I am deeply grateful for the wisdom and guidance of these extraordinary teachers, whose teachings have been woven into every facet of my life. Their insights and compassion have not only shaped my personal journey but also inspire the work I do with our community.
Each teacher has offered me and so many others around the world a unique perspective, style, and expertise, deepening my practice and empowering me to live a more mindful and compassionate life.
Cheri Maples was a dharma teacher, keynote speaker, organizational consultant, and co-founder of the Center for Mindfulness and Justice. In 2008, she was ordained by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, her long-time spiritual teacher. Cheri’s dedication to integrating mindfulness within the criminal justice system and her compassionate teaching style were instrumental in inspiring me to become a Mindfulness Teacher. Her legacy of bringing mindfulness to diverse and challenging environments continues to shape my approach to coaching and mentoring.
Tara Brach is a renowned meditation teacher, psychologist, and author who seamlessly blends Western psychology with Eastern spiritual practices. Her emphasis on mindful attention and compassionate engagement has made her a leading voice in Western Buddhism. As a dear friend and mentor, Tara’s wise and caring approach to overcoming suffering has profoundly influenced my coaching and teaching, inspiring me to integrate mindfulness and compassion into my work to foster meaningful transformation.
Ruth King is the Founder of Mindful of Race Institute, LLC, and a celebrated author, educator, and meditation teacher. She leads mindfulness retreats worldwide and develops practitioners at esteemed institutions like the Spirit Rock Meditation Center, Insight Meditation Society, and the Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program. Ruth’s commitment to blending mindfulness with social justice and creating inclusive practices has deeply influenced my coaching, teaching, and mentoring, encouraging me to foster compassionate and diverse environments.
Jack Kornfield trained as a Buddhist monk in Thailand, India, and Burma, and holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. He is a founding teacher of both the Insight Meditation Society in Massachusetts and the Spirit Rock Meditation Center in California. As a key figure in introducing mindfulness to the West, Jack has been teaching internationally since 1974 and is the author of 16 bestselling books, selling over 2 million copies. Jack’s profound teachings and dedication to mindfulness and compassion have greatly influenced my coaching, teaching, and mentoring practices.
Pema Chödrön is an American Buddhist teacher, author, nun, and mother who inspires millions worldwide with her down-to-earth message of practicing peace in turbulent times. Her book, When Things Fall Apart, was one of the first and most inspiring books I read about Buddhism in the 1990s. Pema’s teachings on embracing uncertainty and cultivating inner peace have profoundly shaped my approach to coaching, teaching, and mentoring, helping me guide others to find calm and resilience amidst life’s challenges.
Sebene Selassie has spent over thirty years exploring meditation, spirituality, art, and the esoteric, becoming a gifted teacher of profound truths through contemplative, creative, and culturally relevant practices. She bridges ancient teachings with modern cultures, making deep wisdom accessible and joyful. Sebene is renowned for her relatable approach and creating engaging learning environments filled with beauty and insight. Her ability to infuse profound material with creativity and relevance has greatly influenced my coaching, teaching, and mentoring, inspiring me to foster vibrant and meaningful experiences for the women I support.
Tuere Sala believes that urban meditation is essential for today’s practitioners seeking liberation. Passionate about bringing the Dharma to nontraditional places, she strongly advocates for individuals dealing with high stress, past trauma, and challenges with stillness. Her teachings offer an easy-to-follow and understandable approach to Dharma, making mindfulness accessible to everyone. Tuere’s relatable and practical methods have deeply influenced my coaching and mentoring, empowering me to help women in midlife integrate mindfulness into their busy lives with clarity and compassion.
David Treleaven, PhD, is a writer, educator, and trauma professional specializing in the intersection of mindfulness and trauma. He is the author of the acclaimed book Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness and the founder of the Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness (TSM) Community—a group committed to enhancing mindfulness practices with a trauma-informed approach. David’s expertise in creating safe and compassionate mindfulness environments has profoundly influenced my coaching and mentoring, enabling me to support women in midlife with strategies that honor their unique experiences and promote deep healing.
Richard C. Schwartz, PhD, is the creator of Internal Family Systems (IFS), an evidence-based therapeutic model that de-pathologizes the multipart personality. As the founder of the IFS Institute, he provides training for both professionals and the general public. Formerly an associate professor in Psychiatry at the University of Illinois at Chicago and later at Northwestern University, Richard now serves on the faculty of Harvard Medical School. With five published books and a reputation as a sought-after presenter, Richard’s work has profoundly influenced my coaching and mentoring practices, empowering me to help women in midlife explore and integrate their inner selves for deep healing and personal growth.
Reverend Angel Kyodo Williams is an ordained Zen priest and sensei, acclaimed author of Radical Dharma and Being Black: Zen and the Art of Living with Fearlessness and Grace. She empowers us to move beyond political correctness and societal norms, advocating for the radical practice of justice and meaningful relationships. Reverend Angel’s teachings inspire me to incorporate conversations about justice and compassionate connection into my coaching, teaching, and mentoring, fostering a more just and connected community for the women I support.
DaRa Williams brings over 25 years of experience in Insight Meditation and the mental health field. She completed the Spirit Rock/IMS/IRC Teacher Training and now serves as a Spirit Rock Stewarding Teacher and Associate Guiding Teacher at IMS. As a trainer and wellness coach, DaRa is a certified Focusing Oriented Therapist and a practitioner of Aboriginal Focusing Oriented Complex Trauma Therapy. Her expertise in trauma-informed mindfulness and compassionate coaching has profoundly influenced my approach, empowering me to support women in midlife with effective, healing practices that foster resilience and personal growth
Sharon Shelton offers life coaching and mentoring and does not diagnose or treat disease, prescribe medication, or perform the functions of clinical occupations. Always consult your doctor. Sharon is happy to work with your physician’s guidance to best support your safety and wellbeing.
Contact Us