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DASA CERTIFIED TEACHERS  
For the year: July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025

Independent certified DASA instructors are listed by region, then in alphabetical order by last name.
Verify any certified DASA instructor (not listed below) by contacting DASA Meditation.

Certification is renewed annually through a DASA three-day intensive training program, offering the highest level of knowledge and skill. This prepares instructors to lead others through the challenges and successes of a deep meditation practice. 

Leadership

Lorraine Alexander
As the founder's daughter, Lorraine first learned to meditate at a young age of 15, and later became a second-generation DASA Meditation instructor/trainer. Each year she leads the DASA Teachers' Recertification Training in California and Pennsylvania. Past leadership includes the U.S. Green Building Council.  Learn more: ​dasameditation.org/executive-director.html

DASA U.S. West

Nancy Andring
In 1976, “Nance” was asked by friends to attend Adesha’s introductory lecture on meditation. Nance had no interest whatsoever but went reluctantly. “Within the first twenty minutes, my heart filled with compassion. I couldn’t wait to learn!” Nance became a DASA Meditation Teacher in 1994 and lives happily in California.
Deborah Gomes
Deborah has been meditating as a student of Adesha for thirty-three years.  In that time, the stress relief that meditation provides assisted her in raising two children of her own, and teaching over 500 young children in elementary school. She is retired and teaches meditation, quilts, and gardens.
Henri Modery
Henri, a long-time meditator, with a history as a manufacturers representative, is now retired from his own small business.  He learned to meditate in 1974, after attending an introductory lecture on meditation. He recalls, "I was curious, but now I cannot imagine life without it."  Henri resides in Sonoma County.
Len Pukanic
When Len relocated to the West Coast in 1984, he immediately learned the DASA Meditation technique. Practicing meditation has helped him maintain a balance, and has centered his life.  In 1993 Len became a Certified DASA Meditation Teacher, and now lives in Santa Rosa, CA. Len is currently taking a brief pause from teaching.
Cheryl Ruggio
Cheryl has been a DASA meditator for over 35 years, certified to teach the technique by the developer Adesha in 1994.  She loves the stress reduction this simple technique has given her over the years.  She also works as a physical therapist in Southern California facilitating body~mind healing. Cheryl has paused from teaching. She will resume in the next certifcation year beginning July 1, 2022.
Erin Schreiner
​Erin's interest in mediation began as a teen. In 1979 her dream came true when she learned meditation from Adesha. Meditation helps Erin lead a balanced, calm, and more creative life. Erin became a DASA instructor in 1993 and is honored to teach this valuable technique to others.

 DASA Canada West Region

John Blyth
John's early fascination with meditation led to a full-time pursuit during his college years. A few years later and within his career as a Software Engineer, John was introduced to DASA meditation and currently enjoys the practical benefits of the practice and the fulfillment of teaching others.
Claudette Keller
Claudette learned DASA meditation in 1985 to deal with the stress of managing multiples roles. Claudette is a practicing vocational specialist and began to teach meditation in 1993. She believes meditation is the single most effective tool for stress management and personal and professional effectiveness.
Daniel Showalter
As a certified Jin Shin practitioner, Daniel helps his clients discover their optimal health. Offering DASA Meditation is another means of support that facilitates the journey to mind-body wellness. Daniel began to practice DASA Meditation over thirty-five years ago. For him, meditation has been a profound life-changing experience. ​
Susie Showalter
​Susie has been practicing silent mantra meditation since 1998. While working in critical care, she found meditation helped to quiet her mind, decrease stress levels to give a more positive focus in her working relationships and client care. She looks forward to sharing this technique as a certified DASA teacher.

DASA Japan

Waka Surles
I first learned to meditate with Adesha in 1979, and I have continued to meditate ever since. Meditation has helped me in so many ways, and it became a part of my life. I wanted to be a DASA Meditation teacher so that I can share this wonderful way of living. Waka resides in Yokosuka City, Kanazawa.

DASA U.S. East Region

Dottie Coll
Dottie learned to meditate in 1975 and knew instantly that her search for a meditation technique was over.  Ever since she has devoted herself to the practice.  She became a Certified DASA Teacher in 1992.  She teaches and resides in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 
Bharta Deku
A student since 1976, years of study and practice to DASA Meditation gave Bharta a deeper understanding of the depth and breadth of benefits.  And in 1993 he was honored to become a DASA Certified Teacher, granting him the opportunity to share what he values most with others. Bharta resides in Toronto, Ohio. 
Dee Gans
Dee learned to meditate using a well-known technique in 1971 and switched to DASA Meditation 10 years later. Her work and research in the natural health field confirmed the many benefits to body, mind, and spirit that the DASA silent meditation offers. She teaches in the Pittsburgh and Greensburg areas.
Paul Gans
When Paul learned meditation from Adesha in 1977, he knew this was something he was searching for. As he developed his skills in natural healing, he saw the verifiable wellness results of DASA Meditation in his associates and clients. Paul teaches in both the Pittsburgh and North Huntingdon areas.
Charlene Hankowitz
Charlene learned the many benefits of meditation in 1986 while working in the medical field. She began using the DASA Meditation technique, and in 1992 became a Certified DASA Meditation Teacher. She now resides and teaches in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 
Lisa Klein
Lisa met Adesha and started meditating in 1993. About a decade later, she became certified through DASA to teach meditation. In 2008, Lisa completed her Doctorate of Education, focusing her research on the effects of mantra meditation on classroom teachers. She teaches in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 
ON MEDITATION: "The most important thing, if you’re going to try it, is to find a good teacher. Because it’s simple, but it’s also complex. You have to understand what’s going on in your mind. A good teacher is priceless." --Sara Lazar, a neuroscientist at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School

​FIND A CERTIFIED DASA MEDITATION TEACHER
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​Independent Certified DASA Teachers reside in Northern and Southern California, Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio, and Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Map markers indicate locations of DASA Certified Teachers.

DASA Annual Certification Trainings are held in Northern California and Western Pennsylvania. 
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