The Gaia House Staff Team

Siggi Streat is Acting Director 

Karrie Dashwood is our Finance Manager.

“Well it all started for me here in Feb 2003, temping and assisting the then Director Ann Gleeson; I got hooked, stayed, and went on to run the Finance department. Over the years I have developed the accounting systems, looked after the pennies and kept the financial wolves at bay. I have been working in accounts since 1977, but I’m also a massage therapist and a Reiki master practising from home. (Before you ask – no, I do not massage the books!) I am an an avid animal lover, and I love the place where I work.”

Cathy Flannery is one of our Finance Assistants.

“I came to Gaia House in 2008 when, after the birth of my first son in 2007, I was looking for a better work and family life balance. I work part time in the Accounts Department, assisting the Finance Manager. I am MAAT qualified and currently studying for the ACCA qualification. I love working at Gaia and it is a privilege to be part of the team that supports it. I live in Newton Abbot with my husband and our two young sons. When I am not at work I am usually studying, baking and looking after my boys.”

Tracy Kewell is also our Finance Assistant.
 
“I joined Gaia House in 2010 after seeking work to supplement my current employment at the local primary school.  Having previously worked in a monastic environment I was intrigued to find out more about the workings of Gaia House.  The staff were very welcoming and it has been a pleasure getting to know the team.  I live with my family – a house load of teenagers! – in Newton Abbot and appreciate “to the full” the peace and quiet Gaia House offers.  In my spare time you would probably find me at the theatre or on the stage as I have a passion for Amateur Dramatics.”

Iain Fraser is the Maintenance Manager, which includes looking after the building and gardens.

“I started working at Gaia House in 2004 and live nearby with my family. Apart from looking after the buildings, gardens & grounds, I am also a keen local historian.”

Brian Watson works as the Maintenance Coordinator.

“I came down to Devon from Bristol after living all over the place, to do day to day maintenance at Gaia House. I have been meditating and contemplating the Dharma for 30 years now.”

  
Richard Rendle is our Building Engineer.

Jane Knight is our Garden Coordinator.

Rachel Davies is the Retreat Manager, which includes looking after the Household and Kitchen departments.

“I first worked at Gaia House as a Volunteer Coordinator in reception between 2005 and 2006, and came back in my current role at the start of August 2008. It is a joy to work with such a committed team of staff, Coordinators and volunteers in the service of something so precious. When I’m not at work, I’m afraid to say that you will still often find me within a one mile radius – I live nearby and I also try to squeeze as much retreat time at Gaia House into my holidays as possible.”

 
Juha Penttila is one of the kitchen Coordinators.

Ray Richardson is one of the kitchen Coordinators.

 
Ramiro Ortega is a Household Coordinator.

 Susanne O’Brien works as a Household Coordinator.

Sarah Abdy
is our HR & Administration Manager, which includes looking after our Kitchen and Reception departments.

“I joined the Gaia House family in April 2004 as PA to the Executive Director. The changes in technology and the need for development changed my role and in November 2006 I became Administration Manager. I thoroughly enjoy working at Gaia House ensuring that the reception department, numerous systems, processes and databases support those that work and serve here. It is an amazing place to work with amazing people. I live just outside Totnes with my family and my border terrier Hamish!”

Charlotte Johnston - Communications Manager

“ I moved down to Devon in 2012 to be part of the Gaia House team and to help promote Gaia House’s offerings to the wider world. I feel incredibly lucky to be working in this very unique environment and to live in such a beautiful part of the world.”

Mark Ovland is one of our Reception Coordinators.

Faith Burch is the Administration Assistant, with particular responsibility for Dharma Talks.

“Having returned from 8 years of travelling in South East Asia I lived in London in the 90s, and came to Gaia House in 2000 to become the kitchen coordinator. I decided to stay in South Devon permanently because I enjoy living in a small, lively, creative, friendly community with a strong sangha, so close to Dartmoor and the sea. A few years after completing my service as a coordinator I was offered the role of running Insight Talks. The benefits of coming to Gaia House on retreat over the years for me have been huge, and I feel fortunate to be part of the warm and committed team who continue to offer that to others.”