My background in medicine gave me a deep respect for science and the power of modern healthcare, but it also showed me its limits. Over time, I found myself caught in the same cycle I’d seen in many of my patients — taking one medication to manage a symptom, then another to offset the side effects of the first. My gut health declined, my mental clarity faded, and I began to realize that I wasn’t truly healing — I was only maintaining.

That realization changed everything. I began searching for ways to support the body’s natural ability to heal without relying solely on pharmaceuticals. Through mindfulness, nutrition, breathwork, and time spent in nature, I started to rebuild my health and sense of peace from the inside out.

That journey became the foundation of Chante Ishta de Sophia, INC — a place where others can explore evidence-informed, integrative wellness practices and discover what truly works for them. Our retreats and community events are designed to help people slow down, reconnect with nature, and rediscover balance, purpose, and self-love.

There’s no one-size-fits-all path to healing. My hope is that everyone who visits Chante Ishta leaves with a renewed sense of clarity, peace, and connection — both within themselves and with the world around them.

With heart,

Teresa Wolf-McElmurry
Founder, Chante Ishta de Sophia, INC

We are building a holistic rustic retreat center designed to help individuals reconnect with nature — and with themselves. Through immersive wellness experiences, hands-on workshops, and time in nature, we introduce guests to a range of integrative and evidence-informed practices such as breathwork, nutrition, and mindful living.

Our goal is simple yet profound: to offer a space where people can slow down, restore balance, and rediscover a sense of purpose, peace, community, and — most of all — self-love.

Our retreats are designed to help guests experience what it feels like to slow down and breathe again. We blend evidence-informed holistic practices with the grounding simplicity of nature. Each gathering offers opportunities to explore modalities like breathwork, mindfulness, nutrition support, red-light therapy, sauna and ice therapy, and Reiki, among others — all guided by compassionate practitioners who share a heart for healing.

It’s not about perfection; it’s about presence. Whether you’re sitting quietly by the water, sharing stories around a campfire, or joining a group activity, every moment is an invitation to listen inward and restore balance.

These experiences are intentionally rustic — tents instead of cabins, open skies instead of ceilings — because I believe healing happens when we return to the elements and remember what it means to simply be.

Our retreats are more than events; they’re part of a growing movement to reconnect humanity with the natural rhythms of wellness, community, and self-discovery.

I invite you to join us — to experience firsthand what it means to reconnect, restore, and reclaim your sense of peace.

With gratitude,

Teresa Wolf-McElmurry
Founder, Chante Ishta de Sophia, INC

Between Mark, Joyce, and myself, we bring over 91 years of combined military service — with Mark currently holding more than 38 years of active service (soon to retire with 39+), my own 21 years across the U.S. Air Force and Coast Guard Reserves, and Joyce’s 36+ years of distinguished service. That shared foundation of discipline, leadership, and service to others is deeply woven into everything we do.

Our board represents a diverse blend of backgrounds — from healthcare and counseling to community development and organizational leadership — all united by one purpose: to create a space where people can heal, grow, and reconnect with what truly matters.

Below you’ll meet the people who help keep our vision alive and guide our mission forward.

Chief Master Sergeant Mark E. McElmurry – President
Chief Master Sergeant Mark E. McElmurry serves as the Squadron Superintendent and Senior Enlisted Leader for the 77th Air Refueling Squadron at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina. With over 38 years of distinguished military service — soon to retire with more than 39 years — Chief McElmurry provides steadfast leadership, operational insight, and a deep commitment to service.

Throughout his career, he has served as an Inflight Air Refueling Specialist and Instructor, logging over 7,500 flight hours in the KC-135R and KC-46A aircraft. His decorated service includes deployments supporting Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and numerous humanitarian and global missions. Mark’s experience, integrity, and servant-leadership philosophy guide Chante Ishta de Sophia with the same discipline and heart he’s demonstrated throughout his Air Force career.

