2023-24 Cohort

As a Human Development major with a minor in Psychology, I have always had passion for mental health. My background encompasses tasks providing support to those with mental health problems and behavioral problems, as well as promoting positive mental health programs throughout my community. The skills, relationships and insight I have gathered through my experience providing personal care to individuals with Autism has prepared me for this position’s requirement of excellent interpersonal interactions with people from diverse backgrounds and health conditions. The outreach I conducted with Universities in need of mental health resources gave me insight into the level of need for those who are disenfranchised. Lastly, facilitating psycho educational groups and providing case management services to middle school age children has provided me with the tools needed to support patients suffering from a variety of mental and emotional disorders. I am dedicated to fostering a safe environment to ensure clients receive the highest quality of care possible. 

My communication, people-centric nature, and compassion have afforded me excellent interpersonal skills. I have become more adept at interacting with clients from a variety of backgrounds and have developed a passion for helping clientele that might not otherwise have access to therapeutic services. 

Thank you!

Sincerely, Sankofa Akom 

Mina Marie Anglero, with a multicultural background, was raised in Oslo, Norway, with a Norwegian and Puerto Rican background. She earned a bachelor's degree in Sociology and a master's degree in Education from the University of California, Berkeley, where her interests in leadership and business flourished through academic pursuit, as well as worked with, Haas Business School.

As the captain of the Cal Track & Field and Cross Country team and accumulated over 20 years of sports involvement, Mina has firsthand experience that has underscored the importance of prioritizing more than just physical well-being for female athletes.  Her MA project and personal encounters have revealed the necessity for knowledge and emphasis beyond the physical aspects in the realm of sports.

Driven by her passions for psychology, spirituality, sports, business, and education, Mina aspires to guide individuals in discovering their inner light, transcending the confines of athletics. Her website, www.minacares.com, provides a secure platform for mentorship, coaching, and reliable resources, while her blog offers solace through relatable human experiences, and fosters connections and learning opportunities.

Mina is discovering the transformative power of introspection and wants to serve as an inspiration to empower others. She envisions a world where athletes, and beyond, embrace techniques that enable them to connect with their inner selves. When not on the track, Mina can be found indulging in nature, writing, spending quality time with loved ones, reading, capturing moments through photography, or hiking.

Connect with Mina at mina@anglero.com

My name is Sofia Cordova and I was born and raised in Arequipa, Peru. I graduated with a major in Psychology and minors in neuroscience, art and anthropology from Elon University in 22’. During my time in undergrad I was able to do research on infant locomotion development, and cultural experiences on motor development. After graduating from undergraduate studies, I wanted to find a masters program that would not only incorporate all the subjects I am interested in but also implement new and more innovative ways of healing. 

Since I graduated I've been volunteering at a school for children with Down Syndrome and ASD. I've also been doing some work working at an equine assisted therapy facility that treats teenagers and elders. I am interested in SMB as I am really invested in alternative types of therapy. For me, meditation, mindfulness and reiki, and horseback riding have helped alleviate some symptoms of anxiety and depression and I want to continue exploring tools to help people in different ways. Connecting with nature has always been really important for me and my mental health. I try to always be surrounded by nature and animals as I feel that connecting with other beings is incredibly important for healing and feeling whole. 

As a student of multiple cultural backgrounds, I know how important cultural integration and appreciation is. I love learning about cultures' beliefs on spirituality and connectedness as they contain a lot of information and sacred teachings. I want to incorporate and share as much of my Peruvian culture and heritage as I can, while also learning about other heritages and teachings.

Liz brings an essence of possibility and inspiration to each relationship she engages in. She has learned that she operates at her best when she holds a posture of hope and love, keeping God front and center. She believes that each of us have access to a relationship with a higher power, and this relationship sets the lens in which we relate to the rest of life: parenting, movement, nutrition, finances, career, social life, and education.

After Liz completed her collegiate and short professional volleyball career (cut short to say yes to her top character strength, love, aka, her now husband of 12 years), she has spent much of her career in the health/fitness + well-being industry. As a certified health coach and personal trainer/group fitness instructor, she felt the achieving goals portion for clients was good, but not great. It lacked the life-giving material of Spirit, the anchor that remains steady whether success or failure. This is where her work is headed now.

She has worked with collegiate students and student-athletes since 2021 to bring Spirit to ground the many achievements these young adolescents are pursuing. She wants to continue raising the Spirited voice in sport and integrate such work with her important role as wife and a mom to their four children.

You can find Liz on a run with friends or cheering at a gootball game with her four most Spirited fans. You are invited to join either. Reach Liz at liz.fassel@gmail.com

Born among the cornfields of Iowa, raised in the heat of Texas, Bree was an active kid with many pursuits: varsity tennis, flute in marching/concert bands, avid reader, church youth group. She later got a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from Abilene Christian University. Immediately upon graduation, she applied and was accepted to the University of Oxford to study for a Master’s of Science in Social Anthropology through Wolfson College. After working for several years as a Life Development Coach for mental health companies, Bree received a Fulbright Scholarship to teach English to elementary students in southern Taiwan. Her current interests, of which she plans to pursue through coursework at Columbia University’s Spirituality Mind Body Institute and beyond, is the development and therapeutic benefits of the psychedelic experience for persons suffering from depression, anxiety, PTSD, etc. 

