Madrona fosters community at the confluence of soul, art and nature, toward wellness for all beings, inclusive of our shared planet.
The Story of Madrona
While soul searching in the Chihuahuan desert of west Texas, our founder meditated next to a trickle of a spring. Fresh water in the midst of drought. Moving on, she crested a small hill to discover abundant pools just out of sight, laughing at how often we are blind to the miracles beyond our present perspective.
Sitting again beside the largest pool, under the outstretched arms of an enormous Texas Madrone while light danced on the rippling water, she felt a call, “You have work to do, Dragonfly.”
This is that work.
Madrone trees can be found across the west of North and Central America. To the south, she is Madroño. In the north, she is Madrona.
Madrone trees sink strong roots below and turn toward the sun above. Perhaps this is why in some indigenous cultures, Madrone trees symbolize the balance of darkness and light.
The name Madrona, derived from the Welsh language, translates to Mother goddess, a powerful force of compassion.
The Vision
A high desert sanctuary near Boulder Mountain
Madrona will eventually sink roots in the Utah desert, with continued offerings along the Wasatch Front. We envision an institute and retreat center where community members can be immersed in art, nature and their own soul work. Madrona will host visiting teachers, artists in residence, and resident volunteers as an inclusive community for collective well-being.
Our Founding Board of Directors
Our founding board brings together the passionate talent and experience of three generations of women, rooted in Utah.
Em Capito, LCSW, MBA, E-RYT
Founder, Board Chair & Executive Director
Em has been engaged in community and nonprofit leadership since 2008. She has served in the roles of COO, Executive Director, Board President, and consultant for more than 20 Utah nonprofits. Em is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, working in the mental health community since 2005. As an artist, she is a creative nonfiction writer.
Dr. Marcia Peck, PhD
Founding Board of Directors
Dr. Peck is a strong believer in the power of art to transform people and societies. She views art as a way of knowing. She currently works as a graduate education professor at a University in Georgia. Last year she presented at a conference in South Korea on using art as a summative assessment in graduate education.
McKenzie Capito
Founding Board of Directors
McKenzie is a fiction writer and poet studying at the University of Iowa. She’s passionate about art that explores complex questions of humanity and soul and their survival in a harsh world. She deeply appreciates the power contained in pockets of communities that have formed around art and purpose.