Biographies

Eve Cook

Executive Director

While professionally trained in Biomedical Science, Eve shifted careers due to the peace and healing she found with nature.  Eve, her husband, and her parents dreamed of creating a place like Elohee —a container where people can retreat and find community in a nurturing and safe way–while Eve faced ongoing cancer treatments.  Eve envisioned a place where the land becomes a partner with facilitators, guests, and staff for personal growth and healing. She believes being still and listening to nature can bring some of life’s greatest gifts.  Eve truly enjoys engaging with retreat facilitators and participants in person while they are at Elohee. Eve also loves reading, traveling, expressing herself through her artwork, and the time spent with her husband and furry companions.

Michael Cook

Facilities Director

Michael has always been one to work with his hands and through the years has found that he is most comfortable when surrounded by nature.  A background of two decades in manufacturing and industrial maintenance has provided him with the skills to manage the infrastructure needs of the center.  Michael loves that Elohee provides him the opportunity to get his hands dirty and stay connected with nature. Over the past few years, guests have given him the nickname “That Guy” as he pops up and handles most any need and situation.

Augustin Bralley

Head of Technology

Augustin (Augie) has been the go-to for IT support since “Elohee was just an idea floating around.” But it is actually the second family business that he helped build. After graduating from UGA with a degree in Computer Science, Augustin worked in IT, web development, marketing, and SEO at Metametrix. As the son of the founders, he also participated at the Director level and helped drive many strategic initiatives for six years prior to the founding of Elohee. Augustin has also founded two tech startups and worked at a mid-sized tech company in San Francisco as an engineering manager. Now he lives in Atlanta and spends his time building with AI for humans while raising his little kiddo with his amazing wife and world’s cutest pug (named Bug). Fun Fact: Augustin and Becca met at Burning Man.

James & Carolyn Bralley

Advisors & Board Members

James and Carolyn Bralley serve on the Elohee Board of Directors. They were instrumental in the creation of Elohee and serve it today in advisory and supportive roles.

In the early 1980s, shortly after James received his PhD in Medical Sciences from the University of Florida, they started a clinical laboratory business specializing in functional laboratory testing. After nearly 30 years, they sold the laboratory and retired to the Georgia mountains where they purchased the land on which Elohee sits today.

James and Carolyn were students at the University of Illinois where they met through their involvement in Transcendental Meditation. Over the decades, meditation, yoga and retreats have been a big part of their lives together. They often took their young children on camping trips to the Georgia mountains and fell in love with the forests there. With its focus on healing, nature immersion, retreat, meditation, yoga and service, Elohee was a natural progression for their retirement years.

James goes by his nickname Andy. You will notice Andy’s woodworking hobby throughout Elohee in headboards, night tables, benches, gong stand, etc. (Carolyn assisting). He can also be seen on his riding mower, maintaining the expansive yards on Bald Mountain and at the Bamboo Cottage. Carolyn helps with accounting, gift shop, etc. Many of you have met them as they shuttle you up and down the mountain, delighted to share this beautiful space with you!

Micki Wisenbaker

Retreat Director

Micki Wisenbaker, before joining the Elohee family as a Retreat Coordinator in 2021, attended a retreat in October 2019 and fell in love with the property; its views, calming energy, and devoted founders and staff. She recalls thinking, “Wow, this would be an awesome place to work!”

Retired from a 20-year career in Massage Therapy and Esthetics, Micki is excited to have found work that still allows her to assist in creating healing and wellness experiences. She loves using her strengths in planning and organizing to support Elohee’s mission.

When not working, Micki enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time with her husband and 2 cats.

