Greg Smith keeps the facilities at Rolling Ridge in top shape as our Facilities Manager. He oversees the maintenance of buildings, grounds, and equipment to ensure everything is safe and well-cared for on behalf of our guests. Greg can fix just about everything—and after more than a decade at the Ridge, he pretty much has!
Marin Clarke plays a vital role as our Associate Guest Services Director. Working alongside the Guest Services Director, Marin is the main point of contact for groups hosting events at the Ridge. She communicates frequently with guests, ensuring every detail of their stay is carefully planned and executed. Marin collaborates with our kitchen, housekeeping, and event host teams to coordinate seamless hospitality services. Her attentive oversight and detailed organization allow events to run smoothly, with personalized care and attentiveness to each group's needs.
As Executive Director, Rev. Dr. Lawrence Jay guides the vision and direction of Rolling Ridge. As well as working with our staff to ensure the best possible guest experience, he partners with retreat leaders to provide excellent programming at the Ridge. A trained spiritual director and ordained American Baptist pastor, Larry (as he is known by friends) is a graduate of UCLA, Golden Gate Seminary, Franciscan School of Theology, American Baptist Seminary of the West, and the Gateways to God Missional Spiritual Direction Program. He is also Adjunct Faculty at Merrimack College in the Masters of Spirituality and Spiritual Direction programs. Eco-spirituality is his passion (and was the subject of his doctoral dissertation), encouraging everyone to live into the fullness of our connection with nature, God, and all people.
John Kiemele, PhD, is a wellbeing educator and spiritual director who companions individuals, teaches seminars and classes on spirituality, lifestyle change and deep listening/spiritual direction, leads contemplative retreats, and serves as director of The Listening Collective at Rolling Ridge. John walks alongside individuals and groups assisting them with life-giving connections, wellbeing practices, and contemplative soul care. He is Director Emeritus of a dispersed community of contemplative companions in the greater Seattle area called Selah Center, former Executive Director of SoulStream Initiatives in western Canada, and is an ordained clergy having served congregations across the US and Canada. John received his PhD in education/spirituality with post-doctoral emphases in Spiritual Direction, Mindful Self-Compassion, the Enneagram Spectrum, and Wellness Coaching.
Lee O'Brien, our Director of Guest Services, ensures the details are covered for your event or personal retreat at Rolling Ridge. She oversees our Guest Services team, working with prospective groups to provide quotes and coordinate all aspects of their stay. From scheduling staff to directing hospitality logistics, arranging event details, and handling invoicing, Lee's expertise guarantees a seamless experience. Her attentive leadership allows you to focus fully on your program while we take care of the rest.
Peter Park has studied biomedical science at Andrew University and Harvard University, and brings over 30 years of entrepreneurial experience to the business world. Coming out of his retirement, he has now joined the Rolling Ridge community to contribute his extensive business expertise. Peter is dedicated to ensuring Rolling Ridge continues to thrive while preserving its unique mission of serving both God and the community.
Rev. Michael Reed serves as the Associate Executive Director of Rolling Ridge, and is an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church. Michael oversees key areas of management, marketing, communications, and fundraising for the Ridge. Prior to joining Rolling Ridge in 2022, he was the founder and Executive Director of the Maker's Place in Trenton, NJ. With graduate degrees in Biblical studies and Christian theology, as well as a passion for putting faith into action, Michael brings together spiritual insight and practical nonprofit experience to his work at Rolling Ridge.
As Director of Operations and Bookkeeper Danny Smith handles the behind-the-scenes details that keep Rolling Ridge running smoothly and looking beautiful. From managing program logistics to paying the bills on time, Danny's organizational skills support our mission and ministry, and his eye for graphic design and interior decorating create an inviting environment for all.
As our on-staff land steward, Jenny Tibbits closely observes and shares their knowledge of the diverse flora and fauna found at Rolling Ridge. They have a particular interest in herbal medicine, teaching about the medicinal properties and traditional uses of native plants. Jenny also provides insights into the Indigenous history of the land, in order to help guests appreciate the rich cultural heritage tied to this region. Their aim is to help visitors to forge a deeper connection with the natural surroundings at the Ridge. As a Two-Spirit person, Jenny brings a deep understanding and appreciation of Indigenous perspectives on gender identity and spirituality that enriches their work at Rolling Ridge.
