FOUNDERS and OFFICERS
Llyn Cedar Roberts, MA Founder & Core Advisor
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Llyn "Cedar" Roberts has worked in the nonprofit sector since 1997 and facilitated experiential educational seminars for thousands of people at world class holistic venues and educational institutes. Her programs have been taught at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck NY for over two decades. She is an honorary mentor for the Transformational Travel Council, was a consultant to the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth Sustainability Initiative and the non-profit, Earth Train, of Panama dedicated to preserve indigenous culture and the rainforest. She collaborated with Omega to produce indigenous shamanic gatherings; served as adjunct faculty for Union Graduate School and the Graduate Institute and for many years directed the non-profit Dream Change founded by NY Times best selling author, John Perkins, with whom she co-facilitated transformational programs for more than 15 years. She is a member of the Evolutionary Leaders Circle, founded by Deepak Chopra and holds a masters degree in Buddhist and Western Psychology from Naropa University - completing a graduate internship at Centro de las Families Mexican-American community mental health center in southwest Denver. She studied at the School for International Training, completing an internship at the Kamayani School for Mentally Handicapped Children in Pune, India. The celebrated author of multiple award winning books, including Speaking with Nature and Walking through Darkness, both co-authored with Sandra Ingerman, she has worked with ancient shamanic peoples since 1997: with Amazonian and Andean peoples in Ecuador, in Siberia, Panama, and Guatemala. Llyn is the founder of Shamanic Reiki Worldwide.
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Jeff Eissfeldt, MBA, President & Finance Director
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Jeff Eissfeldt is a founding member of Shamanic Reiki Worldwide and a graduate of its Shamanic Reiki Master-Teacher, EV1 and Ev2 programs. He holds certifications in Qi Gong healing and Integrated Energy Therapy, graduated from Maharishi University of Management in 1990 with a BA in Literature and has practiced Transcendental Meditation and the TM-Sidhi Program for over 30 years. Jeff holds an MA in Clinical Psychology from John F. Kennedy University in CA and an MBA from Michigan State University. He has worked in corporate finance for over 15 years. He has dedicated his time and expertise to OMEC for many years, as a board of directors member, subsequently as Vice President, and in 2023 taking on the role of board President. In addition to his Presidential tasks Jeff is honored to offer his business acumen to the nonprofit. As Finance Director he oversees the executive aspects of OMEC’s financial operations. Jeff is the director of several OMEC projects including the Johnny Moses Project, the Mayan Sacred Fire Fund, the Women Weavers and the Siberian Film Projects.
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Lis Traphagen, MSW, LCSW Vice President
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Lis Traphagen has been a board officer and has been intimately engaged with OMEC's projects and operations for many years. She is a licensed clinical social worker and practicing psychotherapist for over 30 years. She received a BA from Brandeis University and a masters degree from the Wurzweiller School of social work at Yeshiva University. She is a core faculty member for Shamanic Reiki Worldwide. Lis is certified as an End of Life Doula and she is also certified as an SBEM empowerment coach and therapist. In addition to her involvement as director of the Mayan Women Weavers Project, overseeing relations with Mayan Women Weavers and textile purchases as well as the weaver's visits to the United States, Lis is the director of the Sacred Travel Team for the annual Guatemala trip.
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Christina Burress, MFA,
Vice President
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Christina Burress offers Nature-Inspired Writing programs and facilitates Hoh River Valley and Rainforest retreats, in addition to her Vice Presidential role. She been teaching writing since 2007 to students of all ages. She has designed and implemented both in-person and online courses whose aim is to increase confidence, inspire creativity, and encourage artistic collaboration with the natural world. She currently teaches at the University of California at San Diego Extension’s Creative Writing Certificate Program and the School of Education’s Arts in the Curriculum Masters degree at Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Christina is a Shamanic Reiki practitioner. She holds a BA in Rhetoric from the University of California at Berkeley, and a MFA in Creative Writing from Naropa University. She earned an Expressive Arts Certificate from Sky Mountain Institute and a Certificate in Indigenous Cultural Awareness from First Nations Technical Institute.
