“The time is NOW. We are in the midst of the transformation we have been waiting for. What is needed is Earth-making at the deepest level of soul: rejuvenation, restoration and evolution in the midst of cultural upheaval and the sixth planetary extinction.
Held in a community committed to spiritual deepening for global transformation, change happens one person at a time, responding with depth and compassion. This is the invitation now: to a fully soul-present, earth-centered emergence. Welcome to an uprising of hope and creative becoming. ”
Gabriele Uhlein, PhD is a Wheaton Franciscan sister deeply inspired by the spirit of Hildegard of Bingen, Francis of Assisi and Teilhard de Chardin. She holds a doctorate in depth psychology and process theology from the Chicago Theological Seminary. As Franciscan scholar and artist-in-residence at the Christine Center, Gabe continues to promote the profound connection between planetary consciousness, contemplation, and compassion in everyday life. Gabriele’s creativity workshops concentrate on the cultivation of intuition, and her spiritual deepening workshops focus on heart-centered, integral Earth presence. Incarnational art and personal ritual making complement her spiritual guidance and spiritual deepening offerings.

Called to the life of Spirit well over 40 years ago, Ron has devoted his life to deepening his own spirituality and to a vocation of service. A tour in Vietnam shook his beliefs in “The American Way”. An MBA and ten years in corporate America convinced him there had to be a better way. In his questing he has been fortunate to be personally mentored by Joseph Campbell, Carl Rogers, Manly P. Hall, Rosalyn Bruyere, Mary Elizabeth Thunder, Hyemeyohsts and Swan Storm, Roger Weir and Robert Sardello. 

Called to sacred ministry, in 1984 he received ordination after completing a four-year program through The Healing Light Center Seminary in Sierra Madre, California.  He has been ministerial guide to three spiritual communities in California and Minnesota.  As a part of his ministry he has been a hands-on energy practitioner since ordination, currently with the Thiensville Health Alliance in Thiensville, Wisconsin.

He was a volunteer provider for 25 years at Pathways in Minneapolis facilitating classes and individual healing sessions. Pathways is a nationally recognized health crisis center offering free resources and alternative health care services for those with life threatening and chronic illness. He also served on their board for 17 years.

For three years he participated in an annual medical mission to the Mayan people of Guatemala. He has studied with indigenous North American and Mayan shamans in the US and Central America. 

He has facilitated classes and retreats on spiritual growth and bio-field energy healing in 6 states, including at The Christine Center. Through The Christine Center Ron hosts a weekly on-line Tao meditation and discussion circle.

Ron firmly believes we are at the threshold of an emerging, more humane and inclusive civilization embodying spirit and matter. The Call is being sent out. His participation as one of the core faculty of The Spiritual Deepening for Planetary Transformation Program is a major part of his commitment to contribute in this time of unprecedented challenge.

Jonathan grew up in the Wausau, WI area and on the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians Reservation. The gentle woods of the Christine Center feel like home.

Jonathan has a rich history of leading nonprofits and working with universities, foundations, and boards. He is grateful the mystery of life has led him to be part of the Christine Center community. 

Before the Christine Center, Jonathan served as Executive Director of the Higher Education Video Game Alliance (HEVGA), an international association for professors and college students studying interactive media. During his time with HEVGA, the organization became a global leader through strategic partnerships with foundations, nonprofits, governing bodies, and a strong network of members.

Jonathan received a BS in Sociology from UW–Madison and an MSW from the University of Pennsylvania, focusing on nonprofit management, systems, and leadership. 

His spiritual background is rooted in Zen Buddhism, the Mohican Native American tradition, and Christianity. 

His orientation towards community is deeply influenced by Buddhist monastic practice, especially the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh, who emphasizes that collective peace is possible by returning to the present moment through mindfulness. 

Jonathan’s leadership style begins with a gentle smile. Embodying deep spiritual practice in his daily life is the greatest gift he can offer as a leader. 

