We’re delighted by the interest in the 2017 Gathering hosted by Hawaii Island Retreat and look forward to another inspiring event as we meet in the spirit of collaboration. By way of introducing participants to each other before we gather in person, and to share the journey with you all here’s an overview of the various centers represented;
1. Jeanne Sunderland, Owner & Co-Creator, and Lia Watkins, Coordinator & Land Steward.
Hawaii Island Retreat
Jeanne and Lia have attended the last few Gatherings and offered to host the event this May. There was shared enthusiasm within the circle for a visit to Hawaii and the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the comfort of the eco-boutique hotel and wellness spa, located on the sacred land of the Big Island.
2. Cheryl Fraenzl, Program Director, and Tatyana Sanikovich, HR Manager.
Esalen Institute
Esalen hosted the Gathering in 2013 and Cheryl has been a consistent presence over the last few years. We look forward to meeting Tatyana for the first time and learning from her HR role. As Esalen remains closed until 09 June, the longest in their recent history due to unprecedented rainfalls affecting the surrounding area, we imagine hearing about the gifts and challenges of this experience that can be insightful for us all.
3. Ralph White, co-founder.
New York Open Center
As co-founder of the Holistic Centers Gathering over 30 years Ralph has witnessed the network grow from strength to strength and holds the rich history in his being.
4. Christine Lines.
Centers Gathering and Findhorn Foundation
Christine attended her first Gathering in 2010 and has been closely involved ever since. After a few years co-ordinating the Core Programs of the Foundation, she now has a global role as Network Weaver for the FF and Executive Director of the Centers Gathering Network.
5. Elaine Watt, Deirdre Davis and Julie Adams.
Harbin Hot Springs
Harbin Hot Springs hosted the 2011 Gathering and were sadly destroyed by a devastating bush fire in Autumn 2015. The theme of this year’s Gathering is Sustainability: Caring for our Earth as we care for each other, and Harbin will be offering a session on their rich learnings as they re-create the center from the ashes and regenerate the land.
6. Joel Tan, Executive Director, and Tina Tuohy, Director of Guest Experience and Dana Butler, Executive Chef.
Kalani Honua Retreat Center
Kalani hosted the 2010 Gathering and Tiki Degenaro, the General Manager, has attended seven Gatherings. This will be the first time Joel and Tina will join the circle, and several participants will be extending their stay on the Big Island to enjoy Kalani.
7. Isabelle Duchesneau, Executive Director.
Le Monastere des Augustines
Isabelle attended her first Gathering in 2013 when Le Monastere was still in the concept stage. They were the proud host just a few years later in 2016 soon after the opening of this unique holistic center in the heart of Old Quebec.
8. Cameron Wenaus, Co-founder.
Retreat Guru
Cameron attended the 2016 Gathering and we share enthusiasm for ongoing collaboration between our networks. We have much in common; a vision of a more conscious world; mutual recognition of the value of going on retreat or immersing ourselves in a transformational learning center and a strong belief in the inherent wisdom of all beings.
9. Sean Feng.
Haiwen, Shenzen
We met Sean for the first time during the 2014 Gathering hosted by The Haven. Through his close connection with the Haven founders, Ben and Jock, Sean was a student there for many years before returning to China and creating Haiwen, one of the first centers of holistic learning. Sean continues to be a strong link and a delightful presence in our circle and brings two colleagues with him this year.
10. Tony Liu, Executive Director, and Liu Feng, Business Partner.
Holistic Centers Foundation
Tony has been Haiwen’s friend for 12 years. He was the founder of the well known training company called Juncheng, one of the largest in China. He sold the company two years ago to study philosophy. A young entrepreneur, Tony is 34 years old and has gathered donors of goodwill to put money into a foundation for the project of establishing a school of well being and a dozen of holistic and eco villages across China.Liu Feng is a well known scholar in the field of integral studies. He is an expert in the integration of Eastern and Western psychology and philosophy.
11. Chas Nol, Owner/Director.
Saratoga Springs
Chas Nol has attended the Gathering for the last few years and is also a gifted retreat facilitator. The mission of Saratoga Springs is to provide a safe place for people to follow their own path, and to nurture body, mind, and soul.
12. Rachel Davey, Executive Director, and Morag Ruckman.
The Haven
The Haven hosted the Gathering in 2006 and again in 2014. Although this will be Rachel’s last year as E.D. we look forward to an ongoing connection as we develop Coaching and Consulting Services to support the network.
13. Carol Donahoe, Program Director, and Veronica Domingo, Assistant Program Director.
Omega Institute
Omega were early co-founders of the Gathering in the mid 80s, hosted in the mid 90s and we were delighted to welcome them back into the circle during the 2016 Gathering, held within driving distance of their Center in Rhinbeck New York. Omega will be hosting the 2018 Gathering and we look forward to an ongoing collaboration.
