top of page

Search Results

Search this site

Results found for empty search

  • Discover ALTAR: Chicago’s Most Inspirational Event Space

    Find inspiration at Chicago's most unique event space. Our flexible venue offers a sacred space to connect, collaborate, and celebrate. Book now! Modern event space with cozy seating and natural light Small group meeting in a stylish lounge area at ALTAR event venue Circle gathering in a peaceful, plant-filled room for community events Modern event space with cozy seating and natural light 1/12 Memorable Experiences Begin Here: Our Event Space in the Heart of Chicago ALTAR is 4,000 Square Feet of Pure Inspiration Nestled in vibrant Logan Square, ALTAR’s meticulously designed space combines urban sophistication with mindful tranquility. Whether hosting wellness retreats, corporate gatherings, or cultural celebrations, ALTAR provides an inspired setting for meaningful connections. Book Our Space A Sacred Experience Awaits At ALTAR, we believe in the power of intentional spaces to nurture authentic connections and foster personal growth. Our venue transcends the traditional event space concept, offering a sanctuary where the chaos of Chicago’s city life dissolves into mindful presence. The soaring ceilings, natural light, and thoughtful design elements create an atmosphere of serenity and possibility. This is more than a venue—it's a catalyst for transformation. Whether you're hosting a wellness workshop, spiritual ceremony, or conscious business gathering, ALTAR's environment naturally encourages deeper engagement and meaningful interaction. Our space honors the sacred nature of coming together, allowing your event's purpose to resonate more profoundly with each participant. An Inspirational Event Space that Infuses Every Gathering with Purpose and Connection Ready to elevate your next event? ALTAR's versatile space adapts seamlessly to your event's unique purpose, whether it's a corporate retreat, wellness workshop, or spiritual gathering. Transform your vision into reality—explore ALTAR today. Host Your Event Clients Who Have Made ALTAR Their Canvas To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. Features & Amenities Urban Sanctuary All-Inclusive Tailored Experiences Guided Curation Sanctuary in the City Located in Logan Square, in a bright, lofty, airy 4,000 sq. ft. space, our venue provides a peaceful, retreat-like feel in the city that enhances focus and relaxation, ensuring your guests feel rejuvenated and inspired. Tech-Ready & All-Inclusive From chairs and tables to yoga mats and a Bluetooth sound system, ALTAR is an all-inclusive experience. Stay connected with high-speed Wi-Fi, multimedia capabilities, and other tech amenities to support seamless communication, collaboration, and celebration. Customized Packages Tailor your experience with our flexible packages and unique spaces, including team-building and wellness activities, plus catering services to meet the specific needs of your gathering. Custom Event Curation Our team will collaborate with you to create a custom celebration that optimally utilizes the space and our network of experts in personal development, wellness, and modern ritual. From a sound bath meditation to a SoulCollage® session, ALTAR has the ideas and the network to create a gathering to honor these threshold moments in a meaningful and memorable way. ALTAR’s Venue Space Adapts to Your Needs We're a sophisticated and sacred space for connection , collaboration, and inspiration. Our space is intentionally flexible and infinitely customizable as a welcoming environment where you feel transported out of the day-to-day and immediately more present, connected, and at home. Host your Event at ALTAR Voices From Our Community A few ways you can use our space... Mindful Milestones™ Mark life’s meaningful moments in a way that’s true to you, creating an unforgettable experience in our serene and welcoming setting. Corporate Retreats Let us curate your team's next wellness workshop, retreat, or offsite event to foster camaraderie, productivity, & well-being. Private Events Discover your new favorite venue in Chicago in a sophisticated and sacred space for connection, collaboration, and inspiration. Location Take a Virtual Tour and Imagine Your Event at ALTAR Start Now Our board of directors and leadership team came to ALTAR to reconnect and lay the groundwork for the next iteration of our strategic plan. The retreat invited us to slow down, listen intently, and ask the questions that matter—without rushing to answers. What we created together became the foundation for a planning process rooted in shared purpose and renewed commitment. Tara Hoffman, Executive Director & Heather Vunovich, Board Chair Recover on Water Where Can You Find Us ALTAR is a sanctuary of authentic connection located at the intersection of Chicago’s most dynamic neighborhoods—Wicker Park, Logan Square, and Bucktown. Our space embodies the belief that everyone deserves a place to express their true self, fostering a meaningful community among diverse individuals who share a journey of growth and discovery. Our event space is easy to find, with convenient access via the CTA Blue Line, multiple bus routes, and street parking. Located near The 606 trail, we are positioned perfectly within Chicago's vibrant cultural landscape while maintaining the serenity our community cherishes. Bring Your Event to Life