Jinyong lives in Andover, MA with his wife Seunghea and children Amanda and Greg. He currently serves as the pastor of North Boston Korean United Methodist Church.
Rich is from Rhode Island and has lived in New England most of his life, serving churches in Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire. He and his wife Lauren recently moved from Central Maine to Wells, Maine. Married for 42 years, they have four adult sons who attended Camp Aldersgate and/or Camp Mechuwana. Rich enjoys outdoor activities like canoeing, kayaking, hiking, camping, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, he served on the former Board of Camps and Conferences, including as vice-chair and chair. Rich joined the Rolling Ridge board in 2019 and is currently the interim chairperson, looking forward to partnering with the board, staff, and executive director to make Rolling Ridge a premier retreat facility.
Rachel Fisher is the pastor at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in North Reading, MA, where she has served since 2002. She resides in North Reading with her husband Sam and their four school and college-aged children. She is active in New England Annual Conference leadership groups. Other activities Rachel enjoys include exercise, singing, counted cross-stitch, and cooking.
Kris Girrell is an author, speaker and leadership coach who has presented a TEDx talk and has written two books on the dark night experience (Wrestling the Angel and Stations in the Night). He holds a Master’s degree in Theological Research from Andover Newton and advanced degrees in Psychology and Counselling from Penn State University. He and his wife Sarah founded and operate a charity, Operation ELF, for the past 22 years, where he still serves as the event manager and as a member of the Board of Directors. Kris has been a program presenter at Rolling Ridge and is a member of the Ridge’s Board of Directors, co-chair of the Program Subcommittee and the Faculty Liaison for the outside presenters of the Ridge’s Day Apart series.
Rev. Mack Hagins is a retired United Methodist clergyperson who has pastored various churches in Eastern Massachusetts during his career. In retirement he is pastoring the First United Methodist Church in N. Andover. He enjoys worship preparation, music, reading, and farm work. He and his wife Whitney live on a farm in Bolton, MA with their dog, Stella.
Jennifer Hoenig is a corporate transactional attorney with extensive experience working with small and mid-market businesses and corporate boards. She lives with her family on the Phillips Academy campus in Andover, MA where her husband teaches math. Jennifer is also a certified nature and forest therapy guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy. She is a member of South Church in Andover UCC where she serves on the Youth and Family Faith Formation Team and teaches art journaling courses during Advent and Lent.
"Rev. Genevieve Hosterman is the Associate Pastor of South Church, UCC in Andover. She and her husband are natives of Pennsylvania, who found their way to New England so that Genna could earn her Master of Divinity degree at Yale. Genna is passionate about the intersection of individual development and community, and the magic that comes from radical vulnerability and interdependence. She loves some good folk music and a warm drink on a rainy day. "
As Executive Director, Rev. Dr. Lawrence Jay guides the vision and direction of Rolling Ridge. As well as working with our staff to ensure the best possible guest experience, he partners with retreat leaders to provide excellent programming at the Ridge. A trained spiritual director and ordained American Baptist pastor, Larry (as he is known by friends) is a graduate of UCLA, Golden Gate Seminary, Franciscan School of Theology, American Baptist Seminary of the West, and the Gateways to God Missional Spiritual Direction Program. He is also Adjunct Faculty at Merrimack College in the Masters of Spirituality and Spiritual Direction programs. Eco-spirituality is his passion (and was the subject of his doctoral dissertation), encouraging everyone to live into the fullness of our connection with nature, God, and all people.
Rev. Jamie Michaels lives with her family in Reading, MA where she has served Old South United Methodist Church since 2016. She grew up in Unitarian Universalist camping programs in North Carolina, and has a passion for helping people connect to the divine in themselves and in community. She enjoys singing, cooking, art, sci-fi and fantasy, and the outdoors.
Kathie lives in Andover, MA with her husband Mark Kane. Kathie’s relationship with Rolling Ridge goes back to the 1970s when as a teen she participated in several programs, workshops, and retreats and fell in love with the place. Over the years, Kathie has served on the Rolling Ridge Site Committee and later the Board under several Directors. Kathie loves architecture, history, unfolding her faith, peace & justice activism, spicy food, music, and world travel.
