Harbin’s management team is working hard to rebuild something deeply loved from the past, while creating something beautiful and new for the future. In addition to the day to day business of running the hot springs our rebuilding continues on schedule. Get to know Harbin’s Daily Operations Team Leaders who are bringing Harbin into the future. Chayo is a long time employee, resident, and Minister of Heart Consciousness Church. You may have met her over the years in one of the many departments where she has worked and Managed.
Chayo is a native of Lake County who was raised in North Lake County. She is the daughter of immigrant parents who immigrated to Lake County in the 70’s and is a first-generation Mexican American. She admits that she had never heard of Harbin Hot Springs, until she was in her late teens.
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about many things, one of them being personal growth. I also have a deep passion for uplifting and empowering others, and helping people advocate for themselves. I care deeply about animals, which explains my choice to become a vegetarian from a young age, then vegan for the last 20 years. Lastly, I am also deeply passionate about creativity and the arts.
What do you do in your free time?
Being a parent of two young children, I drive to and from sport games regularly and have playdates during my free time. To help fill my cup when it is running empty, I like to paint. I am an artist who paints faces and does body art and I really enjoy doing that because it allows me to release my creativity in ways that I never imagined.
Where did you work before coming to Harbin?
I really did not have much experience in other jobs before arriving at Harbin. I came to Harbin when I was young. As a teen I worked in a fast-food restaurant and at an immigration and tax service office. I later worked as a preschool teacher for a short period of time.
When did you arrive here?
I first started visiting Harbin while I was still in high school in 2001 and 2002, but I did not start working here until 2003.
How did you learn about Harbin?
The first time I heard about Harbin was when my partner answered an ad in the local newspaper to help build the Domes. He began working here and would come home with stories about Harbin, which intrigued me. I then applied to work at Harbin and was hired on the spot. I was overjoyed!
What Jobs have you worked at over the years at Harbin?
For many years, I worked and Managed the Housekeeping Department and ran the Lost & Found. In following years, I worked part time making flower arrangements and writing the staff newsletter, “The Harbinger.” I did not only work at Harbin for these past 20 years. I also lived on and off property for a period of time. While living on property I became a fire keeper and assisted with the monthly sweat lodge ceremonies. During my period of living at Harbin I also became an ordained minister. Sadly, in 2015, we all lost our jobs due to a fire that ravaged our community. Shortly after the fire, I offered to help in any capacity and took on doing the mail and worked in the Health & Safety and Purchasing Departments. In 2019 I was appointed the role of Department Manager Liaison (DML) and worked overseeing various departments. I am now a Managing Director, and it is an honor to be a part of Harbin’s next phase by helping restore our retreat center to the way it was before the fire.
How do you inspire your team and others?
I try to lead by example by being a compassionate leader. A successful team requires an inspiring environment and a leader that motivates them, and I aim to be a strong support system for my team.
What is your vision or what are your hopes for the future?
I envision Harbin becoming a sustainable retreat center using its own resources in order to make it better for future generations. I am really looking forward to being able to see Harbin rebuilt and being a part of developing a thriving community as it evolves into the next chapter of its history. All I want is to see Harbin grow and flourish with all of us.
