An Ancestral Healing Journey;
From Wounds to Wisdom
Who We Are
We come from varied backgrounds of knowledge, experience and wisdom. Our collective effort brings healing to our Ancestors, our Community and to Ourselves.
Noliwe Alexander
Co-Founder, Executive Director
DTL Lead Facilitator
Devin Berry
Co-Founder
DTL Lead Facilitator
Rosetta Saunders
DTL Lead Facilitator
DaRa Williams
DTL Lead Facilitator
Kabir Hypolite
DTL Lead Facilitator
Curtis Robertson Jr.
DTL Guest Facilitator
Heku Sa Shekhem
DTL Lead Facilitator
Ramona Lisa Ortiz-Smith
DTL Lead Facilitator
Shesheena Bray
Joy Burns
Judy Hatcher
Treasurer
Kristen May
Joy Rucker
Heku Sa Shekhem
Wayne Taylor
LaFonda Traore
President
Tneka White
DaRa Williams
Diane Yaski
Secretary
Devin Berry
Jacqueline Alexander-Sykes
Facilitator Bios
NOLIWE ALEXANDER has been a student of Vipassana meditation for over 20 years. Throughout this time of deep devotion to the Dharma, Noliwe has become a dedicated practitioner, meditation teacher of various retreats and sitting groups, day-longs and class series programs. She dedicates her BuddhaDharma practice and teachings to the BiPOC, LGBTQIA+, At Risk and Elder communities. She is a graduate of Spirit Rock's CDL4 program, EBMC's Commit 2 Dharma program in 2010 and is a graduate of Spirit Rock Teacher Training from 2017-2020. Noliwe is the Co-founder of Peace At Any Pace, Inc. a non-profit organization that offers a Journey to Healing from Intergenerational & Ancestral Trauma retreats and Elder & Youth programs, which are exclusively for people from the African Diaspora. Noliwe is a wisdom keeper and humbled by the presence of her ancestor’s spirit that lives within and walks beside her.
DEVIN BERRY is a meditation teacher with a wealth of experience spanning over two decades. His practice is firmly grounded in mindfulness daily life practices and the Buddhadharma. As a co-creator of Deep Time Liberation, Devin has shaped an ancestral healing journey that delves into the profound impact of ancestral legacy, intergenerational trauma, and intergenerational wisdom on Black Americans. With direct experience of and a profound belief in the transformative power of awareness practices, deep listening and storytelling, Devin sees these tools as crucial for achieving liberation. His unwavering commitment lies in fostering both personal and collective liberation within marginalized communities. He advocates for the integration of witnessing, reflection and insight, which he believes leads to the emergence of wise action. Through his teachings and guidance, Devin strives to empower individuals and communities alike, promoting healing, understanding, joy and wisdom. His journey as a meditation teacher and “kin keeper” continues to touch the lives of many as he compassionately shares the transformative potential of ancestral wisdom and healing.
ROSETTA SAUNDERS is an educator and historian with degrees in Ethnic and American Studies. Having recently retired from 20 years of teaching with a focus on “People of Colors History” in the United States, she has done extensive research on her ancestral linage and continues to explore and experience her healing journey along with her ancestors. Rosetta’s passion is West African and Afro-Cuban drumming, primarily as a healing medium for self and others. She was introduced to the Dharma in 2002 at the first African American Retreat held at Spirit Rock Meditation Center. Rosetta recently completed a two-year Dharmacharya program with the Venerable Pannavati and Pannadipa having taken refuge in the Triple Gem and receiving Confirmation of Ordination. Rosetta now welcomes the chance to immerse herself in practice and healing!
