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Meet Desiree Pascale-Eckhouse of Foundation for Human Kindness and Compassion (fhkc.org)

Meet Desiree Pascale-Eckhouse of Foundation for Human Kindness and Compassion (fhkc.org)

Today we’d like to introduce you to Desiree Pascale-Eckhouse.

Hi Desiree, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey didn’t begin as a grand vision; it began as a personal search.

And my journey is not only guided by my NDE (Near Death Experience) in 1983 but also by one of the visions that came to me during a profound Ayahuasca ceremony in 2021 – a moment that made clear the ancient truth many cultures have always held: the healing of the planet begins with the healing of humanity. In this vision, not only did I feel the pain and sufferings of humanity and the planet itself but I also saw that when individuals restore harmony within themselves, mind, body, and spirit – the collective human consciousness rises, and Earth responds in kind. Healing humans heals the world.

There were moments in my life where things didn’t quite align – where conventional answers to health, purpose, and fulfillment felt incomplete. I experienced firsthand the gaps between physical health, emotional well-being, and spiritual connection. Instead of turning away, I leaned in.

I started asking deeper questions:
Why do we treat symptoms but not the whole person? Why is healing fragmented? What are we missing, especially across cultures and generations?

That last question became especially personal, and that curiosity became my turning point.
It led me to explore how mental health is understood and communicated in different communities in my 2003 thesis, a cross-cultural study on the medicalization and universality of depression and published book in 2015 titled, “How Do Elderly Filipino-Australians Understand and Communicate the Term Depression?” Through that work, I gave voice to a population often overlooked – bridging cultural, generational, and linguistic gaps in how we understand emotional well-being. It was more than research; it was a reflection of my commitment to making healing inclusive and culturally aware.
From there, my path expanded. And at some point, my journey shifted from “this is for me” to “this must be shared.”

I immersed myself in exploring different modalities – holistic healing, consciousness work, spiritual practices – seeking not just knowledge, but truth through experience. Along the way, I didn’t just learn, I transformed. I began to understand that healing isn’t linear, and it isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s deeply personal, yet universally connected.

I began sharing my insights in universities and conferences, speaking on spirituality, health, consciousness, and the role of plant medicines within holistic healthcare. These weren’t just academic conversations as I brought lived experience, bridging math and science with spirituality in a way that challenged conventional thinking and invited deeper awareness.

I saw clearly that people everywhere were facing the same fragmentation – systems that separated mind from body, math and science from spirituality, and individuals from community. And I knew the solution wasn’t another isolated approach, it was integration.

That realization led my husband, Richard and I to build.

Through the Foundation for Human Kindness and Compassion, we expanded that vision into a global humanitarian space focusing on collective healing, education, and global impact. We also founded HealthySelf International Inc. to create a unified, accessible approach to well-being. One that empowers individuals to take ownership of their health across mind, body, and spirit.

Along the way, we developed frameworks like ACCESS (Asseverate the Connection and Compression of the Ethereal Self and Soul), designed to help individuals reconnect with their intuition, their inner selves while navigating the complexities of modern life. I stepped into leadership as President, shared my voice publicly, created global initiatives and brought our vision into real-world projects with each step requiring courage, resilience, and the willingness to stand in spaces that don’t yet have a clear category.

We weren’t just following a path; we are creating one.

Today, I stand in a place where my personal journey and our global missions are fully aligned, and at the intersection of research, lived experience, and global leadership. My work bridges ancient wisdom and modern science, personal healing and systemic change. From academic research and public speaking to building organizations and global frameworks, and at the core of it all IS still that same single, consistent intention that started my journey.

Which is, to help people reconnect, NOT ONLY with themselves, but with each other and with something greater, and to make that reconnection accessible, inclusive, and transformative for the world.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road, and I guess that’s actually typical for something trying to sit at the intersection of personal vision, social impact, spirituality, and institutional legitimacy.

