Who we are

Led by our team of passionate board members, staff, and trained facilitators, our foundational ethos is built with the understanding that healing is possible.

It is our mission here at The Empowered Heart® Foundation to work together as a supportive community, utilizing the techniques and guidance offered through The Empowered Heart® method, to help people heal from trauma and awaken the strength, compassion and confidence required to heal. Then, inspire people to help spread the healing by actively contributing to the greater good of the World.

Through courses, trainings, meetups, inspirational talks, workshops, guided meditations, retreats, podcast interviews, published literature, and a documentary film in the works, we are committed to spreading conscious awareness and helping lift humanity to its full and healthy potential.

A Vision of Healing.

Watch this 8-minute interview with Katie Gray to learn more about the intention behind The Empowered Heart.

OUR TEAM

We are a powerful organization of compassionate thought leaders, skilled facilitators, and volunteers.

KATIE GRAY

FOUNDER & PRESIDENT
Katie Gray is an author, counselor, elder caregiver, and founder of The Empowered Heart® method. With over 15 years of experience in addiction recovery and trauma resolution, she has devoted her life to helping people heal through awakening compassion, connection, presence, and Self-awareness.
BECCA GRAY

TREASURER & BOARD
Becca Gray has spent the past 15 years as owner and operator of Island Hoppin Brewery on Orcas Island, WA, where she has supported the interconnectedness of the community. She has a strong passion for service-oriented work and spent nearly 10 years as a dementia patient caregiver.
SARAHNDIPITY JOHNSEN

SECRETARY & BOARD
Sarahndipity Johnsen is an innovative leader, consultant, author, and educator. She specializes in developing curriculum and produces a children’s television series on PBS called “Enchanted Planet” for the nonprofit, We Create Heart.
LISA VANACORE

BOARD & VOLUNTEER
Lisa Vanacore is a dedicated mother, caregiver, creative visionary, and co-founder of Vanacore Music. She has a strong spirit of service and a willingness to help wherever needed. As a passionate humanitarian, she invests a significant portion of her life in volunteer work, offering her time to support those in need.
KURT BAUMANN

BOARD & MEDIA
Kurt Baumann is a documentary film maker who focuses on environmental and humanitarian works. He is also a professional musician, astrologer, Rites of Passage facilitator, and co-founder of Refugio San Sebastián, an animal refuge for neglected and endangered animals.
BRIDGET LAW

BOARD & VOLUNTEER
Bridget Law is a mother, World-renowned musician, Waldorf teacher, and community leader with a degree in Music Industry Studies. She believes in uplifting and empowering the youth, and has been working as a passionate supporter and volunteer with The Empowered Heart since its start in 2017.
ERICA EKREM

CREATIVE CONSULTANT
Erica Ekrem is an artist whose work nurtures kinship between people, land, and animals. Guided by a deep curiosity and reverence for the living world, she serves as Art Director at For The Wild and collaborates with Loam, Weaving Earth, and others. Her love for philosophy, ecological care, and archival craft flows through her many roles in life.
PAUL RODRIGUEZ

EVENT COORDINATOR
Paul Rodriguez was born and raised in Mexico and has an extensive history in studying the fine arts. For the past 10 years, he has been an event producer and has a passion for welcoming people into experiences of education, creative expression, and spiritual growth. Paul is also the Foundation’s Spanish translator.
LINDY LAURENCE

LEGAL ADVISOR / ATTORNEY
Lindy Laurence is a mom, business owner, and second-career attorney. Lindy’s expertise lies in guiding startups, non-profits, and community organizations towards their aspirations, grounded by her conviction that legal work should uplift humanity and foster social justice. Lindy is the Owner and Managing Attorney of Rational Unicorn Legal Services.
JUSTINE JAMIAS

SOCIAL MEDIA LEAD
Justine Jamias has a degree in mechanical engineering and specializes in computer programming and analytics. As a writer and visionary, he believes in blending creative passion with technology to spread awareness and healing. “The bravest stories aren’t just told; they’re lived, shared, and amplified to light the way for others.”