Collaborators

Dreamer, Connector & Creator of Wild Life Refuge

I’m a multimedia visual artist, passionate about finding delightful and transformative combinations of art, sound, movement, and connecting more deeply with ourselves and each other. Over my lifetime I’ve cultivated sculpture, drawing, painting, costuming, metalworking, casting, photography, cinematography, video production, graphic design, and dance. I’m a devoted yoga practitioner and certified teacher (Perennial Yoga, 2024). My earlier career involved a Ph.D. in Sociology (University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2006) that immersed me in academic research, writing, teaching, and curriculum design.

Now I combine everything - Wild Life Refuge converges all my interests in a space where I can invite others in to join me!

Psychotherapist · Curriculum & Workshop Designer · Professional Coach

As psychotherapist and teaching faculty with the University of Wisconsin Madison Department of Family Medicine and Community Health (DFMCH), I’m the Director of Behavioral Health for the DFMCH’s Family Medicine Residency Program and its current Director of Wellness and Wellbeing. I trained also through the International Coaching Federation and provide professional coaching for faculty, staff, and learners.

I am a co-founder of WolfWhale Retreats, where I passionately create uniquely-curated experiences designed to connect, uplift, and recharge us on our paths back to belonging.

Certified Transformational Breath® Group Leader

I love to travel the planet to share the practice of Breathwork! I work regularly with Gregg Braden, BreathFlow International, and the Perennial Yoga community, and have also facilitated this practice with cancer patients, detox facilities, and the US Navy.

I enjoy leading public workshops and retreats as well as offering private Breath Sessions to small groups and individuals. More at Invite the Light Healing Center.

Energy Healer · Shamanic Practitioner · Sex, Love & Relationship Coach

I integrate energy medicine, Tantra, Tao, and ancestral wisdom to support deep healing and embodied transformation. My work helps people reconnect with their true nature, heal past wounds, and cultivate presence, pleasure, and authenticity. By integrating sexuality, spirituality, and consciousness, I empower individuals to feel at home in themselves and co-create lives that are aligned, vibrant, and life-giving through compassionate, grounded, and trauma-informed practices worldwide.

“Do not allow anyone to tell you who you are or what you’re capable of. Go within and discover that for yourself. Be limitless.”

Sacred Ceremonialist · Sacred Ceremonialist · Shamanic Healer & Teacher · Proprietress of Be The Light · Founder of the SACRED THREAD™ nonprofit

Trained in Core and Peruvian shamanism, I revel in creating spaces for deep transformation and connection through ceremony, classes, and one-on-one work. SACRED THREAD™ is devoted to supporting spiritual wellness for all ages. We offer Earth-based spiritual gatherings for all who come with open hearts and curious minds. At the heart of all I do is a deep devotion to co-creating a “modern village” way of life, where together we weave a reality we feel energized by and proud to pass down to future generations.

Master Sound Healer · Professional Performing Artist · Music Teacher

With 20+ years experience in the music business, my teaching nurtures children and adults to grow in their desired choice of instrumentation. I also created a songwriting and performance program for musicians in SW Wisconsin to share their talents. 

My sound healing utilizes Sound Bowls, tuning forks, Vocal tones, and other instruments to promote rejuvenation for the mind, body and soul.  With 2,600+ hrs of professional sound healing study, I specialize in special needs children, PTSD, relationship coaching as well as family and individual growth journeys. More at LIMR Music.

WLR Official Veterinarian · Aerial Dance Instructor & Performer · Choreographer · Visual Artist · Woodworker · Whitewater Kayaking Instructor

An avid aerialist and kayaker, I’m devoted to my movement practices and bringing this enjoyment to others through leading classes, clinics and outdoor excursions. I have performed with Cycropia Aerial Dance, Madison Circus Space and my own projects, and founded Northwoods Outdoor Center. As Director of the University of Wisconsin Shelter Medicine Program, I’m also dedicated to setting up systems that give shelter animals the highest quality care possible.

Founder & Curator of Perennial Yoga · Lead Teacher of Perennial’s Teacher Training Program & Threshold Mystery School · Yoga Teacher · Master’s Degree in Social Work

For more than forty years I’ve chased the deeper currents, studied the world’s wisdom traditions, and grown most of all through my own intimate unravellings. I am a maker of spaces where truth can rise, and where people can remember what has been waiting within them all along.