Mary grew up in the Chicago, IL area. She became a United Methodist in 1980 when she moved to New England from North Carolina. She lives in Hampton, NH with her 3 ferrets. Mary was a member of the Rolling Ridge Site Committee from the mid-1980s through the 90s. She is currently active in the New England Conference serving on the Conference Council of Finance and Administration and the Board of Trustees’ Insurance Committee. She enjoys being active in her local UMC church, singing in a community chorus, taking drives and hikes along the ocean, traveling, and finding new adventures in retirement.
Our program leaders seek to behold the Sacred Presence of God in all people and all things, helping their communities draw near to the Holy by living in compassion, restoring balance, healing wounds, and promoting understanding.
If you are a Program/Retreat Leader and wish to submit a proposal for a Rolling Ridge Day Apart or expanded retreat, please click below.
Rev. Deadra Bachorik Ashton, M.Div., RBCis the director of the Gateways to God program. She received her spiritual direction training in the Gateways program and joined the Gateways staff in 2016 as a small group supervisor. Over the last 30 years she has served as a Presbyterian pastor, board certified healthcare chaplain, seminary administrator, and retreat leader. She currently offers spiritual direction and supervision.
Judy Bousquin, a life-long learner and seeker, teaches the spiritual practices of Reiki, yoga and meditation individually and in groups. The benefits of personally finding internal calm, equilibrium and the knowing of our deep interconnection with all things, inspired Judy to share these time-honored traditions through her private practice, Healing and Renewal, and through Yoga Moves yoga studio, both in Stoneham, MA. Through her offerings of classes, workshops and mentoring, Judy nurtures students to discover their inner essence and wisdom. Judy’s philosophy is that life as a spiritual journey is where we both acknowledge and honor the light within us and also embrace our humanness with its many layers of complexity.
Ingrid Cyros is a workshop and retreat facilitator, whose passion is exploring the relationship between creativity and spirituality. As a spiritual director, she leads groups and individuals to introduce the practice of integrating photographic image and journal keeping, to listen deeply and to connect with what is sacred.
Ingrid earned a Master of Divinity Degree and Cert. in Spiritual and Pastoral Care, at Andover Newton Theological School, and Spiritual Direction training at Gateways to God. She lives with her husband, Michael, in Newburyport, MA and frequently travels to Nova Scotia and Vermont, to spend time with her children, and family.
Mary Anne is married to her husband of 32 years with 2 adult children and has been an active participant in her Catholic parish in North Andover for over 25 years. She has a deep Contemplative prayer life and has offered individual and group spiritual direction since 2015. She has extensive knowledge of the Spiritual Journey Series by Fr Thomas Keating and has Co-Directed the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius, 19th Annotation Retreat several times. She feels humbled and very grateful when given the opportunity to accompany others who seek to nurture a stronger relationship with God, themselves and others.
Beth Garnaas-Holmes is an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church. She has served congregations in Montana, New Hampshire and Massachusetts, with a focus on deepening people's connection to God, themselves and the world through spiritual practice, small group ministry and outreach into communities. She has also offered spiritual direction to individuals for 30 years, and was trained through the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation in Bethesda, Maryland. She has worked in program ministry at Rolling Ridge for 20 years, and is the former program director and a small group supervisor with the Gateways to God program. She lives in Wells, Maine with her husband and the many trees and animals that surround their home. Together they have a wonderful family of sons and daughters by marriage, grandchildren and grand-pets.
Steve Garnaas-Holmes is a poet, songwriter and retired pastor. He writes daily reflections at unfoldinglight.net. From 1973 to 2012 he wrote and performed with the Montana Logging and Ballet Company, a quartet that performed music and comedy around the country and occasionally on NPR’s Weekend Edition.
Kris Girrell is an author, speaker and leadership coach who has presented a TEDx talk and has written two books on the dark night experience (Wrestling the Angel and Stations in the Night). He holds a Master’s degree in Theological Research from Andover Newton and advanced degrees in Psychology and Counselling from Penn State University. He and his wife Sarah founded and operate a charity, Operation ELF, for the past 22 years, where he still serves as the event manager and as a member of the Board of Directors. Kris has been a program presenter at Rolling Ridge and is a member of the Ridge’s Board of Directors, co-chair of the Program Subcommittee and the Faculty Liaison for the outside presenters of the Ridge’s Day Apart series.
