President

Alison is retired from the Veteran’s Administration, having supported the healthcare mission of our country’s Veterans

She has worked and volunteered in the metro DC area and Boston, MA in the fields of philanthropy development, nonprofit administration, academic administration, and arts advocacy. Her family stretches across the US and South Africa, and she pursues opportunities to deepen her understanding of DE&I - its impact on organizations and political institutions and its potential for transformation. She attended the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and Boston University.

Secretary

Mike lives in Maryland and is the public relations specialist at the Animal Legal Defense Fund, a national organization that helps protect animals through the legal system. He previously worked at a global public relations firm where his clients ranged from Fortune 500 technology companies to startups focused on climate change, clean energy and sustainability.

He is a student of zen and has held a meditation practice for over a decade. He appreciates the healing powers of nature, interconnection, and mindful presence.

Mike received Jukai in 2025 and his dharma names means Truth Companion.

Treasurer and Dharma Holder

Becoming a dharma holder in 2024, Jack is a retired tax lawyer, 84 years old, widowed, with two children and five grandchildren. I am a practicing Catholic. I started my Zen Practice in April 2009. Nowadays I devote a fair amount of my time to Joyful Mind Zendo, but I find time for other volunteer activities as well. I still maintain my active membership in the DC Bar, since I find it sometimes useful for pro bono activities.

Dharma Holder, Registrar, Newsletter

Becoming a dharma holder in 2025, Kyoshin Sarah Farmer is the Senior Director of Programming at Strathmore Hall Foundation, Inc. in North Bethesda and has been working as an arts administrator at non-profit organizations in the DC metro area for 25 years. She believes in the power of the arts in bringing people together and building empathy as well as community

She has practiced with Plum Village Community, and served many roles in Joyful Mind Zendo. She is training as an Assistant Teacher.

Kyoshin received Jukai in 2025. Her dharma name means Dwelling in Compassion.

Member at Large

Ma’Sheka is the Founder/Executive Director of A Healthier You, Inc., dedicated to offering holistic mind-body services to individuals and communities striving to cultivate a healthier version of themselves. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Master’s degree in Business Administration, with a specialization in Leadership and Organizational Change. She completed her 500-Hour Yoga Teacher Training and her passion for yoga has become an integral part of her life.

Ma’Sheka finds solace in reading, writing, hiking, communing with nature, and practicing yoga. In addition, she is a Certified Community Health Worker, Yoga Instructor, Life Coach, Sound Healer, Tobacco Treatment Specialist, and a Reiki Practitioner She offers a range of services, including private lessons, group classes, virtual sessions, and life coaching.

Member at Large

Karen has a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology as well as one in Marriage and Family Therapy and a certificate in mindfulness and as a meditation instructor. She has had a career as a therapist and life coach in various settings.

Karen’s inquiry into Mindfulness sprang from her interest in human suffering and the way the mind functions. This, in turn led to a path of studying Buddhist Psychology and then Buddhist Philosophy and eventually to a consistent meditation practice.

Karen recently moved to Maryland to be closer to family and has started volunteering with a food pantry in Bethesda, a hospice program as well as a lunch program for elders in DC. Outside of work and volunteering, she likes to spend her time learning, swimming and walking/hiking, exploring beauty in all forms and laughing.