Board of Directors

 

Sheila Battle

Philadelphia native, Sheila E. Battle, is a transformational leader, change agent, and human services advocate. Her passion is to see people grow from the inside out, through practical teaching and application of basic principles. Whether managing a team or leading a workshop, her enthusiastic style motivates and inspires from the boardroom to the pulpit. Sheila’s fusion of real-life stories and her conversational techniques connect with her audience at an intimate, intense, and individual level. Sheila and her husband, Frank, live in Richmond, VA and are the visionaries of The Battle Station.

Jessica Coffey

Jessica Coffey is the publisher and owner of Natural Awakenings Richmond magazine. She is also the co-owner of an ecommerce tool part business, Master Tool Repair, where she oversees Human Resources, Customer Service, and Marketing. She lives in Richmond with her husband, two cats, and a pond full of fish. Her two sons have flown the nest and are off creating exciting adventures for themselves. In her free time, she loves traveling, reading, walking, being in nature, and helping others lead healthier lives. “Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.” – Frank Lloyd Wright

Lisa Halberstadt

Lisa Halberstadt, M.S., worked as a psychotherapist and in psychiatric genetics research. Retiring early to engage in family elder care, she pursued her long-held interest in contemplative practices. Lisa’s curiosity about the intersection of mindfulness meditation and Judaism led her to complete the Jewish Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Training program (Institute for Jewish Spirituality). She also is a trained teacher of Mindful Self-Compassion and Wise Aging. Lisa serves on the boards of the Innerwork Center and Congregation Or Ami. She volunteers with FeedMore, IRC refugee resettlement, VA Medical Reserve Corps, and co-leads the Richmond chapter of the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom.

Michael J. Grow

Mike is the Immediate Past President of our Board. Following graduation from UVa, Mike served in the United States Air Force. He then began his career in financial services and investment banking. Most recently he was COO of World Pediatric Project for twelve years. Now he consults with, and advises, senior managers of both emerging and established nonprofits. In addition to Innerwork, he also serves on the board of the Sacred Heart Center. Mike has been married 56 years, and has 2 adult children, 2 grandchildren, and one cat. He loves sailing, traveling, and outdoor activities. A quote that inspires Mike is: “Neither time nor tide wait for any man”.

Rob Phillips

Rob is a native of Richmond, Virginia, an alumnus of Virginia Tech and the University of Richmond, and the transformative Vice President of a locally-founded technology consulting company. With a passion deeply rooted in the outdoors and on the water, these places infuse peace and innovative fluidity into his leadership style. At work, Rob leads, utilizing a relatable and personable approach that resonates with individuals on a meaningful level. Married with two daughters, his family values transcend into his professional environment, creating a harmonious blend of empathy, innovation, and unwavering commitment to excellence in the technology sector.

Rachael Randall

Rachael Randall grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, as a “perk” of being in a military family. Rachael received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Nebraska-Omaha in 2013 and began working with youth and families in mental health. In 2014, Rachael moved to Richmond for no particular reason other than to be somewhere new. In 2019, Rachael received a Master’s in Social Work from VCU, igniting a passion in social justice and organization development. During this time, Rachael began facilitating conflict resolution workshops, engaging with communities, community building, and working collaboratively with organizations and people around Richmond. Rachael has also received training in a restorative justice and transformative practice called circle process with Kay Pranis. Rachael brings many skills from working with youth and families, facilitating workshops, organizing events, program planning, and engaging with communities. Rachael is a consultant at The Spark Mill working to help leaders and groups find the tools to have difficult conversations that lead to diversity, belonging and creativity. Rachael identifies as a black, female, millennial, cat lover, extrovert, know-it-all (that's learning to be more curious), and social justice warrior, who values love, authenticity, and connection.

Vicki Saunders

Vicki Saunders has been involved with The Innerwork Center for over 25 years, including 2 terms as President, 5 years on the Executive Committee, and is one of our most loved faculty members. Vicki has over two decades experience working in Human Resources, Coaching and Business Management. She has her PhD in Organizational Systems and Master’s degrees in Human Resources Development and Jungian Psychology. Vicki has been married for 43 years to an amazing man who really “gets” her and has two fabulous sons who are married to two incredible women who are all leading their best lives. Vicki is also the proud grandmother of four grandchildren. She continues to be inspired by all her work at the Innerwork Center. It is a privilege to share this journey we call life with you.

Bob Sneed

Bob Sneed has been a board member with The Innerwork Center for about 4 years. He was instrumental in working with B and Nancy Milner in the construction of the “Labyrinth”, located at 3318 Loxley Rd., Richmond, VA. Bob was involved in the creation and in the continuation of Sneeds' Nursery for over 40 years. He enjoys sailing on the Chesapeake bay, camping, hiking, kayaking and making pottery. A quote that inspires Bob: ”God is Love” . 1 John 4:16 KJV

John Taylor

John is an active member of the Greater Richmond community where a primary focus of his work has been on racial equity and reconciliation initiatives, facilitated community dialogues and board service. He has a decades long meditation practice and currently serves on the Board of the Innerwork Center where he teaches Mindfulness programs as a Certified Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) teacher. He also serves as a Teacher Trainer and Mentor for aspiring MBSR teachers through the UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness. John lives in North Chesterfield, VA with his partner, three children, and two small but mighty dogs.

Susan Brock Wilkes

Susan Brock Wilkes, PhD, is a psychologist, award-winning instructor, and Certified Teacher in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and Mindful Self Compassion. An adjunct professor at University of Richmond, she owns her own consulting firm and is a frequent facilitator with nonprofit and faith-based organizations. Her community engagement is extensive, including her service on the Board of Health Brigade, on the founding leadership team for Impact 100, and as past-President of the Chrysalis Institute. Currently on the faculty and board for The Innerwork Center, Susan is a past recipient of the Spirit Award.

Korantema Pierce Williams

Nana Korantema Pierce Williams is a certified Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Facilitator, Teacher Trainer, and Consultant. She serves as Board member, Chair of the Mindfulness Advisory Committee, and faculty with the InnerWork Center where she curates creative, culturally sensitive safe spaces via her training and facilitations. A Priest (Spiritualist) for almost 25 years in the Akom Tradition (Ghana, W. Africa), Nana Korantema has degrees from Howard University (BS) and Saybrook University (MS). For decades she has served as a bridge between traditional and modern practice through her Richmond, VA practice, ConjureWorks, where she honors both traditional practice and ancestral facilitation. Nana Korantema is a conduit, wife, sister, mother, daughter, godmother, and life-long learner, ever humbled by the healing powers of compassion, forgiveness, and love.

Cheryl Groce-Wright

Cheryl is Founder and CEO of Kaleidoscope Collaborative, a Richmond-based consulting firm serving as a proactive champion for racial equity, empowered communities, and inspired citizens. She has worked in educational settings and held positions in nonprofit management, youth programming and development, fund-raising and fund development, academic and social science research, substance abuse and family counseling, and college student development. Cheryl is also a certified Chopra Health Instructor, a certified Chopra Meditation Instructor and soon to be certified Chopra Health and Wellness Coach. She is the mother of two outstanding sons and is an avid runner having completed numerous half and full marathon races and currently serves as Head Coach of Sports Backers Half Marathon Training team.