent 3 years studying South American shamanic practices in the Andean tradition and am certified as an Embodied Dreamwork practitioner - a method that combines Jungian practices with Focusing techniques. I have a Master's degree in Transpersonal Psychology and Consciousness Studies and am passionate about exploring the intersection of psychedelics and women's transformation from a transpersonal perspective.  I also have a 20 year career as a nonfiction producer, storyteller and creator and am a wife and mother to two teenage girls. I love travel and adventure and going into the unknown.

Danielle Norkin, M.A. School Counseling (she/her) - Baltimore, Maryland

I work as a full-time therapist in a small private practice and I mostly specialize in trauma-informed therapy. I first became interested in the use of psychedelics in 2019 when I came across a YouTube video of someone doing ayahuasca and thought "THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT I NEED". I had plans to travel to Peru with a close friend and do ayu in the summer of 2020---yeah, that didn't happen. Even though the world closed, my interest in the world of psychedelics remained open and I continued to delve into videos. articles and books about sacred medicines. In early 2022, I went to a Psychotherapy Networker Conference with some colleagues. While they ventured to workshops about fostering client flexibility and healing relationships, I took my tuchus to the workshop "Emerging Psychedelic Treatments", featuring the one and only Rick Doblin. Since then, I've been hooked on psychedelics. Not in a literal sense, but I've been hooked on advancing my studies in this field to one day be fully emerged in the professional world of psychedelic therapy.

Heidi Chase, FNTP, BCHN, CPCC, ACC (she/her) - Portland, Oregon

Hi everyone! I’m humbled and happy to be included in this cohort and community. As a nutritional therapist and transformational life coach I’m interested in how our biology effects our emotions and how what we think and feel effects our physiology. I’ve lived in Portland, OR for over 20 years with my husband and three grown children. I grew up in Larkspur, CA at a unique time and place for psychedelics. Beginning as a high schooler and continuing into my adult life, I was a regular attendee at the monthly dinners Michael Pollan writes about in his latest book. I was shaped by a culture and family dynamic that modeled the potential of psychedelic drugs to provide access to one’s interior universe and self-actualization. The opportunity to bring psychedelic facilitation into my professional life is a natural next step.

For fun, I love to cook, dabble in culinary herbalism, and disappear off the beaten path in the towable tiny house my husband built on an 8 foot utility trailer.

Cassie Haley, bs (she/her) - Rogers, Arkansas

Cassie Haley is an entertainer, educator and entrepreneur. Healing through honesty is a passion. She founded the Fayetteville Film Festival which has developed strong BIPOC and LGBTQ filmmaking initiatives as well as advancing the art of story telling through film throughout the region. She's taught high school theater and served as an artist in residency throughout her region. She currently serves as the Membership Concierge for Baby Bathwater Institute which serves fellow entrepreneurs by providing a strong sense of connection and community. She also has two women's retail clothing stores with her sister and does real estate, comedy improv and music on the side. She is mother to 3 wonderful young adults and beginning to empty nest. Grateful to begin this new journey.

Mike Stone, MD (He/Him) - Portland, Oregon

Dr. Mike Stone has been in medical practice for almost 20 years, and currently serves as the Chief Education Officer at Wild Health. Dr. Stone has held academic appointments at Harvard Medical School and UCSF, and has received multiple national awards for education, innovation, and leadership in medicine. He has spent the bulk of his career focusing on educating students, trainees, and colleagues. 

Mike is obsessed with optimal health and peak performance, with a deep interest in the effects of lifestyle interventions to improve longevity and cognitive function. He is focuses on knowledge translation for healthcare practitioners, striving to empower practitioners with practical techniques to competently construct strategies and tactics for their patients' health optimization. He has a deep interest in the potential for psychedelic medicine to facilitate healing and positive behavior change.

Itzel Marin, BA (They) - Portland, Oregon

I am a Mexican indigenous curandera, Psychedelic ceremonial practitioner, integration guide and apprentice of the indigenous Cofan Ayahuasca plant medicine tradition. I hold a bachelor's degree in International Relations from Portland State University.

I lived in Mexico & Ecuador, where I have helped to facilitate Psilocybin, Ayahuasca and Bufo Alvarius ceremonies. I spent one year living in the Amazon jungle learning plant medicine with the Cofan indigenous Taitas (plant doctors). I have done extensive personal deep healing work with psychedelics. It has changed my life helping me heal depression, trauma, abuse and reconnect to nature. My passion for helping to facilitate psychedelic experiences has come from witnessing big healing miracles and transformations. My mission is to help others heal and remember their connection to Mother Earth, we are nature. 

Toni Maita, MS (She/Her) - Placerville, California

I am native Californian, and I grew up in San Francisco Bay Area. I attended high school in Castro Valley, and continued my education at Chabot College in Hayward with a focus on Guitar Performance. I transferred to Cal-State Hayward in 1983, and completed a BA in Music with an emphasis on Guitar Performance in 1987. 

I began my graduate studies in 1989 in Counseling Psychology at California State University, Hayward (East Bay), and received my M.S in 1991, and became licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in 1995. Since that time, I have worked in private practice as a marriage and family therapist serving communities in the Bay Area. I relocated to the Placerville area in 2019.

My belief is that our feelings of security, healthy attachment experiences with others as adults, and a high sense of self worth, self confidence and self esteem are often times based in our early attachment experiences with our caregivers. So much of who we become is rooted in these very early experiences of self with other.I am a therapist whose work is heavily informed by developmental trauma (PTSD and chronic PTSD) I see the judicious use of psychedelics as a powerfu tool for the healing of trauma, and trauma informed conditions in adulthood.

