Our Teachers

Gen Kelsang Chogden is an American Buddhist nun and the Resident Teacher at the Kadampa Meditation Center Maryland. Her compassionate activities of teaching, guiding, and inspiring those around her are the result of her deep faith, clear wisdom, and heartfelt concern for others. Chogden has been practicing Kadampa Buddhism for more than a dozen years and brings true sincerity and humility to her life as a spiritual teacher.

Chancellor Pascale (aka Chance) is a kind-hearted and energetic teacher, who previously has been a substitute teacher in several branch classes and is now the regular teacher in our Odenton class. He is kind-hearted and with enthusiasm enjoys leading classes and answering the various questions that come up in class. Chance is a computer scientist by day and our Webmaster by night. He hs been studying on our Foundation Program for several years.

Deirdre Smith has been practicing Kadampa Buddhism for 4 years and is a student on Foundation Program, having recently completed study of the text Universal Compassion. Her classes are down to earth and Deirdre brings clarity and deep respect for Buddhism to her classes. Deirdre is a mother of three and is currently finishing her PhD studies. Professionally she is a Navy nurse. Deirdre leads our class in Bowie.

Don Avery has been studying Kadampa Buddhism in the Annapolis area for many years and is known for his good humor and kindness. Don teaches the class at the US Naval Academy, helping the midshipmen who attend his teachings to learn to be goodhearted leaders and to face adversity with wisdom.

Elizabeth Jones’ interest in Buddhism began while studying Asian art at The University of Maryland at College Park and is currently studying in our Foundation Program. Elizabeth understands the challenges of balancing a meditation practice with a busy life and she enjoys sharing Buddhism and its application to daily activities in a practical and light-hearted way. She is a mother and wife, and serves as our Social Media Coordinator and all around super volunteer!

Jennifer Kerbe brings to her classes modern day examples with emphasis on balancing the busyness of work and life with genuine spiritual practice. She is a student on the Foundation Program and serves as the Annapolis Branch Coordinator with the goal of helping those in the Annapolis area meet our inspiring teachings in a very comfortable and peaceful environment. Jennifer has a Master’s degree in Hospitality and Tourism and is the Client Services Manager at a local law firm.

Jim Hall is semi-retired and as a natural story teller, loves to make a Dharma lessons out of everyday situations. His classes are humorous and down to earth. Jim also enjoys the ancient art of filling Buddha statues and making malas (prayer beads). Jim is currently on our Foundation program and volunteers as our Peace & Pancakes assistant along with his wife Tanika. Jim leads the Glen Burnie/Brooklyn Park class.

Kelsang Gyaltsen has been practicing Kadampa Buddhism for over 12 years and is a founding member of the Center. He has done many retreats, including two three-month silent retreats at Tharpaland International Retreat Center in Scotland. Gyaltsen is also skilled in Buddhist art. He is admired for his sincerity and gentle, light-hearted approach.

Our Kids Program is led by Linda Tyler (right) who has close to 40 years of experience teaching art in public and private schools. The team is also comprised of Kerry Kopasek (left), who loves children and does interior design for the center, and Elizabeth Jones (center) the branch teacher in Canton. We’re delighted to offer the kids program weekly starting in March. Teens program is led by Rosemary Scavullo-Flickinger (not pictured).

Rick Ratigan is a longtime member of KMC-MD and has contributed greatly to the community over the years. He is a sincere mediator and Dharma practitioner and is known for his kindness and easygoing manner. His teachings are down-to-earth and heartfelt.

Rosemary Scavullo-Flickenger has been studying and practicing Kadampa Buddhism and meditation for over 10 years. She brings kindness and sincerity to her classes which are grounded in her experience of bringing spiritual practice into daily life. Rosemary currently teaches the teen program (part of the Kadampa Kids class).

Sharon Praissman is a student on the Foundation Program and teaches the weekly classes in Towson. She brings us a warm and vibrant approach to applying Dharma in our daily lives and is a wonderful example of a modern day Kadampa practitioner. She inspires others with her clarity and enthusiasm.

Tanika Hall’s genreous spirit comes through in her classes. Her teaching style comes from the heart and helps her listeners learn in real world situations. Tanika is on our Foundation Program, and volunteers as our Bookstore Manager, EPC Assistant, and Peace & Pancakes assistant along with her husband Jim. Professionally, she is the Program Management Specialist for the Dance Department and is currently in the last stage of finishing her Doctorate in Management.