Our Teachers

Kelsang Chogden is an American Buddhist nun and the Resident Teacher at Vikatadamshtri Kadampa Buddhist Center. 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 brings true sincerity and humility to her life as a spiritual teacher.

Cole Strode is a graduate of John Hopkins University and currently works as a software developer. He has been studying and practicing Kadampa Buddhism and meditation for several years and brings a warm, friendly and caring attitude to the classes he leads. Cole is a student on the Foundation Program and currently leads the classes in Canton and Mt. Vernon as well as occasionally teaching in other locations.

Kelsang Dachog is a senior teacher at Vikatadamshtri Buddhist Center in Baltimore. A long-time resident and student of the Center, she is known for the energy, confidence, and clarity of her teachings.

Kelsang Gyaltsen is a senior student on the Teacher Training Program in Baltimore. He is widely admired for his dedication and kindness.

Kelsang Menla has been practicing Kadampa Buddhism for 10 years and took ordination in 2001. Menla brings warmth and humor to the classes he teaches. He currently leads the weekly classes in Churchville and Annapolis as well as occasionally teaching in other areas. Menla is also the Administrative Director of the center.

Kelsang Ösel is a founding member of our community. Praised for her gentle and patient demeanor, Ösel has practiced as an ordained nun for over 10 years. Her wise and insightful teachings stem from years of careful study and practice.

Martin Evans teaches General Program classes in Bowie. He is a husband and father and works in the advertising field in the Bowie area. Marty is appreciated for his kind and down-to-earth nature and the practicality of his classes. In addition to teaching weekly in Bowie, Marty helps to organize center activities in the Annapolis area and has been a Foundation Program student for many years.

Rosemary Scavullo-Flickenger has been studying and practicing Kadampa Buddhism and meditation at Vikatadamshtri Center for over 10 years. She is a mother, wife and healing arts practitioner. Rosemary brings kindness and sincerity to her classes which are grounded in her experience of bringing spiritual practice into daily life. She currently leads the Kadampa Kids class and the Tuesday afternoon drop-in class.