Board of Directors

CEO/President

Dr. K.A. Shakoor, DAOM (Karma Minjur Tarpa)

Dr. Shakoor’s more than 60 years mind-body exercise and meditation training is the basis of his efforts up-lift underprivileged communities. Dr. Shakoor helps clients achieve self-empowerment and self-actualization through East Asian modalities, including Medical Qi Gong, Reiki, mindfulness, meditation, visualization, affirmations and other mind-body systems. He is the creator of the Maahah-Rooh energetic Mind-Body system and the Creator of American Universal Medicine. With B.A. in Philosophy & Psychology and a Clinical Doctorate in Oriental Medicine, Dr. Shakoor’s education and experience lends itself well to his desire to empower individuals for the benefit the world at large.

Interim Vice-President

Kali Blount, A.S.N., B.A, M.U.R.P

Kali’s career has spanned decades in health and human services, serving in a multiple roles from nursing to welfare caseworker, children’s probation worker, home health aide and activist for Black history, affordable housing and academic enrichment.

After retiring from the University of Florida Shands Hospital as an R.N., Kali continued his mission of giving back in a variety of enterprises, including serving on multiple Citizens’ Actions Committees for Alachua County, as a Habitat for Humanity volunteer, anti-tobacco counseling, volunteer nursing and a variety of other human service activities.

Kali’s educational background includes degrees in cardiopulmonary technology and nursing from Santa Fe University, Biology and Political Science from Wayne State University in Michigan, Urban and Regional Planning from Alabama A&M University.

SECRETARY

Laurie Reisman, L.C.S.W.

Laurie Reisman is the director of Gainesville Karma Thegsum Chöling and serves as Secretary for the StarlitePhi. A licensed clinical social worker, long-time Buddhist practitioner, and PhD candidate in Mind Body Medicine, Laurie’s academic focus is on mindful leadership and contemplative approaches to end-of-life care. She is a certified Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and meditation instructor with over 20 years of experience in Asian healing traditions. Laurie brings ritual-rich presence, communal joy, and embodied presence to her teaching and leadership. She delights in connecting with nature, drumming, and sharing Dharma as a path of healing and transformation.

CFO/Treasurer, Director of IT

J. Carlo Diaz, PE, B.A, A.A, A.S.

J. Carlo is a long time practitioner of energetic arts of Qi-Gong, Hatha Yoga, Aikido and Tai-Chi Chuan. He has attained a level of Shihan, or “master instructor” with 18 years of experience, expertise, and leadership skills in the Maahaah-Rooh martial arts system and is currently an instructor in Gainesville. He is an effective communicator who is fluent in Spanish.

J. Carlo Diaz is a Professional Engineer with over 20 years of experience in roadway design, construction, and maintenance. His career highlights his expertise in project management, contract negotiation, and leadership. He is a diplomatic and strategic administrator, skilled in resolving conflicts and ensuring compliance on multimillion-dollar projects. A critical thinker with a focus on risk mitigation and proficient in a wide range of software.

Chair, Moderator

Billy Thomas, B.A, M.A, Ed.D.

Dr. Billy Thomas is a retired Dean of Social and Behavioral Sciences from Florida State College at Jacksonville. He is an avid motorcyclist, hiker and kayaker. Most importantly father to Matthew, Amelia, Teddy and “Mister Billy” to Dylan. He has an Ed.D in Educational Innovation from the University of South Florida, M.A in Christian Education from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Post-graduate hours in Educational Psychology Counseling from the University of North Florida, B.A in Religion from Stetson University and an A.A from Florida Junior College (currently FSCJ). He has been a Kama Kagyu practitioner and student of Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, Bardor Tulku Rinpoche and Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche since 1997. With the permission of Bardor Tulku Rinpoche has been teaching and leading meditation for more than 20 years. More than 10 years ago Billy established Amelia Island Karma Kagyu Study Group at the behest of Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche and began leading Chenrezig practice following instructions from Rinpoche. Although having received many teachings and empowerments, Billy’s primary practice is Chenrezig and the 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva.

DIRECTOR

Rodney Scyphers,

Liem Ipsum

Director

Jamie Swick

Liem Ipsum

Chair, Development Committee

Chris Armentano

Chris Armentano is a highly accomplished professional in problem gambling services and mental health. He co-founded and served as Executive Director of the Association of Problem Gambling Service Administrators (APGSA) and dedicated 16 years as Director of Problem Gambling Services for the State of Connecticut. His significant contributions have been widely recognized with numerous honors, including the “Thomas Cummings Award” and “Herman Goldman Foundation Award” for his lifetime work, as well as a Special Media Award for his co-produced documentary, “One Last Bet.” A prolific writer and producer, Chris has authored publications and co-produced “One Last Bet” and the radio series “Black History Matters.” He’s also a co-founder of Futbol Friends International, Inc., which supports youth soccer globally. Outside his professional life, Chris enjoys lifelong learning, carpentry, creative writing, oil painting, fitness, and supporting charitable causes.

Past Interim President

Kathryn A. Taubert (Pema Kadro)

Kathryn’s experience in profit and not-for-profit sectors provides expertise in planning, organizing and developing start-up operations in a variety of settings. With a Certification from Indiana University’s Graduate School of Business, Health Agency Executive Development program, she was employed and/or served as a volunteer on state and national Boards of Directors for national health agencies and employed in the insurance industry as a training and management education executive specializing in organization development. Having been involved in several “start-up” operations in both sectors, and as a self-described “chronic volunteer,” Taubert’s experience lends itself well to StarlitePhi efforts.

FOUNDER & PRESIDENT EMERITUS

David Bole, Ph.D, A.P (Lama Losang)

Director of the Traditional Acupuncture Center, a holistic health care facility offering a multi-dimensional approach to health and healing.

He earned his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Psychology from the University of Florida and completed two additional postdoctoral degrees in acupuncture from the College of Traditional Chinese Acupuncture in Oxford, England. Dr. Bole has studied acupuncture, herbal medicine, meditation and Tai Chi Chuan in the U.S., Europe, China, and Japan. In addition, he is a fully ordained monk (Gelong) and completed the traditional three year and three month retreat in the Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. He studied meditation under the direction of the renowned retreat master Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche.

He teaches Asian medicine, meditation, Buddhist philosophy, stress management, and Tai Chi Chuan. As a Westerner trained in these ancient arts, he is able to bridge the gap between Eastern and Western philosophical approaches to health and healing. He teaches classes and workshops around the country designed to enhance awareness and health to students of all ages.