Member for

5 years 2 months
Photo
Cover Photo
bergamot blooms in a summer field
First Name
Deborah
Last Name
Haak-Frost
Biography

If you make a reservation for a retreat at GilChrist, you will most likely see my name on the email signature, talk with me on the phone, or see my face when you arrive. I’ve always delighted in being able to connect people with the natural world in ways that allow them to experience their environment deeply and meaningfully. My undergraduate degree in psychology and environmental studies paved the way for this beautiful integration of two passions of mine. The principles of permaculture – earth care, people care, and fair share – also shape my approach to my work. Making rest and retreat more accessible for all is something I try to work toward.

I also do a lot of the behind-the-scenes logistics and administrative work at GilChrist: working with group retreat facilitators, handling billing, managing social media, keeping the website up to date, cataloging the library, and also pitching in with cabin cleaning and feeding the goats.

When I’m not at work, you can find me volunteering in my Three Rivers community, cooking and baking in my kitchen, taking in thought-provoking television and movies with my husband, or daydreaming about grand garden plans for my backyard.

Job Title
Caretaker for Community Engagement
Cover Caption
Bergamot blooms in this summer view from the GilChrist office
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Staff Department
Department or Org
GilChrist
Email
dhaak@fetzer.org

At GilChrist, we love a hearty gathering, filled with deep sharing and meaningful connections. A lot can happen when people get together for a day or a weekend or a week, and we're glad to be a part of it.

Our 2023 group retreat schedule is now live and ready for you to peruse. We’ve been working with facilitators as they craft experiences in a wide range of topics, like art, yoga, grief, energy fields, and more (there’s even one for elementary school teachers). Check back as we add more group retreats to the schedule!

Not a group-retreat kind of person? We reserve at least one weekend per month for individual guests to experience unstructured, self-guided retreats. We've posted those weekends on the calendar, and we also have availability on weekdays and for longer periods of time.

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