About Paxis

About PAXIS

About PAXIS

Our Perspective

Founded in June 1998

Three smiling children. One shows the peace sign

PAXIS Institute identifies and connects the best science and wisdom to maximize the peace, productivity, health, and happiness of individuals, families, organizations, and communities everywhere.

PAXIS institute seeks to identify tools and strategies that have both rapid and long-term benefits for all our futures, not just the few or one group over another.
PAXIS Institute searches for ways to improve all our futures, since our individual futures hinge on the actions of people near and far – many of whom we will never know.

PAXIS Institute encourages and supports people of every age and every walk of life to become an “everyday scientist” of their world – not just a passenger of life. By becoming an “everyday scientist”, we can each become a conscious creator of the futures we seek for ourselves and the people we love.

PAXIS Institute

MISSION
PAXIS Institute develops, implements, and supports tested and proven, solution-focused strategies with real-world outcomes for children and the adults who care for them in partnership with communities to reduce historical disparities and improve lifetime outcomes to create population-level peace, productivity, health, and happiness.

VISION
Empowering individuals and communities to create a more nurturing environment with universal access to research-based prevention science in order to improve the well-being of people from all walks of life around the world.

VALUES
Passion: We commit to an enduring effort to research, create, and support instruments for immediate impact and lasting change.
Inclusion: We strive to create and maintain a nurturing environment that ensures the equitable participation of all and respects the experience of underrepresented populations.
Collaboration: We partner with stakeholders who serve communities around the world to generate positive change, improve behavioral and physical health, and create better lives for all.
Responsiveness: We ensure strategies and support are flexible and adaptable to the diverse and dynamic needs of the public.
Progress: We promote individual and collective growth through personal and professional development and the practice of life-long learning through inquiry.
Repair: We select and support strategies to address historical disparities by improving present and future circumstances.
Integrity: We adhere to principled actions rooted in replicable science and truth – guided by honesty, ethics, and convictions to better our world and better ourselves.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
PAXIS Institute sits on the ancient lands of the Tohono O’odham nation. We honor their history and culture, which inspires us with their wisdom and ways that nurtured their children and families. We also acknowledge their lands were taken without consent causing great harm and suffering. Wherever PAXIS goes, we honor the footprints and lives of those people who went before us, and we endeavor to soothe and heal past harms. Without the acknowledgement, anger and hurts fester. That is not enough. Those wrongs can be righted—to the benefit of our world.

MEET THE TEAM

Meet Our Founder

Meet Our PAX Leaders

JESSICA MORE

Operations Coordinator

Prior to PAXIS, Jessica was an elementary Gifted Intervention Specialist for nine years prior to becoming the Coordinator of Gifted Services for nine additional years. Jessica has a BA in Anthropology from the University of Tennessee. She also has two M.Ed. degrees from Miami University of Ohio, one in Educational Psychology and the other in Educational Leadership. When not working, Jessica enjoys traveling with her husband and daughters, gardening & houseplants, supporting the Tennessee Volunteers and spending time with her dogs.

NATASHA BATTLE

PAXIS Programs Specialist

Natasha Battle is a PAXIS Programs Specialist.  Natasha previously worked as a PAXIS Trainer, a PAX Tools Community Educator, and a PAX Partner. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development with a focus in Psychology. Her career has been devoted to prevention education, victim advocacy, and adolescent intervention in the fields of domestic violence, sexual assault, and substance misuse. Natasha currently lives in New York state and enjoys nature, travel, and the arts.

CAT BELUE

Accountant

Cute stick illustration of Cat Belue

Cat is an Accountant for PAXIS, handling much of the daily aspects of the organization. She brings years of experience in many diverse fields to help guide and develop the growing infrastructure of PAXIS. Cat lives in Tucson, AZ with her dog GG and enjoys nature, hiking, and hugging trees.

CHRIS BOLADERES

Technology and Digital Media Development Specialist

Cute stick illustration of Miriam Willmann

Chris is the PAXIS technology guru. With degrees in Supervisory Management and Digital Film & Video Production, he helps maintain the PAXIS technology and software infrastructure, while providing technical insight to any business and training processes. Chris started working with the PAXIS team as a contractor in 2017 helping with media editing and quickly expanded to helping with their technology needs. Chris was hired as a fulltime employee in 2021. Chris enjoys reading, cinema, and traveling when he can.

RICHARD CLINGAMAN

Executive Director of Procurement and Fulfillment

Cute stick illustration of Richard Clingaman

Since 2011, I have been the purchaser of all items in PAXIS Institute’s products, training materials, and supplies needed in the Tucson office. I am also in charge of the assembly, packaging, and shipping of the various kits and materials for trainings or other PAX supplies that customers order. After teaching 5th and 6th grade for 34 years I retired from teaching and soon began working for PAXIS Institute. I enjoy watching the birds and wildlife in our backyard desert and going on vacations to ocean beaches where the water is warm and the snorkeling is great.