  • Silent Meditation Retreat Experiences at ALTAR Chicago

    Discover our silent mediation retreats events and programs at ALTAR. Reconnect with your soul through women's day retreats & more. Step Into Retreat Experiences at ALTAR Discover events and programs designed for your journey. Come take up space. Step away from the world to find yourself. Our Chicago-based retreat offerings create a sacred pause in the midst of urban life, providing deep immersion experiences for spiritual seekers. From transformative women's day retreats to extended meditation journeys, we craft intentional containers where silence becomes teacher, stillness becomes medicine, and community becomes a sanctuary for your soul's deepest healing. Explore Retreat Events Upcoming Meditation Retreat Events at ALTAR The next chapter of your sacred meditation journey begins here. Discover what's coming up and find the gathering that feels right for you. Sun, Oct 04 Soulful Sunday Retreat Day / ALTAR Community Buy Tickets Oct 04, 2026, 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM ALTAR Community, 2518 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, USA Experience a relaxing retreat atmosphere full of community & restorative self-care without needing to leave Chicago. Free to attend for first-time guests and ALTAR Members! +2 more Membership Offer Sat, Oct 10 Forest Bathing at the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool / Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool Buy Tickets Oct 10, 2026, 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, 125 W Fullerton Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60614, USA Experience this guided forest bathing experience at the newly restored Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, one of Chicago's most beautiful hidden gems. Space is limited to 15 participants! See All Sun, Dec 06 Soulful Sunday Retreat Day / ALTAR Community Buy Tickets Dec 06, 2026, 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM ALTAR Community, 2518 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, USA Experience a relaxing retreat atmosphere full of community & restorative self-care without needing to leave Chicago. Free to attend for first-time guests and ALTAR Members! See All See the Full Calendar Why ALTAR is the Place for Retreat Experiences in Chicago ALTAR understands that true transformation requires time, space, and a sacred container. Our retreat experiences go beyond typical getaways, creating profound opportunities for inner exploration and spiritual renewal. Whether you're called to a meditation retreat setting or drawn to the nurturing embrace of a women's day retreat, every offering is designed with deep intention to support your journey of awakening while fostering authentic connections with fellow seekers walking similar paths. As an ALTAR member, you'll receive priority registration and exclusive member pricing for our most sought-after retreat experiences. Join a community that honors the courage it takes to go inward, where your commitment to deep spiritual practice becomes a gift not only to yourself but to the collective healing of our world through your transformed presence. Become a Member Why Our Community Loves Silent Meditation Retreats at ALTAR "Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur." — Testimonial Section Plan Your Journey Through Sacred Meditation Retreats in Chicago Come take up space. Ready to explore what's ahead? Browse our full calendar of retreat experiences and find the gatherings that call to you. September 2026 Today Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 9:30 AM Soulful Sunday Retreat Day 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 1 2 3 4 9:30 AM Soulful Sunday Retreat Day 5 6 7 8 9 10 8:30 AM Forest Bathing at the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool 11 Explore More at ALTAR There's always more to discover at ALTAR. Your journey doesn't end with meditation retreats—it expands. Explore additional experiences across our community and find the paths that meet you exactly where you are. Every offering is an invitation to deepen your connection with yourself and others. Mindfulness Experiences Learn More Movement & Dance Rituals Learn More All Events & Programs Learn More Meet the Practitioners Who Bring These Experiences to Life Behind every sacred meditation retreat experience is a practitioner who holds space with intention and care. Meet the humans who guide these transformative gatherings.

  • ALTAR Memberships: Join a Sacred Space for Wellness

    Join the ALTAR community in Chicago and unlock a space for mindfulness, empowerment, and connection. Explore our membership plans. ALTAR Membership: Belong, Connect, and Thrive in Our Sacred Wellness Space ALTAR is a sacred clubhouse for curious women seeking a soul-quenching community . Our Clubhouse Membership welcomes you to our third space and an intergenerational, empowered community of women. Curious thinkers, lifelong learners, and inner journeyers, join us in a place where you truly belong. Become a Member at ALTAR Why Join ALTAR? come take up space Discover the transformative power of belonging at ALTAR. By joining our thriving community of women, you open the door to endless opportunities for personal growth and support. Our Logan Square sanctuary offers a unique haven where Clubhouse Members can come together to evolve as individuals in a warm, inclusive environment. Whether you’re looking to deepen connections, explore new interests, or simply have a sacred space to recharge , ALTAR membership is your gateway to a transformative experience, connecting you to people and programs that lift you up and support your continuous becoming. Join ALTAR today and embark on an inspiring journey of connection and self-discovery that extends far beyond our downtown Chicago walls. Clubhouse Membership Take full advantage of all the goodness ALTAR's Sacred Clubhouse has to offer. Unlimited weekday access to the space and periodic, pop-up evening and weekend hours 5+ Free Events per month offered by our Core Practitioners Monthly Open House Days to connect with the community & sample new programs Members-only Heartbeat Community Join or form Member Meetups around your passions & interests 15% discount on most paid programs Discounted rate for event space rental Practitioners receive preferential revenue split vs non-members when hosting programs at ALTAR (60/40 vs 50/50) Monthly Membership $79/month* Become a Member The steady support of our members helps make it possible for ALTAR to exist and make the magic of ALTAR available to women who wouldn't otherwise have access. For every five members (thanks to you!), ALTAR creates one fully-funded Supported Membership to make our space and programming more accessible to all. Voices From Our Community Beyond ALTAR: Expanding Your Women Empowerment Network ALTAR is proud to partner with a growing national network of women-centered communities. For travelers and modern nomads who need a space to work, your Clubhouse Membership gives you two complimentary days per month at Luminary NYC and other partner locations across the country and around the world. Learn more about Luminary and their collaborative partner network of women-centric coworking spaces .