Katherin Garcia is a passionate seeker of truth and connection, committed to exploring the realms of spirituality, theater, and sustainability. With a background in Communication and Arts of Body from PUC-SP Brazil, Katherin's journey in theater and performance art has shaped her identity and nurtured her growth as a woman.

Building upon her educational foundation, Katherin graduated in Educational Psychology from Singularidades Institute SP-Brazil, delving into the transformative power of theater as an evaluation tool. Her research interests revolve around studying theater as a ritualistic practice, emphasizing presence and mind-body connection. With a particular focus on working with children in public schools, Katherin aims to harness the potential of theater to foster personal growth, creativity, and emotional well-being.

Katherin's statement reflects her unwavering commitment to advocating for spirituality, art, theater, and sustainability. Throughout her life, she has cultivated deep connections with various religious and philosophical traditions, including Catholicism, Umbanda, Spiritualism, Shamanism, Buddhism, and Hinduism. Katherin believes in the inherent value of these teachings and aims to incorporate their important values into her work, without necessarily explicitly mentioning them. 

Her ultimate goal is to create meaningful experiences that inspire individuals to reconnect with their inner selves, foster a harmonious relationship with nature, and ignite positive change in the world.

Eric Garvanne is an alumnus of Georgia State University (B.S Urban Studies) and Candler School of Theology at Emory University (M.Div). Eric has held various professional roles throughout his career, including working with religious institutions, nonprofits, and corporations. Formerly, he’s served as a youth minister and pastor, founder of a media company and private foundation, and small business consultant. Most recently, Eric worked in operations and logistics for a national wine storage and concierge service. He’s also the author of Anton’s Book: A Journey, an allegorical tale of a college student searching for his self-identity. Though Eric greatly values his professional experiences, it’s been his personal spiritual journey that’s guided the trajectory of his life. As a graduate student in the SMB program at Teachers College, Eric seeks to explore the possibilities of how a transformative connection between spirituality and psychology may provide alternative strategies for youth and young adults dealing with mental health challenges related to loneliness, depression, and suicidal ideation. 

Originally from Texas, Laura moved to Brooklyn in 2014 after studying English Creative Writing at the University of Arkansas. Laura has always been energized by the joy of learning, and her journey has been all about seeking wisdom through spiritual and creative exploration. So far, that’s led her to be a theatre producer, a creative arts non-profit founder, an artist, a tarot card reader, and countless other titles.

Leaning into her curiosities and creative roots has been essential in navigating her own personal growth. Through the power of expression for creation’s sake, Laura has found a clarity of purpose and the confidence to pursue her interests through more intentional and dedicated study. Currently enrolled in Columbia University’s Spirituality Mind Body Institute at Teachers College pursuing a MA in Psychology in Education, Laura is eager to continue integrating her interests in spirituality, creative expression, psychology, and community. 

She is passionate about supporting spiritual development, and she hopes to encourage others to prioritize and explore their own path towards self-actualization. Laura also believes this kind of spiritual approach can inspire new perspectives, empathy for others, and bring about collective change through shared experiences and foundational community support. She hopes to one day cultivate a conscious, creative space for this kind of inner work to evolve.

Stephanie Greco has spent the majority of her life dedicating her energy to causes she is passionate about. She has created and built private, for-profit companies and 501(c)3 nonprofits. Stephanie is the co-founder of Growing Great Schools and The National Association of Physical Literacy (NAPL), the evolution of which became 241care. Stephanie collaborated and organized to provide a framework that could help our struggling youth and high school aged students who were experiencing physical and mental health challenges. As a former athlete with over 10 years of coaching experience in the youth and high school levels, Stephanie focused on the fundamentals of movement, nutrition, and mindfulness as a path to wellness by developing an evidenced-based curriculum and programming that is used today by 241care.  

Stephanie’s career and volunteer service spans 30 years. A community leader, she has worked with a wide variety of organizations with particular focus on women and girl enterprises. Stephanie has built a successful small business consulting practice by deploying her expertise in brand management, which has assisted early and next-stage companies in optimizing their sales, storytelling, and marketing efforts for growth.

Stephanie is an extremely proud mother of three physically active and spiritually balanced young adults. She resides happily in Connecticut where she can be found at a farmer’s market, cooking for friends, reading or walking the beach with her husband and dog. Stephanie is inspired to expand her efforts to advance life-long well-being through her Spirituality, Mind, Body training.

I hold a BA in mathematics and have been in information technology for most of my career. The real joy in my life (after my children of course) comes from working with recovering people in a 12-step program. Most of my spare time is spent taking women through these 12 steps and bearing witness to their magical spiritual awakenings (and my own).  Through the process they fall in love with themselves, as they were meant to! They can love others in a brand-new way, an open-hearted way, and infinitely expand spiritually.  This path led me to continue seeking my own spiritual growth. Reiki, shamanism, and intuitive medicine opened the door to knowingness as did the Samadhi films (Daniel Schmidt) and The Awakened Brain (Dr. Lisa Miller).  At 59 years old, a beautiful story of synchronicity and love literally unfolded and brought me to SMBI. I didn’t question or resist it. I just followed the queues.  My desire is to continue helping others in a more impactful and meaningful way by presenting a broader spectrum of spirituality.  The twelve steps are profoundly healing, and my hope is to bring them to the world! 

