about us
We are dedicated to supporting Veterans by providing programs that may lead to meaningful lifestyle changes.
Expedition Balance is a non-profit organization (501) (C) (3)
Our activities offer a holistic, non-clinical approach to helping participants regain their sense of balance and peace of mind. These activities that have proven effective in improving brain function for those suffering the symptoms associated with combat stress and PTSD.
Our certified instructors have assisted Veterans and their family members for more than 5 years.
We offer regularly-scheduled yoga classes, as well as special events such as: hiking, kayaking, community volunteer projects, and workshops in nutrition, cooking, creative expression (art), and other activities.
Several times a year, we offer fun and healing Expeditions (outdoors retreats) for Veterans in a variety of locations.
View our 501 (C) (3) status letter here:
board of directors
Founder and Director
Carl Salazar
Navy Veteran
Houston, TX
Erik Briones
Santa Fe, NM
Dr. Edward Salazar
Air Force Veteran
London, UK
Sean Doherty
Navy Veteran
Boston, MA
Andrew D'Ambrosio
Navy Veteran
Los Angeles, CA
Louis Briones
San Francisco, CA
Dr. Sarah Kennedy
Air Force Veteran
Phoenix, AZ
Carl Salazar, Founder and Executive Director
Carl is a 1989 graduate of the US Naval Academy and an 11-year veteran of the Navy, including service aboard the USS Ford (FFG 54) while deployed in the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Shield/Storm.
He is the founder of Expedition Balance, its Executive Director, and a founding board member of the organization. Carl heads a Board of Directors committed to delivering the mission of offering aid and support to Veterans suffering from the traumas of military service, offering a variety of services that are known to increase joy and restore balance.
Carl started ExBal because his own practice of yoga, meditation, and a love of outdoors saved his life. Suffering from depression for years and fighting his way back to the light prompted him to serve others by sharing the practices. We started Expedition Balance to help save lives.
Before working with Expedition Balance, Carl worked in the metals distribution and manufacturing industries, performing in several operations management and business development roles. He earned a BS degree in Engineering from the US Naval Academy and an MBA from the University of Chicago.
Carl's experience in business, government service, and the military provide for the leadership needed to help this unique organization thrive.
Lisa Jakub, Director of Programs
Lisa Jakub is an author, therapeutically-focused yoga teacher, and mindfulness coach. She began working with Expedition Balance in 2016, joining retreats to teach therapeutic writing, yoga, and meditation classes.
In 2019, Lisa collaborated with the VA and created a Yoga for Veterans program in her hometown of Charlottesville, Virginia. She continues to lead that class every week.
Beyond her RYT500 yoga teacher certification, she has received training from Veterans Yoga Project, graduating from their Mindful Resilience Training and Mindful Resilience for Compassion Fatigue programs.
Lisa also used to be an actor, so if you think you recognize her from somewhere it’s probably 90s movies like Mrs. Doubtfire and Independence Day.
Lisa has seen this program save lives, and she is thrilled to be joining ExBal as Program Director. She is grateful to be part of the Veteran family, despite her civilian/Canadian/vegetarian status.
partner affiliations
Expedition Balance is a proud member of Combined Arms (CAX) in Houston. CAX is dedicated to the effective transition of Veterans moving to the Houston area. We are also part of the R4 Alliance, a collaboration of organizations providing outdoors wellness to Veterans all over the US.