Alan Rockefeller

Mycology Advisor

Alan is an expert mycologist in high demand at mushroom events where he teaches workshops on DNA barcoding, field photography, and fungal microscopy. In 2022 alone, Alan traveled the continent in synchrony with the mushroom seasons, and spoke at over 50 events in the span of a single year. 

Committed to his cause, Alan has been studying fungal diversity for more than two decades, and since 2001 he has photographed more than 2,500 species of fungi. In order to discover new fungi, and spark interest in the hearts and minds of those new to the field, Alan regularly leads forays all over North America, including Mexico where he has been studying mushroom diversity for 15 years and is consequently bilingual. 

Alan’s contributions to community science have been widespread, and his dedication to teaching thousands of people over several years how to extract and amplify the DNA of their mushroom finds for sequencing is remarkable, and remains unparalleled. Eventually Alan hopes to be able to offer free barcoding services to the mycology community via his newest endeavor into Nanopore sequencing. As of today, Alan has uploaded more than 700 of his own fungal DNA sequences to Genbank, and he is a co-author on several scientific papers, including publications documenting new species of bioluminescent Mycena and Psilocybe. 

Alan is also devoted to the art of macroscopic mushroom identification and legitimately spends hours each day identifying mushrooms for the general public. Amazingly, he has identified over 250,000 fungi on websites like iNaturalist, Mushroom Observer, and various Facebook Groups. Nothing short of a powerhouse, Alan Rockefeller is an authority on the leading edge of mycology, who is beloved by his community for the knowledge and value he contributes to the field.

Tay Ford

Mental Health Advisor

Tay Ford is a mental health and wellness advocate. As a therapist and community leader, Tay strives to foster a safe and supportive environment that promotes empowerment and encouragement to others during life’s challenges and experiences. She has founded and continues to lead programs that focus on self-worth, wholeness, and self-compassion. 

As a lifelong learner, Tay actively engages in areas of growth and development. Her background consists of a BA in Communication with a minor in Women and Gender Studies, MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Certification of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. She upholds experience supporting in the areas of Anger, Anxiety, Bi-Polar Disorder, Depression, Chronic Illness, Life Changes, Family Conflict, Women Issues, Men Issues, Self Esteem, Self-Worth, Stress, Trauma and PTSD. 

Tay has a mixed eclectic therapeutic approach of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Expressive Art therapy. 

She continues to lead with the mindset that you don’t have to take on life challenges alone. All of you, is the BEST of you.

Muneer Issa, JD

Co-founder, Director

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Hosam Issa M.S., BCBA

Director of Clinical Operations

Hosam is a native of southeast Michigan. His academic journey began at Eastern Michigan University, where he pursued a degree in psychology and later took graduate courses in biochemistry. Hosam continued his education at Capella University, where he earned a Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis.

Hosam is the CEO and co-founder of Zelexa Therapy. His commitment to providing therapeutic solutions led him to the California Institute of Integral Studies, where he received training in psychedelic-assisted therapy. Additionally, Hosam has completed trainings in MAPS MDMA-assisted therapy, further expanding his extensive skill set. Hosam continues to be a driving force in the advancement of mental health care and therapy.

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Tess Burzynski, BSc

Co-Founder, Scientific Director

Tess is a microbiologist and research scientist (B.S.) with a focus in Psilocybe mushrooms and other fungi. She is also the founder of Fungi Freights, a community greenspace and educational hub in Detroit, Michigan, that teaches the community how to grow mushrooms for food security and economic development. Throughout her studies, she has learned the role mushrooms play in the environment and how beneficial, tenacious, and magical they truly are. She is a member of the North American Mycological Association (NAMA) and has presented alongside some of the world’s leading mycologists. She is affiliated with mycological projects as far as Puerto Rico, Uganda, and Nepal as a consultant and mentor. Tess has had a dedicated, 16-year relationship with psilocybin containing mushrooms and is passionate about alternative healing. Her goal is to bring awareness to psilocybin containing mushrooms for community wellness.

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