  • Contact ALTAR Chicago

    ALTAR Community Contact | ALTAR is located in Chicago's Logan Square at 2518 W Armitage Ave. We Want to Hear From You! ALTAR is located in Chicago's Logan Square at 2518 W Armitage Ave. Contact us: Submit Thanks for submitting!

  • Guided Trips to Turkey with ALTAR Community

    Join ALTAR for guided trips to Turkey! On the trail of the Mother Goddess in Anatolia. Aya Sophia Banner Dirvishes Göbekli Tepe Aya Sophia Banner 1/21 Guided Trip to Turkey with ALTAR Community September 30th - October 9th 2024 We will be embarking on a bespoke and extraordinary tour of Turkey and the ancient goddess sites of Anatolia. In the steps of past trips led by Lydia Ruyle and Resit Ergener, our journey will weave us across the country connecting the sacred sites of the Divine Feminine. There is simply no other trip like this in the world. As Lydia Ruyle was leaving her body in 2016, she requested Resit and her niece, Katie Hoffner, to promise that they would continue to share the goddess stories and trips to Turkey. This trip will be the promise kept. Lydia mentions how her first trip to Turkey had an impact on her art process at 1:29 The tour will start in Istanbul where we will explore the hidden feminine and the rise of Mary as God and then traverse across the beautiful lands of Anatolia visiting ancient divine feminine sites, including; The magnificent sixth century cathedral of Hagia Sophia Private dinner cruise on the Bosphorus strait Cappadocia with its special landscapes, cave hotels and an evening with the Dirvishes Konya, home to Rumi, and Catalhoyuk where we witness the archeology dig that dates back 9000 years of a community that lived in a peaceful and egalitarian manner under the guidance of the goddess Pamukkale, a natural wonder of salt terraces Aphrodisias, one of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world dedicated to the Great Mother, Aphrodite Kusadasi, the home of Ephesus, the seat of the Great Mother Artemis and the house of Mary - a shrine where according to tradition, Mary spent the last years of her life. Before we head back to Istanbul, we will end the trip at Ephesus with a full immersion and celebration of the Divine Feminine. We will be treated to a private long table dinner and Gala at the Celsus Library where Lydia’s goddess banners will hang again (they debuted there in 1995) and Resit will recite his published poem “I, Artemis”. Along the way there will be other extraordinary opportunities for balloon rides, carpet buying, Turkish baths, shopping at the Grand Bazaar and experiencing extraordinary food and culture. We will be staying at beautiful 4 or 5 star hotels along the way and travel in a luxury bus for most of the trip. It will be a once in a lifetime experience for those who want to encounter the sacred through travel and experience the alchemy and teachings of the Mother Goddesses of Anatolia! The group is limited. Full itinerary is available upon request. Please reach out to Katie@KatieHoffner.com or Kathy@AltarCommunity.com with questions and to reserve your spot. The cost of the trip is $4900/person and includes airport transfer, hotels, meals except lunches, museum entrances and one-way domestic airfare from Ephesus to Istanbul. There is a small supplement cost for single rooms. It does not include international roundtrip airfare to Istanbul, alcohol at meals, or travel insurance. Meet your Guides Resit Ergener Resit Ergener is a poet, academic and organizer of cultural tours in Turkey. He was born in Istanbul in 1952. He attended high school at the Robert Academy in Istanbul and he attended college at Yale where he received a BA degree in economics. He also received an MPhil in economics at the University of Oxford and a Doctorate in economics from Istanbul University. He has taught for about forty years at the International Trade department of Boğaziçi University in Istanbul, full time during the first twenty years and part time during remaining twenty. As a part time scholar he has explored the relationship between economics and religion and he has written a book on the subject. He has also published a book of poetry. One theme which has interested him continuously is the goddess and how throughout history women's power has trailed far behind those of the goddesses. In his recent book Men and Women Gods and Goddesses Resit Ergener combines his academic and poetic skills to explore why the women power has trailed behind goddess power and suggests ways to overcome that. For more than thirty years, he has also been exploring the same theme on tours on the "Trail of the Mother Goddess in Anatolia," which he initiated and which are the first "goddess tours" ever. Lydia Ruyle was an artist, scholar and author on the Divine Feminine. Her most well-known body of work were her goddess icon banners or as she affectionately called them the “girls”. She started birthing and creating them when she was 60 years old – and worked on them right up until her death in Feb of 2016. She was 80 years old. Creating the Goddess banners became her mission devoted to telling a new story; a new HERstory in a visual way with representations of the Divine Feminine from across the globe. There are now over 300 of them in the collection; and they have literally flown all over the world from Machu Picchu to Europe to Tibet to her hometown in Greeley, Colorado. The banners made their debut at Ephesus, Turkey in 1995 and will be with us on this journey in 2024. Lydia co-led multiple goddess tours to Turkey over the years with Resit Ergener, and her niece, Katie Hoffner. Lydia Ruyle Katie Hoffner Katie Hoffner is a community leader and social change maker focused on protecting the environment and improving the lives of women. She is also the niece and journey-mate of Lydia Ruyle and the current guardian of Lydia’s 300+ goddess icon banners. Since 2016, Katie and “the girls” have been all over the world. For Katie, the banners represent her Kuleana, a Hawaiian word that connotes a responsibility of the living to protect the stories of the ohana (family). She is actively engaged in sharing her Aunt Lydia’s knowledge, artwork, and HERstories of the goddesses. She has co-led goddess tours in Turkey with Resit and Lydia. Kathy Bresler is the founder of ALTAR Community a sacred gathering space in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood designed to uplift and connect women. Kathy is a graduate of One Spirit Seminary as well as Northwestern’s Kellogg Graduate School of Business. As an interspiritual minister with an MBA, she often acts as a bridge between the secular and sacred world. Kathy is particularly interested in fostering cross-generational conversation and community for women and empowering them to flourish at every age. Kathy founded Altar Travel in 2023 and is committed to supporting and offering bespoke experiences to her community for sacred journeys near and far. She will be co-anchoring this journey with Resit and Katie. Kathy Bresler Special Add-On Trip to Southeastern Turkey October 9th - October 10th 2024 For those that have the time and desire, Resit is offering an extraordinary trip to Eastern Anatolia to visit the Urfa Museum with an amazing neolithic collection, Gobekli and Karahan Tepe, with some of the oldest known temples in the world. The cost of the trip is $1650/person and includes all accommodation, museum entries, all meals except lunches, guidance, van, tips to hotels and portage but does not include domestic flight and gratuities to the driver, alcohol at meals or travel insurance. There is a small supplement cost for single rooms.

