Meet the Board

170 Trees Society is made possible with the guidance of our talented and compassionate Board of directors.

Parijat Deshpande is a founder and CEO of Ruvelle, the only trauma-informed wellness company specifically dedicated to improving high-risk pregnancy outcomes, reducing preterm birth, and passing on generational health. On a mission to end the high-risk pregnancy crisis, she has served and supported thousands of clients through her live events, one-on-one work, her bestselling book, Pregnancy Brain: A Mind-Body Approach to Stress Management During a High-Risk Pregnancy, and Body Language Journal. Learn more at www.ruvelle.com.

Seth Samuels has lived many lives in his current life: actor, musician, comedian, economic consultant, world traveler, grad student, political scientist, campaign consultant, data scientist, and now interfaith seminary student. He believes that there is a spark of divinity within each of us, and tries to see the wonder in everyone, particularly those who our dominant culture might otherwise ignore. Having walked alongside Rev. Lia on two of her three seminary journeys, Seth is delighted to join 170 Trees, and to witness the birth of something spectacular.

Alena Schaim is the Executive Director and Instructor at Resolve, a violence prevention organization in New Mexico. She has been working to prevent violence and support survivors for almost 20 years. Her work centers around helping people shift beliefs that shape norms and speak up for themselves & others. She has supported school districts and school staff in implementing policies that support youth most impacted by violence. Alena has presented at regional and national conferences on topics including Empowerment Self-Defense, sexual and domestic violence, and preventing violence for people with disabilities and LGBTQ+ people. Alena also serves as board president of IMPACT Violence Prevention.