Patrick Hanaway, MD
Chairperson for the Board of Directors
At his core, Patrick is a healer and teacher. His passion and extensive knowledge of western and traditional practices makes him a generous resource. Patrick brings his experience as a leader, compassion as a doctor, and empathy as a community Firekeeper to his position as Board Chair, implementing Blue Deer’s vision and mission.
As an initiated Mara’akame (healer in the Huichol tradition) and Firekeeper, he leads ceremonies and offers healing sessions to promote balance in people’s lives. For over 20 years, Patrick has served as a functional medicine family physician, along with his wife Lisa, in Asheville NC. Dr. Hanaway works to transform medical practice through awareness, education, research and clinical care.
Patrick started the Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine and was honored with the Linus Pauling Award for his pioneering work in the field of functional medicine. Patrick received his doctorate of medicine from Washington University. He surrounds himself with nature, his community, his sons Wilkin and Devin, and his wife Lisa.
Amanda Kerner
Acting Executive Director and Board Member
Amanda’s leadership and business background allows her to manage the many moving parts of the present to serve the long-term goals of Blue Deer Center. Through Amanda’s enthusiasm, spirituality, work-ethic, and passion for learning, she works to build community. Volunteering her time is an important practice in her life. As an initiated Firekeeper, she hosts gatherings and builds ritual space to support connection.
Amanda holds a Business Administration and Entrepreneurship from the University of Southern California. For over 15 years, she led and developed the family transportation business into a successful company in partnership with her husband, Alan. A mother, wife and grandmother, her home is always open and buzzing with visitors and the aroma and taste of good food.
Scott Reid
Board Member
Scott is a dynamic, experienced, and caring leader. As a Board Member, he brings over thirty years of domestic and international Project Controls and management experience, as well as an extensive background working within all levels of an organization. His skills range from strategic project planning & Scheduling to capital budgeting and cost control at a large scale in a variety of industries. He holds a B.S. in Construction Science from Texas A&M University School of Architecture with honors in Physics.
Scott brings his uplifting and positive character into every project. His commitment to spiritual transformation is key to leading the success of Blue Deer Center. As one of the first facility directors and chefs, he understands both the challenges and opportunities of running the Center. He lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico with his wife Meike. If you are at the Center, you may find Scott in the kitchen creating an incredible feast for everyone to enjoy!
Jen Collins
Board Secretary
Jen has been involved with Blue Deer as a volunteer and as a participant of events and healing programs. As Board Secretary, she brings her professional non-profit museum experience in long range planning, managing complex organizational systems, and the intellectual and physical care of historic objects and buildings to help round out the record keeping function of Blue Deer. Before this post, she served as the volunteer Assistant Director of LifeWays for Sacred Fire, bringing in person and online programming to people all over the globe.
Since her daughter Ava was born, Jen has been a stay-at-home mom, avid volunteer, renovator, and attempted homesteader with her husband Brian. She has recently moved to South Carolina and is following her dream of becoming an artist in the mediums of painting and metal sculpture and in her free time, you’ll find her on the tennis courts.
She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History from Temple University, Philadelphia and Rome, Italy and worked as a museum curator in art and American history collections.
Patrick Hanaway, MD
Chairperson for the Board of Directors
At his core, Patrick is a healer and teacher. His passion and extensive knowledge of western and traditional practices makes him a generous resource. Patrick brings his experience as a leader, compassion as a doctor, and empathy as a community Firekeeper to his position as Board Chair, implementing Blue Deer’s vision and mission.
As an initiated Mara’akame (healer in the Huichol tradition) and Firekeeper, he leads ceremonies and offers healing sessions to promote balance in people’s lives. For over 20 years, Patrick has served as a functional medicine family physician, along with his wife Lisa, in Asheville NC. Dr. Hanaway works to transform medical practice through awareness, education, research and clinical care.
Patrick started the Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine and was honored with the Linus Pauling Award for his pioneering work in the field of functional medicine. Patrick received his doctorate of medicine from Washington University. He surrounds himself with nature, his community, his sons Wilkin and Devin, and his wife Lisa.
Amanda Kerner
Acting Executive Director and Board Member
Amanda’s leadership and business background allows her to manage the many moving parts of the present to serve the long-term goals of Blue Deer Center. Through Amanda’s enthusiasm, spirituality, work-ethic, and passion for learning, she works to build community. Volunteering her time is an important practice in her life. As an initiated Firekeeper, she hosts gatherings and builds ritual space to support connection.