  • Full Moon & Solstice Ritual Events at ALTAR Chicago

    Discover our full moon and solstice events and programs at ALTAR. Connect with celestial wisdom and transform through sacred seasonal ceremonies. Step Into Full Moon & Solstice Ritual Events at ALTAR Discover events and programs designed for your journey. Come take up space. Honor the cosmic rhythms that guide our souls. Our full moon rituals and seasonal celebrations invite you to align with nature's ancient wisdom, marking sacred transitions through ceremony and community. From luminous full moon gatherings to powerful solstice ritual events, we create containers where the celestial and earthly dance together, helping you attune to the seasonal moon ritual cycles that mirror your journey of growth and renewal. Explore Seasonal Moon Ritual Events Upcoming Full Moon & Solstice Ritual Events at ALTAR The next chapter of your seasonal moon ritual journey begins here. Discover what's coming up and find the gathering that feels right for you. Sun, Oct 04 Soulful Sunday Retreat Day / ALTAR Community Buy Tickets Oct 04, 2026, 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM ALTAR Community, 2518 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, USA Experience a relaxing retreat atmosphere full of community & restorative self-care without needing to leave Chicago. Free to attend for first-time guests and ALTAR Members! +2 more Membership Offer Fri, Oct 09 Women's New Moon Circle with Asta Malciute / ALTAR Community Buy Tickets Oct 09, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM CDT ALTAR Community, 2518 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, USA Join Asta Malciute, breathwork facilitator and sacred space holder, for a trauma-informed women’s circle created as a space to slow down, reconnect, and become more intentional in how you move through life. Free for ALTAR Members! See All Membership Offer Sat, Oct 10 Forest Bathing at the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool / Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool Buy Tickets Oct 10, 2026, 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, 125 W Fullerton Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60614, USA Experience this guided forest bathing experience at the newly restored Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, one of Chicago's most beautiful hidden gems. Space is limited to 15 participants! See All Membership Offer Fri, Nov 06 Women's New Moon Circle with Asta Malciute / ALTAR Community Buy Tickets Nov 06, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM CST ALTAR Community, 2518 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, USA Join Asta Malciute, breathwork facilitator and sacred space holder, for a trauma-informed women’s circle created as a space to slow down, reconnect, and become more intentional in how you move through life. Free for ALTAR Members! Load More See the Full Calendar Why ALTAR is the Place for Full Moon & Solstice Ritual Experiences ALTAR recognizes that ritual is remembrance, a way of honoring the sacred cycles that connect us to something greater than ourselves. Our full moon rituals and solstice ceremonies aren't just events; they're homecomings to the natural rhythms that have guided humanity for millennia. Each gathering is thoughtfully crafted to blend ancient wisdom with contemporary practice, creating meaningful containers where you can release what no longer serves, call in what you desire, and witness the profound transformation that happens when we align with celestial timing. As an ALTAR member, you'll have priority access to our most sacred seasonal gatherings, many of which are included in your membership or available at special member rates. Join a community that celebrates the magic of living in harmony with natural cycles, where participation in these ancient practices becomes a bridge between your personal evolution and the collective healing of our world. Become a Member Why Our Community Loves Full Moon & Solstice Rituals at ALTAR "Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur." — Testimonial Section Plan Your Journey With Full Moon & Solstice Rituals in Chicago Come take up space. Ready to explore what's ahead? Browse our full calendar of full moon and solstice ritual experiences and find the gatherings that call to you. September 2026 Today Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 6:00 PM New Moon Sisterhood Circle with Asta Malciute 12 13 9:30 AM Soulful Sunday Retreat Day 14 15 16 8:00 AM Farmers Market Meetup with Anna Jackson 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 1 2 3 4 9:30 AM Soulful Sunday Retreat Day 5 6 7 8 9 6:00 PM Women's New Moon Circle with Asta Malciute 10 8:30 AM Forest Bathing at the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool 11 Explore More at ALTAR There's always more to discover at ALTAR. Your journey doesn't end with full moon and solstice rituals—it expands. Explore additional experiences across our community and find the paths that meet you exactly where you are. Every offering is an invitation to deepen your connection with yourself and others. Empowering Astrology Learn More Movement & Dance Rituals Learn More All Events & Programs Learn More Meet the Practitioners Who Bring These Experiences to Life Behind every seasonal moon ritual experience is a practitioner who holds space with intention and care. Meet the humans who guide these transformative gatherings.

