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 14 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 Local Coordinator to the Central NJ Pagan Pride Day. Beginning in 2011, he assumes President of the Board for the Central NJ Pagan Pride Project.

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.

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Meriwyn Travisano,  Treasurer
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Desiree R. Prill, Community Outreach Director

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Jonathan E. Marcus, Community Outreach Volunteer

Jonathan is 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 was a Central New Jersey Pagan Pride Project Co-Local Coordinator and President of that board from 2007 through 2010, and now continues to volunteer after stepping down from the board. 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 a Community Outreach volunteer. 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.