2021 Spirit Fest Presenters

Justine Willis Toms (Friday and Saturday)

Since 1973 Justine Willis Toms has been exploring personal, social, and spiritual transformation through her work as a broadcast journalist, editor, writer, and workshop leader. She is the Co-founder, Creative Producer, and Host of the New Dimensions Radio series, “New Dimensions.” She is author of Small Pleasures: Finding Grace in a Chaotic World and co-author of True Work: Doing What You Love and Loving What You Do.

New Dimensions Radio project began in 1973, and is aired locally on KVNF and KOTO radio stations. Many people consider listening to the program as part of their spiritual practice. “New Dimensions Foundation and New Dimensions Radio conduct and disseminate conversations that expand the possibilities, both personal and cultural, towards a world that works for everyone.

For over 4 decades New Dimensions has been gleaning experience and inspiration from some of the world’s most innovative, enlightened, and trustworthy wisdom leaders as it sows the seeds of encouragement and confidence that, together, we can meet the challenges of the 21st Century. New Dimensions inspires its listeners to tap into their own innate wisdom and genius. Tuning into these deep dialogues changes lives for the better.”

Justine has interviewed many of the foremost thinkers and authors in the world. One of her focused topics for discussion has been around building and nurturing community, as well as finding one’s personal joy and passion and then finding a way to live and spread the joy and passion.

Justine tells us to “find that gift, find that spark of joy…..and then build from that, make your gift. Give your gift to the world and let spirit do the rest of the work.”

Taylor Rees (Saturday)

Taylor Rees is a photojournalist and filmmaker who focuses on environmental and humanitarian issues. Using narrative, voice, and scientific rigor, Taylor brings new perspectives and deeper public understanding to topics such as climate change, culture, and adventure. Taylor will introduce her film, Gather, via video. Learn more from Taylor here:

Ulli Sir Jesse (Sunday)

Ulli Sir Jesse is a private music teacher in Ridgway and the Director of the Ridgway Threshold Singers of the Shining Mountains who sing for people on the threshold of life or death. She has taught Dances of Universal Peace since the early 80’s in Germany.

She loves to lead events that unite people in harmony beyond the differences of their lives to a unified world where joy, peace and hope are present.

Tony Criscuolo (Sunday)

Tony Criscuolo has taught yoga and related disciplines  for 40+ years. His graduate work in clinical psychology in the 1970s led him to explore Eastern  approaches to consciousness development. His teaching is based on the Eight Limbs of the Ashtanga Yoga system and includes restoration from physical injuries of the spine.

Tony’s background includes 12 years of intensive work with Sufi Master Adnan Sarhan, in depth studies in Bhakti Yoga,  directing a residential yoga center for five years,  teaching meditative movement to dancers, and extensive work with professional and collegiate athletes around the country.

He has also created an approach to mental/emotional and spiritual health called Yogatherapy.

Sue Dreamweaver Spielman (Sunday)

Sue Dreamweaver Spielman bridges the gap between our contemporary technology-based world and the ancient wisdom of our ancestors. She is an initiated wisdom keeper and maintains a daily lifestyle in the teachings of Oral Tradition that have been passed down to her. Her predominate lineage regions include Asia Minor, Eastern European, Mediterranean, and Mestizo. As a technologist, she is software architect and industry leading technical expert witness.  Dreamweaver is an award-winning author of 8 books that include subjects of business, technology, and renewable wisdom, as well as an international and TEDx speaker. Needless to say, she frequently walks between worlds.

Christi Strickland (Sunday)

Christi currently facilitates a monthly “Bridging the Gap” group in Ridgway, CO. The group brings together “left and right leaning” people to discuss political topics relevant to the community, while learning and practicing skills focused on curiosity, understanding, and discovering solutions through dialogue. Christi spent 15 years as an adjunct faculty member at Naropa University teaching experiential courses in group dynamics, leadership and creating community. She is Co-Executive Director of the Wilderness Guides Council, is a facilitator for Radical Joy for Hard Times, and currently works with teens in out of home placement.