Patti was attracted to Buddhism in 1994 when she met Tibetan monks from Drepung Loseling Monastery at their "Sacred Music, Sacred Dance" performance for world harmony in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Her first Sunday teaching at the Kadampa Center in 2010 inspired her to begin the two-year Discovering Buddhism class the very next day. She found the Dharma teachings, tools and practices to be of enormous personal benefit. Patti hopes to utilize her work experience in marketing and communications to benefit our Center and the community it serves.
Jim developed an interest in Buddhism as a result of his time in both Okinawa and Taiwan during his time in the military. As a result of His Holiness's book The Art of Happiness he and his wife Cherie joined the Kadampa Center in 2001. Jim has participated with the Center in various areas including Sanga care, working with the initial Shiwa Tour, the Center Relocation, as a member of the Board of Directors and assisting with the Book Store. Jim feels that the association with Center and being around the monks and nuns has benefited him greatly.
Karen Mastroianni has been coming to Kadampa Center since 2004 and has volunteered in a number of ways, including chair of the Special Events Committee. She now coordinates the driving schedule for our Geshe-la, Geshe Gelek Chodha. She also volunteers with the Liberation Prison Project. Karen has studied the 16 Guidelines as methods for well-being and leadership development in the workplace. Karen also teaches mindfulness as an essential component of workplace wellness programs. Her real job is co-principle of a health and safety firm in Raleigh.
