John Philip Newell is an  internationally renowned  Celtic teacher and author of spirituality who calls the  modern world to reawaken to the sacredness of Earth and every human being. Canadian by birth, and also Scottish, he resides with his wife Ali in the ecovillage of Findhorn in Scotland. Newell speaks of himself as ‘a wandering teacher’ following the ancient path of many lone teachers before him in the Celtic tradition, seeking the wellbeing of the world. He has been described as having ‘the heart of a Celtic bard and the mind of a Celtic scholar,’ combining in his teachings the poetic and the intellectual, the head as well as the heart, and spiritual awareness as well as political and ecological concern.

Experience a transformative day-long retreat with John Philip Newell and Cami  Twilling, exploring the  wisdom of Sacred Earth,  Sacred Soul through study, guided spiritual practice, compassionate action, and  spacious time for reflection and renewal. Cami Twilling is the director of Earth & Soul, a Celtic initiative of study, spiritual practice, and compassionate action based in Colorado. Their much-loved combination of teaching and spiritual practice offers great hope for healing and transformation in our lives, both individually and together. John Philip will offer teaching and an open Q&A session, while Cami leads practices that connect inner awakening with outward engagement. Held in  the beautiful setting of Grace’s St. Helena, Napa Valley campus, flanked by heritage redwood and oak trees with a 14-circuit Chartres labyrinth at its heart, the day will include ritual and hospitality to support healing, clarity, and grounded living.

Rev. Ruthanne Svendsen offers a contemplative Christian path rooted in deep listening, embodied prayer, and the wisdom of Ignatian spirituality.  An ordained Presbyterian minister, spiritual director, and wilderness guide, Ruthanne leads retreats, Taizé services, and guided labyrinth walks that invite participants to slow down, notice God’s presence, and rediscover inner stillness. A musician and composer, she creates  original chants drawn from scripture to support personal prayer and communal worship. Her teaching reflects a gentle integration of spirit, nature, and sacred imagination, offering practices that open the heart,  deepen awareness, and nurture compassion for the journey of daily life. Ruthanne founded Intersection of Napa Valley, a non-profit that invites people to the inner connections of the sacred.

Rev. Wakoh Shannon Hickey, PhD, brings decades of  Buddhist practice and interfaith engagement to her work as a chaplain, scholar, and educator. She was ordained in 2003 as a priest of Sōtō Zen Buddhism, which she has practiced since 1983, and is currently a candidate for the Unitarian Universalist ministry, as well. She has served as a professional chaplain in hospitals, universities, and hospice agencies.  Wakoh holds three graduate degrees in religious studies and theology, and has written and taught about  Buddhism, American religious history, interfaith issues, spirituality and healing, and clergy formation. Wakoh is also a certified leader of InterPlay, a group creative practice for unlocking the body’s wisdom through improvisational movement, song, story, and stillness.

Rabbi Niles Elliot Goldstein brings a bold and dynamic voice to contemporary Jewish spirituality, inviting  seekers to confront the challenges of life with honesty, courage, and hope. He is the spiritual leader of Napa’s Congregation Beth-Shalom, and an award-winning author of ten books. As a widely respected teacher, his work has been featured in major national media outlets. Rabbi Goldstein draws from philosophy, Jewish tradition, and real-world experience to help others engage deeply with the human journey, discover meaning amidst struggle, and cultivate a spiritual life grounded in authenticity,  renewal, and resilience. His leadership is rooted in innovation, compassion, and an expansive vision of  community.

Dina Saalisi invites a return to the healing wisdom of the natural world, guiding others toward wholeness through empowered connection with inner and outer landscapes. A healer, educator, and best-selling author, she brings together trauma-informed coaching, hypnotherapy, and the transformative practice of Bach flower remedies to support emotional, physical, and spiritual growth. Dina’s work springs from her own lifelong healing journey and a deep conviction that Nature offers profound medicine for the soul. Through workshops, writing, and guided practices she helps others reclaim their strength, release old patterns, and cultivate resilience, clarity, and joy on the path toward a meaningful and grounded life. This is a rare opportunity to be in Dina’s Garden, creating healing and learning experiential wisdom. 

Baba Harihar Ram, known affectionately as Babaji, is the spiritual teacher in residence at Sonoma Ashram and a dedicated interpreter of the Aghor tradition, a path that emphasizes simplicity, inner freedom, and doing good in the world. A disciple of Aghoreshwar Bhagwan Ram,  Babaji left behind a life of material success to devote himself to spiritual practice and selfless service. His teachings invite seekers to discover peace by awakening to the Divinity within and by cultivating compassion through meaningful action. Through Sonoma Ashram and service initiatives in India, he offers a grounded,  accessible path for living with purpose, presence, and heartfelt connection.