Fostering self-awareness, equanimity and compassionate connection. Rooted in principles of non-duality, mindfulness, and inclusivity, we empower individuals and communities to embody peace in daily life, creating a culture of understanding and belonging.

Our Board

Louise Debreczeny, Ed.D. / Director of Education

Dr. Louise Debreczeny, a trailblazer in visual learning and neuroeducation, is the visionary Owner/CEO of the Institute for Neurosemantic and Sociocognitive Learning (INSL LLC). With an Ed.D. in Neuroeducation from the University of Portland, Lou integrates diverse life experiences into her groundbreaking educational approaches.

Her innovative “Story Pictures” framework positions drawing as the 8th literacy, championing inclusivity and creativity in learning. Lou’s nearly 20 years in education, bolstered by expertise in music, horticulture, and military service, reflect her dedication to unlocking every learner's potential. Through INSL LLC, she pioneers a neuroeducation-driven revolution, transforming how we teach, learn, and thrive.

Mike Patterson / Treasurer

Mike is a retired professional engineer bringing analytical and organizational skills to the team.

It is becoming ever more important for individuals to develop self-awareness, equanimity and inner peace in their lives. With this as a foundation, we can build a community with equality and inclusivity, something that Mike is particularly passionate about. He is excited to be part of an organization that promotes these personal and communal traits.

As an engineer, Mike has managed many projects including product introductions and manufacturing process developments. Being a “numbers guy” and someone who has had to track budgets for engineering projects, makes Mike a good fit for the Treasurer position. Mike and his wife Patricia have three grown children and live in the Vancouver, WA area.

Michael Reynolds / Director of Tech & Media

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Ash DeBuse / Secretary

Ash DeBuse is a recent graduate from Washington State University Vancouver, where they studied Environmental Science with a focus on climate change and its impacts on communities. They have been a community organizer for over a decade, working with organizations like Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest, WSU Collective for Social and Environmental Justice, and KBOO Radio. They are also a founding member of Securing Trans Futures Southwest Washington, a grassroots organization focused on supporting transgender members of our community. DeBuse lives in a rural area north of Vancouver, WA, with their partner and their two pets.

Leeza Edwards / Founder & Chair

A self-awareness and meditation teacher, facilitator, public speaker, and founder of Embodied Peace, a nonprofit devoted to cultivating peace through self-awareness, dialogue, and embodied understanding.

Since 2007, Leeza has lived and taught from the direct recognition that peace is not merely an ideal to strive for, but a living presence to be noticed, cultivated, and ultimately embodied. Her work invites individuals, groups, and communities to slow down, inquire honestly, and discover what becomes possible when we meet ourselves and one another from clarity rather than fear.

Leeza’s teaching is rooted in non-duality, meditation, and lived self-realization. Rather than approaching these as abstract philosophies, she brings them into everyday life, relationships, conflict, identity, communication, and community healing. Her work often explores how perception is shaped, how division forms, and how peace becomes available when we begin to see more clearly.

Through Embodied Peace, Leeza offers community dialogues, Peace Labs, workshops, guided meditation, self-awareness guidance, consultation, and public speaking. She works with individuals, nonprofits, faith communities, LGBTQI+ communities, educators, organizations, and civic groups seeking more grounded, compassionate, and truthful ways of being together.

At the heart of Leeza’s work is a simple invitation: to remember that peace is not passive. Peace is awake, honest, relational, and embodied. It is the capacity to remain present with ourselves, with one another, and with life as it is—while allowing wisdom, compassion, and courageous action to naturally arise.