JASON CONRAD

Fulfillment Team Lead

Cute stick illustration of Jason Conrad

Jason brings over a decade of shipping and receiving experience with a strong knowledge of import and export of non-profit materials. When not chasing around his four-year-old son, he can be found running Dungeons and Dragons games.

KATE CROUCH

PAXIS Projects Specialist

Cute stick illustration of Katelyn Paolucci

Kate Crouch is the PAXIS Projects Specialist for PAXIS Institute. Kate has her BA in Middle Childhood Education and her MA in Special Education. She worked as an Intervention Specialist and PBIS program developer and Director at the elementary and middle-school levels for 8 years before joining the PAXIS team in 2020. Throughout her career, she has specialized in working with children and families of children with behavioral challenges and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Kate loves the work she is able to do at PAXIS, as it aligns with her life’s passion of helping children live their happiest and most successful lives.

ANDREA FECHNER

Research and Evaluation Manager

Cute stick illustration of Andrea Fechner

Andrea is a part of the Research and Evaluation team working to research, develop, and engage strategies that advance and support PAX in schools and the community. Previously, she worked in student services at colleges and universities serving students in various academic advising, admissions, Title IX, and student affairs roles and as an instructor.

JASON FRUTH

Executive Director of Research and Development

Cute stick illustration of Jason Fruth

Jason is the Executive Director of Research and Development at PAXIS Institute. Jason has a Master’s Degree in Special Education and a Ph.D in Education. Jason has worked for years with Dr. Embry to develop, evaluate, and disseminate numerous research-based practices to create Peace, Productivity, Health, and Happiness.

TIM HEIDEBRECHT

PAXIS Innovation Canada

Cute stick illustration of Miriam Willmann

worked with PAXIS Institute for 9 years in a variety of roles including PAX Trainer, Partner, and DreamMaker Facilitator. After completing a BA in Psychology, Tim worked for 15 years with children with autism spectrum disorder and then returned to school earning a Master of Public Administration. He currently lives in Cochrane, Alberta and enjoys hiking and skiing with his family in the Rocky Mountains.

CARMEN IRVING

Vice President

Cute stick illustration of Carmen Irving

Carmen Irving is the Vice President of PAXIS Institute. Carmen has her master’s degree in Human Development and is a Certified Family Life Educator. Her career has been devoted to empowering youth and strengthening families. Carmen strives for a world where every child has more Peace, Productivity, Health, and Happiness.

FAREEDA KHUNJI

Accounting Manager

Cute stick illustration of Fareeda Khunji

Fareeda is a part of the PAXIS Finance team with the emphasis on contracts and billings.  She has a bachelor’s degree in Business from Pepperdine University and has an extensive history working in the nonprofit industry.  She currently resides in Tucson with her husband and two teenage kids. 

TERRY MAINWARING

Fulfillment – Building & Grounds Support

Cute stick illustration of Terry Mainwaring

Terry assists in putting packets and other projects together for customer orders to be completed, packed, and shipped. He has worked in warehouse and had the responsibilities of processing items and felt important that he learned different tasks and did enjoy them in the past. He enjoys playing disc golf and spending time with family, whether having dinner together or assisting his in-laws with household duties and visiting.

CZARINA LEYVA MARTINEZ

Business Development Administrator

Cute stick illustration of Czarina Leyva Martinez

Czarina has worked in a variety of roles at PAXIS since 2016 and has watched the company grow exponentially thanks to those roles and the tireless efforts of the rest of the team. She is now a member of the contracts team working directly under our Accounting Manager to bill for services and materials provided by PAXIS. The goals and values sustained by PAXIS lay very closely to Czarina’s heart and she strives to uphold those values in both her professional and personal life and looks forward to continuing her work at the company and watching its efforts better the lives of the children, families, and communities it serves.

KAREN MCDOUGLE

Human Resources Manager

Cute stick illustration of Karen McDougle

Karen provides Human Resources guidance and support to the PAXIS team. Karen earned a BA degree in Marketing and Management from Marietta College. Karen has 20+ years of Human Resources experiences and has previously worked in the aerospace, customer service, and medical device fields. Karen resides in Tucson, AZ, and enjoys travel, hiking, and reading in her free time.

SAM MILLER

Content Development Lead

Cute stick illustration of Miriam Willmann

Samantha (Sam) Miller is a part of the PAXIS Development team. Before PAXIS, Sam earned a bachelor’s degree in Film and Video Production and has worked on multiple feature films as Production Coordinator. She brings her skills in film and graphic design to the development of all training materials as well as promotional flyers and content. Currently Sam lives in Tucson, AZ and spends her free time enjoying a great film, a good book, or traveling.

