Director
Claudette Darisse, SASV
We welcome Claudette Darisse, SASV as Director of Living Water Spiritual Center. Sr. Claudette holds a BA in Sociology/Psychology, and an MA in Pastoral Ministry from Emmanuel College in Boston. She has taught in parochial schools in New England. Working with Latinos in inner city parishes, Sr. Claudette became trilingual--fluent in Spanish as well as French and English. Her interest in ecumenical concerns began during her teaching career and has expanded through the years culminating in seven seasons of the Women's Spirituality Breakfast for greater Skowhegan women.
Meet Sr. Claudette at our open house, September 7, from 2-4 pm.

Program Director, Eco-Spirituality, Spiritual Director
Susan MacKenzie    susan@retreatinmaine
Susan earned her doctorate in natural sciences and created EarthWorks, a ministry of ecology and spirituality for youth of all ages. An ecumenical retreat leader and spiritual director, she is also a registered Maine Guide and leads indoor and outdoor retreats throughout New England.

Hospitality, Interim Director, Spiritual Director
Sr. Jeannine Levasseur
Sr. Jeannine holds an M.A. from St. Rose College in Albany, N.Y., a Certificate of Biblical Studies, and a specialization in prophets from the Center of Biblical Studies in San Paulo, Brazil. She holds a certificate in spiritual direction and retreat ministry from the Center for Religious Development in Cambridge, MA.

Program Director of 11th Step Retreats
Brother Rex Anthony Norris, ssf   Rex-Anthony_Norris@umit.maine.edu
Brother Rex has been a Franciscan since 1988. He has led retreats in the U.S. and Britain. His love of God, others, and life in general make him a spirit-filled and delightful retreat leader.

Administrative Assistant, Web Site
Sharon Campbell-Delano  Sharon@retreatinmaine.com
 

Chef
Leslie Peters

Assistant to Leslie: Sr. Jackie Koss
 

Housekeeper
Joyce Loubier

Maintenance
Jerry Murray

• The Addictions Team at Hammond Street Congregational Church, UCC includes Maury Landry, Mark Doty, Bill Lagerstrom, Lee F. White, Kitty Graham, Sharon Stover, Ralph Jordan, Tracy Bigney, Robin Hamilton, Karen Foley and Andy Wood. Together they have many years of personal recovery, and have led recovery meetings and retreats in Bangor. The recovery team includes people trained in ministry, addictions, counseling, and social work. Their purpose is to create a safe and supportive space to talk about spirituality and recovery.
      Facing the Storm - January 23-25, 2009
   
• Lynn Ascrizzi is a longtime Baha'i and lives in Freedom, Maine. She is a columnist for the Kennebec Journal and Waterville Morning Sentinel.
     Introduction to Baha'i Faith - May 17, 2009
   
• Margaret Barragato is both a Zen Buddhist teacher and priest and a Roman Catholic. She has been doing meditation in both traditions for more than thirty years. She currently teaches at Treetop Zen Center in Oakland, Maine.
     Introduction to Zen Meditation - November 2, 2008
     Christian-Buddhist Dialogue - January 24, 2009
   
• Rev. Diana Beach is an Episcopal priest. She is a Jungian psychotherapist and spiritual director in Thomaston.
     Spirituality of the Hours: Finding the Holy in Daily Living - March 27-28, 2009
   
• Janet Blakeley has been a staff member of Living Water Spiritual Center since its inception. Janet earned a certificate in spiritual direction from the Center for Religious Development, Cambridge, MA, and her Master's degree in Clinical Pastoral Counseling from Emmanuel College, Boston.
     Week long Directed Silent Retreat - June 22-29, 2009
   
• Laura Bridgman, ND has studied homeopathy with American and international teachers since her graduation from Bastyr University in 1995. She has a practice in Waterville as a Family Nurse Practitioner, Naturopathic Doctor & Homeopath. She has been a student of yoga and meditation for 18 or more years.
     Homeopathy as Spirit Medicine - January 18, 2009
   
