Who we are
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The Rev. Mary Bea Sullivan
Director
Mary Bea is a retreat leader, spiritual director, nonprofit founder, and author. Her latest book is Living the Way of Love: A 40-Day Devotional. Mary Bea’s exposure to various spiritual traditions and practices, and her training as a facilitator are well-suited to the mission. Collaborating with so many talented, generous-hearted people to bring the Threshold Center to life is the answer to a long-held prayer.
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Babs Knowles
Program Coordinator & Administrator
Babs is a retired high school educator with an additional decade of work in marketing and sales. She brings a unique combination of creativity, organizational skills, and large group management experience to her role as our Program Coordinator & Administrator. Babs joined us in hopes of creating a space where all individuals can connect and grow.
Advisory Board
A dynamic Advisory Board was formed that is composed of Saint Stephen’s parishioners and members of the greater community who are leaders in the arts, healing professions, business, and faith communities.
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Katherine Owens, Founding Chair
Katherine Owens was the architect behind Saint John’s for the Deaf, the building that now houses the Threshold Center. Thirty years later, as Founding Board Chair, Katherine essentially became the lead in reimagining that very same space. A long-time member of Saint Stephen’s, Katherine has been deeply involved in the community, with contributions to organizations such as the Junior League, the YWCA Junior Board, the Birmingham Historical Society Board, and The Women’s Fund of Alabama.
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Keith Cromwell, Chair
Keith Cromwell has extensive experience in directing and performing globally. He led Red Mountain Theatre's growth and national recognition, using theatrical skills to foster connections between art, technology, and progress. He also coaches entrepreneurs and inspires CEOs through presentations. Keith joined the Threshold Center to assist those seeking a higher level of consciousness or spirituality.
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Marie Blair
Marie's careers as a retired librarian and Therapeutic Yoga Educator reflect her value of doing our best to make the world better. Her yoga practice focuses on older adults and those with chronic health conditions, but she welcomes everyone who seeks improved health and peace. She joined the Threshold Center because she believes it provides a tranquil space for people to build resilience and inspiration.
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Allison Dearing
Allison, a former nonprofit executive director, brings over two decades of cross-sector experience and a unique perspective to the Threshold Center. Her legal background and expertise in driving change enable her to foster collaboration among diverse individuals and guide them towards achieving shared objectives. She is currently also completing a certification in Spiritual Direction which parallels well with the sense of peace she brings to us.
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Salaam Green
Salaam Green is Birmingham’s poet laureate. An award-winning author, certified listener poet, storyteller, an artist-in-residence with UAB’s Arts in Medicine, and founder of The Literary Healing Arts, Salaam teaches us that poetry preserves a people and a place and uses that keystone to build community and advocate for it.
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Natalie Isom Sansom
Natalie, a Certified Spiritual Director with degrees in creative writing, culinary arts, and management, has led retreats and served in various roles within the Episcopal Diocese and community. As a former Chair of the Commission on Spirituality for the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama, she continues to serve with a passion for fostering spiritual exploration. Now, she helps bring to life a space for learning about diverse faiths, practices, and traditions.
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Tyler Jones
Tyler is a founding member and director of 1504, a narrative studio that integrates strategic communications with the visual arts, and whose mission is to foster a more empathetic society through storytelling. He is a filmmaker, strategist, and experience designer who has led collaborations with cultural and cause-oriented organizations. As an advocate for mental health resources, especially for those who have experienced religious trauma, he supports The Threshold Center's mission to bring together mindfulness and faith.
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Catherine Meehan
Catherine, who serves on various boards across Birmingham, is an energetic and open-hearted prison ministry volunteer, healing prayer intercessor, tutor, and yoga instructor. She joined the Threshold Center because she believes in creating a space where all people can be seen and heard and know how much they and their gifts matter to society.
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Elizabeth Vander Kamp
Elizabeth's certifications and decades of experience are evident in her writing, performing, storytelling, story-listening and visual art. At UAB's Arts in Medicine program, she facilitates expressive writing for people living with disease, dementia, or injury, as well as caregivers to people with ALS. Elizabeth's passion for listening underpins all her work; she believes it is the foundation of love.