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What do you do to support Shantideva Center?

Currently, I am leading Medicine Buddha puja once a month via Zoom.  I hope to be supporting more in the coming months.  I am currently participating in the Facilitator Orientations for Meditation 101 and Buddhism in a Nutshell.  I am also participating in the Facilitator Orientation and Training for Buddhist Mind Science.

What do you do professionally and/or as a hobby?

I am a licensed psychologist in the State of New York.  I have nearly 28 years of experience helping/serving clients/patients in rehabilitation hospital settings and Veterans Administration Medical Center and Vet Center settings.  I have specialty training in clinical neuropsychology and have evaluated and helped individuals with brain injuries and brain illnesses such as traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, and others.

Why do you offer service?

I offer service for the benefit of all sentient beings.  My whole adult work life has been about offering and providing service to others.  I love what I do because it is of benefit to others.

What do you find most rewarding about your role?

Knowing that what I am doing when I am generously providing compassionate and skillful service to others is of benefit to them.

How has Shantideva Center benefited your life?

Shantideva Center has been a significant part of my life since October 2008 when I first attended a teaching with Venerable Robina Courtin at Columbia University.  At the time, the Center was Shantideva Study Group.  I had the privilege to serve as a member of the Board of Directors and as Spiritual Program Coordinator while the Study Group was progressing toward a full-fledged FPMT Affiliated Center.

I have had the benefit of attending many precious teachings during this time from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Geshe Thubten Sherab, Gen Don Handrick, Venerable Tenzin Chogkyi, Venerable Amy Miller, and many other wise and compassionate teachers.

Since that first teaching in October 2008, the study of Buddhism and my participation in Shantideva Center has been life changing in a very positive way.  In many ways, the members of Shantideva Center are part of my spiritual family.  I rejoice!

What are other volunteers like at Shantideva Center?

Since I just recently returned from Portland, Oregon to New York City, I am just now beginning to become acquainted with the other volunteers at Shantideva Center.  The ones I have met so far appear to be kind and compassionate and dedicated to their roles as volunteers.

Is volunteering for Shantideva Center flexible to your needs?

Yes, so far so good!