Meet our KMC Georgia Teachers

Elin Begley

Elin Begley

Elin is on the Board of Directors. She has been a member of KMC Georgia since 2006 and has been teaching since 2010. 

Melanie Boyd

Melanie Boyd

Melanie began studying and practicing meditation with KMC GA in 2006 and she has been teaching since 2010. Melanie is known for her genuine teachings from the heart and her practical approach to applying Buddhist advice to daily life. 

Bob Buchman

Bob Buchman

Bob has been studying meditation and Buddhism since 1999. He is one of our senior teachers, teaching since 2002. He has a unique skill for helping others to apply Buddha’s teachings into daily life and is enthusiastic about sharing his personal experiences with others. 

Heather McCalman

Kelsang Sherma

Kelsang Sherma has been ordained since 20 years. She has been teaching the meditation class in in Atlanta and Birmingham. Her practical experience of applying meditation to daily life is beautifully reflected in her teachings and meditation. 

Heather McCalman

Bonita McCay

Bonita McCay has been a student at Kadampa Meditation Georgia since 2004 and is part of the Foundation Program. She has been teaching the meditation class in Florence, AL since 2010. Bonita's practical experience of applying meditation to daily life is beautifully reflected in her teachings and meditation. 

Mayra Cuevas

Michael McCracken

Michael was introduced to Buddhism at the age of 19 and has been a student in NKT's Foundation Program since 2019. He is currently the Deputy Education Program Coordinator for KMC Georgia and loves introducing new practioners to the benefits of meditation

Mayra Cuevas

Mayra Cuevas

Mayra has been a student of the New Kadampa Tradition since 2003. She is a member of the Teacher Training Program and has attended multiple international teachings and meditation retreats, including a month-long retreat at the renowned KMC International Meditation Centre in Glen Spey, NY. A Puerto Rican native, Mayra has also served on KMC Georgia’s management team and its Board of Directors.

Celeste Greene

Celeste Greene

Celeste Greene has been a student of Kadampa Meditation Center Georgia since 2010. She is also part of the Teacher Training Program. Celeste is delighted for the opportunity to share her experience living a happier more peaceful life and help others do the same. 

Andy Jewett

Andy Jewett

Andy Jewett has been a student at Kadampa Meditation Center Georgia since 2009 and is part of the Teacher Training Program. His easy-going teaching style is geared for those who are new to meditation while still being beneficial to advanced meditators. 

Heather McCalman

Bill Long

William “Bill” Long has been a student a KMC Georgia since 2004. He has taught courses in the General, Foundation, and Teacher Training programs.

Heather McCalman

Seth Nathanson

Seth has been studying Kadampa Buddhism in the past 20 years and is part of the Teacher Training Program. 

Sue Pepla

Sue Pepka

Sue Pepka has been studying Kadampa Buddhism since 2007 and is part of the Teacher Training Program. She loves teaching meditation and helping with the day to day operations at the center. Sue is semi-retired from a career in wellness. She is also a children’s author.

Bill Pritchard

Bill Pritchard

Bill Pritchard has been a student at Kadampa Meditation Center Georgia since 2001 and is part of the Teacher Training Program

Dennis Reynolds

Dennis Reynolds

Dennis has been part of KMC Georgia since 2009 when he started attending the branch book group in Pensacola, FL. From there he had the good fortune of becoming the branch teacher leading classes and meditations for several years. Dennis is also a part of our Foundation Training Program and is known for his engaging, friendly teaching style.

Tom Walsh

Tom Walsh

Tom Walsh has been a student at Kadampa Meditation Center Georgia since 2008 and is part of the Teacher Training Program

Cynthia Vannoy

Cynthia Vannoy

Cynthia Vannoy is a senior student at Kadampa Meditation Center Georgia and part of the Teacher Training Program. She has been studying and teaching Kadam Dharma since 2010 and has a deep desire for everyone to understand how to be happy!