RAMONA LISA ORTIZ-SMITH MBA, brings over 25 years of cumulative meditation practice and spiritual studies to her livelihood as a Spiritual Teacher and Leader. Silent Vipassana (insight) meditation retreats, Theravada Buddhist studies and earth-based indigenous spirituality and healing arts are at the heart of her practice. She is a MTI Certified Mindfulness Teacher, Certified Cloud Sangha Mentor, Focusing Initiatives International Certified Indigenous Focusing Oriented Therapy (IFOT) Practitioner and she is amongst the first cohort to complete East Bay Meditation Center’s (EBMC) 2-year Spiritual Teacher and Leadership training. Ramona Lisa’s spiritual studies include completing Spirit Rock Meditation Center’s Dedicated Practitioners Program (DPP6), East Bay Meditation Center’s (EBMC) Commit to Dharma Program (C2D3) and Love and Kindness Wellness Services’ Indigenous Tools for Living (ITFL) training. In addition to serving as a facilitator for Peace At Any Pace, Inc.’s Deep Time Liberation ancestral healing journey retreats, Ramona Lisa serves as a regular or visiting teacher with various mindfulness based and Buddhist organizations. Learn more about her offerings via her website FREE SPIRIT. Photo Credit; Monique Arelle
DaRa WILLIAMS has practiced Insight Meditation for more than 25 years. She completed the Spirit Rock/IMS/IRC Teacher Training, and serves on the Spirit Rock Teachers Council, and as an Associate Guiding Teacher at IMS. DaRa is a trainer and wellness coach, and has been a clinician and administrator in the mental health field for over 25 years. She is a certified Focusing Oriented Therapist and a practitioner and trainer of Aboriginal Focusing Oriented Complex Trauma Therapy."It is my belief that vipassana meditation and the dharma are ideal for transforming suffering, particularly the trauma of oppression and its many vicissitudes-where the chains around our minds and hearts can be broken through and dissolved. Awareness and wisdom become the vehicle for freedom and transforming lives."
KABIR HYPOLITE is an African American single father, spiritualist, historian, writer, poet, artist, public health advocate, gay activist and humanitarian. He has been a student of eastern spirituality and indigenous practices since 1990. Kabir began his practice in San Francisco while serving as the Client Services Director of the AIDS Legal Referral Panel in the middle of the HIV/AIDS crisis. Since then he has participated in many silent BIPOC retreats and day-longs and was a member of Spirit Rock’s CDL6 program prior to its disruption by COVID-19. Kabir is also a graduate of the East Bay Meditation Center, Practices In Transformative Action (PITA) program. He first became involved with PAAP as a participant on the original DeepTimeLiberation retreat in 2018, which proved to be personally transformative. HIs practice focuses on ancestral healing and personal transformation. Kabir also enjoys practicing Native American flute and West African Djembe. He lives in Oakland, California with his eighteen year old son, Hanif.
HEKU Sa SHEKHAM Contrary to popular belief, Lorem Ipsum is not simply random text. It has roots in a piece of classical Latin literature from 45 BC, making it over 2000 years old. Richard McClintock, a Latin professor at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia, looked up one of the more obscure Latin words, consectetur, from a Lorem Ipsum passage, and going through the cites of the word in classical literature, discovered the undoubtable source. Lorem Ipsum comes from sections 1.10.32 and 1.10.33 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum" (The Extremes of Good and Evil) by Cicero, written in 45 BC. This book is a treatise on the theory of ethics, very popular during the Renaissance. The first line of Lorem Ipsum, "Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet..", comes from a line in section 1.10.32.
The standard chunk of Lorem Ipsum used since the 1500s is reproduced below for those interested. Sections 1.10.32 and 1.10.33 from "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum" by Cicero are also reproduced in their exact original form, accompanied by English versions from the 1914 translation by H. Rackham.
CURTIS ROBERTSON JR. is a Chicago South Side–born bassist, guitarist, songwriter, and mindfulness practitioner now based in Southern California. His life’s work bridges music, presence, and compassionate service. As a musician, Curtis has toured and recorded internationally. He spent 15 years as Lou Rawls’ bassist and has collaborated and performed with Les McCann/Eddie Harris, Syreeta Wright (former wife of Stevie Wonder), Gladys Knight, Robben Ford, Steve Hillage, Phil UpChurch, and Richard “Malachi” Thompson, among many others. For Curtis, music has always been a bridge—connecting people across cultures, generations, and lived experience. Alongside his musical life, Curtis is a Registered Nurse, End-of-Life Doula, Certified Yoga Instructor, and mindfulness teacher. He trained with Alua Arthur through Going With Grace, completed a two-year Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program with Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield, and is a practitioner in the Plum Village tradition.
Support Staff Bios
Administrative Assistant | Social Media
ALICIA HILLIER is the Administrative Assistant at Peace At Any Pace. She began working with Peace At Any Pace in January of 2021. She oversees emails, social media, newsletters, mailing lists, organization of participants applying to the retreats, and technology during on-line retreats. She began practicing meditation in high school and grew a love for the Dharma. Alicia grew up in Marin County, California and is currently residing in Toronto, Ontario.
