Advisors

Sonya Pongsavas (they/them, she/her) was born into a Buddhist family in Thailand and raised within the Theravāda tradition. At the age of ten, they emigrated to the United States, where their connection to Buddhism remained strong, continuing to be shaped by the presence and guidance of Buddhist monks in their community.

A pivotal moment in Sonya’s spiritual journey came in 2007 when they met Ruth Denison, a highly respected Vipassanā teacher and one of the first women authorized to teach in this tradition. From 2007 to 2015, Sonya spent significant time with Ruth, accompanying her on travels and at Dhamma Dena deepening her meditation practice under Ruth's mentorship. This relationship marked a turning point, inspiring Sonya to commit more seriously to the path of inner stillness, insight, and compassionate service.

Guided by her deepening practice, Sonya went on to become a Buddhist chaplain, offering presence and support to those in hospice care. Her work is grounded in mindfulness, compassion, and a deep understanding of the importance of presence in human connection. Since 2022, Sonya has lived and worked on an organic farm with their spouse in the Pacific Northwest, where their daily life integrates awareness of sensations, service, and ecological stewardship.

Caitrìona Reed, is a trans woman who transitioned in 1998. She has led trainings, workshops, and retreats worldwide for four decades. She was empowered as a teacher by Ruth Denison in 1983 and by Thich Nhat Hanh in 1991. She bridges Zen, Vipassana, Deep–Ecology, and Social Activism, guided by a passion to integrate authentic spiritual practice with engagement in the ‘real’ world. She works with and trains individuals in NLP, Hypnotherapy, and Family Constellation work, and mentors artists, entrepreneurs, and creatives to embody the understanding that creativity, success, spiritual awakening, and joy are an inside job. Caitriona and Michele both currently work with teachers from the global south to lend indigenous perspectives to current global crises. Prior to cofounding Manzanita Village Retreat, between 1981 and 1993, she led regular retreats at Dhamma Dena.        

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Michele Benzamin-Miki is an artist who has exhibited widely. She has worked with conscious entrepreneurs, front line activists, and youth in the prison system. Along with her partner Caitriona she bridges Zen, Vipassana, Deep–Ecology, and Social Activism. She trains individuals in NLP, Hypnotherapy, and Family Constellation work. She works with creatives, artists, and visionaries who have a strong desire to create positive impact in their communities and in the world. She is one the world’s highest ranking women in the martial disciplines of Aikido and Iaido Sword, and has taught non-violence, meditation, creativity, and diversity for organizations, schools, within the prison systems, and on Native reservations. In 1997, along with Jack Kornfield, she initiated the first POC retreats at Spirit Rock.  With Caitriona she led retreats at Dhamma Dena for twelve years prior to cofounding Manzanita Village.

www.fivechanges.com