My name is Hela Kalicharran and I was born and raised in Toronto, Canada. My introduction to movement was sparked by an interest in dance. To me, it was a form of moving meditation. Dance brought me somewhere else and helped me feel more connected than ever. Upon beginning university I started a yoga practice in attempts to stay physically healthy during a challenging time. My yoga practice made me feel strong and capable of supporting myself in the face of doubt, providing the tools I needed to graduate from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Arts focusing in Buddhism, Psychology, and Mental Health. Yoga became more than a physical practice and taught me what it means to show up for myself. Giving myself permission to release all expectations and take sanctuary on the mat has allowed me to move forward with a new lightness. Since completing my Yoga Teacher Training in 2021, I have continued to become more present and develop a connection between mind, body, and spirit, healing through my practice every single day. I want to continue to explore the relationship between yoga, psychology, and well-being because I believe that helping others connect to themselves and their spirituality in any capacity can be a healing process. Unlearning the limiting beliefs that have convinced us that we are incapable or unworthy of living a life full of meaning, is a great gift I wish to share with others.

I’m Samaa Karam, from the Bronx, New York. I find myself drawn into the world of self-discovery, meditation, and personal growth. The transformative power of these practices became evident to me during the challenging times of the pandemic, when I embarked on a profound journey of inner exploration. During these times, I discovered the incredible benefits of meditation and journaling. Seeking stability, I turned to these practices as tools for self-reflection, relaxation, and finding inner peace. Through consistent commitment, I gradually developed my meditation techniques, each tailored to address specific emotional and mental states.

The positive impact of meditation inspired me to share my techniques on YouTube, and I was able to reach countless individuals seeking serenity and self-awareness. I have also had the privilege of leading guided meditations at various festivals, where I can connect with people and create a serene, collective experience. Witnessing the transformative effects of meditation on festival-goers, as they find solace amidst the chaos and surrender to the present moment, fills my heart with joy and reinforces my commitment to this practice. 

I decided to utilize the knowledge I acquired throughout my journey in spirituality. I launched an online business, Transformed Vessel, which combines spirituality, fitness, and healthy eating. I find joy in immersing myself in nature by hiking and traveling. Through my guided meditations, I'm able to guide others on transformative journeys. My exploration of meditation, journaling, and personal growth has shaped my identity, and I find peace in the wonders of nature and physical activity.

An author and artist, Subina Aurora Khaneja, experienced a transformation through the power of spiritual connection. In her heuristic healing journey, she discovered her authentic self and her real Self. For this journey of self-inquiry, she created a three-pronged approach—a Mind, Body, and Soul methodology created to sustain and empower her different energies. The universe responded by opening paths to discover the truth, “hidden in plain sight,” waiting for her to uncover it. She understood that a life enriched with spirituality is the true path of our existence. In a life of possibilities, spiritual awakening creates an ability to reach your best potential through self-empowerment and to find liberation through self-realization.

A deep dive into Advaita Vedanta philosophy and its approach to a way of life is the bedrock of her Spiritual Practice. She uses a processive practice of reflective inquiry, meditative contemplation, and scientific investigation to methodologically experience and validate each truth, belief, and value she learns. In that quest, to have the opportunity to be at the Spirituality Mind Body Institute is a gift from the universe. It is a sacred synchronicity that can help her in her mission to share her insights:

•to create a framework to understand ourselves
•to prepare for the inner work required
•to manifest outer change in our life and the world
•to enable Effective Change.

You can write to her at subinak@yahoo.com and maybe also respond to these questions:
Are you open to changing yourself? What is the one thing you are willing to change
about yourself?

Leah Kim is an executive coach who helps leaders break through to their next level. A former C-suite executive, Leah’s experience with communications strategy, leading through rapid scale, global expansion, and M&A lends a deep understanding of the pressures leaders experience navigating today’s uncertain environment. She has nearly 20 years of experience in marketing at high-growth agencies and technology companies, and rose to Chief Marketing Officer of a startup that grew to become a publicly-listed, 9,000 person company with a $1B+ market capitalization.

As a marketing executive, Leah worked with leaders on getting to their “why,” presenting their best selves, distilling the essence of a company’s value, and understanding and influencing behavior. She uses those skills to help leaders gain greater self-awareness, identify their unique strengths, navigate stakeholder relationships, and make decisions with greater clarity. Leah has coached senior leaders at advertising agencies and technology companies navigating hyper growth, organizational change and cross-cultural teams.

Leah holds a B.S. in Commerce from the University of Virginia and Coaching Certification from the Hudson Institute of Coaching. The master’s program at the Spirituality Mind Body Institute will amplify her in her mission to help leaders awaken to their purpose, use their signature strengths, and lead with confidence, certainty, and hope.

She lives in Brooklyn, NY with her Italian greyhound, Uno.