Teresa Wolf-McElmurry – Founder & Vice President
Teresa Wolf-McElmurry is a retired Physician Assistant and military veteran with 21 years of combined service in the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Coast Guard Reserves, where she served as a Medical Officer and Aerospace Medicine Technician. Over her decades of experience in healthcare, she worked across multiple specialties — including neurosurgery, emergency medicine, oncology, family practice, and acute care — gaining a deep understanding of both traditional and integrative medicine.

Her career also included active duty service at the Pentagon, where she supported the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs on homeland defense and medical readiness initiatives.

Teresa’s personal and professional journey led her to found Chante Ishta de Sophia, INC, a holistic nonprofit dedicated to helping others heal naturally by reconnecting with nature, evidence-informed wellness practices, and community. Her passion for psychology, nutrition, herbal medicine, and mindfulness continues to inspire the organization’s mission and programs.

Karen Giroux – Treasurer, Operations Assistant & Counselor
Karen Giroux brings more than 30 years of experience as a school counselor, guiding students and families through both academic and emotional challenges with empathy and care. She holds a Master of Science in Education with an emphasis in Counseling and Guidance from California Lutheran University and a Bachelor of Science in Psychologyfrom California State University, Chico.

Karen’s passion for holistic wellness deepened after the passing of her husband, Master Sergeant Russell Giroux, in 2019 due to heart complications aggravated by pharmaceutical medications prescribed for PTSD. His experience inspired her to help others — especially veterans and trauma survivors — find natural, supportive, and sustainable approaches to healing.

As Treasurer and Counselor for Chante Ishta de Sophia, INC, Karen is dedicated to advancing the organization’s mission of promoting alternative, evidence-informed therapies and building a compassionate community for those seeking restoration and balance.

Kendra Warren – Director of Operations
Kendra Warren is a Certified Nutrition, Diet, and Health Science professional, a ServSafe Certified caterer, and the founder of Delicious Inventions, where she combines her passion for food, health, and community into a single mission — helping others eat well and live better.

With nearly two years of experience in medical coding, billing, and credentialing for multiple healthcare practitioners, Kendra bridges the gap between clinical operations and holistic wellness. Her unique blend of medical knowledge and nutrition expertise allows her to approach health from both a professional and practical perspective.

Kendra also teaches clients how to create healthy, balanced meals that support diverse lifestyles, including vegetarian, gluten-free, and heart-healthy diets. She specializes in customizing meal plans for those managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

As Director of Operations for Chante Ishta de Sophia, INC, Kendra brings creativity, organization, and an unwavering dedication to wellness. Her background in healthcare administration and nutrition plays a key role in developing the organization’s retreats, programs, and community outreach initiatives.

Joyce Fromm – Administrator
Chief Master Sergeant (Ret.) Joyce E. Fromm brings more than 31+ years of distinguished military service in the United States Air Force, where she advanced through the ranks from Orderly Room Clerk to Medical Administration Superintendent. Throughout her career, she served across the country, gaining deep insight into the diverse cultural fabric of our nation. Joyce has also participated in humanitarian medical missions abroad, including Paraguay and Panama, providing critical support to underserved communities. Her experience, discipline, and compassion are central to the administrative strength and integrity of Chante Ishta de Sophia.

Volunteer staff/consultants - non-board members

Pam Westbrook – Volunteer Consultant & Wellness Advisor
Pam Westbrook is one of the original and most loyal volunteers of Chante Ishta de Sophia, INC, playing an active role in shaping its foundation and ongoing wellness initiatives. With extensive experience in business management and holistic health, she brings both operational insight and heartfelt dedication to every project.

Pam has managed consulting, marketing, and wellness operations across various settings — including chiropractic and functional medicine practices — and has hands-on experience assisting patients with therapies such as photobiomodulation, cryotherapy, and Emsella treatments. Her approach emphasizes natural healing, education, and compassionate care.

A lifelong advocate for holistic wellness, Pam continues to deepen her knowledge of natural medicine and serves as a trusted consultant to Chante Ishta, offering valuable input on wellness programs and event development. Her warmth, dedication, and passion for helping others embody the true heart of the Chante Ishta community.