Leadership

Elissa's first step onto the spiritual path was serendipitous. She was asked by a friend to join her for a meditation and Dharma talk with the Roswell Insight Meditation Community in 2017. Although having no idea what to expect, she said yes. This response turned out to be one of the wisest actions she had ever taken. She has found the mindfulness teachings to be transformative as they have brought so much more equanimity into her life. Learning the importance of compassion, generosity, and gratitude has also helped her to live a more purposeful life.Her spiritual growth continues thanks to the excellent RIMC teachers and the support of the Sangha. After 40 years in healthcare, Elissa retired and moved to Atlanta to be closer to her family. When she is not meditating, you will probably find her walking, practicing yoga or involved with a Brookfield Women's Club event.

 Chuck is a lifelong searcher and learner who has turned to meditation and Buddhism seriously only in the last 5 years.  He is a Special Education teacher and his practice has enhanced his work with his students and colleagues in so many ways.  He is particularly attracted to the emphasis on compassion, generosity, and love found in the dharma – and in the RIMC sangha.  Chuck has two grown children and lives in Marietta with his wife, April.  Off the cushion, he likes to read, work in his yard, ride his bike, and play disk golf. 

 Veletta has been practicing Insight meditation since 1981. She is married to Mark and together they began an Insight meditation group while living in Athens, as well as a weekly J. Krishnamurti video presentation and discussion group.  She has attended several Vipassana meditation retreats, most recently a 4 day retreat with Narayan Liebenson at IMS. She is an original member of Sandy Springs Insight Meditation Group which began in 2009, where she is currently a facilitator. She and Mark have offered a monthly Half Day retreat at their home for many years.  She is a retired school teacher, a Presbyterian Deacon, and now considers service to others her continued primary endeavor.  

 Tim began his meditation journey in 2017, seeking to find peace and emotional balance.  In 2018, he found Roswell Insight Meditation and has been a regular member ever since.   He was looking for a steady group of meditators that he could learn from and practice with. What he found was so much more: Endless Kindness, Compassion, Community, and a teaching that continues to bring peace and serenity.  He is a Software Engineer who lives in Alpharetta, GA with his wife Mary and her guide dog Gemma. When he’s not meditating, he is probably working too hard, reading a book, or taking a walk.