Meet the Spirit in the Desert staff and board of directors. We are here to serve you. Please contact any one of us if you have a question or concern.
Jennifer Braaten
“Spirit in the Desert is welcoming retreaters again. In January 2020, Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, its Board of Directors, and staff, were still reeling from the sudden and unexpected death of its dynamic Executive Director, Richard Anderson, who had been leading the exciting growth of the Carefree, Arizona retreat center. The Board turned to Jennifer Braaten, Ed.D., of Sedona, Arizona to serve as Interim Executive Director with a portfolio of tasks including leading the search for a new…
Lori Rubenstein
After starting her career as a successful family law attorney, Lori Rubenstein, JD, PCC, came to the understanding that the well-being of divorced families was clearly not the task of the legal system. She realized that she was like a square peg trying to fit into a round hole as a divorce attorney. Instead, she chose to follow her own mission – empowering people to heal from their relationship wounds, eventually becoming a certified coach. While seeking that goal, she learned…
Julia Lambert Fogg, PhD
Rev. Dr. Julia Lambert Fogg is Professor in the Religion Department. She specializes in the New Testament, first century Christianity, theologies from the margins, border crossing narratives, and cross-cultural reading practices. Named Professor of the Year by CLU class of 2008, she led the Religion department for 7 years as Chair (2009-2016). In her teaching she focuses on developing innovative, immersive and relational pedagogical methods, particularly for experiential and transformational learning with students. Dr. Fogg utilizes immersion and service learning…
Mary Delaney, PhD
Mary Delaney, Ph.D. is a licensed Psychologist with over 30 years of experience as a Psychotherapist in private practice. She is a practical intuitive specializing in teaching clients how to listen to and apply their intuition and inner guidance. Mary has taught graduate classes at Arizona State University, been published in the Journal of Psychotherapy, and lectured nationally on a variety of topics which focus on healing the body, mind and spirit. She is co-author of the children’s book “Moose,…
Phyllis Strupp
Phyllis T. Strupp, MBA, is an award-winning author and brain training expert who lives in Carefree, AZ. Her passion is to educate audiences on how brains and lives can get better with age through the power of neuroplasticity. She earned a “Brain Research in Education” Certificate from the University of Washington in Seattle in 2009. She served on the faculty of the Episcopal Church’s CREDO Clergy Wellness Program from 2005-2011. Her background includes an MBA in finance from Columbia University and a 30-year…
Dr. Robin B. Dilley
Dr. Robin B. Dilley is an Arizona Licensed Psychologist, Author, Speaker, and Advanced Veriditas Labyrinth Facilitator. Arizona Labyrinth Connections is the newest arm of her psychotherapy and spiritual consulting practice and she is excited to share the transformational power of the Labyrinth with you. She offers themed workshops, such as the Wizard of Oz or Lesson’s from the Miller’s Daughter, while specializing in cancer and healing workshops for body, soul and spirit. Dr. Dilley will also create workshops for your specific…
Desta Goehner
Desta Goehner (she/her) is a trauma-informed spiritual director with over 27 years of experience within the ELCA, serving in congregations, synods, Lutheran higher education, and seminaries with a focus on leadership and spiritual formation. She is trained and practiced in mediation skills, conflict mediation, and restorative conversations through the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center. Together with colleagues Paul Witman, Catherine Slabaugh, Felecia Boone and Christopher Njunge, Desta Goehner facilitates the Executive Skills for Church Leaders retreat in January, 2025 at Spirit in the Desert.
Cyndy Warnier
Cyndy Warnier has worn many hats in her life, paramedic, dental hygienist, music/worship leader, author, and National Parks chaplain. Recently retired from Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, she and her husband Al are now full-time RV’ers and camp hosts, which provides Cyndy opportunities for outdoor ministry. In her spare time, she creates retreats of all kinds, including adult VBS programs and limited hospice chaplaincy. Cyndy loves teaching and reaching people with the love God and love for one another, including…
Eric Simonson
Eric Simonson has been engaged in several capacities at Spirit in the Desert over the past few years. Encouraged by his ongoing friendship with Spirit’s Faith Mentor, Jim Hanson, Eric and his wife, Michelle, met the late executive director Richard Andersen, who introduced them to the mission and vision of the retreat center’s ministry. Their lifetime connections and engagement in Lutheran congregational service sensitized them to discover and embrace the impact and value of Spirit in the Desert. From there, they began attending…
Denise Berberich
For many of Spirit in the Desert’s guests, the Retreat Center’s well-known welcoming hospitality begins on the phone or in person with Denise Berberich, Guest Services Director. “My job starts with identifying what people need for a successful retreat, whether that is a group of 50 people, or an individual, couple, or family wanting a renewal experience. I gather their information and put together a package with all of the details for guest rooms, meals and snacks, meeting rooms, equipment, and…
Chanse Frenette
Chanse Frenette is the Director of Advancement at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center. He leads initiatives to broaden the center’s reach and impact, particularly for underserved communities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. Born and raised in Utah, Chanse grew up with strong values of community and service, which have guided him throughout his life. His role at Spirit in the Desert goes beyond fundraising—it’s about building bridges to spiritual healing and growth for those who need it most. Chanse…
Sue Palmer
Sue is a Spiritual Companion/Director, trained and certified through John Carroll University’s Ignatian Spirituality Institute, where she also received training in leading Silent Retreats. She has an MS in Mental Health & Wellness with an emphasis in Grief & Bereavement and has a heart for those experiencing the many griefs and losses that a life well-lived brings. Sue has experience as a Stephen Minister, a hospital Spiritual Care Aid, a divorce support group leader, and a hospice volunteer. Her passions…