Board of Directors

Barbara DeFranco

Executive Director

In 1971 Barbara came to Hawaii as a midwife and dedicated her life to the many facets of Peace and Harmony. During the past 55 years, Barbara DeFranco has participated in various Buddhist centers throughout the Islands. She is the primary visionary and founder of Paleaku Gardens Peace Sanctuary and is the current President and Executive Director. As a landscape designer, community facilitator, and skilled writer she continues in the development of the garden by listening deeply to the visions from friends and the Aina (the Land) itself. As a design consultant the shares in the financial support of Paleaku by managing the Indich Collection Hawaiian rug store. She is a past chair of Kona Community Development Committee where she served for 4 years and past chair of the Leeward Planning Commission where she served for
5 years. She is a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Barbara is devoted to the betterment of our environment, and our communities, and to the ever-evolving spirit of humanity.

Patricia Ellis

Director

We celebrate the life of Trish Ellis April 7,1947 to November 22, 2025. Her invaluable commitment as a board member over the past 30 years, sharing her many skills, provided the support for the gardens continual expansion. She traveled the world helping children by carrying the message of Dr. Jerry Jampolsky and the programs of the Attitudinal Healing Center. She was a dedicated Buddhist practitioner and a living Bodhisattva. She is the embodiment of Joy, and she spent her life serving others. She inspired many to go further, to go deeper, and to stay connected. She is deeply missed and we send our gratitude and our deepest love to her generous soul.

A beautiful statue of Quan Yin with a memory garden around her has been created at the Peace Garden for all to visit. The gentle sound of a wind chime proclaims her spacious awareness which continues to touch others.

Mariah Dodd

Director

Mariah H. Dodd, LCSW brings her skills as a grant writer, counselor, and visionary. She has worked for over 40 years in the field as a child and family counselor, school counselor, and program manager for several local non-profit agencies focused on community involvement activities for children and families.

Marie Ali

Director

As one of the original teachers of the Ridhwan School (www.ridhwan.org) Marie shares her commitment to further the common good of respect for ourselves and our planet. As an artist she uses photography, painting and art quilting to reveal the deeper significance of the inner being. She feels that the garden provides the fragile beauty that our living planet needs to wage our mission of peace and harmony.

Judith Flanders

Director

Judith has served on various civic boards and advisory committees on O’ahu before living on the Big Island. Judith recognizes Paleaku Gardens Peace Sanctuary to be a unique embodiment of deep spiritual Mana combined with spectacular natural beauty providing the South Kona Community with a gathering place for quiet contemplation, celebration, education and creative expression. She feels that a jewel such as Paleaku Gardens, as a part of our Hawaiian Island heritage, must be protected, developed and cared for.

Desiree Gaspar

Director

Desiree brings her deep commitment to the vision and mission of Paleaku. Growing up on the land she has participated in its development throughout her life. Her background as a mother, caregiver and business manager supports the Garden as it blossoms into a global destination. Her strength, compassion, and perseverance add necessary ingredients to the Garden’s future sustainability.