Staff
Rev. Erika Spaet
Pastor/Organizer
Erika is originally from New Jersey and moved to Portland after college to cut her teeth as a community organizer and live in intentional spiritual community through the Jesuit Volunteer Corps NW. While in Portland, Erika learned how to tell her story and preach the good word alongside the beautiful souls at the Leaven Community. Erika graduated from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, California, and most recently served The Bridge, a coffee house ministry in St. Charles, Missouri. She is married to Tom, a graphic artist, and whe enjoys cooking, reading, and singing lullabies to her boys.
Ilona Andina
Children + Families Organizer
Devoted to the art of presence, Ilona is committed to supporting individuals through life’s intricate journey, drawing motivation from her personal voyage. Her passion involves empowering children to express themselves freely and navigate effective communication. Guiding parents to rediscover their inner child fuels her joy, nurturing wholehearted living and fortifying their ability to connect with their children. Understanding the subjective nature of life’s meaning and its impact on hope, her fulfillment springs from aiding individuals in discovering profound significance amidst life’s constant shifts. She’s propelled by a powerful force: the love she believes resides within every individual, motivated by the insight that connection is our nature and self-awareness leads to ultimate freedom.
Caroljoy Brendlinger
Song Leader
Caroljoy brings to Storydwelling a rich background in leading music, designing ritual, and spiritually accompanying individuals and groups. CJ has held positions as the director of the Spiritual Life Center at Portland State University and in hospitality and songleading at Breitenbush Hot Springs. She received her M.Div. from Earlham School of Religion and is a certified spiritual director. Quaker by background, she has a deep call to interfaith work, vocational discernment processes and pastoral care.
Board of Storytenders
Anji Djubenski
Amanda Detweiler
Amanda chooses Storydwelling because it is a place of intentional inclusion that feels genuine to her family. Amanda grew up in Goshen, Indiana and has deep roots in the Mennonite Church. As newley-weds, she and her husband Kyle moved from the midwest for Amanda’s new job as a teacher at Jewell Elementary in 2004 where she still teaches! Since then Amanda and Kyle have had 3 children: Vincent (13), Matthew (11), and Hanky (5). “Parenting is hard,” she says, “and every time we gather my perspective of my kids is refreshed. I need a community that reflects back to me the beauty, joy, and awesomeness of my three children.”
Greg Lamont
Jim Lin
Kelly Ripley
Kelly is honored to be on the Storydwelling Board. Her priorities in life are to have healthy relationships with meaningful spiritual, physical, mental and emotional connections. She values connection with people and spirituality, which is why she is committed to Storydwelling.
Kelly grew up in Illinois and was raised in a Nazarene church with a christian religious faith. Today she has a personal spiritual relationship with God and Jesus Christ based on faith, rather than a religion.
She has been in Bend for 20 years and loves the natural beauty and outdoor activities. She earned a degree in Forestry and retired from a 35 year career in outdoor recreation for the federal government. Her most important and prestigious role in life is being mom to her beautiful son Gage! She is blessed on this journey, so she wants to give back!
Motto to live by: “Live Large and Love Larger!”