ABOUT US
The Port Townsend Psychedelic Society was founded in June 2019 with a simple but powerful belief: that plant medicine deserves a place in our community's conversation about health, healing, and human potential. What began as a local gathering of curious, passionate people has grown into a movement that has reshaped local policy. PTPS initially formed in response to Denver and Oakland each passing resolutions achieving local de facto decriminalization of natural psychedelics in their respective cities. Inspired by these movements, Rebecca Elatiki and Erin Reading independently reached out to Decriminalize Nature in Oakland for guidance in achieving something similar in this area and were thus connected with one another. Together, they initially focused on advocacy work towards passing resolutions, but realized that increased access also means increased responsibility as a community.
We quickly began bringing local decriminalization resolutions to city and county officials. The response from our community was immediate and growing. Our resolutions have now been adopted by the Jefferson County Board of Health, the County Commissioners, and the Port Townsend City Council. That milestone belongs to every community member, advocate, and official who believed change was possible.
As the organization grew, the need for support and infrastructure increased. In January of 2024, the leadership council formed to help guide and steer the organization. Later that year, we were fiscally sponsored by Restoring Lifeways, so we are now a fiscally sponsored 501c3 non-profit under their umbrella.
Our Fiscal Sponsor
Our Fiscal Sponsor, Restoring Lifeways, provides interpersonal and spiritual support for community leadership by promoting both traditional and emergent forms of cultural healing and regeneration. They believe that community and culture-rooted projects and dreams deserve to flourish on their own terms. We are grateful to them for guidance and support, as they are weaving us into a larger network of other culture-building organizations, and providing a pathway to receive tax deductible donations through fiscal sponsorship.
It’s become clear that in order for this organization to be sustainable, we need to have at least one paid position. We are hoping to be able to return in 2027 with funds in place to support this vision. If PTPS has played a meaningful role in your life and you’d like to support our work going forward, please consider making a tax deductible donation through Restoring Lifeways.
Meet Our Leadership council
Our Leadership Council consists of five local members; for the past 2.5 years we have met monthly to brainstorm opportunities for streamlining and growth. Members include:
Shanna Ahrens is a Clinical Mental Health Counseling student with a focus on integration and holistic approaches to trauma healing. She previously practiced as a kambo facilitator for over five years, an experience that continues to inform her perspective on altered states and embodied healing. Since 2020, she has lived on the Olympic Peninsula where she draws inspiration from the mountains and the sea.
Rebecca Elatiki is a PNW based singer, ceremonialist, and the co-founder of the Port Townsend Psychedelic Society. With a deep respect for culture, ritual, and the exploration of visionary plant medicines, her work lies at the intersection of music, transformation, and ancestral healing.
Andy Fischer-Price is a peninsula based musician and ceremonialist who is profoundly grateful to the healing potential of psychedelics. In addition to his work as a full time musician, he is passionate about meditation, shadow work and relational dynamics.
Erin Reading is co-founder of the Port Townsend Psychedelic Society and co-director of REACH WA, the Responsible Entheogen Access and Community Healing Coalition. Having witnessed the powerful healing and awakening potential of psychedelics in herself and so many others, she deeply believes everyone should have the basic right to these experiences.
Kelly Weld, MFT, is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and consultant. For over 20 years, she has been supporting individuals and families through various modalities, including psychedelic integration. Based in Port Hadlock, Kelly is in love with the Chimacum valley and all it offers.