Growing up with an eclectic cultural background and having lived in different places, I have always been fascinated by human experience, different cultures and religions. I received my BA in psychology and had an opportunity to work with teenagers at a mental health wilderness therapy camp on the Big Island of Hawaii.  I learned a lot from that experience but wanted to travel. This led to me working for a mental health crisis line from home while traveling and meeting many like minded people. At the same time, I was strengthening my wellness practices, developing a deeper relationship with Mother Earth, practicing yoga, meditation, sound healing and ecstatic dance. My diverse life experiences showed me that despite our differences, we are all longing for connection, love, acceptance and a higher purpose. Discovering the SMB program feels predetermined as it combines all the things I see as important in an integrative approach to mental health. I believe it is important to do things in life that you can put your heart, mind and soul into, and the philosophy of the program gives me exactly that, aligning deeply with my values. I have been based in New York for the last four years and am grateful to be a part of this beautiful program in one of my favorite cities. I aspire to be a clinical psychologist integrating my passions for psychology, spirituality, the arts and sciences in a holistic approach. My hope is to help people of diverse backgrounds and support them in discovery of the powerful inner wisdom of their hearts, advocating for deep healing from within. As it was beautifully said by Herman Hesse, “Within you, there is a stillness and a sanctuary to which you can retreat at any time and be yourself”.

My name is Sarah Maldonado and my background is predominantly in the world of teaching and learning. I have taught English to primary students in Beijing, China, adults in Accra,Ghana and some grades in between here in New York. However, I was born and raised in the South Bronx to parents who immigrated from the Dominican Republic. As a first generation Latina I witnessed the transformational power of nurturing a culture of empowerment. Most recently, I have ventured out in exploring ways in which well-being may be accessible in underserved communities. I intend to pursue this program to open doors that create health-based opportunities for vulnerable populations. My curiosities are rooted in emotional intelligence, fitness and the arts to maximize quality of life. As I embark on this journey, my mission is to help others find their purpose and uplift them to embrace the pathway to recovery. By honoring equity, positivity and expression I am confident that the healing education movement will inspire personal growth through the development of a conscious driven curriculum. I hope to plant seeds of joy in the development of unlocking the human potential bridge between surviving and thriving. I believe that by providing guidance on feminine and masculine storytelling we can discover tools to promote the interconnected elements of mind, body and spirit. In this way, we can navigate our true essence and contribute to a domino effect of overcoming society’s limitations. I am on a mission to celebrate the elements that provide knowledge skills necessary to catalyze self-love, well-being and sustainable contributions to community life. 

Jenny McCray, a native New Yorker based in Westchester, is an actor and singer who is now pursuing a masters in psychology. She has studied writing, theater and music at Lehman College and as she moves into the next phase of her life, is excited to study Psychology in Education: Spirit, Mind and Body at Teachers College, Columbia. Jenny’s work spans twenty years of education as a Behavior Therapist, a Spiritual Coach and education consultant. Her love of learning is infectious and her dynamic personality is the driving force behind her desire to bring mental health awareness, and help to teenagers in high school.

Since a very young age I’ve always had a curiosity towards discovering the connections and commonalities amongst the many unique individuals we encounter. This curiosity propelled me towards a career in psychology and developed into an interest towards working with some of our most vulnerable populations. Through my personal journey I’ve encountered many struggles with my own mental health. I leaned heavily on my spirituality, and christian roots introduced to me by my grandmother. I have a deep appreciation for the healing my spiritual community brought me through mentorship, reflection, volunteer work, and safe community. 

I have a bachelor's degree in Psychology with a focus in Spirituality & Women Studies. I’ve spent my time since undergrad working in many different fields. I have worked as a behavior technician for neurodivergent children, a case manager for underprivileged youth struggling to graduate, a therapeutic foster care placement specialist, and as an astrologist. The accumulation of my experiences has shown me the great need for a change and shift in perspective towards mental health treatment and well being for our most at risk populations. I’ve noticed the importance the roles community leaders, institutions, and healthy spiritually centered spaces play in cultivating resilience, and motivation towards developing ones purpose.

My mission is to apply my experience working within mental health and community centered institutions, towards bringing more accessible spiritually centered safe spaces and therapeutic interventions to our most vulnerable populations.

Ultimately, I believe you can help yourself, through deep learning of yourself, and acceptance of all the contrasting aspects within you, harmonizing into the story of your existence.

When I’m not pondering life’s biggest what if’s, you can find me discussing astrology, trying new restaurants, and binge watching documentaries.

A Nigerian immigrant raised on the eastside of Atlanta and now residing in the nation’s capital, Stella Olóyè, M.Ed (she/they) is a queer and nonbinary auDHD writer, truth teller, and multi-hyphenate creative Spirit researching life at the intersections of fringed identities and invisible cultures. A former nonprofit DEI professional, psychosocial counselor, and grade school educator, Olóyè seeks to rip off the veil of conversations and experiences surrounding the oppressive and inequitable white supremacist and Christofascist systems dehumanizing the Black diaspora and other psychically disinherited people in society. Activated by their special interests in plants and animals, religion, astrology, spirituality, and psychology, Olóyè engages with the complexities of human psychology through relationships of faith and social justice, which a triple-pronged focus on Black autistics, asexuality, and prayer praxes in trans-Christian spirituality. She centers queer, neuroexpansive Black and Indigenous liberation and joy through cultural and fine arts and transformative spiritual experiences. When they are not learning in Teachers College’s SMBI program, Olóyè enjoys the quietude of reading, writing, resting with her beloved puppy Soma Yukihira, tending to their nursery of houseplants, traveling, tweeting, playing cozy video games, and boxing.

