Meet our Rockin' Staff and Board

Staff:

Trathen Heckman is the founding director of Daily Acts, publisher of Ripples Journal and a backyard farmer. Former director of Green Sangha, he serves on the board of Transition US. Trathen inspires, educates and collaborates with communities, business and municipal leaders to harness the power of nature and inspired action to restore the health of our lives and communities. He lives in the Petaluma River Watershed where he grows food, medicine and
wonder while working to compost apathy and lack.

Susan Price graduated from New College of California with a Masters of Leadership & Humanities after studying ecological dwelling and sustainable communities. In 2007, she joined Daily Acts as an intern and never left. As Operations Director, she’s the organizational glue that keeps this li’l non-profit running smoothly. When not in the office, she teaches mushroom cultivation, or pokes under forest logs for hidden fungal treasures. She loves gardening, photography, writing, spiritual enrichment and exploring the California wilderness.

Erin Axelrod received a BA from Barnard College, Columbia University in Urban Studies, and studied sustainable cities in Brazil and South Africa. She interned at the South Bronx Food Co-op to address inequities of the NYC food system. As Program Director with Daily Acts, Erin is excited about incorporating nourishing, homegrown food back into urban lifestyles. A Green String Internship grad, you can spot her farmin’ by the rockin’ bluegrass songs she belts out while she hoes.

Board:

Robert Sabini is an attorney and mediator specializing in business, real estate and nonprofit law. In recent years Robert developed the master plan for the Institute of Noetic Sciences 200 acre campus based upon Regenerative Design and Permaculture practices. Currently he is engaged in sustainable community development in Napa and Sonoma Counties. Robert is an avid gardener, hospice volunteer and long-time Tibetan Buddhist practitioner.

Christopher Peck is a sustainability entrepreneur, socially responsible investment advisor, and managing partner of Natural Investments LLC. Christopher was a Permaculture teacher and designer for 10+ years, on the board of Permaculture Drylands Institute, and is currently Board Treasurer for Holistic Management International and Rocks & Clouds Zendo in Sebastopol. He and his partner are transforming their Windsor fixer-upper into a net zero energy house nestled in an abundant food forest. And yes, Mr. Peck loves chickens.

Tiffany Mitchell has 30 years of administration and information management experience in educational, corporate, and nonprofit organizations. With a Masters in Counseling and certification in Permaculture Design, she’s volunteered for many environmental and humanitarian organizations, working on such projects as a program to assist parents of at-risk children and a sustainability workshop for high-tech businesses. Among her many interests
are Japanese flower arranging, birding, and hiking.

Mike Heaviside is passionate about doing all he can to ensure a sustainable future. He is a general contractor and co-owner of EPIC Design Build. He has been an active volunteer and board member since 2003. Mike has two undergraduate degrees from Sonoma State University, in Computer Science and Business Administration. He lives in Santa Rosa with his partner. In his spare time he enjoys playing sports, spending time with friends, and getting outdoors.

Julie Young is a life long Sonoma County resident who believes strongly in giving back to her community through action and donation. It is her goal to instill this spirit of service in those around her. Born with this sense of commitment, she completed a 22 mile walk for mankind when she was 11 years old. She discovered Daily Acts in 2002 and realized that this organization was “it” for her. She has been a dedicated volunteer and active member ever since.

Ian Munc is a CPA, father, and environmental activist. His life’s purpose is to use his financial skills to assist non-profit organizations in developing the financial strength needed to rise up and meet the challenge to transition from a carbon-based economy to an alternative run on clean, sustainable energy. He’s thrilled to be partnering with Daily Acts, which has long been building the new economy.