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Eben Herrick, Managing Director
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Eben Herrick is an award-winning artist who currently resides in western Massachusetts. He serves as OMEC's overall strategist. He obtained his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design in Boston, where he lived for many years. He created the Olympic Mountain EarthWisdom Circle logo and its banner, and he has designed and produced postcards for the Guatemala trip and the Wild Wisdom Hoh Retreat and produced signage and media products for OMEC indigenous and land projects. In addition to his directorship role, which spans all aspects of the nonprofit organization he manages the website and all graphic design and social media presence. He grew up in nature, and since he was young he has enjoyed friendships with indigenous Quechua and Maya peoples who visited his childhood New England home.
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Sayre Herrick, Treasurer
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Sayre Allyn Herrick holds a BA from The Evergreen State College and is a Washington State Certified Reflexologist and graduate of Seattle Reflexology and Massage Center. She is a copywriting editor and administrative support person for Shamanic Reiki Worldwide. In addition to her Treasurer duties she volunteers her copywriting skills to OMEC. She is trained in Ayurveda and wilderness therapy, has worked on land restoration sites and permaculture gardens in WA and OR, and assisted at transformational programs with Llyn Roberts for 15 years. Sayre grew up in nature and since a young age has participated in shamanic ceremonies and practices at home in the U.S and with Indigenous shamanic peoples in the high Andes of Ecuador.
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Karen Franza,
Secretary
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Karen Franza is a Licensed Clinical Laboratory Technologist who holds a BSN in nursing, working in Hospice care and a Laboratory setting. She lives with her husband Christopher Franza in the Catskill mountains in the State of New York where her family has lived and befriended the land for six generations. An avid hiker, Karen finds every footstep on these lands to be a blessing. A traditional Reiki Master since 1998 she is also a Shamanic Reiki Master Teacher at the EV2 level, and is a member of Shamanic Reiki Worldwide's core faculty team. Karen is trained in the Shambhala School of Buddhist Studies where she took her Refuge Vows. Karen is a Certified Forest Therapy guide, trained through the Association of Nature & Forest Therapy, she helps people remember their relationship with the natural world. An ardent nature lover, digging in the garden in the company of Honeybee sisters is a space of great joy for Karen.
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Rob Murphy, Honorary Officer
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Rob Murphy is initiated in Brazilian and Ecuadorian and Celtic shamanic traditions and is an ordained minister. He is a core teaching faculty member for Shamanic Reiki Worldwide. Rob founded the Richmond, VA Shamanic Meetup and Drum Circle and is a core member of the NY Shamanic Circle. He offers earth-based programs in the United States and abroad, and for many years led sacred journeys to indigenous elders in South America. Trained in regression therapy Rob is a graduate of the Shift Network’s Peace Ambassador Training program. We are grateful for Rob's past contributions as Vice President of OMEC's board of directors, for his facilitation of online HEARTH Circles with proceeds donated to OMEC, and for creating the annual Drum Gifting event that generates funds for OMEC's indigenous projects.
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Marilyn Dexter, Co-Founder
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Marilyn Dexter is the cofounder of OMEC. She is a previous board member and secretary since the organization's inception in 2012 through 2018. She played a pivotal role in OMEC's vision and its 501C3 status attainment. Marilyn holds a Bachelor's degree in Religion and Philosophy. In addition to a diverse business background, she was a logistical director for transformational programs facilitated by Llyn Cedar Roberts (and John Perkins), spanning more than 15 years. She has co-facilitated immersions with indigenous shamanic cultures in Ecuador and Peru - and assisted for many years on the Guatemala trip to Maya wisdom keepers. With Llyn, Marilyn held the vision for the OMEC's Mayan Women Weavers Project that led to its inception.
