The Happehatchee Center is run by volunteers! If you would like to be part of this great team, please fill out our Volunteer Application.
Board of Directors
The Happehatchee Board of Directors was established in 2006 when the Happehatchee Center was incorporated. Board members are passionate, unpaid volunteers dedicated to the sustainability of the Center as a sanctuary for peace and healing.
Genelle G. Grant, President
Genelle G. Grant, Ed.D. taught in universities in Puerto Rico, Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico, New Hampshire, Boston and Florida. Her areas of expertise are: TV and radio production, health education, community art and murals painting, and educational methods and materials for teachers. Her textbook in Spanish on Educational Television Production was utilized in colleges from Panama to Cuba to the Dominican Republic. Genelle has produced dozens of television documentaries and public education campaigns in numerous countries and languages. Since 1992 Genelle has advocated for migrant farm worker families and for the Maya people who live in SW Florida.Genelle is the founder and director of the GRACE Project (Guatemalan Rural Adult and Children’s Education) of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Myers, and the 10,000 Teachers, Ten Million Children Project. GRACE organizes faculty development, reproductive health and justice workshops, and projects to prevent and identify human trafficking situations. She leads annual work-study trips to Guatemala and collaborates with the Guatemalan Ministry of Education and Nobel Laureate Rigoberta Menchu Tum.
Dr. Grant is the president of Happehatchee Center, an eco-spiritual center in Estero, Florida. She has practiced yoga and meditation since 1972 and has been a joyful drummer in Ubaka Hill’s Drumsong Orchestra. www.thegraceproject.org www.leyesparalapaz.com www.lawsforpeace.com
Dr. Grant is the president of Happehatchee Center, an eco-spiritual center in Estero, Florida. She has practiced yoga and meditation since 1972 and has been a joyful drummer in Ubaka Hill’s Drumsong Orchestra. www.thegraceproject.org www.leyesparalapaz.com www.lawsforpeace.com
Ruth Fotovat, Treasurer
Ruth has worked in publishing, banking, has owned several companies and is now retired from the State of Florida. Ms. Fotovat has degrees from City College of New York and her B.A. from Florida International University. Ruth Fotovat was appointed by Ellen Peterson to the Happehatchee Board in 2008 and is our Secretary. She has been on the boards of several non-profits, but none were as much fun as Happehatchee. Ruth accompanied Ellen to many demonstrations and marches. The two women often drummed together, and you’ll very likely see her at our drumming circles.
Cindy Carter, Board Member
Cindy graduated from the University of South Florida in 1995 with a BA in Criminology. From 1985-1993, she worked with the Florida Park Service part time until becoming a State Park Ranger at Lake Kissimmee State Park in Lake Wales, Florida. in 1989, she attended the Florida Park Service, Ranger Academy. Cindy moved to Fort Myers, Florida in 1989 to attend the Southwest Florida Criminal Justice Academy and take the position of Park Officer at Lover’s Key State Park and Wiggins Pass Recreation Area. She began her current employment with local government in 1995 as a park ranger where she was responsible for patrolling a variety of ecosystems and park facilities. She conducted park programs for visitors of all ages, enforced park rules, rescued injured wildlife and educated park visitors on safely viewing Florida’s wildlife and exploring natural areas. Cindy is currently responsible for overseeing a group of rangers who protect and preserve Florida’s natural resources. Cindy’s true passion is connecting with the natural environment and she believes firmly in preserving our natural resources for future generations. She enjoys spending time with her family, going to Florida Gator football games, participating in adventurous travel, fishing, bird watching, snorkeling and hiking in various state and federal parks. Cindy has a partner of 14 years and a very dedicated dog named Bo. Cindy can be reached at 239-229-0493 or via email at nativefl68@comcast.net.
Happehatchee Staff
Eve Glore, Program Director
Eve is a certified Intuitive Counselor, Teacher, and Ordained Minister. She has
over 30 years experience and training in psychology, spirituality, and healing arts.
Eve has been with the Happehatchee center for many years. She is our Volunteer
Coordinator, Social Media person, and Events Coordinator. Historically Happehatchee was
known as the original Girl Scout Camp Caloosa. Eve plays a vital role as our Scout
Liaison at the center, with over 25 years of her Scouting experience. Eve has also
helped Happehatchee gain Historical Preservation on the land as well as the buildings.
over 30 years experience and training in psychology, spirituality, and healing arts.
