One house, many rooms
About Us
You might know us as the historic building on the corner, but we’ve always been so much more. We are ‘one house, many rooms’ inside and out – a place to nourish body, mind, and soul.
We are dedicated to enriching the community of Ridgefield, CT, and the surrounding areas through a vibrant blend of artistic expression, uplifting music, transformative leadership programs, and a welcoming inclusive space for our community partners.
Nestled within our walls you’ll find art galleries, a soon-to-arrive cozy coffee shop, a tranquil outdoor path, a labyrinth, a wind phone for moments of reflection and peace, and a food pantry to nourish the body. We aspire to be a creative and inclusive hub where every corner sparks inspiration and every event fosters unity.
Who We Are
Deborah Rundlett
Director
Deborah Rundlett is director of the Meetinghouse and pastor of Ridgebury Congregational Church. Debbie is passionate about the leader formation of people of all ages and committed to reclaiming the Commons for Ridgebury and the extended area. When not at the Meetinghouse, she is either facilitating strategic planning for purpose-driven organizations, coaching cohorts or leading global conversations toward the flourishing of people and planet.
Carole Bishop
Operations Manager
Carole Bishop is the Operations Manager for The Meetinghouse. Carole worked for 32 years in the telecommunication field and brings her organizational skills to The Meetinghouse. Carole is responsible for keeping efficient financial accounts and processing income, invoices, and payroll. She also ensures the historic buildings are appropriately cared for and maintained to provide a safe and welcoming environment for the community. She is also part of the sexton team along with Heather Thomas.
Visit the RCC Page
Heather Thomas
Sexton
For Heather, her call as sexton is grounded in the care of people and campus. Through her ministry of hospitality, she provides a place for the community to gather for spiritual formation, learning, service, and fellowship. Working as a team with Carole Bishop, they play a vital role in ensuring that the Meetinghouse and Shields Hall are clean and welcoming.
Visit the RCC Page
Sara Vokes
Sara Vokes, Music director, found her way to The Meetinghouse through serendipitous grace. From singing opera to teaching voice, to directing choirs, she creates the space for people to bring their whole selves: in worship, in fellowship, in healing, in service. Whether at concert, in worship, as a student, or on retreat, Sara engages the whole person in the journey!
https://www.saravokesmusicstudio.com/
Jim Pelgrift
Jim Pelgrift is the Meetinghouse storyteller, who loves people and their stories. He has always had a passion for community and in particular the arts. He believes that the arts—music, literature, and visual—are essential not only for the care of soul, but also as an intentional social practice for our times. The act of creating bears witness to our shared humanity and need for prophetic imagination.
Visit the Community Page
Heather Cochrane
Heather Cochrane is a Biology teacher with a passion for the environment. This passion led her to develop a hands-on curriculum for children and youth to connect with the earth and learn how to grow things. The Farm at Ridgebury is committed to permaculture: that is integrating land, resources, people and the environment through mutually beneficial synergies. She also is our Moderator!
Charlotte Camillos
Program Support
How does the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and a contemporary art gallery prepare one to become a part of the Meetinghouse team? Given the importance of the arts at The Meetinghouse, this experience is essential. Add to that a Greek husband (who died of cancer in 2017), 15 years in Brazil where two children were born, and the building of a home on Mopus Bridge in Ridgebury, and you have just the right combination of experience to provide program support, especially for the Arts!
Claire Moffatt
Wellness
Claire Moffatt is a RYT 500 Vinyasa Yoga teacher and a certified holistic health practitioner. She has been practicing yoga for over 25 years. Claire strives to create a supportive community for her students that puts the breath at the center of the practice while still challenging the mind and body. She has additional certifications in Yin Yoga, Prenatal/Postpartum Yoga, Pilates Mat 1 – 3, and Barre. She has been working in the field of wellness since 2012 and believes that one size does not fit all. Claire helps clients learn how to take charge of their own wellness so that they can continue to feel healthy as their body changes over time. She believes that movement and meditation strengthen the body and mind and it’s critical to balance both for optimal health and wellness.
Claire is a mom of two and a former suit wearing executive. She has a BA in Anthropology and a MA in Public Administration/Policy. Both degrees provide her perspectives on how an individual’s background and history shape their relationship with health and wellness. In addition, she has a deep understanding and appreciation for the policies behind the health and wellness industries. In 2024, Claire joined The Meetinghouse as the yoga instructor and Wellness in Residence. She is thrilled to be part of this flourishing community.
Holli Levy
Arts
Holli Levy’s artistic journey started with mixed media, where she developed her creative skills, frequently working within journals to explore and develop her artistic expression. However, a transformative moment occurred when Holli visited a working gallery and encountered an artist using encaustic paint. The beauty of encaustic paintings, characterized by their depth and texture, captivated her. This experience led her to fully embrace and immerse herself in the world of encaustic painting.
Beyond her role as an artist, Holli Levy is actively engaged in sharing her knowledge and passion for mixed media art as a teacher. Drawing from her rich background as a retired elementary school teacher, she shares her expertise with individuals eager to start their own artistic journey. Holli’s classes include Art Journaling, Gelli Plate Printing, Paper Marbling, and more, showcasing her commitment to nurturing creativity in others.
Artist Statement
I have always loved the arts. First as an observer in museums, theater, concerts, and more. Later I started my artistic journey through Mixed Media and Art Journaling. The journey continued when I discovered Encaustic painting
The first time I saw an artist working with Encaustic I was enthralled. The medium moves and changes as if it has a mind of its own. This unpredictability feeds my creative juices as my artwork reveals itself to me. I begin with an idea and materials, then I see where the process takes me. Often it takes me to a place I didn’t know existed.
Much of my work is connected to nature. When not painting I can be found hiking in the woods with my husband and my dog. I always have my camera with me in an effort to bring back the feelings and experiences I have in nature – peace and serenity, joy and amazement.
In addition to creating my own work, I have the privilege of sharing my love of the arts with others as the Artist in Residence for the Meetinghouse in Ridgefield, CT. In this role I not only teach Art Journaling and Mixed Media techniques, but I open our studio to the community for Creative Community Days where anyone can gather to create with others in the community, chat, and have fun. After many years working as an elementary teacher I am grateful that I can use those skills to teach others in a caring and supportive environment.
Website: hollilevyart.com
Priscilla Prentice
Social Media & Website
Priscilla Prentice designs and maintains the website and social media accounts for The Meetinghouse.
https://priscillaprentice.com/
THE MEETINGHOUSE
Ridgebury Congregational Church
602 – 605 Ridgebury Rd.
Ridgefield, CT 06877
Hours
Gallery Hours:
Tuesday and Thursday 2 – 4 PM
or by appointment.
One House, Many Rooms
You’ll find us on both sides of Ridgebury Road