our people

From her first science job working in a high energy physics lab to learning how to work with energy in Aikido and Zen, Ginny has had a passion for bringing energy, mind and body together.

Kristi Crymes is an IZL instructor, head of the HEAL program, a member of the board of directors and a Chosei Zen student. When she isn’t at work as a family medicine physician and faculty at Cox Family Medicine Residency, you can find her on the virtual dojo or exploring the wilderness.

“Leaders can be both a cause and solution to many of the world’s most pressing problems as well as the everyday challenges people face in making a living and a life for themselves and their families. Supporting the growth of whole, compassionate and connected leaders is perhaps our best path to a brighter future. That’s our work at IZL.”

“There is a common perception that leaders are born and not made. I disagree. I’ve seen countless people grow into leadership through conscious effort and the hard work that IZL programs demand. The hardest work is to get people to fully inhabit their bodies and not just their heads. With all senses at play, with energy free to flow within one’s body, with emotions faced, a person is much more attuned to all the forces that surround them. When this is present, leadership becomes the work of recognizing what is true. IZL excels at developing this ability. And I want to be there when this is happening.”

“IZL and Zen practice transformed me and my abilities to promote healing for myself, others and the earth. I joined the IZL Board to amplify these benefits for others.”

“IZL & Zen help me remember who I am – who we are – and what this is all about. I joined the Board to help IZL reach more people, so they can ‘remember’ too.”

“IZL teaches us to tap into critical leadership skills in the moment they are needed and to share those skills with others with grace, love, and presence. I am honored to be part of the board and to give back to this incredible organization that has given me so much. The challenges we face are daunting, and we need to dig deep into our collective capacity to meet them with our whole selves.”