ABOUT ORISHA WHOLENESS
Our History
Turning Interest Into Action
Dealing with the challenges of today requires problem-solvers who bring different perspectives and are willing to take risks. ORISHA WHOLENESS emerged out of a pursuit to inspire and support the community, and a desire for actions to speak louder than words.
Established in 2021, we are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization driven by progressive ideas, bold actions, and a strong foundation of support. Contact us to learn more and get involved.
Meet the Founding Members
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Pascale Pierre
President
As a founding member, Pascale has been involved in community work for a number of years. She teaches several fitness classes a week, helping the community to live a better and fruitful life.
Shelly Wilson
Vice-President/Board Chair/Treasurer
Shelly has over 30 years of experience working with and managing community - based organizations throughout NYC. She uses her journey to help others to lead a healthy lifestyle regardless of age.
Martine Ortiz
Martine holds advanced degrees in Banking, Finance and Trust Management. She also possesses experience with corporate, academic and governmental charitable management and oversight.
Tina Lundy
Secretary
Tina has been enjoying line dancing for over 7 years and recently began teaching beginner line dance classes. The smiles from her students is what motivates her to return every week.
Steven Dillard
Steven Dillard joined Orisha Wholeness with the vision and drive to improve upon our non-profit organization, and focused on developing the organization with experience and integrity.
Traci 'Stilettozz' Smith
Traci 'Stilettozz' Smith is a global R&B/Soul line dance coach. choreographer & performer.
She embodies the perfect combination of charisma and irrefutable energy!
Meet the Board Members
Shelly Wilson
Vice-President/Board Chair/Treasurer
Shelly has over 30 years of experience working with and managing community - based organizations throughout NYC. She uses her journey to help others to lead a healthy lifestyle regardless of age.
George Rio
Board Vice-Chair
George is a native New Yorker who has lived primarily in the Bronx. His parents are of both Puerto Rican and Mexican descent. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hunter College and a master’s degree from New York University. George is a retired NYC HS Physical Education and Health, public school teacher. Currently he is the Head Boys Track coach at Townsend Harris HS in Queens. George dedicates his time to helping Bronx residents tap into the various underutilized resources.
Yvonne Melton
Board Secretary
Yvonne is a Native New Yorker born in the Bronx. She has been a member of Union Baptist Church, for over 25 years and was ordained to the Deacon Ministry in November 2021. She is currently an active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sigma Nu Zeta Chapter of Harlem. As an advocate for Health and Wellness, she is grateful to currently serve as the Health Navigator at Union Baptist Church for Choose Healthy Life in partnership with United Way of New York City
Tina Lundy
Board member
Tina has been enjoying line dancing for over 7 years and recently began teaching beginner line dance classes. The smiles from her students is what motivates her to return every week.
Ashley Thompson
Board member
Ashley has over 10 years of experience working in the Fashion Industry. She loves using her design background and creativity skill set to assist Orisha Wholeness with developing promotional materials. She uses her community service experience towards researching of fundraising opportunities. In combination with teaching her Zumba classes she makes it a priority to maintain a healthy work/life balance and encourages all participants to do the same!
Denise Spry
Board member
Denise Spry has worked as an LPN for the past 22 years. She considers herself a Jack of All Trades and a mastery of none. Denise loves to dance, sing, socialize, and have fun while doing it. Denise joined Orisha as a participant taking classes when Orisha was founded in 2021. She joined the board, because is passionate about helping people in her community.
Meet the Instructors
Rasheem Perry
I've been on the salsa scene for over 10 years participating in salsa congresses in PA and CT. I have also performed with a number of salsa artists locally at Lehman college for Tito Rojas, Angel Lopez w/ Tony succor and Tito Nieves to name a few.
Ashley Thompson
Hello! I'm Ashley Thompson, and I live in Bronx, NY. I've been dancing since I was 2 years old. I've been a Certified Zumba Instructor since May 2019 and I absolutely love it. The reason is simple: Every class feels like a party! Come join me, I guarantee you will have a blast!
Pascale Pierre
Hi, I'm Pascale! I’ve been teaching dance fitness and other body conditioning classes for over ten years. My goal is to give you a great workout while having fun, at the same time, helping the community to live a better and more fruitful life.
Laura Blair
Dancing is a lifelong passion for me. I’ve always been happy to move my feet and just as happy to entice others to move. My varying involvement in the line dance community provides a perfect combination to an enriching lifestyle. - LAURAakaLOLO
Tina Lundy
Hello! My name is Tina and I've been enjoying line dancing for over 7 years, and recently began teaching beginner line dance classes. The smiles from my students is what motivate me to return every week.
Shelly Wilson
I am a certified group fitness instructor who loves teaching group fitness classes. I've taught for the past 7 years and my classes are fun, energetic and easy to follow. You will have a blast and get a great workout!
Pamela Wilkerson
Hello! My name is Pamela. I am a Registered nurse and have been for over 25 years, specializing in Asthma, other Respiratory Diseases, Home care and Disease Case Management
Dee McKeith
Hello! My name is DeeDee and I've been enjoying line dancing for over 9 years, and teach early beginner line dance classes. I enjoy seeing the students dancing at a level most comfortable for them. I am also a Registered Nurse and the founder of Walk to Da Beat which is a virtual walking class promoting fitness and wellness.
Earl Miller
My name is Earl, I was nominated for Choreography Of The Year in 2019 for Earl’s 4 Steps, Winner of Turbo Man Award in 2019 & I'm the creator of line dances to various kinds of music.