Intuitive Energy Healer · Psychic & Physical Medium · Yoga Teacher

I intend to aid and empower others in their healing journeys through intuitively guided methods and loving support. During a session I am guided by spirit guides, higher selves, and others who want only the best for you. I may use oracle cards, dowsing, guided visualizations, mediumship, and other modalities to best suit your needs.

I can help empower those called to clear blocks, heal themselves and their homes, explore past lives and their current implications, or be an intuitive sounding board for challenging situations. Learn more or reach out here.

Educator · Volunteer · Gardener · Creative Dabbler

I dabble in word, music, and nature outlets, while fully committing to the culture of community they can create. I’ve been an educator since ‘98, primarily with adult English Language Learners. I also tutor with UW-Madison Odyssey Project, supporting access to free college courses. Facilitating interactive, discussion-based learning is my jam. As Madison’s Girls Rock Camp staff, I bring my rock-n-roll spirit to encourage confidence and collaboration through music-making, running improv warm-up games to set a focused yet uninhibited tone. I’m a long-time CSA Workshare with Sprouting Acres organic veggie farm and support Fairshare’s “food for all” initiatives as a farm site captain for Bike the Barns.

Sculptor & Foundry Artist · Event Organizer

I work with professional artists and manufacturers through my space, FeLion Studios. We design and create unique products, commissioned pieces, and live metal casting experiences. 

The Pour’n Yer Heart Out iron pour is our largest local participatory community event. Foundry artists demonstrate the metal casting process, including pouring their own molds and those made by the public in workshops leading up to the event. This collaborative, educational, and community-oriented approach is at the center of what we do. 

Metal Casting Artist · Metal Fabricator · Teacher · Community Event Organizer

My art is about manifesting collaborative and individual artistic visions. I have been fabricating metal and casting aluminum, bronze & iron consistently since I graduated college in 1997. I have worked for large companies building larger-than-life sculptures on billboards in Times Square, and also small one-of-a-kind custom pieces for interior designers and their clients. Along the way I found that I also liked to pass on my knowledge to others interested in learning, so I teach as much as I can. I am currently setting up my farm in Northeast Iowa to be a studio, classroom, and residency in foundry and fabrication.

Philosopher · Yogi · Vedic Astrologer

Born in Bengal, India, I began yoga practice at age four to help my acute asthma. It gave me new life. The Ramakrishna Mission monks introduced me to philosophy and by age eight my Kula Guru (family priest) initiated me into a spiritual life focused on Jyotish (Vedic astrology), tantra, and dharma. My second guru, who I met while working as an engineer in western India, initiated me into Naadi Jyotish. My third guru introduced me to the Arsha School of Jyotish. In 2009 I established my own Jyotish school, AIAC, in the Chicago suburbs. I offer private consultations and lecture on Hindu philosophy, Mantra Shastra, Jyotish, and Hindu mythology. More on social media.

Mental Health Counselor · Group Facilitator · Yoga Teacher · Business Administrator

I support individuals and communities in healing through emotionally grounded, relational, and embodied practices that foster self-awareness, integration, and wholeness. Grounded in depth psychology and contemporary clinical approaches, my work honors psychological insight and lived experience.

I believe lasting healing occurs in relationship and through nervous system safety. Through counseling and group facilitation, I emphasize somatic practices — such as breathwork, meditation, mindful movement, and grounding — to support inner child healing, shadow integration, and resilience.

Salon & Boutique Owner · Musician · Visual Artist · Graphic Designer

My desire to create a chemically-conscious workplace and natural tendency to nurture deep connections with people have sparked my evolution into an accomplished hairstylist and wellness practitioner at my Madison-based salon, Chrysalis Hair And Body. I love encouraging people to be the best version of themselves!

I am developing Chrysalis Plant Therapy Self-Support workshops for WLR, in addition to facilitating house concerts and retreats. Find my music here.