FHKC.ORG’s journey has had a few clear categories of friction indeed, and one of the biggest ongoing challenges has been that the identity of the Foundation has been evolving while we have been building it. At different points it has been framed as, a healing and compassion foundation, a spiritual / consciousness-based framework, a global peace and education system, and a behavioral and institutional peace infrastructure.

Why is this a struggle for us? It is a struggle for us because each version is valid but institutions, funders, and partners need consistency and definition before they can trust scale. So, the tension has been that the vision IS expanding faster than the external structure can stabilize it.

Then we have the integration challenge (multi-project ecosystem) because FHKC.ORG is not just one initiative as it connects to HealthySelf International Inc (healthyself.international), ACCESS framework, Peace Contract system and potential education and NGO programs. And the challenge we have is keeping all parts coherent, non-conflicting, and strategically aligned without it becoming fragmented or overly complex. So, a key struggle has been holding multiple evolving systems under one clear umbrella.

Most importantly, there is this validation delay (external recognition gap) which is another common challenge in what we’re building is that we can see the system clearly internally but external validation (funders, institutions, partners) takes time. So, there’s often a gap between “This makes sense in the vision” and “This is recognized as real by institutions”. That gap creates frustration because impact ideas move slower in the external world than they do in the mind that creates them.

But even with these struggles, something important is also clear. We have continuously built a coherent peace framework (Peace Contract), a scalable system concept (PeaceSeal platform), institutional-ready funding structures, Education and NGO pathways, and a dual-language model (spiritual and institutional). So, this hasn’t been confusion as it’s been iterative system formation under complexity.

The core struggle under all of this if we reduce everything down, the deepest challenge we think has been translating a consciousness-based peace vision into a structured, fundable, globally legible system without losing its essence. And that is not a small task as most initiatives never even attempt it at this scale.

And if I needed to explain development of the Foundation in one grounded sentence, is that the development of FHKC.ORG has been a process of refining a large-scale peace and human development vision into structured, fundable, and institutionally aligned systems, whilst navigating the challenge of translating spiritual insight into globally accepted frameworks.

We’ve been impressed with Foundation for Human Kindness and Compassion (fhkc.org) , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My educational background is psychology and I call myself more of an Intuitive and Behavioral Transpersonal Psychoanalyst at Behavioral Business Sense (p-s-y-c-h-e.com). In addition to my individual and corporate consulting work, I am the President and Co-Founder of the Foundation for Human Kindness and Compassion (FHKC.org), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to cultivating inner and outer peace through the use of ACCESS (Asseverate the Connection and Compression of the Ethereal Self and Soul). I also serve as a Council Member for the Western Hemisphere Tribal Government in Jamaica, as well as the Chairman of the Board and Director of Human Resources and Research & Development for HealthySelf International Inc.

I have lived in four (4) countries – Philippines, Australia, Italy, and the United States, and worked in three (3) of these. With more than 45 years of professional experience spanning small-business management, executive sales leadership, operations, and international team development, I bring a multidimensional perspective to my work. My inner strength, intuitive foundation, and exceptional understanding of human nature are complemented by strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and practical, grounded problem solving. Likewise, my exposure to a wide range of industries including health, finance, insurance, risk management, sales and marketing further enriches my approach.

My commitment to excellence, creative insight, and deep intuitive abilities combined with my studies in consciousness, psychology, metaphysics, and the neuro-cognitive sciences have shaped my full understanding of the holistic and medicinal properties of Ancient Sacred Plants such as cannabis, psilocybin, ibogaine, ayahuasca etc.