Liana N. Fiallos

Retreat Vision Coordinator/Webpages

Liana first discovered Elohee in 2021 during a retreat with her meditation group and has felt deeply connected ever since. Now part of the Elohee team, she’s grateful to support an organization that truly aligns with her values and vision for healing. A yoga teacher and student of Ayurveda, Liana has spent over eight years devoted to wellness, sacred connection, and guiding others through mindful movement and intentional living. With a background in nonprofits, team leadership, and guest experience, she brings a heart-centered presence to everything she does. A storyteller at heart—whether through words, baking, or crafts—Liana finds joy in creativity and meaningful connection. She shares her home with a tiny pup, two cats, and a thriving collection of plants. This year brings extra joy as she prepares to marry the love of her life.

Molly LaGrasso-Wynne

Marketing Manager

Meet Molly LaGrasso Wynne, Elohee’s Marketing Manager. Molly joined the Elohee team in 2019, right after graduating from LSU (Geaux Tigers!). However, due to COVID, she pursued a different path until she found herself returning to Elohee in the spring of 2023.

Before joining Elohee, Molly worked as an International Adventure Guide. She had the incredible opportunity to lead students on thrilling trips around the world, fostering their love for exploration and discovery. Nowadays, Molly resides in Sautee with her husband on a stunning 22-acre property, where they have created unique and funky Airbnb rentals.

As a nature enthusiast, you may run into Molly on the trails at Elohee, immersing herself in the serenity and beauty of the surrounding environment. Her love for nature and adventure perfectly align with Elohee’s mission, and she firmly believes she is exactly where she is meant to be.

Say hi to Molly when you see her on the trails, and join her in embracing the tranquility and beauty that Elohee has to offer!

Bruce Johnson

Executive Chef

Bruce Johnson is a seasoned chef with 48 years of experience spanning private schools, colleges, airlines, restaurants, convention centers, hospitals, and country clubs. A self-proclaimed “jack of all trades, master of none,” he thrives in diverse culinary settings, ensuring excellence across all aspects of the kitchen.

As an executive chef, Bruce likens his role to that of a conductor in an orchestra—mastering timing, precision, and teamwork to create a seamless dining experience. A native of Athens, GA, he is deeply passionate about connecting with guests, providing exceptional hospitality, and accommodating dietary needs with ease.

With an art major background in college, Bruce now channels his creativity into food, using taste as his artistic medium. He draws energy from the dynamic atmosphere of a busy kitchen and the joy of feeding others. Outside of work, he cherishes time with his family—especially alongside his wife, who is also a chef.

Len Bloom

Maintenance & Facilities

Len arrived at Elohee after an incredible series of events that took him and his wife (Heidi) from Cape Coral, Florida to the mountains of Georgia. The details of the journey are far too long to share here but ask him about it when you see him!

Len and Heidi are originally from Wisconsin and have been together for 35 years. Len will be assisting Michael with all things related to maintaining the facility, as well as guest services, so you will definitely see him while you are attending your retreat. Len has a wide-ranging background including facilities maintenance, rental property owner, and restaurant owner. He enjoys spending time with his wife walking the mountain trails and has an interest in many hobbies including woodworking and using resin to create all types of crafts.

Sandy Osieja

Spa Front Desk

Sandy became part of the Elohee family in February 2016, arriving just in time to witness the very first retreat held on Bald Mountain. Reaching out to Elohee marked an important step on her journey toward both professional and personal fulfillment, and she was welcomed into the community with warmth and kindness. She now serves as part of our Front Desk team in the Spa & Gift Shop, where she enjoys greeting guests and helping them feel at home.

Before joining Elohee, Sandy built a diverse career working in law and business offices from Buffalo, New York, to Los Angeles, California, and eventually back to Dahlonega, Georgia. She also spent a life-changing year in Burkina Faso, West Africa—an experience that deepened her perspective and appreciation for connection and service. When the time came to seek a more meaningful path, the call of a retreat center felt undeniable. That choice not only brought her greater joy but also inspired her to pursue her yoga teacher certification.

Today, Sandy continues to share her love of yoga, travel, hiking, and reading while cherishing time with her beloved cat and dog companions. At Elohee, you can often find her welcoming guests in the Spa & Gift Shop or enjoying a peaceful walk along the property’s many scenic trails.