April Claxton
A lover of slow, meandering walks, April has always preferred taking her time to spot the tiny bits of nature magic along a trail or finding a spot to sit and just be. Recently, after studying the positive health benefits of time in nature, she began leading forest bathing walks. April is grateful to have learned from practitioners both in Bellingham & in Finland and is a certified Natural Mindfulness Guide. She knows slowing down and taking time to be mindful in nature can open us to wonder, peace, joy and a deeper connection to place and to ourselves. Learn more…
Barbara Bellamy
Barbara Bellamy has been singing since she could talk and has been playing piano almost that long. Now retired from directing high school choirs and performing in swanky hotels, she devotes her time to creating spiritual musical experiences, and encouraging everyone to find their voice and sing.
Barbara Hebert - Discussion
Barbara Hebert is past president of the Theosophical Society in America. A third-generation theosophist, she has been a member of the Theosophical Society since the mid 1970s and has been active in local, regional, national and international theosophical work. In her professional life, Hebert has been an educator and counselor, receiving her Ph.D. in Counselor Education. She has served in a number of different roles as counselor educator, including a private practice as a therapist and an adjunct professor at several local universities.
Bob Shapiro
Bob has been a practitioner of Tai Chi and Qigong since 1973. He has trained over the years with various Master’s and Teachers both Chinese and American. Bob began teaching Tai Chi and Qigong 35 years ago and has taught in a variety of community, educational, and clinical settings, including Middleway Acupuncture Institute, UnityCareNW, Bellingham. Skagit Valley Hospital and Regional Cancer Center, Mt Vernon Parks and Recreation, Riverside Health Club and Anacortes Senion Center. Bob has an MA in Adult Education. Bob is a Certified Family Mediator and has a National Certification in Group Psychotherapy. His specialty is Experiential Learning.
Callie French
Callie began studying Tarot in the mid 1960’s, although she has been around the art of cartomancy and divination all her life, with a grandmother who read playing cards and her aunt Ruby-Page Ewer (a founding member of Indralaya) who was well known for her divination in the Theosophical community. In the 1980’s Callie became fascinated with how Tarot links to numerology and the Qabalah and began intertwining them into sessions to offer clients a more complete reading. Callie’s methods have been continually honed and updated by attending and presenting at Tarot conferences since 2008 in London, UK, New York, NY,…
Chery Ann Hoffmeyer
PhD, QTTT, RTTT (she/her) I was first drawn to Therapeutic Touch® in 1984, where I was introduced to the concept of the human biofield. I was intrigued by what I experienced in that first TT class and wanted to learn more. I had the wonderful privilege of studying with Dora Kunz and Dolores Krieger, the co-founders of TT, at the TT summer camps in Indralaya and at Pumpkin Hollow Farm. In my private practice, I offered Therapeutic Touch to a diverse range of healing partners including: newborns, women in pregnancy, labor and delivery, and postpartum; surgical clients; and seniors. As…
Connections Discussion
At connections, each day includes a 1.5 hour discussion period on a theme related to Indralaya’s overall purpose of “an experiment in theosophical living.” Discussion leaders bring questions, readings, and their experiences. All are welcome to join (all ages).
