Spirit in the Desert Staff

Spirit in the Desert Staff

Meet your Spirit in the Desert staff!

Executive Director

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…
Director of Advancement

Solveig Muus

Solveig Muus worked for a decade at Augsburg Fortress Publishers (Minneapolis) in marketing services before joining Christian Brands, a.k.a. Autom, a.k.a. CBC Group (Phoenix) where she was Director of Marketing, Director of Product Development, Creative Director and for the last 10 years, Brand Manager of the company’s Catholic wholesale division. Solveig also is principal of Silk Road Asian Sourcing, a consulting firm that advises clients on marketing strategy, catalog design, and product development and sourcing. “I am thrilled to be part…
Guest Services Director

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…
Spiritual Director, Retreat Leader

Henry Rojas

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…