Experience & Credentials

For over 30 years, I have devoted my life to the path of awakening—integrating the teachings of Dzogchen, Buddhism, Yoga, and Christian Mysticism with modern approaches to mindfulness, compassion, and therapeutic yoga. Shaped by decades of study, retreat, and training with respected teachers across Asia, Europe, and the United States, my work offers an awareness-based path that bridges timeless wisdom with contemporary life, supporting healing, resilience, and authentic transformation.

Areas of Study and Experience

Dzogchen Studies

Dzogchen, or Ati Yoga, has been at the heart of my spiritual path, emphasizing direct experiential insight into awareness, reality, and compassion through profound teachings and retreats.

• Introduction to Dzogchen: Received foundational pointing-out instructions from lineage master Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche in 1991.
• Practice and Teachings: Advanced instructions from Lama Surya Das, Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, Keith Dowman, James Low, and others, including restricted teachings with Alan Wallace and the Wisdom Academy.
• Textual Study: Scholarly study and transmissions of essential Dzogchen texts under the direct guidance of qualified lineage teachers, including:
• The Single Sufficient Path by Gampopa (Kagyu Tradition)
• The Three Words Striking The Vital Point by Garab Dorje (Semde Mind Series)
• The Heart of the Matter by Tsele Natsok Rangdrol (Nyingma Tradition) 
• Retreats and Pilgrimage: Undertook immersive retreats, including guided meditation at the Asura Cave in Nepal, and practiced in the historic caves of Guru Rinpoche and Milarepa in the Himalayas, deepening experiential insight.
  

Buddhist Studies

Blending traditional Buddhist teachings with modern therapeutic approaches, my studies focus on cultivating emotional balance, resilience, and self-awareness.

• Bodhi Training (2 years): Insight and compassion training with Erik Pema Kunsang, Denmark.
• Foundations of Mindfulness: Study of mindfulness practice with Ven. Analayo, Insight Meditation Society/Wisdom Academy.
• Cultivating Emotional Balance: Training developed by Dr. Paul Ekman and Ven. Alan Wallace, integrating Buddhist psychology and modern science to foster emotional awareness and resilience.
• Ngondro Practice: Foundational Tibetan Buddhist training under the guidance of Anila Tsering Chodron.
• Residency: Year-long immersion at Cloud Mountain Buddhist Center, USA, studying various schools of traditional Buddhist training.

 Influential Teachers

I’ve had the privilege of learning from many respected spiritual teachers, drawing inspiration from the non-dual wisdom traditions of India and the diverse paths of yoga, with a focus on integrating timeless teachings with practical wisdom for modern life. These teachers include:

• Ram Dass: Sparked my spiritual journey and inspired my dedication to yoga, mindfulness, and compassion.
• Gangaji: Guided me to recognize my true nature in the lineage of Ramana Maharshi.
• Mooji: Offered guidance during our time together in India, emphasizing presence, stillness, and the direct experience of truth.
• Lama Surya Das: Early training in Dzogchen, or Ati Yoga, learning the direct path of recognizing awakened mind.
• Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche: Inspired deeper understanding of Tibetan Buddhist wisdom and the essence of practice; a living Buddha.
• Timothy Conway: Spiritual friend and teacher, who practiced with the enlightened sage Nisargadatta Maharaj, among others.

Educational Training

My education combines ancient wisdom traditions with modern therapeutic methods, providing a holistic approach to healing and awakening:

• Advanced Yoga Teacher Training (300+ hours): Mark Stephens Yoga, CA.
• Mindful Therapeutic Yoga (200 hours): Kathy Ward, Mindful Yoga Academy, Spain.
• MBSR/MBCT Mindfulness Education (2 years): Institute of Mindfulness-Based Approaches, Norway.
• Certified HeartMath Mentor: Heartmath Institute, CA
• EDGU Spinal Maintenance (3-month residency): Jeffrey Page, Hawaii.
• Yin Yoga Teacher Training (50 hours): Biff Mithoefer, Sweden. 
• Irest Yoga Nidra, Immersion: Nöle Giulini, Norway

Teaching Experience

Since 2006, I’ve guided thousands of individuals toward healing, resilience, and awakening through mindfulness, yoga, and compassion practices.

• Mindful Yoga Training: Founder of Norway’s first 100-hour Mindful Yoga Teacher Training at Oslo Yoga, blending mindfulness, self-compassion, and therapeutic yoga.
• Therapeutic Yoga Training: Co-therapist and program developer for Norway’s first Therapeutic Yoga Teacher Training with Maja Thune.
• Yoga Classes and Workshops: Full-time teacher with over 5,000 hours of experience, specializing in Mindful Therapeutic Yoga, as well as Yin, Vinyasa, and Hatha Yoga.
• Corporate Programs: Developed mindfulness, yoga, and stress-management programs for businesses and corporate clients.
• Retreat Leadership: Designed and led immersive retreats, including Mindful Yoga Intensives and Mindfulness & Compassion weekends in Norway and Internationally.

Relevant Life Experience

My personal journey has profoundly shaped my teaching philosophy, emphasizing compassion, accessibility, and grounded wisdom:

• Sacred Art: Worked professionally as a fine artist, creating spiritual illustrations of deities and goddesses, combining artistic skill with deep spiritual inspiration.
• Spiritual Activism: Worked to protect old-growth forests, lecturing in high schools and promoting environmental awareness through leadership and outreach programs.
• Holistic Healing: Reiki Level 2 Certification and lifelong exploration of healing modalities, including Ayurveda, herbal medicine, and whole-food diets.
• Eco-Village Living: Spent 10 years practicing sustainable living, community-building, and Native-based rituals in a rural eco-village.
• Organic Gardening: A professional gardener and lifelong hobbyist, connecting spirituality with the earth and the principles of right living.
• Pilgrimage: Undertook a year-long journey through India and Nepal’s sacred sites, meditating in the practice caves of Ramana Maharshi, Guru Rinpoche, and Milarepa.

 Specialized Areas of Expertise

• Combining mindfulness, compassion, and therapeutic yoga for holistic healing.
• Making ancient teachings accessible for modern lives while preserving their transformative depth.
• Bridging Eastern wisdom with Western therapeutic methods for self-discovery and resilience.
• Offering an awareness-based path of practice that supports awakening, meaningful transformation, and personal growth in everyday life.