Founder/Core Curator - Tim Burnette (he/him)
Tim is a dreamer, philosopher, and theologian. He has spent years reflecting on the evolving Christian faith, and earned his doctorate from Claremont School of Theology, where he studied process metaphysics, philosophy and theology, and compassion. A self-proclaimed Whitehead nerd, he embraces theopoetics as a lens for seeing the world, with a practical emphasis on communal formation, beauty/aesthetics, and spirituality. He currently curates the Way Collective, which is a community of shared practices and values. He is a partner, father, writer, musician, and avid reader. His interests include vinyl, food, philosophy, poetry, guitar tones, baseball, and all things on the fringe. He is an advocate for love and reconciliation across boundaries of faith and non-faith. He agrees with Vonnegut that you can see all kinds of things from the edge that you can’t see from the center. Although...sometimes it helps to be centered out on the edge as well.
Co-Curator - Tracy Johansson
Tracy is a nationally certified Well-Being Coach and mindfulness meditation teacher. With a master’s degree in clinical psychology and a deep grounding in contemplative practice, she brings a heart-centered presence and an integrative approach to nurturing individual and community well-being. As the founder of Essential Well-Being Coaching, Tracy offers personal support in navigating life’s transitions with greater self-compassion, clarity, and connection. Her experience blends evidence-based mindfulness, breathwork, and guided meditation with a reverence for nature and the inner life—creating pathways for resilience, inner calm, and authentic belonging. Rooted in both science and spirit, Tracy, along with Lucy, has been teaching monthly mindfulness at Way Collective for the past two years. Recently rebranded as Way Contemplative Circle-Mindfulness & More, these offerings support and nurture awareness, healing, and joy. Tracy is honored to be a part of Way Collective and to co-create inclusive, reflective spaces that invite deeper connection to self, others, and our wider community.
Children’s Curator - Dei Wojogbe
Dei is a child-focused mindfulness facilitator based in Santa Barbara, California. He guides children through mindfulness practices, helping them focus on the present moment, and use techniques like movement, breathwork and body scans to promote awareness, calm, empathy and self-compassion. He creates a welcoming, supportive environment and adapts sessions to individual needs with patience and clarity. He has worked with elementary schools in the SBUSD through KindMind SB. He received his facilitator certification through the Mindful Heart teacher training program.