  • About ALTAR Community: Our Mission and Values

    Learn about ALTAR, our founder, Kathy Bresler, and all the special details that make this a truly unique third space in Chicago Welcome to ALTAR Community Come take up space. ALTAR Community is more than a business to me—it’s a movement. This unique third space was born from my own longing for a place where I could show up fully as myself, without pretense or pressure. I wanted to create a community where deep conversations, shared wisdom, and meaningful connections could flourish, supporting each woman’s journey in a way that feels authentic and nourishing. Whether you join us for a workshop, retreat, or community gathering, ALTAR is here to walk alongside you. With opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and storytelling, I invite you to be part of a network of women dedicated to uplifting and empowering one another. I would love for you to be part of it. With gratitude, Kathy Bresler, ALTAR Founder & Consciousness Concierge Our Mission Our mission is to hold space for women to simply be—free from expectation and full of possibility. Through dynamic programs, thought-provoking conversations, and soulful creativity, we foster a community that uplifts, nurtures, and co-creates a more empowered future for all. Our Vision We are co-creating a culture of deep belonging. We envision a world where sistering is second nature, women instinctively lift each other up, and community serves as the foundation for personal and collective transformation. Here, healing and empowerment are not luxuries—they are woven into the fabric of everyday life, nurtured by spaces that invite us to simply be. The Spirit of ALTAR: Our Core Values ALTAR Community is built on deeply held beliefs that guide every experience we create, from sacred gatherings to personal reflection. These principles infuse our space with purpose, shaping an environment where healing, connection, and empowerment thrive . Belonging Healing Knowing Sistering Space Belonging is a Birthright ALTAR is a space where every woman is seen, valued, and accepted—without the need to prove or perform. We honor the richness of diverse experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives, creating a community where authenticity is the only expectation. Whether through sacred gatherings, deep conversations, or shared rituals, we cultivate a culture of true inclusivity and connection. Healing and Power Go Hand in Hand Transformation is at the heart of ALTAR. Through embodied practices like breathwork, energy work, and movement rituals, we help women reclaim their power by tending to their wholeness. We believe that self-awareness is the foundation of true strength, and when women rise together, that power expands beyond the individual—it ripples into the collective. We Hold a Collective Knowing No one has all the answers, but together, we hold a shared wisdom that is meant to be honored and exchanged. Through storytelling, mentorship, and creative expression, we embrace the idea that learning is cyclical, not linear. We invite each woman to explore and express her unique voice, knowing that her wisdom is a gift to the whole. Sistering is Sacred Work ALTAR is built on intentional connection—the kind that fuels, nourishes, and sustains us. Sistering is more than support; it’s an act of love, solidarity, and resistance. We intentionally cultivate a culture where women show up fully for one another, lifting as they rise. Space Shapes Us The environments we inhabit impact our well-being. At ALTAR, space is sacred, intentionally designed to invite curiosity, connection, and deep experiences of being seen. These core values are the heartbeat of the ALTAR community, shaping a sanctuary where every moment matters. Meet the Team That Makes the Magic The heart of the ALTAR community lies in its people. Our dedicated team works to cultivate a space where connection thrives and transformative experiences unfold. Alongside our skilled practitioners and vibrant members, we create a welcoming sanctuary where everyone can grow, heal, and truly belong. Kathy Bresler Kathy is ALTAR's founder and Consciousness Concierge. Her vision and drive are the foundation of ALTAR Community. Drawing on her varied background in business and her deep interest in personal growth, she has thoughtfully crafted a one-of-a-kind community for women. Her goal is to provide a welcoming place where women can feel comfortable being themselves and connect with others on a journey of self-discovery. With her experience as an Inter-Spiritual Minister and SoulCollage® facilitator, she offers guidance and support to those seeking deeper self-understanding. Kathy's approach, likened to a concierge assisting guests, helps individuals explore their inner landscape and enhance their well-being. Meg Barnhart Meg Barnhart is ALTAR’s Strategic Growth Partner. At her core, Meg believes that people are all interconnected. She is passionate about creating a culture of kindness and has spent most of her adult life advocating on behalf of children and adults with learning differences. Throughout her career, Meg has built teams, advocated on behalf of others, and experienced invaluable coaching while scaling her own consciously crafted business. She feels that ALTAR is a perfect fit for where she is in her life and is excited to help Kathy execute and expand her vision of what ALTAR can become. Outside of work, Meg loves spending time with her husband and 3 adult children, her friends, and her 11-year-old Havanese, Aubrey. Sara Collins Sara Collins is ALTAR’s Business Development & Growth Consultant with over 15 years of experience across advertising, production, and visual storytelling. Grounded in empathy, integrity, and collaboration, Sara believes deeply in quality over quantity and is motivated by work that balances strategic rigor with human-centered care. She is especially passionate about helping mission-driven organizations expand thoughtfully while staying true to their core values. Sara is drawn to ALTAR for its commitment to mindfulness, community, and supporting the whole human experience. She brings a blend of strategic thinking, relationship-building, and creative problem-solving to help translate ALTAR’s mission into meaningful opportunities, including value-aligned event rentals, corporate off-sites, and retreats. Outside of work, Sara maintains a long-standing mindfulness and yoga practice, enjoys time with family, and finds inspiration in art, film, and the cultural life of Chicago. Stephanie Veraghen As ALTAR's Operations Manager, Stephanie artfully weaves business strategy with holistic well-being, creating the foundation where structure meets soul. Her unique background—blending business coaching and Fractional COO experience with degrees in Graphic Design, Advertising/Public Relations, and Transpersonal Psychology—infuses our community with mindful leadership and creative vision. Drawn to ALTAR by her commitment to empowering women and fostering meaningful transformation, Stephanie cultivates spaces where authentic connection and personal growth flourish. When not harmonizing ALTAR's operations, she embraces life's joys through travel and cherished moments with family and her beloved dogs, Tony and Lola—embodying the balance of purpose