Photo of Eric Hoffman
Eric Hoffman, J.D., Ph.D.
Conductor

Eric has a unique background as a therapist who has also had multiple careers as a lawyer, philosopher, professor, therapist and Executive Director of a non-profit scholarly organization. He sees the thread among them as being a committed student and teacher, striving to discover and to share how to live well.  He has served on numerous boards and community organizations; in the past, he played guitar at local coffee houses and is now an avid golfer.

As a certified Gestalt therapist and Philosophical counselor, Eric works with individuals and couples and has facilitated over 50 Essential Experience Workshops. He also teaches Philosophy at St Joseph’s University.

Read Eric’s invitation to participate in the Workshop.

Photo of JoAnne Fischer
JoAnne Fischer, MSS
Assisting Conductor (1989-present)

JoAnne is a globally recognized advocate for women, children, and families. For nearly 30 years she directed the Maternity Care Coalition and since retirement has led a global team of volunteers for the World Association of Girl Scouts and Girl Guides. Her passion is to support people to be their best selves as they engage in their families, workplaces, and communities.

Photo of Tina Silverman
Tina Silverman
Enrollment & Administrative Manager

A graduate of the workshop in February 1995, Tina has served the workshop and community in various leadership and administrative positions since completing the workshop. She is a master carpenter and brings her attention to detail to her personal work and administrative responsibilities.

Photo of Joan Hollenbach
Joan Hollenbach
Community Assistant & Workshop Bookkeeper

Joan has a Master of Science in Elementary and Special Education and taught in the public schools for 19 years.  She moved on from that profession, became a dedicated Mom and began working part-time as a bookkeeper and organizational consultant.  Joan also serves as the EE Community’s Administrative Assistant and continues in both roles from her home in Colorado where she to moved in 2016.  Joan has considered the graduate community of the EE workshop to be her family of choice. She credits the workshop and community with honing her leadership skills, giving her the tools to be “clear” in life and the courage to make difficult decisions.

Remembering the Workshop's Designer

Photo of David Crump
David A. Crump
Workshop Designer
David created the Essential Experience in 1979. Before retiring in 2007, he designed, produced and facilitated workshops for more than 40 years. An ordained clergyman in the Episcopal Church, he also studied with Carl Rogers and Virginia Satir.

David Archelaus Crump died on February 29, 2016, surrounded by family and friends after a brief illness.