Mayu has no affiliation with a specific meditation teacher or lineage. Instructors and facilitators who lead classes in our sanctuary come from a wide range of backgrounds.
Karen Buss
Morning Meditation
Karen has been offering group and private classes for more than ten years. She helps students develop and maintain individualized home practices and has been a life long meditation practitioner. She is a certified meditation teacher (Shambhava Yoga) and holds certifications in Hatha and Yin Yoga and enjoys attending advanced trainings and retreats to deepen her practice and instruction.
Karen’s classes help students create positive structure and habits so the many benefits of meditation can be attained. As a semi-Colorado native she loves hiking, traveling, music and theatre.
Contact Karen at 303-513-1649 or kmbuss108@gmail.com.
Zhalisa Clark
Access Your Subconscious: Sound Healing & Meditation
Trained in India, Zhalisa Clarke is a certified yoga instructor, and she’s studied Ayurveda and Tibetan Singing Bowl sound healing. She is trained in Vipassana Meditation, and she is certified in the ancient Japanese energy healing technique of Reiki. Zhalisa’s approach to healing is to help you channel the healing energy that is already inside of you, your inner self, your higher self, your true power. Learn more at Www.lunavibrations.com.
Sharon Cleere has been using her years of experience with meditation, mindfulness and yoga to help others transform stress and emotional trauma to become the best versions of themselves. She is also the author of “Namaste, Rainbow!”
Today, she jumps out of bed with a big smile on her face because her students are experiencing more peace in their daily lives, transforming their stress, healing their clinical anxiety, depression, adhd and gaining mental clarity in all aspects of their life.
This is more than a job; shes on a mission to alleviate mental stress, something that 77% of Americans say they struggle with to the extent of experiencing physical and mental ailments.
Teresa Coons
Teresa Coons received her 200-hr Yoga Teacher certification in August 2018. She has been practicing Hatha and Ashtanga Vinyasa forms of yoga since 1975. Recently, as her own body and mind ages, Teresa has become interested in the benefits of yoga and meditation for maintaining flexibility, strength, muscle tone, and balance – both in mind and body.
Cliff Clusin
Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind
Cliff’s mindfulness and meditation practice began while attending Grinnell College in the 70’s. In the 1980’s he was a meditation instructor under the guidance of Dainin Katagiri Roshi at the Minnesota Zen Center. In 1989 he moved to Boulder, Colorado, which enabled him to meet and practice with a wide variety of leading meditation teachers at Naropa University. Cliff has trained with Jon Kabat-Zinn in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. In 1994 he was ordained as a Buddhist monk by Shoken Winecoff Roshi, Abbot of Ryumonji Zen Monastery and received Dharma Transmission from him in 2010. He is certified as a Soto Zen Dharma Teacher in the US and Japan.
Murshid Waqar Faiz, of the Qalandari spiritual path, has given his students the awareness of how to allow God’s will to govern our lives through his knowledge, compassion and ability to teach the diverse experiences of spiritual journey.
For over a decade Murshid has inspired seekers from all corners of the world with essential words of wisdom to guide them on their spiritual journey towards the ultimate reality.
He continues to spread this light through his counseling, spiritual gatherings, meditations, messages, books, and visits to different parts of the world.
“Strong are those who keep rising up after every fall”
“Always remember that happiness is not attained by remembering what you possess, but rather by the way you think.”
“We may not be able to do great things every day, but we can surely do small things every day with great love and happiness.”
After spending a decade in the pop music industry, Lauren has stepped to a more authentic expression of her passion for sound. She’s traveled internationally to study vibrational healing and brings the healing power of sound using ancient instruments back home in Denver, Colorado. She uses didgeridoo, Native drum, brass toning discs, singing bowls, cacao seed pods, guitar, voice and a plethora of ever-changing tools. She travels the world offering sound healing journeys.
Contact Lauren at 303-669-7218 or lauren@heartnectarhealing.com. More information at www.heartnectarhealing.com.
Agnieszka Gorska, MA, LPC, ATR-BC
Agnieszka (Aga) is an artist and art therapist. She has worked in the
field of counseling for over a decade supporting individuals in times
of growth and though life’s challenges. Since early childhood, her love
of artmaking in its many forms had led her into the field of art
therapy, where she utilizes the creative force in expression and
processing of life events, to foster introspection and promote growth.
Agnieszka has always delighted and reveled in the presence of nature,
be that a might forest or a single leaf. In her work, she draws upon
the many attributes of art, nature, presence and spirituality to
accompany individuals on the path to self-discovery and healing.
Sarah Henry
Yin and Restorative Yoga
Sarah Henry, Certified Lifestyle Medicine Coach and Meditative Yoga Instructor
Sarah Henry is a Certified Health & Wellness Coach and a Meditative Yoga Instructor, as well as the owner of her own practice, “Sarah Henry Holistic Wellness Coaching.” As a Lifestyle Medicine Coach, Sarah specializes in working with clients who are suffering from chronic illness or pain to learn to better manage their conditions so that they can experience improved health outcomes and lead fuller and more independent lives. She also enjoys helping clients to incorporate mindfulness-based practices, as well as more balance, into their everyday lives.
