Present Moment Retreat Staff

Thomas William Morisette, Co-founder
Thomas is a skilled and determined entrepreneur responsible for the creation of Present Moment. His background in fine art and design, coupled with a lifelong passion for indigenous culture, has inspired the manifestation of this beautifully detailed environment. Tom is continually enhancing the experience of the retreat through landscape design, website marketing, guest relations and by purchasing international artifacts and stylish clothing for the boutique.

Cynthia Joy (CJ) Page, Co-founder
Our Yogini, CJ Page, had the opportunity to work with some of the most talented therapists and consultants in the industry of health, wellness, and beauty through her global marketing position at the Aveda corporation, and will be commandeering Present Moment's health and wellness division. As a passionate instructor, you'll find her teaching and coordinating a variety of yoga, meditation, and dance classes. She is also greatly skilled in the area of Thai yoga massage. CJ is a national champion gymnast and a skilled choreographer with bachelor degrees in Exercise Science, Psychology, and Dance from Gustavus Adolphus College.

Jessica Alcaraz, General Manager
Jessica is the glue which holds our many faceted, multi layered business together so seamlessly. Jess was born in Queretaro, Mexico, and graduated with her degree in business administration. She speaks 5 languages, and has worked her way to the top of the hotel industry through 11 yeras of quality service in all aspects of managemant. Jessica is the proud mother of a beautiful daughter, April, who can often be seen helping out at Present Moment. Jess loves the hospitality business, and she excels on all levels of ensuring our guests an experience which is second to none!

Peter Petersen, Qigong Master and Massage Therapist
Peter Petersen's natural love for movement and meditation is filled with a powerful grace. He is a certified Qigong teacher and massage therapist, studying under the brilliant Sheng Zhen master Li Jun Feng for 4 years. Peter's every breath is in honor of exploring his universal spirit. His highly regarded classes are available to our guests 7 days a week and his healing bodywork is offered daily as well. Prior to his contribution here, Peter worked for the famous Rancho La Puerta fitness resort in Tecate, Mexico, refining his many skills in the hospitality industry.

Armando Oregon, Operations Manager
Armando's work ethic, charm, and communication skills have served him well in his career with positions including; special events and corporate banquets at the Westin International Hotel in Ixtapa and his role as Captain at the Riviera Hotel and Resort in Ixtapa. Being a native from the local community of Salitrera, Armando's intimate knowledge of the land and its people adds a wonderful, personal dimension to our retreat. You cannot help but smile when he approaches you with his obvious joy and enthusiasm for his work.

Karina and Gustavo Jasso, Architects
Present Moment was co-created through the vision of organic architects Karina and Gustavo Jasso, and built by local craftsman and skilled Mexican artisans. Careful attention has been made to every detail based on ecological designs that rely on natural building materials -- earth, wood, stone, and palm. Walls are finished by hand with "cop" -- clay, sand, straw and water -- if you look closely you can see the fingerprints of the craftsmen. The Jasso's truly articulated the very essence of this project, bringing into reality this dream of a lifetime.

'Through your love for each other, through learning the art of making one person happy, you learn to express your love for the whole of humanity and all beings.
Please help us develop the curriculum for the institute for the happiness of one person.
Don't wait until we open the school.
You can begin practicing right away.'
- Thich Nhat Hanh

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