Ian Mevorach, MDiv, PhD
Founder and Director, Council Member Ex-Officio

Ian Mevorach is the Founder and Director of Common Street Spiritual Center. His work is devoted to building authentic community, awakening human potential, and cultivating a culture of revolutionary love grounded in reverence for life. He is passionate about empowering leaders, transforming consciousness, and helping catalyze the emergence of a more compassionate and just society.

Ian holds a BA in Philosophy from Middlebury College and an MDiv and PhD in Theology and Ethics from Boston University School of Theology. A lifelong seeker of truth, his journey has been shaped by the study of philosophy, ethics, mysticism, and the world’s spiritual traditions. He also engages in contemporary practices that support awakening, healing, and transformation.

His work bridges contemplation and action. He invites people to live their spirituality through community, creativity, and compassionate service in the world.

At Common Street Spiritual Center, Ian walks alongside the community in an evolving journey of spiritual exploration and collective becoming. Together they are experimenting with new forms of conscious community and helping bring forth a more loving, awakened, and life-affirming world.

Kristen Bettencourt, PsyD, MBA
Council Moderator

Kristen Bettencourt is a psychologist with a passion for helping people identify and access sources of meaning and inspiration in service of living more intentional, engaged, purpose-driven lives. She specializes in working with people dealing with depression, anxiety, and OCD, but feels strongly that we are more than our struggles, and that we can live fully even while moving through difficulty. Kristen has been practicing yoga for 20 years, and loves walking in the woods with her dog, Juniper, and spending time with her husband, Tim, and her kitties, Tego and Tillia. She is deeply moved by the CSSC mission and is grateful to have the opportunity to be of service in such a generously creative and courageously and radically love-centered community.

Nina Fine, AyD, PhD
Council Treasuruer

Nina Fine is an Ayurvedic Doctor and former finance professional with a passion for integrating practical expertise with meaningful service. Before moving to the United States, she built a successful career in Russia as the owner of an audit and accounting firm with over 30 employees, worked as a tax lawyer representing clients in court, and earned a PhD in Economics. She also founded a nonprofit organization connecting professionals in finance and accounting.

A personal life transition led Nina to explore deeper questions about health and purpose through the study of Buddhism and the Vedic tradition. After relocating to the U.S., she chose a new path and began studying Ayurveda, ancient holistic medicine. Through this journey, she developed a deep understanding of the connection between physical health, inner balance, and spiritual awareness. She continues her studies of the Bhagavad Gita and strives to live by its principles of selfless service and compassion.

Nina feels deeply aligned with the mission of CSSC and is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the community. She brings both her financial expertise and her heart-centered approach to her role, helping support the Center with stability, organization, and a spirit of care, inclusivity, and service.

Kirsten Hinsdale, MA
Council Vice-Treasurer

Kirsten Hinsdale is a Buddhist-identified, lifelong student of world religions whose spiritual teachers in this life include Ram Dass, Trungpa Rinphoche, Thich Nhat Hanh, Pema Chödrön, Carl Jung, Yogananda, Jesus, St. Francis, Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Golda Meir, Therese of Lisieux, and many other bright lights who have influenced her path. She determined relatively early in life that she was put on the planet to help others, and would derive great meaning and purpose in trying to help others by giving the gifts she was given back to life, both in her work and in her relationships. A devoted yogi and meditator, Kirsten has a Master of Arts in Counseling and a Master of Arts in Drama as a Tool for Personal and Social Change. She has worked professionally in health care, mental health, and child welfare settings as program developer, grant writer, advocate, manager, and social worker. In her creative life, Kirsten has been a playwright, scriptwriter, video producer, and poet.

Devoted to CSSC and its mission, Kirsten does her best to “walk the walk” and help where she is most needed and most able to make a difference. She firmly believes in humanity, and believes that we are all here to Love, Serve, and Remember Who We Really Are, and that service to others– regardless of the happenings of the external world– is our closest road home.

