We are Spirit Mountain

Founded in 1985, Spirit Mountain is a non-profit community space and retreat center nestled in the mountains of Southern California. Our non-religious, spiritually-focused programs and retreats welcome locals from the town of Idyllwild, residents across California, and friends from across the globe. We offer year-round classes, workshops, sabbaticals, gatherings, concerts, retreats and venue rentals in our beautiful wooded garden, meeting rooms, and historic dwellings.

Meet the Team

Spirit Mountain Board of Directors

  • Carol McClintic, Co-Chair, was a teacher for 35 years from pre-school through University Extension. She was also an educational consultant across the United States with the Caine Learning Center for 15 years and the co-author of two books. She has co-authored another education book at UCR extension, managed grants, been a union negotiator as well as vice-president of her local education association, been president and held other offices for numerous organizations and boards both here in Idyllwild and through out her career. In 2017 she published her first book of poetry here in Idyllwild and continues to write poetry, sings with a women’s acappella group, travels, reads, gardens, spends time with her family, and explores her personal spiritual path.

  • Kathy Halkin, Secretary, has been a resident of Idyllwild since 1986. As a retired professional social worker, she brings an array of skills to Spirit Mountain Retreat including administrative, needs assessment, and the desire to help others become their true selves. She is involved in several community organizations including past president of the Idyllwild HELP Center, a non-profit helping more than 500 people in need. As a reverend, she also enjoys marrying people! Kathy enjoys hiking, traveling, dancing, and being.

  • Ari Simon (they/them), Board Member, is a facilitator, climate policy convener, leadership coach & grief care worker. Ari moved to Idyllwild in 2018, drawn towards pines, cedar scents, stellar jays, and contemplative care community after a decade in downtown Los Angeles.

    Inspired by life on the mountain, Ari weaves their background in climate policy, planning, and engagement with training in Zen buddhism, coaching, hospice, and loss support. They apply navigating loss and change to a myriad of personal, professional, and policy realms – from one-on-one coaching, to "Grief School" seminars and “Grief at Work” workplace trainings, to policy strategy for government agencies.

  • Larry Kawano, Board Member, first came to Idyllwild working at Astrocamp from 2004 to 2016. He was an instructor for one year, an assistant program director for another year, and the director’s righthand person for doing things other administrators didn’t have time for — studying science standards, being a liaison to the community, bringing speakers to give science talks, revamping summer activities, creating exhibits, and giving tours to interested parties. He ended up retired soon after returning to Idyllwild March of 2022, finding himself too busy for a career, what with presenting science talks around town (including at Spirit Mountain), performing with a group that recreates old radio shows every month at a winery, singing with the Idyllwild Master Chorale, doing Tai Chi at Spirit Mountain, and hiking the surrounding trails.

  • Callie Wright

  • Mary has served in the nonprofit arena for the past thirty+ years, running an administration department for a large nonprofit for seventeen years, serving as Executive Director of a homeless shelter for five years, working as a principal of a private school for severely emotionally disturbed adolescents, as a child abuse prevention resource teacher for Riverside County Office of Education, as a family therapist trainee for families damaged by abuse and addiction, and twenty-one years as President of the Human Relations Council of the Greater Hemet and San Jacinto area, educating the community about social justice and other community issues and resources available.

  • Suzie Bennett, Board Treasurer, has lived in Idyllwild, CA since 2014 and spent her long career in healthcare administration/business development as well as holistic health. She is a California licensed massage therapist and energy healer with over 30 years experience, having studied with many of the pioneers in the field. She is a certified aromatherapist, infant massage educator and has learned many holistic healing modalities. Suzie is active in the community serving on several boards. She enjoys writing, having published her first book in 2016, reading, nature, music, spirituality and floral photography. Her family includes two children and four grandchildren.

  • Bronwyn Jones, Co-Chair, 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 with Ralph Blum 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.

Spirit Mountain Staff

Spirit Mountain Board Emerita

  • Maxine Schenk Board Member Emerita, is a retired teacher's aide, crossing guard, and playground supervisor for Hemet Unified School District at Idyllwild School.  After raising her family on the Hill, she continued her involvement with children  Morning Sky School in Mountain Center. A few years ago, a visit to the Meditation Garden at Spirit Mountain Retreat was followed by a brief conversation with its then director.  To be told, "The garden was glad I was there," sounded like the Twilight Zone to me!  The resulting ah-ha moment has unfolded into understanding and appreciation for sacred space and interconnectedness with our planet.  She holds the Spirit Mountain Retreat mission statement close to her heart, in part, "to inspire individuals to connect with their own truth."

  • Margaret Mary Leusch Board Member Emerita, brings years of experience as an educator, administrator, consultant, and currently as a spiritual care counselor at the Betty Ford Center. She was a board member of the Idyllwild Help Center serving as Secretary for five years. Margaret Mary is an Associate with the IHM Sisters in Monroe, Michigan. She lives with her husband David in Pine Cove, loves family and her two lovely granddaughters. Margaret Mary brings a deep commitment to the vision and mission of Spirit Mountain Retreat.

Get involved at Spirit Mountain!

Our weekly events, workshops, and programs happen thanks to our dedicated community of volunteers.

Thank you to everyone’s support!

If you’re interested in helping bring Spirit Mountain to life, write us below.

Contact us

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