Rev. Matthew S. Bartky, Pastor / President

Rev. Matthew is a founding member of Sacred Wind Sanctuary. He is currently serving as the Pastor of the congregation, and President of the Board. Rev. Matthew has always had a profound interest in religions, culture, and society. Raised in a conservative Jewish household, Rev. Matthew learned a balanced view of the religion and was a Bar Mitzvah. Though not able to reconcile the differences taught by the theology of Judaism, and the understanding of modern sciences, he continued his spiritual journey into the enlightenment of other beliefs while still maintaining his respect and pride for the heritage. Introduced to general Paganism at age 12, Rev. Matthew found an immediate identification with many of the principals and beliefs he found there. From that point on, he made a dedication to learning the ways and beliefs of the old ways. Finding an identification best with the teachings of Wicca, Rev. Matthew began his practicing as a solitary practitioner. By age 14, Rev. Matthew's thirst for spiritual learning grew, and was taken on as an apprentice to a local experienced High Priest. Taking an opportunity while attending Monmouth University, Rev. Matthew enjoyed learning as much as possible about the evolution of Western Cultures, and their respective religions. Rev. Matthew has been practicing now for 12 fruitful years, under the guidance of his High Priest. In June 2008, he was ordained by the Universal Life Church of Modesto, California, giving him better opportunity to serve the public and Pagan community as a member of the clergy. Working for the betterment of the community, Rev. Matthew also lends his experience as a Co-Local Coordinator to the Central NJ Pagan Pride Day.

Rev. Tara C. Banghart, Priestess and Secretary

Rev. Tara is one of the founding members of Sacred Wind Sanctuary. She serves on the Board of Directors as Secretary. An Ordained Minister of the Universal Life Church of Modesto, California as well as the Sacred Wind Sanctuary Congregation, Rev. Tara performs functions of the Pagan clergy as well, lending her unique experience and knowledge to the ritual celebrations of Sacred Wind Sanctuary. She has been a practicing Wiccan since 1998, and her main areas of interest include, but are certainly not limited to, astrology, divination, history/mythology (mostly Celtic, Egyptian, and Greek/Roman.), meditation, and animal magick. A proud mother of 2, Tara resides in Northern New Jersey with her Husband and children.

Rev. David W. Baker, Religious Advisor, Priest, and Elder

Dave started his journey at the age of 7 when he realized that he could read playing cards and was able to see and hear ghosts. He soon was under the tutelage of a prominent High Priestess and Crone of The Circle of Wind coven. Following her passing 15 years later, Dave was taught by her successor, for 21 years. Dave is educated in the Wiccan ways, as well as the Celtic, Druid, and shamanistic ways. His journey has continued to further his understanding of all earth based religions. In 1985 and again in 1987 he assisted with PA police in two missing person cold cases and was able to help bring to light and find the missing people. Dave “Stardancer” enjoys living simply and has always believed that what is given freely should be given back freely. Life is not about making a name, but just to enjoy life. Dave continues to further his spiritual enlightenment and assists others along the same path. A certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor since 1991, he is currently acting as a Religious Advisor to Sacred Wind Sanctuary. Dave is a dually ordained Minister of both the Universal Life Church of Modesto, California and Sacred Wind Sanctuary.

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Jonathan E. Marcus, Community Outreach Director

Jonathan is 26 years old and a college graduate of Middlesex County College. He was the Vice-President of the Middlesex Co. College Wicca Club, and was one of the Founders of the PSMCC (The Pagan Society of Middlesex Co College). He is a Central New Jersey Pagan Pride Project Co-Local Coordinator and President of that board, and has been running the events since 2007. Jonathan also assisted with a now disbanded group, "Beyond the Summit" as the Central NJ Regional Director. He now works with Sacred Wind Sanctuary as the Community Outreach Director. His passions are cooking, writing poetry, horseback riding, shooting billiards, movies, racquetball, Ancient religions/history, having fun, and having an intellectual conversations. Jonathan is practitioner of the Ancient Egyptian faith (Kemetic), and proud to be a first generation Egyptian Jewish American. His areas of study include Norse/Asatru, Greek & Roman, Thelema, Wicca, Celtic, and other practices.

Stephen R. Sprague, Community Board

Stephen started his journey in his teens following the path of Wicca, as taught by a good friend and mentor. While attending college at Rutgers University, He continued his journey to understanding by following the path of the Asatru. In 2007 he assisted in set up and organization of Central New Jersey Pagan Pride Day, and in 2008, was a Co-Sponsor/Coordinator. In addition, Stephen was a member of the Non-Profit group Beyond the Summit, and assisted with the web design and maintenance of their website. Today, he continues to work as a Co-Local Coordinator for Central New Jersey Pagan Pride Day. A founding  Member, and former Treasurer on the Board of Directors for Sacred Wind Sanctuary, Stephen now seeks to further his spiritual enlightenment and assist others along the same path. Stephen now sits on the Community Board as an advisor and respected contributor.