Human Flourishing Through Wisdom, Compassion, and Science

Ado Lama is a Tibetan Dzogchen Buddhist who was officially ordained in 1975 at Larung Gar Academy, one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in the world. He studied for more than 15 years under Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche and continued to follow his teachings.

In his twenties, he practiced Buddhism in India for five years and was recognized as Rinpoche during his training. In 2000, he practiced in Taiwan for six years and was guided by Ven. Master Chin Kung in Pure Land Buddhist practice.

Since 2008, Ado Lama has served Buddhist societies in Washington D.C., Virginia, New York, and Pennsylvania. He has participated in lectures and programs related to Buddhism, meditation, mental health, and inter-faith education, including events connected with universities and cultural organizations.

Today, he is dedicated to education in underserved countries, mental health research, Buddhist service, and the promotion of inter-faith culture.

Guang Yue, Ph.D. received his doctorate in motor control and sensorimotor neuroscience from the University of Iowa and completed postdoctoral training in neurophysiology at the University of Arizona.

He serves as Director of the Center for Mobility and Rehabilitation Engineering Research at Kessler Foundation. He previously served as Director of the Neural Control Laboratory and Director of Rehabilitation Research at Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute for many years.

His research covers sensorimotor neuroscience, neurorehabilitation, neuroimaging, neuromuscular physiology, and biomechanics. His work has been supported by federal and state funding agencies, including NIH, NIDILRR, DoD, VA, and the New Jersey Commission on Brain Injury Research.

Sophia Wu, M.D. is a neurologist and neuroscientist leading consciousness-related research and complementary health programs connected with Pureland Dzogchen Buddhism Foundation in Virginia.

She trained at Cleveland Clinic, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, and Kessler Foundation, and previously participated in NIH-funded research focused on the mechanisms of dementia.

Dr. Wu applies love, forgiveness, and gratitude-based approaches to support patients with chronic health conditions. She is a certified meditation trainer and therapist with over a decade of experience teaching and practicing love-based meditation.

Her interests include chronic pain, anxiety, depression, dysautonomia, dementia, consciousness research, meditation therapy, and inter-faith service centered on love and healing.

Natalie Gagia is a clinical nutritionist with experience managing clinical nutrition operations and dietitian staff. Her credentials include RD, RDN, CSGN, and training in adult weight management.

Her work includes staff and patient wellness programs, malnutrition quality improvement, research presentations, hospital administration support, staff mentoring, staffing assessment, and efficiency improvement.

She collaborates with healthcare providers, oversees nutrition staff, provides medical nutrition therapy, creates educational materials, and supports nutrition education. She also speaks Serbian fluently, helping her communicate with diverse communities.

Soha Sahel, Ph.D. focuses on neural networks involved in motor learning and motor control, as well as neuroplasticity in individuals with motor and cognitive deficits.

Her work uses a multidisciplinary approach combining structural and functional imaging, electrophysiology, behavioral assessment, and advanced signal processing and analysis.

She investigates cognitive-motor interactions and neuromodulation methods designed to promote neuroplasticity. Her work has received multiple research awards and grant support.

Dr. Shanmin Yuan has extensive clinical and research experience in the standardization of traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis and treatment, including work related to tumors and difficult conditions.

He has served on professional committees connected with Chinese medicine diagnosis, integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine, and emergency medicine organizations.

He has participated in national and Shanghai-level research projects, received science and technology awards, published papers, and contributed to SCI/EI-indexed research. He is skilled in differentiating deficiency and excess, Yin and Yang, and applying TCM methods in clinical practice.

Elizabeth Hou, M.S. is an experienced acupuncturist with more than 12 years of practice. Her work supports patients with stroke recovery, chronic pain, cardiovascular diseases, and related health concerns.

Master ChangYuan is from Shandong Province, China. At age twelve, he left his hometown to study martial arts at the Shaolin Temple, later studying under Master Shi Guo Song.

After an accidental injury, he began learning Chen-style Tai Chi and later became a disciple of Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei, a 19th-generation Chen family master and 11th-generation direct-line successor of Chen Family Taijiquan.

Master ChangYuan deeply respects his teachers and the traditions of martial arts and daily-life etiquette. He continues to serve the community and combines faith, Tai Chi, and Confucian wisdom in his teaching philosophy.