Aruna Rig’dzin Ross was ordained in Nyingma Lineage by Pema Khandro Rinpoche in 2007.  She is one of the Directors of Ngakpa International and the Community of Buddhist Yogis, as well as Director of the Yogic Medicine Institute. She is a NAMA certified Ayurvedic Practitioner and has over 18 years’ experience as an Advanced Yoga and Meditation Instructor.  Aruna is passionate about healing, sustainable living and giving people the tools to live a vibrant, healthy and joyous life.

Satya_Shiva_Ngakpa.orgDr. Satya has been studying with Pema Khandro Rinpoche since 2001. She is the Chief Operating Officer for Ngakpa International since 2010, and is a member of the Board of Directors. Satya is the Panchakarma Clinic Director of the Yogic Medicine Institute since 2004, a licensed acupuncturist and practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine, as well as a NAMA certified Ayurvedic Practitioner and Panchakarma Specialist. She completed her Doctoral Research with a specialization in Healthy Aging and Longevity, and is a consultant helping to transition traditional “Residential Care for the Elderly” businesses to more sustainable and alternative medicine based practices. 

Kundini_Wangmo_Ngakpa.orgKundini Ye’drol Wangmo has been studying with Pema Khandro since 2003. Even after 10 years, Kundini says every teaching is a new beginning, blows her mind, and makes her realize this is her life path, which she cherishes with a fierce and tender heart.  She is a Meditation Teacher, Group Leader and a Teaching Assistant in the School.

Janak_Kimmel_Ngakpa.orgJanak Kimmel Janak began his focus on meditation and wisdom teachings from the East in 1970, spending 30 years practicing Raja Yoga as taught by Paramhansa Yogananda.  He then began practicing Jnana Yoga as taught by Ramana Maharshi and Sri Poonja. 

In 2004, he had (in his words) “the great good fortune and joyful experience” of meeting Pema Khandro.  Eventually taking refuge and bodhisattva vows, he now focuses on the Buddhist teachings according to the Nyingma tradition.

Janak is retired and lives in Northern California with his partner, Natana.

Janak serves as Director of the Vajrayana Training and Fundraising and currently leads meditation on Monday evenings, Meditation Monday.

Khalden_Dorje_Ngakpa.orgKhalden Dorje has been studying with Pema Khandro since 2006. A father, carpenter, and artist of many disciplines; Khalden is a passionate student of the dharma. He is a Meditation Teacher, a Group Leader and a Teaching Assistant in the School.


2015_Dedzin2_250x250Dé dzin Drölma has been studying with Pema Khandro since 2006. She holds a masters degree in Somatic Psychotherapy from JFK University, is an MFT Intern and Licensed Massage Therapist. She is the Outreach Coordinator, a Community Meditation Instructor, and a Teaching Assistant in the School.

Tsal’gyur Dorje has been studying with Pema Khandro Rinpoche since 2005. She is the Membership Co-ordinator and Registrar for the Buddhist Studies Institute, and has been on the leadership team for Ngakpa International since 2012. Tsal’gyur is a certified Yoga Instructor, Meditation Teacher, and Teaching Assistant in the school. Having danced professionally for 10 years, she now teaches ballet, yoga, and meditation in group classes and private lessons.