Sheng Zhen Society of the Americas
Meet Our Board
Liz Ely, Co-Chair
Liz Ely has studied and taught Sheng Zhen Meditation continuously since 1996 and is a senior certified teacher. She has been co-chair of the Sheng Zhen Society of the Americas for 18 years.
Her contributions to Sheng Zhen include product production and distribution, hosting Teacher Trainings and organizing many workshops for Master Li. Liz enjoys connecting with Sheng Zhen teachers and practitioners all over the world. She currently lives in Nevada City, California with her husband, David Ferrier, also a certified Sheng Zhen teacher.
Donald Leathers,
Co-Chair
Dr. Leathers has always had an interest in physical health, well-being and sports. In his home state of Pennsylvania, he began a 45-year study in marital arts, including Issynrhu karate, Hapkido, and the internal arts of Taiqi, Baqua, Shing-I, Aikido, Qigong and Sheng Zhen.
Don studied naturopathic medicine at National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon. He is a Certified Sheng Zhen Teacher and is the Director of the international teacher’s training program.
Practicing medicine for 34 years and teaching for 40 years, he resides in Moab, Utah, and has co-founded the Phoenix Rising Center with his wife, Catherine Leathers.
Nate Peterson,
Recorder
Nathan Peterson has been practicing Sheng Zhen Meditation since 2011 and is continually amazed at the inspiration, connection, clarity and contentment experienced as a result of the practice. He is a Sheng Zhen certified teacher, mentor and mentor manager.
Nathan holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Texas A&M University and is currently the Director of Derivatives Analysis at the Charles Schwab Corporation.
Nathan has been teaching Sheng Zhen for nearly a decade and is currently offering weekly classes.
Mike DiFranco McCarney, Chief Happiness Officer
Michael McCarney is a multidisciplinary artist, designer, and entrepreneur. He is the co-founder and creative director of Akomplice and Deer & Wolf - responsible brands with a distinctively thoughtful, artistic approach to fashion and lifestyle.
Michael's journey is shaped by vast global experiences, compassion, and a ceaseless dedication to learning, balancing, and healing.
Pamela Grant,
SZSA and ISZS Webmaster
Pamela is a certified Sheng Zhen Teacher and works on various Sheng Zhen projects, including filming and editing Sheng Zhen videos, the ISZS and SZSA websites, and the SZ online school.
She holds a Master’s degree in Oriental Medicine and is a licensed acupuncturist and nutrition enthusiast. She is in private practice and lives in Cambria, CA.