Crazy Wisdom Community Journal

Aaron is a discarnate spirit who serves as a wisdom teacher from a realm beyond the Earth plane. He has been a Buddhist monk and scholar in many lifetimes, and expresses as a being of great love, compassion, wisdom, and gentle humor. 

Andrea Astley, owner of Crysterra Wellness in Downtown Dexter, is an experienced E-RYT-500 Yoga Instructor and Meditation Coach. Also certified in Reflexology and Reiki, her classes focus on building mental and physical balance, strength, and resilience through self-care.

Beth Barbeau, CPM, LM is an Ann Arbor homebirth midwife/educator with 40+ years of experience in holistic maternity care and family health. She founded Indigo Forest: Healthy Births, Healthy Lives, teaches on-line courses & has a lively social media presence (@IndigoForest.co).

Julie Barron is a Licensed Natural Medicine Facilitator, Music Therapist and Community Organizer/Activist. 

Ruthie Basham is an Ann Arbor–based painter, yoga and movement teacher, and multidisciplinary artist who has spent over 25 years creating mandalas and guiding others through practices that integrate art, mindfulness, and holistic well-being.

Deanne Bednar teaches natural building and sustainable living skills at the Strawbale Studio.

Carol Blotter has been teaching meditation for almost 25 years. Her practice and study has led to a blending of Buddhism and Non-Duality teachings. She is the guiding teacher of Chelsea Meditation Group.

Bri Bondy is the maker behind Knotty Macrame Co., creating modern macrame with a fresh perspective for over six years.

Lopamudra Bose teaches Sanskrit chanting and Kali worship, beautifully bridging Eastern and Western spiritual traditions.

Rachel Briggs is a trained End-of-life Doula. She has been facilitating the on-line Death Cafe since 2020.

Brighton Light House inspires creativity with warm, welcoming co-working and meeting space.

Barbara Brodsky, founder and guiding teacher of Deep Spring Center for Meditation and Spiritual Inquiry, has practiced meditation since 1960. TeachingVipassana meditation and non-dual awareness from the Dzogchen traditions, also an ordained minister. Barbara is a trans-channel for Aaron.

Aaron Carson teaches piano, guitar, and voice to students of every age, and works alongside aspiring performing artists on performance coaching and portfolio building. Aaron studied Theatre at the University of New Hampshire and has spent more than fifteen years performing with a wide range of groups.

Jennifer Carson is a published children’s author and playwright, sewing pattern designer, illustrator, and all-around creative.                                 

Dr. Kapila Castoldi is a physics and astronomy professor who has studied meditation under the guidance of spiritual teacher Sri Chinmoy for over 40 years.

Stefanie Cohen is a Somatic Educator/Therapist and artist with expertise in somatic practices, contemplative inquiry, and voice work through an IFS lens.

Kim Daniels is the director of the Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life at Georgetown University. She served from 2016-2026 as a member of the Vatican Dicastery for Communication.

Deep Spring Center for Meditation and Spiritual Inquiry is a non-profit 501(c)3 guided by wisdom teachings from multiple traditions. Our loving community commits to spiritual practices of wisdom, compassion, and an open heart.

Tarianne DeYonker, OP, MSW, is an AWA Certified Workshop Leader.

Dharma Teachers ordained by the Buddhist Society of Compassionate Wisdom have extensive training in Meditation Practice, Doctrinal Study, Rituals and Ceremonies, Cultivation of Devotional Heart, and Cultivation of Wisdom.

Sandra Drabant earned a BA in Fine Art and a Graduate Diploma in Education in Australia, followed by a master’s in art therapy from the University of Illinois, Chicago. She currently works as an art therapist at Michigan Medicine.

Dona M Duke RMT, ADS is a certified Usui Reiki Master teacher and certified Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist.

Beth Dulka has 30 years’ experience in Craniosacral Therapy & Deep Tissue Bodywork. 

Rob Eames is a certified trainer with the Center for Nonviolent Communication with many years of experience.

Jack Edelstein’s early artistic efforts began with wood: sculptural forms and organically shaped furniture that echoed the contours of the natural world. In 2019, he set aside his chisels and power tools and turned toward graphic art, opening a new chapter in his creative practice.

Edith Estey is a clinical herbalist and practitioner in somatic therapy and reiki.

Mara Evenstar, MTP, M.Ed. is a designer of transformational spaces and experiences that invites and allows people to open to their sovereignty, magic, and wholeness through deep connection to self, others, and the divine.

Tom Ferguson is the pastor of St. Aidan's Episcopal Church. Tom is a committed social justice activist.

Lori Fithian has been leading community drum circles and workshops since 1998 and brings many modes of facilitation to her circles. She's got a van load of drums and percussion and travels all over the Great Lakes Region sharing her "Drummunity" program.

Leeann Fu founded teddybeartalksupport.com.

Courtney Fitzpatrick, RYT-500, is a Birth/Postpartum Doula, and owner of Verapose Yoga & Meditation House.

