Our Team

We are a team of talented inter-generational professionals offering you creative tools and effective practices, inside and out, to help you realize your fullest potential by creating opportunities for personal and group empowerment.

A personal success of mine was that on sweat lodge night, I got to truly be myself with the teachers and the students. I feel like being your true selves gives so much to the students."
                                                                                        - Stephanie shares from a Rites of Passage Trip

PAtrick talbot

Founder of Celebrate Life, MS, MFT.

​Since 1989, Patrick has been bringing his love and enthusiasm in life to enliven participants and lift them to new levels of success. He is a pioneer in creating transformational seminars, as he introduces Nature as “the Teacher” and Soulful journeys as “the Lesson.”

Oceanna Talbot

Lead Trainer and Artist Extrodinare 

Since 1990, as an intense philosopher and life inquirer, Oceanna has been bringing ‘Integrative Awakening’ and behavioral psychology, improv theater, non-violent communication skills, sound and meditation journeys and Hawaiian Wisdom into her offerings.

Helena Pasquarella

Alea Wade

 Council and Program Facilitator

Alea has a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and English from UC Santa Barbara. She has a passion for the enrichment of children and community and the practice of council. In addition to her work as an administrative assistant, she has worked as a peer mentor, educational tour guide for teens and young adults and a childcare provider for disabled and impaired children. 

Irasha Talifero

Council Trainer​ and Program Facilitator

Irasha has been an ecopsychologist since 1975. She has participated in projects such as Naturalists at Large, Forest Hills, Taft Garden, and Wolf. As an educator, she has designed many programs--all starting and ending with council. She currently practices social justice in the state prison system.

kristine gleisberg

Council Trainer and Program Facilitator

Kristine brings her love & reverence for Mother Nature into every program she is involved with. Through her experience studying Sociology & behavioral therapy, Kristine is skilled in non-violent crisis intervention training, communication skills, council, mindfulness, & team- building exercises. ​

anita Samaha

Council Trainer and Lead Facilitator, 

COMING SOON

Amanda ardissoni

Program Facilitator 

Amanda holds degrees in both Biological and Natural Sciences and is currently pursuing higher education to become a surgeon. She has years of experience working with children of all ages with an emphasis in music theory. She is a certified Outdoors Specialist who encourages students to believe that they can be successful at anything they are willing to work for.

Aidan George McIntyre

Michele Terry

Council Facilitator

Michele has worked in the fields of education and human development for the past 15 years. Working through a trauma-informed lens, she incorporates art, mindfulness and somatic based practices to facilitate the growth of people's well being. ​

Paul Newland 

SEBASTIAN MONTOYA

Council Facilitator Intern

Sebastian is a first generation immigrant from Peru, he humbly carries in his heart the indigenous wisdom of the South. He is a big believer in celebrating and enjoying every moment--with a positive attitude, compassion and self-love. He is currently studying the Arts and Education at California Lutheran University.

To learn more about Celebrate Life's history and mission, check out the Who We Are page!