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Board-AT-LARGE
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Director of the Vernooykill Living Land Project
Christopher Franza, RN Christopher has been a Registered Nurse since 1994 and a Traditional Reiki Master since 1998. He is a core faculty member of Shamanic Reiki Worldwide. He has completed the Heart of Warriorship, The Sacred Path, and the Shambhala School of Buddhist studies programs and attended Warriors Assembly in 2010. He has studied Wilderness and Primitive skills at The Jack Mountain Bushcraft school, the Mountain Scout school, and WildEarth where he completed the yearlong apprenticeship and intern program focusing on nature awareness for children. He has also completed the yearlong Ancient Art of Awareness program under Michael Ridolfo at New Paltz Wilderness Mind. An avid outdoors person, he loves his “dirt time” and enjoys exploring the Catskill, Shawangunk, and Adirondack mountain areas. |
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Andes, New York OMEC HEARTH Community Circles
Sue Bellamy Sue is a certified Shamanic Reiki Master Teacher (EV2) and core faculty member of Shamanic Reiki Worldwide. Sue’s private practice is located in the beautiful Catskill mountains of New York where she is also the co-owner of an independent bookstore, Diamond Hollow Books & Healing. Sue is a life-long visual artist and the creator of the tarot deck, Dream Dust Shamanic Tarot. She offers a variety of deeply meaningful, intuitive workshops and trainings including quarterly Solstice and Equinox HEARTH circles for her community which is devoted to raising awareness and funds for the Olympic Mountain Earth Wisdom Circle and its indigenous projects. Sue is currently a student at the Academy for Five Element Acupuncture in Gainesville, Florida and is deeply inspired by all of the Ways of Nature. |
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Managing Director of the Maya Women Weavers Project
Nadine Majano Nadine is a core faculty member of Shamanic Reiki Worldwide and a Shamanic Reiki Master Teacher at the EV2 level. She works closely with the OMEC’s Mayan Women Weavers project and facilitates annual sacred journeys to Guatemala. She holds a BS in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Rhode Island and an M.Ed. from the University of Georgia, where she worked as a Graduate Assistant with Multicultural Services and as a Challenge Course Facilitator for outdoor recreation. Nadine is TEFL/TESOL certified and fluent in Spanish. She has volunteered for AmeriCorps and Hug it Forward, coordinating projects and building bottle schools alongside community members in rural Guatemala. Nadine attended Mayan sacred fire ceremonies while living in Guatemala in 2012, drawing her closer to her calling as a healer. She has a private healing practice in NJ. |
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Gaby Winqvist
Gaby Winqvist is a graduate of Shamanic Reiki Master Teacher EV2 program and an Adjunct Faculty member for SRW. She teaches and practices the Shamanic Reiki healing approaches in the mountains of Central Pennsylvania. Gaby has taught yoga and meditation to college students for 20 years. She loves nature and is passionate about helping people of all ages and walks of life to embody their innate wisdom and healing power, in joyful co-creation with the natural world. Gaby is ecstatic to offer her time and expertise to support OMEC's earth-honoring mission and values. |
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Jessica Alejandro
Jessica Alejandro is a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist with over 26 years of experience working with couples and individuals. Her successful private practice, Whole Heart Healing, LLC, is located in Middlefield, CT. She is a spiritual coach and teacher and an Adjunct Faculty member of Shamanic Reiki Worldwide. She is a Shamanic Reiki Worldwide EV2 graduate, a Crystal Dreaming Teacher, Sound Healing/Meditation Practitioner, Breathwork Facilitator, and a Family Constellations Facilitator. Jessica, a presenter for OMEC’s HEARTH circle (monthly online gathering that raises funds for indigenous projects) is dedicated to OMEC's purpose to inspire a sacred and responsible relationship with the Earth and to preserve ancient wisdom ways. |
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Tiffany Radovich
Tiffany Radovich is a professional musician with a Bachelor’s degree in Music from the Boston Conservatory, with a double major in oboe performance and music education. A Shamanic Reiki Master Teacher (EV2) graduate, and Sound Healing Practitioner, she is an Adjunct Faculty member of Shamanic Reiki Worldwide. Tiffany has mentored for EV1 and EV2 levels of SRW’s year-long programs, and has assisted at Shamanic Reiki in-person workshops. She is a presenter for OMEC’s HEARTH circle, a monthly online gathering that raises funds for indigenous projects. Tiffany lives in New York, and is most inspired by the deep wisdom and healing that comes from re-connecting with nature. She is inspired to offer to OMEC as one of its board members. |
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Michael Lauze
