This month’s guest is Alexis Brill. Alexis is a 37 year old widow and solo parent to her 2.5 year old daughter, Melanie. Alexis lost the love of her life, Andrew Matney, on July 28, 2019 after a brave six year journey with colon cancer. Through her grief, Alexis is realizing the fragility of life and is rebuilding after experiencing a profound loss and even a loss of identity. Alexis believes in living life courageously and fully. Self love and self compassion guide her through her darkest days. Alexis grew up in Billings, MT and has been in Bozeman since 2014. She is a realtor for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, and can be reached at brillalexis@gmail.com. She especially appreciates hearing from solo parents and other widows / widowers.

Shaun Phoenix, LCPC, has been a psychotherapist for more than 26 years, a shamanic healing practitioner, teacher and mentor for more than 30, and has created and led a vast array of women’s spirituality gatherings and retreats over the years. She is passionate about creating sacred space in which people can discover and cultivate their own relationship with the Divine as they experience it. This work includes crafting unique rituals and ceremonies, and Shaun has facilitated many weddings, baby blessings, house blessings, and other initiatory rites for individuals, families and communities.

Shaun is also half of Many Hands Light Work along with her wife, Stormi Oshun. MHLW builds upon the theme of “sacred play” and brings drumming, music, and creative exploration to communities near and far. Adding to the fun, Shaun is a member of Yamama!, an all-woman World Music and Dance ensemble which brings music from cultures around the world alive with song, drum and dance.

When not working, Shaun finds renewal on the beautiful mountain trails, in her glorious gardens, and by reading, writing, and making a joyful noise with her guitar, piano and drum (usually not all at the same time).

You can find Shaun at www.safepassagecounseling.com

This month Katie interviews Amber Ikeman. Amber is a heart-opener, community-builder, and expectation-breaker who creates transcendent experiences through music. Her award-winning folk/Americana songs, featuring themes of self-discovery, resilience, and wildness, have been shared at venues all over the U.S. and parts of Canada. Currently, Amber offers experiences of connection and reflection with her music and teaching at Congregation Beth Shalom in Bozeman. She elevates prayer and life-cycle events with song, serves as a guide for her students’ spiritual wrestling, and cultivates connection and engagement through temple communications and outreach. She also serves as the co-Programming Chair of the Gallatin Valley Interfaith Association’s Executive Committee. Learn more and connect with Amber at www.amberikeman.com and www.bethshalombozeman.org.

This month Katie interviews Timothy Spring. Timothy has lived in Bozeman since 2002. A native of Pennsylvania, he enjoys the outdoor and cultural opportunities of the area. He and his spouse are the parents of two adult daughters and grandparents of a 7-year-old and 10 months old. He works in the area of spiritual health for Bozeman Health in hospital and hospice settings.