BECKLEY RETREATS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Co - Founder & SVP of Programming
- Expert
Alexandra Pallas is an expert in curriculum development and training facilitation, as well as product strategy and design for educational technology. She is the Chief Program Officer at Beckley Retreats, where she leads programming strategy and design, applying her experiences as a nonprofit leader, global business management consultant, and group facilitator.
Job Titles:
- Advisor
- Co - Founder
- Founder of the Beckley Foundation
"I realized that it was only through science that one could overcome the taboo on these substances."
Amanda Feilding is the founder of the Beckley Foundation, the co-founder of Beckley Retreats, and one of the most influential figures of the psychedelic renaissance. A close friend and early thought partner to Albert Hofmann (the creator of LSD), she's been dubbed everything from ‘The Countess of Psychedelics' (Wired Magazine) to the ‘Queen of Consciousness' (The Telegraph). As a co-founder and advisor, at BR she will be offering her guidance and expertise to the executive team.
Ben is a Biodynamic Therapist* and group facilitator. He brings his knowledge of body psychotherapy, biodynamic massage, mindfulness and other embodied practices into his work with Beckley Retreats. He leads the group processes in all phases of the retreat experience, from the preparation work, through to the integration work.
His Story
Ben fell in love with group work in 2012. It was a revelation to be in a space where one's individual process was given sacred attention and respect, where the most important thing was the gold of one's expression. He decided to dedicate his life to creating experiences for individuals to grow their connection to their true nature. He began training at the Centre for Biodynamic Body Psychotherapy in 2017 and has been leading groups since 2014.
His Why
Plant medicines taken in a ceremonial environment and combined with therapeutic guidance have provided Ben a gateway to profound meaning and lasting gifts in health. He is drawn to Beckley Retreats for their deep integrity and care in holding this work. "I believe in the power of transformation as a process over time, allowing change to occur both organically and also as a decisive move by the person wanting change in their lives."
Dr. Dingle Spence co-facilitates Beckley's retreats and ceremonies. She is a Jamaican physician* with training in oncology and palliative medicine, and heads the Hope Institute Hospital in Kingston. Her research and application of psychedelics has transformed her work with end-of-life patients. Her expertise provides a rooted presence for the retreats at Beckley.
Dr. Spence's life-long interest in mind, body, and energetic medicine was transformed by psychedelics. Her own guided mushroom journeys have helped her to process and navigate complex emotions, and those experiences have inspired her to bring the powerful medicine to others. "Working with mushroom medicine helped me to understand what it truly means to heal."
Job Titles:
- Co - Founder & Director of Retreat Experience
"The key to holding space is non-judgement and love for each person's unique path."
Jeya Lorenz has an MA in International Development and has worked as a consultant for conscious organizations looking to make innovative change. She is a certified coach and facilitator, and an experienced assistant in psychedelic ceremonies. At Beckley Retreats, she oversees the retreat experience in all of its multitudes, from hiring and supporting guides to ensuring the needs of retreat attendees. She also assists in ceremonies when she can.
"Einstein said it best: The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious."
As co-founder and CEO of Beckley Retreats, Neil is passionate about sharing the science-backed benefits of psychedelics in conjunction with the contemplative practices that support holistic wellbeing. At BR, he's dedicated to building a business that operates with the utmost integrity, both internally and across the many communities it will touch.
Job Titles:
- Transformation Therapist & Facilitator
Patrice Dwyer facilitates ceremonies at Beckley Retreats and specializes in supporting participants with journey preparation and integration. She has over 19 years of experience in multidisciplinary healing work, and is a certified lymphedema therapist*, Reflexologist, Reiki Master, cancer coach, patient navigator, and death doula. At Beckley she combines this all, offering body and energy work, as well as active listening practices.
Job Titles:
- Co - Founder
- Investor
- Member of the Board
Rock Feilding-Mellen is an entrepreneur and investor, and one of the co-founders of Beckley Retreats. As a non-executive director, Rock reviews and assists the executive team in its mission to deliver safe, legal, and transformative experiences with the highest of standards, while also working towards enabling affordable and inclusive access to these programs.
Job Titles:
- Singer & Lead Facilitator
Sonia Kreitzer (who performs under the name Doe Paoro) is a singer, songwriter, voice activation therapist, sound healer, certified yoga teacher, and Reiki practitioner. At Beckley Retreats, she leads voice activation sessions, teaches yoga, and facilitates ceremonies. She has a sublime musical presence and an uncanny intuition, both of which provide a soothing environment in ceremonies.
Job Titles:
- Advisor
- Member of the Board
Sylvia Benito connects consciousness to capital, and her passion is to help families, founders, and boards align their values to their work. As a board member of Beckley Retreats, she advises on business development, and helps with facilitator trainings and overall ceremony experience.
"It is a privilege to do this work bringing understanding and accessibility to ancient wisdom."
As SVP of Operations of Beckley Retreats, Vian is fiercely passionate about sharing the science-backed benefits of psychedelics while bringing safe, holistic wellbeing experiences to a larger audience. She brings an understanding of the transformative power of ancient practices as well as a creative business strategy. Vian hopes to support sustainable communities and bring deep healing to people around the world.