Meet the Team

The people who welcome, guide, and support each ShadowSmith workshop bring different strengths to the room. Together, we create a thoughtful, well-held space where participants can move through the experience at their own pace.

  • River K. Benson, founder of Joy and Forge Forward and creator of ShadowSmith

    River K. Benson

    FOUNDER & CREATOR OF SHADOWSMITH

    River is the founder of Joy and Forge Forward and the creator of ShadowSmith: The Journey. An educator, artist, and lifelong student of how people make meaning, she brings together visual storytelling, reflective practice, and a deep respect for each person’s inner authority. Her own experiences of trauma, loss, identity shifts, and renewal shaped her commitment to creating tools that help people slow down, listen inward, and meet change without abandoning themselves.

    River holds a Bachelor of Education in Special Education and Elementary Education, a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Experimental Studies with an emphasis in graphic arts, and an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Laboratory Science. She has also trained in coaching with respected thought leaders. Her background gives her an unusual combination of educational experience, scientific curiosity, creative thinking, and compassionate attention.

    Through ShadowSmith, River creates the structure and guides the journey without telling participants what their experience should mean. She believes insight is most useful when it belongs to the person discovering it—and that honest reflection can be both serious work and surprisingly enjoyable.

  • Lisa Stein, assistant facilitator for Joy and Forge Forward

    Lisa Stein

    ASSISTANT FACILITATOR

    Lisa brings 15 years of experience facilitating Heart of Now and New Culture’s Forum. Heart-centered and gifted in holding space, she is certified in self-counseling and has led both facilitation classes and workshops. Originally from New York, Lisa has called Oregon home for the past 40 years. Her warmth, experience, and steady presence make her a deeply valued member of the Joy and Forge Forward team.

  • Jeff Lichtman, workshop greeter and support for Joy and Forge Forward

    Jeff Lichtman

    GREETER & WORKSHOP SUPPORT

    Jeff holds a Master’s degree in Education. Semi-retired, he now works with Joy and Forge Forward as our workshop greeter and the person who fills in wherever he is needed. He helps arrange the rooms, keeps check-in moving, and makes sure the practical details are cared for. Jeff will be the first face participants see at the door of every workshop.