 In some cultures it is believed that having a photograph taken could steal the subject’s soul. With some artists, it seems almost true. Every shadow and gesture speaks when the camera is focused by someone with an open heart and willing spirit. With a flash and a click, the connection is made and one single moment is captured forever. Tarja Stoeckl expresses her passion for creativity through the use of photographic and filmic tools. Her natural ability to see through the veil of a person’s ego and into the core of their spirit helps her to capture life one moment at a time.
 Shaped by a diverse and eclectic background, Tarja knew early in life that she had a gift for seeing more than was apparent in people and situations. In 1997 she met Shannon Thompson and became a founding member of Shakti Rising as one of the first apprentices to receive services. Throughout her healing work to overcome childhood trauma, the death of her brother and spiritual/physical abuse, Tarja has discovered that her strength and softness combine to create a powerful and inspiring woman. She uses her strong organizational, customer service and project management skills as well as her eclectic life experiences and creative approach to bring a unique perspective to the position of Director of Resource Development. She has a natural affinity for numbers and has actively pursued formal education, training and mentoring in the art of accounting. Working closely with our CFO has given her dynamic insights and experience in the area of nonprofit finance.
Life Accomplishments:
- BA in Media Arts, Film Emphasis, UCSD
- AA in Art/Photography, Grossmont College
- Grauer School graduate, 1995
- Nonprofit Managers Certificate, Chapman University/Nonprofit Management Solutions
- The Fundraising Training School Certificate, University of Indiana
- President, Bread for the Journey San Diego Chapter
- Thought Field Therapy training
- Shakti Rising Apprenticeship graduate, June 2001
- Six-month internship with Hope in the City, a nonprofit group that works with inner-city youth to share their life stories through the arts
- Assisting in the documenting of Shakti Rising through film and photography
- Awarded first prize in the creative division for photography at the 1998 Del Mar Fair.
- Fluent in both English and German
- Prior to Shakti Rising, Tarja had six years experience in office management and financial responsibilities
"Only as high as I reach can I grow, only as far as I seek can I go, only as deep as I look can I see, only as much as I dream can I be." ~ Karen Ravn |