Cordy Anderson
BSN, Retired RN, QTTT (she/her) In 1984 I began my 32-year career as a home health and hospice nurse. Therapeutic Touch magically came into my life as the “what to do when there is nothing else left to help”. Almost immediately I found TT to be an amazing adjunct to my nursing care…to ease someone’s respiratory distress…to relieve phantom pain…to help reduce a fever. Now, in my “retreadment” (a term I learned from Dee) my priorities are to be an involved grandma, teach TT, and offer Therapeutic Touch every chance I get. After over 30 years, I know that I…
Cynthia Peter
Cynthia Peter is a seeker, an artist and has done extensive studies in the creative and healing arts including classes in a variety of art techniques, Sacred Sound and Cross-Cultural Sound Healing, Meditation, and Interfaith studies. She has worked in Healthcare as an Occupational Therapist, Feldenkrais Practitioner, and Interfaith Chaplain for 35 plus years and has offered creative practices for healing and well-being including workshops to enhance awareness through movement, creativity, and sound. She is currently working as a Spiritual Director/companion and plays with clay, paint, collage, and textiles for personal well-being and as an exploration of the human spirit…
Dawn Jex
Dawn Jex is a yogi/gypsy wanderer/ blue-eyed poet/artist who has been teaching yoga for 12 years. She earned her first teaching credentials at Movement Arts in Stanwood, Washington and has added over 1500 hours of varied yoga methodologies since that time. Dawn is also a massage therapist, partner stretching practitioner and playful instructor. She believes that yoga should be accessible for every body and designs her classes to meet the needs of each and every student. She includes breath work, physical movement and extended meditation in each practice. “We work the body, to quiet the mind, so that we can…
Denise Carrico
Denise Carrico, BFA, Certified Integral Yoga Teacher, CBC-Y, Chaplain in Training A life-long artist & seeker, Denise found her spiritual ‘home’ in the beautiful, heartful practice of Yoga and has been offering classes, workshops & retreats for over 30 years. Her hope is to make the teachings & the practices open to all who wish to deepen their relationship with themselves, to become kinder and more intimate with their own bodies & hearts, and to expand that out to the wider world as well. Her practice is a rich, integrated one – using breath, mindfulness, Metta meditation, Yoga therapy, somatic…
Douglas Keene, President Theosophical Society in America
Douglas Keene, MD, MPH, has been a member of the Theosophical Society in America since 1980, first joining in San Antonio, Texas, while in medical school. He was also a member of the inaugural class of the Partners in Theosophy program. He has served for several years on the TSA Board of Directors, initially as Eastern Director then one term as Vice President and currently as President. During this time, Doug has made many visits to the Society’s locations in Wheaton, Illinois, Adyar, India, and the Krotona Institute in Ojai, California, for various programs and projects. He has presented at…
Elizabeth Nelson
Elizabeth is a passionate public health advocate who believes in the power of nature to promote well-being. With a diverse background in business, nonprofit, and government, she brings a unique blend of skills to her work. Elizabeth has experienced firsthand the profound benefits of immersing oneself in nature. She is passionate about sharing this practice with others, guiding individuals on mindful walks through lush forests to reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and foster a deeper connection with the natural world. Contact: Elizabeth Nelson, Director of Programs, Recreation Northwest.
Hilarie Hauptman
Hilarie Hauptman, she/her: Hilarie is passionate about connecting people to a wide spectrum of resources to empower them to move toward the kind of aging and death experience they desire. Grounded in decades of work in the aging field as a program developer and trainer, she presented at numerous workshops on health promotion, caregiving, and advance care planning. She enjoys volunteering and spreading the word about ground-breaking death options. Hilarie gathers deep nourishment from having her hands in soil and walking in nature.
Imam Jamal Rahman
Imam Jamal Rahman is a popular speaker and author of numerous books on Islam, Sufi spirituality, and Interfaith relations. Along with the Interfaith Amigos, he has been featured in the New York Times, CBS News, BBC, and various NPR programs. Jamal is co-founder and Muslim Sufi Imam at Interfaith Community Sanctuary, and adjunct faculty at Seattle University. He travels nationally and internationally, presenting at retreats and workshops. Jamal’s passion lies in interfaith community building and activism. Jamal’s passion lies in interfaith community building and individual spiritual development. He remains rooted in his Islamic tradition and cultivates inner spaciousness by being…
Jane Cornman
RN, PhD, QTTT (she, her) My study of TT began with Dora Kunz and Dolores Krieger in 1979 and then expanded to teaching TT in 1985. I integrated TT into courses at the University of Washington, Seattle and Tacoma, on Holistic Health and Integrative Healthcare during my 30 years of teaching in the nursing program. Our work in the Community Care Courses group of TTIA and being part of the teaching team at Indralaya has been extremely rewarding. TT to me is like a beautifully healing piece of music that we are given the privilege to share with our healing…
