Spirit in the Desert Staff

Rika Beckley brings more than three decades of nonprofit leadership and fundraising experience to her role as Executive Director of Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center. Throughout her career, she has served organizations dedicated to strengthening communities through generosity, relationship-building, and mission-driven leadership. Her passion for helping people discover purpose and hope has guided her work in higher education and faith-based organizations. Drawn by the center’s mission of providing a sanctuary where people can rest, reflect, and reconnect with God,…

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…

“Food is more than daily sustenance. It is with gratitude that meals are prepared with the best ingredients in simple ways, that let the food stand on it’s own, in it’s beauty and glory.”

Henry Rojas is a popular speaker and gifted spiritual director, currently serving as spiritual director at Spirit in the Desert. His unique brand of humor and insight has helped individuals and groups make transformational change for more than 20 years. Henry was the creator behind the most recognized of all NBA mascots, “The Gorilla” of the Phoenix Suns. His engaging parody, dancing rhythm and visual comedy is still unrivaled in sports and won him a place in the Hall of…