Advisors
Alessandra Santos Pye
Alessandra (she/her) is a mom, partner, friend, retreat and group facilitator, licensed professional counselor (LPC), artist, founder and creative director of The Chrysalis Institute. She lives in Kalamazoo, MI, Anishinaabe territory, also known as The Council of Three Fires, including the Odawa, the Ojibwe, and the Potawatomi people. Originally from São Paulo, Brazil, her identity is multifaceted with Indigenous, West African, and European roots. Her studies and explorations have centered around relational dynamics within the intrapersonal, nuclear and collective spheres. Within the psychedelic domain, she is particularly interested in preparation, journey, and integration processes that sustain lasting change for individuals and impact their broader communities. The unique needs of individuals who identify themselves as belonging to historically excluded communities is an important focus of her work. She is committed to staying engaged with liberation efforts that amplify her scope of practice in the interest of consciousness expansion and healing.
Donna Mrowka
With a Master’s in Social Work from the Hunter College School of Social Work at the City University of New York, Donna Mrowka has dedicated over 43 years to the field of social services, making a significant impact on the lives of families, communities, and individuals. Donna’s career began in the heart of New York City, where she worked with homeless youth, addressing their immediate needs and advocating for long-term solutions.
Over the years, Donna has accumulated extensive experience in both direct care and administrative roles, allowing her to develop a comprehensive understanding of the complexities within social work. She has effectively bridged the gap between frontline services and organizational management, ensuring that programs are not only effective but also responsive to the needs of those they serve.
Though retired as of November 2024, Donna continues to look for opportunities to contribute to the community as a catalyst for change. Donna strives to continuously educate herself and others about the complexities of social issues, advocating for policies that reflect our shared humanity and collective responsibility. She continues to be a passionate advocate for vulnerable populations, striving to inspire and uplift others in the journey toward social equity. Together, Donna believes we can build a more equitable world, where opportunity is not a privilege, but a fundamental right for everyone.