ALTHEA'S BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Open Board Positions
We hope you have seen our message about recent changes to the Board of Trustees. There is currently one seat open on the Board of Trustees after two new member were elected. These are pivotal roles that ensure not just the effective functioning of Althea but also its growth and future prosperity. Now, more than ever, we need committed individuals that can support us in fulfilling Althea’s mission and vision.
If you are interested in joining the Board, you are encouraged to click here and fill out an application and attend our next meeting, the third Sunday at 12pm in Darwin’s Den. Submit your application via email to Richard Kitzman as soon as it is ready.
If you have any questions please see any of the current Board members listed below or Rev. Christina.
Shauna Perry, Secretary
Sarona Running Horse, Treasurer
Luis Rios, Interim President
Luis Parente-Rios (he/him)
Interim Board President
zLuis is currently serving as the interim board president. He has been attending services at Althea since January 2022. He has served as the volunteer coordinator as well as a board member since the fall of 2024. Luis came to Althea in search of a spiritual community that aligned with the metaphysical teaching his mother raised him with as well as the ancient wisdom from Won-Buddism that he became a part of in North Carolina. He is a proud Althean and grateful to be part of a loving, joyful spirit family.
SHAUNA PERRY (she/hers)
Board Secretary
Shauna is a spiritual seeker and soul diver. She was born and raised in Buffalo, NY and has lived in Denver, CO for 19 years. She also spent some time in Santa Fe, NM where she studied Art therapy and Counseling at Southwestern College & New Earth Institute, a conscious centered graduate school that is focused on experiential learning. Shauna has shared her creativity and counseling with the Denver community in many different capacities over the years; she has worked in schools, hospitals, treatment, and community centers. She is deeply inspired by her work and by each individual’s unique journey, resilience, and capacity toward healing and growth.
Shauna first attended Althea’s Christmas Eve service in 2019 and was captivated by the beauty, the energy, and the music! She became a member of Althea in 2023 and is now serving on the board as the Secretary.
SARONA RUNNING HORSE (she/hers)
Board Treasurer
I was born and raised in Southern New Jersey near the Pine Barrens and was always most comfortable in nature exploring, hiking, bicycling, and camping.
After moving to Seattle in 1996 on three different occasions people mentioned CSL Seattle to me. I decided I needed to check it out and in 1997 I took their foundations class and joined their community. Thus, my spiritual journey continued and expanded. I became a Reiki healer and also a Realtor there.
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When I moved to Santa Fe in 1994, I joined the Religious Science church there and also discovered different healing modalities working with Shaman and other energy healers. I became an Avesa Quantum Healer and was a Real Estate Broker there. I had a five-acre property with two horses, a spiral labyrinth, two pyramids and the property gridded with rose quartz. It was my retreat. I loved it and was sad to leave it, but it became obvious that it was time to move and at the end of 2014 I did that.
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Upon moving to Denver, I heard about the Spiritual Science Church. I attended there for a year and then discovered CSL Denver. I felt more at home there until I attended a deep dive with Jonathan Ellerby more than five years ago. Then, I felt I had found my spiritual home at Althea and have been attending ever since.
JULIE JENSEN (she/hers)
Member At Large
I’ve had the privilege of calling Colorado home since I was one year old. My parents moved here from Illinois, and growing up in this beautiful state has given me the opportunity to experience its pristine weather and awe- inspiring scenery.
I enjoy hiking, recreational biking, yoga classes and other types of exercise. I find movement to be a wonderful path to healing and a way to deepen spiritual connection.
I’ve always possessed a deep interest in spirituality and have enjoyed being exposed to different religions. For several years I’ve been a member of Althea and am grateful to be a volunteer in this community. I’ve also volunteered with harm reduction programs, where I’ve had the chance to work directly with individuals in active addiction and unhoused persons. These experiences have been incredibly meaningful to me.
My academic background was in business and earned my degree from Regis University. My prior work was in healthcare administration.
I’m truly excited and deeply honored to be a part of such a beautiful group. This community has provided me with a loving, caring, and non-judgmental space to heal and grow as a person. I value this sacred space immensely and am eager to contribute to its thriving future.
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Robert Engelke (he/him)
Member At Large
Robert Engelke brings more than 20 years of entrepreneurial experience as the owner of a successful business, where creative problem-solving and forward-thinking leadership have been central to his success. A proud second-generation board member in the metaphysics movement, he carries on a family legacy of service to the new thought community with both dedication and vision.
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A Denver native, Robert earned his degree in Economics from Colorado State University. He is passionate about building and learning new technologies and enjoys extensive travel adventures with his family. At home, in Cheesman Park, he is the proud father of two adult children and his four cats, who bring plenty of joy and laughter to his life.
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With a deep love for this community and spiritual living, Robert is honored to help support us into its next chapter of growth and transformation.
HEIDI PETERSON (she/hers)
Member At Large
Heidi Peterson has been part of the New Thought community for more than 25 years. In fact she believed that such a beautiful new way of thinking existed as a child, proclaiming to the pastor of her church that, “God is everywhere.” She has taken the philosophy of New thought into her work as a teacher, her business, The African Cowgirl where she works with Artisans in Senegal and Ghana, and even applied it to her training and riding horses.
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Heidi is the proud mother of two sons, and three grandchildren. She is the eldest child of long time members Dick and Lee Peterson. Althea is a very special place and she is proud to serve on the board.
