Find Connection, Health, and Transformation in the Kern River Valley.
Our Story
The Kern River Valley is a traumatized community. Riverstone Wellness was founded to be a place of healing through all the senses. We believe in whole body and mind health through using multiple methodologies. We are here to foster connection so our community can transform, together.
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Riverstone Wellness 501(c)3 offers a variety of programs centered on expanding wellness of mind, body, and soul. Offerings grounded in science that offer opportunities for community connection through the healing arts, creativity, and sharing. We offer a space for the community to come together for laughter, friendship, connection and self-care.​ Many of our offerings are available both online and in-person. We are inclusive to all.
To foster connection and provide a safe, inclusive place of healing for the Kern River Valley community. We offer science-grounded programs for the whole body, mind, and soul to facilitate self-care, shared experience, and collective transformation.
Mission
Vision
A transformed and resilient Kern River Valley community where every resident has equitable access to holistic wellness resources, enabling sustained health, connection, and joy.
Our Team
Meet the people who passionately guide our programs and support our vision for a healthier community.
Harlene Parker Stuck
Certified Yoga Instructor
Chloe Belman
Certified Fitness Instructor
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Ashley Smith
Certified Yoga Instructor
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Anna Leon
Meditation Teacher
Lori Morris
Zentangle Expert
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Michelle Maring
Preschool Teacher
Mary Feinstein
Certified Yoga Instructor
Ana Duke
Dance Fitness Instructor
Our Board Members
Our volunteer Board of Directors provides strategic direction and ensures we remain focused on our mission as a non-profit organization.
Heather Berry
FOUNDING MEMBER
Heather Berry, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 30 years of experience, is dedicated to partnering with individuals to achieve positive wellbeing and improved mental health. She believes in an active commitment to self-improvement through education, movement, and social support. For over 20 years, Heather has offered a confidential, safe, and supportive private practice environment for her clients.
Beyond her practice, Heather has served as a clinic director, college professor, and outdoor educator. She is a strong community leader in the Kern River Valley, consistently developing resources and support groups. Heather directs the Kern Valley Professional Mental Health Forum, fostering collaboration among local mental health leaders to develop programs.
Roberta Gordon
BOARD CHAIR
As Board Chair of Riverstone Wellness, Roberta is committed to creating opportunities for people to connect, learn, move, and support one another.
Roberta owns and operates Piazza's Pine Cone Inn, the community's oldest family-owned business, established by her parents in 1955. A lifelong Kernville resident, she believes that strong communities are built by creating welcoming places where people can gather, belong, and thrive.
After a decade in television journalism, where she became Bakersfield's first female television news anchor, Roberta returned home to Kernville. Along with her work at the Inn and Riverstone, she enjoys photography, music, travel, and exploring the outdoors.
Cindy Hood
TREASURER
Cindy has worked primarily in banking and finance since 1976. She retired in 2024 after a tenure of 15 years at Edward Jones Investments. Currently, I am a self employed private chef and occasionally do small catering events.y special interests are in continuous self improvement in wellness of body, mind and spirit and helping facilitate others in that arena. Through Riverstone, I learned that I love Watercolors and am happily immersed in that as a hobby. My core belief is service over self.
Ann Beman
SECRETARY
Ann Beman co-publishes Tahoma Literary Review, where she is nonfiction editor. She has an MFA in creative nonfiction from the short-lived but sweet Whidbey Writers Workshop and serves on the executive board of directors for Red Hen Press in Pasadena, Calif. She lives with two small black dogs and her husband Marc in Kernville.
Debbie Santiago
BOARD MEMBER
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Deb Santiago is a retired BLM Wildland Fire Battalion Chief for the Department of Interior's Bureau of Land Management (1988-2011). She dedicated 23 years to public service, experiencing many aspects of Wildland Fire Management and crisis community assistance while responding to emergency incidents across 28 states. Today, Deb enjoys Mother Nature, water coloring, and music. She actively practices mental health strategies for tackling PTSD through volunteer work and hobbies, including fly fishing, yoga, Tai Chi, and Pilates.
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Charles Lee
BOARD MEMBER
After relocating to Kernville, I became involved with Riverstone Wellness, finding it to be a vital community outlet that has greatly benefited myself and many others through its various classes and programs. Making connections and friends here has been a highlight. It is an honor to serve on the Board of Directors, and I strongly encourage the Kern River Valley community to take advantage of this wonderful local resource. I retired to the area in 2018 after working on the Monterey Peninsula and Maui, Hawaii, and now enjoy living in Kernville with my cat, Maizee, and being close to my extended family.
Trudie Mahoney
BOARD MEMBER
Trudie lives in Kernville, CA, where she enjoys the outdoors. While she loves fishing and boating, her true passion is baseball—a love that drove her to achieve her goal of visiting all 30 MLB ballparks.
She began her career as a firefighter in the San Bernardino National Forest, rising through the ranks from engines and helicopter modules to serve as a Chief Officer on various California National Forests. She retired as Assistant Director and Program Manager for the USFS Cooperative Fire Program, managing grants and prevention programs across California and the Pacific Islands. She also served as an International Emergency Management Specialist, coordinating disaster response training in Washington, D.C., Southeast Asia, and the Indian Ocean. Trudie is an honorable U.S. Air Force veteran. She holds a B.S. in Workforce Education from Southern Illinois University and pursued graduate studies in Organizational Leadership at Chapman University.
Chloe Belman
BOARD MEMBER
Chloe is a wife and mother of two who holds a deep passion for wellness. She has a bachelor's degree in both Philosophy and Psychology and has also played an active role in athletics throughout her life. She works as a certified personal trainer and also runs her own local micro-bakery. Her many interests reflect her passion for helping others stay mentally and physically well. Her goal is to place an emphasis on community, peace, health, and connection throughout her role at Riverstone Wellness.