In my free time, I love hiking in nature, playing with my beloved Golden Retrievers Luna and The Pea, my Nigerian Dwarf goats Jerry, George, Kramer, Newman and Elaine, my chickens, making music, spending time with friends and loved ones, and above all else, exploring the mysteries of the unseen worlds. I am a Tibetan Buddhist practioner, and a student of modern shamanism.

Tuvia Helfen, ba (He/Him) - Massachusetts

Tuvia Helfen is married to his soul mate, raising seven children and living in western MA for the past 20 years. He is a community Rabbi, mens group facilitator, and organic gardener. He enjoys painting, hiking and cooking for his family. Dedicated to soul transformation and healing ways for the body, mind and heart for three decades, Tuvia has deepened his journey in healing during personal long COVID recovery along with continuous dedication to helping heal relationships within family and community. He seeks to bring innovative and sustainable healing to others, combining his involvement in in-depth somatic therapy, passionate interest in psychotropic plants, and familial support and partnership with natural healing modalities of botanical medicine and gemstone therapy. A B.A. in Religious Studies from the Rabbinical College of America combined with two decades of spiritual leadership in prayer, community service, Jewish education, chaplaincy, successful marriage and parenting are the fuel for Tuvia’s drive to connect, empathize and help others in their journey to find truth, release pain and live with more joy.

Sabrina Benoit,ba (She/her) - Ottawa, Canada

Hi! I am Sabrina, a free spirited, nature loving & travel enthusiast. I strive to live the human experience I am privileged to have, wholeheartedly and with integrity. Post BA degree in Psychology, my intuition lead me around the globe where I learned and built personal culture through international friendships and experiences. I grew curious about yoga and was transported to Rishikesh IN to become a certified instructor with the guidance of incredible yogis. I am the type of person that’s easily absorbed with everything health and wellness. I love to learn about holistic approaches and concepts in order to support and empower myself & others. I followed my interests with a certification in health coaching where I was captivated with the abundance of knowledge around what health entails on a bio-individual basis. Now embarking on this journey ahead, I am excited to learn about healing modalities such as those at the SoundMind Institute to participate in spreading the ripples of collective healing. Upon completion of the facilitator training, I have in mind to pursue the psilocybin track with the desire to help support individuals in finding peace. Through personal experiences, mental health has always been close to my heart.

Otherwise, I love my self-care practices, spirituality, personal development, nourishing authentic connections, exploring things such as sound healing, breath work, meditation and aromatherapy, experimenting with plant medicines, seeking the extraordinary & sharing gratitude for the big and small.

Quai Nystrom, MSW (They/Them) - Brooklyn, New York

I'm a herbalist and licensed psychotherapist, practicing in NYC. An intersectional lens and IFS as well as somatic therapy are ways I hold space. Many people I serve are dealing with and healing trauma from early life, and identifying intergeneral trauma. I also work with anxiety and experiences that some people describe as depression. I use herbalism to assist people with stress, to improve sleep and aid digestion and to garner self care, home based practices to support wellbing in general.

Kelly Henkel, BA (She/Her) - Hawaii/Spain

For the last seven years I’ve been traveling the world as a guide for an active travel company—most recently in Hawaii, Peru, Spain, Argentina and Greece. While I’ve loved what these years of exploration and transience have brought me, I’ve been feeling the need to make a change to find more meaning in my work. Last year I was called to undergo a psychedelic experience with a guide in Mallorca, and after feeling the clarity and lightness it brought me as well as the connection to self, I realized this was something I wanted to make accessible to others. While I’m excited about the field at large, the research on using psychedelics to address depression and addiction is especially inspiring to me after growing up in a household very much affected by both.

However, as I looked into the field of psychedelic therapy, I realized there weren’t any reputable programs for people with a non medical background to get into this line of work. I was about ready to give up on the idea when I found SoundMind, so I am so grateful for this program and very ready for this journey.

A bit more about me personally—I speak French, Spanish and a bit of Catalan, I am a certified yoga instructor and a budding herbalist, a vegetarian with a deep appreciation for good food, and a lover of being active in the outdoors—specifically surfing and rock climbing. I’m looking forward to working with you all!

Elizabeth Tily, Hospital diploma, associate degree (She/her) - Ardmore, Pennsylvania

I’m a 46 year old mom of 3 and registered nurse for 20 years at an acute trauma center. I love running, reading, tea, and hiking with my family.

Jungeun Yoo / Jina (She/Her) - Portland, Oregon

I’m originally from South Korea. Worked as a yoga instructor for 10+ years. Currently, I run a small dispensary in Oregon.

Lara Convery, BS - Grants Pass, Oregon

After a long struggle with childhood abuse, multiple traumas and self-sabotage that Western Medicine failed to help her heal, Lara began a spiritual path in 2018 with a trip to the jungle of Peru to drink Ayahuasca. That decision kickstarted a dramatic shift in her life as well as a commitment to healing the trauma and making some massive shifts in her life with the help of plant medicines including Psilocybin, Iboga, Kambo and Ayahuasca. She has worked tirelessly on reversing programming from her youth, rewiring thought and behavior, as well as finding a way to be grateful for hardships as a way of healing. Now she would like to use these experiences, knowledge and tools to help others achieve the same level of peace, happiness and freedom that comes with healing. What she lacks in clinical education she has earned in experience. Lara is employed as a real estate agent in Grants Pass, Oregon, holds a BS Business and has more recently purchased land to one day be the home of a Psilocybin Retreat. She enjoys surfing, spending time with her two kids ages 18 and 22, and gardening.

