The Banyan Tree

550 E. Grand Ave., Beloit, WI 53511

608-361-1358

           A Woman's Place to Grow     

 

The Banyan Tree
550 E. Grand Ave.
Beloit, WI 53511
ph: 608-361-1358

About Us

Background 

The Banyan Tree was the inspiration of six women and was founded in 2005 by four of those women, Wanda Faust, Mary McGlynn, Gloria Slowey and Sandy Williams. We opened our doors to the public in December 2005 during the Downtown Beloit Association's Holidazzle festival.  The Banyan Tree is currently owned and operated by Wanda Faust, Mary McGlynn and Sandy Williams.  We are currently in the process of making application to obtain our 501(c)(3) not-for-profit status.

Why the name "Banyan Tree"? The name was choosen because of the spiritual elements surrounding the banyan tree. The banyan tree is held sacred in Asia as it symbolizes eternal life.  The banyan tree is named after 'banyans' or 'banians', the Hindu traders seen resting or carrying out their business under the tree. In most traditional villages of South Asia, a huge banyan tree provides a meeting place for the community. They gather in its shade to sleep, chat, relax or discuss important issues and make decisions. While you won't find much sleeping going on at The Banyan Tree you will always find a warm smile and a place to chat and discuss important issues.

Board of Directors

Wanda M. Faust                                                                      President/Program Director (Co-Founder)

Empowering, insightful and a dear friend to many best describes Wanda. Her courageous loving spirit is quick to focus on the solution rather than the problem. She brings boundless energy and enthusiasm to our mission at the center and enjoys networking in the community. Her dedication to our mission is a valued asset to the center.

Wanda received her BA in education at the University of Wisconsin and continues to seek enjoyment from reading and learning.

 

Sandy J. Williams                                                                  Treasurer (Co-Founder)

Sandy, an outgoing and practical soul, has assisted in nearly every stage of the planning, hoping and dreaming for The Banyan Tree. Since receiving a BA from Beloit College in 1962, Sandy has lived in many cities, taking care of her husband and raising three children, while endeavoring to maintain her sense of humor. She usually calls her career "full-time volunteer."

An avid bridge player, eager traveler, and fan of live theater, Sandy enjoys her young grandchildren most of all.

 

Mary L. McGlynn                                                                      Fair Trade Merchandiser/(Co-Founder)

Mary, a vibrant and outgoing spirit, is continually seeking new ways to enrich and infuse her own spirit with joy and peace, and to share this joy with others. Creative, conscientious, compassionate, she devotes herself to living life to its fullest.  Her latest passion has been the fair trade business which she introduced to the Banyan Tree in May of 2007.

Since earning her AAS degree at Rockford Business College in 1992, Mary worked full-time as a legal assistant in the Rockford area, and in 2006, transplanted to the Bolgrien, Koepke & Kimes law firm located right next door to The Banyan Tree.

Mary is currently studying to become certified as a spiritual counselor. 

 

Volunteer Staff/Facilitators

Kay Jones, BS, CAODCIII                  Therapist/Counselor

Kay became involved with us early on in our development. Kay is well known throughout the Beloit community for her work wth women and in the substance abuse field. Kay's background includes her work as a family therapist and alcohol and drug counselor at Rock County Hospital, Abaris Treatment Hospital and Luthern Social Services.  Kay is now retired from the professional community, but offers her services at The Banyan Tree for a nominal fee as her way of giving back to the community for all the goodness in her life.

 

Mary Dahlstrand                                                                                 Yoga Instructor                                                                                   Mary has been instructing yoga with us since early 2006. Mary has trained for many years in Rockford, Illinois with reknowed yogi Lois Enna. Her enthusiam and energy flows through her yoga instruction. Mary is always willing to lend a helping hand when we need at and her generous spirit is much appreciated.

 

Beth Campisi

Swedish Massage Therapist/Reflexology

(more info to come)

 

 

 

 

 

The Banyan Tree
550 E. Grand Ave.
Beloit, WI 53511
ph: 608-361-1358