Member Bios
Jo Thompson
WCPC Co-Founder
Jo Thompson is an artist, teacher, author and activist. During her fine art career she has had extensive solo and group exhibitions with galleries in Palm Springs, San Diego, Los Angeles, and Chicago and her work is in private and corporate collections. Jo earned a BFA degree from Illinois Wesleyan University, pursued graduate studies in Art History at the University of Arizona, and has an MA in Instructional Technology from California State University, San Bernardino. She has taught art and technology from Kindergarten to College. She helped to found the Women Creating Peace Collective in Riverside, California in response to post 9/11 efforts to effect changes for a peaceful future, and was the catalyst for the first Gather the Women conference. She’s been a beloved presenter at GTW conferences, and teaches lively private workshops as well as Osher workshops for older adults. To see Jo's art, please visit www.jo-thompson.artistwebsites.com
Nancy Saahira Tedder
WCPC Co-Founder-Creatrix and Visionary
It was upon the occassion of my 40th birthday that Jo Thompson and I formally co- founded the women Creating Peace Collective. Letʼs just say it had been conceived of months before, but the real quickening began at my party. We began to gather our birthing team soon thereafter. The time flew by coming up to that first conference. We worked together with grace and ease and soon, on March 8th 2003, we gave birth to WCPCʼs Gather the Women. She was the most beautiful and joyous baby, of course every mother thinks that, and with the guidance and love of all of the Women Creating Peace, she is growing into a lovely young woman.
By my writing you can probably tell that I am a mother. I have two beautiful daughters born 20 years apart. They have both been wonderful teachers to me. I also participate in the world as a social worker, belly dancer/troupe leader, artist, music lover, raw foods enthusiast, jewelry maker, haiku poet, photographer, and a curious student of life. I recently received my MA in Spiritual Psychology with a certificate in Consciousness, Health and Healing. My biggest joy is in creating community through connecting people and in facilitating rituals of transformation. I do all this from the place inside myself where I have the inner knowing that We Are All One.
Wendy Eads
Wendy Eads is one of the women creating peace OG's, that's Original Goddesses. She is a retired educator who now serves her community in a variety of ways. She has been on the board of the Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice and was the co-chair of the University Neighborhood Association. In 2010 she graduated from the Eleanor Jean Grier Leadership Academy completing extensive training in leadership and community activism.
Wendy is a mixed media artist and presented doll making at the 2007 Family Village Festival. She has taught a variety of workshops at our Gather the Women conferences including workshops on art, herbs and activism.
Kryn Freehling-Burton
Kryn Freehling-Burton lived in Riverside for 15 years before moving to Oregon. She connected with the fabulous Women Creating Peace during Women in Black vigils early in 2002 and has the fondest memories of the evening-togetherness leading up to our very first International Women's Day conference celebration! Kryn teaches women's studies at Oregon State University and advises our online majors. She incorporates art and theatre into her class requirements and especially loves seeing how young feminists find their activist voices. Between Kryn's teaching and her four children she keeps busy but in her spare time, she is a playwright, actor, director and activist. Scenes from her first full-length play were performed at several WCPC events and she's at work on a new play based, in part, on stories our mothers told us about their lives. She and her partner, Eric, live in Portland where it is, admittedly, a bit like Portlandia! Kryn is excited for the next Gathering of Women!
If you are interested in studying online check out Kryn's Undergraduate Women Studies program:
http://ecampus.oregonstate.edu/online-degrees/undergraduate/women-studies/
Sabrina Molinar
Sabrina Molinar is a founding member of WCPC and a co-producer of Passionate Woman Productions. She has been creating art for decades. She especially enjoys working on a small scale and loves to make wearable art. She works in beads, wire, metal, fabric, paint, paper and other media. She teaches classes in jewelry making, journal/book making, and doll making throughout San Diego County. She has been a favorite presenter at the Gather the Women conferences over the years, and has also headed up the GTW vendors and raffle committees. You can read more about her on her blog at ohmygypsysoul.blogspot.com
Gayle Brandeis
When I was a little girl, I was always looking for ways to make the world a better place. I often sent letters to President Carter, asking him what I could do to stop pollution, etc. Today, I still am using the written word to try to move toward social and environmental justice. My first novel, The Book of Dead Birds, won Barbara Kingsolver’s Bellwether Prize for Fiction in Support of a Literature of Social Change, and my subsequent books all attempt to shed light on issues of social importance, as well. I am honored to also write the action alerts for CODEPINK: Women for Peace. In my life as a mother, teacher, author, dancer and activist, I long to make a positive difference, by both celebrating the beauty of our world and raising awareness about the things that need to change.