Thomas R Earnest III, AA (He/his) - Wilmington, Delaware

I am a body worker, I teach movement, and house sit/ pet sit. I love to move my body and I am in a yoga or strength and conditioning classes most days of the week. Also every winter I take about a month to snowboard. One of my favorite things in the world to do!! Snowboarding also allows me to travel to new places and explore this beautiful planet we live in. Experiencing new places and cultures is important. In my free time at home I like to forage for mushrooms, tend to my small garden, and cook.

Hudson Garcia (All Pronouns) - Los Angeles, California

I am a native New Yorker who has found a home and a calling on the West Coast. Soon to be an Oregonian transplant, I hope to continue learning how to best serve my intersecting communities and their allies. I am Queer, Latine, Multiracial, and Non-Binary. 

Anaïs Ganouna, BS (She/They) -Los Angeles, California (Tongva & Chumash land)

I am above all else, a spirit-led experience. I am the neurodivergent middle child to Jewish French & Tunisian immigrant parents. Much to my parents frustration, I have been questioning the ‘shoulds’ of this world since I was old enough to ask why (and throw tantrums when I didn’t like the answer).

These days, I use that inquiring, curious mind to guide soul-led people in cutting through the b.s. of old-world systems and establish their own structures that honor their values + identities (mostly without tantrums).

I have spent the last 16 years building small businesses, both for myself and my clients. After selling my second personal venture in 2016, I could no longer deny my deeper call - connecting my spiritual pursuits & gifts to my body of work. Today, my offerings include Fractal CMO services, Aligned Marketing Consulting, Corporate Wellness Facilitation and Coaching.

languages: French, English

Paige Thompson, MA (she/her/hers) - Philadelphia, PENNSYLVANIA

I am a pre-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at The Therapy Group in Philadelphia. I grew up in Minnesota just recently relocated to the area after finishing my MA at the University of San Diego. Prior to deciding to return to school to become an MFT, I spent 1 year living in Thailand teaching English as a second language. My year living and traveling SE Asia shifted and shaped my perspectives in ways that are invaluable. I had my first psychedelic experiences during this time as well but did not know the extent to how it would guide my path moving forward. After returning home to the states, I began to integrate much of what I had learned from my time away. Having no awareness or knowledge about psychedelics prior to this, I started diving into the history, current research, therapeutic benefits, etc. and felt a strong pull to eventually do this work. I have found profound healing and personal growth from my own experience with the medicine and feel that to be in the position to facilitate other’s experiences is in an immense privilege. In being such a new therapist, I was apprehensive if I should participate in this training and felt like I should have more of a “base”. What I’ve realized is that I want this to be my base as clinician and am excited to dive deep into this learning.

Pak Chau, MSN, PMHNP (He/Him/His) - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I’m recent graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program (PMHNP). I came into the psychedelic space after reading into the intersections of psychoanalytic theory, mystical experiences, and mindfulness. I’ve had several different careers in the past as an emergency medical technician, hotline counselor, mental health researcher, and emergency room nurse; of the many changes, I found that I enjoyed holding space for individuals which led to me my current journey. Identifying as both queer and an immigrant from Hong Kong, I have special interest in working with historically underserved communities in the mental health realm. My other areas of independent research include functional medicine, medical anthropology/history, and complementary/alternative treatment modalities. I can be found most evenings lying on a park bench reading, playing my ukulele, hanging out with friends, taking unreasonably long walks around Philly.

Tennessee Scanio, ba (she/her) - Austin, Texas

I am an energy healer, registered yoga teacher 200-hour (RYT-200), registered children's yoga teacher (RCYT) with trauma informed focus, certified in energy medicine from TX State University as well as a Master Reiki Teacher and Quantum Reiki Practitioner and a United States Navy Veteran. My focus is to help bring healing to as many people as I can through different modalities. As someone who has struggled with mental health my whole life and tried all the things, psychedelics are the one thing that have saved my life. I want to bring this type of healing to the masses and help as many people as I can because I know it works!

Christina Wilson, MSW (she/her/hers) - New Hampshire

I grew up in New Hampshire, and got my Master's in Social Work from the University of New Hampshire. I worked as a therapist with people diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness for 8 years. I am very interested in psychedelic-assisted therapy, as it seems to be an extremely promising modality, even though I have very little personal experience with it.

Karl Uldis Bucus, MSc (He/him/his) - Phoenixville, Pennsylvania

Middle class guy with a mostly happy childhood. Currently fifty years of age. Married to the same pillar of tolerance for over 20 years. No kids. Studied philosophy in undergrad. Later secured an MSc (health comms) for career reasons. Threw things off the rails via addiction, but have been sober 18 years. Credit an LSD experience partially for my success in that regard. Professionally, have had a few different careers. But currently work for Doximity as a content strategist. Doximity runs the largest private, named community of American clinicians on the internet. My role, essentially, is to curate the medical internet for the community. Enjoy gaming, cycling, backpacking, cooking, and reading. Intensely dislike The Machine. In this program primarily for educational edification. Secondarily, can envision a universe where I am called to apply this education to assisting others with addiction challenges. But that will be for the universe to decide.

