Shalom Retreats® were developed by Jerry and Elisabeth Jud, in 1969, as a process for exploring the transformative power of loving community.  Jerry and Elisabeth demonstrated that by creating a community that practices the skills of intentional loving, great personal healing and transformation can occur. In 1976, Shalom Mountain Retreat and Study Center was established in the Catskill Mountains one hundred miles northwest of New York City as the home of Shalom Process. It was founded as a ‘hope structure’, calling people to live passionately and with compassion in the world.

From 1992 to 2007 the subsequent owners, Joy Davey and Lawrence Stibbards significantly expanded the center’s retreat offerings and developed leadership training programs. 

Joy and Lawrence retired in 2007 and long-time Shalom community members Victoria Myer, Shawn Ramer, and Terry Shirreffs purchased the retreat center.

In 2011, they transitioned Shalom to its current structure as a not-for-profit 501c(3) and Nance McGee was appointed to the role of Executive Director. She brought with her extensive experience in retreat leadership, counseling, training, management, and boards.

Shalom Mountain® is run by a management team, staff, volunteers and a network of retreat leaders with backgrounds in psychology, theology, education, medicine and business.  Our retreat leaders are extensively trained and experienced in Shalom Process.