About Us
The team stewarding the day-to-day vision, programs, and global operations of CSS.
Darlene Hunter
Executive Director & Spiritual Director | Co-Founder
Darlene is a founding force behind the Center for Sacred Studies and Kayumari. As Executive and Spiritual Director, she guides the vision of CSS, aligning its educational, ministerial, sanctuary, and advocacy work with principles of reciprocity, prayer, and collaboration with the Earth. Her leadership integrates decades of ceremonial practice, international teaching, and community-building across cultures and generations.
Jyoti Ma
Grandmother Vision Keeper
An internationally respected spiritual teacher, Jyoti Ma holds the long-view vision of CSS. As Grandmother Vision Keeper, she anchors the Center’s work in unity, Earth stewardship, and ancestral wisdom. Her leadership bridges indigenous guardians, global initiatives, and sacred economics through projects such as Kayumari and The Fountain.
Marlo Narro
Global University Director
Marlo oversees the academic and experiential learning pathways of CSS. With over twenty years of clinical experience and a deep personal journey within the Center, she ensures that spiritual education remains grounded, trauma-informed, and accessible to a global community.
Valerie Hausmann
Earth & Spirit Store & Guerneville Center Director
Valerie oversees the physical heart of CSS in Guerneville. As a Minister of Walking Prayer and Reiki Master, she blends logistical leadership with embodied spiritual service, supporting both community presence and sacred space stewardship.
Board of Directors
Stewards of governance, strategy, and long-term organizational integrity.
Jyoti Ma
Grandmother Vision Keeper | Board Member
On the Board, Jyoti Ma offers guidance rooted in planetary vision, indigenous alliances, and sacred responsibility, ensuring CSS decisions remain aligned with its spiritual and ecological purpose.
Darlene Hunter
Executive & Spiritual Director | Board Member
Darlene serves on the Board to maintain coherence between governance and mission, bringing lived experience from CSS’s founding, global programs, and ministerial training initiatives.
Wendy Cummins
President
Wendy brings decades of experience in community building, trauma-informed healing, and spiritual education. As Board President, she supports governance through a lens of wholeness, compassion, and future generations.
Ryan Brandenburg
Ryan contributes deep experience in contemplative leadership, dynamic governance, and ceremonial tradition. A longtime advisor and former Board President, he supports CSS with steady wisdom and structural insight.
Marlo Narro
Marlo serves on the Board to align educational strategy, student experience, and organizational growth, bridging academic rigor with spiritual integrity.
Advisory Board
Trusted elders and professionals offering counsel, continuity, and specialized expertise.
Audrey Reed, DSS
Audrey offers guidance shaped by decades of service within CSS, global spiritual leadership, and executive experience. Her advisory role supports organizational evolution with grace, discernment, and historical memory.
Mark Levitan
General Counsel
Mark provides long-standing legal counsel to CSS, drawing on extensive experience representing Indigenous nations and nonprofit organizations. His guidance ensures ethical, legal, and structural resilience.