The Divine Feminine is initiating a crucial new phase in our evolution: urging us to discover a new ethic of responsibility toward the planet; bringing us a new vision of the sacredness and unity life.
-- Andrew Harvey & Anne Baring

Who We Are

Esther Kennedy

Esther Kennedy is co-director of Spirit Mountain Retreat and has been at the Center since 2002. Spirituality, meditation and the human search for the sacred has always been at the heart of her ministry.

In the mid-90’s, eager to reclaim a sense of the sacred and experience the spirituality of Eastern traditions, she traveled to India and later lived for a year in Java and Bali, Indonesia. This rich experience drew her more deeply into exploring the Feminine face of God, and to reclaiming a vision of the sacredness and unity of all life. It also shed light on the contemplative core, the very heart of her Christian tradition ~ Love. Esther’s work is to guide others on their unique path of awakening and of living from their deepest selves. Her spirituality is rooted in the knowing that we are all sourced from the One Source.

Esther has offered numerous retreats and workshops which unfold through presentations, meditation, creative process, and sacred dance. She trusts that when a group gathers there is an abundance of love and light available to heal and transform personal stories and embrace a deeper story emerging in our time. Esther has a masters degree in Social Work. She is a member of the Dominican Sisters of Adrian, Michigan.

Aneesah McNamee

Aneesah McNamee joined the staff as Director of Communication and Outreach in January of 2010 – during what was said to be the biggest snowstorm in Idyllwild! Aneesah comes to us from Georgia where she received a Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Savannah College of Art and Design. Before her graduate studies she worked as Special Projects Graphic Designer at the Dominican Sisters Motherhouse in Adrian and continues to act a freelance designer and consultant.

Although coming to us from Georgia and Michigan, Aneesah spent most of her life in California; growing up in Newport Beach and Corona del Mar and later living in Santa Cruz for more than 20 years, where she worked in healthcare and carried a private practice in Massage Therapy, while all along doing freelance work in illustration and graphics. Aneesah is a creative artist, graphic/visual communicator and photographer, bringing many fresh, new ideas and ways to connect Spirit Mountain Retreat to the community of Idyllwild - and beyond; through print media and the vast world of electronic communication. Aneesah is a Dominican Sister of Adrian, Michigan.

Spirit Mountain Retreat Board of Directors

Charlene Chindlund retired from Caltech after serving over 20 years in the departments of Development and Physics. An Idyllwild resident since 2004, she has interest in astrology, Tarot, and Jungian Psychology. At Spirit Mountain, she is co-chair of the Contemplative Garden committee and a member of the Development Committee.

Trischa Clark is a Realtor with Idyllwild Realty and brings to the board her business and management experience. She is a member of the Idyllwild Master Chorale and has had a rich history in the Performing Arts. She is secretary of the Idyllwild Rotary Club. Trischa brings enthusiasm and appreciation for the vision and work of Spirit Mountain Retreat. She lives in Idyllwild.

Janice Fast was elected to the Board in 2009. She is a 35 year resident of Idyllwild. She left her home in West Los Angeles and her career as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker to build, own and operate the Ponderosa, a local pet supply, grooming and boarding establishment for 28 years. She is a member of the Fire Safe Council (Woodies) and a Board Member of the Idyllwild Community Foundation. She is proud to be a part of Spirit Mountain Retreat.

Ken Horst, Board President, is a holistic health practitioner and a ceritified hypnotherapist. He and his wife Mary serve in the healing profession through their business, Mind Body Therapies. Ken is interested in photography and graphics and lives in Palm Springs, Ca.

Bronwyn Jones brings to the Board 30 years of experience in the world of publishing, during which she edited and co-authored a series of metaphysical books that focused on how to use the Viking Runes as a tool for Self-Counseling. An Idyllwild resident since 2001, she serves on several local boards, is a passionate gardener of native plants, enjoys singing, photography, and meditation, and is actively engaged in the development of Spirit Mountain Retreat.

Peggy Kissack is a retired teacher, human resources manager and consultant who continues to work part-time. She lives in Hemet and volunteers for several organizations. She is interested in the continued growth of Spirit Mountain and her own journey as a part of that community. Peggy serves on the Development Committee.

Judith Redwine, Treasurer, is an educator with significant experience as Chancellor and President of several colleges. She brings her administrative leadership and financial expertise to the work of the board and serves on the Development Committee and chairs the Finance Committee. Judith lives in LaQuinta, Ca.

Bob Russo brings to the board many years of pursuing spirituality and holistic living and actively engages in promoting the Center. He and his wife Valerie, own and operate Timberleaf Soil Testing business and live in Murietta, Ca. Bob also serves on the Finance Committee.

Joseph Sheehan brings to the board a rich background in both eastern and western spirituality. He is an astrologer and understands astrology as a map of the soul’s journey. Joseph lives in Palm Springs, CA.

Staff

Esther Kennedy - Director
Aneesah McNamee - Direcor of Communication and Outreach
Sue Harper - Administrative Assistant (part-time)