and presence central to our community. Elena Soboleva As ALTAR's Social Media & Branding Strategist, Elena weaves her passion for women's empowerment with expert storytelling to create authentic brand experiences that resonate deeply with our community. With mindful intention , she helps women entrepreneurs cultivate brands that align with their true essence, extending ALTAR's mission of sacred connection to women throughout Chicago seeking meaningful community. She was originally drawn to ALTAR's uniquely genuine space where authentic conversations flourish. Now, Elena nurtures our digital presence with the same care given to our physical gatherings. When not crafting transformative brand strategies, she embraces personal development journeys, responds joyfully to invitations for embodied movement, and challenges her analytical mind by conquering the most intricate escape rooms alongside her partner—embodying our values of continuous growth, present engagement, and spirited curiosity. Jamie Manville-Estes Jamie channels her diverse expertise—spanning mental healthcare administration to retail management—into her role as ALTAR's Communications Manager, where she helps women transform their unique perspectives into cohesive, powerful messaging. With meticulous attention to organization and brand voice, she creates experiences that honor each woman's journey while fostering our collective vision of sacred community. Our invitation to "come take up space" resonates deeply with Jamie, aligning perfectly with her devotion to empowering women to expand into their authentic greatness rather than diminishing to meet others' expectations. Beyond cultivating meaningful communications at ALTAR, Jamie nourishes her creative spirit through cinematic storytelling, literary exploration, and culinary adventures shared with family and friends—reflecting our community's celebration of personal expression, lifelong learning, and meaningful connection. Cheryl Hanson Cheryl Aistrope supports member experience, events and communications at ALTAR, helping create a warm, welcoming environment where people feel connected and cared for. With a background in public relations, media, storytelling and event planning, Cheryl brings a thoughtful, relationship-centered approach to building community. She believes meaningful connection often happens in the small details, whether through a conversation, a shared experience or creating spaces where people feel seen and comfortable being themselves. Throughout her career, Cheryl has focused on helping individuals and brands tell their stories in authentic ways. At ALTAR, she is excited to support a community rooted in personal growth, belonging and intentional gathering. Outside of work, Cheryl enjoys hosting creative gatherings, exploring festivals and local markets, traveling and discovering live music. She splits time between the North Shore, Chicago and northern Michigan, valuing time with her children, friends and family. Learn More About Our Events and Offerings ALTAR Community offers a dynamic space for women to connect, grow, and thrive through intentional experiences designed to nurture both personal and professional transformation. Our workshops and gatherings provide opportunities for deep learning and meaningful dialogue, while our retreats and community events create sacred spaces for reflection, wholeness, and authentic connection. We also host monthly Clubhouse Events, which are free for members and open to the public. These events offer a diverse range of experiences such as breathwork and meditation, women’s healing circles, entrepreneurial workshops, and holistic wellness classes, providing opportunities to learn, connect, and recharge in a supportive community. Additionally, ALTAR welcomes inspiring speakers and hosts authors for book talks, fostering thought-provoking conversations, storytelling, and collective growth. Each event is thoughtfully curated to align with our mission of fostering meaningful growth and community. Visit our event page for a complete schedule and details on upcoming experiences. Check Out Our Events SoulCollage® at ALTAR At ALTAR, SoulCollage is one of our signature offerings, and you’ll find a variety of resources to use when you’re in our space. ALTAR Founder and SoulCollage Facilitator, Kathy Bresler, also offers programs and half-day retreats for new and experienced collagers to dive in and create. SoulCollage® is a creative and intuitive process that combines imagery, self-expression, and self-discovery. Through the art of collage, individuals select and arrange images that resonate with different aspects of their inner world, creating unique cards that reflect their emotions, experiences, and aspirations. These personal cards then serve as mirrors to explore one's psyche, gain insights, and foster a deeper understanding of oneself, making SoulCollage® a powerful tool for inner reflection and growth. Learn More about SoulCollage SoulCollage About Join Our Community: Become a Member at ALTAR At the heart of the ALTAR community is a powerful network of women committed to empowerment, where sistering, mentorship, and storytelling come together to inspire and elevate every woman’s journey. Through membership and collaboration opportunities, women can engage more deeply, expand their networks, and co-create within a supportive community. Our Clubhouse Membership lets you tailor your unique journey and preferred ways of engaging with our space. Embark on your path of self-discovery and belonging with us. Explore Membership Our Space Where Inspiration Meets Purpose ALTAR Community's bright and airy event space is located in Logan Square. Its 4,000-square-foot layout is bathed in natural light, accentuated by beautiful architectural elements and thoughtfully curated decor. Inspirational artwork graces the walls, while a variety of comfortable seating options invite both quiet reflection and engaging group discussions. Small group participating in a guided movement or stretching session in a bright, open studio at Alt Women relaxing and chatting in hanging egg chairs in a casual, cozy lounge space at Altar Chicago. Community women circle discussion or workshop in a light-filled room with a presentation screen at A Modern studio space with white brick walls, natural light, and minimalist tables and chairs set up f Participants seated on yoga mats in a mindfulness or meditation session in the spacious studio at Al ALTAR Logo on Beige Background Kathy Bresler leading a relaxed small group conversation or reading circle in a serene, stylish loun Every detail of ALTAR's space is crafted to nurture well-being and create an environment where both individuals and groups can thrive. This intentional design supports productive and transformative experiences. Consider ALTAR as your next offsite location where the space itself supports your event's purpose. Its unique character and mindful design differentiate it from typical event spaces, offering a refreshing environment for leadership retreats, corporate offsites, and milestone celebrations. Learn More Core Practitioners Meet our Core Practitioners We're so proud of the teachers and healers who make up the ALTAR Community. We can't wait for you to meet them. Rachel Kathryn Weber Asta Malciute Elena Soboleva