Angela Mendez, Masters of Arts in Counseling Psychology (She/Her) - Portland, Oregon

I have worked as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist serving clients in California since 2006. I have experience working with older adults, couples, children, and adolescents. Currently, in private practice, my focus is working with individuals who have experienced C-PTSD in addition to serving women with perinatal mental health symptoms. In 2022, I moved to Oregon, where I continue serving my clients from California via Telehealth. As a therapist, I am dually licensed in California and Oregon.

As a certified Perinatal Mental Health therapist and trauma-informed therapist, I integrate Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Somatic Awareness, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) as approaches to assisting clients in healing their traumas, ancestral burdens, and unattached burdens. In my studies, I am fascinated by how IFS and Psilocybin can be combined to heal various parts of the Self, as both IFS and Psilocybin have the premise that we each are our own healers, and the therapist is a guide.

In addition to this cohort, I am currently in Level 1 training at the Internal Family Systems Institute and studying from KP Khalsa to obtain a Certificate in Professional Herbalism.

I have been on a journey to heal personal and legacy traumas and to decolonize my body, mind, and soul. I am moving toward my indigenous Mexican traditions, medicines, and healing customs. Psilocybin has been a wonderful healer and helped me on my journey. I look forward to learning about other plant medicines, how they will benefit me, and how I can extend that knowledge to serve others’ healing. I am thrilled to be part of a community that yearns to revolutionize the pharmaceutical approach to treating mental health; to return to individual healing, community systems, and local wisdom to treat mental suffering.

Ava Raab (She/Her) - Rogue River, Oregon 

I am a full time Herbalist/ Homesteader dedicated to healing people, animals and land. A Philadelphia native, current Oregonian. My passion for Ayurvedic medicine and lifestyle has led me to creating my company, Lovebird Medicals, where I make herbal products for healing. I have worked in the cannabis industry for over a decade and am eager to use my knowledge of plant cultivation and plant medicine in new ways. I spent much of my childhood involved with the Philadelphia Rebirthing community, and have a solid foundation in breath work therapy. 

Psychedelics have had a great impact on my life and many peoples lives around me, and I am honored to be able to learn to use these modalities in an organized method. I do not have a background in western psychotherapy, so I am looking forward to learning how to incorporate this into treatments for Ayurvedic dis-ease of the mind, along with herbal medicine, music and breath work. 

Tracey Norris, BA (she/her/hers) - Vashon Island, Washington

Tracey Norris is teacher and student. She is currently preparing for an encore career and new life adventure by becoming a psychedelic-assisted psychotherapist. She has applied to pursue a Master in Counseling Psychology program online through Sofia University. In her former life, she has been an administrative assistant in service to a small nonprofit with big dreams - The Quilt, Inc. She’s also managed retail stores overlooking the greatest earth on show - the Grand Canyon. But her favorite role was sending college students all over the world as a study abroad advisor for the University of Washington. In her new life, Tracey hopes to help others overcome depression, anxiety, and other debilitating psychological suffering by facilitating life-changing mind, body and spirit healing with the help of psilocybin.

Jeff Bonner, Masters in Education Leadership (He) - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

A teacher looking to pursue other avenues in my life and career. I am from Philadelphia. I still live here and work in the community. I am eager to learn more ways to engage with and serve our city. 

Emily Kulpa, PharmD (She/Her) - Portland, Oregon

I am a pharmacist, consultant, plant medicine educator, and co-founder of the Psychedelic Pharmacists Association. I’ve had my own struggles with mental health and existential crises throughout my life. Psychedelics have catalyzed my healing journey and I’m grateful for the wisdom I’ve received as my life continues to unfold. I believe in healing ourselves and “knowing thyself” to heal the collective, and in using my gifts to serve humanity.

I offer guidance and education to clients regarding antidepressant tapering strategies and medication interactions. I lead the Pharmacy Team at Equilibria Women, a wellness company, and provide education to our dosage specialists and members about medication interactions with plant medicines. I also work on the Product R&D team to ensure product safety and that marketing claims are backed by scientific evidence.

I have experience working as the Health Screening Director at Synthesis Retreats, and spearheading the Canadian Centre for Psychedelic Science clinical trial application for approval from Health Canada for a phase 2 clinical study, microdosing psilocybin vs. placebo. I have worked in healthcare for over 17 years and my background is in medication therapy management.

In my freetime, I enjoy hiking in nature, yoga, and reading about philosophy and psychology. I love connecting with people on a deeper level and exploring new places. I’m a life-long learner and excited to be in this cohort!

Jose Rodriguez (HE/Him) - Lincoln, Vermont

Jose Rodriguez is a Navy veteran that is passionate about finding ways of exploring the inner-self by following his heart and gaining different skills & traits along the way. He is the Co-founder of Nation Regeneration, an organization that focuses on creating a network of small landowners in different communities - installing food forest systems, that will be self sufficient in providing food, fuel, and medicine to the people, while also emphasizing on education to bring cultural shifts to a larger community. He now works in various themes around rebuilding and regeneration, in conservation as a forest technician for carbon sequestration, as a local carpenter, a massage therapist and Reiki practitioner. Previously, he was a dive instructor on the Island of Kaua’i, a beekeeper in a local food forest farm on Kaua’i, a part of a team working on coral reef restoration, and finally became a agroforestry technician on a Kilauea culinary campus. As the world is changing fast, he feels the importance of working together with various generations, teaching and learning from one another. Guiding ourselves to understand the importance of carrying hard & soft skills, how to listen to our inner guidance, face our fears to unlock doors of opportunity, removing self imposed limits to our spirit, and remembering the art of listening to & communicating with Mother Nature.