Amanda holds a Business Administration and Entrepreneurship from the University of Southern California. For over 15 years, she led and developed the family transportation business into a successful company in partnership with her husband, Alan. A mother, wife and grandmother, her home is always open and buzzing with visitors and the aroma and taste of good food.
Scott Reid
Board Member
Scott is a dynamic, experienced, and caring leader. As a Board Member, he brings over thirty years of domestic and international Project Controls and management experience, as well as an extensive background working within all levels of an organization. His skills range from strategic project planning & Scheduling to capital budgeting and cost control at a large scale in a variety of industries. He holds a B.S. in Construction Science from Texas A&M University School of Architecture with honors in Physics.
Scott brings his uplifting and positive character into every project. His commitment to spiritual transformation is key to leading the success of Blue Deer Center. As one of the first facility directors and chefs, he understands both the challenges and opportunities of running the Center. He lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico with his wife Meike. If you are at the Center, you may find Scott in the kitchen creating an incredible feast for everyone to enjoy!
Jen Collins
Board Secretary
Jen has been involved with Blue Deer as a volunteer and as a participant of events and healing programs. As Board Secretary, she brings her professional non-profit museum experience in long range planning, managing complex organizational systems, and the intellectual and physical care of historic objects and buildings to help round out the record keeping function of Blue Deer. Before this post, she served as the volunteer Assistant Director of LifeWays for Sacred Fire, bringing in person and online programming to people all over the globe.
Since her daughter Ava was born, Jen has been a stay-at-home mom, avid volunteer, renovator, and attempted homesteader with her husband Brian. She has recently moved to South Carolina and is following her dream of becoming an artist in the mediums of painting and metal sculpture and in her free time, you’ll find her on the tennis courts.
She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History from Temple University, Philadelphia and Rome, Italy and worked as a museum curator in art and American history collections.
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Linda Felch
Administrative Director
Linda has been and continues to be, a crucial figure at Blue Deer since its creation. Her intricate technical skills are interwoven in every function of the center. Such as, program registration, database management, website maintenance and communication with volunteers, donors and participants. With patience and calm, Linda maneuvers many challenges and changes throughout her day.
Linda holds a combined Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degree in Psychology from Johns Hopkins University. She serves her local community as an initiated Mara’akame in the Huichol tradition, Plant Spirit Medicine healer, and Firekeeper.
She works from her country home in Pennsylvania, where she enjoys gardening, growing her own food, and spending time by the fire and stream with her husband, Randy.
Wendy Core
Fundraising Director
Wendy brings her past production experience into every step of the process for our fundraising and development.
She received her B.A. in Fine Arts from the University of Southern California. For over 15 years, Wendy worked in Television Commercial Production.
She is an initiated weather worker in the Nahua tradition. She lives and works from her lovely home in Santa Cruz, with her teenage son Sequoia and enjoys taking daily long walks.
Sabina Garcia
Plant Spirit Medicine Director
Sabina brings her international, organizational and communications leadership skills into the nonprofit world to her new role as Plant Spirit Medicine Director
Sabina co-founded and was the Chief Program Officer of Global Food Partners, a multinational consultancy firm based in Singapore, in which she lead the organisation’s programmatic strategy and efforts to partner with food industry leaders and key stakeholders in Asia and globally to drive best practices in animal agriculture.
While working for Humane Society International, Sabina led food policy programs in Mexico in partnership with food and hospitality businesses to help them develop and implement their animal welfare goals in Latin America. She has also served in various environmental and international projects on building analysis solutions and holding inter-gubernamental & international events for over 10 years.
She holds a BS in International Relations from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), and postgraduate degrees focused on issues related to environmental sciences, sustainability, climate change, animal welfare, and international negotiations.
Sabina resides in Mexico City, speaks four languages, enjoys traveling the world and loves hiking, desserts, dancing and veggies.
Jessica De la O
Plant Spirit Medicine Administrator
Jessica’s life path has always involved helping people, whether that has been as a healer, counselor, educator, or firekeeper. Now, all of these roles come together for her to serve in her position to extend Plant Spirit Medicine's reach in the world.
Jessica currently offers Plant Spirit Medicine in Carrollton, Georgia. She serves on the Firekeeper Council and co-hosts community fires as an initiated Firekeeper. She also serves on LifeWays Women’s Initiation Council.