Jennifer Flynn has 26 years of experience in Eastern medicine.

Katie Geddes has been director of Green Wood Coffee House Series for over 25 years and is a local musician

Robin Lily Goldberg, (MFA, RYT, OICC), is an Ecological Artist, Organic Intelligence® Coach, and Healing-Centered Educator.  By weaving the fine arts and holistic healing arts, she offers integrative co-learning opportunities to support personal transformation and environmental revitalization.

Golden Lotus Yoga Teachers Association is dedicated to preserving and sharing Yogacharya J. Oliver Black's meditative approach to Hatha Yoga, inspired by the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda and offered through experienced Golden Lotus teachers.

Lisa Gottlieb is a certified trainer with the Center for Nonviolent Communication with many years of experience.

Greenwood Coffee House Series has been providing exceptional music, coffee, and dessert in an intimate setting, since 1995.

Paulette Grotrian is a certified MSC Teacher.

Carrie Hatcher-Kay is a psychologist with expertise in somatic practices, contemplative inquiry, and voice work through an IFS lens.

Peter Hauman is the Many Hands Lifesharing Community farmer and educational instructor. The farm at Many Hands will be a regenerative operation aimed toward promoting a healthy connection to excellent food through educational activities and hands-on participation.                    

Kathleen Hodges is a Registered Nurse, Certified Reflexologist, Hypnotherapist, and Certified Zentangle Teacher (CZT).

Sister Maribeth Howell is a Dominican sister of Adrian, Michigan. Most of her ministry has involved teaching the Hebrew Scriptures at the graduate level.

Gaia Kile is a community activist working for social justice, peace, and environmental sustainability. He has taught and lead peer-based emotional and personal growth work for over 30 years.

Nina McDermott is an intuitive tarot and oracle reader and spiritual healer with over 10-years of experience. She can be found at Crazy Wisdom giving readings on Fridays and Saturdays. In addition to intuitive readings, Nina is also a Reiki Master.

The Mix Studios is a fitness studio offering group fitness, personal training, and massage.

Irene’s Myomassology Institute is a nationally accredited massage therapy school located in Southfield, Michigan. Founded by Irene Gauthier in 1987, graduates consistently pass the MBLEx at rates higher than state and national averages. Alumni benefit from Lifetime Job Placement assistance.

Jasmin Iskandar de Caro developed an early sense of dislocation that led her to question ideas of identity and belonging. Over time, her inquiry shifted toward understanding belonging not as a cultural inheritance, but as a deeper state of being.

Jewel Heart is dedicated to bringing the practice of Tibetan Buddhism to everyone.

Esther Kennedy, OP, an Adrian Dominican Sister, is a retreat leader and spiritual director. She conducts a monthly Day of Mindfulness at Weber Center.

Anne Kertz Kernion is a popular speaker who combines insights from science, positive psychology, and theology.

Julie Kouyate is a Massage and Bodyworker, a Master Bodymind Somatic Coach, and Breathwork certified.

Mady Kouyate is a West African Griot, oral historian/musician of the Manding tradition.

Brenda Lindsay is a Trained Teacher, CMSC.

Mary Ledvina has been studying healing and working with guides for over twenty-five years.

Brian Lottman has held hundreds of satsangs at yoga studios, churches, and spiritual centers across the U.S. and Canada.

Jeanne Mackey is a community builder and co-founder of Transition Ann Arbor.

Bruce and Carol Joy Malnor have led nature awareness workshops and retreats for over 40 years. Trained by Joseph Cornell of Sharing Nature Worldwide and longtime Kriya Yoga practitioners, they guide participants through nature awareness, spiritual practice, and joyful learning.

Nina McDermott is an intuitive tarot and oracle reader and spiritual healer with over 10 years of experience and a gift of offering perspectives for positive change.

Lindsay Merbaum is an author, the leader of Pick Your Potions’ Study Coven, and a high priestess of home mixology.

The Michigan Deathcare Collaborative is a nonprofit empowering Michigan in natural end-of-life care by weaving a community of professionals collaborating in education, accessibility, and advocacy.

Jackie Miller is a Certified Professional Breathwork Practitioner; trained with Transformative Education International in Sydney, Australia, in 2009; certified by the Global Professional Breathwork Alliance.

The Mother is one who gives birth to, supports, and cherishes, and then releases out into the universe, with love, always ready to hold and support. She offers personal and group messages to support participants.

Neighborhood Theatre Group’s mission is to make theatre an accessible home for the collaboration of people, artistic challenges, and new ideas.

Gail Nyoka is an oral storyteller and award-winning playwright who has appeared on stages in Canada, England, and the US.

Larry Nisson is a glass artist with over 30 years of experience.

John Orr received Theravada Buddhist ordination-training for eight years as a monk in the 1970’s in Thailand and India. He teaches meditation, leading retreats since 1980; Guiding Teacher of New Hope Sangha, North Carolina; retired faculty member of Duke University.

