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Meet the Staff
A Supportive Community
Annie Spindler: Founder Executive Director, Ex Officio Board Member
Annie's educational background is about as diverse as the elders she hopes to serve. After obtaining an Undergraduate Art degree from the University of Wisconsin, she moved to Seattle Washington where she found a passion for natural medicine. She graduated with an Acupuncture degree from Wu Hsing Tao School in 2013. Her growing family brought her back to Chicago where she owned and operated Serenity Acupuncture, a multidisciplinary wellness clinic. A love for the Blue Ridge Mountains eventually brought Annie to Asheville to finally put down her permanent roots with her husband of 11 years and their two daughters.
A graduate certificate in Aging, Health and Society from Appalachian State University has granted Annie the education and experience to own and operate an Assisted Living facility in the state of North Carolina and she will soon become a licensed Adult Care Administrator in this state.
A graduate certificate in Aging, Health and Society from Appalachian State University has granted Annie the education and experience to own and operate an Assisted Living facility in the state of North Carolina and she will soon become a licensed Adult Care Administrator in this state.
Renee Panter:
Wellness Director, Board Secretary
Renee received a bachelor's of science in nursing from Western Carolina’s Accelerated Nursing Program. She currently works as a registered nurse in homecare and is in a case management position with Visiting Angels Caregiver service. Renee completed the Advanced Clinical Herbalist Program at the Blue Ridge School of Herbal Medicine in 2016 and has worked with several clients since then as a clinical herbalist. She has studied with herbalists Juliet Blankespoor, Rosemary Gladstar, Aviva Romm and several others she admires. It has been her dream to combine the worlds of allopathic and herbal medicine to create a more holistic approach to health. She is dedicated to preventative medicine and believes a good path to this is through educating and applying the art and science of herbal medicine, healthy diet, movement, community, and the arts. She enjoys finding creative and unique ways to make these things work in each individual life. Renee also holds a second bachelor's of Science in Anthropology from Appalachian State University. This degree is a testament to her love of studying and understanding societies, cultures, how they come to be, and can be transformed. She has worked as a professional gardener for over two decades and still currently does this part-time. She completed 220 hour yoga alliance certified teacher program in 2008 and taught for several years after. She is a proud and loving mother of one outstanding 13 year old kid and is dedicated to creating a better world for her to age and grow in.
Maripa Abella: Head Chef
Maripa Abella is the Head Chef at Elderflower. Her spiritual journey began in the Philippines, continued to Chicago and settled in beautiful Asheville. Her goal is to provide healing and nourishment to the Elderflower community. Maripa sources fresh produce for her creations, always grateful for the area's bountiful local harvest. In her past lives, she has owned two restaurants in Chicago, run a software consulting firm, taught Kundalini Yoga, and is a Reiki healer.
Lauren La Cock, Camp Coordinator
Lauren has called Western North Carolina home for the past eight years, completing her studies in Hendersonville and falling in love with the region’s natural beauty and tight-knit communities. Her passion for service has led her to work with several local charities and volunteer organizations, where she’s built deep connections and a strong sense of purpose.
A lifelong animal lover, Lauren dreams of one day opening her own sanctuary—a safe haven where animals can live out their lives with care and compassion. She brings this same heart and dedication to her role at Elderflower, creating a nurturing and inclusive space for all.
When she’s not supporting the camp or her community, you’ll find Lauren outdoors—kayaking, walking her beloved dog Huck, or spending quality time with family and friends.
A lifelong animal lover, Lauren dreams of one day opening her own sanctuary—a safe haven where animals can live out their lives with care and compassion. She brings this same heart and dedication to her role at Elderflower, creating a nurturing and inclusive space for all.
When she’s not supporting the camp or her community, you’ll find Lauren outdoors—kayaking, walking her beloved dog Huck, or spending quality time with family and friends.
Get in Touch
Board of Directors
Get in Touch
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