Susila Dharma USA DIRECTORS

The volunteer board meets twice yearly to review grant requests, establish policies, and set goals. Monthly conference calls provide additional time for updates and information regarding the progress of the programs we support. A key responsibility for the directors is serving as liaisons to each program. We communicate directly with program leaders to understand their specific needs, support ongoing development, and confirm program sustainability − through both discussion and required reporting. Board members, whose backgrounds are diverse, yet relevant to humanitarian work, agree that our greatest rewards center on hearing the success stories of Susila Dharma humanitarian programs across the globe. We are available to discuss potential initiatives, talk about current activities or clarify the ways you, your group or corporation can donate to or participate in Susila Dharma USA.

                                         
  Hamid Gregory Alexander, Secretary
Hamid G. Alexander has been working as a psychologist in New York State for almost 25 years. He's a full-time staff psychologist at the Northport Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center on Long Island, and has a part-time private practice. Hamid has had a long-term interest in non-governmental organizations and world problems. He is also a published poet.
Liaison: YUM Children’s Village, KUU School, and IRDN Projects

  Fredrick Branchflower, Vice Chair

Fredrick is a retired Naval Officer who spent 20 years in and around submarines, culminating his career as the Commanding Officer of a Deep Oceanographic research ship. He has a Masters Degree in Operations Research and Systems Analysis, has developed computer programs and consulted with small businesses in IT matters. Fredrick was also one of the founders of a company that manufactures building materials using recycled goods.
Liaison: Tijuana Children (Subud San Diego), Project Quest, Teen Moms, and Clear Path International

  Lusijah Marx

Lusijah Marx is the founder of Project Quest. In 1993, after a day of intensive work leading a healing retreat, she had a very powerful, clear dream about the changes she needed to make to have a bigger heart and greater capacity. Her dream included a young man living with AIDs named Lucas and indicated that he, too, might make changes in order to heal, and that if willing, they should form a 'healing center.' When she told Lucas about her dream, he shared that he also had a similar dream that included her. He stated with great sincerity, "We must create the healing center," and he found a lawyer to assist them with non-profit status. They established a board of directors, and after much trial and error, the official Project Quest was established. Then, a friend who had done development work with them applied for Project Quest to become a Susila Dharma program.  Liason: Lembu Imbu and Q Fund



  Mardiyah Tarantino

Mardiyah Tarantino, in her youth, was a French actress, and later, with an MA, taught college sociology, French and Spanish.  She learned Indonesian while working at the Sekretariat in Wisma Subud. After forty-nine years in Subud, Sudila Dharma came as a revelation and an inspiration for which she is deeply grateful.  She and her husband Rashad have had six children, fourteen grandchildren and three great grandchildren so far. Liason: Tierraviva

  Liza Ramey, Chair
Liza was elected to the Susila Dharma USA board in July of 2006, and became chairperson in July 2007. She recently returned to school to pursue a teaching career and is now teaching 4th grade.
"I've found myself in one of the most rewarding and challenging careers: teaching. Serving Susila Dharma USA is a natural extension of what I hope for myself - making positive and lasting contributions so we can all experience more harmonious and equitable lives. Supporting the inspirational individuals and their programs through working on the board has filled me with hope and gratitude. I am also grateful for the opportunity to learn from and work with the other board members - with their dedication, hard-work, and caring."
Liaison: Bellingham Meals and Board Contact for Susila Dharma International and Subud USA

  Marilyn Schirk
I was an elementary school/special education teacher for 30 years in Southern California. During that time, I served as a volunteer with peace and social justice organizations and carried out work promoting peaceful resolutions of conflict. Recently, my husband Frank and I have completed two six-month assignments of full-time volunteering with an organization called Brethren Volunteer Service, one at a soup kitchen in Washington, DC and the other promoting fair trade at SERRV International in New Windsor, MD. We now live in Portland, OR, and I am preparing to work as a substitute teacher.
Liaison: Anisha, Mithra, and India Programs

  Michael Shaver

Michael is a proud father of his son Matthew. He works to maintain Saint John the Evangelist Church, Elementary and Middle Schools. "I feel honored to share the work of this Board and hope to focus on the long term financial sustainability of Susila Dharma in the United States. Through outreach to our Regions and individual members I hope to prosper our Endowment funds. I offer particular support of the individuals who do and wish to "share Gods Grace" through social, educational, environmental, and Human Rights projects. Currently serving as the Chairman of the Mid-West Region enables me to represent our region on the SDUSA Board of Directors."

  John Schoenthaler,

John Schoenthaler graduated from Cornell University with a degree in Literature and Mechanical Engineering and Tulane with a masters in Petroleum Engineering. He worked for oil companies for 30 years in various capacities. He and his wife owned and operated a preschool near Dallas for 13 years and is now retired.

  Maria Wallington