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Serenity Ridge Vision Statement

Our vision is to sustain Serenity Ridge as a sanctuary for spiritual learning and practice, rooted in the Tibetan Bön tradition as taught by Geshe Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche. Through our retreats, programs, and community events, we aim to create a ripple effect of compassion, wisdom, and peace that extends far beyond our center. We aspire to foster a global community of practitioners committed to personal transformation and collective well-being. 

Serenity Ridge Mission Statement

Serenity Ridge Retreat Center preserves the ancient Tibetan lineage of Yungdrung Bön as taught by Geshe Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, ensuring its timeless wisdom and practices are passed down for generations to come through retreats, Lama and practitioner residencies, instructional and experiential programs, and community events. We also support other like-minded spiritual organizations through facility rentals and collaboration. 

Serenity Ridge Values Statement

As stewards of this retreat center, we are united in service to a sacred mission: supporting the preservation, practice, and transmission of the Yungdrung Bön tradition. In our roles—whether administrative, practical, or spiritual—we embody values that reflect the heart of the teachings we serve.

We value:

  • Service with Compassion
    We approach our work with open hearts and the intention to benefit others, inspired by the principles of loving-kindness and empathy.
  • Integrity and Mindfulness
    We carry out our responsibilities with care, awareness, and respect—for the teachings, for each other, and for all who visit this center.
  • Collaboration and Harmony
    We support one another as a team, recognizing we and our community are strongest when rooted in mutual respect, active listening, and shared purpose.
  • Stewardship of Sacred Space
    We treat the retreat center as a sacred environment, maintaining it with reverence, cleanliness, and attentiveness.
  • Growth through Service
    We view our service as a path of personal growth and development.

Together, we co-create a space where the teachings of Yungdrung Bön can thrive—for ourselves, for our community, and for generations to come.

Governance

 

Serenity Ridge Retreat Center in Nelson County, Virginia, is the headquarters of Ligmincha International, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. The Board of Directors is tasked with ensuring that the center stays true to Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche’s vision.
SERENITY RIDGE'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Shelly Hanson, Board Chair
Sue Davis-Dill
Steve Friedman
Rob Patzig
Wes Strickling
Serenity Ridge Retreat Center in Nelson County, Virginia, is the headquarters of Ligmincha International, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that is run by a Board of Directors, a group of dedicated volunteer leaders and a small administrative staff. Many of the activities and projects that are continually underway at Serenity Ridge are managed and implemented by these volunteers, who are vital to the success of the organization.
Geshe Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche
Spiritual Director, Ligmincha International.
Serenity Ridge Executive Committee
Bob Clark—Ligmincha International Treasurer

Sue Davis-Dill—Executive Director, Ligmincha International

Will Gallik—Managing Director, Serenity Ridge

John Massie—Retreat Center Developer

Rob Patzig—President and Chief Financial Officer, Ligmincha International

Gabriel Rocco—Ligmincha International Board Member

Pam Rodeheaver—Ligmincha International Board Member

Serenity Ridge Council
The all-volunteer Serenity Ridge Council assumes key roles of responsibility in accomplishing the mission and vision set by the Board of Directors.

Mary Jo Herrmann—Serenity Ridge Lama Committee: English Instructor

Maria Quintana—Serenity Ridge Lama Committee

Vicki Wheaton—Serenity Ridge Lama Committee: Lama House Manager

Beth Johnson—Director of Retreat Coordination

John Massie—Retreat Center Developer

Vickie Walter—Director of Communications

Serenity Ridge Staff
The executive director of Ligmincha International implements policies developed by the Board of Directors. The Serenity Ridge Executive Committee,with the assistance of part-time staff members, helps oversee the daily activities at Serenity Ridge.

Geshe Tenzin Yangton—Resident Teacher

Will Gallik—Managing Director

Chelsea Canedy—Registrar

Maria Quintana—Maintenance

Robert Ragland—Housekeeping
Other Volunteers

Voice of Clear Light Staff

Aline and Jeff Fisher, Editors

Lucian Gierescu, Webmaster

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