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
Alecksee Warwick
Certified Pilates Instructor
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Ashley Smith
Certified Yoga Instructor
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Anna Leon
Meditation Teacher
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Kanami Anderson
Certified Yoga Trainer
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Michelle Maring
Preschool Teacher
Our Board Members
Our volunteer Board of Directors provides strategic direction and ensures we remain focused on our mission as a non-profit organization.
Chloe Belman
DIRECTOR
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.
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
Roberta Piazza Gordon is a hospitality professional with a lifetime of experience. A Kernville native, Roberta owns and operates Piazza’s Pine Cone Inn (est. 1955), the oldest family owned business in Kernville.
Roberta spent a decade in the San Joaquin Valley as a television news reporter; she was the first female news anchor in Bakersfield. Her interests include photography, music, and wellness.
Cindy Hood
SECRETARY
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.
Vanessa Herrera
TREASURER
Vanessa Herrera is a community-minded educator whose career began in Outdoor/Experiential Education with Colorado Outward Bound, using activities like rafting to teach leadership and resilience through connection to nature. After spending over a decade as a classroom teacher, she integrated mindfulness practices to help students struggling with focus and quiet.
Currently working with the nonprofit Latino Outdoors, Vanessa helps Latino communities connect to the joy and healing found outdoors, maintaining her own wellness through yoga, meditation, and daily time with family and friends.
Ann Beman
BOARD MEMBER
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, CA. Beman also serves as reviews editor for the Museum of Americana online journal. She lives with two whatchamaterriers, a chihuahua, and her husband Marc, in Kernville.
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.
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.
