Ethneogenic Panel Bios

 

Paul Karasik brings decades of experience in the world of psychedelics.  He was a member ofthe early psychedelic community in New York and California, which included such luminaries as Timothy Leary and Ram Dass. Paul co-founded Thompson's Ranch, one of the first alternative communities in Joshua Tree, CA.  His ninth and most recent book, published in 2024, is Getting High on Leadership: The Leader’s Guide to Higher Consciousness. Paul and The Psychedelic Institute of Los Angeles are dedicated to making information and safe access available to anyone and everyone who is seeking to awaken their consciousness.

Shane Norte, Board Member, Decriminalize Nature, always on a path of healing and transformation, had his life and healing journey take a profound leap forward in his first weekend of an Ayahuasca Ceremony. He began his decades long exploration of the various plant-based medicines and where his numerous travels to the Amazon jungle, and intensive dietas with Master Plant teachers, have enabled him to learn from the plant spirits directly and have taught him the Sacred ways of the indigenous tribes. Shaun’s heart-centered work is offered with the intention of helping our families & community at-large to heal and honor our interconnectedness to all Beings. Shane is the Founder & Spiritual Leader of Church of the People for Creator & Mother Earth and hecontinues to practice Earth Based ceremonies. shaun@divineguidance.me

Elio Geusa is immensely passionate about sharing his knowledge of Master Plants, respecting traditional ways of knowing, interpreting, and navigating plant medicine work, and helping to re-awaken his guests to the innate intelligence and benevolence of the natural world. Elio has been devoted to the path of plant medicine and Ayahuasca since 2009. In his long time in Peru, he has
continued to deepen his knowledge, experience, and understanding of the workings of the sacred plant medicines, studying the Shipibo traditions under the revered Mahua family. He has undertaken numerous Master Plant Dietas with well-respected curanderos in the Peruvian Amazon.

Christian Rasmussen is the owner of MN Nice Ethnobotanicals, the largest Amanita muscaria retailer, wholesaler and importer in the country. He’s collected thousands of anecdotal reports about amanita healing everything from anxiety, insomnia, and depression to more complex physical issues like neurological late-stage Lyme disease. He is dedicated to educating about the mushrooms’ healing, spiritual, and practical potential, and giving people access to what he believes is the most iconic, yet most misunderstood mushroom in the world.

Cesar Marin. Founder of Cultivating Wisdom, is a visionary leader in the psychedelic and microdosing community. through . Cesar empowers individuals over 50 to enhance their cognitive function and creativity through safe microdosing practices. Visit MicrodosingOver50.com. His groundbreaking work, compelling book, and insightful webinars have transformed countless lives, promoting personal growth and destigmatizing psychedelics. Cesar continues to lead the conversation on the therapeutic potential of psychedelics for mental clarity and personal transformation.

Paul Wigdor is the CEO and a founding partner of Awakening Capital and a seasoned entrepreneur and active investor, advisor and board member to many early-stage companies across a wide variety of industries.Paul is also a Partner at Tribeca Early Stage Partners, a venture firm based in NYC, and holds board positions on several other corporations. He lives in Northern NJ and is passionate about family, marathon running and the world of psychedelics.

Tom Zuber is the Managing Partner of Zuber Lawler, LLP, and has worked with Fortune 500 clients and various investment funds and government entities. He has also represents leading plant medicines companies helping them find capital. Tom is a founder of the international cannabis consultancy, Global Go, and sits on the board of the Psychedelics Medicine Coalition. Tom was named one of “The 100 Most Influential People in the Cannabis Industry” by High Times on its most recent list, and one of “23 Visionaries Who Shaped The Cannabis Landscape In 2023” by Benzinga.


Jacob Tell, founder of District216, advocates for psychedelic use and communal connection. Inspired by Jungian ego dissolution, Jacob created District216 as a hub for community, education, and advocacy, aiming to normalize psychedelics in daily life. Through events and discussions, he challenges societal norms and supports cognitive liberty. Jacob's passion and resilience have fueled the success of Oniracom and District216, turning LoDo Studios into a vibrant space for creativity and community.

Serena Wu, a Founding Partner at Radicle Law LLP,has advised professionals in the psychedelic world on the legal boundaries of psychedelic assisted therapy, informed consents, risk and liability mitigation, and religious freedom protections. A Harvard Law graduate, she is licensed to practice in CA and NY. She is also the author of a novel, Wyra’s Search for the Rainbow Pearls, about returning to wholeness with the help of psychedelics,
 
Stephanie Karzon Abrams is the founder of Beyond Consulting, a firm providing strategy, research, and operations support to organizations in the plant medicine and psychedelic sectors. A neuropharmacologist and advocate for integrative healthcare, she specializes in novel therapeutic approaches and women's health. Stephanie is also co-creator of Public Secret, a music label and artist collective, and Mt. Mushmore, an educational dinner series. She is a licensed prescriber for MDMA and psilocybin therapy under Canada's Special Access Program and serves as a scientific advisor for the Microdosing Collective.

Jaz is a Los Angeles-based healer and plant medicine facilitator with over a decade of
experience, specializing in trauma recovery. For the past five years, she has focused on
MDMA group therapy, guiding individuals through transformative healing journeys. By
blending traditional practices with modern technology, Jaz offers a holistic approach to
trauma healing, helping clients reconnect with their true selves for lasting change.

 Loretta Gold is a UKCP-accredited Transpersonal Integrative Psychotherapist and Psychedelic-Assisted Therapist, specializing in trauma, integration, and somatichealing. With a diverse background in art therapy, psychiatric work, and psychedelic therapy, she integrates multiple modalities to support individuals on their healing journeys. Loretta has worked in both private practice and clinical settings, supporting clients with complex trauma, addiction, and mental health challenges. She facilitatesretreats using MDMA and Psilocybin and provides one-on-one therapy, combining transformative healing with tailored integration support. Her compassionate approach empowers clients to achieve profound, lasting change.