Eliza Goodell, PhD. is a clinical psychologist who studied art and psychology. She completed her SoulCollage® facilitator training in 2018 and enjoys giving creative arts retreats on a variety of inspirational topics.
Sister Linda Greenwood is presently semi-retired and has been on a private renewal in this time of transition from full time ministries. She was the director of the Sisters of St. Francis House of Prayer in Lowell, MA for 20 years from 1999 – 2019 while at the same time working one day a week at St. Anthony Shrine in Boston, MA in their Franciscan Center for Spiritual Direction. She has also taught elementary school and religious education in middle school. She was Director of Religious Education (Faith Formation) for 26 years in several different parishes. She served as a retreat staff member at St. Francis Retreat Center in Burlington, Wisconsin for ten summers and served as director of a regional adult education center, Nashua Deanery Christian Life Center for five years.
Kent Harrop is an avid outdoorsman and ordained American Baptist minister. He was introduced to contemplative paddling on a Zen meditation kayak trip to the Tongass Wilderness in Alaska in 2002. Since that time, Kent has enjoyed introducing both novice and experienced kayakers and canoeists to the joy of 'listening on the water'. A favorite verse is "Listen, and your soul will live." ~ Isaiah 55:3 Kent is a graduate of Andover Newton Theological School, Shalem Institute for Contemplative Leadership, and the Franciscan Spiritual Direction Certification Program. For 40 years, he pastored congregations in Montana, California, Ohio, Oregon, and Massachusetts. He leads paddling retreats for a variety of groups: Recovery, environmental, congregations, interfaith. Kent currently serves as a Spiritual Director and leads Pray and Paddle events for Rolling Ridge. Kent can be reached at kentdharrop@gmail.com.
Lisa Haupt,a Veriditas CertifiedLabyrinth Facilitator,stewardsInner Connection Labyrinth Ministry, offering labyrinth walks, workshops, and retreats.Upon completion of a two-year journey with The Living School at the Center for Action and Contemplation in 2021, Lisa purchased a twenty-two-foot portable canvas rainbow-printed classical design labyrinth for Inner Connection Labyrinth Ministry. In 2022, she traveled to Chartres, France for training with global labyrinth movement leader, Lauren Artress.Holding a Master of Arts in Practical Theology from Pfeiffer University, Lisa is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry in Christian Spirituality at McAfee School of Theology at Mercer University. For her D. Min. project,Labyrinth Retreat: Following the Path of Love; a Sacred Pilgrimage to the Heart, a Portal for Illuminating and Empowering Creative Vision.Lisa will study how the practice of labyrinth walking as an inward journey to the heart, engages us in deeper connection with God, self, others, and creation, and the receptivity to creative possibilities to engage with the world differently. The goal is to explore how God’s healing, hope, and justice is at work in circuitous labyrinth spiritual pilgrimages.
Carolyn Hughes is an Adjunct Lecturer at Merrimack College and a lay leader in the Episcopal Church with a focus on family faith formation and spiritual development. With an engineering background and a master's degree in spirituality from Merrimack College, she brings a unique perspective to community building to her work as a spiritual director. Her ministry emphasizes creating innovative spiritual spaces outside traditional church settings, focusing on accessible, relational approaches that help adults and families develop their faith journey. She specializes in building small communities centered around prayer, silence, and fellowship, with particular expertise in developing inclusive faith formation programs.
Amy Hunter is an Episcopal layperson, religious educator, spiritual director, and supervisor of directors who seeks out practices that help her and others move from their heads into their hearts. Amy received her spiritual direction training at the former San Damiano House of Prayer with Sr. Linda Greenwood. She has been practicing BioSpiritual Focusing for several years and finds it a tremendous resource for healing, inner peace, and deepening connection with self, others, and God.
As Executive Director, Rev. Dr. Lawrence Jay guides the vision and direction of Rolling Ridge. As well as working with our staff to ensure the best possible guest experience, he partners with retreat leaders to provide excellent programming at the Ridge. A trained spiritual director and ordained American Baptist pastor, Larry (as he is known by friends) is a graduate of UCLA, Golden Gate Seminary, Franciscan School of Theology, American Baptist Seminary of the West, and the Gateways to God Missional Spiritual Direction Program. He is also Adjunct Faculty at Merrimack College in the Masters of Spirituality and Spiritual Direction programs. Eco-spirituality is his passion (and was the subject of his doctoral dissertation), encouraging everyone to live into the fullness of our connection with nature, God, and all people.
