Carolyn W. Toben

Carolyn Toben is an educator, counselor and creator of new social forms with a spiritual dimension that foster cultural re­newal. Her background includes degrees from the University of North Carolina Greensboro (Phi Beta Kappa), extensive post­graduate studies in spirituality, world religions, and depth psychology, and teaching in both secondary and college settings with an emphasis on alternative and interdisciplinary education.

In 2000, Carolyn founded what is now the Center for Edu­cation, Imagination and the Natural World, a work inspired by cultural historian and author, Thomas Berry, which offers chil­dren and teachers a new understanding of the human-earth relationship.

A grandmother of nine, she currently creates programs, re­treats and events for individuals and groups seeking spiritual renewal and reconnection with the natural world at Timberlake Earth Sanctuary, her family-owned land in Whitsett, North Carolina.

For ten years, Carolyn spent many hours with the renowned priest, author and cultural historian, Thomas Berry, engaged in deep discussions about his foundational thinking on the human-earth-Divine relationship. RECOVERING A SENSE OF THE SACRED: CONVERSATIONS WITH THOMAS BERRY is based on her personal notes, practices and reflections from these con­versations.