Eve has been with the Happehatchee center for many years. She is our Volunteer
Coordinator, Social Media person, and Events Coordinator. Historically Happehatchee was
known as the original Girl Scout Camp Caloosa. Eve plays a vital role as our Scout
Liaison at the center, with over 25 years of her Scouting experience. Eve has also
helped Happehatchee gain Historical Preservation on the land as well as the buildings.
Patty Hughes, Accountant
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Patty moved to Estero FL in October 2014 from Fayetteville, NY; a small village near Syracuse. After 30 + years in corporate accounting/finance, it was time to semi-retire and be near family. In addition to Happehatchee, Patty works part-time at Lowe’s Estero in the outside garden department as a cashier. Patty enjoys gardening, helping animals in need, volunteering at local animal shelters, spending time with family and friends, especially her newly born grandson. Patty is enjoying her work at the Happehatchee Center and being part of such a beautiful community dedicated to the preservation of and promoting peace. |
Happehatchee Faculty
Edric "Eddie" Brathwaite, Yoga Instructor
Eddie considers himself “a guy from the beach”. Eddie grew up in St.Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, where he spent a lot of time at his grandparent’s place. As Eddie puts it,” I have always been a free spirit trying to find my way to improve or help our experience in this realm be more conscious.”Eddie started his journey off with martial arts and dance, ballet, modern jazz , stilt dancing, Ji-jitsu, Seibukan, Win- chun, and, Ninjitsu. “Movement has always been a big part of my life,” he says. Eddie is also a trained massage therapist, having studied deep tissue Reiki, Russian, hot stones and Shiatsu. Eddie’s own journey to yoga happened as a result of an injury. At some point, he realized his past life was no more. He attributes yoga and swimming to saving his life. His goals for his students are simple. “With Yoga, my main goal is to keep you out of your head and in the moment,” he states and adds, “I love yoga. It’s my calling, it’s my life.”
Lizz Cohoon, Yoga Instructor
Lizz Cohoon discovered her love for the healing practice of yoga in 2002 surrounded by Colorado Rocky Mountains. She has practiced many styles including Iyengar, Baptiste, Ashtanga, Yin and Kundalini. In 2013, she completed her 200-Hour yoga teacher training at Bala Vinyasa Yoga in Naples, Florida. As a teacher, Lizz is committed to meeting and supporting each student at their ability level. By creating a strong foundational practice, she aims to empower students towards a healthier and happier life. It is Lizz’s intention to create a healing and community-orientated space that allows for connection with Self and others.
Mary Cline-Goblitz, Yoga Instructor
Mary is currently a mediator and a yoga teacher. She practiced law for over 25 years, with federal judges and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.Most of her legal practice focused on domestic violence victims and families in crisis. Prior to her legal career, Mary worked as a social worker and for many community organizations. Mary lives with her husband Peter, two dogs, and occasionally one of their three wonderful adult sons. She enjoys hiking and being in nature, gardening, learning about medicinal herbs and making music. Mary is a member of the Maine Bar (inactive) and also the Yoga Alliance.
Denise Exler, Faculty
Denise is a Licensed Spiritual Healer who follows no organized religion but simply works through Spirit (God, Universe, Source) to empower people in all areas of their lives. She believes that we are all beautiful energetic light beings who came to this world to live life to its fullest. Once we remember Who We Are and what we are capable of, then magic begins to unfold in our lives. Denise creates a safe space where re-connection with our Spirit Helpers is enabled, and its through this connection that we experience powerful life changing energies. Join Denise at her Sacred Circles to experience an uplifting energy shift through guided meditation, essential oils, and rattle and drum work. In Denise's words, "When we pray, we tap into this beautiful loving energy that only wants for us to live abundant, joyful, fulfilling and healthy lives. That is the same Source of love and light that channels through my drum and my being to you." Denise is also a Certified Foot Reflexologist, a Certified Raindrop Technique Specialist, and has completed studies in Shamanic Healing, Body Regeneration and Essential Oils. She is also registered to gift the Munay-Ki Rites.
