Leadership
We are committed to expertise, diversity and inclusion in our selection of officers and board members. Our board consists of people with diverse backgrounds, with expertise in meditation teaching techniques and organizational development.
RUSS EVANS, ACTING president
Russ is a Washington DC native who has taught and practiced in the area since 2011. He has worked in international development, focusing on Eastern Europe and East Asia, and in education, teaching in the DC area, Asia, and Europe. He lives in Northeast Washington with his wife. He holds a BA in English and Spanish from the University of Mary Washington.
Mark Stone, treasurer
Mark has been leading mindfulness meditation classes for underserved communities since 2016. He teaches at Downtown Dharma in Washington DC and leads Men’s Healing Circles. Previously, he served as Deputy Chief Economist and Acting Chief Economist of the United States Department of State and held various positions during a long career at the International Monetary Fund. He holds a BSc and MA from the University of Wisconsin, an MSc from the London School of Economics, and a PhD from the University of Wisconsin. He has been meditating for 45 years and serves as a Practice Leader for All Beings Zen Sangha. He also serves as President of the Board of All Beings. He lives in Washington DC with his wife Jessica and is the proud father of two sons.
JoEllen AMBROSE, SECRETARY
JoEllen grew up in the Chicago area but has lived in every region of the U.S. and enjoys exploring new places. After receiving two bachelor's degrees in Political Science and Criminology from the University of California, Irvine, she moved to DC to work on the Hill and pursue a Master of Public Policy degree from Georgetown University. JoEllen currently works at a housing agency that matches District families experiencing homelessness into permanent supportive housing. Her passion for criminal legal reform and working to reduce the harmful effects of mass incarceration drew JoEllen to the mission of IOI. Outside of work she spends time adding to her houseplant collection, going to concerts, and hanging out at home with her cats.
Bernita Johnson, Member at large
Bernita is currently working as a Community Coach and Systems Navigator with the District Alliance for Safe Housing. In this role, she supports the safe housing, financial stability and well-being of survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. Bernita Johnson is an advocate for justice and fair practices. Bernita supervised men and women who were on probation and parole in Washington DC. She also worked with Opportunities Alternatives and Resources (OAR) Fairfax, Inc. as a Program Manager. As a Reentry Coordinator with Catholic Charities, she worked with the Montgomery County Pre-Release Services Center. She currently works as an advocate for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Bernita received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Towson University, has graduate-level studies in Forensic Psychology from Marymount University, and an Associate’s Degree in Mortuary Science from The Community College of Baltimore County. In her free time, Bernita enjoys journaling, reading, traveling, and spending time with her 3 sons.
Erica Krug, Member at large
Erica is a consultant in the field of International Development and Humanitarian Aid. She has lived and worked globally, but has recently returned to the USA. As someone who has worked in multiple conflict environments, Erica came to mindfulness while balancing her work with the anxiety of raising a family in high-threat environments. She has participated in numerous retreats at Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA and has taught a "Basics of Mindfulness" course to English as a Second Language learners. After a decade of practice, and with a "beginner's mind" attitude, she is currently finishing up her Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program coursework. Her strong desire to see reform in criminal justice, matched with her own 1980's history both of incarceration and of volunteering with incarcerated populations, underpins her desire to learn more about, support, and work with IOI.