COMPASSION
Our
Teachers
“Developing compassion and wisdom, and helping those in need whenever possible, is the true meaning of life.”
- Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
Resident
Teacher
Sarah Frew
Sarah Frew is the Resident Teacher at Kadampa Meditation Center Philadelphia. She is a long-time student and practitioner of Kadampa Buddhism under the guidance of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche and has engaged in extensive Dharma study and retreat. Sarah participated in the Intensive Teacher Training Program at Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre, a special course designed by Venerable Geshe-la to provide six months of intensive training for those wishing to become qualified Resident Teachers at Kadampa Buddhist centers around the world. Through her joyful and engaging manner, she shares Buddha’s teachings in a kind-hearted and warm way that makes them accessible to everyone.
Meditation
Teachers
John Baker
John is a senior KMC Philadelphia teacher and practitioner. Having been a student of Ven. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso for over 25 years, he is well-qualified to pass along modern Buddhism. He teaches Foundation Program, General Program classes, day courses and retreats. In his professional life he works as a sound engineer.
Eve Miller
Eve is the Education Program Coordinator at KMC PHL and is a senior teacher and practitioner. Having been a student of Ven. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso for over 25 years, she teaches General Program classes, day courses, and workshops. She is a student on the Teacher Training Program. Eve is a professional cellist, composer and music teacher. She teaches meditation with a good heart, and a friendly, encouraging manner.
Julie Francisco
Julie is a senior teacher and practitioner who has studied Kadampa Buddhism for over 12 years and she has engaged in extensive meditation retreat. She is a close disciple of Ven. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso and a student on the the Teacher Training Program. An executive assistant at an international consulting firm by profession, Julie shows a clear example of how to be a modern, lay Buddhist practitioner in a busy city and presents Buddha’s teachings in an eloquent and inspiring manner.
Sarah Bly
Sarah is a student in the Teacher Training Program at Kadampa Meditation Center Philadelphia and a close disciple of Ven. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. She has been a flight attendant for 22 years and is the Philadelphia Term Director for the Wings Foundation, a charity that provides financial assistance for flight attendants in critical need. With her warm-hearted and sincere manner, she teaches Dharma in a way that is both joyful and compassionate.
Tatiana Buonassisi
Tatiana has been practicing Kadam Dharma since 2010. She was formerly Education Program Coordinator at Drolma Kadampa Buddhist Center in Fort Lauderdale, FL and is a Teacher Training Program student and teacher at KMC Philadelphia. She is a disciple of Ven. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. She is very practical and thought-provoking in her teachings, and her kind and generous heart is always apparent.
Fred Graumuller
Fred has been a steadfast practitioner of meditation, in many locations around the world, for over a decade. He is a Teacher Training Program student, a disciple of Ven. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, and teaches General Program classes. By profession a scientist in molecular biology, his optimism and daily meditation routine are what make him an enthusiastic practitioner of Kadam Dharma.
Marina Stamos
Marina has been a meditation practitioner for over six years. She is a Teacher Training Program student and guides lunchtime meditation classes. By profession a speechwriter, Marina shows a good example of applying meditation to her daily life and teaches with practical use in mind and a kind-hearted demeanor.