Debo Kumi, Drummer
Debo plays West African Drums and Duns and the Hammered Dulcimer. She has been playing and studying West African and some Cuban drumming for over ten years in Oregon and in Guinea, West Africa with Master drummers. She has been part of a Drum Troupe and has worked with several facilitators at universities, elementary schools, corporate businesses and community drum circles. She has been a professional Hammered Dulcimer player for over 25 years. She is also a Health Coach, Herbalist, Flower Essence practitioner and Vibrational Healer. She strongly believes in the healing power of drumming and Nature. She own and managed a vegetarian restaurant, Nearly Normal's Gonzo Cuisine for over 30 years and worked as a Chef at a farm to table restaurant at Gathering Together Farm (Organic Farm). She moved here from Oregon this in the summer of 2015 to help take care of my mother with Alzheimer's.
Marta Matias, Faculty
Marta Matias is owner of Maya Arts and Jewelry and a translator in the Lee and Collier County Court systems for the Maya Qanjobal and Maya Acateco languages. She is a teacher for the GRACE Project in SW Florida and Guatemala and founder of and performer in the folkloric Grupo Espiritu Maya. Marta’s beautiful handmade jewelry, beadwork and bamboo drums (Tuns) are often on sale at Happehatchee events.
Eddie Rose, Qigong Master
Professor Eddie Rose is the Grandmaster and Founder of the Tiger Flower School (ToraHana-Ryu), and Tora Hana Training (THT) Company. Professor Rose has been studying Qigong since 1977 and it has become a vital part of his life path and practice. Professor Rose has an accredited Doctorate in Metaphysics (which includes certified mastery in Qigong, Reiki, & Kiko) with over 45 years of Spirituality/Martial Arts/Healing Arts experience, plus over 30 years of combined Law Enforcement & Security/Protection experience, and has been coaching, teaching, and public speaking both nationally and internationally for over 35 years.
Professor Eddie Rose is the Grandmaster and Founder of the Tiger Flower School (ToraHana-Ryu), and Tora Hana Training (THT) Company. Professor Rose has been studying Qigong since 1977 and it has become a vital part of his life path and practice. Professor Rose has an accredited Doctorate in Metaphysics (which includes certified mastery in Qigong, Reiki, & Kiko) with over 45 years of Spirituality/Martial Arts/Healing Arts experience, plus over 30 years of combined Law Enforcement & Security/Protection experience, and has been coaching, teaching, and public speaking both nationally and internationally for over 35 years.
Holley Rauen, Faculty
Holley Rauen is a retired midwife and public health nurse, a seasoned social justice, and an environmental activist. She presently is working with the Pachamama Alliance to help nurture a community of enlightened evolutionary activists in SWFL. She is a Pachamama Alliance trained facilitator. Holley guides Pachamama Awakening the Dreamer Symposia, Om Circles for World Peace, and Sacred Water Ceremonies in the SW Florida community. She also co-leads Temple Artemisia Healing Circles at the Happehatchee Center. Holley served on the Happehatchee Board for over three years, and on the Advisory Committee for two years, always as Communications Director. Holley’s activism has included organizing and/or participating in movements for Peace, Reproductive Rights, Fair Trade, LGBTQI rights, and protecting the Environment. She is a leader in the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Myers, and enjoys singing in the chorus and contributing as Worship Associate in the Sunday Services. Holley has organized and taught women’s health, and human trafficking prevention with the Lee County Health Department and the GRACE project in SWFL and Guatemala. Ms. Rauen is available as a Minister for weddings, memorials, and other rites of passage, when she is not traveling.
Jenn Wardencki, Yoga Instructor
Jenn, born and raised a South Jersey girl, found her passion for yoga in 2013 when she moved to Southwest Florida. She is currently majoring in Integrated Studies with a minor in Philosophy at Florida Gulf Coast University. Through her academic career, she has studied photography, contemplative practice, nature reconnection, permaculture and other environmental studies. She has become passionate about holistic healing and wellness. As a teacher, she allows herself to become vulnerable in order to create a safe space for her students to open and connect with the present moment. Her goal is to empower her students by having them set intentions and cultivate energy to manifest their dreams. She aims to inspire her students to seek their highest potential whether on or off the mat. Jenn believes that love is the bridge between the union of body, mind, soul and the natural world. Jenn has her own unique style of yoga that blends the traditional teachings of Hatha and Vinyasa while specializing in eco-yoga workshops under the name Jai Prema Yoga. Ever since Jenn visited Happehatchee’s sacred grounds, she fell in love with the atmosphere and was amazed by it’s beauty and healing gifts.
