John Van Auken is an internationally renowned speaker, a long-time A.R.E. staff member, a current director at A.R.E, and a popular leader of A.R.E.’s tours to sacred sites around the world. He is the author of numerous bestselling books including Edgar Cayce on the Spiritual Forces Within You, Angels, Fairies, Demons, & the Elementals, and is co-author of his most recent, Edgar Cayce on the Mysterious Essenes: Lessons from Our Sacred Past. His extensive knowledge of the Edgar Cayce readings, the Bible, ancient Egypt mysticism, world religions, and Christ Consciousness make him a popular and authoritative teacher.

To view John's upcoming schedule of events, visit our events search page for "John Van Auken." 

John Van Auken
Director, Legacy Education
Edgar Cayce Foundation

Mark Thurston, PhD is an educator, author, and longtime leader within the A.R.E., including his current position as a member of the organization’s Board of Trustees. His full-time job is associate professor at George Mason University where he teaches courses about mind-body health, consciousness, meaning. He is author of more than a dozen books about spirituality, personal transformation, and finding one’s calling in life.

Adrian E. Castillo, LMT is an environmental scientist with the U.S. Geological Survey. He is also a licensed massage therapist, musician, and a student of the Edgar Cayce readings. He volunteers his time with the A.R.E. Southeast Region's Gold Coast Team and has lectured on programs with John Van Auken and others. 

Judith Stevens has been a student of the Cayce material for over 45 years. Currently A.R.E.’s National Outreach Manager, she also founded A.R.E.’s Prison Outreach Program and was formerly manager of the Study Group Department. As a staff member for over 20 years, she is a regular long-time contributor to Venture Inward and the A.R.E. Journal. Judith has lectured extensively for A.R.E. on many topics from the Cayce readings, with a special emphasis on principles found in the A Search for God readings. She is also a poet, musician, and yoga instructor.

Jessica Newell has a master’s in archival studies from East Tennessee State University, which she pursued after a rewarding internship working with 19th century court documents at a county clerk’s office. Her position as the archivist for the Edgar Cayce Foundation combines her love of historical preservation and public history education. Her passion for the Cayce legacy is evident in her presentations.

Rev. Dr. Nicole Charles is an ordained Interfaith Minister. She holds a doctorate in Interfaith Theology specializing in spirituality and health from the New Seminary of Interfaith Studies; and a masters in Integrative Health from Georgian Court University. She has taught undergraduate and graduate courses specializing in Community Health, Integrative Nutrition, and Behavioral Health within the City/State University of New York (CUNY/SUNY). Her passion is being in service to others so they may be change agents in their communities. Her specialized focus has been in addressing the Social Determinants of Health, health equity, and Mind-Body Medicine practices. 

Rev. Dr. Charles has concentrated her career in non-profit executive management and higher education institutions and has worked for the United Nations, The Rockefeller Foundation, The National Urban League (Headquarters), Social Science Research Council, Columbia University, and the New School for Social Research to name a few. She currently is the Chief Executive Officer of Edgar Cayce’s - Association for Research and Enlightenment (A.R.E.) which seeks to create opportunities for profound personal change in body, mind, and spirit through the wisdom found in the Edgar Cayce Material.   

Having travelled extensively through various countries in Africa and the Caribbean isles, Nicole has been able to honor her many passions within research of Afro-spiritual traditions and indigenous-natural medicine. Her love of people, and the sharing of personal and collective stories, has supported her deep spiritual practice of honoring, prayer, and meditation. This pursuit has also allowed her to examine the common spiritual principles and practices amongst all peoples, cultures, and religions reminding each of us our mission is to be of service to and for each other.