MENLA STAFF

Menla’s management team, support staff, and long-term volunteers are comprised of a caring, hard-working, dynamic group of individuals who work at Menla due to its special environment, mission and cause, and opportunities to be exposed to a wide variety of spiritual and healing traditions.

Our staff is committed to excellent customer service and to the understanding that everyone we serve at Menla is visiting for unique reasons, often having to do with deep inner work, and need the thoughtful loving support of our entire team.

Please note: only the Management Team is featured below.

Nena vS Thurman

Executive Chairwoman

Nena is the Executive Chairwoman of Tibet House US and Menla. She has been married to Robert Thurman for over 50 years, and together they have raised four children, including Tibet House US Executive Director Ganden Thurman and renowned actress Uma Thurman. She was a successful...

Lynn Schauwecker

Managing Director

Lynn Schauwecker brings over 25 years of experience in fundraising, marketing, and program development within the nonprofit and wellness sectors. She began her work with Tibet House US in 1999 in Development, where she helped spearhead the Annual Benefit Auction. In 2004, Lynn or...

Amber Hallinan

Operations Director

With over twenty years experience in the hospitality industry, Amber joined Menla’s Front of House team in August of 2015 after wanting to shift out of restaurant management onto a path that aligned with her spiritual goals and life interests. She became Front of House Mana...

Pamela Kalechofsky

Group Booking Manager

Pamela joins the Menla administrative team with an extensive background in arts administration, education, and movement. She is an RYT-500 certified yoga instructor, dance educator, and choreographer. In addition, she offers several modalities to assist in healing, including Reik...

Alicia Ojeda

Executive Chef

Originally from Los Angeles, Chef Alicia grew up surrounded by the rich cultural and culinary heritage of her Mexican family. She is classically-trained in the culinary arts with a career spanning more than 25 years. Among the many roles she has played professionally, she has alw...

Amanda Guy

Spa Manager

Amanda brings a blend of leadership, customer experience, and marketing insight to the guest journey. Her career across multiple industries has shaped her into a thoughtful, adaptable professional now dedicated to the world of wellness. She is especially focused on helping Dewa S...

Liz Leacock

Front of House Manager

Liz Leacock joined Menla’s front desk team in October 2023. With 21 years of experience in hospitality, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her role as Front Desk Manager. In addition to managing the Menla bookstore’s purchasing, Liz also has a well-trained, aesthetic eye...

Katia Sukhotskaya

Administrative Assistant

Katia joined Menla’s Front of House team in 2021 and worked two years before being promoted to Front of House Manager in 2023. Katia holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Photography from Parsons, The New School. Additionally, she has a Bachelor of Science degree in HR Managem...

Brendan Kelly

Facilities Manager

A Hudson Valley resident for most of his life, Brendan brings over 2 decades of general contracting experience. Working on projects from new home builds to bathroom renovations he has earned a reputation of being honest, hard working, and delivering beautiful results. Brendan i...

Justin Stone-Diaz

Director of New Media

Justin Stone-Diaz is a first generation digital native working with online communities creating inclusive content since 1984. A long time student of Lama Karma Rinchen and Anam Thubten Rinpoche, Justin has worked as a digital personal assistant to Sharon Salzberg, Gelek Rimpoche ...

“The program was extremely well-oiled, and I’m already thinking about attending next year’s event. Moreover, the lush campgrounds, spa services, friendly staff, and delicious vegetarian meals helped complete a well-rounded, inspirational experience. A thousand thank yous.”

Rochelle Livingston

“It was as if the kitchen knew what my belly wanted and needed, then served it without my having to ask.”

William D.

“It’s nature healing, every staff member super kind and making you feel right at home, the food was heavenly good! I’m deeply impressed and recommend anyone to pay a visit when in search of a peace of mind, to recharge and for those who wants to deeply (re)connect with their inner nature. The good spirits of the Catskill mountains are definitely highly active and working their magic on everyone who comes and goes. Went home deeply inspired, recharged and full of love.”

Joren Bruin

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