Joann



Last week we sent out a special edition of the Haven News Update with the sad news that Joann Peterson passed away on January 9 2007.

Since then, many of you have been posting to the memorial blog we have created for Joann, at http://joannpetersonmemorial.blogspot.com/. If you wish to send a posting, and are not sure how to do it, go to www.haven.ca and click on the link ‘Remembering Joann Peterson’. A book commemorating Joann’s life will be created from the blog and shared with Joann’s family.

So many of the blog postings begin ‘words cannot express’ – and yet they do, and with full heart. Memories of Joann from 20, 30 or more years ago are recalled and the impact of her insight is still felt.

Many of you have been asking about how Joann will be honoured at The Haven, and we are delighted that Ernie and Cathy McNally will be coordinating plans for this. If you wish to contact them you can do so on joannsmemorial@shaw.ca.

Some people have also asked if a donation can be made in Joann’s memory, and Joann’s family has generously agreed that we may collect funds in her name. Joann was one of the principle architects of the intern program at The Haven, and as Director of Education she was primarily responsible for training and guiding our interns, which she did in her own inimitable fashion. For this reason, we believe that she would have approved of funds donated in her memory being designated primarily for those following or interested in following the intern path. Anyone wishing to donate should do so through our Learning Person-to-Person bursary fund, clearly indicating that the funds are donated in Joann’s memory. For more information on making a donation, please go to http://havenfoundation.org/contribute.html

Joann's family has requested that no flowers be sent, and that donations to the Learning Person-to-Person fund may be made in lieu of flowers. They respectfully ask not to be called at this time. If you wish to send a message or a card by mail, and do not have Joann's address, please send it to us at The Haven and we will send it on.

Phase I, February 9 to March 6

Take a look at the web site or our catalogue and it is clear how many courses Joann created and led or co-led here at The Haven. We will be sending out further information on courses involving Joann in the next Haven News Update.

One of the courses closest to her heart was Phase I, which she was looking forward to leading this February with Susa Holt (see ‘Faculty Faces’, below). We think Joann would be delighted that the course will go ahead with Ernie McNally, who co-led with Joann many times over the years.

Both Ernie and Susa have a close and deep connection with Joann, and here they describe their feelings about leading this particular Phase I, so soon after Joann’s passing.

“The cornerstone of The Haven Values has always been respect for the individual, and faith that each of us learns when we are ready. And when we do, the learning is profound and enduring. Nothing offers this opportunity quite like Phase I.

For us, this quote by Henri Nouwen embodies what The Haven and Phase I is all about:

We cannot change the world by a new plan, project, or idea. We cannot even change other people by our convictions, stories, advice and proposals, but we can offer a space where people are encouraged to disarm themselves, lay aside their occupations and preoccupations and listen with attention and care to the voices speaking in their own centre.

Our dear friend and inspired mentor Joann Peterson lived, and shared, the values of The Haven with rigour, heart and compassion. One of her favourite ways of doing this was in leading Phase I. We have no doubt that her spirit will be with us in this Phase I, and in Phases for years to come.”

To register for Phase I, click on this link……or call our registrar at 1-877-247-9238, ext. 234. Earlybird ends January 26.

The Fourth International Haven Symposium – Vancouver - April 13 & 14, 2007
Personal Leadership in the Real World - With Keynote Speaker DAN MILLMAN and The Haven Institute Faculty

We are very pleased to have Dan Millman with us at the 2007 Vancouver Symposium to share his unique blend of wit and wisdom and his vision of personal leadership – the Peaceful Warrior’s way. Dan will be our keynote speaker on the Friday evening and will be joining the Haven Faculty in a Panel Discussion on Saturday morning. This will be followed on Saturday afternoon by interactive sessions presented by members of The Haven Faculty.
For more information on the Symposium, go to http://haven.ca/institute/VanSymp2007.html

Faculty Faces
Susa Holt, N.D., PA-C, Dip C
Susa began studies at the University of Washington in the 70s in Oceanography. Her desire at the time was to become a scientific illustrator, combining her love of both arts and sciences. In her first year at university, however, her life took a new direction following a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. Frustrated with the treatment options given to her, she began a quest to find other means of dealing with her painful condition. Her interest in naturopathic and holistic healing approaches followed, as she successfully experimented for many years with different ways to help her condition. This eventually led her to a new study path in medicine, becoming a Naturopathic Physician, and later receiving training in western medicine as a Physician Assistant.

Susa arrived at The Haven in the mid-80s, at a time when her symptoms had once again flared up. Friends who knew The Haven had asked her if she would be interested in looking at her symptoms from a different perspective, and her answer to this question was the catalyst for her attending a Come Alive.

She recalls the depth of her feelings at this time, experienced in the safe and supportive container of the Come Alive. This shift in her energy amazed her and further increased her appetite for understanding the connection between body symptoms, mind and heart.

Today, Susa is combining her Naturopathic Medicine and western training in a leading edge integrative practice community in Seattle. She also works part time consulting at the patient call center of a large health system in Seattle. She enjoys the flexibility of her work, which enables her to continue leading Come Alives and Phase programs at The Haven. Susa¹s passion is in counseling and integrating the body/mind relationship and she is presently considering going back to school to deepen her studies in this area. In her own words: “My way of working with people has been through body symptoms and in my own life it has been my symptoms that have gotten my attention – I can’t separate my symptoms from how I do life.”

Susa and her husband Bryan Croeni live in North Seattle with their dog Sadie. They have recently set up an artist studio where she will continue the pursuit of her other passion, art. She looks forward to continuing her exploration of creativity as an integral element of body/mind wellness.

Joann Peterson has been a major influence in Susa’s growth as a program leader at The Haven. Inspired by her friend and mentor, Susa is committed to continue leading courses at The Haven.

Joann and Susa