Embracing Change in 2019!
Happy New Year!
We are grateful for the continued dedication of the staff, board, volunteers and donors for making Balanced Rock such a solid, inspiring and loving organization. We hope you will join this incredible community on one of our 2019 courses! If your new year's resolution includes spending time in nature, recommitting to self care and wellness routines, and/or exploring personal growth in supportive community then these courses are just the thing. Balanced Rock is also welcoming 2019 with some significant and exciting changes within the organization. Read on for the latest news!
Changes to Our Staff:
In 2019 we bid farewell to Paula Wild, Director of Operations, who has served Balanced Rock for almost eight years in a variety of roles. Paula leaves a wonderful legacy at Balanced Rock. She has implemented many organizational systems with an attention to detail and professionalism that has allowed BR to grow and therefore, become a more efficient and polished organization. Also in her tenure, Paula has served as a wilderness guide and yoga instructor. She has helped co-create the WildYoga Advanced Studies and Teacher Training Program by contributing engaging curriculum, attentive instruction and a compassionate and caring teaching style.Paula has truly embraced the Balanced Rock mission; to inspire health and well-being through deep connection to nature and spirit, in her work and life. We wish her well on her new, exciting position as Program Specialist at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, CA. Here, Paula will continue to serve people by focusing on exploring the human potential in a dynamic landscape. She will also continue to cultivate her amazing organizational talents and her passion for teaching and bringing compassion and wellbeing to the world. Immense gratitude for all she has given to the Yosemite, Mariposa, and Balanced Rock Communities. We love you, Paula.
Board of Directors:
Balanced Rock is also experiencing a transition in our Board leadership as Anne Baxter steps down from her role as Board President. She has held this role for four years. We are so grateful to Anne for her dedication. She has graciously exercised thoughtfulness and compassion in her managerial position. We honor and thank you Anne. And we are so glad you will stay on the Board!We are equally excited to welcome Pete Van Kuran as the new President of Balanced Rock’s Board of Directors. Pete has served on the BR Board since 2010 as Secretary. He brings a wealth of organizational and fiscal skills to the organization.We are thrilled to have Pete's expertise and guidance in this new role. Pete’s daughter, Kim Marcis, was a participant on the very first BR trip in 2000. His three grandchildren participate in the Kid’s Mindfulness Program with BR in the El Portal school system. Thanks to Pete for stepping up as our new President!
2019 Administrative Staff
- Heather Sullivan Managing Director/Co-Founder
- Deana Barone, Admin Assistant
- Operations Manager In process
2019 Board of Directors
- Pete Van Kuran, Board President
- Eliza Kerr, Vice President/Co-Founder
- Rosa Aranda-Lister, Secretary
- Monte Myers, Treasurer
- Marcia Hodges
- Sarah Ottley
- Brenda Ostrom
- Anne Baxter
- Maggie Jones
2019 Instructors and Volunteers
- Breezy Jackson
- Jon-Paul Salonen
- Jana Kilgore
- Patrick Bremser
- Miho Aida
- Grace Anderson
- Nancy Aronie
- Heather Sullivan
- Eliza Kerr
- Dennis Eagan
- Erin Dickman
- Schuyler Greenleaf
- Paula Wild
- Cassidy Engfer