Changing the world through the power of breath
by teaching people how to breathe together and better
BreathLogic is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to global Breath Literacy and world peace.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
LAURIE ELLIS-YOUNG, MTC, SYT
Co-Founder, Chief Visionary Officer
For over 40 years, Laurie Ellis-Young, co-founder, has been practicing, studying and teaching yoga, breath work, mind/body therapies and wellbeing techniques from both ancient and contemporary traditions. For more about Laurie, click here.
NANCY CHAKRIN
Co-Founder, Chair
Nancy Chakrin has over 45 years of experience working for both non-profit and for-profit organizations in the areas of photography, marketing and design. She oversees the myriad of details for the organization. For more about Nancy, click here.
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JULIE CONDON
Co-Vice Chair
Julie Condon is a Volunteer Extraordinaire with a long history of serving others in need. In 2011, she discovered BreathLogic through a traveling photography exhibit in Minnesota. Since then, Julie has led numerous BreathLogic volunteer projects and has been an invaluable asset in forwarding BreathLogic’s work around the country, including assisting with the 2017 “Power of the Huddle Super Ball Gala” event for BreathLogic, House of Charity, Hope Rides, Girls in Action and Invent Minnesota.
Julie’s professional career experiences have developed her skills in effective communications, working under pressure, managing multiple priorities and taking command in a crisis situation. Her career includes various roles with large medical centers in the Twin Cities including Nicollet Clinic and Waconia Ridgeview Medical Center.
Julie states: “I welcome the opportunity to be involved with the mission of BreathLogic —especially at this most critical time in the world when everyone is focused on the significance of their breath. After participating in several Power of Breath workshops, I have been able to share many techniques that help others in stressful times.”
MARLENE JOHNSON
Co-Vice Chair
Marlene Johnson is a communication coach and trainer with over 25 year experience helping clients become more confident, dynamic and persuasive public speakers and writers. Her clients include Fortune 500 companies as well as startups, nonprofits, and small businesses. She has worked as a trainer for Spoken Impact and as a facilitator for The Ariel Group in Boston providing communications training and executive coaching to business leaders and teams across the country.
Marlene currently facilitates online training in Executive Presence through the Theater Department at Cornell University. Previously, she created and delivered short videos for an online course in conflict resolution at Sophia Learning at Cappella University.
In February 2020, Marlene completed the Power of Breath instructor training with Laurie Ellis-Young in Guatemala. She is a NEW member of the BreathLogic Board of Directors and is looking forward to teaching online breathing workshops.
Marlene has been a mediator with the Conflict Resolution Center in Minneapolis, serving as their Board Chair. She holds degrees in English and American Studies from the University of Minnesota. She has also studied acting at HB Studios in NYC and is a member of the National Storytelling Network.
ROSEANNA GAYE ROSS, PhD
Secretary
Dr. Ross is Professor Emerita in the Department of Communication Studies at St. Cloud State University, MN. As an independent communication consultant and trainer, mediator and conflict coach, she has over 40 years of experience in designing and facilitating seminars, assessing organizational communication needs and providing keynote presentations in public and private sectors. She is recipient of the Communication and Theater Association of MN Outstanding Individual in Communication and Theater Award (2012), the SCSU College of Fine Arts and Humanities Leadership Award (2010), and the National Society for Experiential Learning (NSEE) Pioneer in Experiential Learning Award (2006).
Roseanna’s expertise in communication skills aids the board by effectively positioning the mission, message, and vision to donors and grantors.
DEBBY MAGNUSON, MA
Debby is an executive coach, author, speaker and BreathLogic Instructor. She is the coauthor of two books; Work With Me: A New Lens on Leading the Multigenerational Workforce, and The ReFirement Workbook.
Debby’s career includes 10 years as V.P. of Talent Management with Career Partners International (CPI) Twin Cities, and four years as Sr. Consultant in Leadership Development for Personnel Decisions International (PDI). Debby has been adjunct faculty in St. Catherine University’s Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership program, teaching graduate courses in Professional Ethics and Strategic Communication.
Debby trained in early 2020 to be a BreathLogic Instructor, taught by Laurie Ellis-Young in Guatemala. She is a member of the BreathLogic Board of Directors and is enjoying a new career teaching on-line breathing workshops. She also serves as Advisory Board Chair of Girls Taking Action www.giaction.org.
Debby holds an MA in Counseling Psychology from the University of St. Thomas and is a Certified Professional Coach. She lives in Minneapolis with her retired architect husband, Jeff. They have two adult daughters and a dog, Leo.
MARY A. MCDONALD, MA
IRYNA PETRUS
Iryna Petrus is BreathLogic's newest Board Member and a Ukrainian refugee. When the war started, Iryna Petrus fled Ukraine with her young daughter hoping to seek refuge in a safe place. She was not prepared for the long journey that took her to Mexico, Texas and New Hampshire with host families, before finally landing in Minnesota a year ago.
Iryna is currently the Community Outreach Manager for the Ukrainian American Community Center (UACC), a corporate and executive coach. She is a winner of the 2023 Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) Outstanding Refugee New Arrival Award.
Iryna was recently interviewed by KSTP-TV and WCCO TV. To watch the KSTP-TV video, click here and to watch the WCCO-TV video, click here.
MISSION
BreathLogic's mission is to teach Breath Literacy locally and globally, alleviate suffering
and expand world peace.
VISION
BreathLogic's vision is for humanity
to breathe together and create a
world of wellness and peace for all.