• Connie Caron, NDS drums and chants as part of her spiritual discipline, and to honor her Native American heritage. Sr. Connie, of Our Lady of Sion, has also taught bead working workshops, specializing in wall hangings and pendants. A Montessori teacher for over 20 years, Sr. Connie is also known as the clown "Bonne Nuit."
     Drumming Workshop: Join the Rhythm of Life - April 19, 2009
   
• Jennifer Clair is a Reiki III practitioner and an active member of the South China Community Church. Jennifer has an ongoing interest in finding practical ways to step off our culture's consumer-driven path.
     Unplug the Christmas Machine - November 7, 2008
  
  Fr. Brian Clary has been a Catholic priest since 1997. He is Rector of Saint Anselm Church in Sudbury, MA and also the Director of the Priests' Recovery Program for the Archdiocese of Boston. Sober since August 3, 1998 he is an alumnus of Guest House in Rochester, Minnesota, which specializes in the treatment of addicted clergy. He has been doing retreat work for several years.
     Men's 11th Step Retreat "Improving our Conscious Contact with God" - February 13-15, 2009
   
• Ann Conway, Ph.D is a writer and sociologist who lives in central Maine. She has been published in Image and has been a columnist for Maine Times. In her work in Maine public health, Ann has created many programs for people with chronic disease and disabilities. Ann has also lived with a disability for sixteen years.
     Disability as Spiritual Challenge and Spiritual Gift - April 4, 2009
   
• Rick Cormier is the founder and facilitator of the "Different Drummers Drum Circle" of Yarmouth, Maine, the largest community drum circle in the state. He has helped in the start up of dozens of freestyle drum circles in the U.S. and Canada and has drawn many hundreds of people, from children to seniors, into the world of community drumming. When he's not drumming, Rick is a licensed psychotherapist specializing in anxiety disorders and trauma.
     Different Drummers Joyful Heart Club Band, March 22, 2009
   
• Rev. Marcelle Dotson is ordained in the Order of Elder in the United Methodist Church. In the summer of 2007, Rev. Dotson took a three-month sabbatical and went on pilgrimage following the Camino de Santiago de Compostela. She began in Vezelay, France following one of the ancient French routes of the Chemin de Saint Jacques de Compostelle. In the summer of 2008, she returned to complete the Camino, beginning at Saint Jean Pied de Port and traveling to the Cathedral of Santiago. Rev. Dotson is currently on a year-long sabbatical learning about and engaging in issues of poverty.
     Walking with God: Reflections on the Camino de Santiago de Compostela - November 23, 2008
   
• Rev. Dr. Stephen Drane was ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and earned a doctorate in Adult Education. He has known Ram Dass for 40 years, spending a week with him at Omega Institute recently.
     A Modern Prophet of Compassion: Dr. Richard Alpert Becomes Ram Dass - February 7, 2009
   
• Fr. Tom Farley is a Catholic priest serving in the Diocese of Portland. He has enjoyed 29 years of continuous sobriety by actively working the 12 Steps. Fr. Tom is known for his gentle spirit, his wit and his compassion for the sick and the suffering addict and alcoholic.
     Men's 11th Step Retreat "The Gifts of Sobriety" - February 20-22, 2009
   
• Muriel Fish earned her MFA in Creative Writing and Literature at Goddard College and teaches writing and communication courses at Thomas College. She writes, gardens, and rides a tandem bicycle with her husband in Smithfield, Maine.
     Writing from our Spiritual Hearts - March 28, 2009
     Exploring Our Spiritual Landscapes through Poetry - May 15-16, 2009
   
• Rev. Karen Lewis Foley is a Unitarian Universalist minister, spiritual director and retreat leader who served congregations for eighteen years in Massachusetts before moving to Maine, where she focuses on spiritual direction, retreats and writing poetry and prose. She completed the Shalem Institute's spiritual guidance program and is currently enrolled in Shalem's program for retreat and group leaders. Her reflective writing has appeared in the Portland Press Herald's Religion and Values section, various denominational publications and the journal of Spiritual Directors International.
     A Balm in Gilead: Forgiving and Letting Go - February 6-7, 2009
   