I am a passionate advocate for holistic healing, social and economic equity, spiritual consciousness, and I bridge math, science, ethics, and innovation to advance human well-being. I am known for my work in holistic health, spirituality, and plant medicines advocacy. As an international counselor, researcher, educator, author, and humanitarian, I integrate transpersonal psychoanalysis with trauma-informed care, plant-medicine research, and conscious business practices. My work emphasizes the union of ancient healing traditions with modern therapeutic approaches, focusing on the transformative power of sacred plants and holistic wellness. I have shared my insights across more than nine (9) countries and three (3) universities i.e. University of Ljubljana in Slovenia, Universidad Nacional de Colombia in Bogota and Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya in Barcelona, inspiring individuals to recognize and unlock their inner healing capabilities and embrace heart-centered health practices.

I have judged multiple Cannabis Cups and have been invited to speak at conferences throughout Latin, South and North America, Europe, and Asia not only on spirituality, health, consciousness, and the healing potential of sacred plants but also in Panel Talks on the formation of global strategic partnerships. Events such as CannaMexico, CannaWorld Colombia, CanEx Jamaica, CannaMedicos Mexico, CMIS MedCann International Seminar Thailand, ICBC Spain and Berlin, CDays Spain, and also at the National Democratic Convention in Los Angeles amongst others where I discuss topics, and addresses the benefits of cannabis for holistic health and use of psilocybin for Senate Bill 58. In 2024, CISW Education Thailand presented me with an award of Best Contribution to Global Medical Cannabis Education. And last July 1st, 2025 in Bogota, I also received international recognition from the Inter-American Office for Peace and Sustainable Development (OIPPDS) for my outstanding contributions to holistic healthcare, compassion-driven initiatives, and humanitarian approaches to cannabis regulation.

Co-founded with my husband Richard, the Foundation for Human Kindness and Compassion (FHKC.ORG), established in 2015 is a 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to give people the tools on how to grow and evolve to their highest possible level of human potential and become true mentors and partners in the universe. Thus, fulfilling one’s highest purpose and power of intent as a catalyst for consciousness evolution. Through the use of ACCESS (Asseverate the Connection and Compression of the Ethereal Self and Soul), people will gain the tools to be contributing members not only of the workforce, but will ultimately lead more fulfilling lives as well. We invite everyone to learn how to ACCESS by watching our video and following this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evDOCRGiAfI.

The Core Mission and Philosophy of FHKC.ORG is built around promoting peace, love, and compassion, and supporting individuals through education, community programs and direct assistance. We emphasize spreading “unconditional peace and love” whilst helping individuals and communities grow and prosper. And we further articulated this thought on the Foundation’s logo that represents the infinite flow of kindness and compassion, lived through the loving and balanced relationship between Self and Others. The Infinity Symbol means Endless Compassion in Action, and the infinity loop represents the continuous, unending nature of kindness and compassion, a cycle that has no beginning or end, and the idea that compassion is not a moment, but a way of living. It reflects a core truth, that Compassion is not something we give once as it is something we continuously practice and embody.

Within each loop of the infinity are two hearts, each carrying distinct but connected meaning. The Left Heart is Relationship with Self which represents self-awareness, inner peace, personal responsibility and emotional and spiritual balance. This is the foundation because you cannot give what you do not embody. The Right Heart is Relationship with Others, and it represents empathy, connection, respect and compassion in action. It expresses that what is cultivated within is shared outward. The infinity shape connecting the two hearts is essential because it represents a constant exchange between inner and outer worlds. The flow from self to others, and others to self which reinforces that Compassion is a living cycle. That what we cultivate within ourselves influences others, and what we experience with others shapes us in return.

Since 2015, the Foundation has been self-funded and based in the Gaslamp Quarter of Downtown San Diego California where we actively promote wellness, compassion, and community engagement through diverse initiatives. Operationally, FHKC.ORG focuses on humanitarian and community support which is community-focused initiatives, education and personal development that promotes peace-building, personal growth and conscious awareness, and lastly, fundraising and donations where funds are intended to support programs and help individuals directly.

