I am a Zen teacher in the Soto Zen lineage of Suzuki Roshi. Across thirty years of work within academia as a scholar-practitioner, I have woven together critical thinking, experiential learning and contemplative practices in a holistic process of education. My action-reflection has included chaplaincy at Wellesley College,  Tufts University and Northeastern University as well as graduate teaching.  Currently I serve as Director of the Masters of Divinity Program and Associate Professor, Wisdom Traditions at Naropa University.

At Wellesley College, I served as a team member within the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life and Intercultural Education. This interreligious team met weekly to discuss world religions and the spiritual dimensions of our shared lives and learning. As chaplains, we were both educators and healers, drawing upon ritual, spirituality and the arts in order to bring about a truly diverse and inclusive college community. In 2020-2021, I served a chaplain residency at UCSF Medical Center. This has strengthened my insight into spiritual care, and what may be known as pastoral care.

For my doctoral dissertation, I conducted narrative research with traditional Buddhist healers to explore the role of worldview in their healing praxis, using an indigenous psychology lens.  I have a deep research/praxis interest in practical theology, narrative approaches, Engaged Buddhism, contemplative care and traditional healing practices.
 

I have also been a lifelong student of earth-honoring traditions.  I honor our relationships with ancestors and the Earth with each step of walking meditation.

My book on Zen, Living the Season: Zen Practice for Transformative Times was released in 2013. Working with people, I help them find their inner resources, and reflect back the hope and wisdom that I see within them. The ways I work with people include

* Teaching (as a Buddhist scholar- practitioner)
* Spiritual Care and Counseling
* Meditation & Mindfulness- Based Stress Reduction
 

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My story can be found here.

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My blog can be found here.