Life is a journey, as they say, and if you are looking for evidence, I am living proof. Titles are insufficient in describing the complexities and depths of a person, an injustice to the essence of one’s being, but in the interest of creating a bio that can offer a glimpse into my life and who I am, I shall list some that have been attached to me throughout my journey thus far. They include: pilot, bartender, physicist, professional DJ, real estate broker, small business owner, non-profit founder, brother, son, and most importantly, father. The long list is a result of my core philosophy in life, which is to always follow my heart, despite what the logical brain or caring mentors might think is the “right” thing to do. At the core of my heart, the only constant has been the sure knowing that someday my official title would be “teacher”. My transition into the field of formal education and teaching is what brought me to SMBI.

I have a BA in physics and mathematics, and my number one virtue, according to the VIA Institute, is spirituality. As a science-minded, highly spiritual individual I have always loved the intersection of cutting edge science and ancient spirituality. As I began creating my vision, my dream: The School of L.O.V.E. (Living Our Virtues Everyday), I was delighted to discover SMBI and all the amazing work that has been done, and is ongoing in the fields of science-backed spirituality, living with virtue, and integrating seemingly lost ancient wisdom into the currently broken k-12 public school system.

Lead, live, and listen with love. Enjoy your journey!

Keri Parsons is honored to be furthering her studies and exploration into the scientific, psychological, and spiritual research on interconnected consciousness with a cohort voracious to positively impact the institutions and communities that shape our society. She understands the powerful internal connection we have to our body and mind, how the body remembers everything, even if our present selves do not. Her ongoing inner work has led her to appreciate the importance of self-awareness as a catalyst for outer change and hopes it will become part of a larger movement to speak for those who have been silenced. Additionally, her concern about the current state of the media culture has led her to an interest in collaborating with others to identify the ways in which social media is impacting children developmentally and in schools, with the ultimate goal being to create sustainable, life-affirming, regenerative change. She is here to listen and learn, to share and contribute, and to reframe the conversations and change the systems to become a more healthy, loving society where people can live their authentic lives without judgment or shame. By embracing a deep connection to and compassion for all life, surrounded by the natural elements that feed us and bring us together, she hopes to help others see with the heart.

Raised in the forests of Connecticut, at the ripe age of twelve Lydia was exposed to philosophies and practices that sparked a knowing within her and changed her life. She has been on a journey of uncovering the truths of life ever since. From refusing to accept detrimental norms to overcoming an abusive relationship, PTSD, an eating disorder, depression, and anxiety Lydia’s suffering early in life feels to her like some of her most essential initiations. 

After devouring her course of study for her B.A. in Philosophy with a minor in Peace Studies, in addition to independent work including presentations on the intersection of quantum physics and spirituality, Lydia went on to found RE SELF, the digital platform empowering conscious living. She also launched the podcast As It Goes, ranked in the Top 10% of Podcasts Most Shared Globally & Top 30% Most Followed Podcast on Spotify. 

As a Reiki II healer, meditation leader, certified yoga instructor (RYT 200), women’s and moon circle facilitator, coach, and student of tantra, Lydia is equally as passionate about practice as she is research. Furthermore, she is dedicated to the power play of leveraging her photography and creative writing practices to communicate these truths of life directly to the soul. Her guiding principle is that the best way to evolve human consciousness is at the fundamental level - one person at a time. She is committed to bridging the gap between academia and the public who are eager to live the wisdom that fuels authentic individual and collective flourishing.

Drew, a South Florida native, spent her early years searching for a deeper purpose in life. After completing her studies at Arizona State University, she embarked on a transformative journey of travel that spanned a year and a half. However, amidst the adventure, Drew encountered significant struggles. These challenges ultimately led her to confront a terrifying health crisis, forcing her to delve into her internal world.

Often, difficult times serve as catalysts for healing and spiritual growth, and Drew's experience was no exception. She discovered the profound interconnectedness of the mind and body through her sickness. Initially, doctors informed Drew that a lifetime of medication and countless recurring episodes awaited her. Dissatisfied with this prognosis, she began her own research and discovered stories of individuals who had healed themselves through meditation, visualization, and gratitude practices. Attuned to the wisdom of her inner voice, Drew fearlessly embraced the path that resonated most authentically with her soul.

After months of dedicated practice, Drew experienced remarkable physical, mental, and spiritual healing. Despite what the doctors had told her, she had healed herself from her health crisis. She firmly believes that her health crisis unfolded for a reason, providing her with a clear sense of her true purpose in life.

When Drew stumbled across the SMB program, she knew that this was a program that was meant for her. The path ahead is unclear, but she believes that is where the beauty of life resides. Drew knows that as long as she is leading with her heart, all else will fall into place. 

From before she can remember, Eleanor has been an observant spirit fascinated by the nature of reality beyond that which the human sensory experience suggests. Her curiosities about interdependence and relationship, coupled with her experience as a compassionate participant with life, continue to lead her further into contemplations on motivation, intention, and potential for agency inherent in consciousness. 

In May 2023, Eleanor graduated Summa Cum Laude from Duke University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and minor in French. Ever passionate about fostering understanding and community, Eleanor actively serves as a peer health coach for undergraduate students, a position she has held since the onset of the pandemic. Throughout undergraduate, she also served as an academic tutor for student-athletes in psychology and french and a volunteer tutor for elementary school students in a local public school. Above all else, Eleanor is moved by the potential of authentic human connection--whether through conversation, music and dance, or simply sharing embodied presence--to nourish and uplift the weight we all carry, however heavy it may feel. 