Patrick Levy, BA (He/him/his) - Los Angeles, California

Patrick Levy is a first generation Montreal native where he enjoyed a highly diverse upbringing in a multicultural immigrant family. He studied at Marianopolis College, Tel Aviv University, UCLA and McGill University where obtained degrees in several disciplines. For the last 10 years, Patrick has lived in Los Angeles where he started a real estate development company focused on providing housing through the extensive renovation of historic buildings. Engulfed by his high-stress work in real estate for many years, Patrick was introduced to psychedelics from a close friend who was a practicing shamanic journey guide/facilitator. His profound experiences with psychedelics helped heal many deeply ingrained personal and family traumas, implement positive life-altering changes and develop a strong sense of spirituality. As an act of great gratitude for the manner by which psychedelics significantly improved his life, Patrick began to study how to become a facilitator from his mentor and went on to created psilocybin companies in Oregon Canada. He is very involved in the psychedelic community through various organizations and a strong advocate for the movement towards legalization. Patrick looks forward to expanding his knowledge of psychedelic assisted therapy with SoundMind as well as connect with other like-minded professionals in the field.

Paige Boyle, BHS (She/her) - Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

I am a recent college graduate with a bachelor’s degree in health science and a minor in psychology. Working in the mental health field has always been a goal of mine, as I personally have experienced the benefits of various treatments and would like to help others experience the same. Plant medicine has played a major role in improving my mental health. Because of this, I currently work in a medical marijuana dispensary, helping others find relief through this form of plant medicine. Over the past few years, I have been expanding my knowledge regarding the therapeutic use of psychedelics, and I am excited to learn more.

Cameron (Cam) Larson, Ba (Any / None) - Seattle, Washington

Cameron has been a sign language interpreter (American Sign Language - English) for nearly 25 years, working in many settings/milieus such as medical, clinical, business, and technology. Cameron has a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics from the University of Texas at Austin. As a multidisciplinary field, interpreting feeds their curiosity, intellect, and systems-thinking brain. The work also satisfies Cameron’s want to use privileges (perceived and/or real) to advance equity between people in interactions. Cameron currently lives in Seattle (Occupied Duwamish Territory).

Lindsey Reinhart, MHSc (she/her/hers) - Redmond, Oregon

Lindsey has been a family medicine physician assistant for 12 years. In addition, she holds a certification in Advanced Pranic Healing. Her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology was obtained from the University of Colorado, and she received a Master of Health Science from the University of Pennsylvania Lock Haven. Lindsey recently closed her rural family medicine practice after nine years. She grew up in Oregon and feels called to work with psychedelics as a deeply transformative medicine for patients. In addition, she loves working with minerals for both healing and artistic purposes.

Susan L. Albright, ms (She/Her) - Rogue River, Oregon

I am a native Ohioan who moved to Oregon in 2015 for a change of life. Little did I know that I was moving to the Root chakra of Earth. I have been a ICU/CCU RN since 1994 and a NP since 2010. I graduated from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland Ohio. I have had 6 successful businesses in my 51years of life and have sold 4 of them. Currently, i am a medical director for a MedSpa and their injector along with part time family medicine with an area healthcare system. My love is functional medicine and healing the root cause of a disease process. I have taken classes through The Institute of Functional Medicine but have not passed their exam yet. 2 years ago, I had an awakening with the help of plant medicines. I have been able to shed decades of C-PTSD and now learning to live and love my authentic self. I want to be able to offer that same freedom to others and help them to live their own lives without anxiety, fear, depression, triggers, ect. The ability to offer another modality, to help people on their mental health journey is such a drive for me. I am looking to purchase land to set up a facility that encompasses plant medicine, yoga, reiki, EMDR, acupuncture, functional medicine, functional nutrition and so much more. I am so excited to be part of this class.

Sarunas Sliesoraitis, DO (He) - Utah

I am oncologist with interest in psychedelics. I have many tools including breathwork, shaking, Wim Hof, TRE, MAP, meditation practices which helped me overcome my own trauma. I am becoming psychedelic provider to offer this service for my patients.

My educational background include Doctor of Pharmacy, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. I completed Internal Medicine residency in North Carolina, Hematology/Oncology Fellowship in Florida, Phase I fellowship in Texas.

Christopher Tse, BS, BA (He/Him) - San Lorenzo, California

I am currently working as a Technical Project Manager for a Telecom company, managing optical fiber implementations. Before this, I was a telecom engineer for 8 years and an art teacher for 5 years. A little bit about my medical history, I have been battling with depression and anxiety for more than 20 years. With the help of traditional antidepressants alone, my situation didn't have a huge improvement. It actually got worst in the past few years. Last year, because of my mental health crisis causing by high stress work environment, I needed to take a medical leave from work and explored new treatments for my mental condition. That was my first time receiving Ketamine treatment, and the result was amazing. The Ketamine treatment allows me to view my life in a whole new prospective. During my medical leave, I finally have time, energy and a calm mind to reassess my future. I am planning to share the wisdom that I accumulated through my mental health journey, also providing a save and supportive healing environment to those who are in need. Past Education: BS in Materials Science and Engineering, BA in Studio Art. In Progress Education: MS in Medicinal Plants Chemistry.

