Our Team

Center Director

Scott is a lifelong learner, mentor, and seeker dedicated to fostering personal and organizational transformation. With a deep appreciation for mindfulness, service, and community, he brings a wealth of experience in organizational leadership, financial stewardship, and operational excellence. He has helped organizations in Boston, Indianapolis, and Charlottesville cultivate stability and growth while remaining true to their mission and values.

Most recently, Scott served as Director of Operations at the Living Earth School, a Charlottesville-based organization that connects people of all ages with nature, themselves, and their communities. There, he guided the school’s transition to a nonprofit model and strengthened its financial and operational foundations, ensuring its sustainability for years to come.

Committed to service and compassionate leadership, Scott has worked as a mentor for underserved high school students through the Starfish Initiative in Indianapolis and as a counselor for at-risk youth at the Discovery School of Virginia. His approach is grounded in deep listening, presence, and a belief in the innate potential of every individual.

When he’s not supporting others on their path, Scott finds inspiration in nature, whether hiking, skiing, traveling, or bungy jumping (but not horseback riding). He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Xavier University.

Kitchen Manager

Rissa is a lifelong student of holistic healing and wellness, with a Master’s Degree in Somatic Counseling Psychology–Dance/Movement Therapy from Naropa University. She is a certified 200-hour Yoga, Meditation, and Raja Yoga teacher in the Integral Yoga lineage. Based in Charlottesville, VA, Rissa is the Founder and Chef of Blossoming Earth Eco-Culinary Arts, LLC, creating healthy, delicious meals that nourish both people and the planet.

Her diverse experience spans permaculture and restorative agriculture, youth development, trauma-informed care, Reiki and the healing arts, the creative process, and expertise in nutritionally sound plant-based meals. Rissa is passionate about utilizing food as a vehicle for joy, community building, contemplative practice, and eco-justice advocacy.

Facilities Director

Pete has been using his electronics degree and property management experience to do equipment repair and property maintenance at Seven Oaks for about four years and has now joined the staff as our Facilities Director.