Jessica completed her Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Organization from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Jessica enjoys studying master musicians of classical rock music and exploring the natural world by hiking and going on outdoor adventures.
Anna-Lena Hilton
Huichol Art Project Director
Anna-Lena brings care and commitment to all of her work. As the director of the Huichol Art Project for almost 10 years, she has led and worked closely with the Huichol Art Council to make Huichol Art available to many markets. She has infused the project with efficiency, success, and an abundance of volunteers. She makes sure that the artwork is presented beautifully at the Huichol Art Boutique at Blue Deer.
She is a practicing Mara’akame, a traditional Huichol healer. She also serves her community as a Firekeeper in the Catskill Mountains. She has co-owned and managed a spiritual gift shop for over 30 years with her husband, Krishna.
Anna-Lena is a stepmother and a grandmother to two beautiful granddaughters. You will often find Anna-Lena in her garden or taking care of her two dogs.
Safia Sharon Johnson
Accounting Manager
Safia’s dedication has been unwavering and consistent for Blue Deer. Her financial and retreat management skills have facilitated the creation, opening and growth of the center. She is one of the original co-executive directors and therefore has deep knowledge of the center's inner workings.
After moving to Florida, she continued her support as the Accounting Manager -- maintaining the books, tax returns and financial reports, and collaborating with our CPA and the Board of Directors. She keeps the center in good standing in all legal and financial perspectives.
Safia is a Plant Spirit Medicine Healer. It brings her great joy to develop her own spiritual growth and support that of others through the mission of Blue Deer.
John "J" DiMenna
Property Manager
J brings his artistic aesthetic, physical capacities, and practical organizational skills to his daily work at the Center. He makes Blue Deer ready and welcoming for all participants whether they are there for a short visit or a long stay.
He is in charge of landscaping, maintaining facilities, ensuring compliance with all regulations, communication with service vendors, the local community and the Blue Deer team.
He brings his work experience from art handling and transportation, event coordination, guest service cleaning, woodworking, site installation management and metal sculpture working. He holds a Bachelor in Arts from Warren Wilson College in Folklore and Mythology.
J has taken part in various aspects of Blue Deer over the years including healing camp and volunteering. He loves art, acting, and music.
Leticia Gamboa
Media Director
Leticia is devoted, heart-centered and creatively versatile. She strives to make this world a better and more beautiful place, especially for children and those in need.
As Office Manager for Don David Wiley's Consultorio, she plays an essential role in managing healing for clients and supporting the ongoing education and pilgrimages.
She has a Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design from the Universidad Anahuac del Sur in Mexico City. Her passions for learning and information technology communications keep her on top of innovation trends and tech advancements. She has worked with clients worldwide and loves translating feelings, ideas, and emotions into impactful graphics and aesthetics.
She has a natural gift for teaching and has enjoyed doing so on different levels, from kindergarten to college. She grew up in the United Kingdom. Leticia loves black tea, plants, cooking and computers. She is a dedicated single mother of three handsome young men, two dogs, three cats, and a turtle.
Linda Felch
Administrative Director
Linda has been and continues to be, a crucial figure at Blue Deer since its creation. Her intricate technical skills are interwoven in every function of the center. Such as, program registration, database management, website maintenance and communication with volunteers, donors and participants. With patience and calm, Linda maneuvers many challenges and changes throughout her day.
Linda holds a combined Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degree in Psychology from Johns Hopkins University. She serves her local community as an initiated Mara’akame in the Huichol tradition, Plant Spirit Medicine healer, and Firekeeper.
She works from her country home in Pennsylvania, where she enjoys gardening, growing her own food, and spending time by the fire and stream with her husband, Randy.
Wendy Core
Fundraising Director
Wendy brings her past production experience into every step of the process for our fundraising and development.
She received her B.A. in Fine Arts from the University of Southern California. For over 15 years, Wendy worked in Television Commercial Production.
She is an initiated weather worker in the Nahua tradition. She lives and works from her lovely home in Santa Cruz, with her teenage son Sequoia and enjoys taking daily long walks.
Sabina Garcia
Plant Spirit Medicine Director
Sabina brings her international, organizational and communications leadership skills into the nonprofit world to her new role as Plant Spirit Medicine Director
Sabina co-founded and was the Chief Program Officer of Global Food Partners, a multinational consultancy firm based in Singapore, in which she lead the organisation’s programmatic strategy and efforts to partner with food industry leaders and key stakeholders in Asia and globally to drive best practices in animal agriculture.
