Retreat Leaders (Page 6)

Retreat Leaders (Page 6)

Spirit in the Desert’s exceptional retreat leaders are selected for their professional knowledge, communication skills, and ability to engage our retreat guests in insightful conversations. They are invited to return by popular demand to lead Desert Sojourn Retreats and private retreat of all kinds.

Retreat Leader

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…
Retreat Leader

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,…
Retreat Leader

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…
Retreat Leader

Beth Sikora, PhD

Beth is a licensed professional counselor and a Veriditas trained labyrinth facilitator. By utilizing a combination of spiritual traditions and experiential spiritual and therapeutic techniques we will work together during retreats on what is stopping you from making your life what you want it to be now … and in the future. I will be with you in your process — whether it is working to improve an experience of depression or anxiety, walking with you as a spiritual companion,…
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…
Retreat Leader

Jim Hanson

Everyone’s faith journey is different. Each journey is unique to one’s own history and experience. Sharing that journey with someone else can be a powerful experience. In the speaking and in the sharing one can clarify and bring into focus where one has come from and open oneself to what lies ahead. For nearly 7 years, Jim Hanson served as Spirit’s “Faith Mentor.” The dictionary defines a mentor as ‘an experienced and trusted advisor’. Jim has worked with churches and…
Spiritual Companion, Retreat Leader

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…
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…