The faces and hearts behind our mission: Board Members and Volunteers

Mikkel Aaland is an award-winning photographer, author of Sweat (1978), and host of the Perfect Sweat documentary series (2024). He is an honorary member of the International Sauna Association (ISA) and the British Sauna Society, and he serves on the board of the Norwegian Sauna Association (Badstulaug). Mikkel is also the co-founder of Sauna Aid, contributing his passion and expertise to the global sauna community. He splits his time between San Francisco, USA, and Telemark, Norway.

Risto Elomaa, born in Helsinki, Finland, has been immersed in sauna culture since infancy. His passion for sauna led him to establish a sauna club at age 14 and pursue sauna research inspired by Professor Niilo Teeri. As President of the International Sauna Association (ISA) since 2010, Risto has been instrumental in organizing International Sauna Congresses and advocating for the global promotion of sauna culture, including UNESCO recognition of Finnish sauna traditions. He also supports humanitarian efforts through Sauna Aid and is committed to expanding sauna research and innovation worldwide.

Mary Bemis is a spa and wellness pioneer, widely recognized for her contributions to spa journalism and advocacy. She is the Founder and Editorial Director of InsidersGuidetoSpas.com and previously launched American Spa and Organic Spa magazines. A recipient of numerous accolades, including the International Spa Association’s Dedicated Contributor Award, Mary serves as a Special Advisor to Global Wellness Day and the Balneology Association of North America. As Secretary for Sauna Aid, Mary combines her deep knowledge of spa culture with her commitment to health and well-being.

Robert Hammond is the President & Chief Strategy Officer of Therme Group US, leading efforts to develop large-scale bathing facilities in the United States. He is best known as the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the High Line in New York City, transforming an abandoned railway into an iconic public park. Robert has received numerous national and international awards for his work and currently serves on the boards of Sauna Aid, Little Island, and the San Antonio Museum of Art. He is dedicated to merging wellness, art, and environmental stewardship in his projects.

Wendy Liu is an architect, artist, and wellbeing advocate who merges arts, culture, and wellness in her work. She is a Co-Founder and Board Member of the British Sauna Society, where she leads Arts and Culture programs. Wendy has nearly 800 hours of training in meditation, yoga, and qigong, and she is also a certified freediving judge with AIDA. Based in London, Wendy is passionate about addressing global challenges through the integration of creativity and sauna culture.

Martha Lackritz-Peltier is the General Counsel at TechSoup Global, where she oversees compliance and legal operations for international nonprofit organizations. A graduate of Brown University and UC Berkeley Law School, Martha has been recognized as the American Bar Association’s 2019 Outstanding Young Nonprofit Attorney. She contributes her expertise to Sauna Aid as pro bono nonprofit counsel, ensuring legal and ethical standards are met as the organization expands its humanitarian impact.