Management Team

Deborah Norris, Ph.D., Founder and Executive Director

Dr. Norris is the Founder and Executive Director of The Mindfulness Center. She is trained extensively in mind-body therapies, ranging from traditional medical and psychotherapeutic practices to holistic and integrative therapies and lifestyle practices. A health scientist with over 30 years of experience in research, clinical application and education, Dr. Norris brings meditation and other lifestyle wellness programs to the forefront of your health plan.

Dr. Norris has a B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. in psychology/ psychopharmacology, and is Adjunct Professor and Psychologist-in-Residence in the Department of Psychology at American University. Dr. Norris teaches and conducts research in behavioral medicine, and other complementary and alternative approaches to wellbeing. As Adjunct Professor at American University, Dr. Norris has also taught Stress Management in the Health/Fitness Department. Dr. Norris can help you identify the causes of stress in your life, and to gain control over stress.

Dr. Norris was previously on the faculty in the Psychiatry Department at Georgetown University Medical School, and taught research principles in psychopharmacology to the Medical residents at the Veteran's Affairs Medical Center. Dr. Norris worked for 15 years as a health scientist specializing in neurotoxicology and environmental illnesses at the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Dr. Norris has studied a number of mind-body-spirit modalities. She has intensive training through the Washington Center for Consciousness Studies in the theory and practice of Gestalt Psychotherapy and meditation. She has also trained with the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis. Integrating her studies of mind and body, Dr. Norris is certified in exercise physiology by the American College of Sports Medicine and other certifying organizations. She is an instructor for the Arthritis Foundation. In her quest for continuing education in healing modalities, Dr. Norris is also trained and certified in a number of forms of bioenergetic healing, including Reconnective Healing (TM) with Dr. Eric Pearl. Dr. Norris has over thirty years of experience in health sciences, exercise and dance.

In her practice, Dr. Norris integrates lifestyle elements of meditation, physical exercise, spiritual development, relaxation therapy, energy work, imagery, nutrition and herbalism for maximal health and happiness! Working with you and your physicians, Dr. Norris and the team members of The Mindfulness Center can help you formulate an integrative approach to your health care.

Jessie Norris, Co-Founder and Creative Director

Jessie Norris is Co-Founder and Creative Director of The Mindfulness Center (TMC) as well as a yoga and meditation instructor. She is 200-Hour RYT certified with Yoga Alliance and for almost a decade has studied a number of yoga traditions including Hatha, Iyengar, Bikram, Vinyasa and Yoga Therapy. Jessie has also studied Vipasana meditation at the Washington Center for Consciousness Studies and trained in Meditation and Psychotherapy with the Gestalt Psychotherapy Center of Washington, DC. Jessie recognizes the ability of yoga and meditation to balance and enhance all aspects of our lives and to cultivate optimal wellness of mind, body and spirit. Her background includes training in the arts, sustainable design and feng shui, which brings a unique awareness of the flow of energy in and around us to her work. As Creative Director, Jessie is involved with all design aspects of TMC as well as overseeing program and staff development. Through her work and teachings at TMC Jessie hopes to create an environment of healing and wellness from the moment you step in the door and which you take with you throughout life.

Jacqueline Norris, Co-Founder and Business Director

Jacqueline is a graduate of Frostburg State University, where she majored in Business with a concentration in General Management. During her studies at Frostburg, Jacqueline became Vice President of the Society for Advancement of Management, and attended the Sloop Institute for Excellence in Leadership. At TMC Jacqueline oversees all aspects of business development, marketing and staff training, integrating TMC's mission of mindfulness into all aspects of its functioning and outreach.

Eleni Rizakos, Community Director

Eleni is the Community Director of The Mindfulness Center and oversees all community events including Mind-Body Week DC. Eleni obtained her Masters of Science in Management from Argosy University and is a MA Psychology candidate at American University where she has studied Mind-Body Therapies with Dr. Deborah Norris. Eleni is Reiki level II certified and uses her psychology background and experiences with TMC to support an optimal level of wellbeing in her clients and the community. Her daily practice of meditation supports her belief that it is essential for everyone's life force energy to be balanced in order to live mindfully and at one's utmost well-being.

Lauren Verrill, Associate Program Director

Lauren Verrill is Program Director at The Mindfulness Center where she organizes and schedules the monthly workshops and events. She graduated from James Madison University in May of 2007 with a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology and a minor in Human Resources Development. Lauren also has her Masters degree in Psychology from American University, where she conducted research on judgments in mental health. Combining her interests in psychology, health and human resources, Lauren works to arrange workshops and programs at The Mindfulness Center with leading experts in the field of wellness to promote optimal health and wellbeing.

Suzannah Weiss, Nia Director

Emerging onto the field of Mind/Body fitness in 2006, Suzannah Weiss is a Blue Belt Nia Instructor, a Personal Trainer and Master Nia Teacher, as well as the director of SuzWorks Wellness – her company that focuses on holistic wellness through classes, workshops, and coaching techniques. Suzannah's passion for working in wellness, strength training and movement grew naturally out of her own journey of getting fit, strong, healthy, losing weight, increasing her personal power and developing wellness in seven major areas of her life (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social, occupational and sensual).

Her study of anatomy, fitness, personal growth and movement bring an expertise to her classes rare in most fitness settings. Her 17 years of experience as a Middle School Drama Teacher brings a unique youthful energy and a sense of play. Her constantly broadening set of skills and interests create an infectious enthusiasm that makes her classes and training programs compelling. Above all, Suzannah values her work as a program designer and as an educator. She approaches her work with poise and preparedness.