Board of Directors
Llyn Cedar Roberts, MA Founder and President
Llyn, aka “Cedar”, has over two decades of nonprofit experience and has facilitated experiential educational seminars for thousands of people at prominent holistic educational institutes, colleges, universities, and around the globe. Llyn has taught at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck NY for over twenty years. She is spiritual advisor to Quiet Parks International and is an Ally Partner with the Transformational Travel Council. She was consultant to the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth Sustainability Initiative and the non-profit, Earth Train, dedicated to the preservation of indigenous culture and the rainforests of Panama. She collaborated with Omega to produce indigenous shamanic gatherings; served as adjunct faculty for Union Graduate School and the Graduate Institute and for over a decade directed the non-profit Dream Change founded by NY Times best selling author, John Perkins, with whom she co-facilitated transformational programs for nearly 17 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, interning alongside a curandera in a Mexican-American community. She studied World Issues at the School for International Training, interning in India. The celebrated author of multiple award winning books, including Speaking with Nature, co-authored with Sandra Ingerman, she has facilitated sacred journeys to work with indigenous shamanic people in the Amazon and Andes of Ecuador, in Tuva, Siberia, and in the Maya-lands of Guatemala, for over twenty-one years. She was initiated into shamanic circles by Andean and Siberian elders and lived in the Hoh Rainforest for two years.
Marilyn Dexter, Co-Founder
Marilyn Dexter is the cofounder of OMEC. She is a previous board of director's member and board secretary for six years, since the organization's inception 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 point person and logistical director of Earth honoring transformational programs with Llyn Cedar Roberts (and John Perkins), spanning more than 15 years. She also co-facilitated study 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 Women Weavers Project years before it was incepted.
Rob Murphy,
Vice President
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Rob Murphy is an initiated shaman in Brazilian and Ecuadorian and Celtic traditions and an ordained minister. He is a core teaching faculty member of, and the social media director for, Shamanic Reiki Worldwide. He founded the Richmond Shamanic Meetup and Drum Circle and is a core member of the NY Shamanic Circle. Rob offers earth-based programs in the United States and abroad, as well as sacred journeys to indigenous elders in South America. Regression therapy is an integral part of Rob’s shamanic healing practice. He is also a graduate of the Shift Network’s Peace Ambassador Training program. Rob is on the OMEC website and social media team and is the Project Director for the Olympic Peninsula - Johnny Moses Project.
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Jeff, Eissfeldt, MBA Treasurer
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Jeff Eissfeldt is a graduate of the Shamanic Reiki Master-Teacher (SRMT) Certification and Life Empowerment Program and holds certifications in Qi Gong healing and Integrated Energy Therapy. He 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 also holds an MA in Clinical Psychology from John F. Kennedy University in Orinda, CA and an MBA from Michigan State University. Jeff has worked in corporate finance for over 15 years and is honored to bring his business acumen to oversee OMEC’s financial operations. Jeff is a committee member for the Johnny Moses Project and a core faculty member of Shamanic Reiki Worldwide.
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Lis Traphagen, MA, LCSW Secretary
Lis Traphagen has been a licensed clinical social worker and practicing psychotherapist for 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 graduate of the Shamanic Reiki Master Teacher certification and life empowerment program (SRMT) and enrolled in the EV1 Evolving Master Teacher training program. Lis is certified as an End of Life Doula and certified as an SBEM empowerment coach and therapist. Lis is on OMEC's website and social media team; is the Project Director for the Maya Women Weavers Project; and is Sacred Travel Team Director for annual sacred journeys to Guatemala to learn from Maya elders, with Llyn Cedar Roberts.
Board members at large
Stacey Gibbons
Stacey Gibbons holds a Master Certification in Traditional Reiki and has studied extensively with shamans of diverse backgrounds. She has taught traditional and Shamanic Reiki since studying with Llyn Roberts in the 1990s. She previously owned and directed a yoga studio, and currently teaches multiple forms of yoga. Stacey teaches Earth Sky Yoga, and Earth-honoring approaches to healing at the Omega Institute, Rhinebeck, NY and is the cofounder with Llyn Cedar Roberts of Shamanic Reiki Worldwide "SRW". Stacey supports all of OMEC's projects and mission at SRW workshops, and oversees the integration SRW programs with OMEC's Earth-honoring values.
Stacey Gibbons holds a Master Certification in Traditional Reiki and has studied extensively with shamans of diverse backgrounds. She has taught traditional and Shamanic Reiki since studying with Llyn Roberts in the 1990s. She previously owned and directed a yoga studio, and currently teaches multiple forms of yoga. Stacey teaches Earth Sky Yoga, and Earth-honoring approaches to healing at the Omega Institute, Rhinebeck, NY and is the cofounder with Llyn Cedar Roberts of Shamanic Reiki Worldwide "SRW". Stacey supports all of OMEC's projects and mission at SRW workshops, and oversees the integration SRW programs with OMEC's Earth-honoring values.
