The Community of the Sanctuary at Shepardfields is a diverse group of human, and non-human beings who are engaged in a long-term partnership located in and around a 40 acre land preserve in East Haddam, Connecticut. Their mission is to hold sacred space for personal transformation, healing, enlightenment, and the development of a true spiritual community. This community is organized and served by Shepardfields, Inc., a spiritual life center and 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. According to its articles of incorporation, the mission of the Sanctuary is to "operate only for charitable, religious and educational purposes, and more particularly to conduct an interfaith center for prayer, spiritual retreats, spiritual formation and healing."

          In a non-profit 501(3)(c) organization such as at the Sanctuary, decisions about governance and management, including a mission statement, are made by the Board of Directors as informed by the community served by the organization, the community of stakeholders. For more information, or if you are interested in joining the Sanctuary please call (860) 319-1134 or email at info@oursanctuary.org. Namaste!

                              The Shepardfields, Inc. Board of Directors

Jen Taylor - Co-Executive Director

is a philosopher, yoga instructor, political-media activist and musician. She

came to the Sanctuary in September 2009 with her partner Justin Good. In

addition to her work as a director of the Sanctuary, she teaches yoga, trapeze

& philosophy and will be running the Cirque de Lune eco-circus camp this

summer. Her work in using circus arts, yoga and meditation as tools for self-

discovery, holistic health, deep play and community building all promote the

Sanctuary’s core values. Jen is working on a plan to develop the gardens at

the Sanctuary using the principles of permaculture.

Justin Good, Ph.D. - Co-Executive Director

is a philosopher, community development advocate and musician. His educational

activities include teaching philosophy classes at the University of Connecticut and

at the Sanctuary as well as community education workshops on sustainability,

perception, peak oil and love. One of his major projects at the Sanctuary this year

has been working with architect and builder Hans Lohse on the design and con-

struction of the Eco-Temple composting toilet, a “learning ecology.” A learning

ecology is a project or situation in which individuals work towards understanding

an aspect of their natural, social or economic environment which reveals something

fundamental about their collective fate, their values, their identities.

Bob Thompson - Treasurer

Mary Murphy - Spiritual Director

Laurie Alt

Reverend Patricia Gallagher - Founding Advisor

is an Episcopal priest with an M. A. in pastoral counseling and ministry who

received her M. Div. from Yale Divinity School. She has been a parish priest

within the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut for over ten years, and has over

twenty years' experience as a spiritual director, counselor, and retreat

facilitator.  Pat is currently living in Sarasota, FL. She can be reached at revpat@oursanctuary.org

                                                          MORE TO COME SOON!