At age 19, Mike read "Autobiography of a Yogi", by Paramhansa Yogananda, and the spiritual flame within his soul was rekindled. In 2010 Mike walked through the doors of Awakened Heart for the first time, and soon after began taking classes, starting with "Foundations for Living". In the Science of Mind teachings he discovered clear and practical teachings around spirituality that appealed to his viewpoint of the unity of life. In 2016 he became a licensed practitioner. He lives with his wife of 45 years, Barbara, and their beagle Buford.

I grew up in a very strict Mennonite Christian Home, the oldest of six children. By 10 years old I realized my attraction was not to boys but to girls. So, when I graduated high school, I left my parent’s home and began a journey that was all my own. My journey has included Awakened Heart since 2009. I found it a wonderful community and have even found my chosen family here in a way that only the Universe could provide. Now believe you me, when I was told that there are the five steps of Prayer, my first reaction was, "I left the strict Mennonites to be told how to pray ?!" It took time to open up and change the belief that God punishes us for sinning, to knowing that Spirit loves us unconditionally and provides us with opportunities that are always, always FOR us. As I began to take classes, I began to realize how positive prayer (Treatment) really worked and I was hooked! I wanted more of this! If I put my heart and soul into it and shifted my false beliefs, manifestation was right around the corner. This led me to taking all the classes leading up to practitioner studies. And then, in May 2023, through Covid 19 and over 65 years old, I became a licensed Practitioner! My life is 100% changed! I used to think life was so much work, so difficult. I was a sinner who needed saving. Now those sentences are like chalk scratching on a blackboard. Every step I take on this journey is in Divine Right Order. Everything in my journey around me, in me, is for me, giving me opportunities to grow, to learn, to love more greatly and to be at peace. I feel so grateful to be a conduit for “The Voice of Spirit” in my role as Practitioner at Awakened Heart. It is very sacred to me and is giving me much more than I can give. Let's do this! Let's grow together!

Andy West is a lifelong student of nature, practical spirituality, and the patterns that help people live with greater peace, resilience, and compassion. Since 1991, he has studied holistic healing—mind, body, and spirit—long before it became a mainstream conversation. His search for practical wisdom eventually led him to become a licensed Science of Mind Practitioner in 2015, a path that resonated deeply with the way he had already come to understand life. One of Andy's greatest teachers has always been nature. Whether spending time alone in forests and mountains across the United States or exploring jungles and other wild places around the world, he has found that the natural world quietly reflects many of the same principles that help people navigate change, cultivate resilience, and live with greater presence. Those experiences continue to shape both his spiritual practice and the way he understands everyday life. Andy spent more than eighteen years as a paratransit driver, helping people with disabilities. The thousands of conversations he shared along the way became one of his greatest classrooms, deepening his appreciation for resilience, compassion, and the importance of meeting people where they are. Along the way, Andy met Science of Mind practitioners whose way of living impressed him as much as their words. Their worldview resonated deeply with his own search for an authentic spiritual life and inspired him to become part of a teaching that encourages growth through practice rather than perfection. As a teacher, Andy connects psychology, spirituality, and the wisdom of nature through stories and everyday experiences, helping people discover practical ways to bring spiritual principles into daily life. Over the years, Andy has found that the most meaningful spiritual lessons are often hidden in ordinary life, waiting to be noticed and practiced. If people leave feeling understood, a little lighter, and with one small practice they can carry into everyday life, he feels their time together has been well spent.

Valarie Tickle, a native of Delaware, has always been deeply connected to the energies of the Universe from a young age. Her journey of growth and transformation took a significant turn in 2010 when she immersed herself in the nurturing environment of Awakened Heart. She not only began life-changing classes but also served on the Core Council of the Center for 10 years, helping to shape the community and its mission. She became a licensed practitioner in 2015, gaining profound awareness and valuable tools that allow her to navigate the complexities of life with grace. Valarie has taught classes at Awakened Heart, sharing her insights and experiences with others. With nearly 30 years of experience in state government, Valarie carries a wealth of knowledge and dedication to the community. She obtained a BA in criminal justice and psychology from the University of Delaware and recently began working on her doctorate. She is also an accomplished grant writer who teaches her expertise nationally. Valarie believes that being present and recognizing the truth in all beings is not only an honor but a fundamental part of her life’s work. As the principles of Science of Mind remind us, we are all expressions of one unified presence. We are connected through the radiant energy of love, joy, and divine intelligence. When we embody our true purpose, life is elevated—infused with wonder, meaning, and fulfillment. By remembering our eternal spiritual connection, we open ourselves to limitless possibilities and a deeper, more expansive experience of life. Beyond her professional achievements, Valarie is a family-oriented individual who cherishes the bonds she shares with her loved ones. She is also an avid animal lover, embracing all living beings with open arms. Valarie enjoys inspiring everyone by spreading light and compassion in every aspect of life.

Mary Jardin Wimberley is the Spiritual Director of Awakened Heart CSL Teaching Center. When Mary discovered Science of Mind in 2014, it wove together various threads of her Spirituality and enriched it further by deepening her understanding of Unity Consciousness, Forgiveness, Self-Inquiry, the Creative Process and more. She embraces the concept of “open at the top,” as she continues to expand her understanding of how limitless we actually are and how we can create prosperous and fulfilling lives. In particular, Mary has fallen in love with the receptive and creative practice of Visioning and uses it in the community and for herself to receive divine guidance and direction. It has informed and inspired many talks, services and creative projects including her expression as an artist. In 2022, Mary completed Practitioner Studies and soon was guided to the position of Spiritual Director. She facilitates the Visioning Team, the Practitioner Team and Dream Weavers (activities and events) at Awakened Heart CSL Teaching Center as well as giving talks, holding consciousness, designing services and leading creative workshops. During Practitioner Training, Mary delighted in the healing sessions and prayer work with her fellow students and continues to relish this practice with members of the community. Mary has also discovered a true passion for teaching the transformative curriculum of CSL. Within her classroom, a sacred circle is formed due to her deep presence, reverence and connection. Mary received her BA in Education and Fine Arts at Michigan State University. The joys of her life include family, teaching, speaking, making art, gardening and all things creative and Spirit-filled. Mary’s history of writing and telling stories informs her work, adding color and humanity in her communication with clients, teaching classes and speaking. Mary’s joys, skills and passions have led her to a rewarding vocation as a SOM Practitioner. It is the greatest privilege and joy of Mary’s life.