Board of Directors

Michael Van Gelder, Chair

Camp Indralaya has always felt like home to me.  My family has been involved with Indralaya,
or Camp as we refer to it, and Theosophy for a few generations.  I first arrived at Camp with my parents and
siblings in 1952. Since then, Camp has become a home to me in heart and mind.  It has been part of my ethos-family,
community, principles, and values.

Indralaya is and always has been a dynamic community, constantly evolving, yet staying the same-true to itself. I have been involved in some of those changes, in particular changing approaches to working at Camp—from something only a few people “on staff” did to everyone contributing in their own way to benefit the whole.  I feel strongly about contributing to this unique community– to paraphrase a hackneyed phrase- “ask not what Camp can do for you, but what you can do for Camp”.

I am the Chair of the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee.

Tessa Ormenyi, Vice Chair and Members’ Representative

Indralaya is a foundational part of my life. I first came with my parents when I was a few months old. From Family Camp to Theosophical talks to Yoga to Deep Singing and of course all the Work Parties, Camp helped to shape who I am and how I live in the world. I was on Fellowship in 2010 and Kitchen Manager for the 2016 program season – and never left! I still live on Orcas Island and am now a licensed electrician. Indralaya keeps me grounded in its community. The many projects and activities, singing, laughter, and the food we share. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Board, honoring the almost 100 year history of Indralaya and stewarding this wonderful land and place on new paths ahead.

Indralaya is a special place where people can come to learn, work, rejuvenate, be curious, and reflect especially during these interesting times of living in a world with Covid.   I hope to give back and keep the place sustainable for many more years providing people the opportunity to be part of a meaningful community with the opportunity to live theosophy.

Marilynne Gardner, Secretary

I was sent to Indralaya over 40 years ago. I was welcomed knowing nothing about theosophy and put to work. I found a place where I could grow in self-awareness and be part of a caring community. I was on fellowship then daily staff, attended many programs, and learned Indralaya’s history and values. I forged a deep spiritual connection. It is a place where my children and grandchildren experience quiet, friendships and the meaning of being part of a community. I want to help preserve this opportunity for future generations. I am retired – once a social worker with runaway teens, aging and people with addictions, a city planner, and finally and joyfully, over a dozen years as the chief financial and operations officer with a large urban library system. This is my first term on the board. I will continue to serve on the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee and assume the role of board secretary.

Merry Bullock, Director, Treasurer

Like so many, Indralaya touches me in profound ways, from its physical self to its spiritual aura, and evokes a desire to both cherish and shepherd its journey. As a Board member, I hope to listen to Indralaya, and to the people who call it “their” place, whether long time participants or new-comers.

I bring experience as a university teacher, psychology researcher, and advocate for the development of a broad, culturally based understanding of human and organizational behavior. I have been a leader across different organizations, and like to think I can navigate from big picture to micro-processes with a collaborative, learning perspective. I’m a hands-on techie, like to think outside the box (but within practical realities) and value joining others who are committed to keeping Indralaya alive, engaged, and an embodiment of ahimsa.

I am trying to fill some very large footprints as I begin the journey as Indralaya Treasurer – I will do my very best to shepherd our finances, protect our tax status, and work collaboratively with the Board and office staff to meet our current and future financial goals.

Victoria Fonseca-Bennett, Director

Like many of you, Indralaya is in my heart and has been since I first stepped on the grounds when I was pregnant with my daughter in the summer of 1990.  Since my first arrival, I have had the privilege of participating in numerous work parties, Head Cooked oodles of programs/work parties, co-led Family Camp Week One for 10 years and served on the Board for two terms.  During my almost 30-year relationship with Camp, I have witnessed so much love, healing, laughter, volleyball, tofu, campfires and dragon flies.  We can all agree-this place is special and needs love and attention. 

I work from a holistic approach and am a strong advocate of collaboration, transparent communication, and equity.   I use these tools to help move Indralaya into the future while maintaining what we all love most about this place.

Andrie Levey-Bates, Director

The summer of 2020 our family celebrated 50 years of coming to Indralaya.  As a kid you naturally learned about ahimsa, felt the importance of community and the pride of working together, appreciated nature and were encouraged to always have an open mind. Becoming a teenager you snuggled up listening to speakers and thus inquiring about science, philosophy, the arts and their importance in theosophy.  To learn meditation and therapeutic touch naturally with talented presenters and to have meaningful discussions with everyone was such a gift. Interacting with people of all ages on various projects and being respected, included and valued was wonderful in such a place of beauty.

Indralaya is a special place where people can come to learn, work, rejuvenate, be curious, and reflect especially during these interesting times of living in a world with Covid.   I hope to give back and keep the place sustainable for many more years providing people the opportunity to be part of a meaningful community with the opportunity to live theosophy.

Lin Bauer, Director

Indralaya welcomed me the first time I set foot on her acreage and has been my spiritual home since. The community is wonderful no matter what program one attends, making Indralaya a unique and special place. Every program and every person who comes to camp contributes to the energy that has been healing people’s bodies, minds and spirits since its founding nearly 100 years ago. Living, learning, growing, and being of service together is such a gift. Now in my 4^th decade of attending camp, I have been to many different programs and work parties, including teaching numerous Therapeutic Touch courses, lifting my voice (and drum) for Deep Singing, being on fellowship and daily staff and head cooking many times.  I previously served on the Indralaya board and on the fundraising committee.

I live in Oregon on 80 acres and am a retired Special Education teacher. I volunteer with several different non-profits. It is an honor to serve again on the Indralaya board.