Meet the Counsel
To be a Metro Valley Pagan Pride project one of these people has to be involved.
West Virginia Pagan Pride is defined by the projects that we do in the community.
Jacinta (Jai) Johnson is an esoteric practitioner rooted in ancestral knowing, intuitive work, and lived experience. Based in Charleston, West Virginia, she walks a path that blends tarot, oracle systems, and crystal work with deep respect for tradition and spirit-led practice. Her approach is grounded, direct, and guided by both intuition and discipline. Her work centers on clarity, protection, and personal empowerment, offering insight without illusion. She honors the importance of closed practices and cultural boundaries, holding space with integrity and accountability. Jacinta believes spiritual work should be both accessible and responsible—never performative, always intentional. As a reader and practitioner, she brings a steady presence, sharp discernment, and a no-nonsense compassion to those she serves. Her voice reflects both the wisdom of her ancestors and her commitment to ethical, community-minded practice.
Melissa Scherrep (Lady Athena) lives in St. Albans, West Virginia with her dog Lily. A retired teacher and clarinet player, she played many years in the pit orchestra for the Charleston Light Opera Guild. Having walked the Wiccan Path since 1997, she is now a member of the Ravens Nest Kindred and a founding member of the Sisters of the Rising Moon Coven. Melissa keeps busy creating art and crafts with her friend Lady Phoenix of the Crafty Chameleon. Melissa works behind the scenes on Broom Not Vroom events, lending work where she’s needed. She was also assistant editor of the Metro Valley Pagan Press.
Lady Phoenix Blue (Lisa A. Diamond) lives in St. Albans, West Virginia with her partner Jay and there furbabies. Owner of The Crafty Chameleon since 2018, she stays busy creating eclectic, funky pieces of art and craft items. Lady Phoenix has been a practicing Witch and Wiccan for almost 30 years and is a founding member of the Sisters of the Rising Moon Coven. An original member of Metro Valley Pagan Pride, Lady Phoenix has done various jobs with the organization, to include Editor of the organization's newspaper Metro Valley Pagan Press and more recently Merchant Liaison for the 2025 Broom not Vroom event. Lady Phoenix is also an emerging tarot reader.
Astera-Sylviadh is a Wiccan practitioner who studies Druidry, Pennsylvania Braucherei, Hellenic and Celtic Paganism. She balances mystical study with guiding rituals, teaching classes, family and friends. Passionate about building inclusive spiritual communities, Astera is active with Metro Valley Pagan Pride, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Charleston, Spiral Moon Grove, and Black Forest Clan Circle & Seminary. She is a fierce advocate for marginalized people and social equity, bringing her values into both sacred and everyday life. Professionally, she empowers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, striving to improve their quality of life through compassion, teaching, and advocacy. A granny rooted in family and community, with dirt under her nails, Astera tends her path through service, continually learning and living her practice.
West Virginia born and raised, Lady Ferrous Nightwind has been a Pagan for 25+ years. She has practiced everything from Celtic to Progressive Asatru while making a positive impact on the community. With her Reiki mastery and degree in Massage Therapy she helps heal with her hands and her heart.