Though her primary entry point into clinical psychology emerged through the lens of academia and Western analytical thought, Eleanor is increasingly drawn to the rich and global diversity of spiritual wisdom. Through absorbing a rich diversity of teachings from the indigenous traditions which have survived to present day, Eleanor continues to deepen her felt interconnectedness to planetary life and to her own meditative, yogic, and other spiritual practices. At present, Eleanor intends to continue studies in clinical psychology in preparation for future research and practice, with the resounding motive to support others in healing themselves.

With 30 years of entrepreneurship and finance experience, Sabina Schlumberger has built and sold companies in the software and retail industries.  After helping MIT professor Kenan Sahin sell his company, Kenan Systems, to Lucent Technologies for $1.4 billion in 1999. Sabina went on to get her MBA at the Sloan School to expand her business foundation, marrying strategy, marketing, organizational design, and finance. 

After Sloan, in 2003, she co-authored and executed Roberta Roller Rabbit’s highly successful store growth.  In 2011, Mrs. Schlumberger co-founded Figue, a women’s lifestyle brand, where she oversaw the company’s business strategy and operations.  Since the sale of Figue at the end of 2020, Mrs. Schlumberger continues to support entrepreneurs at the intersection oBif software and retail. She currently serves on the Advisory Board of Manner Solutions.

Mrs. Schlumberger has also dedicated herself supporting non-profit organizations, including serving on the board of New Yorkers For Children and most recently, the Relatives, a refuge and after-school development program for homeless at-risk youth in the Charlotte area.

Currently, Mrs. Schlumberger is pursuing a 2nd Master’s degree in Psychology at Columbia University’s Teachers College at the Spirituality, Mind, Body Institute. She also holds a BA from Wellesley College. She is married to her MIT classmate with whom she shares 2 teenage children. She is both a US and French citizen.

May all beings be free from suffering and the root causes of suffering. May all beings live in happiness and the root causes of happiness. May all beings awaken to their true enlightened nature.

Jessica is a spiritual seeker, martial artist, yoga instructor, and most significantly, a mom. A fun loving explorer at heart, she has scoured the earth for experiences that feed her soul. Immersing herself into this reality with clarity and awareness, Jessica is experimenting with her belief that we can find our truth in the beauty of participating in our lives with presence.

Jessica’s formal education includes a B.A. in Human Development from Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena, California. She is a Registered Yoga Teacher 500 and a Kukkiwon 2nd degree black belt. She is excited to be currently pursuing a M.A. in Psychology in Education, Spirituality, Mind, Body concentration at Teachers College Columbia University.

Lisa is a Native Malay immigrant from Singapore. She is the eldest of three siblings and her parents were professional musicians who instilled a love of music in her. As a teenager, she became fascinated by the spiritual world and came to love mystical poets citing Rumi as her favorite. She was an educator for most of her career, starting as a Malay language primary school teacher in Singapore and then as an early childhood educator in Brooklyn, New York. Her life changed about fifteen years ago when a serendipitous meeting led her to move to Brooklyn. However, the fairytale ended very quickly and through a series of consequential events, she was awakened to her unhealed complex trauma.

In her journey, she was inspired by traditions advocating for healing through connections with nature, community and using inner experiences as the principle guide for transformation. She also discovered a variety of approaches which helped shape her belief that the work of recovery and wellbeing engages and acknowledges the whole person, grounded by expressions and practice of spirituality. Lisa aspires to deepen this language of healing and expand systems of recovery strengthened by her own experiences to help other cycle breakers on their path. She believes that an important part of the work is a remembrance of when we were connected and in tune with worlds around us, invisible and within. In her free time, Lisa enjoys dancing with her daughter, taking walks in the woods and cooking Malay food.

She is excited to continue her education at the SMB program and plans to visit the ancient giant trees in California when she graduates!

• Life is simple, and the simplicity is synchronized by spiritual knowledge. 
• All living creations are compassionate beings.
• I am within you, and you are within me, together we are whole; transformed by oneness.

Hailing from New Delhi, India, Sakshi worked as a counseling psychologist, Yoga teacher and a lifestyle medicine general physician, before joining SMBI at Teachers College, Columbia University. 

She has experience in psychological counseling in mental health issues and lifestyle management for  antenatal , postpartum mental wellness and PCOS, along with facilitating Yoga and mindfulness based practices. Her interests in ancient  eastern spiritual practices  such as Yoga, Vipassana meditation, Ayurveda and Kriya Yoga began while she was questioning her lifestyle choices and making a shift towards a more integrative approach to health. While incorporating her eastern spirituality in her personal lifestyle choices , she experienced a transformative healing in her life, which led her to pursue research in spiritual practices for wellness such as Ashtanga Yoga for Breast cancer Survivors,on mental health parameters such as stress, anxiety, depression, quality of life and gratitude .  

 Sakshi is equally passionate about the performing arts like dance and theater and plans on pursuing them alongside. She has actively participated in raising awareness on animal rights and welfare practices in context to significance of animal-human relationships in India as a part of vegan activism,something that she considers as not only a part of her spiritual growth but also an important aspect of wholesome spiritual well being. The SMBI program at Teachers College, Columbia University closely aligns with her personal and professional interests in working towards developing a holistic approach to physical, mental and spiritual parameters, as a health professional.

