Marlene first came to Holden with her husband and two small children 22 years ago. They returned several times, and eventually served on short-term staff. The last five summers she has served the Village as a spiritual director/companion, and has also served in the village in winter and spring as a retreat leader and spiritual director. 14 years ago, Marlene completed the Contemplative Group Leadership program at the Shalem Institute. Since then, she has led many contemplative prayer groups and retreats for her church, Bethany Presbyterian, as well as for Lutheran and other area churches.