Jennifer Whetham
Jennifer Whetham has taught literature and writing courses in multiple two- and four-year institutions across Washington State. In addition, she is certified in the Gateless Writing method, a technique of teaching the art and craft of writing that draws on the founder Suzanne Kingsbury’s research into Buddhism and meditation, brain science, and creativity, Gateless makes the radical claim that imagination and creativity are best accessed when we reduce activity in the parts of the brain associated with negativity and resistance. Just like trauma, criticism triggers the innate fight/flight/freeze responses hardwired into our brain structures. Jennifer also works as the program manager…
Jody Falconer
CMT, QTTT (she/her) My desire to understand healing, spurred on by my own healing path, led me to Therapeutic Touch in 1994, and then expanded into teaching Therapeutic Touch in massage schools beginning in 1997. From the beginning, TT became a central figure in understanding who I was, and in nurturing my abilities to be of support to others in their own healing. In my massage practice in Sonoma, California, it is at the root of my healing interactions. I have a special interest in understanding trauma and TT, sharing TT to local communities, and looking at how TT can…
Joel and Michelle Levey
Joel and Michelle Levey have devoted their lives to the exploration and integration of the world’s great wisdom traditions and contemplative inner sciences, and are early pioneers introducing mindfulness and contemplative practice into hundreds of mainstream medical, educational, business, sports, and government organizations since the 70s. Over the past 50 years they have studied and practiced with many of the most revered teachers of our time, including the Dalai Lama, Krishnamurti, and Thich Nhat Hahn. Nobel Peace Laureate the Dalai Lama, an advisor to the Leveys on numerous projects, once wrote to them: “You are presently engaged in work that has great…
Karen Abel Dickinson
With over 15 years of painting experience and more than two years of teaching watercolor, Karen Abel Dickinson is passionate about helping others discover the beauty and flow of watercolor. Completely self-taught through YouTube, Karen has learned how watercolor- pigment, water and paper interact to create stunning, vibrant works of art.As an instructor, Karen focuses on teaching step-by-step techniques that empower students to explore their own creativity. She loves showing how the simplicity of watercolor can produce truly captivating results.Karen’s goal is to inspire confidence in every artist, whether they’re just starting out or refining their skills, by demonstrating that…
Karen Goens
Karen Goens has attended nearly every session of Deep Singing as a camper. She started singing late in life so, to make up for lost time, jumped into as many learning experiences as possible – community chorus, Christmas caroling, Threshold Singers, workshops, Bellingham Sings! women’s classical and jazz choirs.
Karen Lohmann
Karen Lohmann, she/her: Karen is a grandmother, plantswoman, artist, ritualist and celebrant. She has worked in the fields of death and dying for the past 18 years. A lay-ordained, Buddhist (Upaya), Sufi, and interfaith Chaplain, working for hospice at present. Annie McManus (a former Indralaya Family Camp Coordinator) and Karen ran “Blessing the Journey” -a home funeral service, for 4 years; Karen continues this work. She has studied with Francis Weller, and Sobonfu Some, students of Maldoma Some, and she has trained with Joanna Macy, and Joan Halifax. Karen is FES Certified in Flower Essence Therapy. She designed and created gardens including Olympia’s Seven Oars Parks,…
Kathy Arquette
EdM, QTTP (she/her) I am an energetic, enthusiastic, and joyful TT practitioner and so grateful to have TT as a lifeway, a journey of fun, learning, compassion, and healing. I was introduced to TT twenty plus years ago, Therapeutic Touch dovetailed so nicely with the Sound trainings I was studying. My TT practice deepened through visits to The Rockery, Dee Krieger’s home in Montana, where we attended to complete a “honey-do” list of projects for Dee. I went twice a year and those visits opened my curiosity. I needed to know more about this wonderful healing modality. The visits were…
Kathy Wilmering
PMHNP BC MSW, QTTT, (she/her) I am a long-time TT practitioner and teacher who has successfully used TT to address my own serious chronic illness. I also had the privilege of studying with TT co-founders Dolores Krieger and Dora Kunz until their deaths. As a nurse practitioner, social worker, and health coach, I have years of experience facilitating groups that change people’s lives. I love teaching Transpersonal because I get to watch people start to feel solid as TT practitioners and really fall in love with TT for what it does for them and their healing partners. They also gain…
Kimberlee Hummel
Kimberlee Hummel is a history and art teacher who has worked with students of all ages for the past 20 years. She is passionate about fostering creativity, experiential learning, and exploration of the natural world. She received her BFA in photography from the Pacific Northwest College of Art with additional emphasis in printmaking, ceramics, and art history. She lives in Olympia, WA, and is currently exploring fiber arts and mixed media. In her free time, Kimberlee can be found outdoors adventuring, enjoying a good book, or participating in community events.