I am so grateful to have found a community of women who are also looking for creative ways to nurture peace. My work (and play!) with Women Creating Peace feeds my spirit and continually inspires me to embody the change I wish to see in the world. Please visit www.gaylebrandeis.com to find out more.
Nanette Pratini
Nanette Pratini is a peace-loving long-time Riverside resident. She has co-taught a Gather the Women activism workshop and is queen of the post-conference brunch.
Paige Polcene
Paige Polcene is a teacher of writing and literature, mother, professional doula, home-schooler, chicken rancher, wife, and actress. She loves going deep into story and seeing what comes to the surface! She believes story changes us, it grounds us and connects us, it opens us to possibilities and reminds us that we are part of humanity. Stories remind us of how much we have felt and done and of how much more there is to do. Read more about Paige on her blog at figuringfifty.com
Susan Damron
Crone of the Corn Moon, you came to me in my youth,
and bid me risk and choose commitment to another.
Now, in my own Crone time, you come to me as the Crone spider of wisdom.
You bid me to risk and choose commitment to myself.
You bid me to walk my path, to learn my own strength and power, and to
share with others in a larger community. --Blessed Be.
My husband's death in 2001 propelled me on a journey of personal exploration. At the first Gather the Women Conference sponsored by Women Creating Peace in 2003, I was embraced by the healing energy of other women. As a result of the gathering's creative inspiration, I found new interests, including drumming, labyrinth walking, and earth-based ritual. I became a member of WCPC and participated in later Gather the Women conferences as a workshop presenter. I am interested in how we can support each other in the many transitions we experience as women, as we walk the path from maiden to mother to crone. I currently co-facilitate a faith-diverse "Crones Circle" of elder women at the Holistic Renewal Center in Beaumont.
Janet Baernstein
Reverend, artist, retired school teacher, sci-fi lover, weaver, musician, and ritualist, converted to Christianity in 1970, and worked for Brethren Volunteer Service in 1974 and 1975. She received a Master of Divinity degree in 1978 from Garrett Evangelical Seminary and was ordained by the United Methodists that same year. Janet left the church in 1986; she began her Wiccan studies in a Gardnerian coven in Los Angeles, and was elevated to the 3rd in 1990. She is also Initiated in the Feminist Dianic Tradition founded by Z. Budapest, and has completed the Cella Program of the Women's Thealogical Institute of the Reformed Congregation of the Goddess, International - receiving her Mistress of Wicca certification in 1995. She is a founding member of Moontydes, a BTW-derived womens coven, now in its 17th year of existence. Janet is a much loved presenter at the Pagan Studies Conference in Claremont, CA. She is one of the newest members of Women Creating Peace and we are so glad she retired this past year from teaching and now has time to join her energy with ours.
Jennifer Vallely
I am a mother, spouse, teacher of ESL, gardener and drummer. In 2004, I was invited by Susan to attend a meeting of women who were going to put on a performance for peace. A performance for peace? Instantly intrigued, I said yes. After a second meeting at a local Riverside coffeehouse and after a fair amount of good humored grilling about who I was, I decided to join forces with this eclectic group of amazing women. I am so happy I did. The show was staged at UCR's Botanic Gardens; we drummed, we sang, we danced, we performed theatrically...What an amazing event!
I have been involved in our WCPC Gather the Women events as a workshop leader, performer and people mover. It has been my pleasure getting to know and share with these women over the years. We are blessed to be each other's sisters, supporting each other as we grow along our twisting life paths.
Terri Thompson
I feel that at my core I'm an artist, singer and dancer. They're things that I do as well as who I am. In 1984 I graduated from Cal State Fullerton with a BA degree in Graphic Design. Worked in the field for 7 years and decided that I'd rather create art for its own sake. I sing because it lifts my soul and there are things I have to say. As a teen I began classical training in ballet and modern dance. For 10 years I belonged to a sacred dance troupe which put me on the path to understanding how artistic expression can be integrated into my daily living and spiritual practices. In fact I need that kind of life.
I've been lucky enough to be invited to become a member of the WCPC and I'm loving having some new, like-minded sisters in my life. I first came into contact with the collective as a vendor of the batiks that I make. Looking from the outside I could see they were onto something wonderful! As a member of WCP, I can't wait to see how this part of my life unfolds.
