Providing a welcoming, caring and supportive experience to those who come to Hope Springs is the commitment of the staff. Their competence, compassion and professionalism are always commented on by workshop participants. The staff give Hope Springs Institute an eye into and a connection to this Adams, County, Ohio community.
Theresa Seibert
Theresa loves and reveres all creation, but nature and critters are by far her favorites. She came to Adams County to be self-reliant and off the grid, to be a pioneer and live off the land. After being there a couple of years, she didn't think she was going to make it. It was very hard to find work; but, then she started working at Hope Springs. Theresa says, “ I love it here! It's the perfect place for me. It allows me to be myself and self sufficient all at the same time.”
Carolyn Arey
Carolyn has been with Hope Springs since March 2003. Almost five years ago, Carolyn decided she needed a career change, and she decided to do something completely different. One day while driving by Hope Springs she thought, “Do they need any help cooking?” Cooking has always has been one of her loves. With a quick call she got an interview and the timing was perfect, since Hope Springs did need someone.
According to Carolyn, Hope Springs has been a perfect place for her. Not only has she been able to perform her art of cooking, she has also been able to make dear friends and developed wonderful relationships.
Al Sinclair
Al was born and spent the first 38 years of his life in Green Bay Wisconsin, 21 of those years working for Procter and Gamble in various capacities. Upon leaving P&G, he started up a fine woodworking business and was doing that when his partner Suzanne, decided she wanted to create a Women’s Learning Center. They purchased Hope Springs in 1995.
His role then was to be in charge of maintenance and improvements as he continued to do his woodworking. In the fall of 2002 he became the head of the Hope Springs kitchen, a job which evolved into “operations manager.” This meant he was in charge of the day to day business of providing food, caring for space and tending to the needs of guests.
Al says, “As I become a senior citizen, my body is telling me I need to leave the rewarding but physically draining job of cooking to others.” He will still be in charge of maintenance and teaching others the culinary arts of Hope Springs. For Al, Hope Springs is a perfect blend of nature and nurture. He loves being “in the woods with all of Grandfathers creations.” And, according to Al, at Hope Springs he has met and worked as equals with some of the finest people in the world from all walks of life.
Suzanne Stevens
Mother, Daughter, Sister, Grandmother, Life Partner, Teacher, Group Home Director, Corporate Executive, International Business Consultant, and Founder of Hope Springs Institute. Her passion is to be a student in her own spiritual healing and to support others on this path. She is a seeker and practitioner of body, mind, and spirit practices that open and heal. For Suzanne, utilizing the land and tending to the body is fundamental to the process of spiritual healing. She serves in the capacity of Executive Director.
Shelly Seaman
Shelly was not looking for a job when Al called her about the housekeeping position available at Hope Springs. She decided to see what the job entailed. She says, "I thought it might be nice to get out of the house and have a little extra spending money. I never thought about how rewarding this job would be to me. Although I do many of the same things every day at home, there is a difference. At home, what I do is to expected. At Hope Springs, what I do is appreciated."
Never having a job with flexible hours until now, she is enjoying being able to adjust her schedule. According to Shelly, this allows her to keep up with the many activities of her three active teenage children - Kelsey, Krista and Anthony. Currently, Kelsey and Krista, along with her niece Kara also support Hope Springs.
Kara, Kelsey & Krista Seaman
Since 2005, Kara, Kelsey & Krista have been helping out in the kitchen and with housekeeping at Hope Springs. They say it is an enjoyable time for all three of them. "We like bringing the perspective and energy of our younger generation. Through each of our hectic lives and schedules, we always take time for Hope Springs. Working there has given us a chance to learn new cooking methods and healthy eating habits." They especially love the peaceful atmosphere and meeting new people from many parts of the world.
Maggie Case
Maggie had just finished up a hectic career in the insurance business when she received the call about working at Hope Springs. It was perfect timing, and upon accepting the job, she knew right away that it was the right choice. Her mom, Carolyn, has worked at Hope Springs for five years, so Maggie practically grew up there. She says, "working at Hope Springs is like coming home. Cooking is so fulfilling I can put my heart into my work, and make someone smile".