Kurt Leland
Kurt Leland has written on out-of-body and near-death experiences, as well as the peak experiences possible when composing, performing, and listening to music. He is the author of numerous books, including The Multidimensional Human: Practices for Psychic and Spiritual Development and Rainbow Body: A History of the Western Chakra System from Blavatsky to Brennan. Based in Boston, Mr. Leland is a national and international lecturer for the Theosophical Society (Adyar).
Laurie Rotecki
Bio here
Leeann Tourtillott
Leeann Tourtillott, she/her: In Leeann’s Environmental Education career, she taught college, wrote instructional materials, did research, and consulted with nonprofits and government. Also, as an educator, she started working for Hospice, mostly in family bereavement services. In her role as an interfaith minister, she has supported families, as a loved one approaches and meets death. Assisting and coordinating home funerals are also in her death care resume. Leeann is a trained Advanced Care Directives Facilitator, presenting that information to organizations since 2017. She consults privately, helping individuals and couples work through advance directive paperwork, getting their thoughts and priorities clarified,…
Leonie Van Gelder
Leonie Van Gelder lives on Orcas Island and for about 18 years managed Indralaya with her husband, Minor. She has led meditations in other theosophical centers, and silent meditation retreats at Indralaya for many years. Leonie is a massage therapist, Therapeutic Touch practitioner, and has worked with mantra and sound healing.
Leonie Van Gelder (TT)
BA LMT QTTT I originally learned Therapeutic Touch in the 1970’s, but it wasn’t until I began to manage Camp Indralaya with my husband in the mid 1990’s that I more fully committed myself to an ongoing practice. Over the years, I have worked on people with a variety of conditions, and I continue to learn. As I grow in experience and confidence, my receptivity also grows. Currently I am on the Therapeutic Touch International Association’s board. During these past few years, I have practiced TT in person as a caregiver, and also on Zoom with friends and colleagues. Therapeutic Touch…
Lin Bauer
MS, CCMHP, QTTT (she/her) I have been a Therapeutic Touch practitioner since 1992 and teacher since 2002, teaching all three levels of TT. A retired Special Education teacher after 32+ years, I am also a Sound Therapist, practicing since 2001. I am currently on the board of Camp Indralaya and am the Education Trustee for TTIA board. I am also on the boards of TT Dialogues, Inc, and the Northwest Therapeutic Touch Institute. In addition to working with people with special needs, my TT practice includes working with people with cancer, and those who are on hospice. I have presented Therapeutic…
Mary Lou Trinkwon
MEd, RP, RT (she/her) I began my TT journey in 2015 with Cheryl Larden at Langara College. I have been involved in Therapeutic Touch Networks of Canada committee work, the Reciprocity Committee and the Mentorship Guidelines Handbook and I am currently sitting on a Therapeutic Touch International Association Committee in a review of curriculum guidelines. In 2019 I was BCTTNS Secretary, and since that time I sat on the Education Committee, in 2022 as Co-Chair and I am currently the Credentialing Chair. I have been a participant in the Montana Dialogues since 2019, and in 2023/24 developed and facilitated ‘aesthetic…
Nichole DeMent
Nichole DeMent, an intuitive artist and quantum healer specializing in connecting individuals with their inner voice and authentic soul alignment
Pat Moffitt Cook
PhD, is the founder and director of the Open Ear Center in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She is a distinguished pioneer in the field of sound and cross-cultural musical healing applications in healthcare and education. Dr. Cook has extensive training and certifications in auditory stimulation and sensory integration methods including the Tomatis Method and the Listening Fitness Program (LiFT). She is a Fellow of the Association of Music and Imagery (FAMI) and certified in the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM). Pat is a certified Vedic Chant teacher by the Krishnamacharya Healing and Yoga Foundation (KHYF) and a certified…
Peggy Frank
Peggy Frank MRM, QTTT (she/her) It has been my joy to teach Therapeutic Touch in Canada, the United States and several African countries. I came to Therapeutic Touch (TT) through the door of a healing partner. I’ve lived with HIV infection most of my life. AIDS almost did me in during the early 1990s, but TT helped. In the early days of the AIDS pandemic there were no drugs to help combat the virus. I attribute my survival to the use of complementary therapies, especially highly effective TT. Now the medications allow me a full life. Post recovery, I began…
