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Instructors and StaffTeaching in a spiritual way - from life's experiences |
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The following is a listing of our instructors and staff with a brief resume for each listing.
David Praver is the codirector of Ananda Palo Alto. He has guided and developed many enterprises including an alternative high school, a restaurant, Ananda's publications business, and Ananda's guest retreat. He has been meditating for 30 years.
Rick Bonin is co-director of the Ananda Community. He teaches Ananda's advanced meditation classes, and offers one-on-one guidance to people in their meditation practice. Rick is the Kriya minister for Ananda Palo Alto.
Gary McSweeney came to Ananda in 1980. He is a junior high school teacher with Living Wisdom School. Before joining the school, he served as co-manager of the Mountain View Ananda Community.
Sidny Dyal is a Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist with a degree from California College of Ayurveda. See is also a skilled yoga instructor and massage therapist, and has a private practice as an Ayurvedic consultant.
 Steven Manus came to Ananda 15 years ago. He teaches classes in yoga, meditation, and scriptural study. Steve's classes are filled with thoughtful insights which are shared with enthusiasm and a lively sense of humor.
How to contact usFor classes/seminars/workshops call 650/323-3363 or send e-mail to |
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Asha Praver is a founding member of Ananda, and a disciple of Yogananda for 35 years. In her early years, she served as secretary to Swami Kriyananda, and was on the staff of the Expanding Light Retreat. She is one of Ananda's principal teachers and is co-director of Ananda Palo Alto with her husband, David.
Haridas Blake recently moved from Ananda Village with his wife, Roma; and he now co-manages Ananda Community with Rick Bonin. As one of the founding members of Ananda, Haridas has a wealth of experience in building spiritual communities. He shares his stories and experience with depth and humor. 
Helen Purcell is Director of Living Wisdom School. Her 30-year career in education includes high school and college teaching, and teaching Yogananda's Education for Life system. Helen also inspires us with occasional Sunday Services, as her time allows.
Joe Begley teaches the popular Meditation Series for beginners, drawing on more than 13 years as a disciple of Yogananda and daily meditator. He works with the choir, leads chanting, and inspires us with his angelic tenor voice at Ananda events.
Rammurti (Roger) Reed has been involved with Ananda for more than 25 years. Books and serving people are his lifelong passion. He is manager of an enormous used bookstore, as well as a gifted actor and singer.
Dharmini Iyer is a core member of Ananda's kirtan group, an accomplished singer and flute player. Formerly an electrical engineer, she applies her keen mind to helping the office run smoothly. She coordinates Ananda's cadre of volunteers.
Dharmaraj Iyer is the head math and science teacher at Living Wisdom School. He holds a Masters Degree from MIT in computer science. Dharmaraj also adds his sweet tenor voice to the singing ensembles and choir.
Sharon Clark teaches classes in meditation and yoga philosophy, as well as co-teaching periodically with her husband, Robert. Students enjoy her calm, reassuring, teaching style. She has been a meditator and active member of Ananda for 15 years.
Pam Peterson was co-director of the Ananda Center in Berkeley, CA for 13 years where she taught yoga and meditation classes before moving to Palo Alto in 2001. She also loves teaching science and yoga in the Living Wisdom School.
Tina Madison combines her skill as a physical therapist with her longtime practice of hatha yoga, offering sensitive, professional help especially for injuries or chronic conditions. In her spare time, she raises three children.
Linda Diane serves as an administrator for the Sangha. She spent 30 years in high-tech electronics, raising 3 children as a single mother. Her passion is creating beautiful and welcoming environments for the special events held at Ananda.
Heather Lussier balances her life as mother to 6-year old Max by working part time in the Sangha office and teaching science and yoga at Living Wisdom school. She is a gifted photographer and has taken many of the photos you see in this web stie.
James Conti and his wife Tricia are co-managers of Ananda’s East West Bookshop. A freelance writer for over 30 years, James has turned his love for creativity into a spiritual practice. He shares the joys of this practice in his class Writing With Spirit.
Patrick Mahoney graces the mandir regularly with his clear tenor voice. He is a frequent soloist, directs the choir, leads special musical programs, and gives private singing lessons. He is also a skilled builder and studio engineer, crafting beautiful new recordings of Kriyananda’s music.
Clare Mahoney helps organize and direct many of our musical and artistic presentations. Her special contribution is in dance and choreography. Clare also serves as the school administrator for Living Wisdom School.
Shanti Rubenstone, MD, is a Board Certified Internist who has worked in the medical field since 1965. She was first inspired to do this work through her connection to Paramhansa Yogananda. Her work is her path, her love, and her joy.
Luca Moschini recently moved to California from Ancona, Italy, where he was active in the local meditation groups and the center in Assisi. He is a graduate of the Ananda Yoga Teacher Training Program and teaches yoga on Friday mornings at the Sangha.
Ron Cantoni, a retired engineer, is a volunteer with Ananda. He is webmaster for all of Ananda Palo Alto's web sites, a technical troubleshooter, and a jack-of-all trades handyman for the Sangha.
Annette MacDonald has served as a regular volunteer for 6 years in the Sangha office. She keeps the boutique well-stocked with your favorite books, sews ministers' robes, and much more. Her calm and kindly nature welcomes many new people to Ananda.