ALTHEA'S BOARD OF TRUSTEES
BOB BERCAW (he/him)
Board President
Bob is very excited to become a Board Member at Althea! The very first time he and his
husband, Jerry, attended Althea during a visit to Denver in 2019, he knew it would be his
spiritual home as soon as they relocated to Denver. Bob became interested in Eastern
Philosophy/Religions after living in Korea and Japan from 1967-1970. His search for a place in the US where he would feel at home finally happened in 1989 when a New Thought center in San Francisco “found” him. He became a licensed Religious Science Practitioner in 1991 and absolutely loves that way that the Althea community is so open, inclusive, and dedicated to exploring the mystical teaching of all religions.
Bob has served on Boards at other Spiritual Communities for many years as Treasurer, Vice President, and President, and looks forward with love and excitement, to continue growing spiritually through being a part of this amazing Community. Now almost fully “retired” Bob enjoys exploring Denver (still searching for new bakeries, and ice cream parlors), reading, and weaving on Lilla, his Swedish loom.
BARBARA VAILLE (she/hers)
Board Vice President
Over 25 years ago, Barbara came to Althea, then the First Divine Science Church of Denver. She was drawn by the mysticism, the ministers and people in the congregation, the classes and other opportunities to be involved, the history, and the building itself. Amazingly, this is the first time she has served on the Board in all these years! Barbara is a Colorado native, going back several generations. She’s divorced with two adult children.
After 45 years in education, including two in Morocco with the Peace Corps, she retired in 2014. Now she has more time to follow her passions of being in nature, especially hiking; spending time with friends and family; traveling; and focusing on her spiritual life—her connection with the Divine and the subtle realms.
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.
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.
Julie Jensen (she/her)
Board Member
Julie has had the privilege of calling Colorado home since she was one year old. Her parents moved here from Illinois, and growing up in this beautiful state has given her the opportunity to experience its pristine weather and awe-inspiring scenery.
She enjoys hiking, recreational biking, yoga classes and other types of exercise. She finds movement to be a wonderful path to healing and a way to deepen spiritual connection.
She's always possessed a deep interest in spirituality and have enjoyed being exposed to different religions. For several years she's been a member of Althea and am grateful to be a volunteer in this community. She's also volunteered with harm reduction programs, where she's had the chance to work directly with individuals in active addiction and unhoused persons. These experiences have been incredibly meaningful to her.
Julie's academic background was in business and earned my degree from Regis University. Her prior work was in healthcare administration.
Julie is truly excited and deeply honored to be a part of such a beautiful group. This community has provided her with a loving, caring, and non-judgmental space to heal and grow as a person. She values this sacred space immensely and is eager to contribute to its thriving future.
Luis Parente-Rios (he/him)
Board Member
RICK SHAFFER (he/him)
Board Member
Born in Denver, I spent my first 3 years in Golden. Along with my older brother and younger sister, we moved to Durango, my parent's hometown, in the summer of my 3rd year and were there for the next 12 years. My great grand parents were among the founders of the Christian Science Church there and were CS Practitioners. They also helped to fund the CS Church which was was built in 1922 and is still in use today. Needless to say, I grew up in Metaphysics.
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At age 15, we moved back to Denver where I finished high school. I attended Ft. Lewis and Metropolitan State College. The Vietnam War shortened my College days. I served 6 years in the Colo. Air National Guard. I worked 5 years as Sheriff's Deputy for Jefferson County. I left there and after trying some other career opportunities, finely landed in the Real Estate appraisal business, where I spent 38 years.
I attended Mile High Church for several years, then Unity of the Foothills, where I was on the board for 3+ years. I found Althea in 2015. I previously served on the Althea Board for approximately 3 years. I now live in Denver and am semi-retired.