Elizabeth Klein
Executive Director
elizabeth@wellnesswithin.org
In 2014, mourning the death of her sister and tackling a second cancer diagnosis of her own, Elizabeth discovered Wellness Within. Here she found a nourishing community and a place to re-balance her soul while she navigated her cancer experience. Elizabeth first joined the Wellness Within staff in 2019 as the Director of Development, Outreach and Community Relations, and at the beginning of 2022, assumed the position of Executive Director, eager to apply nearly 20 years of corporate management experience. She is a mother of two boys, and when not driving her boys around to their various activities, she enjoys cooking, gardening, playing her flute, and riding her adopted thoroughbred, Brooklyn
Shankari Arcot
Community Relations and Outreach Coordinator
shankari@wellnesswithin.org
Shankari has years of experience of engaging with people in multitudinous roles in customer care, customer management, account management, and HR, having worked in banks, mobile companies, software enterprises and merger and acquisitions. She combines all this with a phenomenal passion to cook, teaching adults and children remotely and in person. With a deep rooted sense of empathy, sensitivity and community participation, Shankari is keen to make a strong impact in her role in Outreach and Community Relations/Engagement. She is very closely involved with her family - son, husband and dog - though not necessarily in that order . Her proudest moment was winning the Iron chef competition at the State Fair.
Stevie Hannickel
Cancer Support Programs Director
stevie@wellnesswithin.org
Stevie became part of the Wellness Within community first as a client in 2018 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Having experienced firsthand the positive impact of Wellness Within's services, she feels grateful to now be a member of the staff to help others find healing and support. She has completed Advanced Training through the Center of Mind-Body Medicine, iRest® Level 1 & 2, and Trauma-Informed Facilitation training. She also brings with her years of experience in HR & recruiting program operations, and the dedication to client relationships. She loves spending time outdoors with her husband, tending to her organic vegetable garden, playing the ukulele, and going for bike rides.
Marilyn lapkass
Systems and Operations Manager
marilyn@wellnesswithin.org
After many years as a software engineer and manager, Marilyn desired to use her management and analytical skills to serve the community. She has found she has been able to utilize her skills working with a variety of nonprofits. Having witnessed family and friends navigate the journey that follows diagnosis of cancer she has seen how important it is to have a strong support system She feels fortunate to be joining the Wellness Within team to help others find comfort and healing.
Kim Perroset
Client Care Coordinator
kim@wellnesswithin.org
Kim is thrilled to join Wellness Within as the Client Care Coordinator, supporting clients in finding their best tools and programs for managing stress, developing a sense of well-being, and restoring hope. Kim brings with her eleven years of experience in an advocacy support role within the Multiple Sclerosis community, as well as many years of experience volunteering in her children’s classrooms. After Kim’s son was diagnosed with leukemia in 2019, spending many months in the hospital and ICU and enduring numerous setbacks in his treatments and recovery, Kim witnessed how cancer affects the whole family. She realized that fear, worry and stress can take on a life of their own and be difficult to manage for a cancer patient as well as caregivers. Eventually, once her son finished treatment, Kim discovered Wellness Within and recognized the benefits of the programming during challenging times. Having experienced how difficult this journey can be, she cares deeply about those affected by cancer and is compelled to be an ally for patients and caregivers. She has a creative background as an artist and volunteers for Sutter Hospital’s Art Therapy program. She is also a certified Hypnotherapist.
PATTI BROWN, MS LMFT
CMBM certified (Center for Mind Body Medicine)
Founder
patti@wellnesswithin.org
Wellness Within is the realization of a dream for Patti. After 20 years in private practice as a psychotherapist, she decided to honor the tugging at her heart and open a grass roots organization to serve a community dealing with cancer and its aftermath. It is her life’s work to teach, support, and mobilize the body and mind for healing.
Patti actively incorporates her training in mind-body medicine to support a community of people struggling with a cancer diagnosis. The Center’s belief is based on honoring the integration of medical treatments with mind body practices that enhance one’s quality of life with dignity and hope. As the founder of Wellness Within, she understands the profound impact a life threatening illness brings, and the significance of pulling together a caring, loving community to provide support, comfort and healing.