Sarah is also a Yin and Restorative Yoga Instructor who offers both forms of meditative yoga (privately and within the classroom setting) as part of her therapeutic practice. Sarah’s teachings allow her students to sink deeper into their asana poses with long holds while remaining open and present to the energy of the subtle body. Her energy center creates a healing and supportive space that is key to releasing unwanted emotions and cultivating a relaxed body and mind.
Sarah Horn offers support on the path of full health, empowerment, and joyful living. In her personal practice, what began as a journey of self-discovery blossomed into a calling to guide others in living more joyful and healthy lives. Sarah’s teaching and healing are steeped in the principles of the Tao: living a life reflective of the underlying flow of nature and the universe itself, and nurturing balance in all aspects of one’s being.
Over the years, yoga and qigong have provided Sarah tools for managing stress, making life-affirming choices, and ultimately coming to know and love herself. In her work, she draws on her personal experience and cultivation, as well as her extensive training in qigong, yoga, holistic nutrition, life coaching, and mindfulness practices.
Sarah graces her teaching and healing with gentleness, openness, and good humor. She is fueled, inspired, and always humbled by this work and is eternally grateful for the gift of service to others.
Contact Sarah at 720.530.8948 or sarah.wholehealth@gmail.com. More information at www.wholehealthdenver.com.
Brianne Hovey
Yoga Nidra, Grief Workshops
As a yoga instructor, Brianne’s intention is to create a safe, non-intimidating space where students come to breathe, practice, and leave feeling embodied. Her offerings include vinyasa and yin style yoga classes focused on alignment, sensation, and breath and are slower paced with room for stillness and silence. Students describe her classes as creative, intentional, focused, mindful, challenging, and approachable. She is encouraging and loves supporting students in their own practices. Brianne recently became certified to offer Yoga Nidra and is excited to incorporate this powerful practice in her offerings.
Contact Brianne briannehovey@yahoo.com.
Dhyan Mantra Kaur
Singing Bowl Meditation, Full Moon Meditation
Dhyan Mantra Kaur received the calling to teach meditation while studying at Hacienda de Guru Ram Das, a Sikh Ashram and home to Yogi Bhajan, Master of Kundalini Yoga Ph.D. The Kundalini lineage guides Dhyan’s daily practice and teachings.
With over a decade of experience in yoga and meditation Dhyan is inspired to share the practices that ignited the spiritual light in her. She is a certified Reiki healer and KRI certified Kundalini yoga and meditation teacher. Dhyan teaches both concentrative meditation and Kundalini meditation at Mayu.
Contact Dhyan Mantra at MindfulMeditation.CO@gmail.com.
Robert Kelley
Meditation Education
Robert started meditating at age 18. At age 25 he began studying in a monastic setting with Jakusho Kwong roshi, and has maintained a life-long affiliation. Kwong roshi is sanctioned by the world center for Soto Zen Buddhism in Japan as the head teacher for North America, though Robert has maintained a level of independence from this lineage. Through this independence he has develop a unique style of meditation that is well-suited to contemporary American life. Robert is currently engaged in implementing Meditation Education instructor certification program for the college and university system.
Rinpoche became a monk at age 5 in Bir, Himachal Pradesh India. He studied with accomplished masters for 30 years before moving to the United States. He established Mipham Shedra Buddhist Meditation Center in Boulder in 2004. Rinpoche has dedicated his life to spreading the lineage of Truth, Love & Compassion.
Jill has been practicing Tai Chi, Qigong &Taoist Meditation for many years. She has studied Tai Chi with Master Waysun Liao near Chicago, Illinois for about ten years, and also with the Taoist Tai Chi Society. She began teaching Tai Chi with Lotus Temple in Chicago.
Jill is the author of Practicing the Way of the Tao Te Ching, which discusses the practical applications of Taoist teachings for everyday life. She enjoys nature, hiking, camping, biking, guitar and creative writing.
Cierra McNamara is the founder of Mayu. She has been leading meditation classes since 2010. Her formal meditation instruction has been through Vipassana Insight meditation, though her influences span many teachers and traditions.
Cierra has trained with with Jon Kabat-Zinn and Saki Santorelli through the Center for Mindfulness, and is strongly influenced by Advaita teacher Adyashanti. Her teaching style is warm and informal, blending practical advice, humor and compassionate listening.
Contact Cierra at 303-437-6240 or cierra@mayusanctuary.com.
Sean McNamara
Mind Possible
Sean has mentored meditation students for over a decade through group meditation, extended retreats, and one-on-one sessions. He presents powerful, transformative meditation instructions in a way that can be received by a wide audience. He avoids any religious overlay and prioritizes the experiences of peace, relief, and compassion above all else.
Contact Sean at 303-746-4001. More information at MindPossible.com.
