Gabe began studying Buddhism in 2001 and has been with The Guhyasamaja Center since 2005 when he first took refuge vows from Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche. He has completed Buddhism in a Nutshell, Discovering Buddhism, and the requirements to become a facilitator. Gabe has facilitated mindfulness meditation classes since 2015. He’s halfway through the FPMT Basic Program and has completed 3 separate retreats, including the Light of the Path retreat under Lama Zopa Rinpoche at the Kadampa center in NC. (director@guhyasamaja.org)

Jodi found Buddhism in the early 1990's and credits the teachings for turning her life around. She has FPMT completion certificates for the Discovering Buddhism Series and five of the Basic Program topics. She is very happy to share the teachings in hopes of encouraging folks to practice the dharma for their own and other’s happiness. (jodi.schmitt50@gmail.com)

“While we are sitting in meditation, we are simply exploring humanity and all of creation in the form of ourselves.” Pema Chödrön, The Wisdom of No Escape.

Heather R. Cronin is an artist, journeyman stonemason and mother of a beautiful 15 year old. At the age of 32, increased shortness of breath led to a diagnosis of Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Faced with a terminal illness and only the possible reprieve of a lung transplant, Heather learned to meditate from a Transcendental Meditation teacher. In the 20 years since, she received spiritual teachings and explored other meditation practices that increased her resilience and helped her through multiple lung transplant surgeries, life-saving medical procedures and past traumas. The study and practice of depth psychology, shamanism, mysticism, and Buddhism brings clarity, equanimity, joy, and meaning to her life.  

In 2023, Heather took the vow of refuge on retreat with Buddhist teacher Ethan Nichtern and was given the name Pema Chötso. (Lotus Dharma Lake). Upon her return home she found the Guhyasamaja center as a place of refuge in friendship and study of the Mahayana tradition. 

Wishing to support others in their meditation practice, Heather received her mindfulness meditation teacher certification in 2024 from Dharma Moon and Tibet House led by senior Buddhist teacher David Nichtern.