LEADERSHIP TEAM

Max Kelemen

Executive Director

I was trained in non-profit leadership, ethics, policy reform, and facilitation, holding a Master’s in Public Administration. I have worked as a guide, mentor, and administrator for organizations like: the Northwest Outward Bound School, SOS Outreach, and New Vision Wilderness. I bring a mindfulness and human-centered approach to leadership. In other roles, I have engaged with policy reform in public education, hunger relief, and ending the war on drugs. 

Since moving to Portland in 2017, I became more outspoken and involved with the psychedelic movement. I advocate for wider acceptance, support, and policy reform to provide safe guidance within our communities. As the Executive Director for Portland Psychedelic Society my wish is to create a safe, connected, creative, and a well-healed psychedelic community.

Adriana Voss-AndrEAE

Interim President

I hold an MD and PhD in neuroscience from OHSU and have built my career at the intersection of science, public policy, and community advocacy. For over a decade, I worked to transform food systems and expand access to healthy food for low-income families.

Driven to address the roots of the climate crisis, I became the founding Executive Director of 350PDX, where I helped grow a grassroots climate justice movement that mobilized thousands and achieved major policy wins. I also played a leadership role in the Portland Clean Energy Fund—the first successful BIPOC-led climate justice ballot initiative in the nation.—which now generates about $200 million annually for climate action, economic opportunity, and community resilience. My work has also included managing a successful legislative campaign and serving as Senior Strategist at Just Solutions, focusing on equitable climate investment.

As humanity faces ecological, social, and spiritual crises, I believe psychedelics offer powerful potential to expand consciousness. By reconnecting us with our shared humanity and the unity of all life, they can support healing at personal, community, and systemic levels. I’m committed to ensuring safe, ethical, and equitable access to psychedelics—so their benefits can reach all communities, especially those historically marginalized or harmed by injustice.

Yelena Belikova

Secretary

I’ve been fascinated by the mind since taking a theory of knowledge class in high school, which led me to study neuroscience in college. Psychedelics have been especially important to my life, opening new ways of understanding healing, connection, and purpose. They’ve helped me grow in ways I never expected, and I want to support others in finding that same potential.

For the past ten years, I’ve worked in software engineering and am now a founding engineer at a startup. As an immigrant, I also volunteer with Portland’s immigrant community, offering support to those building new lives here. Outside of work, I’m passionate about fabric arts, travel, nature, and spending time with my beloved cats.

Steven Merriss

Treasurer

I first encountered psychedelics while attending college and I’ve had an interest ever since. I believe psychedelics can play an important role in self-discovery, creativity and spirituality. My primary interest is on the spiritual side and the feeling of connection and oneness that they can make possible.
 

I obtained an Economics degree from University of Oregon and have spent close to 25 years in the accounting field as a CPA where I have been able to work with many nonprofits in the local community. I’m using my background to assist the Portland Psychedelic Society in accounting and management and I’m happy to be able to help in this time of renewed interest in the potential benefits and therapeutic applications for psychedelics.

Brie Leagjeld

Marketing & Communications

My journey towards thriving as an individual, photographer, and visual artist has been deeply influenced by psychedelics. Through these meaningful experiences I've become increasingly driven to promote the transformative potential for introspective personal growth and creative exploration. I had a blast taking these team portraits!

Drawing from my background in fine arts and experience as a professional in small business, I work to creatively amplify the authentic voice of Portland Psychedelic Society and foster active community engagement. By building connections, cultivating positive dialogue and encouraging responsible usage, we are enriching our collective understanding of the profound impact psychedelics can have on the human experience and I’m grateful to be part of this unfolding field of possibility.

Danny Brown

Programming & Events

I am a neuroscience PhD candidate researching the brain states induced by psychedelics, meditation, and nature experiences. A key focus of my work is the emotion of awe - profound moments in which we encounter the felt presence of “something greater than ourselves”.

While Western science is just beginning to acknowledge the potential of self-transcendent states, ancient traditions have long appreciated their healing capacities via sacred ceremonies. Psychedelics are a potent tool to re-instill deep connections with others, the land, and oneself, all of which I hope to amplify through my work.

Through PPS, I hope to de-stigmatize the mindful and therapeutic use of psychedelics, and facilitate informed, multidisciplinary discussions of their potential.

Austin Gillespie

People Operations

I grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah, as a transracial adoptee from South Africa with Desi roots, and I bring lived experience of trauma and a complicated history with substances. When traditional mental health care fell short, psilocybin became a turning point for me. It deepened my curiosity about the brain and the social systems that shape our lives.

This curiosity led me to study psychology with a minor in sociology, and I plan to continue into clinical psychology. I currently work as a recovery mentor and research assistant, focusing on substance use disorder and psychedelic-assisted interventions.

As Governance and People Operations Director, I’m focused on building inclusive, community-centered spaces that support connection and care. I’m grateful to be part of this community and excited about what we’re building together.

Julian Voss-Andreae

Sustainability & Growth

I grew up in Hamburg, Germany, where I explored my fascination with art and later with physics at the Free University Berlin. After completing my graduate research, which took a deep dive into the foundations of quantum physics in Anton Zeilinger’s lab at the University of Vienna, Austria, my heart pulled me to Portland where my beloved wife-to-be resided, and where I discovered my passion for creating sculpture. Since graduating from the Pacific Northwest College of Art in 2004, I have been working as a full-time sculptor. I operate my art studio in Sellwood, where my team and I fabricate sculptures in stainless steel, bronze, stone and glass.

Just as quantum physics unlocks a door to transcend our current materialist-reductionist paradigm, I view traditional plant medicines as opening a door to the sacred within ourselves and to the interconnectedness we have with each other and with the living world. The potential for healing, both on an individual and a societal level, is profound and urgently needed.

Peggy Parks

Events & Outreach

As a member of the Portland Psychedelic Society Board of Directors, I have been working on organizational development and strategic planning. I have an MBA and have served on several non profit boards. I am using that skill set to bring structure to PPS. This will allow us to be a more productive , directed and powerful resource in our community.

At the same time I am exploring the multiverse. This is an energizing and amazing opportunity that I am pursuing with joy.

Huxley

Ambassador of Pawsitive Energy

At 5 years old, Huxley is the regal, goofy golden retriever who melts hearts across Portland Psychedelic Society. Named after Aldous Huxley, he’s a mellow old soul in a fluffy coat. He never shows up empty-pawed, always arriving with a stuffie in his mouth to gift to new friends. Whether he’s lounging in the sun at a PPS picnic or offering comfort with his snuggles and full-body wiggles, Huxley has a sixth sense for when someone needs love. He’s here to remind us that a good life can be as simple as presence, play, and a really good nap.

Moyo

Lead Happiness Specialist

Moyo (named in homage to the legendary Japanese psychedelic rock band Kikagaku Moyo) is our resident joy-bringer and adventure buddy. A sporty pup with a passion for trails, rivers, toys, and tail wags, he keeps spirits high and hearts full. Whether he's joining a meeting or chasing a frisbee, Moyo’s always down for fun—and reminds us to play a little every day.

Tulip

Guardian of the Threshold

Tulip maintains alert, responsive oversight at the threshold, ensuring each crossing is properly appraised and acknowledged. As an active, outspoken participant at PPS board meetings, Tulip brings an inquisitive perspective that inspires us to nurture our own intuitions and universal curiosities.