Westminster Woods Staff

Sheila is the Executive Director of Westminster Woods Camp & Conference Center, where she has directed programs for nearly thirty years.  She is a featured retreat speaker, and is active in PCCCA (Presbyterian Church Camp and Conference Association). Sheila holds a Certificate in the Art of Spiritual Direction from San Francisco Theological Seminary. Her ministry has focused on helping young adults find their individual callings into lives of service, and she is now a leader in developing programs that further Christian spirituality and the call to care for Creation.

Grant has 35+ years experience in business.  He holds a bachelor's degree from California State Polytechnic University and an MBA from Dominican University of California.  He's a Member of American Bar Assoc., American Academy of Management (International Membership), Society For Business Ethics.  He is an instructor at the University of California Berkeley Extension, an Adjunct Professor at Dominican University of California, University of San Francisco, and Visiting Professor at Keller School of Managment. In his spare time he is active on the advisory boards of Transplant Transportation Services Inc. and DonorLogic.  In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his family.

Craig has 10 years of experience in camping.  Prior to becoming the Westminster Woods Challenge Course Director, he spent time overseeing camps with the YMCA.  Craig leads thousands of people on the Challenge Course each year teaching leadership, risk-management and communication.  He is involved with the Association for Challenge Course Technology, Association for Experiential Education, Califonria Challenge Course Network and Northwest Challenge Course Network.  In his spare time Craig enjoys camping, biking and playing with his pet rats.  

David has been directing the Environmental Education program at Westminster Woods for 15 years. He leads a team of teacher/naturalists in educating over 5,000 students and chaperones a year.  Together they teach redwood ecology, watershed science, marine ecology, astronomy, and restoration ecology. David has led wilderness trips, rock climbing adventures, and rites of passage programs.  He has been a first aid and CPR instructor for the American Red Cross for 25 years.  He also was an EMT (emergency medical technician) for 10 years.  David has a Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Camp Administration.  He lives at the Occidental Arts and Ecology Center with his wife and 10 year old son.

Kim is from Northern Minnesota where she loved to dog sled and sail.  She has a bachelor's degree in Geology with a minor in Limnology.  She has also lived in Iceland while dong geological field studies.  She now calls Occidental her home along with husband Karl and their two dogs, Jasper and Siouxsie.  Joining Westminster Woods in 2011, she plays an instrumental role in the Environmental Education program.  

Ciera joined Westminster Woods first on summer staff 2002-2004.  She returned in 2011 where she holds the position of External Relations. Ciera has a bachelor’s degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara and a master’s degree from the University of San Diego in Leadership Studies, emphasis in non-profit management.  She is a member of the Santa Rosa Regional Young Professionals Network.  In her spare time she plays softball with the Cove Presbyterian Church and enjoys kick-boxing and running.  

Karen has extensive experience with children, youth, and adults at churches in California, Washington, and Virginia.  She holds a bachelor’s degree from California State University, Sacramento as well as a graduate degree in Library Science, and a master's degree in Christian Education at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Virginia.  Karen was previously both a camper at Westminster Woods and on Summer staff.  

Aimee Studer grew up just 15 minutes down the road in the outskirts of Santa Rosa.  She has a bachelors degree from California State University, Sacramento.  Previously the Junior High Youth Director and the College Director at Carmichael Presbyterian Church, Aimee has always had a passion for youth ministry.  Aimee has been involved with Westminster Woods for many years, first as a High School camper, summer staffer and year-round staff.  She returned in 2011 to Co-Direct Ministries along side husband Chris Studer.  

Raised in a family that boasts a number of Presbyterian clergy and musicians Chris is consequently a musician who has spent fifteen years working with youth and young adults in the church. Chris was a camper at Westminster Woods and was on Summer staff prior to returning to Co-Direct in 2011 with his wife Aimee.  Chris worked for eight years at CPC, first as a volunteer, then as Youth Director and Contemporary Worship Leader before attending Berklee College of Music in Boston where he graduated summa cum laude.   

Myrna has a background in customer service and hospitality.  She has been a part of Westminster Woods since 1986.  In her spare time she enoys hiking, swimming and being outdoors.  

William has a diverse non-profit and hospitality background. Prior to joining Westminster Woods, he worked in the non-profit sector in the areas of youth and young adult environmental services, Natural Resources and Recycling programs. His knowledge of the private and non-profit sectors has provided him with a wealth of experience in the hospitality, corporate and academic fields, with an emphasis in sales, human resources, training and development.  He is a graduate of California State University, Sacramento and a member of the Society for Human Resources Management. He is active in all three of his children’s school activities, from serving as a board member to coaching sports.  He is an avid San Francisco Giants and Forty-Niners fan.  He also enjoys hiking and camping with his family.

Martha is a graduate of Louisiana State University and has been doing accounting work in Sonoma County since 2003. She has been with Westminster Woods since 2010. Martha also teaches piano and yoga. Her passions include gardening, music, bicycling, hiking and being in nature.

Gayle has been creating healthy, great tasting food for Westminster Woods for over 14 years. Born with a spatula in her hand, Gayle has worked backstage creating food for entertainers such as Ray Charles and BB King.  Her vision of having an outdoor classroom and garden has come to life with the help of the Center for Nature and Christian Sprituality.  Her hobbies include cruising farmer's markets, botanical gardens and continuing her education in health and food connections.  

Tony has a passion for the Ministry at Westminster Woods where he has played a crucial part as Buildings and Grounds Supervisor for over 17 years.  Tony is very active at Spring Hills Community Church where he plays softball.  He has two daughters with his wife Teresa.  

Lupe oversees the Housekeeping Department, making sure camp is always looking its best.  She has been with Westminster Woods for over 10 years.