Senior Minister and President of Board of Trustees

Rev. Sue MillerBorn, RScM (she/her/hers)

Reverend Sue MillerBorn, RScP has been a licensed practitioner since 2001 under the training of Reverend Dr. James Golden and Reverend. Dr. Andrea Asebedo. She completed her Ministerial training in 2004 and was ordained in 2010. Sue is the Senior Minister overseeing SEVA Congregational Support, Sacred Sisters Women's Group, Men's Group, Young Adult's Group, and the Practitioner Unit, as well as speaking and teaching. One of the things she loves best about being a practitioner and a minister is her connection to people, one-on-one. It is an opportunity to witness love and the creative process manifest healing. She thrives in teaching and facilitating the Sacred Sister's Women's Group, meditation practices, Yoga and spending time in service to the Center. The greatest joy of being a Practitioner/Minister is knowing that a greater Good is always unfolding and witnessing the power of God always manifesting this Good through all experiences. It is a journey in Love.

Minister

Rev. Dr. Mary Mitchell, RScM (she/her/hers)

Reverend Doctor Mary Mitchell, RScP, began her spiritual studies at the Center for Spiritual Living in 1989. She received her Practitioner License in 1994, her ministerial license in 2002, and was ordained in 2008, at which time she began serving as an Assistant Minister in Redding. Mary was named Practitioner of the Year in 2007 by the Centers for Spiritual Living, served on the organization's Board of Trustees for three years, and continues to serve as Co-Chair of the Ethics Committee. Reverend Mitchell earned a BS in Forest Industries Management from The Ohio State University, and retired from the Western Shasta Resource Conservation District in Anderson, CA where she was District Manager for 13 years. Rev. Mary received an honorary doctorate from Centers for Spiritual Living in 2020. Mary's passion lies in metaphysical studies and teaching Science of Mind classes. Her hobbies include writing, and she has six published books. Mary lives with her husband, Paul, and their two wonderful cats.

Minister

Rev. Pam Sanchez, RScM (she/her/hers)

An ordained minister of Religious Science, Reverend Pam Sanchez, RScP has a long history of serving the local community. After joining the Spiritual Enrichment Center in 1983, Pam become a licensed practitioner in 1992. In 1997, she received her ministerial license, and served as the primary minister at Center for Positive Living in Mount Shasta from 1998 – 2000. In 2003, Pam retired from the State Department of Rehabilitation, where she served as a supervisor for 30 years. A former Chaplain with the Shasta Regional Medical Center and Redding Police Department, Pam currently oversees Center for Spiritual Living, Redding’s Seva support team, providing meals and other essentials to community members struggling with life's challenges, from birth to death. Pam additionally oversees the Hope Van Meals Seva Team, which provides meals for Redding's homeless population, meeting at 8:30AM on the fourth Friday of every month in the Social Services Center parking lot: 2650 Breslauer Way, Redding, CA.

Prayer Practitioner

Robin Backstrom, RScP (she/her/hers)

Robin Backstrom’s first encounter with the Center for Spiritual Living Redding (CSLR) was in the late l970s. Inspired by both the philosophy and spiritual practices, Robin felt supported in exploring her true potential. She realized an expanding awareness of her deep and divine connection within and the joy it brings, and became increasingly comfortable in taking risks to reveal more of what life had to offer. The result was a rich and fulfilling career as a high school counselor, working with students, parents, teachers, and staff for over thirty years. Now retired, Robin is able to devote more time to her spiritual family here at CSLR, and has fulfilled a dream of becoming a licensed Religious Science Practitioner to best serve and support others in awakening to their divine potential. Robin enjoys a loving and spiritual relationship with her husband, Dan, and their two children, while also raising a large vegetable garden, and freezing and canning nature’s bounty from their forty-two fruit and nut trees on their small farm in Los Molinos. Robin has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Chico State and a Master’s Degree in Counseling from LaVerne University.

Prayer Practitioner

Charlie Born, RScP (he/him/his)

Charlie Born, RScP has been with the Center for Spiritual Living, Redding (CSLR) since 1992. The Manager of Government and External Affairs for Frontier Communications, Charlie has served in just about every area of the Center, including children's church, board member, usher/greeter, community outreach, pledge drive, fundraising, and for several years now, he has co-chaired the Landscape Seva Team. Most recently, Charlie served as co-chair of the Minister Search Team. His background includes a strong interest in Yoga and meditation. He received training in the transcendental meditation (TM) technique in the 1970s, and was involved with the Creative Initiative Foundation in the 1980s. Charlie received his Professional Prayer Practitioner license in 2013.

