About Us

The Patricia Jane Russell Collective

The PJR has two main goals. The first includes helping victims leave abuse safely (a victim of domestic violence is 75% more likely to die in the 2 years following leaving an abusive relationship than if they had stayed 1 ) in conjunction with law enforcement as well as other local non-profits and shelters. Further, we aim to equip those effected with job skills and opportunities (if necessary), assist them with the application of government aid (if necessary), and provide financial support both for legal counsel, especially in the instance of divorce, as well as financial support and referrals for various healing modalities including, but not limited to therapy, so that they not only don’t re-enter the previous abusive relationship, but also do not continue on to create a new system of abuse within a different relationship. Instead, our hope is that victims are successful in creating a new life of health for themselves and that of their future generations.

Our second goal includes more long-term vision, as we continue to grow. Since it is statistically likely that the perpetrators of abuse were once victims themselves, we aim to help perpetrators find healing as well, albeit through more indirect means than those stated above. Through writing, publishing, speaking, and other media engagement, we hope to shift larger cultural narratives from ones that perpetuate violence (such as power, control/dominance, and invulnerability), to ones that cultivate healing (such as vulnerability, empathy, true kindness, and growth).

Executive Director

Elizabeth Land

Granddaughter of Patricia Jane, our Founder and Executive Director finds her life’s work, outside of being a mother, in helping others. She’s passionate about doing justice in our world, specifically through healing the narratives of violence in our society. She makes no peace with oppression, but hopes instead to *create* peace through speaking truth into our systems of injustice and most importantly into ourselves, so that we may nurture more sustainable futures both within us as well as our environments and for generations to come.

She has a Bachelors of Arts in Religious Studies (world religions) with a minor in Psychology from Millsaps College in Jackson, MS (2013) and a Masters of Theological Studies with a concentration in Spirituality and Social Activism from Vanderbilt Divinity School in Nashville, TN (2020). Although her background is in the study of religion and theology, The PJR is ecumenical and interfaith and would be honored and humbled to serve those of any faith, or no faith. Our mission is not to proselytize or evangelize, but to serve.

When she’s not discussing business, keeping books, managing finances, or cultivating healing and growth with the members of The PJR Collective, she can be found hiking, doing yoga, and cooking with her son. Or reading, meditating, and studying which not only feels like a privilege to be able to do, but also leads to an overwhelming drive to share and write, which is a passion that having a desire to learn and to cultivate newness in oneself seems wont to do. The work of The PJR is a lifetime (and generations) in the making and she feels incredibly privileged, honored, and humbled to bear witness to the work that The Collective, and each of its members, are doing in the world.

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Board President

Andrea Parham

Andrea serves as board President of The PJR Collective. She is passionate about helping others achieve their dreams and live their fullest life. She is incredibly honored to be able to serve at The PJR Collective to be an advocate, promote healing, and help others transcend to new heights never thought possible.

Andrea has a bachelor of arts degree in Fine Art and Art History from University of Alabama Huntsville (2013) and works in finance. She enjoys spending time with her family, painting, printmaking, home renovation projects, and traveling. She finds tranquility and great healing in nature and enjoys any activity that gets her outdoors, such as hiking, camping, and kayaking.

Vice President

Carolyn Brasel

Carolyn Brasel’s career focuses on healing the body and spirit, through hands-on bodywork and compassionate presence. She works as a Licensed Massage Therapist, specializing in energy work as a Reiki Master Teacher. She has also worked as a hospice chaplain, providing spiritual support for patients and their families. Carolyn has a Master of Arts in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. She currently lives in Nashville, TN with her husband, their four daughters, and her husband’s hound dog.

Secretary

Ali Noskowiak

Ali serves as Board Secretary for The PJR and is dedicated to helping others find their freedom and peace.

She has a Bachelors of Science in Advertising and Public Relations from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She is an expert in marketing and social media, which she uses as an area manager for a National Luxury Spirits Group, along with her own very successful social media presence.

When she’s not managing her own career aspirations or serving on the Board, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband and two children in their home, nestled just outside of Nashville, TN.

info@thepjrcollective.org

(256) 203-3787

PO Box 111 Huntsville, AL 35804

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