Team
Paul Chen, Publisher ✉️
“My main motivation in becoming a Natural Awakenings publisher is to be a source of inspirational and informational content to all who wish to awaken, or are experiencing awakenings in body, mind, heart or soul,” says Paul. “We are all here for a unique reason. We all have our own road to travel. And we all have soul contributions to make to the greater good. I want to help facilitate that process for Atlantans by connecting those who are awakening to the information, resources and supportive communities that can guide and assist them along the way.”
Paul’s professional background includes strategic planning, market research and marketing management. He has worked in the tech industry, nonprofits and as a consultant/contractor.
He is a practicing Buddhist, Kriya yoga practitioner and founding member of East Lake Commons a cohousing community. For fun, he enjoys hiking, biking, live music, outdoor festivals, travel, reading, cooking and working out.
Diane Eaton, Managing Editor ✉️
Diane is a professional writer, editor, ghostwriter and copywriter for individuals and businesses nationwide. Eaton was a senior writer at Apple Computer, Inc. headquarters in Cupertino, California, and was co-founder and business director of an innovative wellness startup company, which she helped bring to the national stage. Over the last 20 years, she has worked with numerous holistic and alternative-medicine practitioners and enterprises and has written or edited books on self-help, memoir, business, psychology and tech.
“I love making a positive difference in the world, and I feel I do that by helping authors and entrepreneurs connect with, move and motivate their readers through great writing,” says Eaton. ~ For more information: dianethewritingdoctor.com.
Patricia Schmidt, Yoga Editor ✉️
Patricia Schmidt, Founder of PLSYoga, is a certified yoga therapist and specialist in pelvic health, accessible yoga, yoga to support those living with cancer and yoga for people living with trauma. She specializes in helping people live with greater ease in their body, and utilizes in both her private practice and group offerings, multiple modes of accessing more beneficial breath and movement patterns. She has been practicing and teaching yoga for nearly three decades; in addition to multiple yoga specializations, she is Franklin Method and Roll Model Method trained, and also uses with her students other somatic/embodiment-practice based offerings, including Prajna Yoga’s SATYA training.
Patricia trains other teachers and movement professionals in yoga teacher trainings across a range of subject areas, including accessible yoga, yoga for women’s health, yoga therapy and pelvic health, and anatomy/physiology. She is the current yoga editor for Natural Awakenings Atlanta and a founding member of the renewed Southeastern Yoga Therapy Association. Patricia holds current membership in both Yoga Alliance and the International Association of Yoga Therapists, and is on the teaching faculty for Vista Yoga’s 200 and 300hr YTT. She teaches online yoga philosophy groups, regular workshops, and can be found each week in her local Atlanta studio teaching general accessible classes and advanced yoga asana. She lives in Atlanta with her partner, two children, and many pets; you can find her outside or in the pool when she’s not in the studio, and she is happy when she’s learning something new.
Trish Ahjel Roberts, Consulting Editor, African American Issues ✉️
Trish Ahjel Roberts started writing for Natural Awakenings – Atlanta in 2019. She is a Self-Actualization & Diversity Coach, Happiness Expert and Inspirational Speaker. She is the founder of Mind-Blowing Happiness LLC and Black Vegan Life™️.
Trish was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY and holds an MBA from Long Island University. She is the author of three self-help books: the e-book, Mind-Blowing Happiness™️ Guide to Self-Care; the self-help memoir, Thinking Outside the Chrysalis: A Black Woman’s Guide to Spreading Her Wings; and the inspirational journal, 12 Steps to Mind-Blowing Happiness: A Journal of Insights, Quotes & Questions to Juice Up Your Journey. She is also the author of the #sexyfunnysmart novel, Chocolate Soufflé.
Trish is a #1 Amazon bestseller with endorsements from Jack Canfield, Marci Shimoff and Iyanla Vanzant. She has over a decade of Buddhist study and yoga experience. She is a certified life coach, registered yoga and meditation instructor and certified reiki practitioner. When she’s not writing, coaching or practicing yoga, Trish loves running and hiking on Atlanta’s many roads and trails. ~ For more information: TrishAhjelRoberts.com.
Rick Baldwin, Staff Writer ✉️
Rick Baldwin is an Atlanta-based fine artist, humorous illustrator, and writer, originally from Knoxville, Tennessee. With an extensive background in performance art, he has worked as an actor, director, scenic artist, stand-up comedian, and storyteller. His talent in editorial cartooning has earned him three SPJ Golden Press Card Awards of Excellence. Currently, he hosts The Outta Toon Podcast, a solo show where he shares his unique perspective on art, humor, and life.
For over 50 years, Rick has been a licensed and ordained spiritual practitioner, offering guidance to those seeking deeper understanding and peace. Rooted in mystical Christianity, metaphysics, non-duality, and meditation, his practice is influenced by Joel Goldsmith’s Infinite Way and Eckhart Tolle’s Power of Now. He provides meditation and spiritual counsel to those who seek it.
To learn more, visit www.stillandchill.com.