Jenn, born and raised a South Jersey girl, found her passion for yoga in 2013 when she moved to Southwest Florida. She is currently majoring in Integrated Studies with a minor in Philosophy at Florida Gulf Coast University. Through her academic career, she has studied photography, contemplative practice, nature reconnection, permaculture and other environmental studies. She has become passionate about holistic healing and wellness. As a teacher, she allows herself to become vulnerable in order to create a safe space for her students to open and connect with the present moment. Her goal is to empower her students by having them set intentions and cultivate energy to manifest their dreams. She aims to inspire her students to seek their highest potential whether on or off the mat. Jenn believes that love is the bridge between the union of body, mind, soul and the natural world. Jenn has her own unique style of yoga that blends the traditional teachings of Hatha and Vinyasa while specializing in eco-yoga workshops under the name Jai Prema Yoga. Ever since Jenn visited Happehatchee’s sacred grounds, she fell in love with the atmosphere and was amazed by it’s beauty and healing gifts.
Lenka Spiska, Reiki Master
Lenka was born and raised in (then) communist Czech Republic. Organized religion was prohibited, but the human spirit is by nature a seeker, so she spent time with her family learning about the mysteries of tarot cards, intuitive readings, energy healing, and herbal remedies. Lenka has traveled the world extensively and speaks 4 languages. Lenka studied nutrition both in Europe and the U.S. After her daughters were born, her intuitive gifts and passion for spiritual knowledge were reawakened; they gave her a fresh outlook on the importance of life.Lenka serves as a spiritual guide and health intuitive, and has been formally trained as a Master/Teacher in Reiki. As an intuitive, Lenka tunes into a person’s emotional and mental energy, provides them with a different perspective and helps them recognize how the discomfort or pain in their body is a reflection of their quiet subconscious mind. As a Reiki Master/Teacher, she periodically offers courses of study for Reiki 1, Reiki 2 and Reiki Master. Lenka believes in empowering others by teaching them to listen to their inner voice and their own truth. If you would like to get more information, please visit a website: www.lenkaspiska.com.
Marlee Forsthoffer, Faculty
Marlee is a New England native who has called Florida home since 2010. Marlee completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Studies from Nova Southeastern University and has studied abroad in Peru, Ecuador and Belize. Marlee has been working in the Environmental Consulting industry for the past 10 years. Marlee began studying yoga in 2007, completing her 500 hour training in Embodyoga®. Marlee’s passion for weaving environmental activism and spirituality together naturally let her to a Permaculture Certification Course in Eugene, Oregon. Her latest endeavor includes an Apprenticeship studying the Wisdom of the Four Directions, deeply steeping herself in the ways of indigenous cultures. Marlee is committed to playing her role in the healing of this planet and remembering our connection to all of life. Marlee fell in love with Happehatchee the moment she stepped foot on the land. Her volunteering experience began with rebuilding the South Labyrinth, tending plants in the nursery and food forest, co-facilitating Solstice and Equinox Labyrinth walks and subbing yoga classes. Marlee is “absolutely honored and thrilled to be a part of the Happehatchee community and all those committed to preserving, protecting and growing the legacy of this sacred place.”
Marlee is a New England native who has called Florida home since 2010. Marlee completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Studies from Nova Southeastern University and has studied abroad in Peru, Ecuador and Belize. Marlee has been working in the Environmental Consulting industry for the past 10 years. Marlee began studying yoga in 2007, completing her 500 hour training in Embodyoga®. Marlee’s passion for weaving environmental activism and spirituality together naturally let her to a Permaculture Certification Course in Eugene, Oregon. Her latest endeavor includes an Apprenticeship studying the Wisdom of the Four Directions, deeply steeping herself in the ways of indigenous cultures. Marlee is committed to playing her role in the healing of this planet and remembering our connection to all of life. Marlee fell in love with Happehatchee the moment she stepped foot on the land. Her volunteering experience began with rebuilding the South Labyrinth, tending plants in the nursery and food forest, co-facilitating Solstice and Equinox Labyrinth walks and subbing yoga classes. Marlee is “absolutely honored and thrilled to be a part of the Happehatchee community and all those committed to preserving, protecting and growing the legacy of this sacred place.”
