THE ORGANIZATION
BUILT FOR THE CONVERSATION ALREADY HAPPENING.
North Node was founded in Minnesota as a nonprofit educational organization to create resources, programs and conversations that support greater psychedelic literacy.
Our work includes public education, professional education, community programming and collaboration with healthcare and community organizations.
We do not provide medical care or replace an individual's healthcare team.
THE PEOPLE
BEHIND THE WORK.
MAGGIE KIRKWOOD
Founder & Creator
Maggie is a Certified Psychedelic Practitioner, creative director, entrepreneur, and creator and host of Minds on Mushrooms. Her work brings together psychedelic education, emerging science, contemplative practice, and lived experience to help make conversations around psychedelics and expanded states more informed, accessible, and grounded.
Through North Node, she is focused on advancing psychedelic literacy and building stronger connections between individuals, communities, and the professionals who care for them.
ANGIE FOX DAHLOF
Founding Partner & Executive Director
Angie is a facilitator, health integration coach, entrepreneur, and former advertising executive with decades of experience in leadership, collaboration, and building ideas into practice. Her work is informed by her own healing journey and grounded in compassion, somatic awareness, and the belief that meaningful change requires thoughtful integration.
As Executive Director of North Node, Angie helps translate the organization’s mission into education, partnerships, programming, and community initiatives that support greater understanding and more informed engagement with psychedelics and expanded states.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
GUIDED BY
THE MISSION.
North Node™ is governed by a Board of Directors committed to the integrity, stewardship, and long-term vision of the organization.
✦
MAGGIE KIRKWOOD
Founder · Board Member
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✦
ANGIE FOX DAHLOF
Founding Partner · Executive Director ·
Board Member
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✦
WILLIAM HARDCASTLE
Board Member
ADVISORY BOARD
JENNIFER LAKE, M.D.
Medical Advisor
Jennifer Lake, MD is a board-certified family physician with additional training in Integrative and Holistic Medicine. She is passionate about whole-person care, combining conventional medicine with evidence-informed integrative approaches to support lasting health and wellbeing. Dr. Lake has a special interest in emerging psychedelic therapies and their potential role in addressing depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other treatment-resistant mental health conditions through responsible, research-informed care.
BYRON EMMONS
Mycology Advisor
Byron Emmons is a Minnesota-raised mycologist and founder of Elevated Mycology. Passionate about making mushroom cultivation more accessible, he is dedicated to advancing education around functional mushrooms and their potential to support mental health and overall wellbeing. Byron believes the future of the mushroom industry is built on sound science, honest education, and strong community. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family and exploring the outdoors through camping and hiking.
DR. MEGAN ELLERSON
Clinical Education Advisor
Dr. Megan Ellerson is a leader in clinical education and healthcare innovation, with expertise in experiential learning, simulation-based training, and emerging technologies that enhance patient care. She is passionate about advancing evidence-informed education and creating learning environments that foster curiosity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. As a member of the North Node Advisory Board, Dr. Ellerson brings a thoughtful perspective on healthcare education, innovation, and the responsible integration of emerging approaches to human wellbeing.
WILLIAM HARDCASTLE
Human Connection Advisor
William is an entrepreneur, speaker, and founder of WannaHug, a movement dedicated to fostering human connection, belonging, and intentional growth. Following a life-changing injury, he embarked on a journey of healing that reshaped his understanding of resilience, consciousness, and human potential. Through lived experience, thoughtful inquiry, and a passion for education, William brings a grounded perspective to North Node, helping advance compassionate, evidence-informed conversations about healing, connection, and personal transformation.