Jeff Adams wears many hats in the development of the Willow Springs project.  Since 2006, he has been the steward and facilitator of the community.  Jeff envisions the project as an opportunity to sculpt a place full of inspiring spaces where conceptual visions converge with real, practical action for the San Juan Ridge.

With a formal education in civil engineering (B.S.E., Princeton 1997), architecture and urban design (M.Arch. I, UCLA 2003), and permaculture design (Certified Designer, OAEC 2006), Jeff has been getting much in-the-field experience during the last five years of work on Willow Springs. More than anything else, he brings the wide perspective of a generalist and has applied the team-building skills from his architecture work to ensure the community operates in harmony.  Jeff has recently begun a design and planning practice with the mission of applying the broad range of experience from his home base to local projects in North San Juan and to others looking to develop community projects with common values.

Ken Bebensee is a full-time, artist-in-residence specializing in exquisite custom electric guitars and basses under the name KB Guitars. He is also an enthusiastic tinkerer, constantly fashioning old materials into new functional forms (such as heating water from his wood stove). Ken works diligently on land projects including the orchard and community garden.

Ruby Turple has been cultivating a 1/2 acre of land at Willow Springs since 2002.  Called Honey Circle Farm, Ruby grows a variety of vegetables, flowers, and berries using organic methods.  She also sells seed starts each spring.  This year, she co-founded the Sierra Seed Co-op with Rowen. Ruby has recently traveled to Italy and Africa to teach, learn, and expand awareness of farming.

Lebin St. John has many skills and talents, most notably his wide array of woodworking projects. Through his business, Elemental Arts, he has produced  everything from exquisite tables to custom cabinets to finely contoured utensils and bowls.  Lebin is an accomplished kenpo martial artist and longbow archer as well as a collector of different arms.

Rowen White has been developing a weaving and fiber arts collective since Fall 2008.  She is also the co-founder of the Sierra Seed Co-operative along with Ruby.  The mission of the co-operative is to promote sustainable, ecological vegetable seed production in Nevada County and surrounding Sierra foothill communities.

Penny St. Claire is an artist and teacher who has many years of experience teaching art and ceramics to adults and children. She began her studies at CSU Long Beach and The San Francisco Art Institute in the 1960’s. She has a BA from CSU Chico and a Masters in Education from Concordia University. In her Four Winds Studio here at Willow Springs she divides her time between teaching art and ceramics to adults and children and creating her personal work, a wonderful variety of hand built ceramics infused with her love of form, pattern and color.

The Om Collective
Inspired by the opportunity to collaborate on developing the new healing room at Willow Springs, Jenny Bath, Reonne Haslett, Skyer Myers, and Genevieve Mack first met in December to discuss the possibility of forming a collective for massage therapies.

This discussion evolved into the creation of The Om Collective. Beginning this month, Jenny, Reonne, and Skyler will be offering their services (Genevieve will start in May). Please read below for more information on each therapist:

Jenny Bath offers 60 and 90 minute body work sessions including Thai Massage, Table Massage, private yoga instruction, and therapeutic partner yoga. Her rates range from $75 to $150. Sliding scale available on an individual basis. To schedule an appointment, call (206) 947-9353.

Reonne Haslett combines several mind/body/spirit therapies to balance the whole being, which often results in lasting relief from chronic pain. Modalities include Cranio-Sacral Therapy, Myofascial Release, Heart Centered Therapy, Quantum Touch, and Raindrop Therapy. For questions, or to make an appointment, call (530) 277-4311. Rates from $80 to $120. 15 minute initial consultation FREE.

Skyler Myers (CMT, RYT, CAS Resident) has been practicing massage since 2004, specializing in Swedish, Shiatsu, Tui Na (Chinese Deep Tissue), Lomi Lomi, and Ayurvedic Massage. She also specializes in other therapies such as Shirodhara, Garshana, Moxibustion, Fire Cupping, and Ear Candling. Every session is completed with Tibetan Bowl sound healing. New Client Special: $85 for 1-1/2 hour massage. Regular rate: $75/hour, $140/2 hours (sliding scale available). To schedule an appointment, call (530) 615-7268.

Genevieve Mack brings 20 years of Wellness Care Practices with her licensed business, “Regenavate: Cultivating Peace and Vitality.” She offers Spiritual and Life Coaching, luscious Hot Stone Massage, and breath work (Pranayam) with Kundalini or Yin yoga. Her clients find deeper clarification and comfort amidst life’s stormy seas. A full description of services, testimonials, resume and price list will be readily available at regenavate.com or by calling (818) 481-3350 after May 15th when she returns from sabbatical.

Mikhel Neshat is the newest member of the Willow Springs community. She brings with her a passion for healthy, vibrant food and happily nourishes everyone she meets. Mikhel is developing her passion for artisanal food and drink and hopes to help create a certified commercial kitchen in the community house for on-site production of sauerkraut, jun, and other similar products.