Jonathan Hammond
Jonathan Hammond is an Interfaith Minister and a healing practitioner in private practice in New York City. He is a core faculty member of Shamanic Reiki Worldwide and a graduate of the Foundation For Shamanic Studies. He teaches Earth-honoring workshops privately and at the One Spirit Learning Alliance in New York City, facilitates spiritual retreats all over the world and has been a frequent guest on Huffington Post Live. He is a graduate of the Harvard ART Institute, holds a BFA from the University of Michigan and is an award-winning actor. Jonathan, with Emily Wallace, facilitates a popular monthly NYC shamanic gathering (HEARTH), co-sponsored by OMEC and One Spirit. Both organizations are supported by donations from the well-attended circle.
Jonathan Hammond is an Interfaith Minister and a healing practitioner in private practice in New York City. He is a core faculty member of Shamanic Reiki Worldwide and a graduate of the Foundation For Shamanic Studies. He teaches Earth-honoring workshops privately and at the One Spirit Learning Alliance in New York City, facilitates spiritual retreats all over the world and has been a frequent guest on Huffington Post Live. He is a graduate of the Harvard ART Institute, holds a BFA from the University of Michigan and is an award-winning actor. Jonathan, with Emily Wallace, facilitates a popular monthly NYC shamanic gathering (HEARTH), co-sponsored by OMEC and One Spirit. Both organizations are supported by donations from the well-attended circle.
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Melanie Ryan, LCSWR
Melanie Ryan holds a masters degree with a dual concentration in clinical social work and clinical research from Fordham University and a bachelors degree in psychology from University of Hartford. She is owner/founder of The Center for Health and Healing, the largest holistic health and learning center in the Hudson Valley Region. Melanie is a Buddhist Meditation Teacher in the Shambhala lineage and faculty member of the New York Shambhala Meditation Center. She is a Shamanic Reiki Worldwide Master Teacher and holds additional certifications as a 200hr Certified Yoga Teacher, Past Life Regression Therapist, and Native American Plant Medicine Healer. Melanie is OMEC's HEARTH Circles Project Director and adjunct teaching faculty member for Shamanic Reiki Worldwide. |
Christopher Franza, RN
Christopher Franza Has been a Registered Nurse since 1994 and a Traditional Reiki Master since 1998. He is a graduate of the Shamanic Reiki Master Teacher and Life Empowerment program and the EV1 advanced course of studies. 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, Mountain Scout school, and WildEarth where he completed the yearlong apprenticeship/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.
Christopher Franza Has been a Registered Nurse since 1994 and a Traditional Reiki Master since 1998. He is a graduate of the Shamanic Reiki Master Teacher and Life Empowerment program and the EV1 advanced course of studies. 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, Mountain Scout school, and WildEarth where he completed the yearlong apprenticeship/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.
Suzanne Simpson
Suzanne Simpson is a Shamanic Reiki Master Teacher, Certified Crystal Healer, Usui Reiki Practitioner and Intuitive Earth Medicine Energy Healer. She continues her apprenticeship journey through the Shamanic Reiki Worldwide Evolving Master Teacher programs. Suzanne worked for twenty years as an Advanced Respiratory Care Practitioner. She was a lead therapist in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care at Inova Heart and Vascular Institute, which specializes in heart surgery and heart and lung transplantation programs. Suzanne utilizes her vast knowledge of the human body and mind, and its intricacies, in her current work with multiple alternative healing modalities. She applied alternative therapeutic medicine to survive and recover from own affliction from Chronic Lyme Disease. Suzanne is a soulful traveler, avid gardener, creative, and outdoor enthusiast. She enjoys creating art with many natural mediums, is learning to play Native American Flute and is deeply connected with, and committed to, the natural world. Suzanne works with OMEC’s Maya Women Weavers Project.
Suzanne Simpson is a Shamanic Reiki Master Teacher, Certified Crystal Healer, Usui Reiki Practitioner and Intuitive Earth Medicine Energy Healer. She continues her apprenticeship journey through the Shamanic Reiki Worldwide Evolving Master Teacher programs. Suzanne worked for twenty years as an Advanced Respiratory Care Practitioner. She was a lead therapist in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care at Inova Heart and Vascular Institute, which specializes in heart surgery and heart and lung transplantation programs. Suzanne utilizes her vast knowledge of the human body and mind, and its intricacies, in her current work with multiple alternative healing modalities. She applied alternative therapeutic medicine to survive and recover from own affliction from Chronic Lyme Disease. Suzanne is a soulful traveler, avid gardener, creative, and outdoor enthusiast. She enjoys creating art with many natural mediums, is learning to play Native American Flute and is deeply connected with, and committed to, the natural world. Suzanne works with OMEC’s Maya Women Weavers Project.
