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.
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.
