About Us
Charissa Lynn
Transformative Creative Writing Instructor for Root Vision Retreats Charissa is a dedicated writer, educator, and creative visionary with a passion for using writing as a tool for personal and collective transformation. With over a decade of experience studying Creative Writing, including participation in a Stegner Fellow Master Class, Charissa has developed a rich and nuanced approach to storytelling that empowers individuals to explore their inner landscapes and craft meaningful narratives. Her work has been featured in publications such as The Sun: A Magazine of Ideas, The Bohemian, Opium, and others. She holds a BA from the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) in San Francisco and an MFA in Transformative Arts from John F. Kennedy University in Orinda, California. Charissa’s teaching is informed by her belief in writing as a catalyst for growth, healing, and self-discovery. At Root Vision Retreats, she brings this philosophy to life with workshops designed to help participants harness the power of words to navigate change, ignite creativity, and embrace transformation. In addition to her teaching, Charissa engages with a global audience through her Substack platform and recently released her debut collection of short stories, which reflects her dynamic voice and commitment to exploring the human experience. Raised in Sonoma County, she continues to serve her community by developing and leading programs for Transitional Age Youth, supporting their journeys toward self-expression and empowerment. Root Vision Retreats is the perfect setting for Charissa to share her expertise in Transformative Creative Writing, guiding participants to uncover their authentic voices and transform their lives through the art of storytelling.
Root Vision Retreats is the inspired creation of sisters Amiee D’Maris Drengson and Charissa Lynn Drengsen, who have spent a lifetime channeling their creative energy into the California wilderness and beyond. Together, they’ve transformed life’s challenges into opportunities to foster beauty, connection, and growth for their community. Drawing from their diverse experiences living, teaching, working & writing in the wilds of Northern California, they bring a unique blend of skills and vision to their retreats. Root Vision Retreats is the culmination of a shared dream—an evolving series of transformative experiences set in the stunning landscapes of the West Coast, with plans to expand to inspiring destinations worldwide. These retreats offer a haven from the demands of everyday life, creating an atmosphere of beauty, nourishment, and safety. Here, participants are supported as they explore their creative depths, uncover new perspectives, and return to their lives rejuvenated and inspired.
Amiee D'maris
Amiee D’maris: Poetry Instructor for Root Vision Retreats Amiee D’maris lives in Northern California with her husband and their spirited terrier mix, Latte. She studied poetry and storytelling at Emerson College in England and holds a degree in Waldorf Education. A lifelong lover of language, Amiee’s poetic journey is deeply intertwined with her experiences as a chef, storyteller, and wedding planner. Amiee’s earliest calling was to the kitchen, where she honed her craft in San Francisco restaurants and as the kitchen manager at a Yosemite summer camp, prioritizing organic, local ingredients and scratch cooking. Her creative collaboration with her chef husband led to a 20-year career running a Northern California catering company, crafting meaningful celebrations through culinary artistry. Throughout her dynamic career, poetry has been her constant companion, offering a reflective lens on love, life, and creativity. Her connection to poetry is both passionate and challenging, making it a deeply personal and rewarding practice. Amiee is currently completing three books, including a collection of her poetry, which she hopes to publish soon. Root Vision Retreats brings together Amiee’s love of teaching, writing, and creative connection. Drawing on her background in storytelling and Waldorf Education, she guides participants in exploring the transformative power of poetry, helping them craft vivid, authentic expressions of their own stories. Amiee believes poetry has the power to unlock hidden truths and deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. With two artist sisters and a deep appreciation for creative collaboration, Amiee looks forward to sharing her passion for poetry with the Root Vision Retreats community.
Root Vision Retreats Ally Statement
Our intention in this space is to be allies with the full range of human diversity and approach our gatherings with dedication to inclusivity.
We are here to:
listen to your experience
hear how we may best provide support
believe your perspective as being true and valid
explore opportunities for growth and learning together
be cognizant of systemic inequalities
lift people up with advocacy
dedicate ourselves to change, growth and building a more equitable world together
Chef Peter Alan
Chef Peter Alan’s Career in the Culinary Arts spans a wide range of influences and experiences.
Most recently Peter’s day job is as the Culinary Director of the Beach House Hotel on the California coast in Half Moon Bay. Before that chef Peter was the Executive Chef and endeavored an organic culinary garden growing produce and edible flowers for the catering company he and his wife owned and operated for over 20 years. He apprenticed with Former French Laundry Farmer Jon, and grew some of the most unusual and interesting varieties of produce & flowers, enlivening their menus with whimsy & beauty.
He has a long list of accomplishments including time spent at Alice Water’s famed restaurant in Berkeley, Chez Panisse. Peter came up in that very exciting era of the birth of California Cuisine and was influenced by the chefs he worked under in the east bay; Mark Miller of 4th Street Grill, Chef Aki of Aki Japanese Restaurant, where he got a rigorous training and developed a strong current of Asian influences in his cooking style and many other talented greats he met along the way.
Perhaps what defines Peter as a chef most is his unwavering commitment to quality in sourcing ingredients. He has been known to go to extreme lengths to procure the finest in quality and his devotion to the use of organic, sustainably sourced local produce & meat shine through in the cuisine he creates.
Peter has been the longtime chef of Wilbur Hot Springs’ annual close down, where I like to joke his fan club is headquartered. He was for many years the chef at Spirit Rock Meditation Center where he influenced the menus with his gourmet background and elevated their reputation as a destination for not only the meditation workshops but also for the quality of the cuisine. Anywhere Peter works will see the innate results of his influence, working quietly behind the scenes.
Recently I was having a conversation with his daughter Zoe, who worked with him on-site at a catered event (he still works for a couple of catering companies on the side) and she relayed to me a cute story of how when it was time for Chef Peter to leave for the night, all of the staff individually called out loudly ‘Bye Chef’, ‘Goodnight Chef’, ‘Safe drive Chef’, ‘Bye Peter’. She said that it was like everyone there was so happy he was the chef and so honestly genuine in their display of affection, to all call out to him. Such a sweet image of a team of people that truly respect and love this chef.
We are very lucky to have Chef Peter join us as the chef for this writing retreat, and we can’t wait for you to get to experience his cooking.