Deb Kennedy is an artist and coach, who takes delight each day in the new things she learns about herself and others. As a lifelong Christian, she has been a part of many Christian denominations and faith practices and has come to appreciate each for the richness they bring to life. Deb likes to integrate her art practices with her spiritual practices. She lives on Cape Cod, MA, with her husband, Frank, and they also spend time each year in Southern Florida. She loves to share the contemplative, creative and meditative practices that have bring her joy and peace.
Cris received her training in spiritual direction through Tending the Soul and Advanced Gateways to God. Her current work as a spiritual director takes place primarily in nontraditional settings including grocery stores and parking lots, hospital rooms, spiritual formation gatherings, and the online classroom. After a first career as a high school chemistry teacher, Cris earned an MDiv from Northeastern Seminary and completed three units of CPE. She currently enjoys serving as an adjunct professor in spiritual direction at NES, a peer group supervisor for Gateways to God, and a per diem hospital chaplain.
Gayle Kerr has been involved in Spiritual Direction and Retreat Ministry since 1990. She is a graduate of Trenton (NJ) State College and Chestnut Hill College (PA) and holds degrees in education and Holistic Spirituality and Certificates in Spiritual Direction and the Supervision of Spiritual Directors. She has worked as a teacher, a Director of Christian Education and as a Spiritual Director at the Middleton Center for Pastoral Care and Counseling at the Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church in Bryn Mawr, PA. From 2000-2007 she worked at Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, NJ with a team of Spiritual Directors who were invited to help create a program for Spiritual Formation at the Seminary. Gayle and her husband moved to Cape Cod, MA in 2007 where she continues to provide individual and group Spiritual Direction as well as Retreat Leadership from her home on the Cape. She also serves as a small group supervisor in the Gateways to God Program for training Spiritual Directors at Rolling Ridge.
Janet Kessenich, M.M. leads thoughtful, interactive, experiential workshops and retreats that connect participants with what brings meaning, purpose, satisfaction and empowerment into their lives. A holistic sound and energy healer, Janet uses the essence of music – calibrated vibration – with clients and workshop participants to in a sense, tune them to their most aligned way of being. Her Tune Up Your Spirit workshops are based on her book, Music Lessons for the Spirit, a collection of essays drawn from the spiritual/life lessons she learned as a pianist. www.spiralenergies.com
John Kiemele, PhD, is a wellbeing educator and spiritual director who companions individuals, teaches seminars and classes on spirituality, lifestyle change and deep listening/spiritual direction, leads contemplative retreats, and serves as director of The Listening Collective at Rolling Ridge. John walks alongside individuals and groups assisting them with life-giving connections, wellbeing practices, and contemplative soul care. He is Director Emeritus of a dispersed community of contemplative companions in the greater Seattle area called Selah Center, former Executive Director of SoulStream Initiatives in western Canada, and is an ordained clergy having served congregations across the US and Canada. John received his PhD in education/spirituality with post-doctoral emphases in Spiritual Direction, Mindful Self-Compassion, the Enneagram Spectrum, and Wellness Coaching.
Karen M. Kline, mother, volunteer, and poet, considers herself a disruptor as executive director of American Community Think Tank, which she founded in 2000 to encourage the creative imagination of children. ACTT programs have been presented in six states, two Canadian cities and Lahore, Pakistan. ACTT provides non-judgmental, low-cost art, enterprise, literature, media, music, and nature events by partnering with schools and organizations. As a board member of the Robert Frost Foundation of Lawrence, Kline helps conduct yearly festivals, hoots, school poetry bees and workshops for adults and children. She has presented at several Massachusetts Poetry Festivals, public libraries, Boston Children’s Museum and for students from pre-K to college. To celebrate the 400th birthday of Mistress Bradstreet in 2012, Kline presented a program per month to honor Anne, also a disruptor.
Sandra LaPerche is retired from a career in health care. She has been a volunteer with the American Red Cross and Girl Scouts and currently is a tutor and conversation group leader for English at Large. She has taught tai chi at Melrose and Stoneham Senior Centers, has served as a Stephen Minister, and has led small groups, book studies, Bible Studies, and prayer groups for twenty plus years. A Gateways to God grad (the missional spiritual direction program at Rolling Ridge), Sandra has a life-long drive to seek Divine grace through personal study, prayer, and practice.