Prayer Practitioner

Shirley Wade, RScP (she/her/hers)

Shirley Wade is deeply committed to the principles of Religious Science, which she began studying 62 years. That was the beginning, and she has had a long and fulfilling experience since then at the Religious Science church in San Mateo, CA and also at the Center for Spiritual Living, Redding. In addition to her church family, Shirley has been blessed with her own family. Married for 64 years, she now has three children, four grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Shirley retired from the public school system, where she worked as a reading specialist for 30 years, and ran her own tutoring business for fourteen years thereafter. Her experience as a student of Religious Science led to a life of loving service, and to this end Shirley earned a Master’s in Education, and a second Master’s in Counseling/Psychology from Santa Clara University. A licensed Marriage and Family therapist (retired), she is deeply grateful to be a licensed practitioner, supporting others in their own growth and development.

Board Treasurer and Trustee 

Sylvia Henry (she/her/hers)

The Center’s former Finance Manager, is also a long-time member of the Center. Now that she has more time, she is enthusiastic about serving on the board, supporting the vision and mission of the Center. Sylvia has completed what used to be called the SOM 100 and 200 series of classes and completed six months of practitioner training. Her education in accounting was completed at the University of Redlands and UC Berkley. The gifts Sylvia brings to the board include joy, enthusiasm, creativity, event planning, and significant experience in accounting, budgeting, and CSLR policies and procedures. Her suggested priorities for the Center in the new year are greater participation and presence in the Redding community.

Board Trustee and Prayer Practitioner

Christy Carr, RScP (she/her/hers)

I am a mother of three who put myself through college as a single parent. I enjoy helping people and that is why I became a Respiratory Therapist. I was introduced to Centers for Spiritual Living about ten years ago in Palm Desert and knew then that I had found my place in the world. I continue to learn all I can through this Center while volunteering in the office. I am now in practitioner training and want to know all I can about the Center’s operations. Three priorities for CSLR this year I feel are future classes offered to the community, reopening the Center safely, and bringing in new members. I hope to do what I can to be an asset to the team.

Board Trustee

Rich Cary (he/him/his)

I am a long-time member of the Center and have gained much from the teaching. I have been so blessed and enjoy an amazing life, and I feel  compelled to give back. The future of our church, and the legacy we leave, is very important to me. Now that I’m retired, I feel my work career, education, and life experiences have given me some skills that would help to assure these goals.

Board Trustee

Marti Butow (she/her/hers)

Marti Butow has been a member of the Center for Spiritual Living, Redding (CSLR) since 1995, during which time she has been active in many events and programs. Mari brings many sklls to the CSLR Board, including, organizational development, group facilitation, and project management, and her priorities are increasing membership, augmenting participation, and paying off CSLR's mortgage.

Board Secretary and Trustee

Linda Mitchell (she/her/hers)

I served on the board from 2004-07 focusing on community outreach, such as overseeing the blood bank, HIV food bank, Empty Bowls and many other areas. I am retiring from my full-time job this summer as a Speech-Language Pathologist, which I have done for twenty-six years and have a MS in Communication Disorders. I’m ready and excited about being more involved. Three priorities for CSLR this year are the new minister search team, new paradigm possibilities, and community focus. As a member of the board, I hope to contribute to bringing the community together and strengthening bonds.

Board Trustee

Douglas J. Held (He/Him/His)

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Board Trustee

Roy Woolfstead (He/Him/His)

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Board Vice President and Trustee

Stephen Smith (he/him/his)

Stephen is a lifelong spiritual seeker and lover of Truth. He has enjoyed careers in the arts and education, living in all the West Coast states and New Mexico before settling in Redding, with his wife, Judi. They were attracted by the opportunities for country living and exploring the natural world. He enjoys writing, painting, making music, gardening and beekeeping. He is grateful to be part of the CSLR community. Stephen has a deep respect and appreciation for the community of mutual support here and wants to help maintain its Universalist, open focus and deepen its focus in a way that draws more like-minded souls into the Center. He has been a student of New Thought for fifty years and was happy to discover The Science of Mind twenty years ago, attending Agape, Ventura and Santa Rosa occasionally. CSLR is the first time Stephen and Judi have joined and taken classes. He has attended six colleges, has an AA focused on Art and Early Childhood development. He’s certificated in Computer Technology/3D Animation and has a Certificate in Noetic Field Therapy.

Administrative Assistant and Bookstore Manager

Lorie Barnes (she/her/hers)

Lorie Barnes has been the Administrative Assistant at Center for Spiritual Living, Redding, since November 1, 2005. She has been in the Administrative/Clerical field for over 36 years and loves working at the Center. Lorie has two AA Degrees from Shasta College. Her favorite color is purple, and her hobbies include spending time with friends, reading books, listening to music, and watching movies and television. Lorie's favorite saying is, "May all beings know peace, joy, and love."

Bookkeeper

April Johnson

April Johnson has been the Bookkeeper since September 6, 2022. Prior to joining the CSLR team, April was employed Bi-Vocationally; working as a Food Scientist and Administrative Pastor of a small church in rural Wisconsin. She attained her degree in Animal and Food Science from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. She continued her Food career training, both in Food Facility Auditing and French Culinary. She is also an Ordained Minister with World Bible Way Fellowship. She is currently continuing her ministry education at Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry in Redding, California. She loves to live life to the fullest and believes that life should be an adventure. In her free time, she enjoys bringing friends and family around a table of good food; outdoor adventures including boating, hiking, and biking; and loves to express her creativity through painting and playing violin.