• Rev. James Gill, L.M.F.T., a retired Episcopal priest is a trained facilitator for the NAMI  (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Family-to-Family Course and lectures at UMA (University of Maine in Augusta) in the Community Mental Health course on "The Partnership Model" (including family in the treatment team).
     Mental Illness: You, Your Family and/or Your Faith Community - November 15, 2008
   
• Kay Gill, a retreat leader and spiritual guide for many years, is an Episcopal laywoman. She holds an M.A. in Spiritual Direction from the General Theological Seminary, and is a graduate member of the Guild for Spiritual Guidance, a group whose focus is the interconnection of Jung, the Mystics and Teilhard. She attends Quaker meeting.
     Earth Light - April 22, 2009
   
• Mary-Carol Griffin is an ordained Episcopal deacon active in the pastoral care needs of her parish family and the community. She is presently the Bereavement Services Coordinator for Hospice of Hancock County, training volunteers and facilitators in providing bereavement support for adults and children.
     A Heart to Listen-a Retreat for Women - October 17-19, 2008
   
• Ann Harriman has completed one unit of Clinical Pastoral Education from Maine Medical Center, and received a certificate in Spiritual Direction from the Shalem Institute of Spiritual Formation. She is a Reiki practitioner and has a private practice for Reiki and Spiritual Direction.
     Week-long Directed Silent Retreat - August 6-13, 2009
   
• Gail A. Hasey, RN, LADC has facilitated 11th step retreats for men and women in New England since 1989. Besides her own recovery, Gail has worked in the field of Chemical Dependency and family recovery since 1987. In 1990, she began her private practice in Bangor at the Center for Holistic Recovery treating persons suffering from the family disease of Chemical Dependency. She practices through the filter of the 11th Step believing "Bidden or unbidden, God is present."
     Women's 11th Step Weekend - October 24-26, 2008
   
• Dr. Rick Hobbs is a family physician in private practice specializing in acupuncture and integrative medicine. His training includes a one-year program in medical acupuncture at the University of Alberta and a three-month sabbatical in China. Rick has long been interested in the importance of spirituality in health and wellness. Chinese medicine has affirmed that connection and afforded the opportunity to address spiritual issues more directly in patient care.
     Traditional Chinese Medicine - May 3, 2009
   
• Robin Jellis is on the faculty of Portland Conservatory of Music. She has performed with the Bangor Symphony and in other venues in Maine for over 10 years.
     The Thinking Heart: Variations of Etty Hillesum's Writing - September 28, 2008
   
• Carleen Johnson has studied classical homeopathy since 1988, and is a graduate of the New England School of Homeopathy. She is a member of the Maine Association of Homeopaths, and has been practicing homeopathy since 1995. She is nationally certified as a classical homeopath and is a member of the board of the North American Society of Homeopaths.
     Homeopathy as Spirit Medicine - January 18, 2009
   
• Rev. Dr. Sharon Geneva Welch Jones received her Masters of Divinity from Bangor Theological Seminary and a Doctorate of Ministry from Andover Newton Theological Seminary. She has served United Methodist churches throughout New England. Sharon works with the Merrimack Valley Project, where she co-chaired their Immigration Story Forum Process and has encouraged members of her congregation to work collaboratively with recent immigrants for justice.
     Immigration and the Spirituality of Hospitality - February 1, 2009
   
• Jennifer Wilder Kierstead is an artist, writer and business woman. She is a two-time Small Business Innovation Research award winner and mother of two daughters, who started developing her artistic skills more mindfully three years ago at the age of 51. Her undergraduate degree is in Science, Technology and Society: Program in Critical Thought, Vassar College. She wants to share her knowledge and excitement about what she is learning about the human brain, getting older and making art.
     A Mindful Introduction to Drawing January 16-17, 2009
   
• Rev. Martha Kirkpatrick is an Episcopal priest. She is the Missioner for Environmental Stewardship for the Diocese of Maine and Assistant Rector at Grace Church, Bath.
     Faith Club book discussion retreat - November 21-22, 2008
     Spirituality of the Hours: Finding the Holy in Daily Living - March 27-28, 2009
   