When not living at the Christine Center, he lives in Milwaukee with his partner, Spencer, and their two adorable cats. 

Jonathan loves to explore the grounds of the Christine Center, whether that is walking on the trails, pondering on a bench, or sitting (and singing!) by the fire. He would love it if you joined him.

David grew up in a small Minnesota town. The prairie lands all around were shaped by
the small farms, and his experiences then gave him a lasting appreciation of the hard daily work of the world, done by many that remain unseen.

As a pilgrim, the arts have always been essential to his journey. College at St John’s
University, a Benedictine center with a strong spiritual and ecological soul. From there
teaching high school English (and coaching wrestling) in Puerto Rico, teaching theater
in college only a few years after graduating, creating theaters. Graduate school, MFA
work, a PhD, California to Pennsylvania and in between.

The pilgrim road took him into leadership positions at many levels: creating and directing an
internationally recognized Arts Leadership Institute, then the leadership roles at
National Endowment for the Arts, the John F Kennedy Center, then to organizations in
Minnesota, Center for Arts Education, Humanities Center. Walking the legislative halls in Washington, testifying to Congress… working with state legislature and governors. All to tell the story and make the case for the benefits of engagement with all the arts.

Experiencing the turbulence of the Vietnam, era, the civil rights movements, the
nations growing awareness of the fundamental role of slavery and genocide in our
history and most recently, the murder of George Floyd just a mile from where he lives, David now gathers with others in a Healing and Writing Workshop every other week, to share personal stories, heal trauma, and to imagine the future.

David writes:
My spiritual path and pilgrimage takes me into my Celtic heritage, to embrace the
ancient stories, the seasons, the saints and the myths, the dark and the light all at one. Hiking in
Ireland, walking with poets and spiritual leaders, I am guided and challenged. As a pilgrim and seeker, I strive to walk with awareness both of the daily work we all do and the
greater mystery, the greater One that is beyond a name of which we are all a living presence.

The old stories of exploitation, unlimited progress, patriarchy and dominance, have wounded all
and killed many. Now we are tasked to create and live the stories that will give and sustain life.
We are on the threshold of a great transformation. And there is work to be done, within each of us
and beyond. The Christine Center and especially Spiritual Deepening for Global Transformation is an essential place for the exploration of the journey each one of us is on, creation of the stories that
will deepen and renew each person, the stories we will weave together for healing and a world
that is healthier, fully alive for all life, and how we might practice these in the
turbulent, beautiful, wonderful, wacky world.
It is my honor and joy and commitment to bring all I have , tools, practices, experiences,
resources, to my companion seekers and searchers.

Robin is a master teacher and multi-certified wellness coach who brings together communities to connect, learn and grow. In her business, Robin’s WellNest LLC, Robin teaches mindset and energy practices to increase well-being while working through the demands of everyday life. Prior to teaching wellness, Robin’s background was based in public education and she holds a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction as well as an Educational Specialist degree in K-12 Leadership. She taught and coached in multiple roles, including secondary mathematics, K-8 instruction, assessment coordination, scheduling and arts integration. Robin brings experience as a consultant for state departments of education as well as experience as a School Board member and treasurer. Robin lives in the Twin Cities Metro with her husband and daughter and enjoys practicing meditation, yoga, balanced eating, and creating collaborations and content to empower wellness in others.

Since 1971 Wade has called the beautiful Driftless region adjacent to the Mississippi River his home. He was the founder and for 28 years director, of Trempealeau County Community Television studio, working with a wide variety of people and institutions. He has done several major photo documentary projects and has served on several non-profit Boards and as a County Government Supervisor. Wade has practiced Vipassana meditation since 1988, and has been a student of the Diamond Approach since 1996. He has made an extensive study of Nonviolent, or Compassionate Communication since 2003, and currently works part time mediating custody and placement of children for the local Family Court. He leads workshops related to Nonviolent Communication, and loves to ride his bike over the hills, and canoe the riverways of his local region.