Sue Roh, MSW - King of Prussia, Pennsylvania

I am a Licensed Social Worker and recently joined Penn Medicine’s outpatient lung team at HUP, dividing my time between Cystic Fibrosis clinic (supporting post-transplant patients), Home Assisted Vent and General Pulmonary, including Smoking Cessation. Previously, I worked in hospice care for about 6 years, first with Seasons Hospice and later with Penn’s Hospice program. I started my social work career in Reading, PA, post undergrad, with Berks County Children and Youth investigating reports of child abuse/neglect and later moved to Philadelphia where I provided In-Home Protective Services to children and families involved with DHS, eventually supervising Community Umbrella Agency caseworkers after earning my MSW at Temple University. Prior to moving to Philadelphia, I spent about two years volunteering with the US Peace Corps where I lived in the Republic of Macedonia working on various community development projects. My current and past experience working in social services has afforded me the opportunity to work with individuals, groups and families of various backgrounds facing various life challenges. Recent attention and validation of the particular stressors of micro and macro racism and its effects on the physical and emotional health of those experiencing racism is of particular interest to me.  I believe that my own experience growing up in the US after emigrating with my family from South Korea has given me the perspective of the external and internal interplay of societal norms and expectations and how they may compliment or clash with one’s personal and cultural beliefs and the various roles assumed according to the situation and environment. My professional goals are deeply entwined with my personal goals to continually develop and guide others in achieving the basic tenets of loving kindness for the self and surrounding world; it is my sincerest belief that if one can find for themselves peace, grace, love and courage our society as a whole is benefits. 

George O'Hara, BS (He/Him/They/Them) - Oregon City, Oregon

BS in Psychology. Mental Health Tech/Associate. Personal experiences in recovery from trauma, depression, anxiety, substance use disorders and extreme poverty.

I'm looking forward to obtaining my MA in Clinical Psychology and having a private practice in the future. I feel psilocybin therapy will be important for those coming from living un-housed and I would like to facilitate it's therapeutic accessibility and practice to those that come from poverty and substance use disorders.

Self-actualization. Transcendence.

Other than that stuff, I'm a music nerd and dig outdoor activities. :)

Roxanne Sawhill, BSN (She/Her) - Urbana, Illinois

I am an ICU registered nurse planning to become a Psychiatric Mental Health NP. My interest in psychedelics started at New College of Florida, where I earned my first bachelor’s in anthropology and first heard about psychedelic therapies. I then became a nurse and have been practicing at the bedside for the past 4.5 years, where I have witnessed the often heartbreaking limitations of the hospital environment. I’m specifically interested in psychedelic use for healing trauma, general wellness and neuroplasticity, and palliative/end-of-life care. My home base is Urbana, IL and I travel for work with my husband and our three cats.

Meaghan Escareno, LCSW (She/Her) - Austin, Texas 

I am a LCSW based out of Austin, Texas where I have been integrating energy work (specifically The Body Code/Emotion Code) into my traditional, clinically based talk therapy practice. Even with that combination, I continuously have found major road blocks in helping people work through and heal their traumas.  I was introduced to psychedelics as a healing modality through a friend and I knew instantly this was my calling. My goal is to incorporate psychedelics into my practice to help unlock the subconscious wounds in a safe, healing environment to help shift one's perspective and move towards a life filled with more meaning, self love and compassion. 

Jamie Bowers, BA in Elementary Education (She/Her) - Nevada City, California

Hello! I started my healing path in 2006 and have been serving in the healing and wellness field for over 12 years, teaching Transcendental Meditation(TM) and Emotional Intelligence to high school students and teachers in San Francisco. In 2015, I began healing with ayahuasca, where I discovered my passion and fascination for purging emotions out of the body and releasing stress from the nervous system with TM. The combination of these two modalities is powerful and works synergistically as the experience and integration. A few years later, kambo came into my life, and I fell immediately in love. Kambo is a potent purging jungle medicine that aligns with psychedelics and meditation for its detoxing effect. I became a kambo practitioner in 2018, and in 2019, I advanced my education with the Katukina Tribe, Caboclo people in Brazil, and soon after, my master kambo teacher in 2021. In 2020, just before the COVID pandemic hit, my wife and I bought a house in Nevada City, California, to create a healing sanctuary for all. I began hosting monthly Ayahuasca ceremonies for my kambo community and becoming an apprentice to the incredible and experienced Shipibo Shamans I've been sitting with for eight years. I feel truly honored that the opportunity to learn from them will continue for years to come. With all that said, I'm pleased to be accepted into the SoundMind program to continue my education of holding space for healing in the psychedelic realm while deepening my relationship with our fungi friends, whom I've been working with for the last two years now. I can't express enough how excited I am that psychedelics are now entering the medical world for healing to become accessible to everyone.

Stacey Tesseyman, LCSW (She/Her) - New York, New York

I’m a psychotherapist in NYC, and just gave up my office after 25 years. The winding down of my current practice (virtual now) is miraculously synchronous with the resurgence of psychedelics into the mainstream. I’m excited to learn new ways to transition my efforts around mental and spiritual well-being. As a child of the sixties, I had (too many to count) psychedelic experiences, and have no doubt it shaped who I’ve been in the world for all these subsequent decades. I identify as queer, cisfem, and walking-on-my-growing-edge-White.