Michael Lauze is an Ordained Ceremonialist and Certified Addiction Recovery Coach. He is a Core Faculty member of Shamanic Reiki Worldwide. He has mentored EV1 apprentices for years and is a co-host with Llyn Roberts for monthly EV1 Tele-Gatherings. He also assists Shamanic Reiki programs at the Omega Institute. Michael has served his local community of Concord, New Hampshire in various leadership roles within the mental health and addiction treatment communities for over a decade. Through his private practice he has created and facilitates earth honoring, nature-based healing workshops for addiction treatment and mental health facilities. Michael has traveled extensively in the Maya Highlands of Guatemala. He facilitates OMEC HEARTH Circles. |
advisors & cONTRIBUTOrs
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Nonprofit and Financial Advisor
V. Peter Traphagen Peter, a Certified Public Accountant and Financial Planner, is the co-founder of the New Jersey CPA Help Center and the Financial Literacy Committee. He serves on the Board of Directors of Bergen Community College Foundation, New Jersey World Trade Center Scholarship Fund Board of Trustees, and is President of Share USA, providing benefits to the financially and medically destitute. Peter received the 2004 Medallion Award from the Bergen Community College Foundation recognizing his longstanding commitment to the community. Peter and the New Jersey Help Center received a special award from the Volunteer Center of Bergen County for extraordinary service to families affected by the World Trade Center disaster. |
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Nonprofit Advisor
Bill Pfeiffer Bill is the founder of Sacred Earth Network (SEN) which continues to implement leading edge visions for over 25 years. Bill has traveled to Russia 44 times assisting the environmental and indigenous movements through SEN. This has given him a rare cross-cultural perspective. He has led hundreds of spiritual ecology workshops, has 25 years of experience in Re-evaluation Counseling and Vipassana meditation, and extensive training with Siberian shamans. Bill has partnered with and designed experiential workshops with Joanna Macy, John Seed and other notable teachers. He leads transformational journeys to Siberia and the US Southwest. His book, Wild Earth, Wild Soul: A Manual for an Ecstatic Culture has been met with high acclaim. |
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Filmmaker and Videographer
Mitch Mattraw Mitch is the applauded videographer of cabfare productions in the Pacific Northwest, who has carved a unique niche in the crowded wedding film industry. Known for his wholly original style, as an independent filmmaker of many years, he has also produced award winning branding films for businesses, web films for emerging companies, documentaries and films for non-profit organizations and many narrative shorts. Mitch produced the creative action alert video: The Olympic Peninsula is not for Electromagnetic Warfare Training. He is OMEC's videographer, and has served as Sacred Travel Team member for the Guatemala trip and support team for the Hoh Rainforest Wild Wisdom Retreats with Llyn Cedar Roberts. |
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Pillar Point Project Assisting Manager
Vic Ferry' Vic was raised in the Pacific Northwest. He has owned a floor covering business with green and sustainable design options in his youth. Later, with his beloved, Lori Ferry’ he lived for a time in Costa Rica - among the locals, immersed in community, land and nature. He is Reiki II attuned in the Usui Tradition. He loves to play, cook, to help people and to hold a healing space for others. A charismatic volunteer auctioneer who has raised funds for various charity organizations, he plays in Chef John Howie’s annual ‘The Kick Hunger Challenge Celebrity Poker Event’. Vic finds great joy in nature. He is on the support team for the Wild Wisdom Retreats and advises OMEC on fund raising avenues. |
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Storytelling from the Earth Facilitator
Michelle Adam Michelle is a published author, storyteller, teacher, magazine writer, and healer. Her recent project, a children’s book series, awakens in children the magic of our earth and inspires them to become active lovers and stewards of the earth. Her first series story, Adventures with Duende in the Ocean, was published in 2021 using the Kamishibai storytelling format shared with children in Japanese parks in the 1930s. Her second story, Adventures with Duende in the Forest, was published in 2022. She has presented these stories in multiple storytelling events and has offered storytelling workshops for children and adults. Michelle's novel, Child of Duende: A Journey of the Spirit (2016) was performed by her to Flamenco music internationally, and is published in English as well as Spanish and Portuguese languages. Michelle teaches Spanish in public schools and has studied shamanism, energy healing, Reiki, and indigenous teachings with Martin Prechtel. She has also joined native Kiva ceremonies and offered sacred singing circles in her home of New Mexico. Her passion is to inspire a deep and indigenous connection to ourselves and the earth. |
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Sign up for the Olympic Mountain EarthWisdom Circle "OMEC" newsletter below to receive inspiring monthly essays and news from both us and our sister organization Shamanic Reiki Worldwide. We thank you in advance for your Earth-honoring efforts by offering you a free guided shamanic journey by Llyn Cedar Roberts, when you sign up. From our hearts to yours! The OMEC Team.
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