Website Design
BELI SULLIVAN is an award winning storyteller and actress who has worked in the Oakland and San Francisco Unified school districts as a mentor and teaching artist performing and conducting workshops and lectures on the craft of live and digital storytelling as it relates to culture, race and the ever changing social climates, engaging youth from grades K-12 as well as adults, ages 21-70. She has been a digital media creative for over 20 years. Starting as a show segment producer, commercial producer and station announcer in radio’s #4 market, Beli also voiced several stations within the CCSF (now iHeart), station cluster. Wanting to combine her audio production skills with visual art, Beli went on to train in the field of visual arts and motion graphics at the Bay Area Video Coalition, where she received certification in Advanced Digital Video Production. Beli has worked with the Ninth Street Independent Film Center’s TILT Program, Sreetside Stories, and UC Berkeley’s 21st Century After School Program, along with Art With Impact. She has been the lead Digital Media Instructor for numerous schools in OUSD After School Programs and has helped produce over 42 student films which have been showcased at Frameline and Columbia University and even had an entry in the first ever White House Film Festival in 2014! She is currently working as a freelance digital video editor, website designer and content producer. Beli uses mediation practice to stay grounded.
Retreat Manager
DIANE YASKI was introduced to meditation practice in her early 20s and has continued to maintain a steady practice. She has always held a passion for service, working in Non-profit for many years. With a background in photography, graphic design and library science, Diane has been a long supporter of the arts. She has managed silent meditation retreats, coordinated multi-year Buddhist programs and worked in collaboration with creating and scheduling long duration retreats. She is a graduate of the C2D Program at EBMC as well as the Chaplaincy Program at the Sati Center for Buddhist Studies and will soon be transitioning into hospice and prison chaplaincy. Diane was very fortunate to be a retreat manager as well as a participant in the first life-changing Deep Time Liberation Retreat which was a rewarding and fulfilling journey that awakened healing and her own personal awareness of intergenerational & ancestral trauma. Since this inaugural retreat, Diane has been committed to a daily practice of honoring her ancestors as part of her early morning ritual. She is honored to also hold the role of Program Coordinator at Peace at Any Pace.“Being on the board and holding the title of Program Coordinator at Peace at any Pace has been a humbling journey which has opened up my heart, awakened my life’s purpose and solidified my spiritual path.”
Board Member Bios
TO BE NAMED Contrary to popular belief, Lorem Ipsum is not simply random text. It has roots in a piece of classical Latin literature from 45 BC, making it over 2000 years old. Richard McClintock, a Latin professor at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia, looked up one of the more obscure Latin words, consectetur, from a Lorem Ipsum passage, and going through the cites of the word in classical literature, discovered the undoubtable source. Lorem Ipsum comes from sections 1.10.32 and 1.10.33 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum" (The Extremes of Good and Evil) by Cicero, written in 45 BC. This book is a treatise on the theory of ethics, very popular during the Renaissance. The first line of Lorem Ipsum, "Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet..", comes from a line in section 1.10.32. The standard chunk of Lorem Ipsum used since the 1500s is reproduced below for those interested. Sections 1.10.32 and 1.10.33 from "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum" by Cicero are also reproduced in their exact original form, accompanied by English versions from the 1914 translation by H. Rackham.
TO BE NAMED Contrary to popular belief, Lorem Ipsum is not simply random text. It has roots in a piece of classical Latin literature from 45 BC, making it over 2000 years old. Richard McClintock, a Latin professor at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia, looked up one of the more obscure Latin words, consectetur, from a Lorem Ipsum passage, and going through the cites of the word in classical literature, discovered the undoubtable source. Lorem Ipsum comes from sections 1.10.32 and 1.10.33 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum" (The Extremes of Good and Evil) by Cicero, written in 45 BC. This book is a treatise on the theory of ethics, very popular during the Renaissance. The first line of Lorem Ipsum, "Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet..", comes from a line in section 1.10.32. The standard chunk of Lorem Ipsum used since the 1500s is reproduced below for those interested. Sections 1.10.32 and 1.10.33 from "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum" by Cicero are also reproduced in their exact original form, accompanied by English versions from the 1914 translation by H. Rackham.