Jesse Morris, in graduate school to obtain PMHNP (She/Her) - Salem, ORegon

My name is Jesse. I am a registered nurse and work at an outpatient mental health and wellness clinic where we currently offer Spravato (esketamine) and IV Ketamine for depression. We plan to offer Psilocybin when it is available for clinic use in Oregon. I am also currently in graduate school working on my Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I will be finished next August. I am excited for this program to learn more about psychedelics and everything they can do for people. It has been amazing to see the difference they have made in so many of our patient's lives. Outside of school and work I love to be outside, hiking, running, weightlifting, read books and spend time with my small tiger (or cat) and yellow dog! Thank you for having me!

Vinnie Rotondaro, MS (He/Him) - Washington D.C.

My name is Vinnie Rotondaro and I am a journalist and writer from Washington D.C. I came to psychedelic therapy after years of struggle dealing with chronic pain that stemmed from a spinal fusion I had to correct scoliosis as a teenager. Psychedelic plant medicine helped me see how I hold pain in my body, and how I can release it from my mind. I am currently writing about the science of pain and how it extends to explain shared cultural experiences, such as intergenerational trauma and historical consciousness. I am especially interested in how stories attach themselves to pain and can work to scaffold its chronicity. It seems to me that psychedelics have the power to help us replace and rewrite agreements that no longer serve us. Over the years I have trained in a number of disciplines, including yogic breathing, mindfulness meditation and shamanic journeying. More recently, I have grown interested in psychedelic-adjacent therapeutic modals like Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems and Inherited Family Trauma training. I am thrilled to be part of this program. I hope to offer my services in a way that promotes healing and peace, and I’m really look forward to meeting you all.

Jason Pinnell - Bonney Lake, Washington

I have dreampt about psychedelic assisted therapy for the good part of 3 decades now. Licensed therapy will be a long awaited and new venture for me. It brings a great deal of pleasure to be a part of this. I will be new the this field of practice but bring a great deal to share.

Sara Kate Gillingham, ba (she/her) - Brooklyn, New York

Sara Kate Gillingham is a food writer, cookbook author, and the co-founder of ApartmentTherapy.com and TheKitchn.com. She also founded The Dynamite Shop, a culinary school for youth. She is currently a first year MFT graduate student at Syracuse University and very interested in integrating work with psychedelics into her future therapeutic practice. What has drawn her to psychotherapy and psychedelics is the opportunity to hold space for those in transition.

Originally from Los Angeles, CA (5th generation native southern Californian!) she moved to NYC after graduating from college (Wesleyan University 1997) and now lives in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn with her 16 year old daughter. She also spends time in rural upstate New York where she feels deeply connected to the land. Outside of the food world and holding-space world, two things that are important to her are that she is a marathon runner and a living liver donor.

Jenelle Romig, MHS, PA-C (She/Her) - Palmerton, PENNSYLVANIA

Jenelle is a board certified emergency medicine fellowship trained physician assistant who stepped away from clinical medicine in 2021 after growing increasingly disheartened with the current state of the healthcare system, to embark on her own soul searching and self healing journey, determined to find better ways to help people heal in more meaningful ways. She has adopted a more holistic approach to wellness and life in general, including finding deeper spiritual connections in all areas of life. She has found profound healing and meaningful change in working with psychedelics and plant medicines and is passionate about helping to facilitate bringing these powerful soul medicines to the people. Jenelle is a certified reiki practitioner, a nature worshiper, an animal lover, an adventure seeker, a dreamer, a free spirit, a free thinker, and an aspiring artist and entrepreneur. She is absolutely thrilled and honored to embark on this (r)evolutionary journey with you.

Christine Peterson, MD (She/Her) - New York

I am a practicing MD trained in pain management and palliative care in NYC. I recently transitioned my practice from hospital based perioperative pain management to an outpatient practice focused on holistic nonpharmacologic approaches to chronic pain.

Cene Salsedo Bryant, BS (She/Her) - NW Portland, Oregon (Occupied land of The Confederated Tribes of Grande Ronde)

Cené Salsedo Bryant (she/her) is a cis, femme woman of Taino descent, a scientist, sacred mushroom steward and an advocate for community members seeking access to psilocybin for healing, discovery, wellness, and joy. She attended Humboldt State University in California where she earned her BS in Marine Biology. She is a Peer Supporter at Fireside Project, a psychedelic peer support line that serves the community free of charge. She plans to pursue licensure as a Psilocybin Services Facilitator under Oregon’s Psilocybin Services Act upon completion of the SoundMind training program. She finds great joy in spending time in bodies of water, gardening, and walking her 2 dogs.

Cindy Wilson, MS (She/Her) - Red Feather Lakes, Colorado

I am committed to facilitating the transformation of human consciousness as we journey together through this next phase of human evolution.

Megan Hovany, Bachelors in Communication (she/her) - Chicago, Illinois

I currently work in the as a graphic designer and props assistant for tv/film with a background in theater, puppetry, and fabrication. I live in Chicago with my husband (newly wed 8/27/22) and our dog Freddie.

Michael Bouska, MD, MPH (He/Him/His) - Bend, Oregon

I'm an Emergency physician with a background in international medicine and a Masters in Public health. I spent my first 30 years in Iowa. I currently enjoy mountain biking with my wife and taking care of my cat, and I'm looking forward to expanding the possibilities of what I can offer to my fellow humans.

