Who We Are

With a knack for reimagining legacy enterprises through a spiritual lens, Summer Rodman has always been drawn to projects that weave together the rich tapestry of diverse spiritual traditions. Her collaboration with Julie Wilder to rejuvenate Spiral Circle Bookstore, a cornerstone for Orlando’s spiritual seekers since its inception by Beverly Ford in 1975, stands testament to her vision. This venture was a precursor to her most ambitious project yet: Center Street — A Place for the Heart.

Transforming the erstwhile Baba Sri Chand Ashram into Center Street, Summer has ushered in a new era for this sacred ground. Known for decades as the heart of Orlando’s Kundalini Yoga community, the property has been lovingly restored and now offers a 15-bed retreat center. This space is dedicated to fostering growth, healing, and spiritual exploration through workshops and retreats centered around wellness, consciousness, and spirituality.

Summer has been actively involved in various Orlando-centric communities over the years. In her 20s, these included Ann Kennedy’s Jung Center in Winter Park, where she was introduced to the concepts of Carl Jung and Dreamwork, and The Kundalini Yoga School, which taught her foundational skills in mindfulness, mantra, and health. Her various roles with The Kerouac Project allowed her to engage with visiting writers and Orlando’s literary community. She has also been a dedicated member of groups such as Essay Club, the Post-Modern Old-Sport Badminton Club, the Mall Rats, the Floral Underground, and the Buttermilk Gang, among others. These experiences have fueled her passion for creating communities that bring people together for diverse and enriching purposes, whether ephemeral, short-lived, ill-advised, or long-lasting, impactful, and life-changing.

Imane El Ghazouani, known for her boundless playfulness and innovative spirit, is the dynamic Director of Center Street – A Place for the Heart. With a keen eye for crafting transformative experiences, Imane brings her expertise in learning experience design to the forefront, ensuring every retreat and workshop hosted at the center transcends the ordinary.

Outside her role at Center Street, Imane dedicates her time and skills to the Zendo Project, where she plays a crucial role in supporting administrative functions. Her commitment to harm reduction and the advancement of psychedelic research underscores her deep-seated belief in the power of conscious exploration and healing.

Imane’s journey began in Morocco, where she was born and raised, immersing herself in the rich tapestry of Hospitality & Recreation Marketing Operations. This foundational experience instilled in her a profound understanding of creating spaces that welcome, nurture, and inspire. Her quest for knowledge and personal growth led her to the United States, where she earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Central Florida, further diversifying her skill set.

Her professional path took a turn towards sustainability and health, focusing on sustainable building commissioning. Imane’s work in project management, especially in developing systems for healthy air quality in educational buildings, reflects her commitment to creating environments that support well-being and growth.

At Center Street, Imane is the linchpin for those wishing to book events, offering her deep expertise to guide them in designing retreats that are not only memorable but also deeply impactful. Her multifaceted background, from hospitality to engineering and sustainable design, enables her to approach each event with a unique perspective, blending logistical precision with creative flair.

Imane’s role as the main point of contact is more than administrative; it’s about connecting with each person’s vision and helping to bring it to life in the most vibrant and effective way possible. Her approach is characterized by a blend of meticulous planning and spontaneous creativity, ensuring that every retreat reflects the essence of play, learning, and exploration.

In essence, Imane El Ghazouani is not just the director of Center Street; she is an Architect of Experiences, crafting each event and retreat with an eye towards transformation, connection, and the joy of discovery. Her leadership ensures that Center Street remains a beacon for those seeking to step away from the everyday and into a world of possibility and growth.