Children’s Church Director

Bonnie Lantiegne (she/her/hers)

Hi! My name is Bonnie, but my great grandkids…and a lot of others… call me “Gigi”. I love kids, I love nature, I love to dance, and I love to teach!

A little bit about my childhood…which has a lot to do with who I am today.

I was born in Ticonderoga, New York, because the little mining town we lived in had no hospital…and not even a resident physician…but it was a great place to grow up! I could walk to all my friends’ houses to play, explore, or join in one of the many games of kickball, hide and seek, or marbles…AND I got to collect pollywogs each spring from the lake across the street from our house! (My mom would take them back down and release them after I went to bed… LOL!)

When I was 10 years old, my twin brothers were born, and life changed. With no relatives living close by to help, and being premature, I became their ‘second mother’… but never felt burdened by my new role…even when feeding time interrupted one of our games! This special relationship between my little brothers and me continued into their early 20’s… and I think my bond with them is why I love children so much today!

Having two more kids, though, meant that there was no “company housing” big enough for a family of seven (I now had FOUR brothers!). My dad finally found a house big enough and within commuting distance to his job. After a summer of settling in and getting to know the 7(!) other families who lived in our little hamlet of Blue Ridge, I hopped on the school bus, ready to make new friends! I loved our little mountain sanctuary nestled in the Adirondack Mountains, I loved the waterfalls on the other side of the logging road we lived on, and I loved all the neighbors…especially the family who had 8 kids for us to play with! I also loved the school…425 students, K-12, and 25 in my senior graduating class! Even though I may not have been exposed to the “culture” of a big city, I had an education far superior to the ‘city kids’ in many, many ways!

In 1969, I graduated with a BS Degree in Medical Technology from the State University of New York at Buffalo. I spent three months touring Europe with a college friend and began working in a hospital laboratory when I came home.

In 1971, I moved to Sacramento with my soon-to-be husband. I worked in various laboratories (one a cancer research lab at U. C. Davis), taking time out to have two beautiful daughters who have given me five amazing grandchildren…who, in turn, have given me 5 amazing great grandchildren!

In 1977, my husband’s job brought us to Redding and I began working in the laboratory at Mercy Hospital, where I later became supervisor of the chemistry department. My girls were now 1 and 4 years old. We loved the smaller town, slower pace, and the abundance of opportunities to be out in nature at the parks with the girls, in our canoe on the river, swimming at Whiskeytown Lake, or (a few years later) climbing Mount Lassen.

In 2001, I ended my career at a medical laboratory in order to pursue my lifelong dream of getting an elementary teaching credential. After teaching special education, and then third grade, I began teaching and tutoring adults in medical assisting programs and pre-requisites for the nursing program at a vocational college (teaching biological sciences…I loved it!).

I retired in 2015 to nanny my great granddaughter for four years in the Bay Area….which I consider one of the most important and meaningful opportunities of my life!

After returning to my home in Redding, my love of both teaching and young children inspired me to accept the position of Children’s Church Director at CSLR. I enjoy interacting with the Children’s Church team; the children; and the parents, grandparents, and other caregivers to help build a solid foundation in the principles of Science of Mind…something that will benefit the kids their entire lives, and something I would have loved to have experienced as a child myself!

Music Director

Gwen Rooker (she/her/hers)

Gwendolyn Rooker is a meditator, vocalist, actor, and singer-songwriter living in Redding, California. She holds a BA in Drama from SFSU and a Certificate of Training from the Dell‘Arte International School of Physical Theatre. Locally, she’s performed at Shasta College, with the Waterbury Aria Group, and at Riverfront Playhouse. Internationally, Gwen shares laughter with children whose communities are in crisis with Clowns Without Borders, USA. She lives with her mother, Margaret, and their cat, Lily.

Choir Accompanist

Judy Preble (she/her/hers)

I joined the church in Oakland in about 1974. I served on the board from 1976 to 1979. I played piano for children's church and organ for the congregation. I moved to the Redding area around 1980 and lived in Lake California. I moved from there to Redding to be closer to the church.

I sang in the choir for a time, then graduated to playing the piano for the choir. I occasionally sing, but I usually play the piano every Sunday.

It is my greatest pleasure to be a member of this Center. Actually, it keeps me young & healthy!

Kitchen Kookies (Sunday Social Hall Hosts)

Bill and Shirley McQuiston (he/him/his - she/her/hers)

Sunday Services Audio/Video Technician

Melinda Miller-Castro (she/her/hers)

Lindy is the waving hand behind your livestream camera and soundboard, trying always to make the panning right to left smoother than it was the week before. When she isn’t editing your weekly podcasts, she is at home teaching voice lessons through another camera or chasing her family around the yard.