Leslie Pertz is a RYT-200 yoga instructor with a 35 year+ yoga practice and a therapist in Ann Arbor specializing in reproductive trauma.

Karen Quinn worked as a professional costume designer for over ten years, attended College for Creative Studies as a fiber major, and now offers classes at various art schools in Michigan.

Judy Ramsey, is an approved instructor for Sandra Ingerman's courses. She offers shamanic healing for both humans and more-than-humans as well as mentoring for practitioners. An ordained animal chaplain, she also teaches and provides animal communication.

Diane Ratkovich has an MA in Human Development and is Certified in Equine Facilitated Learning and Mediation. She has decades of experience working with families.

Chris Ratter is a well-known author, speaker, and authority on the altered states and trance. He delivers trance healing clinics, public demonstrations, and workshops throughout the UK, Ireland, Europe, and the USA.

Demo Rinpoche is Jewel Heart’s Resident Spiritual Advisor. He studied at Drepung Loseling Monastery in India under the supervision of the Dalai Lama and holds the highest monastic degree of Geshe Lharampa.

Joel Robbins is a licensed acupuncturist and certified Taichi instructor with a master's in acupuncture and a bachelor in holistic nutrition. He has been studying Tai chi and Chinese health practices for over 30 years and teaching for 20.

Sadie Rose is an Ypsilanti-based artist, occult author, and tarot reader.

Merilynne Rush, MSHP, BSN, is a former home birth midwife and hospice nurse who provides comprehensive natural death care consulting. She has been training EOL doulas since 2016 and also consults and teaches on home funeral, green burial, and advance care planning.

Hartmut Sagolla has studied Tibetan Buddhism for over 30 years. He lived at the Tibetan Buddhist Society, Melbourne, Australia, before moving to the U.S. Since 2002, he has served as a Program Director at Jewel Heart.

Michael Marie Schofield is a fiber and funerary artisan weaving conventional baskets and handcrafting caskets and shrouds. She is a deathcare educator and co-founder of the Michigan Deathcare Collaborative, a nonprofit revillaging deathcare.

Cyrus (Samatha) Scholl is a somatic coach and traditional Chinese martial arts practitioner.

Naren Schreiner is an ordained Hindu priest and sacred musician.

Anat Shlagman is a traditional naturopath and developed a unique session to relax the nervous system.

Colette Simone has served as a psychologist, educator, and musician. She serves as channelfor Yeshua, Mary Magdalene, Anna, grandmother of Yeshua, and I AM that AM.

Iljon Mike Smith is an experienced Recovery Dharma Facilitator.

Shannon Lynn Smith, LMT, C-IAYT, RYT-500 is a Mary Magdalene priestess in training from the Desert Rose Mystery School.

Song of the Morning Community is rooted in Paramahansa Yogananda's vision of harmonious world communities. Song of the Morning's spiritual community has welcomed and guided retreat guests for over 50 years through meditation, yoga, devotional practices, and community living.

Song of the Morning Spiritual Life Council supports the spiritual life of the community and friends through meditation services, devotional programs, and opportunities for fellowship and spiritual growth.

Ema Stefanova is a highly experienced yoga therapist and master meditation teacher.

Steiner Health is a 501(c){3} non-profit specializing in anthroposophical medicine.

Theatre NOVA is Ann Arbor's professional nonprofit theatre dedicated to producing new plays, presenting shows that spark conversation, challenge audiences, and celebrate bold storytelling in an intimate 70-seat black box theatre.

Roger Tolle is a Master Somatic Movement Educator and Therapist, Trager® Practitioner and Instructor, teaching internationally for more than four decades. 

Christina Walls is an independent, experienced end-of-life doula, mentor to other doulas, and trainer/presenter at The Dying Year.

Joe Walters has been practicing tai chi for 30+ years.

Kath Weider is a vocalist and teacher with expertise in somatic practices, contemplative inquiry, and voice work through an IFS lens 

Suzy Wienckowski has been teaching Reiki for 30 years.  She has studied with Masters trained by Hawayo Takata and with Hiroshi Doi of Japan. Reiki Alliance Member.

Eve Wilson, is a Healer, an international leader of World Healing & Ascension, an ordained Reverend, Author, Trainer of World Healers and Ascension Workers. 

Wasentha Young is a Master of Tai Chi and Qigong. She has also received formal instruction in Buddhist and Taoist mindful meditation styles; holds certificates in Acupressure, Five Element Practice, and has a master's degree in Transpersonal Studies.

Laura Ziemba has been a Reiki practitioner since 1986 and has been teaching since 1999. She has worked as a natural foods chef and is a licensed massage therapist offering Craniosacral Therapy and John Barnes Myofascial Release as well as Massage and Reiki.

Mari Ziolkowski, MSW level counselor, PhD in Ancient and Living Goddess Traditions, Explorer of Altered States of Consciousness. Initiated in Hindu Shakta Tantric traditions, Peruvian High Andes medicine lineages, and student of African Traditional Religions.