Jo Thompson
WCPC Co-Founder
Jo Thompson is an artist, teacher, author and activist. During her fine art career she has had extensive solo and group exhibitions with galleries in Palm Springs, San Diego, Los Angeles, and Chicago and her work is in private and corporate collections. Jo earned a BFA degree from Illinois Wesleyan University, pursued graduate studies in Art History at the University of Arizona, and has an MA in Instructional Technology from California State University, San Bernardino. She has taught art and technology from Kindergarten to College. She helped to found the Women Creating Peace Collective in Riverside, California in response to post 9/11 efforts to effect changes for a peaceful future, and was the catalyst for the first Gather the Women conference. She’s been a beloved presenter at GTW conferences, and teaches lively private workshops as well as Osher workshops for older adults. To see Jo's art, please visit www.jo-thompson.artistwebsites.com
Nancy Saahira Tedder
WCPC Co-Founder-Creatrix and Visionary
It was upon the occassion of my 40th birthday that Jo Thompson and I formally co- founded the women Creating Peace Collective. Letʼs just say it had been conceived of months before, but the real quickening began at my party. We began to gather our birthing team soon thereafter. The time flew by coming up to that first conference. We worked together with grace and ease and soon, on March 8th 2003, we gave birth to WCPCʼs Gather the Women. She was the most beautiful and joyous baby, of course every mother thinks that, and with the guidance and love of all of the Women Creating Peace, she is growing into a lovely young woman.
By my writing you can probably tell that I am a mother. I have two beautiful daughters born 20 years apart. They have both been wonderful teachers to me. I also participate in the world as a social worker, belly dancer/troupe leader, artist, music lover, raw foods enthusiast, jewelry maker, haiku poet, photographer, and a curious student of life. I recently received my MA in Spiritual Psychology with a certificate in Consciousness, Health and Healing. My biggest joy is in creating community through connecting people and in facilitating rituals of transformation. I do all this from the place inside myself where I have the inner knowing that We Are All One.
Wendy Eads
Wendy Eads is one of the women creating peace OG's, that's Original Goddesses. She is a retired educator who now serves her community in a variety of ways. She has been on the board of the Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice and was the co-chair of the University Neighborhood Association. In 2010 she graduated from the Eleanor Jean Grier Leadership Academy completing extensive training in leadership and community activism.
Wendy is a mixed media artist and presented doll making at the 2007 Family Village Festival. She has taught a variety of workshops at our Gather the Women conferences including workshops on art, herbs and activism.
Kryn Freehling-Burton
Kryn Freehling-Burton lived in Riverside for 15 years before moving to Oregon. She connected with the fabulous Women Creating Peace during Women in Black vigils early in 2002 and has the fondest memories of the evening-togetherness leading up to our very first International Women's Day conference celebration! Kryn teaches women's studies at Oregon State University and advises our online majors. She incorporates art and theatre into her class requirements and especially loves seeing how young feminists find their activist voices. Between Kryn's teaching and her four children she keeps busy but in her spare time, she is a playwright, actor, director and activist. Scenes from her first full-length play were performed at several WCPC events and she's at work on a new play based, in part, on stories our mothers told us about their lives. She and her partner, Eric, live in Portland where it is, admittedly, a bit like Portlandia! Kryn is excited for the next Gathering of Women!
If you are interested in studying online check out Kryn's Undergraduate Women Studies program:
http://ecampus.oregonstate.edu/online-degrees/undergraduate/women-studies/
Sabrina Molinar
Sabrina Molinar is a founding member of WCPC and a co-producer of Passionate Woman Productions. She has been creating art for decades. She especially enjoys working on a small scale and loves to make wearable art. She works in beads, wire, metal, fabric, paint, paper and other media. She teaches classes in jewelry making, journal/book making, and doll making throughout San Diego County. She has been a favorite presenter at the Gather the Women conferences over the years, and has also headed up the GTW vendors and raffle committees. You can read more about her on her blog at ohmygypsysoul.blogspot.com
Gayle Brandeis
When I was a little girl, I was always looking for ways to make the world a better place. I often sent letters to President Carter, asking him what I could do to stop pollution, etc. Today, I still am using the written word to try to move toward social and environmental justice. My first novel, The Book of Dead Birds, won Barbara Kingsolver’s Bellwether Prize for Fiction in Support of a Literature of Social Change, and my subsequent books all attempt to shed light on issues of social importance, as well. I am honored to also write the action alerts for CODEPINK: Women for Peace. In my life as a mother, teacher, author, dancer and activist, I long to make a positive difference, by both celebrating the beauty of our world and raising awareness about the things that need to change.
