About Susan Lake
Susan Lake, the visionary Founder and Executive Director of The Discovery Portal, embodies a profound commitment to empowering and awakening the human spirit. As an inspiring teacher, educator, and spiritual leader, Susan has left an indelible mark working with diverse communities—from youth groups to business leaders—supporting mental health and recovery.
Her teachings center on the transformative power of awakening to a deeper consciousness, inviting a more peaceful and joyous life. Susan seamlessly integrates sitting and moving meditation practices, value-based living, and mindfulness, offering her students a pathway to profound awareness.
A published author, speaker, and advocate, Susan has shared her wisdom at conferences such as the Innovations in Behavioral Health Conference in Nashville and the Finding Freedom Symposium in Palm Springs. She has also championed improved patient communication as Chairman of the Board for the Patient Family Advisory Council at Desert Regional Medical Center.
Susan holds a State Certification from the American Institute for Health Care Professionals, specializing in meditation and mindfulness. A scholar with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education and an Eckhart Tolle Advanced School of Awakening graduate, Susan's dedication extends to movement arts, studying Tai Chi and Qigong under masters Helen Liang and Daisy Lee.
As a member of CTAA and the International Society of Female Professionals, Susan Lake, CI-M, stands as a beacon in the field of meditation and mindfulness, embodying a commitment to health, well-being, and spiritual awakening.
Meet our BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Zoe Hammons
CHAIRPERSON OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Meet Zoe, a graduate from San Jose State University with a BS in Business Administration and Entrepreneurship.
Currently, Zoe works as a the Senior Executive Assistant for a Seattle-based 501c3 non-profit that serves the community through Public Health, Health & Human Services, and Public Affairs, with a focus on Traditional Medicine at the center of everything.
As the Chairperson of our Board of Directors, she brings a fresh perspective, with a commitment to the traditions of our practices, in order to lead operations, administration and programming at The Discovery Portal.
Zoe has the unique position of being a student of Susan Lake, Founder of The Discovery Portal, for the last 5 years. She is a testament to power of our programs, and expemplifies our values through her leadership on the board and in her everyday life as a business woman.
JULIANA "JULS" WEED
SECRETARY OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Juls is a Certified Advanced Reiki Master Practitioner and Teacher, and Somatic Healer. She brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her practice with over two decades of experience working with diverse populations. She is a certified Addictions, Grief, and Spiritual Counselor and is knowledgable in the field of meditation and mindfulness practices. She obtained her CADC-CAS
through College of The Desert and CCAAP, and holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Currently, Juls works in Business Development and Marketing in the Coachella Valley and Los Angeles areas.
LAURA MEEKS
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Laura is a retired Major and USAF Pilot having flown B-52 bombers
for nearly 20 years. She holds a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology from the University of Puget Sound, and is a Certified Life Mastery Consultant. Previous to her retirement, she ran a multimillion dollar consulting company specializing in quality assurance issues for the Federal Government. Today Laura is a published author, speaker, life coach and human rights advocate.
Meet our Support Team
The Discovery Portal offers our community an opportunity to participate in our Support Team Program. This program offers individuals the opportunity to learn skills that will enable them to move into the workforce with experience, and knowledge of how to function in a variety of capacities.
If you are interested in becoming a member of our Support Team, please email us at TheDiscoveryPortal@gmail.com with "Becoming a Support Team Member" in the subject.
_JPG.jpg)
Brandon Peterson
Support Team Member - Social Media Management
Brandon Peterson holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from St. Francis College in Brooklyn, NY.
He currently works as a Lead Behavior Therapist with children on the spectrum.
Blending western and traditional practices, Brandon is also Certified as a 200-hour Certified Yoga, Meditation, and Social Emotional Learning Facilitator and a Certified and Attuned Usui Reiki Level I & II.
His role as a Support Team Member is to manage social media and community partnerships, through authentic and value based connections.
