A former Kirkridge employee, Columcille Board Member, and resident of the mountain now residing in Scotland, Denise Crawn has had a deep fascination of all things Celtic since an early age and enjoys spending as much time as possible wandering in nature and exploring ancient and sacred sites.

Owner of Walking Awake, LLC, author of “Walking Awake: The Faces In Nature”, and the “Walking Awake on the Isle of Iona Inspirational Card Deck and Book Set”, Denise’s deep-rooted relationship with the natural world began as a child when she would spend extended periods in the great outdoors with her Father and siblings. Feeling most at home in the outdoors wandering and foraging, she has a keen eye for tracking and a gift for spotting, interpreting, and sharing Nature’s hidden messages.

As an ordained Interfaith Minister (through One Spirit Learning Alliance in N.Y.C.) with experience in the performing arts, hospitality, and Celtic shamanism combined with a love of myth, history, poetry, and music, Denise brings an eclectic mix to her ministry.  This ministry she defines as companioning and mentoring others on their individual quest to deepen their awakening of humankind’s innate connection to Nature. As a facilitator, Denise has been leading Celtic and Nature-focused workshops since 2005, and group pilgrimages to the Isle of Iona since 2009. Denise is thrilled to be called’ Nana’ by her 6-year-old granddaughter, Charlotte as well as a “Bonus-Nana” to Nick’s 4 grandchildren.

As a couple:

Once upon a time (not so very long ago), Denise encountered the Circle of Standing Stones at Columcille Megalith Park which called her to visit the tiny Hebridean Island of Iona, Scotland. Ten years later, on one of her many returns to Iona, she met Nick on a ferry and so began their “Ferry Tale” come true. In October 2016 they were married in Scotland surrounded by family and friends. Since meeting, they have traveled together throughout Scotland, England, and Wales along with other magical places visiting standing stones and ancient sites and loving every minute of it!  As co-leaders and life partners, they bring together a mixture of backgrounds including everything from training in ministry, theatre, mental health, shamanism, and mindfulness, as well as their love and connectedness to poetry, song, story, music, and nature. Nick and Denise enjoy sharing these treasures, passions, and adventures with others as they lead and co-lead pilgrimages to the Isle of Iona, Scotland, and workshops and retreats on ‘both sides of the pond’.