I am so grateful to have found a community of women who are also looking for creative ways to nurture peace. My work (and play!) with Women Creating Peace feeds my spirit and continually inspires me to embody the change I wish to see in the world. Please visit www.gaylebrandeis.com to find out more.
Nanette Pratini
Nanette Pratini is a peace-loving long-time Riverside resident. She has co-taught a Gather the Women activism workshop and is queen of the post-conference brunch.
Paige Polcene
Paige Polcene is a teacher of writing and literature, mother, professional doula, home-schooler, chicken rancher, wife, and actress. She loves going deep into story and seeing what comes to the surface! She believes story changes us, it grounds us and connects us, it opens us to possibilities and reminds us that we are part of humanity. Stories remind us of how much we have felt and done and of how much more there is to do. Read more about Paige on her blog at figuringfifty.com
Susan Damron
Crone of the Corn Moon, you came to me in my youth,
and bid me risk and choose commitment to another.
Now, in my own Crone time, you come to me as the Crone spider of wisdom.
You bid me to risk and choose commitment to myself.
You bid me to walk my path, to learn my own strength and power, and to
share with others in a larger community. --Blessed Be.
My husband's death in 2001 propelled me on a journey of personal exploration. At the first Gather the Women Conference sponsored by Women Creating Peace in 2003, I was embraced by the healing energy of other women. As a result of the gathering's creative inspiration, I found new interests, including drumming, labyrinth walking, and earth-based ritual. I became a member of WCPC and participated in later Gather the Women conferences as a workshop presenter. I am interested in how we can support each other in the many transitions we experience as women, as we walk the path from maiden to mother to crone. I currently co-facilitate a faith-diverse "Crones Circle" of elder women at the Holistic Renewal Center in Beaumont.
Janet Baernstein
Reverend, artist, retired school teacher, sci-fi lover, weaver, musician, and ritualist, converted to Christianity in 1970, and worked for Brethren Volunteer Service in 1974 and 1975. She received a Master of Divinity degree in 1978 from Garrett Evangelical Seminary and was ordained by the United Methodists that same year. Janet left the church in 1986; she began her Wiccan studies in a Gardnerian coven in Los Angeles, and was elevated to the 3rd in 1990. She is also Initiated in the Feminist Dianic Tradition founded by Z. Budapest, and has completed the Cella Program of the Women's Thealogical Institute of the Reformed Congregation of the Goddess, International - receiving her Mistress of Wicca certification in 1995. She is a founding member of Moontydes, a BTW-derived womens coven, now in its 17th year of existence. Janet is a much loved presenter at the Pagan Studies Conference in Claremont, CA. She is one of the newest members of Women Creating Peace and we are so glad she retired this past year from teaching and now has time to join her energy with ours.
Jennifer Vallely
I am a mother, spouse, teacher of ESL, gardener and drummer. In 2004, I was invited by Susan to attend a meeting of women who were going to put on a performance for peace. A performance for peace? Instantly intrigued, I said yes. After a second meeting at a local Riverside coffeehouse and after a fair amount of good humored grilling about who I was, I decided to join forces with this eclectic group of amazing women. I am so happy I did. The show was staged at UCR's Botanic Gardens; we drummed, we sang, we danced, we performed theatrically...What an amazing event!
I have been involved in our WCPC Gather the Women events as a workshop leader, performer and people mover. It has been my pleasure getting to know and share with these women over the years. We are blessed to be each other's sisters, supporting each other as we grow along our twisting life paths.
Terri Thompson
I feel that at my core I'm an artist, singer and dancer. They're things that I do as well as who I am. In 1984 I graduated from Cal State Fullerton with a BA degree in Graphic Design. Worked in the field for 7 years and decided that I'd rather create art for its own sake. I sing because it lifts my soul and there are things I have to say. As a teen I began classical training in ballet and modern dance. For 10 years I belonged to a sacred dance troupe which put me on the path to understanding how artistic expression can be integrated into my daily living and spiritual practices. In fact I need that kind of life.
I've been lucky enough to be invited to become a member of the WCPC and I'm loving having some new, like-minded sisters in my life. I first came into contact with the collective as a vendor of the batiks that I make. Looking from the outside I could see they were onto something wonderful! As a member of WCP, I can't wait to see how this part of my life unfolds.