  • Tracy Levy | ALTAR Community Practitioner

    Meet Tracy Levy, ALTAR Community Practitioner. Tracy offer events and guidance for women seeking connection to their "inner" writer at ALTAR. Meet Tracy Levy teacher. writer. space holder. CLASSES I TEACH AT ALTAR LiFT Circle: pause: a writing cohort for moving through menopause I offer brave spaces and guidance for people seeking connection to their "inner" writer. I DO WHAT I DO BECAUSE: I meet the most honest me when I am writing. PIECE OF ADVICE I'D GIVE MY YOUNGER SELF: It's okay to rest. I FEEL MOST AT HOME: outside with the people I love, with nowhere to be. Or at the table playing Monopoly. WHEN I AM INSPIRED MY MIND FEELS: /MY BODY FEELS: turned on. I LONG TO: publish a book. ONE OUTFIT FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE: a jumpsuit. (70s inspired). MY FAVORITE FORM OF PLAY: erotica. SUN/MOON/RISING SIGN: Sagittarius Sun/Aquarius moon. BOOKS THAT CHANGED MY LIFE: Joan Didion, A Year Of Magical Thinking WHAT I LOVE MOST ABOUT MYSELF: I am a yes person. WHAT I'D LIKE MORE OF IN MY LIFE IS: (If you'd like more time or money, describe what you'd do with more time or money.) 1. More financial stability. Freelance life while wonderful, can be stressful when I don't know every month what my income will be. 2. Gratitude -- to keep seeing a way to be thankful for even the most mundane things like sidewalks. WHAT I WANT LESS OF IN MY LIFE IS: complaining. traffic. I AM MY BEST SELF WHEN: I am well-rested. well-fed. learning and forgiving. THE LESSON IN MY LIFE THAT KEEPS REPEATING IS: Don't be so hard on yourself. I CRAVE: campfires. good stories. I CAN HARDLY TOLERATE: rudeness THE PEOPLE I INTERACT WITH THE MOST SEE ME AS SOMEONE WHO IS: fun, warm, loving, adventurous. MY EVIL TWIN IS: I prefer the word "wild" - she is a teenage girl who must get her way or else. MY FAVORITE PLACE ON EARTH: Maine is up there. MY NO-FAIL, GO-TO FEEL GOOD SONG: Billy Joel, "She's Got a Way" I WOULD LIKE TO REVOLUTIONIZE: mental health treatment I LOVE: great sex. A SOUL-QUENCHING DAY IS: staying in bed. watching movies. a jump in the lake. a dance by the fire. laughing until crying. ADD YOUR OWN PROMPT: If your life story were a movie, what would you title it? THE ALTAR OF MY LIFE IS: at my kitchen table. BACK TO ALL TEACHERS