Brian Bayer-Larson is a Massachusetts-based musician who has led Taize-style worship services for nearly 20 years. Brian first visited the Taize community in the spring of 2003 where he worked in the kitchen, helped lead his small group Bible study, and was lucky enough to be invited to dine with the brothers of the community. Brian even got to meet Brother Roger, Taize’s founder, before he tragically died in 2005. In addition to leading worship services Brian is an active songwriter and performer who regularly plays music at cafes and events around Boston’s north shore. In 2017 he released his first album of original music, Time to Go Home, which can be found on all streaming services. He is also an 8th grade social studies teacher, a happily married husband, and father to 3 active and beautiful children.
Dr. Debra LeClair is a psychologist and group facilitator who practices as a life/executive coach. She is the constant student of where psychology intersects with conscious creation. This approach helps people to discover their strengths and soul-level aspirations while bolstering inner and outer support systems, including those that are trauma-informed and body-centered. Holding Master degrees in both Clinical and Applied Psychology, Debra later earned her doctorate in Applied psychology at Rutgers University. In 2002, she co-founded Full Spectrum Wellness to promote healthy mind, body and spirit and in 2024, re-aligned and rebranded the organization as re-Sourced (re-sourcedwell.com) to empower evolving leaders and conscious creators, especially in integrating their spirituality into all aspects of their lives. She is also an author of spiritual fiction. Her debut novel, The Common Hours will be published on November 1st, 2024. The book explores themes of trauma, grief, and healing through ancestral connection. As a writer, Debra is impassioned by the connection between psychology and spirituality and what that brings to a hero/heroine’s journey.
Rev. Cindy Maybeck (she/her) provides spiritual direction to individuals and groups giving space for deep listening and connecting to God. She served as pastor in two churches in Central Massachusetts, both became Open and Affirming during her tenure. An inspiring preacher and engaging speaker, Rev. Maybeck launched her entrepreneurial Spirit Story ministry to tell biblical and personal stories in church and community settings. She studied spiritual guidance at Shalem Institute, leads retreats, and teaches spiritual practices. Cindy loves to sing, lives with her wife Elaine in Worcester, and enjoys time at their cottage in Ocean Park, Maine.
Nadine Mazzola (she/her) is an artist, educator, certified forest therapy guide, and author of the multi-award-winning book, "Forest Bathing with Your Dog". She has shared her signature, holistic, heart-centered style of teaching with hundreds of students, from those with no art experience to professional artists. She is known for creating a supportive environment within each class for learning, exploring, creating, playing, and nurturing joy. Nadine's favorite color is yellow. A cancer survivor herself, Nadine often works with groups affected by cancer. A senior trainer for the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy since 2016, and the Virginia Thurston Healing Garden since 2017, Nadine brings a depth of life experience bridging Nature, expressive arts, and somatics.
With more than 20 years in academic and non-profit settings, Heidi A Miller, Ph.D., serves as Associate Professor of Spirituality and Christian Ministry at Mercer University in Atlanta. Her areas of teaching, research, and writing focus on transformative leadership, spirituality, transition and trauma, justice, and worship. Heidi designs and facilitates curriculum in spiritual direction and soul tending in one-on-one, small group, community, congregational, and organizational contexts.
Donna Mills holds several coaching certifications — Kaizen-Muse™, ARTbundance©, and FranklinCovey©. She is also a certified hand analyst. Donna provides a safe space for her clients to explore their purpose and work through their creative blocks. She believes that beauty and creativity are part of our spiritual blueprint, and seeks to express those gifts in her own life through painting, sewing, writing, and connecting with others in meaningful ways.
Steve Mills is an artist, writer, songwriter, and scientist, and has worked on many space cameras imaging the Earth and the universe.
Steve believes that science can and should be just as creative as the arts. In his paintings he prefers classical archetypes drawn from stories in the bible or mythology. He projects these stories into the modern world, with today’s social issues—race, gender and economics.
