Fall Kaaba: Registration will open soon. Save the date: Oct 23-25.
Chair, Kaaba
Soror Constance serves as Chair of Kaaba, U.S.G.L.’s leadership development initiative, where she oversees the vision and development of Kaaba Colloquium and Kaaba Academy. Her work focuses on strengthening local bodies through leadership education, officer development, and practical resources that support effective administration and long-term organizational health.
Within the Order, she has served in continuous leadership for more than a decade, holding numerous local body offices, including Steward, Secretary, Treasurer, Initiation Secretary, E.G.C. Secretary, Deputy Lodge Master, and Lodge Master. She currently serves as High Priestess of L.V.X. Chapter and a member of the Committee of Four of Tahuti Chapter Rose Croix. She is an Ordained Priestess and a Chartered Initiator.
Professionally, Soror Constance has more than twenty years of experience in strategic communications, organizational leadership, project management, and organizational development. Her career has focused on leading complex initiatives, designing communication strategies, developing educational programs, and building systems that help organizations navigate change and strengthen their operations. Originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, she has worked across the nonprofit, healthcare, education, and media sectors in the United States, Argentina, Brazil, and Ireland.
Email: soror.constance@oto-usa.org
Vice Chair, Kaaba Colloquium
Derek Bales serves as Vice Chair of Kaaba Colloquium, where he helps develop and deliver U.S.G.L.’s leadership education programs. He has been an integral member of the Kaaba team since its early years, contributing to curriculum development, conference planning, and participant education.
An initiate of O.T.O. since 1999 e.v., Derek currently serves as Secretary of the U.S.G.L. Electoral College, having previously served as its Parliamentarian. A founding member and Past Master of Crux Ansata Oasis in Denver, he has held numerous leadership roles throughout the Order. He continues to serve locally as a Chartered Initiator, Ordained Priest, and Music Director, and has also served regionally as Secretary and a member of the Committee of Four of Asherah Chapter Rose Croix.
Professionally, Derek holds a master’s degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology and has extensive experience in learning and development. As a training facilitator, he has designed and delivered onboarding programs, taught technical and professional skills, and coached and certified other trainers. His work combines organizational psychology with practical leadership development, helping individuals and teams build the knowledge and confidence needed to succeed.
Email: derek.bales@oto-usa.org
Program Lead, Kaaba Colloquium
Jay Lee serves as Program Lead for Kaaba Colloquium, where he helps shape the conference curriculum, develop educational content, and ensure that each program provides practical, engaging leadership education for members across U.S.G.L.
Initiated into O.T.O. in 2008 e.v., Jay founded Anabasis Camp in Indianapolis and served as its Master for eight years, helping guide its growth and development. He currently serves as Most Wise Sovereign of Ouarda Chapter Rose Croix, is a member of the Grand Tribunal, chairs the U.S.G.L. Education Committee, and participates in the Local Master Mentorship Program through the Electoral College. He is also a Chartered Initiator and an Ordained Priest of Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica.
Professionally, Jay is a licensed attorney specializing in post-conviction relief for individuals incarcerated within the Indiana Department of Correction. In addition to his legal practice, he administers the New Aeon Center in Indianapolis, which provides meeting and initiation space for Thelemic organizations throughout the Midwest. His work reflects a longstanding commitment to education, mentorship, and service—both within the Order and in his professional life.
Email: jay.lee@oto-usa.org
Academic & Quality Advisor, Kaaba Colloquium
Mike Estell serves as Academic & Quality Advisor for Kaaba, where he provides strategic guidance on curriculum development, instructional design, and educational quality. Working closely with the program leadership team, he helps ensure that Kaaba’s conferences and educational offerings are grounded in sound learning principles, practical leadership development, and a coherent academic framework.
An initiate of O.T.O. since 1998 e.v., Mike has served the Order in numerous leadership roles. He completed an eleven-year term on the U.S.G.L. Electoral College, including several years as its President. He currently serves on the Grand Tribunal, the Committee of Four of Tahuti Chapter Rose Croix, and is both a Chartered Initiator and an Ordained Priest of Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica.
Professionally, Mike holds a Ph.D. and J.D. from Yale University. As Director of Learning & Development at a global law firm, he designs and leads strategic leadership, professional development, and organizational learning programs for attorneys and firm leaders. His expertise in adult learning, curriculum design, and leadership development helps ensure that Kaaba’s educational programs are both academically rigorous and immediately applicable.
Email: mike.estell@oto-usa.org
Speaker
Hattie Quinn serves as a Speaker for Kaaba Colloquium, drawing on decades of leadership experience within U.S.G.L. to present practical, engaging programs that support the development of current and future leaders. She previously served as Local Leadership Training Coordinator, helping shape and expand the program that evolved into today’s Kaaba Colloquium.
Within the Order, Hattie has served in numerous leadership roles, including an eleven-year term on the U.S.G.L. Electoral College, the final four years as its President. She currently serves as Virtual Valley Administrator for the Internet Technology Committee, where she helped design and launch the Virtual Kingdom. She is an Ordained Priestess, a Chartered Initiator, High Priestess of Baphomet Chapter Rose Croix, and a founding member of the Families Committee.
Professionally, Hattie holds a bachelor’s degree in Writing for Film and Television from the Los Angeles Film School. She coordinates workforce grant projects and industry partnerships for Southeast New Mexico College while also serving as News Director for KCCC 930 AM, where she produces news content, newsletters, podcasts, and digital media. Her background in education, communications, and organizational leadership brings a thoughtful and practical perspective to Kaaba’s educational programs.
Email: hattie.quinn@oto-usa.org
Operations & Venue Lead
Sherri McLaughlin serves as Operations & Venue Lead for Kaaba Colloquium, overseeing conference logistics, registration, venue coordination, accommodations, and the many operational details that ensure each event runs smoothly. Her extensive experience managing national O.T.O. events provides the organizational foundation that supports the attendee experience from registration through the conclusion of each conference.
An initiate of O.T.O. since 1997 e.v., Sherri currently serves as U.S.G.L. Document Control Officer, U.S.G.L. Event Liaison, and Assistant Treasurer for Registration. She is also High Priestess of Hagia Sophia Chapter, a Chartered Initiator, an Ordained Priestess, and a Local Master Mentor. Previously, she served as Local Master of Hidden Spring Oasis from 2014 to 2021 and as Onsite Chair for NOTOCON XI, held in Orlando, Florida, in 2017.
Professionally, Sherri has more than thirty-eight years of experience as a paralegal and case manager, working across workers’ compensation, insurance defense, civil litigation, family law, and corporate law. Her career has been defined by meticulous organization, attention to detail, and operational excellence—skills she brings to every Kaaba event. She is also an experienced teacher of tarot and has presented at conferences, festivals, and educational events throughout the United States.