Sosan@cloudsinwater.org

Guiding Teacher

She has studied and practiced Soto Zen Buddhism since 1992, receiving dharma transmission (full teaching authority) from Joen Snyder O’Neal in 2012. Sosan's areas of teaching include body awareness in Zen, loving-kindness practices, and the intersection of Buddhist practice and racial justice. She has officiated at many ceremonies (daily & special liturgies, weddings, baby namings, and memorial services), and offers premarital and couples counseling. Sosan was raised Catholic and practiced Catholicism for many years before embracing Buddhism as her primary religion. She has a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and has worked in both community mental health and staff training. Sosan and her husband of 36 years live a short distance from Clouds in Water.

For more information, see Sosan’s website.

ed@cloudsinwater.org

Executive Director

She is an author, writing coach, and teacher of many things. Ren works with writers on integrating mindfulness into their writing practice, process, and life. In addition to her work as Executive Director at Clouds in Water, she is a Trained Mindfulness Facilitator through UCLA Mindfulness Awareness Research Center and holds a certificate in Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness. She is also the program director of Rebecca Dykes Writers in collaboration with the Highlights Foundation, where she works with writers who tell stories about trauma for young readers. In her Zen practice, creative work, and service, Ren believes in being a lighthouse for those who are awakening to the gift and challenges of being human on this particular planet, at this particular time.

Find out more about Ren and her work at heatherdemetrios.com

andrea@cloudsinwater.org

Admin. Assist and Youth Practice Coordinator

She acts as the point person for Clouds phone and email, as well as manages program registrations and evaluations, including communication with participants and teachers. She is our contact person for Sunday speakers and. publishes our Sangha News. Andrea also coordinates, supervises, and supports volunteers for Youth and Family Practice. She holds a Master’s in Education and is a longtime Zen practitioner. Proud mama to VJ!