TO BE NAMED has been a Vipassana practitioner and instructor since 2007 and received certification through Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach’s Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program in 2021. He currently mentors for Banyan teaching and training Mentees and also teaches meditation and mindful movement with One Dharma Nashville, where he co-founded their thriving BIPOC Sangha. David is also a Mentor for the IMCW , a visiting teacher for Insight LA , and leads mindful movement retreats at Spirit Rock. Incorporating many years of martial arts studies, David is Laoshi in Chen Taiji and has taught mindful movement, Qi Gong ,Taiji for since 2011 and was trained by the International Tiancai Chenjiagou Federation USA under Sifu Kam Lee. David also specializes in Somatic Integration healing practices. Being of Afro Cuban Asian heritage, David comes from a long lineage of Afro Cuban abolitionists who have devoted their lives to equality and liberation for all people of color in Cuba. David is also a Grammy award winning musician in the Latin music industry and a devout father and husband.
Treasurer
JUDY HATCHER has worked for national and international social justice movements and philanthropy for over four decades. Since 2018, she has led the Biodiversity Funders Group, a network of environmental, conservation, and climate and energy grant makers. Previously, she directed national grant making and technical assistance programs; provided leadership training, organizational development and fundraising consulting and training to hundreds of nonprofits; spearheaded or authored four influential philanthropic reports, and served as executive director of two other national organizations. Judy has volunteered on more than two dozen boards of directors, and currently serves. on the boards of Tides Advocacy and Coming Clean, Inc. A graduate of Northwestern University's Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, Judy has certificates in organizational leadership from Naropa University, the Rockwood Leadership Institute, Spirit Rock Meditation Center, FutureGood Studio and the East Bay Meditation Center. Over the past two decades she found herself increasingly drawn to spiritual meditative practices and Buddhist thought, engaging in multiple extended silent retreats and programs like the East Bay Meditation Center's Practice in Transformative Action. Now she informally provides guided meditation for online communities and is inspired by the role that dharmic principles and meditative practices can play in supporting those most impacted by injustice. After experiencing Deep Time Liberation's retreats in Mississippi and South Carolina, she is honored to be a member of Peace At Any Pace's board of directors.
JOY BURNS Contrary to popular belief, Lorem Ipsum is not simply random text. It has roots in a piece of classical Latin literature from 45 BC, making it over 2000 years old. Richard McClintock, a Latin professor at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia, looked up one of the more obscure Latin words, consectetur, from a Lorem Ipsum passage, and going through the cites of the word in classical literature, discovered the undoubtable source. Lorem Ipsum comes from sections 1.10.32 and 1.10.33 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum" (The Extremes of Good and Evil) by Cicero, written in 45 BC. This book is a treatise on the theory of ethics, very popular during the Renaissance. The first line of Lorem Ipsum, "Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet..", comes from a line in section 1.10.32. The standard chunk of Lorem Ipsum used since the 1500s is reproduced below for those interested. Sections 1.10.32 and 1.10.33 from "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum" by Cicero are also reproduced in their exact original form, accompanied by English versions from the 1914 translation by H. Rackham.
JOY RUCKER Contrary to popular belief, Lorem Ipsum is not simply random text. It has roots in a piece of classical Latin literature from 45 BC, making it over 2000 years old. Richard McClintock, a Latin professor at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia, looked up one of the more obscure Latin words, consectetur, from a Lorem Ipsum passage, and going through the cites of the word in classical literature, discovered the undoubtable source. Lorem Ipsum comes from sections 1.10.32 and 1.10.33 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum" (The Extremes of Good and Evil) by Cicero, written in 45 BC. This book is a treatise on the theory of ethics, very popular during the Renaissance. The first line of Lorem Ipsum, "Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet..", comes from a line in section 1.10.32. The standard chunk of Lorem Ipsum used since the 1500s is reproduced below for those interested. Sections 1.10.32 and 1.10.33 from "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum" by Cicero are also reproduced in their exact original form, accompanied by English versions from the 1914 translation by H. Rackham.
President
LaFonda TRAORE was introduced to Vipassana meditation in the late nineties through attending a 10-day silent meditation retreat taught by S.N. Goenka. During her 17-year career as a federal public defender, LaFonda realized the work dictated a need for deeper human understanding, and the community she found through the practice of meditation would guide and sustain her as well as bring relief from the stressors of the work. Currently working as a registered nurse in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit at the University of California, San Francisco, LaFonda also champions Diversity, Equity, Inclusion issues and remedies as a co-facilitator for the Nursing DEI Council as well as being an alternate member on the Police Accountability Board at UCSF. Along her journey, LaFonda gravitated towards West African drumming and dancing and this opened to her, the portal to her past. As an educator, LaFonda had taught trial lawyers in Wyoming using Psychodrama tools to engage in storytelling, prompting a deeper dive into her own stories and in doing so, she would discover that the stories she shared about herself showed the lack of stories she knew about her own family and attending the Deep Time Liberation retreat presented her a whole new world with wider paths to ancestral healing. LaFonda is currently deepening and strengthening her Mindfulness Meditation practice by sitting with the Sangha of the East Bay Meditation Center and Spirit Rock Meditation Center where she is presently enrolled in ‘A Year To Live 2024’; a 12-month meditation course.