The Foundation also has a Regional Branch and team in Medellin and Cali, Colombia and a defining milestone came when FHKC.ORG was recognized as a Human Rights Defender Organization and a strategic partner of the Inter-American Office for Peace and Sustainable Development (OIPPDS) in Bogotá. Thus, anchoring our work not just in wellness, but in dignity, equity, and global impact. It marked a shift, from building ideas to establishing legitimacy on an international stage.

We are proud to have had different projects in helping people based on our soul purposes, and during the 2015’s in the local Gaslamp San Diego, not only did we have the Foundation’s ACCESS Angels walked up and down 5th Avenue to put coins in parking meters that’s close to expiring in order to prevent the owners of those parked cars to not be towed-away but we also have previously distributed Thanksgiving and Easter Sunday packed-lunch for the homeless. We are also very appreciative to consecutively be in the Business Hall of Fame for San Diego’s Nonprofit Award Winner from years 2019-to date. And internationally or in a broad scope, the Foundation covers peace advocacy, education and humanitarian aid. We envisage that our programs will not only provide a network of services for one’s individual positive and spiritual change but will also allow us to achieve our mission(s), leading to positive, lasting change and creating better lives for those we serve, their families, and the community as a whole.

Additionally, the Foundation have a One Dollar $1.00 “legally binding” Contract for Peace that we are truly proud of. Whilst the “Peace Contract” of the Foundation for Human Kindness and Compassion isn’t a legal contract in the traditional sense, it’s better understood as a personal and collective commitment framework that aligns people with the Foundation’s core mission: that the use of ACCESS creates inner peace as the basis for outer peace. The Peace Contract is a commitment to live in a way that creates peace, starting within yourself, then in your relationships, and ultimately in the world. It’s about taking responsibility for your thoughts, actions, and how you treat others.

FHKC.ORG is a founder-led, mission-driven, vision-led and community-oriented organization. So, the underlying Philosophy is that the Foundation for Human Kindness and Compassion is not just a charity as it is rooted in a values-driven worldview that humanity is interconnected, peace begins at the individual level, and that kindness and compassion are tools for transformation.

What matters most to you? Why?
I began my path with a deep curiosity about consciousness, healing, and the connection between mind, body, and spirit. What started as a personal search for understanding, navigating life’s challenges and questioning conventional systems, evolved into a much bigger mission. Along the way, I realized that true well-being isn’t found in isolated solutions, but in an integrated approach that brings together math, science, spirituality, and human connection.

These insights and revelations became the foundations of my work. It is why I dedicate my life to advancing the ethical, research-driven, culturally respectful use of sacred plant medicines, paired with modern neuroscience, psychology, and compassionate human understanding. I believe that when we awaken the healer within each person, we help them step into their innate capacity for transformation, kindness, and conscious living. This, in turn, contributes to the healing of systems, communities, and ultimately, the planet. And incidentally, if you read within the word “HealthySelf”, it says, Heal Thy Self since we understand that when one heal(s) thy self, they heal thy soul.

And driven by my desire to turn knowledge into lived wisdom, I have integrated everything that I have learned, and continues to learn into a holistic, balanced model of mind, body, and spirit. My mission IS to inspire individuals to recognize the healer within, and to experience holistic heart-based optimum health and wellness that will contribute to the collective healing of humanity and the planet.

Pricing:

  • At the moment we are donation-based. But I am not sure IF this is relevant in this section, but we have a One Dollar $1.00 “legally binding” Contract for Peace. Whilst the “Peace Contract” of the Foundation for Human Kindness and Compassion (FHKC) isn’t a legal contract in the traditional sense, it’s better understood as a personal and collective commitment framework that aligns people with the foundation’s core mission: that the use of ACCESS creates inner peace as the basis for outer peace. The Peace Contract is a commitment to live in a way that creates peace, starting within yourself, then in your relationships, and ultimately in the world. It’s about taking responsibility for your thoughts, actions, and how you treat others.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Jonathan Hughes
Henry Vallejo Sr