While working for Humane Society International, Sabina led food policy programs in Mexico in partnership with food and hospitality businesses to help them develop and implement their animal welfare goals in Latin America. She has also served in various environmental and international projects on building analysis solutions and holding inter-gubernamental & international events for over 10 years.
She holds a BS in International Relations from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), and postgraduate degrees focused on issues related to environmental sciences, sustainability, climate change, animal welfare, and international negotiations.
Sabina resides in Mexico City, speaks four languages, enjoys traveling the world and loves hiking, desserts, dancing and veggies.
Jessica De la O
Plant Spirit Medicine Administrator
Jessica’s life path has always involved helping people, whether that has been as a healer, counselor, educator, or firekeeper. Now, all of these roles come together for her to serve in her position to extend Plant Spirit Medicine's reach in the world.
Jessica currently offers Plant Spirit Medicine in Carrollton, Georgia. She serves on the Firekeeper Council and co-hosts community fires as an initiated Firekeeper. She also serves on LifeWays Women’s Initiation Council.
Jessica completed her Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Organization from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Jessica enjoys studying master musicians of classical rock music and exploring the natural world by hiking and going on outdoor adventures.
Anna-Lena Hilton
Huichol Art Project Director
Anna-Lena brings care and commitment to all of her work. As the director of the Huichol Art Project for almost 10 years, she has led and worked closely with the Huichol Art Council to make Huichol Art available to many markets. She has infused the project with efficiency, success, and an abundance of volunteers. She makes sure that the artwork is presented beautifully at the Huichol Art Boutique at Blue Deer.
She is a practicing Mara’akame, a traditional Huichol healer. She also serves her community as a Firekeeper in the Catskill Mountains. She has co-owned and managed a spiritual gift shop for over 30 years with her husband, Krishna.
Anna-Lena is a stepmother and a grandmother to two beautiful granddaughters. You will often find Anna-Lena in her garden or taking care of her two dogs.
Safia Sharon Johnson
Accounting Manager
Safia’s dedication has been unwavering and consistent for Blue Deer. Her financial and retreat management skills have facilitated the creation, opening and growth of the center. She is one of the original co-executive directors and therefore has deep knowledge of the center's inner workings.
After moving to Florida, she continued her support as the Accounting Manager -- maintaining the books, tax returns and financial reports, and collaborating with our CPA and the Board of Directors. She keeps the center in good standing in all legal and financial perspectives.
Safia is a Plant Spirit Medicine Healer. It brings her great joy to develop her own spiritual growth and support that of others through the mission of Blue Deer.
John "J" DiMenna
Property Manager
J brings his artistic aesthetic, physical capacities, and practical organizational skills to his daily work at the Center. He makes Blue Deer ready and welcoming for all participants whether they are there for a short visit or a long stay.
He is in charge of landscaping, maintaining facilities, ensuring compliance with all regulations, communication with service vendors, the local community and the Blue Deer team.
He brings his work experience from art handling and transportation, event coordination, guest service cleaning, woodworking, site installation management and metal sculpture working. He holds a Bachelor in Arts from Warren Wilson College in Folklore and Mythology.
J has taken part in various aspects of Blue Deer over the years including healing camp and volunteering. He loves art, acting, and music.
Leticia Gamboa
Media Director
Leticia is devoted, heart-centered and creatively versatile. She strives to make this world a better and more beautiful place, especially for children and those in need.
As Office Manager for Don David Wiley's Consultorio, she plays an essential role in managing healing for clients and supporting the ongoing education and pilgrimages.
She has a Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design from the Universidad Anahuac del Sur in Mexico City. Her passions for learning and information technology communications keep her on top of innovation trends and tech advancements. She has worked with clients worldwide and loves translating feelings, ideas, and emotions into impactful graphics and aesthetics.
She has a natural gift for teaching and has enjoyed doing so on different levels, from kindergarten to college. She grew up in the United Kingdom. Leticia loves black tea, plants, cooking and computers. She is a dedicated single mother of three handsome young men, two dogs, three cats, and a turtle.
Meet the Blue Deer Team
Our team brings together people from all paths of life, who give of their time, talent and effort, to make Blue Deer Center available to the world.
