About Site Custodian

I am an ordained member of Tiep Hien (The Order of Interbeing) founded by Thich Nhat Hanh. And have been a practitioner with the Florida Community of Mindfulness for over a decade serving in many roles, including a Dharma Instructor. My primary teacher is Fred Eppsteiner, founder of the Florida Community of Mindfulness and ordained Dharma Teacher in the Plum Village Tradition.

I am also a practitioner and transmission holder of the Zhang Zhung Nyen Gyud of Yungdrung Bön, having received transmission and authorization from my root lama, and have studied with respected teachers including Geshe Tenzin Gelek, Lama Lena (Yeshe Kaytup), and Geshe Chaphur Rinpoche.

I am practitioner of both Dream Yoga and Yoga Nidra, having studied with several lamas in the Tibetan tradition and am currently studying Yoga Nidra teacher training, developing a strong foundation in guided meditation, deep relaxation techniques, and trauma-aware practices for psychological and spiritual development. 

I am training to be a teacher of Keksel, essential body movements from the Bönpo Dzogchen and Tantric teachings. I am currently training to deepen my understanding and practice of working with the energies of body and mind, as well as to prepare to transmit this knowledge to others. I also hold the rank of Sho-dan (black belt) in Shito-Ryu Karate-Do, and practice Okinawan Kobudo and the Mindful Movements (Qigong) of the Plum Village tradition.

I also have a degree in Emergency Medical Services Technology, was an nationally registered EMT (Emergency Medical Technician), and currently am trained in CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) where I aspire to doing the greatest good for the greatest number of people. I am trained in iRest,  trauma-aware practices (endorsed by the U.S. Army Surgeon General) to enable individuals to meet each moment of their life with unshakable peace and wellbeing, no matter how challenging or difficult the situation.

I am a certified Mental Health First Aider (youth & adult), who wants to make my community healthier, happier and safer for all through training to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis. I am also certified in SEE Learning (Social, Emotional, and Ethical Learning), a comprehensive curriculum for kids developed at Emory University that advances the field of social and emotional learning by incorporating the science of compassion. 

I am also a Waterkeeper Volunteer Ranger, certified citizen scientists trained to protect and restore the rivers and coastal waters, advocate for clean water, monitor and test water samples in our in-house lab, and conduct surveys and report observed conditions on local waters.