Steve is an out and proud Queer who loves Jesus! He practices ministry in a host of ways as a Home Missioner in The United Methodist Church. His particular ministry as a spiritual director has evolved over the years into a focus on accompanying folks in the LGBTQIA+ community and 12-step programs, and individuals and organizations desiring discernment. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from what is now Salem State University and a Master’s from Boston College. He was trained in spiritual accompanying at St. Anthony’s Center in Boston. He lives in Fitchburg, MA, with his cat, Miss Bessie, and he has found great pleasure in joining his neighbors as they wrestle with jigsaw puzzles.
Judy Proctor is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, life coach, and spiritual director. With over 20 years of experience leading groups, Judy seeks to develop spiritual awareness through a creative approach to traditional Christian practices.
Judy holds a Master of Divinity from Andover Newton Theological School and a Juris Doctor Degree from George Washington University. She loves to learn new things, hear people’s stories, and share her deep interest in contemplative living.
Jennifer Revill is owner and principal of The Mobile Mystic, a consultancy whose mission is to create opportunities for dialogue and engagement around personal spirituality in the contemporary world. After a long career in public administration, she earned a Master of Arts in Spirituality and Spiritual Direction from Merrimack College, and has developed a curriculum centered on the spirituality of work for Merrimack's graduate spirituality program. Jennifer has a long affiliation with the Northshore Unitarian Universalist Church in Danvers as a congregational facilitator and small group ministry leader. She also has a one-on-one spiritual companioning practice.
Marie has been studying, practicing and living mindfully for over 10 years. She has helped many people with MS, and runs mindfulness programs at Lake Quanapowitt in Wakefield, MA and surrounding areas. As a retreat facilitator, Marie will guide the group providing wisdom, experience and compassionate support.
She is also qualified to teach the MBSR (Mind, Body Stress Reduction) program and trained with the UMass Center for Mindfulness Medical School.
Rev. Dr. Stephanie Rutt was founding Minister of the Tree of Life Interfaith Temple in Milford, NH, director of the Tree of Life School for Sacred Living and creator of the Tree of Life Interfaith Seminary. Through the School for Sacred Living she has offered numerous sacred studies courses, classes and workshops locally as well as to national conferences sponsored by World AWAKE (formally The World Alliance of Interfaith Clergy) and the Haden Institute. She has appeared on the TEDx stage and is the author of five books including, Living the Prayer of Jesus: A Study of the Lord’s Prayer in Aramaic released by Wipf and Stock Publishers. All of her work seeks to embody unity within diversity, reveal how the great spiritual truths show up everywhere in daily experience, and to awaken an unchecked ecstatic cry for the One called by many names.
To learn more, please visit the following.
https://www.stephanierutt.com/
https://www.tolinterfaithtemple.org/
Henry Schoenfield is a trained spiritual director, ordained minister, and certified professional coach. A lifelong spiritual seeker, he has been teaching and offering spiritual companionship to people of many faith backgrounds and beliefs for over twenty years. Henry is deeply rooted in the Christian contemplative path – drawing from Ignatius Loyola, Karl Rahner, and many others. He is a student of the Christian Wisdom
path in the lineage of Rev. Dr. Cynthia Bourgeault. He works with individuals and groups who seek to deepen their lives of faith and service.
Rev. Dr. Hyuk Seonwoo, an ordained elder of the United Methodist Church, is a big fan of Tai Chi. Along with Tai Chi workshops and demonstrations, he has written numerous Tai Chi-related articles and has been quoted in spiritual articles. A Ph.D. holder in Liturgical Studies, Hyuk currently serves the Swift Memorial UMC in Sagamore Beach, MA. He is also a teacher in training of the Tree of Life Tai Chi Center and a trainee of Gateways to God, a missional spiritual direction program at Rolling Ridge.
Karen Skalla is a bi-vocational ordained Deacon in the Methodist Church. She came to ministry via a career as a Nurse Practitioner and she continues to listen deeply to patients, as well as groups, after completing the Gateways to God program in Missional Spiritual Direction. From her home in Vermont, Karen has a particular love for the created world and enjoys expressing it through the written word and art. She has a passion for pastoral care in Street Ministry and partnering with her Therapy Dog. She completed a Masters Degree in Nursing, four units of Clinical Pastoral Education, and a Masters Degree in Theology from Boston University. Her primary Diaconal appointment is Kendal at Hanover as a Geriatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and she serves as a faith leader for an online ecumenical church, “Faithwaze.”