  • Kathleen Aharoni | ALTAR Community Practitioner

    Meet Kathleen Aharoni, The Human Ecologist. Kathleen hosts sisterhood LiFT Circle events at ALTAR. Meet Kathleen Aharoni The Human Ecologist www.thehumanecologist.com @kathleenaharoni CLASSES I TEACH AT ALTAR Coming to Our Senses LiFT Circle I guide people in awakening their senses and their connectedness to self, Nature and Human Nature. I'm interested in how we embody our human capacity and live free, flourishing and with pleasure. I LOVE: Wandering, wondering and drenching in the sensual. I DO WHAT I DO BECAUSE: I want to touch the unknown, the magical and the possible in me and in everything around me. PIECE OF ADVICE I'D GIVE MY YOUNGER SELF: Love yourself. Know your truth. Feel your belonging. You are always home. WHEN I AM INSPIRED MY MIND FEELS: /MY BODY FEELS: My body wants to burst open and my heart, mind, soul and spirit synch into delicious, unstoppable conversation. I LONG TO: Have infinite time in all iterations of nature to taste, touch, smell, listen, wander, wonder and breath deeply. MY FAVORITE FORM OF PLAY: Joyful innocencing. WHAT I LOVE MOST ABOUT MYSELF: My presence, sensuality and insatiable truing. WHAT I WANT LESS OF IN MY LIFE IS: Hesitation I AM MY BEST SELF WHEN: I remember that I am well. THE LESSON IN MY LIFE THAT KEEPS REPEATING IS: You get to choose, and it is not either or. THE ALTAR OF MY LIFE IS: Nature BACK TO ALL TEACHERS

  • Candice Blansett-Cummins | ALTAR

    Meet Candice Blansett-Cummins, ALTAR Core Practitioner. Candice is a Brand Strategist and Stylist offering events at ALTAR Community. Meet Candice Blansett-Cummins Brand Strategist and Stylist https://wearesmitten.co Instagram: @wearesmitten CLASSES I TEACH AT ALTAR Rally in the Round Beautiful strategy is honest, thoughtful and irresistible – that brilliant verve that's intangible but magnetically palpable. I LOVE: The public library, one of the most democratic institutions of all time, and highly recommend we all use them. I FEEL MOST AT HOME: Barefoot. ONE OUTFIT FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE: Denim cut-off shorts, a big straw lifeguard hat and flip flops. WHEN I AM INSPIRED, MY MIND/BODY FEEL: Electric. MY FAVORITE FORM OF PLAY: Curation of images, colors, words, ideas. I AM MY BEST SELF WHEN: When I'm not worried about what you think. I CRAVE: Water. I don't drink enough but know I should and feel somewhat guilty about it instead of just drinking more water. THE PEOPLE I INTERACT WITH MOST SEE ME AS SOMEONE WHO IS: Curious (both meanings of the word). MY EVIL TWIN: She lives in a dive bar near the jukebox and still smokes cigarettes. A SOUL-QUENCHING DAY IS: Reading in the sunshine. WHAT DO YOU HOARD: Green beauty products and art/design books. BACK TO ALL TEACHERS

  • Heidi Bailey | ALTAR Community Practitioner

    Meet Heidi Bailey, Heart Centered Medium. Heidi hosts New Tools for a New Time at ALTAR Community. Meet Heidi Bailey Heart Centered Medium www.heidibailey.com @heidibaileymedium CLASSES I TEACH AT ALTAR New Tools for a New Time When someone asks what I do I ask, "How open are you to woowoo?" I DO WHAT I DO BECAUSE: Death is not the end of a relationship. Our relationships continue to teach beyond our time here on earth if we are willing to invite connection. I LOVE: Deeply connected moments. PIECE OF ADVICE I'D GIVE MY YOUNGER SELF: There is nothing wrong with you... you just experience life in 6D and that is a lot to take in. WHEN I AM INSPIRED MY MIND FEELS: /MY BODY FEELS: Expansive, free, and flowing. I LONG TO: Laugh more and worry less. BOOKS THAT CHANGED MY LIFE: The Four Fold Way, When Things Fall Apart MY FAVORITE FORM OF PLAY: Travel WHAT I WANT LESS OF IN MY LIFE IS: A need for control. I CAN HARDLY TOLERATE: Small talk MY FAVORITE PLACE ON EARTH: Anywhere where I can see water and mountains from my view. THE ALTAR OF MY LIFE IS: My relationships BACK TO ALL TEACHERS

  • Julie Fedeli | ALTAR Community Practitioner

    Meet Julie Fedeli, Women's Health Advocate. Julie hosts Conversations with a Goddess events at ALTAR Community. Meet Julie Fedeli Women's Heath Advocate www.juliefedeli.com @jules_fedeli CLASSES I TEACH AT ALTAR Conversations With A Goddess, Goddess Salons 2.0 I’m an advocate for women and work with women to find abundance in all aspects of their lives. I am passionate about helping women become radiantly healthy. ONE OUTFIT FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE: Black leather pants, my Norma Kamali “I Am Invincible” t-shirt, my dirty diamond, moonstone, and pearl necklace, and suede Prada platforms. BOOKS THAT CHANGED MY LIFE: I don’t even know where to begin! Play of Consciousness by Swami Muktananda, Babel by Patti Smith, Hands of Light by Barbara Brennan, and The Continuum Concept by Jean Liedloff. I CRAVE: Currently, it’s an Evening Green Juice from Juice Rx in Chicago. MY FAVORITE PLACE ON EARTH: If I could bi-locate… Ganeshpuri India, and a penthouse in NYC. MY NO-FAIL, GO-TO FEEL GOOD SONG: Empire State of Mind with Alicia Keys & Jay-Z and Om Namah Shivaya with Gurumayi I WOULD LIKE TO REVOLUTIONIZE: My prayer is that every woman awakens to her extraordinary beauty and power, and she uses her power to uplift humanity. That is my commitment to the revolution. 🌟 THE ALTAR OF MY LIFE IS: LOVE WINS. BACK TO ALL TEACHERS

bottom of page