Circus Performer · Choreographer · Producer

I’m a circus artist specializing in aerial arts (lyra, trapeze, rings, rope), with additional interests in clowning and juggling. In leveraging what was traditionally an art form for outsiders and eccentrics, I am particularly interested in ways that circus can be a contemplative practice and a transformative experience for audience and performer alike. I also serve on the board of the Madison Circus Space as its secretary, merchandising director, and PR liaison.

Outside of the circus world, I hold a Ph.D. in French Literature and Romance Language Philology from Columbia University and have a career as a translator and terminologist, specializing in sociology and political science.

Designer · Sculptural Artist · Sociologist

I am the founder of Avant Lamps, based in Cross Plains, WI. Although I have always loved visual arts, my decision to produce designer lighting is relatively recent. I am a sociologist by training, with a long career in international development. I led development projects funded by IFAD that focused on supporting farmers and rural women in remote regions of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan to create businesses in fiber processing including  Cashmere People Yarns. I also produced documentaries and publications about these projects.

Founder, The Conscious Housing Exchange (Launching in Madison, Spring 2026)

Closet intellectual and secret mystic, my passions, work, and skills include MA/PhD studies at the U of C Divinity School, IT consulting & project management, 5Rhythms dance, embodied trauma work with alternative healers and medicines, and hardscrabble community & political organizing. 

I'm excited to bring these experiences together as host of the CHE, an online community built on Mighty Networks, where people who aspire to create housing rooted in conscious community can connect locally, learn from each other, and co-create new forms of sustainable shared housing, so that more of us can live in ways that support our shared health, wealth, and resilience. 

Soul’s Purpose Channeler · Intuitive Energy Practitioner · Author

I am a soul's purpose channeler and intuitive energy practitioner. Over a decade ago I set the intention to devote myself to this work—for healing, soul growth, and the greater good. Since then, it has become not only my passion but truly my soul’s purpose.

I facilitate and support others in finding their peace and their purpose through: healing from the past and their pain, learning to love and accept themselves, and stepping into their own gifts—whatever form those gifts may take.

My work blends channeled guidance from personal spirit guides with messages from light beings. This facilitates deep self-integration and multidimensional support. Learn more.

Writer, Painter, Singer, Traveler, Dreamer

I’m a multimedia artist and published writer who is always trying to fold all the art, music, and community into our shared spaces. I am the former arts editor at Isthmus with freelance credits in local and national newspapers and magazines. I am currently working with my sister, Jennie Capellaro, on a book of love stories from the transgender community. 

I have been extremely lucky to have decades-long collaborations with my bands VO5, Loving Cup, and Love Triangle — or any configuration of musicians I can jam with. I also resurfaced my love of painting during the pandemic, and have been painting nonstop since. I have exhibited in group and solo shows, and will exhibit as part of the Wisconsin Environmental Health Network conference in March 2026. 

Writer, Chef, Traveler, Dreamer

I’m a writer, food professional, and member of the community who loves helping creative people feel grounded, well-fed, and at ease in shared spaces. My work often lives at the intersection of storytelling, hospitality, and collaboration—creating environments where people can slow down, connect, and make things together.

I’ve spent much of my career leading and building people-centered projects, particularly in food, beverage, and gathering spaces. Alongside that work, I like to collaborate on creative projects, including a book of love stories from the transgender community that I’m developing with my sister, Catherine.

I’m drawn to places like Wild Life Refuge because they honor both solitude and community. I love contributing to the evolution of this retreat.

Aerial Dance Performer and Teacher · Choreographer · Carpenter

I have danced on the floor since 1985 and through the air since 1991. When I’m not working as a professional carpenter I teach, choreograph and act as Technical Director for Cycropia Aerial Dance. Outside of Cycropia, I have performed in works by Peggy Choy, Tim Glenn, Neal Jahren and Atala-Nicole Loud.

Permaculturalist · Math & English Middle School Teacher · Storyteller · Community Connector · Tona’s sister!

I believe in co-creating a culture that is always evolving to better meet the needs of humans, animals, plants, and every other part of Gaia. I am happiest when I’m laughing with friends, covered in dirt, dancing, or immersed in water. I am passionate about paying attention to what’s going right in the world and building on that energy.

I’m based on Hawaii’s Big Island, and have helped guide our thriving ecstatic dance scene since its inception.