Amber Isaac, MA
Council Clerk

Amber became involved with Common Street Spiritual Center as a graduate student intern in 2024 while earning her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and expressive arts therapy at Lesley University. Since then, she has remained an active member of the community, attending Open Circle, holding space for meditation, and facilitating expressive arts groups. She also founded a community book club that nurtures connection and encourages personal development, as well as the nature-loving Adventure Club, which meets outdoors for various activities and is co-led with community member Tiffany Hawco.

What began as a learning experience has grown into a sense of belonging. Now, as a Council member, Amber continues to serve the community with creativity, intention, and care. With academic roots in the social sciences, her studies focused on world religions, myth and culture, literature, and the arts. This foundation along with her bachelor’s degree in holistic psychology and wellness informs how she nurtures the creative spark and authentic gifts in others, fostering a supportive environment where all feel valued, encouraged, and connected.“Community is built one connection at a time.”

Gabriel Turetsky, MA
Council Member

Gabriel Turetsky is a mental health counselor whose work lives at the intersection of the body, the psyche, and the relational field. Trained in somatic approaches, Process Work, family constellations, and Qigong, he is drawn to the places where healing, community, and embodied practice meet — which is precisely what brought him to CSSC.

Gabriel holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Brock University and a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling with a focus in Holistic Studies from Lesley University. His path to this work was shaped by years of competitive athletics, a Russian-speaking immigrant upbringing, and a growing conviction that genuine wellbeing cannot be separated from belonging.

On the Building Committee, Gabriel brings a grounded, practical presence. He is a longtime property steward, a careful listener, and someone who believes that healthy structures — physical and communal alike — make it possible for people to thrive. He is committed to CSSC’s long-term sustainability and to the quiet, steady work of holding things well.

Alexander DeGroot
Council Member

Alex brings a thoughtful blend of professional leadership, ethical responsibility, and community-building experience to his role on the Council. Raised a Unitarian, he has spent time studying world religions and even has tried building his own belief system based around the life and music of Bob Marley.

Alex has demonstrated a strong commitment to building meaningful community connections. He successfully developed and operated a retail store and music venue, creating spaces where people could gather, express themselves, and feel a sense of belonging. This experience reflects his belief that true community is cultivated through shared experiences, openness, and mutual respect.

Alex approaches Council service with humility, clear intention, and a genuine dedication to the spiritual mission of the center. He values thoughtful decision-making, collaborative leadership, and creating an inclusive environment where all voices are heard. His goal is to help steward the center’s growth while honoring its core values and supporting the well-being of its community.

David Keil
Council Member

David has been a steady, grounding presence at the Center since 2013. He regularly engages in events such as Open Circle and the Community Amidst Chaos project, and he has served on the Response Team. David is a deeply committed advocate for peace, justice, and democracy, and his voice in our community is an important one. David’s full time work is teaching.

Evan Schlosser
Council Member

Evan’s love for and commitment to the community is powerful; he regularly and enthusiastically attends a wide array of events and generously helps out wherever he is needed.  His playfully irreverent sense of humor and his huge heart make him a delight to be around, and his compassion and willingness to speak his truth make him an essential member of the Council. He is a talented musician, music producer, and recording engineer, and he brings positivity and creativity wherever he goes. He was voted best potential Council member in 2025 by Zagat.

Pat Conaway
Council Member

Pat Conaway has been a dedicated member of CSSC since it was founded in 2013. Pat has served the community in countless ways, including 3 years on the Council, serving on the Open Circle Committee, and the creation and maintenance of the gorgeous garden along the side of the building, the Garden of Hope and Peace. Pat’s nonprofit, Keep Natick Beautiful is responsible for over 600 clean-ups of waterways, trails, woodlands, roadways, parks, and fields over the past 15 years. Pat is a powerhouse of love and service, and we are grateful for his commitment to the community and thrilled that he is part of the Council.

Council to the Council

Sid

Chrissie

Mimi

Juniper

Krishna