 She is reachable at the following su2272@tc.columbia.edu sakshiupadhyayheal5@gmail.com  and linkedin.com/in/sakshi-upadhyay-052274107

Hi! My name is Sandra Ward, and I am a mom! I say that first because that is my most important calling in life. I was born in Costa Rica, mainly raised in Nicaragua, and moved to Utah when I was 18. I graduated with a psychology degree from Brigham Young University. I’ve been drawn to psychology since I was a child, but as I became an adult, I still was lost on exactly what I wanted to do pertaining to psychology.

Having a religious and spiritual background (LDS), I was at odds because I always thought psychology lacked something—a spiritual component. When I stumbled across the SMBI program through Lisa Miller’s book The Spiritual Child, it called to me. I could be in a place where I would have a complete education.

I am interested in religion and how the culture within different religions is vital for a healthy upbringing in an individual. I am sure you have heard of the phrase “spiritual but not religious.” I believe there is a state of being religious but not spiritual. I would love to help those who may be stuck where a flourishing spiritual life is absent. I believe emotional and social intelligence within communities can be as meaningful as faith traditions and practices!

Isaac Weis is an experienced and educated young professional eager to learn and grow in the field of psychology. Isaac currently lives in Monsey, New York.

When he was a senior in high school, Isaac founded a non profit organization called the Empty Glass Society - a student initiated and student sustained education and practical resource network addressing substance abuse within the high school community. Since then, Isaac has spread EGS’s message to thousands of students nationwide and even across the border in Canada and as far as Israel. As part of this initiative he organized two separate month-long initiatives aiding students seeking to quit smoking/vaping. Isaac also ran a basketball tournament this year to raise awareness featuring 28 teams. While continuing this work, he traveled to Israel where he studied ancient texts, primarily the Talmud, for two years. The following year, Isaac helped pioneer a progressive high school called Ohr Yisroel in Ridgewood, New Jersey, where he worked as a guidance counselor and teacher. Isaac volunteered as student co-president at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation for four years. He visited weekly to engage with and encourage patients in this intensive inpatient rehabilitation facility. He also volunteered as a counselor and teacher’s assistant at HASC (Hebrew Academy for Special Children), a summer camp for adults and children with developmental disabilities. Isaac also enjoys playing basketball, spending time with friends and family, and reading in his free time.

Isaac is now beginning the SMBI program at Columbia University Teacher’s College where he intends to gain pivotal insight and education to continue his journey as a helper in society.

Jacky’s path to pursuing a masters degree at Columbia’s SMB Institute has had several beginnings rooted in a better understanding of wellbeing and spirituality. As a teenager, her hunger for healing led her to discover the practice of Ashtanga Yoga. Through studying yoga, Jacky began to forge a path of recovery around her own psychological wounds. That very path has led her on a sixteen-year journey through breathwork and meditation, Vedic philosophy, a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training certification, a 600-hour Ayurvedic Health Counselor certification, and countless retreats and lectures with respected figures across the broader spiritual wellness landscape, for which she is forever grateful. With effort and grace, she has been fortunate to integrate these experiences within her professional career. Over her tenure as the Director of Partnerships at leading global wellness platform Wanderlust, she developed and managed 100+ successful campaigns on behalf of notable brands including Adidas and Google, pushing wellness into a household phrase. Most recently, Jacky has worked to lift the mainstream veil of sexual wellness by helping to launch and grow sex-positive companies and products. Jacky’s current professional focus is on executing integrated brand partnerships and marketing campaigns through community-driven engagement. While being personally entrenched in the wellness space has given her the unique opportunity to better understand the business of spirituality, the seeds of her early experiences still call her. Through the SMB program, Jacky is looking forward to honing her skills to work directly with women to develop their personal intuition and spirituality.  

Born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, John's passion for music was the catalyst for his career in the entertainment industry. His appreciation for "soul music," particularly prevalent in the Southeastern United States, shaped his worldview and underscored the power of music to unite people. As Sturgill Simpson once said, "There are two types of music, soul music and bad music."

After earning a business degree from The University of Mississippi in 2020, John moved to Nashville to study at Blackbird Academy. It was during this period that his health began to decline, leading him to explore energy medicine and intentional frequency as healing modalities. These experiences sparked profound personal growth and healing.

Upon completing his education in live and studio audio engineering, John relocated to Kentucky. There, he worked at an organic farm that also functioned as a music venue. This unique environment allowed him to work on concerts at night while reconnecting with nature during the day. It was during this time that he first discovered the SMBI program through Lisa Miller's book and many brilliant podcast appearances.

After a year in Kentucky, John moved to Los Angeles with his dog and girlfriend, who was pursuing a career in the fashion industry. In LA, John worked as a health coach in precision medicine and as a concierge for a psychedelic mental health company. These experiences inspired him to apply to the SMBI program.

John currently a health coach, audio engineer, and small business owner with a passion for cultivating relationships and community through music, mindfulness, and health. He leverages the healing potential of energy, frequency, and vibration to foster connections with ourselves and those around us. He is passionate about helping others achieve their optimum health and well-being by combining Western technology with Eastern wisdom.

