Board of Directors

Ben Boomer - President

Ben is Dibéłizhíní (Black Sheep) of his mother’s clan born for the Boomer’s (Irish/French/German) of his father’s lineage. Growing up in Dinétah (Navajo Nation) has given him a perspective that spans cultures, and an identity that bridges worlds from traditional ceremony to cookies under the Christmas tree. As a shamanic practitioner he has been humbled to learn about living a balanced life through listening to stories, songs, and teachings of his people, and those willing to share what they have carried forward from their ancestors. These gifts inspire his passion for empowering indigenous tribes to preserve their own wisdom and healing ways. The more this wisdom is empowered the more the world heals into harmony.

Mary Olivar - Vice President

Mary's professional adventures have all been founded on promoting healing plants, vibrant healthy living, and a higher awoken consciousness. Dubbed the “Healthy Eating Guru” for Whole Foods Market, she inspired people to take charge of their health through the natural tools and resources available to them. Mary also volunteers as a leader for Shamanism without Borders, the global response network of shamanic practitioners who tend to traumatic events. When not espousing the virtues of plants and deepening one's connection to Mother Earth, Mary can often be found in Austin, Texas, singing, joyfully dancing, gardening, or happily cooking for her husband and three well-fed children.

Steve Vierra - Treasurer

Stephen Vierra is an entrepreneur, and co-founder of SkillSet Group, a Staffing and Recruiting Firm out of Santa Ana, CA.  His business background is focused in Psychology, Sales, and Customer Service. Stephen is a shamanic practitioner, musician and song writer and has been studying the traditions of shamanism here in the U.S., Mexico, and Peru for many years. Stephen brings his leadership qualities and people connecting abilities to help support the mission and values of CSEE. 

Patricia Liles - Secretary

Patricia is a retired, licensed speech and language pathologist. She worked in the field of special education for 35 years as a therapist, diagnostician and teacher of young children. She also brings 15 years of experience as a community mediator.  She has traveled in Peru and Mexico and studied shamanic practices with indigenous peoples since 1996. Pat brings experience with education, culture and mediation to the Board.

Christopher Casillas

Christopher Casillas co founded and leads Regenerating Sonora, a nonprofit focused on holistic community development. Prior to this, he helped shape culture and business development processes as an early employee of a tech startup, turned billion dollar company. His love of people and adventure lead him to visit some 40 countries, and to spend time with indigenous peoples of Africa, Asia, and South America. Christopher considers tending wisdom teachings as central to his life task work and is a student and practitioner of various traditions.

Mikel Bruce

Mikel is the founder and proprietor of a successful web design and marketing company, tinyfrog.com. He brings a wealth of experience in design, SEO, and web technology. Mikel also has substantial experience with shamanism and has made multiple trips to South America. This combination allows him to understand the design attributes that help convey the cultural nuances and thus accurately portray the intent and feeling of CSEE. Mikel provides the technical and design infrastructure that is essential to scale and communicate effectively.

Ra James

Ra James integrates transformational ancient wisdom for future-ready leadership. He focuses on revitalizing people and organizations globally through restoring kincentric worldview, right-relationship and reciprocal action.

Mentored by various Indigenous elders from around the world, Ra brings aspects of these global wisdom traditions forward as medicine for modern times. Through his speaking, consulting, online group-courses and leadership guidance, he focuses on regenerating the future through non-linear thinking, deep curiosity, redefining purpose and remembering what it truly means to be human.

He is the founder of Future Elders, an 8-week online un/school focused for elders-in-training, (re) Biz, a 31-day workshop that restores right-relationship between business & Earth, and Pueo, a regenerative business consulting company.

Veena Fox Parekh

Veena lives as a guest in Tongva territory, in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains in the Los Angeles River basin. Her 20+ year career has spanned the international development and non-profit sectors, corporate communications, brand positioning and reputation management for multibillion-dollar companies, and consulting for social impact businesses. She has been a student of shamanic practices for more than 20 years and believes that Indigenous knowledge and wisdom are critical to uphold – both as a social justice imperative and as a powerful guide for how humankind can create a sustainable future for all beings.

JoDee Powers - Director of Operations 

JoDee has been a Shamanic Practitioner for over 25 years, studying with a variety of indigenous elders from traditions of South Africa, South and North American and the UK.  JoDee believes that Indigenous knowledge and earth-based practices are vital keys to restoring self, community, and the Earth.  Professionally she has worked in the nonprofit world for much of her career and brings her skills of executive leadership and management, program development and fundraising to supporting the vision and mission of CSEE.