Lori Ferry': Director of OMEC’s Pillar Point project
Lori Ferry is a Shamanic Reiki Master Teacher and EV1 apprentice, as well as a Traditional Reiki Master, Reiki Crystal Practitioner who has studied Core Shamanism. She carries a deep understanding and reverence for the Earth and nature, as well as indigenous based healing approaches. She facilitates Mindfulness Based Meditation workshops for the University of Washington Nursing Students Programs and addiction recovery 2-year program for John Volken Academy. She studied abroad working on her BA in Early Childhood Psychological Development. She is a registered yoga teacher with a mindful & restorative approach and a Registered Yoga Continuing Education Provider. She is a member of the Guatemala trip Sacred Travel Team and supports OMEC’s Women Weavers project. She is the project director of OMEC’s Pillar Point project and hosts OMEC HEARTH Circles in Milton WA.
Lori Ferry is a Shamanic Reiki Master Teacher and EV1 apprentice, as well as a Traditional Reiki Master, Reiki Crystal Practitioner who has studied Core Shamanism. She carries a deep understanding and reverence for the Earth and nature, as well as indigenous based healing approaches. She facilitates Mindfulness Based Meditation workshops for the University of Washington Nursing Students Programs and addiction recovery 2-year program for John Volken Academy. She studied abroad working on her BA in Early Childhood Psychological Development. She is a registered yoga teacher with a mindful & restorative approach and a Registered Yoga Continuing Education Provider. She is a member of the Guatemala trip Sacred Travel Team and supports OMEC’s Women Weavers project. She is the project director of OMEC’s Pillar Point project and hosts OMEC HEARTH Circles in Milton WA.
Project committee members
Samara Andrade: Peninsula Projects
Samara Andrade is a Shamanic Reiki Master Teacher and yoga teacher based in Seattle, WA. She has worked more than 15 years in the field of international aid and development, primarily in countries affected by conflict and poverty. She co-founded Feet on the Ground, dedicated to supporting individuals and communities in building resilience through breath and movement practices based on neuroscience and somatic research. Samara finds her truest connection and happiness in life in nature. She holds a MA in International Policy from Middlebury Institute for International Studies at Monterey and a BA in International Business and is studying Somatic Experiencing®.
Samara Andrade is a Shamanic Reiki Master Teacher and yoga teacher based in Seattle, WA. She has worked more than 15 years in the field of international aid and development, primarily in countries affected by conflict and poverty. She co-founded Feet on the Ground, dedicated to supporting individuals and communities in building resilience through breath and movement practices based on neuroscience and somatic research. Samara finds her truest connection and happiness in life in nature. She holds a MA in International Policy from Middlebury Institute for International Studies at Monterey and a BA in International Business and is studying Somatic Experiencing®.
Mitch Mattraw: Website, Social Media and All Projects
Mitch Mattraw 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 a Sacred Travel Team member for the annual Guatemala trip and assistant and media director for the Wild Wisdom Retreats in the Hoh Rainforest, with Llyn Cedar Roberts.
Mitch Mattraw 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 a Sacred Travel Team member for the annual Guatemala trip and assistant and media director for the Wild Wisdom Retreats in the Hoh Rainforest, with Llyn Cedar Roberts.
Maryan Hoelzer, MSW: Maya Women Weavers Project
Maryan Hoelzer is a graduate of the Shamanic Reiki Master Teacher and Life Empowerment Program, a Certified Yoga Teacher, and an ordained minister. She has a private practice as an Intuitive Energy Healer in Nyack NY. She achieved her Bachelors degree in Philosophy and Psychology, and was a Conservator of Art for 20 years, before attending Fordham University Graduate School and becoming a Licensed Master Social Worker. Maryan then received post graduate training at The Gestalt Associates for Psychotherapy in NYC and worked as a psychotherapist.
Maryan Hoelzer is a graduate of the Shamanic Reiki Master Teacher and Life Empowerment Program, a Certified Yoga Teacher, and an ordained minister. She has a private practice as an Intuitive Energy Healer in Nyack NY. She achieved her Bachelors degree in Philosophy and Psychology, and was a Conservator of Art for 20 years, before attending Fordham University Graduate School and becoming a Licensed Master Social Worker. Maryan then received post graduate training at The Gestalt Associates for Psychotherapy in NYC and worked as a psychotherapist.
Debbie Philp: HEARTH Project
Debbie Philp is the owner and director of True North Yoga, with two locations in New York’s Adirondack Park. She trains and mentors yoga teachers. Debbie is a graduate of the Shamanic Reiki Master Teacher and Life Empowerment (SRMT) program and is currently enrolled in the Evolving Master Teacher (EV1) program with Shamanic Reiki Worldwide. She holds a certification in holistic wellness coaching from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and is an Usui Reiki Master. Debbie received a bachelors degree in accounting from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Debbie Philp is the owner and director of True North Yoga, with two locations in New York’s Adirondack Park. She trains and mentors yoga teachers. Debbie is a graduate of the Shamanic Reiki Master Teacher and Life Empowerment (SRMT) program and is currently enrolled in the Evolving Master Teacher (EV1) program with Shamanic Reiki Worldwide. She holds a certification in holistic wellness coaching from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and is an Usui Reiki Master. Debbie received a bachelors degree in accounting from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
