Branch Teachers
In addition to our Resident Teacher, Gen Kelsang Mondrub, Kadampa Meditation Center Georgia has several other qualified Kadampa Teachers, both lay and ordained. These Teachers are all senior students of Gen Mondrub and study in either the Foundation Program or Teacher Training Program. Each of them offers a unique perspective of the Kadampa Teachings, and they explain clearly how to practice in daily life from their own personal experience.
Melanie Boyd has been part of Kadampa Meditation Center Georgia for several years. She has participated in the Foundation Program and is currently the class coordinator. She also volunteers weekly at the World Peace Cafe. With such an open heart, it is no wonder that Melanie spends her days working in Human Resources.
Bob Buchman is one of the many people who have helped to build the Center as you see it today. As one of Kadampa Meditation Center Georgia's "veterans," he has been a key part of the Center community since its early days in the late '90s. He is a long-time student of the Foundation Program and the Teacher Training Program. Professionally, Bob is a self-employed computer consultant.
"I used to see myself as having a professional life, a personal life, and a spiritual life. I now realize these were false distinctions on my part. We are indeed spiritual beings having a human experience. So I believe it is very important to integrate these valuable teachings into every aspect of our life. For me, at first, this was challenging-then it became meaningful and fun!"
Jamie Childers has been studying Kadampa Buddhism since September 2001. She is a dedicated student and teaches with warmth and enthusiasm from personal experience. Professionally, Jamie works in water resource planning for an environmental engineering firm.
Terri Cooke has been studying and practicing Buddhism since the late 1990's and is a member of the Teacher Training Program. Her welcoming smile is an indication of the openness and love she has for everyone she meets. Terri relates her experiences using the wisdom and compassion of dharma in raising two teenage children. She also works at a local high school.
Scott Drake's love of dharma shows in this tireless effort to help residents of Memphis find true sources of happiness. When Scott first stumbled on Gen Kelsang Mondrub giving a book talk in Mississippi, he knew he had found the solution to all his problems.
Trish Gurney, originally from New York, lives and works in Peachtree City. She has been part of Kadampa Meditation Center Georgia for several years and joined the Foundation Program in 2006. Professionally, Trish is a Qi Gong master.
Kevin Hawkins is a native of Rock Hill, South Carolina but currently lives in Hartselle, Alabama with his wife and two children. He has been practicing Kadampa Buddhism since 2007 and currently teaches in Huntsville, Alabama. He spent 4 years in the United States Marine Corps and currently owns and operates a small internet company.
My favorite quote is from Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life.
"When I find myself assailed by a host of delusions , I will oppose them in a thousand ways. Like a lion amoung a group of foxes, I will not allow myself to be harmed by delusions."
Bonita McCay uses her skills as an art teacher to present Kadam dharma to her students in accessible ways. She has lived in Florence, Alabama for more than 20 years and has been attending classes on dharma since they were brought to northern Alabama.
Cindy Parker became interested in Kadam Dharma after volunteering her time at the World Peace Cafe Atlanta. She is the Education Program Coordinator at Kadampa Meditation Center Georgia and devotes every aspect of her daily life to helping others find happiness.
Dennis Reynolds' first Kadam dharma teaching was four years ago when Gen Kelsang Mondrub came to Pensacola. Gen Mondrub spoke on Geshe Kelsang Gyatso’s Transform Your Life and from that point forward Dennis’ life was transformed. Dennis now enjoys the wonderful opportunity he has to teach and share Kadam Dharma in Pensacola, FL.
Tom has been a Kadampa practitioner since the 1990s, starting out in Clearwater, Florida before moving to Mississippi in 2004. Eager to continue his practice in MS, Tom helped create the necessary conditions to start a branch group in Mississippi. Tom works as a mental health and addictions therapist in the Starkville area.