14. Ratna Sturz and Les Hodge.
Mount Madonna Center
Mount Madonna have twice hosted the Gathering, in 2004 and again in 2009, and Ratna and Les joined the Gathering in 2016. A private, non-profit educational institution providing high quality, professional and academic instruction and training in the fields of Yoga, Āyurveda, and Community Studies.
15. Dorota Owen.
Newbold House and Global Ecovillage Network
(GEN)In 2015 Dorota co-ordinated the Gathering in Greece at the Damouchari Hotel on the Pelion Peninsula. She represents Newbold House as Chair of Trustees and is an Ambassador for GEN.
16. Jann Roney and Bronwyn Cooke.
Pu’u O Hoku Ranch
Jann and Bronwyn will be attending the Gathering for the first time and we’re delighted to discover this center on the remote and tranquil east end of Molokai, The Friendly Isle, Hawaii. Pu’u O Hoku Ranch is a family-owned biodynamic and organic ranch and farm, rustic retreat center, vacation getaway.
17. Werner Brandt and Abby Brandt.
Breitenbush EcoFund
Werner is a board member of the Breitenbush EcoFund that supports Centers Gathering as it’s primary project. He attended the 2016 Gathering with his partner Abby and they will be a supportive presence once again.
18. Peter Moore, Business Director, and Brinton Reed, Director of Marketing, Events and Hospitality.
Breitenbush Hot Springs and Breitenbush EcoFund
Breitenbush Hot Springs hosted the Gathering in 2008 and Peter has been an avid supporter ever since. As a board member of the Breitenbush EcoFund he is also closely involved in the development of the Centers Gathering. Brinton will be attending the Gathering for the first time having settled into his new role over the past several months.
19. Dana Bass Solomon, CEO, and Charlene Lo, Program Director.
Hollyhock
Hollyhock are in the unique position of having hosted the Gathering on three occasions, in 1993, 2002 and 2003. After 18 years in the role of CEO we’re delighted Dana will be attending the Gathering once again and bringing the new Program Director, Charlene.
20. Karambu Ringera.
International Peace Initiatives
Karambu attended the Gathering at Findhorn in 2012 and has held the vision of hosting a Gathering in Kenya one year. We’re delighted Karambu can join us again as we move closer to the dream of an African Gathering one day.
21. Yan Chen.
Stage I, USA and China
Yan attended the 2016 Gathering and is passionate about building holistic connections between the USA and China. After a recent month long visit, connecting with various centers there we look forward to exploring a closer connection.
22. Joanne Station.
House of I, Beijing
Joanne attended the 2016 Gathering with the dream of birthing a new holistic center in Boise, Idaho. Through our network connections with China she has recently located to the House of I and is part of strengthening the mutual learning between east and west.
23. Adam Wolpert, co-founder.
Occidental Arts and Ecology Center
Adam was introduced to the Centers Gathering through Cheryl at Esalen and we look forward to learning about their work in California. OAEC focuses on cultivating ecological literacy and building the capacity of civic and social movement leaders and organizations to guide their communities toward an ecologically regenerative, economically viable, and socially just future.
Adam is also an artist and art educator and attended the Gathering at Hollyhock over 20 years ago. He feels this is a big circle coming around again!
24. Rusty Shores, EarthRise Assistant Director.
Institute of Noetic Sciences
Rusty recently subscribed to the Centers Gathering newsletter after hearing about us from Cheryl at Esalen. In perfect timing he entered this years contest to win a free place. As the lucky winner we look forward to learning more about IONS and their desire to fully integrate their EarthRise Retreat Center with their scientific research‚ by offering a more robust programming portfolio.
25. Mindy Meiering, co-founder The Inhabit Sanctuary & Retreat Center
Mindy and her husband Patrick are building a retreat center on the Big Island of Hawaii dedicated to deep healing, growth and transformation and due to open in late Fall 2018. For the last few years they’ve been looking for a professional group that brings together folks in retreat centers to share ideas and experiences with a network of support, ideas and inspiration. She was thrilled to discover this Gathering!
26.Durga Das Hunter and Joe Lustig.
Kashi Ashram
Kashi Ashram is an interfaith spiritual community founded in 1976 by Ma Jaya Sati Bhagavati. The teachings of Kashi Ashram are based on kindness, compassion and service, embracing the sacred practices of many traditions. With roots in Hindu philosophy, the teaching exemplifies the ideal that all paths followed with a pure heart lead to one’s own God within.
Leave a Reply