Hailed by Pete Seeger as "one of America's best songwriters," Fred Small sings songs of conscience in the tradition of Pete Seeger, Tom Paxton, and Holly Near. Powerful, affecting, and inviting, Fred's songs illuminate the goodness and courage of all kinds of people and have been interpreted by many singers around the world. With 8 albums, the National Organization of Men against Sexism (NOMAS) honored Fred for his contributions to gender justice in 2010, and in 2017, UU Mass Action presented him with the Ruth Rowan Award for his musical contributions to social justice movements. After graduating Phi Beta Kappa from Yale, Fred earned a law degree and a masters in natural resources policy at the University of Michigan. He wrote his first song in 1974 on the morning of his first law school examination. In 1980 Fred left his position as staff attorney at the Conservation Law Foundation to pursue his career in music full time. A graduate of Yale Divinity School, Fred Small now currently serves as Minister for Climate Justice at Arlington Street Church, Boston.
Judy is a rostered Minister of Word and Service (Deacon) in the ELCA and has served churches in Virginia and Calumet Lutheran Ministries, a year-round camp and conference center in New Hampshire. Judy’s first career was as an elementary teacher with 1 st and 4 th graders in Stafford, VA. Since retirement in 2022, Judy has expanded her interest in labyrinths by completing facilitator training though Veriditas and enjoys introducing the labyrinth to others. Judy graduated from Bates College with a BA in music and graduated from Union Presbyterian Seminary with a MA in Christian
Education. Judy is still very active with Lutheran Outdoor Ministries, serves on several ecumenical outdoor ministry committees, and is pursuing a Spirituality Certificate through Columbia Theological Seminary. Born in Maine, Judy and her husband are happy to return to the Pine Tree State and currently reside in York Beach. Best of all, they enjoy being grandparents to a new baby girl born in the fall of 2023!
Danny is a musician, pianist, singer, actor, director, performer from Seacoast New Hampshire, and is Music Minister at Main Street UCC in Amesbury, MA. Danny is a part time voice and piano teacher, executive director of "Voices of Distinction", and Director of Operations here at Rolling Ridge.
Emily Strong is the Farm Manager at The Giving Garden and has been involved since she helped to start the garden in 2015. She loves to question why things work they way they do and still thinks that a seed sprouting is a small miracle. She has degrees in chemistry and public health and also serves on the Board of Directors of Neighbors In Need.
Jan Whitten (Deaconess– APRN, MS, HTCP, HTSM-CP/I), also known as Jana Marie, is a holistic nurse with over 50 years of experience working with adults in acute care, home care, nursing education, and mental health. She is retired from a private practice as a psychiatric nurse practitioner where she integrated Healing Touch and other holistic modalities. As a Deaconess in the United Methodist Church, she follows her calling as congregational health minister/ leader of healing ministry, providing spiritual direction, and leading retreats. Jana Marie feels deeply called to healing ministry and to helping others to be themselves fully. She has a Master’s Degree in Community Health Nursing, graduate certificate in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing, certificate in Congregational Health Ministry, and certificate in Spiritual Direction. She is discerning a transformation of her practice to provide Healing Touch and Aromatherapy.
Wanda Winnicki attended Symmetry Yoga Vinyasa Flow 200+ hour teacher training, so she can teach yoga safely. She came to yoga to relieve some health issues many years ago. She continues yoga to maintain a healthy life style. The spiritual element of yoga is a powerful part of her life both on and off the mat. She hopes to bring the joy of both God and Yoga to anyone who’s willing. God called Wanda to teach “God in Yoga” many years ago. She was asked to teach yoga at a women’s retreat and was well received in all cases. She used some of the breath prayers and one of the scripture with poses. She began teaching “God in Yoga” classes after completing yoga teacher. She is a Registered Yoga Teacher with the Yoga Alliance.
Kate is a spiritual director, author, artist, poet, and lover of nature and God. She and her husband live at the edge of a large pond in Moultonborough, NH, surrounded by tall pines and the occasional bear or fox. They regularly spend time in Grand Rapids, MI to be with family and friends there. She experiences great joy in enriching her experiences with the Holy Spirit through prayer, art, poetry, and books. She is, perhaps, most truly herself when discussing the questions and mysteries of this life. To further share those conversations, Kate has a private practice for those seeking spiritual direction as part of their own faith journey.