About our Work.

The purpose of The Epicenter is to empower people. We envision a world in which every person lives up to their full potential.

Our work empowers people to question, explore, and connect with themselves, each other, and nature with true curiosity and joy. Through mindfulness practices, artistic self-expression, and by creating a space free of judgment and full of freedom and trust, The Epicenter provides students with a unique experience of self-exploration and self-discovery. This experience calms, centers, and grounds students.

We offer sessions (classes) in California and Michigan and will begin holding sessions in 2024 at our retreat (coming soon). 

We primarily work with students ages 7 - 22, and the parents and teachers who support them. Together we are transforming ourselves, our relationship with each other, and the planet. We are The Epicenter.

About Our Team.

Connor Maliesky is tough to fit into a single box. A mechanical engineer and artist, a makerspace guru and meditation leader, a community creator and solo adventurer, a rugby player and sensitive listener. He is happiest creating community spaces that feel like a home for all who inhabit them. He loves wood, particularly things made from it that allow him to make cool sounds or travel over land at high speeds. Connor brings his open heart to The Epicenter community.

A more practical translation: Connor graduated from the University of San Diego in 2018 with a BA/BS in mechanical engineering and a minor in mathematics. He worked in the engineering field for the next three years by day while aiding in the formation of an online spiritual community with a former Buddhist professor by night. During this time he wrote daily reflections, led meditation groups, and aided in guiding participants through retreats both online and at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, CA. He then decided to honor his creativity and desire to work with people by becoming the community director at an art-centered makerspace. It was during this time he realized the value of combining self-reflective practices with the creative process of an artist. 
Allison Paradise is the founder and CEO of The Epicenter and author of the children's book The Mistake. Prior to founding The Epicenter, Allison was the founder and former CEO of My Green Lab, a non-profit organization with a mission to create a culture of sustainability through science. Under her leadership, My Green Lab became a global leader that transformed the life sciences industry. Allison worked as a research scientist and imaging consultant before founding My Green Lab. Allison holds degrees in neuroscience from Brown and Harvard. She is a frequent keynote speaker and in 2019 was invited to give a TED talk about her work in sustainability.​

Read Allison's full bio.