• Dan Koehler is the Lead Organizer of the Kennebec Valley Organization. Dan was first introduced to the concept of sustainable community change as a Peace Corps Volunteer in rural Paraguay. When he returned the US, he interned with the Merrimack Valley Project, a faith- and values-based community organization working on jobs and affordable housing issues in the Lawrence/Lowell area of Massachusetts. Dan has helped KVO leaders develop leadership and build relationships with one another. He played a critical role in advocating for raising the minimum wage, increasing mental health crisis response training among Valley police and first responders, and addressing the crisis of long-term care facing the region.
     Building Power for Change: Basics of Faith- and Values- Based Community Organizing - February 22, 2009
   
• Laurie Proctor-Lefebvre teaches art at Freshwater Arts in Waterville, and is President of the Waterville area Art Society. She works in all mediums and has won a number of awards for her art. A social worker, she incorporates art into treatment.
     Fresh Air painting - June 7, 2009
   
• Jeannine Levasseur, csj holds an M.A. from St. Rose College in Albany, N.Y., a Certificate of Biblical Studies, and a specialization in prophets from the Center of Biblical Studies in San Paulo, Brazil. She holds a certificate in spiritual direction and retreat ministry from the Center for Religious Development in Cambridge, MA.
     Directed Silent Retreat - October 31-November 2, 2008
     Directed Silent Retreat - March 27-29, 2009
     Directed Silent Weekend - June 26-28, 2009
   
• Susan MacKenzie, Ph.D. is program director at Living Water Spiritual Center. She earned her doctorate in natural sciences and created EarthWorks, a ministry of ecology and spirituality for youth of all ages. An ecumenical retreat leader and spiritual director, she is also a registered Maine Guide and leads indoor and outdoor retreats throughout New England.
     Directed Silent Weekend: Pray All Ways/Pray Always - September 25-28, 2008
     Midweek Reflection on Inspirational People: Marian Wright Edelman - October 8, 2008
     Women's Outdoor Adventure - October 15-19, 2008
     Learning Circle: Choices for Sustainable Living - October 20-December 8, 2008
     Unplug the Christmas Machine - November 7, 2008
     Midweek Reflection on Inspirational People: Kathleen Norris - December 10, 2008
     Midweek Reflection on Inspirational People: The Dalai Lama - February 11, 2009
     Grace (Eventually): Further Thoughts on Faith by Anne Lamott Book Discussion - March 13-14, 2009
     Midweek Reflection on Inspirational People: Deepak Chopra - April 15, 2009
   
• Brother Rex Anthony Norris, SSF has been a Franciscan since 1988. He has led retreats in the U.S. and Britain. His love of God, others, and life in general make him a spirit-filled and delightful retreat leader.
   
• Kerri Oliver has been an independent consultant with Creative Memories for five years. In 2002, the co-founder of Creative Memories personally introduced, trained, and inspired Kerri to teach the tradition of Faith Booking.
     Scrapbooking Weekend - January 16-18, 2009
   
• David Peloquin has been a consciousness and meditation teacher for over 15 years. He is an author, illustrator, and internationally known folk musician and recording artist. He lectures on many subjects, including Ken Wilber, Eckhart Tolle, and Spiral Dynamics.
     Eckhart Tolle: A Day of Stillness and Insight - October 18, 2008
     Ken Wilber: An Introduction to Integral Spirituality - March 7, 2009
   
• Emily Rotch is an Episcopal lay woman and avid gardener on a farm in Maine. She is a certified spiritual director, and has taken advanced courses from Andover-Newton Theological Seminary. Her life is fulfilled outdoors.
     Meeting God in Creation - May 1-2, 2009
   
• Raffael Scheck, Ph.D. Chair of the History Department at Colby College, is a specialist in Modern European history, with a focus on German history and World War II.
     The Thinking Heart: Variations of Etty Hillesum’s Writing - September 28, 2008
   
• Jack Seery is a member of Unity Church of Greater Portland. He has been a spiritual director and retreat leader for 35 years. While in Boston, he was part of the Catholic Worker community, serving the homeless and engaging in acts of non-violent resistance to weapons of mass destruction. He presently lives in Waterboro, Maine.
     The Gospel of John: Invitation to Transformation - September 27, 2008
     The Gospel of John: Commitment to Our Spiritual Journey - January 24, 2009
     The Gospel of John: The Mysticism of Service - April 18, 2009
   
