Meet the People Powering a Neuroscience-Informed Movement for Healing

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Why We Exist

The FIORIA Institute exists at the powerful intersection of neuroscience, visual storytelling, and emotional transformation. With a mission rooted in research and a heart for human connection, we are pioneering a new path toward healing and personal breakthrough. Meet the visionaries, partners, and advisors behind the movement—and discover how the FIORIA Method is helping people step into their greatness.

Meet the Founders

A man in a suit pointing toward the camera with a confident smile.
A woman with dark, wavy hair laughing and clutching her stomach, wearing a colorful, patterned top against a green background.

Brian Tausend
co-founder

me ra koh
director, co-founder

a legacy of storytelling and impact

At the heart of the FIORIA Institute are husband and wife co-founders Me Ra Koh and Brian Tausend—visionary storytellers, internationally recognized educators, and pioneers in the field where neuroscience and photography converge.

Me Ra and Brian’s work has been featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Live with Kelly & Mark, and in The New York Times. Me Ra has published six published books, and together they have served as influential voices in the photography industry for over 17 years. In 2007, Me Ra made history as one of the first two women photographers ever to be sponsored by Sony.

With over two decades of experience as a master photographer, Me Ra has helped thousands of individuals and families see themselves in a new light. Her ability to draw out confidence and clarity through the camera lens is both an art and a neuroscience-informed practice. Alongside her, Brian brings a background in film, lighting design, storytelling, and transformational coaching, ensuring every experience is grounded in intentionality, excellence, and emotional safety.

Together, Me Ra and Brian developed the FIORIA Photography Method—a proprietary, neuroscience-informed process that helps rewire the brain, release emotional blockages, and awaken a renewed sense of self. Their work continues to reach audiences and clients around the world.

Me Ra Koh wearing a colorful, floral dress is speaking on stage with a microphone. Behind her, there is a large projected portrait image of a young girl and her brother in close-up.

Speaking Truth into the World

Me Ra is an international speaker, delivering keynotes to corporations, women’s leadership conferences, healthcare institutions, and creative industry events.

She speaks on the power of neuroscience-informed storytelling, visual identity, emotional healing, and how we help people rise into their greatness.

meet our research advisor

Sefanie Faye, neuroscientist and speaker, wearing a red sweater, sitting outdoors in a snowy park with trees in the background.

Stefanie Faye
Neuroscience Specialist and Educator

Informed by Science, Led with Heart

The FIORIA Institute is proud to be advised by Stefanie Faye, a renowned neuroscience educator, researcher, and speaker. Stefanie has worked with institutions such as Google, the U.S. Department of Defense, and international schools and universities. She also hosts one of the most popular neuroscience podcasts, The Mindset Neuroscience Podcast, where she shares insights on brain plasticity, trauma, resilience, and human potential. Her deep expertise in neural development, cognitive function, and trauma-informed education brings scientific rigor and depth to our research. Stefanie collaborates closely with Me Ra and Brian to ensure the FIORIA Method remains rooted in measurable neuroscience while continuing to evolve with leading-edge insights.

Behind every Rising Phoenix Experience and case study is a trained, heart-centered team of professionals who guide, support, and document each participant’s journey. From emotional prep calls to in-session support and post-experience follow-up, our team ensures each step is tailored to meet the individual exactly where they are.

A Small but Mighty Team

This dedicated team is further supported by our passionate and experienced Board of Directors and Advisory Board—leaders in the fields of psychology, education, philanthropy, media, and trauma healing. Together, they help steward the vision, growth, and integrity of our mission: to bring the healing power of the FIORIA Photography Method to those who need it most.

Executive coach and consultant, Misty deMelo, is smiling while holding glasses in her right hand, wearing a light blue blazer against a blue background.


  • BOARD MEMBER

    With over 30 years of experience in executive leadership, nonprofit management, and organizational consulting, Misty brings a deep well of insight and clarity to her role as a FIORIA Board member. Her leadership journey has included roles such as Executive Pastor and Executive Director, giving her a rare blend of hands-on expertise and strategic vision in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors.

    Misty is a certified Master Professional Coach and holds additional certifications in change management and project management. Whether she’s supporting personal growth or guiding organizations through transformational change, her focus is always on empowering people to reach their fullest potential.

    Grounded in strong values and deep relational commitment, Misty and her husband James have built a loving marriage of over 34 years. They’ve raised three daughters and now enjoy the joy of grandchildren and time with family. Whether coaching leaders, contributing in the boardroom, or unwinding on beach getaways, Misty brings wisdom, warmth, and a steady presence to everything she does.

Professional woman with wavy brown hair smiling at camera, wearing a beige blazer, white shirt, and pearl necklace, against a gray background.


  • BOARD MEMBER

    Katie Singleton is the first of her family as an immigrant to get a college education from the University of Washington with a focus on computer science. Katie worked as a Development Manager for Microsoft. She moved to Houston where she met her husband Van and helped supported him in growing Matador Resources, one of the top 25 gas and oil companies in America. 

    Her calling is to spread God’s message to help the plight of less fortunate people with their turning point moment. As a stay-at-home mom, she served on the PTA, Booster Club, volunteered as a guest reader, and chaperoned many field trips. As her children got older, she formed her own nonprofit to serve the Lord and her community, called Community 75. Katie has helped single moms find hope, helped keep small businesses open and helped the Gold Star Families Memorial. She sat on the board of the Dallas Heart Association and Foundation for CHOICE, which focuses on helping low-income students graduate from high school and go on to college.

Whether you’re here to support the research, sponsor a Rising Phoenix, or become part of our growing professional network, we invite you to be part of something truly pioneering.

it’s more than a mission

It’s a neuroscience-informed breakthrough in healing—empowering individuals to rewire the brain, rediscover their strength, and ignite the kind of personal greatness that multiplies across families, communities, and generations.