Meet the Team!
It takes many souls to hold this much dedication, creativity, curiosity & heart.
Ralph Abrams, Our Founder
Ralph Abrams is a multifaceted community leader and entrepreneur based in Crestone, Colorado, whose diverse contributions have significantly shaped the region. As the founder and former CEO of Colorado Central Telecom (now Aristata Communications), Ralph spearheaded a grassroots initiative in 2011 to bring reliable, high-speed broadband to Crestone, addressing the inadequacies of incumbent providers and fostering economic growth in the San Luis Valley. His leadership earned the company recognition as Service Provider of the Year at the 2018 Mountain Connect Broadband Development Conference. Beyond telecommunications, Ralph has served as the Mayor of Crestone, demonstrating a commitment to local governance and community development. With a background that includes roles at the White Jewel Mountain and Willow Creek Builders, Inc., as well as an MA in Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute (2002-2005), Ralph brings a unique blend of spiritual insight, practical expertise, and civic dedication to his endeavors. At White Jewel Mountain, he continues to inspire through his vision of integrating mindfulness, community service, and innovative solutions for a sustainable future.
David Swain, Executive Director
David is currently updating his bio. Stay tuned.
Our Resident Teacher,
Lopön Robin Gayle
Robin has undergraduate and graduate degrees/publications in theology, psychology, and east-west studies. She is a Tara Mandala International Feeding Your Demons® psychotherapist in private practice and currently serves as Research Scientist for the Center for Contemplative Research in Crestone, Colorado. She is also a Professor of Counseling Psychology at Dominican University ofCalifornia. Her interest in Buddhism began in 1986 with teachings and anempowerment by Geshe Ngawang Dhargyey, followed by Kalachakra & Dzogchenteachings by H. H. Dalai Lama, Longchen Nyngtig, Rinchen Terzod, and Kamma cycleswith Ven. Yangthang Tulku Rinpoche, intensive Shamatha, Vipassana, Lojong, and Dzogchen retreats with B. Alan Wallace, and teachings and empowerments by Ven.Gyaltrul Rinpoche, Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche, Drubpon Lama Karma, and ChögyalNamkhai Norbu Rinpoche. Robin recently completed the 10 year Gateway Program at Tara Mandala Retreat Center: Dzinpa Rangdröl (Self Liberation of Clinging) which consists of all the practices done in the traditional Vajrayana three-year solitary retreat but adapted for the modern practitioner living in the world.
Ani Tsultrim, Our Resident Nun
Ani carries our lineage through. She's also updating her bio at this moment.
Shoshannah Asha, Events & Retreats Coordinator
Shoshannah is a vibrant artist, entrepreneur, and longtime Crestone resident with passion for creativity, sustainability, and community. With a background rooted in inspired self-expression and a bold, festival-infused aesthetic she calls “cirque-fest,” she creates one-of-a-kind art, clothing, and henna design. Deeply connected to nature and the whimsical, Shoshannah brings a fresh, luminous energy to White Jewel Mountain.
Alejandria Woods, Temple Body Artist
Alejandria is earth-centered, and a passionate advocate for women reclaiming their power, peace, and pleasure. She celebrates the magic within you - your sacred, untamed energy that is meant to flow freely, heal deeply, and shine brightly. Alejandria has taught Micro Ganja yoga classes in Taos, NM and has been initiated with Sofiah Thom as a Temple Body Priestess, anchoring her deeper into her life’s desires and ancestral roots.
Kara Voss, Yoga
Kara has been practicing yoga for over 25 years and has been teaching since 2011. She is classically trained in the Indian Hatha Yoga tradition (particularly the Sivananda and Iyengar lineages) but has also studied and taught more modern forms of yoga such as Vinyasa, Power, Yin, Kundalini, Aerial, and Hot Yoga. Kara has also studied and practiced Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and meditation since 2009, and was initiated as a Vajrayana student within the Kagyu lineage in 2012. In 2017, Kara expanded her knowledge of anatomy, biomechanics, and exercise science by becoming a Certified Personal Trainer with the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Since then she has gone on to be certified in various specialties including Corrective Exercise, Behavior Change, and Nutrition. As a yoga and meditation teacher as well as a fitness trainer, Kara helps people from all walks of life improve their overall health by developing life-enhancing habits, relieving chronic pain and anxiety, rehabbing injuries, and finding more peace, balance, and healing energy within their bodies, minds, and spirits.
Sifu Bill Smith, Tai Chi & Qigong
Bill Smith is a leading internal movement and body energy expert. He guides people to embody relaxation, creativity and strength by bringing a modern approach to the ancient wisdom teachings of Tai Chi & Qigong. Bill has taught extensively for over 35 years, reaching people from around the world, bringing their bodies and lives into alignment, radiant health and joyous flow.
Alisa Severskaya, Digital Design & Operations
Alisa is a curious, creative writer based in Crestone, Colorado, with a passion for uncovering the mysteries of the world. She loves weaving together research, storytelling, and intrigue. She's forever inspired by Crestone’s gorgeous views & networking among forward-thinking people. At White Jewel Mountain she's responsible for website updates, social media, creating posters for events and staying on top of the calendar.
