The Purpose of the Board: to hold the highest vision (truth) of TRA as an act of community; to serve as channel or vessel for the tasks of the community and to take these tasks to the next step; to be the voices of the members; to create and support forms for community to emerge. (9/92)
Purpose of the Board of Directors; implement the purposes of The Reiki Alliance; hold, develop, and direct vision of TRA; set goals; determine and set policy; evaluate policy implementation. (1/95)
The Board of Directors provides leadership and formulates policies for the Alliance based on the precepts of Usui Shiki Ryoho and the statement of identity. In its goal to reflect the spirit of the Alliance, the Board also seeks information and guidance from Alliance members.
The Board sets the theme of the annual conference, appoints committees and defines their mission, approves the annual budget and often identifies steps needed to achieve community goals.
Term of Office: members of the Board of Directors are elected by the membership during the Annual General Meeting, at their annual conference. A Board member holds a position for 3 years. There are 5 members on the Board, with rotating years. A Board member is eligible to serve two consecutive terms.
Nur (Natalia) Stepanova
RUSSIA
2021-2027
Elfie Schlumberger
GERMANY
2024-2027
Stefanie Hart-Neidenberg
USA
2025-2028
Kathy Melcher
USA/BELGIUM
2025-2028
Birgit Knorr
GERMANY/USA
2025-2026
Nur Stepanova
I have lived in Moscow for over 20 years. I studied English at school as all children did. I didn’t graduate from university and what helped to me later to start to speak and translate English fluently could be related to “Practice, practice, practice”. So, I know by my own experience that this principle works.
Almost thirty years ago I met Reiki when my initiating master Fokke Brink came to our city. The next time he came, I received Second degree, and then I started the process of preparation for Mastery. I would not say that it was an easy path, though I savor all the lessons I received on it.
At that time, I became an interpreter for Masters, who came to Russia, and this is how I met Phyllis Furumoto. I travelled a lot, and learned, and learned, and learned. Later I met Paul and I interpreted for him too - at “Way to Harmony” workshops held in Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Germany and USA. During his workshops and meetings with other master’s and students I continued my love of learning. I love everything I am doing in my life.
Later, I started to interpret for Phyllis, and saw a small part of her huge inner world. I realized I wanted to learn from her. I asked her to be my Mentor. She eventually agreed and I’m l grateful for everything I received from her. Not all the lessons were pleasant but why would they be? In these trainings I found my really deep understanding of the Reiki Precepts, and vital qualities of honesty, creativity, integrity and other things.
Phyllis convinced me to become a member of TRA – not with words, but with her passion she had for TRA. The way she spoke about it and with the ideas she had for TRA.
I became a member of the Board, in Germany in 2016, and I stayed in this position for one and a half years. At that time, I was not able to hold the difference of opinions within the Board. So, I stepped down. This year I felt the urge to do it once again,
Now as a member of the Board, my intention is strong to serve the Community and our Lineage Bearer Johannes Reindl, using all my knowledge, my skills as a facilitator, translator, teambuilding coach, Reiki Master and my innate abilities.
Compassion is very important for me. – to be softer to the world, to the people around, to things in the world, to words and actions of people. To know who I am and who I am not. With these qualities I steadfastly hold my inner core and commitment to serve the Reiki Alliance community.
Elfie Schlumberger
I am from Esslingen in the south of Germany. I have two adult daughters and one grandchild and love to travel since they live in the north of Germany and in Devon, England. I also spend time in the US, which is where my partner Tim lives.
In 1983 I was initiated in first degree Reiki by Brigitte Müller and Phyllis Lei Furumoto, who were visiting Germany. This fell on fertile ground within my search for personal growth and I felt enthusiastic about the possibility of sharing a deep inner space with others in treatments. In 1986 Phyllis initiated me as a Reiki Master in Abiquiu Canyon, New Mexico. I have been a member of the Reiki Alliance since 1987. The TRA has become the community I’ve always envisioned and dreamed of, where we share common values, support each other and are connected on a deep level through Reiki. Throughout ups and downs in my life, Reiki has always been a central part and I’ve never questioned my membership in the Alliance.
For about 12 years I led a center for holistic growth with my at-the-time husband, where he taught Aikido and did bodywork and I taught Reiki. During this time I was part of the conference team of the Reiki Alliance for several years, and worked as an interpreter and translator. I was also an organizer of the German Reiki Festival in Gersfeld.
Through changes in my personal life, I went back to working as a school teacher and my involvement in the Reiki community and as a Reiki master moved to the background for awhile. However, I did continue to help translate the newsletter of TRA occasionally.
Now at the age of 67 I am happily retired from school and free for new adventures. After years of not being able to go, I was able to attend the conference in Uruguay in May 2024; it felt like coming home. I am very excited and looking forward to being more involved in the Reiki community again and working on the board. Let’s see what we can achieve together and what the future holds for us.
Stefanie Hart-Neidenberg
I am from Nederland, Colorado, USA. I was initiated as a Master in 2006 by Shalandra Abbey. You may have noticed me as the Support Line Coordinator, or on the Membership Team--roles that prepared me for serving on the Board. Being involved with teams is rewarding, especially as part of the Support Line during the Covid years. On the Membership Team, I better understood our challenges moving forward in these times. I feel great joy working in support of our elder members, growing opportunities for connection and involvement, and providing mentorship and inspiration to our newest masters and students.
I bring experiences of running my own business, working in the non-profit world, and offering Reiki at oncology centers. I want to improve TRA's financial health, ways we can deepen our connections to each other, and how to move forward with trust and integrity. Listening and problem solving with creativity and practicality.
We have a bright future ahead for Usui Shiki Ryoho. I am grateful to have a role on your TRA Board. I thank you for the gift to serve this community and this practice which we all hold dearly.
Kathy Melcher
I was honored to be elected to the board of The Reiki Alliance at the conference by TRA members.
A Reiki practitioner since 1993, I was initiated by Frank Coppieters in Reiki I and II. Paul Mitchell initiated me as a master in 2007 and I have taught in Belgium and the United States. As I've enjoyed many TRA conferences and served on committees of the Alliance, I bring a broad perspective to my position. I spent years deepening my understanding of Reiki and sharing it with others. My teachings emphasize the importance of maintaining the integrity and lineage of Usui Shiki Ryoho, so that the practice remains rooted in its traditional foundations while adapting to the needs of modern society.
My career includes work in advertising and public relations for large companies and agencies, and many years as a psychotherapist. My hopes for the evolution of Reiki includes deep respect for the lineage while simultaneously embracing new opportunities for growth, collaboration, and education — thus ensuring that this treasured practice continues to thrive and inspire.
Birgit Knorr
I bring a deep commitment to the practice of Usui Shiki Ryoho and broad experience in entrepreneurial and nonprofit leadership. My Reiki journey began in 2007 when I took Reiki I and II with Steve Nunley. I was initiated as a master in 2015 by Frank Coppieters and Kathy Melcher. This milestone marked a turning point in my life, as I left my corporate career to dedicate myself to Reiki and my own spiritual development.
I spent over two decades in the high-tech sector, helping grow startups and guide organizations through innovation and expansion.
I have unique skills to combine strategic thinking, organizational development, and spiritual insight. I have served on the boards of Reiki Home and the Northwest Reiki Gathering. My nonprofit experience also includes board service with the Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center, which provides healthcare to migrant and underserved populations in Oregon.
I am happy to join the Board and serve The Reiki Alliance and all its members with integrity, creativity, and heart.