LINDA MARIE MOORE

Director of Finance and Operations

Cute stick illustration of Linda Marie Moore

Linda leads our finance and operations teams at PAXIS Institute. Together we support the PAX vision by ensuring PAXIS has the liquidity needed to bring our products and services to the world, the right mix of motivated and effective personnel to support the mission, and the measurement systems in place to accurately report the financial health of the organization. Linda earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Operations Management from the University of Arizona and has 30 years of varied experience working in finance and operations management. 

KATHLEEN PACHIN

School-based Service Delivery Manager

Cute stick illustration of Kathleen Pachin

Kathleen Pachin is the School-based Service Delivery Manager at PAXIS. Before coming to PAXIS, Kathleen was an Early Childhood Educator, bringing the PAX strategies to her classroom in her last seven years of teaching. Kathleen lives in Kettering, Ohio and enjoys pickleball, long walks, & time with her husband and three children.

JEANETTE PUSKAS

Director of Customer Experience

Cute stick illustration of Jeanette Puskas

Jeanette Puskas serves as the Director of Customer Experience providing guidance and support to organizations as they plan for PAX programming. Jeanette has spent over a decade providing support to our national and international sites in implementing, expanding, and sustaining PAX throughout their school and community. Jeanette is also an International PAX Trainer and works closely with local, state, and international sites in strategic planning for large scale implementation. In her spare time, she enjoys running, biking, and spending time with her daughter Kiana.

BEATRICE RAMIREZ

Assistant to the Executives

Cute stick illustration of Beatrice Ramirez

Beatrice “Bea” Ramirez has been with PAXIS Institute since 2005 and has served in many roles as the company has grown. Her current role is customer service coordinator and executive team support. Bea earned her B.A. in Education and was a classroom teacher for eight years. She and her husband Carlos live in Tucson AZ with their pack of four dogs (aka fur babies). Most of their outings involve supporting grandchildren playing various sports or dancing and they wouldn’t have it any other way.

TYLER RAMIREZ

Fulfillment

Cute stick illustration of Tyler Ramirez

Tyler helps fulfill orders and keep the team on track.He previously did landscaping, helped the elderly, and tutored. Hy loves to read and help improve the lives of those around him by helping out, no matter what the task.

JOHN RONKAR

Fulfillment

John works in the Fulfillment Department for PAXIS Institute where he packs a variety of kits for schools and communities. He moved to Tucson from Washington state in 2020 and enjoys being closer to family. Prior to PAXIS, John worked in the food service industry for nearly 20 years. When not at work, John loves playing guitar, cooking, watching the Seattle Seahawks, trying new restaurants, and spending time with his wife and two cats.

CLAIRE RICHARDSON

Director of Culture and Development

Cute stick illustration of Claire Richardson

Claire is the Lead International Trainer and Director of Culture and Development for PAXIS Institute. She has worked with Dr. Dennis Embry on his earlier work with PeaceBuilders and was sole employee of PAXIS Institute when the company was created in 1998. With degrees in elementary education, Claire also brought years of experience in prevention science and community development to grow PAXIS, launching Indigienous PAX and PAX DreamMakers. When not traveling for work, Claire lives in Tucson, AZ with her husband Bud and visiting her son Noah who is attending college at her alma mater in Honolulu, Hawaii.

EILEEN TURAIN

Business Development Administrator

Cute stick illustration of Eileen Turain

Eileen (Ike) is a PAXIS Business Development Administrator supporting PAX training registrations and grants management. Ike is a state and national event planner, presenter, content provider and editor. Ike has served as Director of a Drug-Free Communities coalition and oversaw a team of PAX Partners. Ike’s experience as a National PAX GBG, PAX Tools Community Educator, and PAX Tools for Human Services trainer, coupled with state grant peer-review experience supports new and existing customers plan for PAX sustainability, fidelity, and expansion. Ike and her husband enjoy traveling, rowing, and have recently found the wonderful sport of pickleball.

BEVERLY WATERS

Client Success Coach Manager

Cute stick illustration of Beverly Waters

Bev is the Client Success Coach manager as well as the lead consultant for Paxis. Bev graduated from the U of A with a M.Ed., has been residing in Tucson, Arizona for most of her life, and taught school K-12 for 35 years. In Bev’s free time she loves to visit with her daughter’s family in California which includes beautiful granddaughters that bring her so much joy!

MIRIAM WILLMANN

Director of Technology

Cute stick illustration of Miriam Willmann

Miriam oversees and works on all projects that involve technology for PAXIS, including virtual training, websites, mobile apps, and internal technology. With her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from University of Wisconsin-Madison, working for the State of Wisconsin, she met and began working with Dr. Embry on the statewide Reward and Reminder initiative, and has been working PAXIS ever since. Whenever possible, Miriam can be found outisde with her fiance and Bernese Mountain dog, Rax, the unofficial PAXIS mascot.