In August, John will be moving to New York City to fully engage with the SMBI program. When he's not studying, you can find him running around the park with his dog, Gibson, climbing at the local gym, or grooving at New York's finest jazz venues.

Liqian Yao has been practicing meditation for years, following various teachers and masters since she was first introduced to it in 2013 while having an internship in India. Witnessing the positive impact of meditation on her physical and mental well-being, she has dedicated her time to volunteering in different religious and meditation organizations. Currently, she is a member of the New York Vipassana Association, helping to hold meditation courses in Fishkill, NY, and cultivating love and compassion by providing dharma service to the community.

Although Liqian came to the United States from China a decade ago to pursue a Master of Business Administration and embark on a path of business and entrepreneurship, life doesn't always unfold according to our plans. The inner exploration of what she truly desires for her life unfolds her spiritual journey.

She aspires to become a professional spiritual healer, capable of healing the body and mind and purifying the inner world by generating pure and compassionate energy. She will be dedicated to guiding people toward a state of wholeness, self-discovery, and inner peace.

As a nature lover and environmentalist, she has volunteered in wildlife conservation in South Africa and has been a vegetarian for more than 10 years. Besides working on the inner world, she focuses on purifying the outside world as an entrepreneur by leading a team to create and develop eco-friendly products and operate online shops.

The study of Spirituality Mind Body will empower her to achieve her life goals of making a difference in both the inner world and the outer world!

Born in Texas, Alisha Zarate holds a BSc in Psychology with minors in theology and sociology from Southern Nazarene University. After nearly a decade in social work and state government administration serving individuals and families in need in Oklahoma, Alisha spent a decade in Dubai, where she travelled extensively, immersed herself in cross-cultural experiences and worked in the corporate sector, most recently in market research.

Alisha holds certifications in yoga, sound and vibrational therapy and lymphatic and myofascial release. She is pursuing an MA in Psychology in Education, Spirituality-Mind-Body at Teachers College, Columbia University, where she aims to utilize extensive experience in research and social justice along with an educational background in psychology to conduct scientific research that examines the effect of spirituality and continue a lifelong journey of learning, healing and inner growth.

My name is Maggie Zhang, and I graduated from Wake Forest University Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Applying to this program has been more of a whim than an informed decision, which later morphed into a synchronicity of my inner tuning. Before coming here, I've been trying to understand my struggles as ways to free myself from suffering and view Buddhist teachings as an inspiring philosophy teacher that guides me to see through my attachment, ego, and potential. I also find connecting with people on a deeper, meaningful level appealing, which led me into the field of counseling. Thereafter, one of my biggest aspirations is to become a counselor who incorporates non-traditional and spirituality-oriented psychotherapy into my future counseling to invite others to be in active dialogue with life and see it as full of meaning and connections. Attending the summer intensive at SMBI gave me a glimpse of what a transformative journey this will be, as nowhere else shall I receive the experiential, evidence-based and interdisciplinary education on the human mind. My quest for spirituality is open to change, uncertainty, and challenges, and I believe the foundation of my lifelong quest can be best laid at Columbia's SMBI.

Driven by her inner calling, she embarked on a transformative journey, from Beijing to New York, from medicine to spirituality, and from traditional Chinese culture to a diverse world. As a physician specializing in endocrinology and a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, during her hospital residency, she discovered that patients had the opportunity to connect with their sacred selves while navigating the path of change. In this way, physical sickness became a gateway to inner transformation.

She practices Confucianism with devotion and incorporates classical Hatha Yoga and Bhakti Yoga into her spiritual journey. She harbors curiosity towards everything, remains open to diverse cultures, and regards herself as a child of nature. Currently, her research focuses on exploring the mind-body-spirituality-nature connection through traditional medicine wisdom, contemplative therapy, and efficacy assessment. She is dedicated to integrating the wisdom of modern medical knowledge, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Ayurveda, along with psychotherapy, spiritual practices, and energy exercises（Yoga, Pranayama, Qigong, Mindful walking…）, to guide individuals on a path toward overall well-being.

To connect, please email cori.zhaoy@gmail.com

I am Mercy Zhicay, and my mission is to create a necessary space for healing and growth within myself and those around me. I am blessed to have found a path that led me from suffering to joy and peace. Adverse childhood experiences and a highly stressful initial adulthood prompted me to question the way I wanted to live the rest of my life, even questioning if I wanted to continue living at all. This inquiry, coupled with a surge of curiosity, empowered me to silence the learned helplessness within and develop actionable plans for guidance.

Throughout my journey, I have discovered several methods that have been instrumental in my progress, including psychological interventions, Vipassana meditation, and sacred medicine retreats. Life's natural course involves continuous change, wherein we must both receive and give. I have learned that clinging to things only leads to distraction, whereas sharing the gifts I have received brings greater blessings and abundance, not only for myself but for the collective.

Consequently, I willingly share the medicine I have received with those around me who are eager to strengthen their spirituality and enhance their overall well-being. Within the SMBI program, I have found a spiritual family and fertile ground to cultivate my practices, acquire new methodologies, and ultimately manifest the guidance bestowed upon me by the great spirit.

My dream is for more individuals to discover safe spaces wherein they feel acknowledged and understood, thereby awakening the intuitive and naturally healing part of their brains. I envision a world where people can tap into their inner wisdom, experiencing profound transformation and forging a deeper connection with the essence of life itself.