Who We Are

Founders/Co-Directors

Rodney S. Birney MD, Dipl.ABPN

is a board certified psychiatrist specializing in psychotherapy, meditation instruction, mindbody medicine, and spiritual guidance.

Rod graduated from Skidmore college Phi Beta Kappa and Periclean Honor society. He graduated from George Washington University Medical School in 1985 and completed his psychiatry residency in 1989. While in his residency he completed 2 years of training with the Gestalt Institute of Phoenix, Arizona and 3 years in psychodynamic training with Ed Muller Ph.D. Due to childhood asthma he has pursued a life long interest in mindbody medicine, alternative therapies, and meditation.

Rod has been actively engaged in his own inner work for over 30 years. He continues to study modern psychology and ancient systems of wisdom.

As a spiritual guide he is a minister, student and teacher of Universal Sufism, a path of the heart, an interfaith approach to spiritual development. He is also a Certified Leader of the Dances of Universal Peace.

To contact Rod for a personal consultation, spiritual guidance or a training in your area use the following This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Suzanna Nadler M.Ed.

works as a Counselor, Group Leader and Spiritual Guide. She graduated from Antioch/New England Graduate School with a Masters in Counseling and a specialization in Dance/Movement Therapy in 1983. After her masters she completed a two year training in psychodynamic psychotherapy with Ed Muller, Ph.D. She is a Riso-Hudson certified Enneagram teacher. For the past 15 years she has been counseling and leading groups blending a body focused psychology and spirituality.

As a spiritual guide, she is a minister, teacher, and longtime student of two different Universal Sufi paths: the Mevlevi Order of America (the Whirling Dervishes) and the Sufi Ruhaniat International. She is also a certified teacher and leader of the Dances of Universal Peace.

To contact Suzanna for a personal consultation, spiritual guidance or a training in your area, use the following This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Associates

Leslie Primus - Office Manager

is in charge of the accounting, insurance billing and many of the other details that allows our business to run smoothly. She has been involved in starting up businesses of her own for many years. She currently owns and manages her business: "The Billing Goddess".

Padme Blackwolf - Retreat Center Manager

coordinates and promotes the Self & Soul Center, including rentals for The Retreat Sanctuary House, Dolphin House, and the Temple. She is also owner of One Fine Day Garden Care specializing in organic landscape maintenance, restoration, vegetable gardens, and garden coaching. She is available to answer questions and give tours of the Center. To reach her directly please call 541-324-4237 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Jeff Hauptman - Professional Chef

is a fabulous chef with 30 years experience in restaurants and catering. Our "Famous" chef (Jeff has been mentioned in Oprah Winfrey's and Dr. Andrew Weil's books) is a delight to have in the kitchen. His beautiful, scrumptious meals are sure to please, whether it's a small dinner party or feeding a crowd. Jeff is also well versed in special dietary needs including vegan, gluten free, weight and/ or diabetic management. Call Jeff to discuss your plans and create memorable meals for your event. 541- 488 – 9408 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Stephanie Nord - Housecleaner & Organizer

cleans and beautifies the spaces here at the center. She also loves to commune with nature, sing & dance, and do healing work, always looking for the beauty and balance within and without. She manages her own business "A Woman's Touch", and can be reached at 541-301-0200 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Laureen Sutton - Licensed Massage Therapist

enjoys working with individuals using various influences to meet the needs of each bodywork recipient, including therapeutic, emotional healing, or nurturing relaxation. In addition to massage, Laureen's passions and background include being a mother, a homebirth midwife and a wild horse gentler. She currently offers massage therapy through private practice, Ashland Community Hospital and the Retreat Sanctuary. Her phone number is 840-4636.

Levi Anderson - Webmaster

helps keep the website working so that our visitors can find what they need easily, and hopefully enjoy themselves while they are here. Contact him directly with any website-related issues that may arise during your visit to selfsoulcenter.org.