Board of Directors

Our Board is a diverse blend of communication and leadership styles, yet we are a very cohesive team. We respect each other and know that support from kindred spirits is vital to our success. This reflects the power of connection that sustains all forms of life.

Because the Tree of Life Sanctuary teaches that there are many paths to the Divine ~ that God is too big to fit inside one religion or spiritual path ~ our Board does not judge ourselves or others in ways that block us from the Divine-Within. Instead, we provide refuge for doing the inner work of transformation.

This inclusiveness and acceptance of all perspectives and cultures make our Board’s work an expression of the Oneness of Creation. Every Director’s contribution contains a spark of the Divine and is the beginning of authentic curiosity and commitment.

Every five years we hold strategic planning retreats.

Our remaining goals are:

1. Open the Seeker’s Library no later than September 20, 2025.
2. Complete a new business plan.
3. Develop and relaunch our online school.

The Board is in the middle of our current five-year plan and has already accomplished the following:

1. Expand staff (employees, volunteers, and independent contractors)
2. Build the Seeker’s Library at a new location (Bakerview Square in Bellingham, WA)
3. Establish new administrative offices

Our chosen areas of expertise to be on the Board reflect the Tree of Life Sanctuary’s mission, vision, and values:

• Leaders in Pacific Northwest metaphysical businesses.
• ToLS Colleague participants who have regularly participated in ToLS programs, with 1 year or more of consecutive association.
• Representatives of environmentally-conscious organizations.
• Certified professional life coaches.
• Leaders in the field of Western Hermetic Qabalah.

Laura Abernathy

Founder, President, Treasurer

As the founder of the ToLS in 1997, Laura currently wears many hats. Certified as a life coach with the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC) in 2003, she has coached many Souls over the years. She also created most of the ToLS coaching and training programs. Her past experience with not-for-profits includes Rosebridge Graduate School of Integrative Psychology and Toastmasters. Her diverse career experience covers private and government organizations, small and international. As a result, she has lived a rich and diverse life focused on uncovering her authentic self, fulfilling her life purpose, and supporting others in doing the same.

Her down-to-earth, deeply calm-yet-passionate approach to everything makes her teachings and creations both mysterious and compelling. Her contributions have been vital for the success of the Tree of Life Sanctuary.  She lives her dream life in the Northwest of Washington state with her beloved husband, where she does tarot readings, writes books, and blogs for the ToLS.  Her writings address not only spiritual issues but also Star Trek!

Janis Spencer

Secretary

Jan has been a Colleague with the ToLS since 1999. During this time, she not only has been a participant in ToLS programs and services, she also serves as a Board Secretary and Volunteer Librarian. Her past experience with not-for-profits has been with Girl Scouts USA and Business and Professional Women’s Association. Her career in Information Technology has enabled her to be a tremendous help in finding the right vendor to build our website, and in finding the best database software for our Seeker’s Library. Jan’s passions include reading, personal growth, and refining her tiny home lifestyle.

Cynthia Ringhausen

Director Emeritus

Cynthia became involved with the Tree of Life Sanctuary’s Hermetic Qabalah training programs in 2002. She has remained involved over the years in different roles to support the ToLS’s mission and vision. By pursuing the study of Hermetic Qabalah, she facilitates the raising of consciousness and the evolution of humanity and all sentient beings. On and off, Cynthia has served as Board Treasurer several times.

John Mason

Board Advisor

John moved to Bellingham in 2015 to start Masters of the Journey, a support community for consciousness development and non-religious-based spiritual development. “Everyone is a
‘Master’ with Wisdom to share, gained from life experience.” In networking, John met Laura Abernathy and the ToLS community. John is an author, executive coach, and trainer, with a strong desire to serve people and organizations who work to move our world in positive directions. He has experienced huge benefits from the ToLS group coaching program, Your Path~Your Spiritual Satisfaction, and highly recommends it. He desires to promote the Tree of Life Sanctuary and the Seeker’s Library. Along with serving as a Board Advisor, John leads several support and consciousness-raising classes and discussion groups.

Marcia Hansen

Past Director, Certified Coach, Seeker’s Library Project Manager

Marcia has been a ToLS Colleague since 2015, having met Laura Abernathy in the local coaches’ professional organization. Starting as a ToLS event volunteer, she eventually became a Board Director and served for several years. As of 2021, she serves the Board as our Change Management Consultant and the Seeker’s Library Project Manager. Most of her experience has been in the for-profit world, which she brings to ToLS with a critical business perspective. Her background in the realms of facilitation and training development has been timely and transformative for the growth of ToLS.  Marcia’s passions include decorating, reading, science fiction (especially Star Trek), and road trips. Learn more about Marcia as one of our trusted resources.