Sally Blumenthal
MFT, RN (she/her) I have been loving Therapeutic Touch since the late 70’s when I first met Dee and Dora. Since then, I have used the wisdom I have been gathering with TT to start a hospice, care for many people who were dying, become a therapist, work with our HIV/AIDS community, the Trans community and am finally moving toward retirement, maybe. I just really love what I do. I will continue to share what I have learned on my journey as I am a natural storyteller. I also have a new (old) home on Orcas where I just finished…
Sam Heller
Sam Heller is a holistic wellness coach, meditation and breathwork teacher, with over 1,000 hours of meditation experience. He has extensively studied and applied the practices and philosophies of Vajrayana Buddhism and has also been a student of North and South American indigenous shamanic traditions. Sam is one of the world’s most experienced dark retreat practitioners, having completed a total of 9 completely light-free meditation retreats, lasting 6, 9, 11, 12, 16, 9, 12, 9 and 12 days respectively. He teaches his students how to use meditation as a means by which to transcend psychoemotional blockages, fuel creativity and insight,…
Sandy Revesz
CURN, LMP, BSN, QTTP Hello there, I have been studying Massage and Therapeutic Touch since 1982. I first learned Therapeutic Touch in 1976. I have been teaching TT since 1984, often with Susan Wager M.D. and other health professionals. For many years I worked with people living with HIV-AIDS, doing massage and TT, on a regular visit basis. In addition to teaching TT, I was Massage Therapy instructor in Tacoma and Seattle. I have been part of both the faculty and planning committees for numerous Therapeutic Touch workshops of all levels. I have been an RN since 1989 and helped…
Stephanie Austin
Stephanie Austin M.A. has been a full time astrological counselor, teacher, and writer since 1993. She has a master’s degree in Consciousness Studies, a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and a lifelong involvement with Nature, spiritual development, and healing. Stephanie was an adjunct professor at John F. Kennedy University for 15 years and a regular columnist for the Mountain Astrologer magazine for 14 years. While she enjoys doing readings and writing a biweekly astrology newsletter, she especially loves teaching astrology for personal and spiritual growth. For more on her background and services, visit her website EcoAstrology.com.
Suzanne Engelberg
PhD, QTTP in process 😊 (she/her): One of my pleasures in life is compassionately supporting Therapeutic Touch Healing Partners as they journey towards greater healing and well-being. I use humor, fun, and a variety of interesting activities to help Healing Partners approach their healing from a place of strength and wholeness. I am a clinical psychologist with over 25 years of experience. I’m also a board member of Therapeutic Touch International Association, and Therapeutic Touch Professional Associates (the Seattle-area TTIA chapter.) No matter what difficulties you are experiencing, I look forward to supporting you during this wonderful opportunity for transformative…
Tama Recker
Tama Recker lives on Vancouver Island and has a strong connection with Indralaya through Therapeutic Touch programs, silent retreats, and Deep Singing. Tama works as a therapist, Therapeutic Touch practitioner, meditation guide, and hospice educator. She is also a poet, dreamer, nature lover and creator. The ocean & the woods are where she replenishes, so Indralaya is always a homecoming.
Tama Recker (TT)
RTC, TTRT, QTTP (she/her): I live on Vancouver Island and care deeply about wellness and healing. I’ve been a Therapeutic Touch (TT) practitioner for 25 years supporting people with chronic pain/illness, cancer, those in hospice, on grief journeys and other transitions. I’m a counsellor, hospice educator, teach TT and facilitate reflective writing, mindfulness, meditation, and creative courses. My counselling practice supports people around end of life and other significant life transitions and challenges. When I’m not working, you’ll find me connecting with nature and marveling at the simple things. I love coming back to Indralaya where there is grounding and support…
Tiffany Stoker
Tiffany Stoker is a musician, designer, performer, filmmaker, and motivational coach. When not in NYC, you can find her working on film sets, leading retreats, and hosting guided meditations on her podcast, ‘Intentional Rising’. Singing is her first love and most powerful tool. Let your sound soothe and your voice be your own medicine in her voice-body connection workshop.