DaRa WILLIAMS has practiced Insight Meditation for more than 25 years. She completed the Spirit Rock/IMS/IRC Teacher Training, and serves on the Spirit Rock Teachers Council, and as an Associate Guiding Teacher at IMS. DaRa is a trainer and wellness coach, and has been a clinician and administrator in the mental health field for over 25 years. She is a certified Focusing Oriented Therapist and a practitioner and trainer of Aboriginal Focusing Oriented Complex Trauma Therapy."It is my belief that vipassana meditation and the dharma are ideal for transforming suffering, particularly the trauma of oppression and its many vicissitudes-where the chains around our minds and hearts can be broken through and dissolved. Awareness and wisdom become the vehicle for freedom and transforming lives."
Secretary
DIANE YASKI was introduced to meditation practice in her early 20s and has continued to maintain a steady practice. She has always held a passion for service, working in Non-profit for many years. With a background in photography, graphic design and library science, Diane has been a long supporter of the arts. She has managed silent meditation retreats, coordinated multi-year Buddhist programs and worked in collaboration with creating and scheduling long duration retreats. She is a graduate of the C2D Program at EBMC as well as the Chaplaincy Program at the Sati Center for Buddhist Studies and will soon be transitioning into hospice and prison chaplaincy. Diane was very fortunate to be a retreat manager as well as a participant in the first life-changing Deep Time Liberation Retreat which was a rewarding and fulfilling journey that awakened healing and her own personal awareness of intergenerational & ancestral trauma. Since this inaugural retreat, Diane has been committed to a daily practice of honoring her ancestors as part of her early morning ritual. She is honored to also hold the role of Program Coordinator at Peace at Any Pace.“Being on the board and holding the title of Program Coordinator at Peace at any Pace has been a humbling journey which has opened up my heart, awakened my life’s purpose and solidified my spiritual path.”
Advisory Bios
DEVIN BERRY is a meditation teacher with a wealth of experience spanning over two decades. His practice is firmly grounded in mindfulness daily life practices and the Buddhadharma. As a co-creator of Deep Time Liberation, Devin has shaped an ancestral healing journey that delves into the profound impact of ancestral legacy, intergenerational trauma, and intergenerational wisdom on Black Americans. With direct experience of and a profound belief in the transformative power of awareness practices, deep listening and storytelling, Devin sees these tools as crucial for achieving liberation. His unwavering commitment lies in fostering both personal and collective liberation within marginalized communities. He advocates for the integration of witnessing, reflection and insight, which he believes leads to the emergence of wise action. Through his teachings and guidance, Devin strives to empower individuals and communities alike, promoting healing, understanding, joy and wisdom. His journey as a meditation teacher and “kin keeper” continues to touch the lives of many as he compassionately shares the transformative potential of ancestral wisdom and healing.
“Creating is my centering and my focus”, says JACQUELINE ALEXANDER-SYKES, a multi-talented artist who utilizes color, shape and perspective to create striking forms figures and landscapes. Her pallet includes working with acrylic, oils, watercolor and 35mm camera. Within the past 30 years Jacqueline has found her voice in the creative process, a voice that speaks eloquently through painting, photography and other creative endeavors. Since 1979 Jacqueline has lived and worked at St. Elmo Village, in Mid City Los Angeles. The Village has been an avenue for Jacqueline to share and teach the process of creativity to others as well as being a place of creativity where she can explore and develop as an artist and exhibit her work. For the past six years her work with youth has extended to be a Discussion Leader for the Getty Multicultural Internship Program, in which college interns are mentored. As a Board of Directors Member and Administrative Director of St. Elmo Village, Jacqueline has been an important part of the day to day work that the Village accomplishes in the community. In 2019 Jacqueline became St. Elmo Village’s first female Board President and Executive Director. Among her other public art commissions are art for the Junipero Serra Branch Library as part of the Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department, Public Art Program, creating art for the walls of Raymond Avenue Elementary School and producing three painted panels for Good Beginnings Pre-School. The most resent mural was painted for Walter N. Marks Realty Inc. on the Helms Bakery property.