Crystal Scattareggia, msn (She/her) - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I have been in the nursing field for over 15 years and am currently a neurosurgical ICU nurse at Temple University Hospital in Philly. I am licensed as a family nurse practitioner but took a step back from this role after becoming extremely discouraged and frustrated due to the ineffectiveness of our healthcare system. As an NP my primary specialty was addiction medicine, and this often went hand in hand with co-occuring mental health diagnoses. I quickly learned that traditional substance use disorder and dual diagnosis treatment models are ineffective and outdated. I took the opportunity to return to "bedside" nursing during the pandemic to regroup and became very interested in psychedelic medicine. I am specifically interested in working with psilocybin, MDMA, and ketamine for treatment of SUD, treatment resistant depression/suicidality and PTSD. I personally identify as a neurodivergent human who is in recovery from addiction and who still struggles with mental health challenges every day- so this is both a personal and professional passion. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my adorable dog and 3 felines, traveling, painting, mycology, and playing bass guitar.

Anu Rana, bs (she/her) - Austin, Texas (but also travel/remote work)

I believe in the magic of all that we don't understand, but try to. Traveling and working in other countries for a large part of my adult life has fueled a desire to understand, shape, and care deeply about human experience. I daylight as a director of user research where I take joy in asking questions, and shaping observations into inspiration & thoughtfulness in experiences. I moonlight as a writer/poet, photographer, and harp student with a music therapy center. I've learned that I like to learn, and am excited to learn about the history, present, and future of psychedelics as therapy, while concurrently studying plant nutrition. I've had a long-time vision of being involved in the creation of a center that takes the place of standard temples, churches, and organized religious spaces to offer a sense of community through food for the mind, body, and creative soul, for anyone who is agnostic or seeks to learn from many philosophies, traditions, and teachers.

Kevin Pettit, BSN (He / Him) - Philadelphia, PENNSYLVANIA

Practicing Emergency Room RN excited to explore new avenues to caring for patients.

Cierra Haney, Psychedelic Integration Coach (She/Her) - Long Beach, California

Hello! My name is Cierra I am studying to be an integration coach right now, my main area of focus within this space is the help people with PTSD and Addictions. I am also well versed with micrdosing and other healing modalities. I am on a path to further my knowledge with every step I take, within this community and look forward to helping the world heal generational trauma and open their hearts to what is possible with this medicine.

Kate Sweet (Her/She) - Huntington Beach, CAlifornia

I have been in the Education Management/Leadership field for the last 15 years, working 1:1 with parents and family units, as well as Administrators and educators on managing stress, emotions and expectations. My journey to psychedelics was unexpected but after an 8 year battle with chronic pain and no answers, I was relying on pharmaceuticals and alcohol to manage the severe pain in order to continue working. After a traumatic event that I was having difficulty processing, I decided to try psychedelics and it was life changing. Controlling thoughts disappeared completely. I was able to put to rest the fears from my traumatic event and I could feel the ‘big picture’ of life again. I felt the need to share with others, and I have been helping people work through challenges that conventional medicine or therapy have not been able to address. My goal is to be able to shift my career to working with Veterans and their families, chronic pain sufferers, addiction and victims of ptsd and trauma. I am excited to learn from others here and to be a part of this journey!

Kim Park, Doctor of Osteopathy (She/Her) - Wallingford, PENNSYLVANIA

I'm so excited for the path ahead! I'm an Osteopathic physician boarded in Family Medicine. Having spent the first 17 years being a PCP in an office based practice, I transitioned to doing geriatric house calls for 6 years. Three years ago, I stopped doing house calls and instead decided to provide certification and guidance to patients seeking the benefits from Cannabis. My practice is named MediCalm-PA. At the same time, I took a part-time position with a healthcare system providing care to two congregant homes; retired nuns and a deaf-aged community. My journey with chronic pain lead me to cannabis. Personally using it to treat pain, has driven me to help others find similar benefits with its use. Having the opportunity to help others with psychedelics is something I'm looking forward to! Happy to be here!

Elana Kananykhina, BSc (She/Her) - Portland, Oregon

Elana Kananykhina is a breathwork practitioner of 8 years from Portland, Oregon. She graduated in 2022 with B.Sc degrees in psychology, philosophy, and neuroscience, and is aiming to finish a MFT degree in the next few years. Elana is a queer woman, a second generation immigrant, and a lover of exploring the dusty corners of our inner landscapes. 

Anthony Pizzo, BA (He/Him) - Pennsauken, New Jersey

I have been working with plant medicines (mostly Psilocybin) since I was a teenager. At first it was recreation, and as I got older I realized the medicinal and healing powers of mushrooms (and other plant allies). I began viewing them in a more sacred, ceremonial way. 

I’ve been interested in the counseling/therapy field since I was young, and have recently felt called to begin on that path. I want to continue to decolonize my relationship to therapy and healing, and expand my perspective on what therapy and healing have been and can be. I hope to work with psychedelics to help heal others, while simultaneously healing myself. 

Michael Mallin, MD (He/Him) - Bend, Oregon

Mike is a board certified emergency physician and is co-founder and Chief Science Officer of Wild Health, a Precision Medicine Care Provider, as well as co-creator of Ultrasound Podcast, The Wild Health Podcast, Ultrasound Leadership Academy, Introduction to Bedside Ultrasound Volumes 1 and 2 digital textbooks, and One Minute Ultrasound smartphone app. Dr. Mallin has received numerous awards, including the 2012 American College of Emergency Medicine Award for Contribution to Emergency Ultrasound and the Academy of Emergency Ultrasound Education Award. He was awarded the University of Utah Emergency Medicine Faculty Teacher of the Year Award in both 2011 and 2013, as well as attending of the year for 2013. Mike left academics for private practice in 2017 and started Wild Health in 2018.