• Cheryl Shepherd is a Certified Holistic Health Counselor. As a Holistic Health Counselor, Cheryl works as a personal advocate helping her clients to live energized and passionate lives while helping them to discover food and lifestyle choices that are best for them.
     A Raw Food Lifestyle for Healthy Living - October 26, 2008
   
• Rev. Levering Sherman is an Episcopal Priest in central Maine, and has been a counselor and practitioner of dream-analysis for over thirty years. He received graduate training in Developmental Psychology (Eriksonian and Freudian models) at Princeton University and Princeton Theological Seminary. After graduate school, he worked for mental health systems in Massachusetts and North Carolina.
     Dreams and Revelations - March 13-14, 2009
   
• Martin Steingesser is Poet Laureate of Portland Maine. A poet and performer, Martin has presented programs of his poems throughout the state and taught poetry workshops for over 25 years.
     The Thinking Heart: Variations of Etty Hillesum's Writing - September 28, 2008
   
• Rev. Sharon Stover is an ordained minister with Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC). She has pastored congregations in Tacoma WA, Sioux Falls, SD, and Omaha, NE. While working towards her M.Div. at Seattle University, which she received in 2002, Sharon was appointed the first Protestant chaplain of the university's campus ministry. Since moving to Maine in 2005, she has served as a chaplain, spiritual director, and retreat leader within the recovery community. She has recently become affiliated with the Addictions Ministry Team at Hammond St. Congregational Church in Bangor, Maine.
     Women's 11th Step Retreat "Wherever You are, God Is!" - May 8-10, 2009
   
• Elaine Theriault lives in Somesville, Maine near Acadia National Park. Every season finds her outside enjoying the wonders of God's creation and her hobby of photography. She is one of the founders and facilitators of Sisters on Journey, a women's group at Church of Our Father in Hulls Cove, Maine. She is active in lay Episcopal ministry.
     A Heart to Listen-a Retreat for Women - October 17-19, 2008
   
• Judy Tierney is the creator and host of "Walking in the Air," celebrating poetry and its voices on WRFR, Rockland's community radio station.
     The Thinking Heart: Variations of Etty Hillesum's Writing - September 28, 2008
   
• Grace Von Tobel wanted to go to Africa from the age of 13. At 61, she traveled to Africa on a hospitality exchange through Women to Women Worldwide and her life was changed forever.
     Aardvark Alley and the Korando Faith Widows and Orphans Group - March 8, 2009
   
• Harry Vayo has played hammered dulcimer for more than 20 years, and has developed a unique playing style, with a particularly strong emphasis on harmony which he applies to a wide variety of music including Celtic tunes, Beatles' songs, Latin American tunes, and even an occasional classical piece. Harry performs at coffeehouses, church services, benefit concerts, festivals, and other venues throughout central Maine. He has recorded two CDs. When not playing his dulcimer, Harry teaches high school science in Oakland, Maine.
     Spring Trail and Ground Maintenance Day - May 2, 2009
   
• Rhoda-Neshama Waller, poet and storyteller, is a Certified Seminar Leader of the Spiritual Eldering Institute, and founding president of Timelines Community, a not-for-profit organization celebrating the wisdom and creativity of elders. She holds a Masters degree in Comparative Literature and has taught creative writing in schools, universities, libraries and senior centers. She is completing a manuscript, "Your Life is a Poem," about writing your memoirs in poetry.
     Looking Clearly at Mortality - April 18, 2009
     "Your Life is a Poem" - July 10-11, 2008
   
• Paul Weiss is therapist, teacher, and Director of The Whole Health Center in Bar Harbor. He began his study of Tai Chi and Zen in 1966. He makes regular trips to China where he has been certified to teach by three schools of Qi Gong.
     Qi Gong - November 22, 2008
     Compassion, Integration, and Healing-and the Tibetan Practice of Tonglen - March 21, 2009