Jennifer Moss
Foundations of the Breath
Contact Jennifer at 720-281-7212 or jennifersartimoss@gmail.com.
John Nangle
Lu Jong: Tibetan Healing Yoga
After studying Tai Chi, Hatha yoga, and other movement forms, John feels an authentic connection to the Tibetan movement practice of Lu Jong. As one of only ten teachers in the US certified to teach Lu Jong in the lineage of Tulku Lobsang Rinpoche, and the only teacher in Colorado, he is honored to be able to share this practice with others.
In his own practice, John has realized the benefits of Lu Jong for the mind, body, and emotional balance. His teaching style combines enthusiasm, warmth, and humor as he makes the movements understandable, and encouraging people to feel the combination of movement, form, and breath in the body. John also provides understanding of how the movements affect the body, mind, and emotions from the perspective of Tibetan medicine.
Elizabeth is the founder of Upstream Mindfulness, a consulting firm providing professional resources and mindfulness education. She is a Qualified Teacher of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR™); a trained teacher for Pre-K-12 students through the Mindfulness in Schools Project(MiSP) and Mindful Schools; and trained teacher through Koru Mindfulness, a program developed through Duke University.
Elizabeth maintains personal meditation and yoga practices as well as commitment to regular silent retreats and continuing professional development. She is a creative and engaging teacher with twenty years of experience leading students of all ages.
Alex is a yoga practitioner of thirteen years who deeply believes in caring for oneself in order to bring our most capable, confident and silly selves out into the world. Alex also specializes in Thai Yoga Massage and brings this skill set to her yoga classes. Check out her classes on Tuesday afternoons, or book a private one-on-one session with her if you’d like to crack some jokes together while receiving tailored-to-you yoga instruction. Find her on Instagram @parasympatheticpapi.
Kristin has studied with her teacher, Dr. and Master Zhi Gang Sha for 9 years, and is a member of the sanctioned Tao Academy. Her studies and teaching to date have been within that framework as Guan Yin Lineage holder (certified), Tao Hands practitioner (certified), and Tao Calligraphy practitioner (pending). She shares a daily chanting practice of the Compassion Mantra on Facebook.
Ali Sweeney
Ali Sweeney offers an active meditation practice to help you change the energy you carry to create the life you choose. She guides students to activate their intuition to feel more contented, present, and empowered. Ali has enjoyed many other careers including mother, wife, nonprofit professional, and environmental engineer.
Marilyn Wells is an American artist adapting her love for minimalism, meditation and Zen Christianity into abstract Sumi-e paintings, stark blacks and grays on white mulberry paper, since 2011. Her artworks bear Zen koan inspiration by beginning with a quotation ranging from Rumi to Shakespeare and jazz.
Art was Magic from her earliest memories. Growing up in rural Nebraska before and during the war she saw worlds beyond hers through line drawings in children’s story books. Against the drab rooms and towns where she lived she saw she could create new worlds with her brush and ink bottle. Here was the form she craved, here were her own stories.
She was most recently featured in a solo art show, “Inviting the Mystic” at Metropolitan Frame, and has taught meditative Sumi-e brushwork class at Walker Fine Art and Foothills Art Center in Denver, Colorado.
Melissa has been practicing and teaching yoga for over 11 years and believes we all have the inherent wisdom to heal through tuning in and listening deeply. She guides students to cultivate a deep connection between mind, body and spirit through mindful nurturing movement and breathwork. When she is not on her mat she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and in the great outdoors.
Contact Melissa at 719-425-1468 or mbellwinter@msn.com
Molly Woodhull
Koru Meditation
Molly studied psychology and sociology at the University of Denver. After college she went on to work in wilderness therapy, using wilderness immersion and meditation as healing tools for people struggling with Aspergers and Autism. She earned her yoga teacher certification from The River Vinyasa Flow where she currently teaches community classes.
Molly studied loving-kindness meditation through Stanford’s Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education. She is also a registered Koru meditation and mindfulness teacher through the Center for Koru Mindfulness at Duke University. Molly teaches meditation for companies in Denver, at The University of Denver, and in the Denver school system. She recently developed her own company, Woodhull Wellness, to teach meditation in corporate settings.
Contact Molly at 937-361-4546 or woodhullwellness@gmail.com.
Jill Zastko
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
Jill is co-founder of Upstream Mindfulness, a consulting firm providing mindfulness-based education and resources. Jill is a qualified Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR™) teacher through the Oasis Institute at the UMASS Medical School Center for Mindfulness. Jill has also trained in Crucial Conversations, Trauma-Informed Practices, Mental Health First Aid, and hospice and palliative grief and loss supportive care. Her mindful movement practices include Zhineng Qigong and Ashtanga yoga. She enjoys exploring the backcountry of Colorado to connect with nature, observing the healing practice of Shinrin-yoku.
Jill is an empathic and intuitive teacher, who brings spontaneity and humor to her classes. She is pleased to bring the 8-week MBSR course to Mayu, with co-teacher Elizabeth Perryman.
