Shannon Thompson Founder & Visionary Director
Ms. Shannon Thompson is the Founder and Visionary Director of Shakti Rising. Shannon has over 20 years of experience working with at risk youth and women in various settings. Specializing in addiction, trauma, and disempowerment. She received her B.A. in Sociology from U.C. Santa Cruz and is completing a master's degree in Social Work. Shannon is a certified Yoga Instructor, Massage Therapist, Flower Essence Practitioner, Ordained Minister, and has trained in Herbalism, Nutrition, Energetics, Aromatherapy and Expressive Arts Therapy. Her clinical training includes trauma-informed services and a variety of energy psychology methods. Shannon is an organizational consultant and provides coaching and mentoring on leadership and nonprofit management. In 2009, Shannon Thompson was also honored with Molina Healthcare's "Community Champion Award", San Diego Business Journal's "Most Admired CEO Award", and the San Diego Soroptimists' "Making a Difference for Women Award."
Leah Guthridge Regional Director, Northern California
Leah holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Studies and American Indian Studies from Naropa University. She has extensive cross-disciplinary training and background in sustainable community building; trauma and addictions, including gender specific and comprehensive methods; leadership cultivation; and the Shakti Rising model. Leah’s additional accomplishments within Shakti Rising include being one of the first official graduates, directing household operations, serving as House Staff for two years, and previously serving as Transformational Recovery Director.
Christianne White Business Development Director
Mrs. Christianne White is the Business Development Director at Shakti Rising. Christianne holds a Bachelor's of Science in Business Administration and Accounting from San Diego State University. She also has a professional certification in Meeting and Events Planning. Christianne has over ten years of executive and general administrative office experience, seven years experience in small company bookkeeping and budgeting, and five years experience in events and meeting planning. Mrs. White was a founding member of the Steering Committee for People in Motion, as well as the Events Chairperson for two years. She was also the student member of the San Diego chapter of Meeting Professionals International from 2004-2006.
Mallory Kozar Resource Development Director
Mallory Kozar is the Director of Resource Development at Shakti Rising. Mallory holds a bachelor's degree at from the University of Southern California, double majoring in Gender Studies and Political Science. She holds a master's degree in Public Administration in Public and Nonprofit Management and Policy, with a specialization in Finance, from NYU's Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service. Mallory has served as Executive Director for various women's organizations, including the Women's Student Assembly, Take Back the Night, and two female youth mentorship programs (one for underserved middle school girls and one for pregnant teenagers in Watts). While in New York, Ms. Kozar gained experience working at the National Organization for Women-NYC and the Volunteer Consulting Group/boardnetUSA.org, a nonprofit governance consulting organization serving nonprofits. Mallory is a member of San Diego's Young Nonprofit Professional Network Program Committee.
Cathy Hlywak Business Liaison Coming Soon!
Kirsten Keach Transformational Recovery Co-Director Coming Soon!
Jordan Stanton Education & Community Wellness Director
Ms. Jordan Stanton is the Co-Director of Education at Shakti Rising. Jordan is currently pursuing her B.A. in Cultural Anthropology. She has received Waldorf Teacher Training through the Waldorf Institute of Southern California and has attended the At-Risk Youth Teacher-Training Program at the Rudolf Steiner College's Public School Institute. Jordan has studied holistic healthcare extensively and has worked over the past 10 years teaching whole person healthcare techniques through large lectures, small group talks, and individual sessions. Jordan is a Certified Herbalist and Flower Essence Practitioner, and has advanced training in Matrix Energy Therapy, Thought Field Therapy, and Nutrition. Jordan has worked with youth in many capacities over the past 8 years in residential and out-patient settings, schools, street outreach, and the juvenile justice system. Ms. Stanton is a program graduate and founding member of Shakti Rising.
Angela Moran Transformation Through Service Director
Angela Moran is the Transformation Through Service (TTS) Director at Shakti Rising. Her education includes Cornish College of the Arts, a Bachelor’s of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) and is currently pursuing a Masters of Fine Arts Degree from CIIS. She is a professional dancer and was a company member of Culture Shock San Diego for six years. She has significant experience providing support and assistance to various arts organizations and social change organizations. Angela’s experience provides a practical foundation in inclusive multiculturalism that fosters her gift of recognizing diverse abilities within the Shakti Rising community, dance community, and beyond.
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