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.

Maureen Fenlon

Maureen Fenlon joined the staff at Spirit Mountain Retreat as co-director in July 2009. For the past five years, she served as the national coordinator of the Dead Man Walking School Theatre Project and lived in New Orleans. This unique theatre project was a culmination of Maureen’s 40-year work in community-based organizations addressing a variety of social initiatives across the United States. She has a masters in Social Work with an emphasis in criminology.

Threaded throughout her work has been an appreciation of the power of the arts to inspire and shape the changes that organizations and social movements seek. The term cultural worker has often been used to name this approach to social change and transformation.

In 2001 Maureen initiated a cross-country travel/research of the emerging eco-spirituality centers to learn about their new approach to addressing the social, ecological, and spiritual issues of this new time. Her path led to Spirit Mountain Retreat as a board member and then ultimately to joining the staff. Maureen is a member of the Dominican Sisters 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.

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.

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.

Esther Kennedy, OP, is Secretary of the Board.

Staff

Co-Directors: Maureen Fenlon and Esther Kennedy
Administrative Assistant: Susan Harper – Part-Time