Resident Teacher - Gen kelsang chogyop

Gen Kelsang Chogyop is a Buddhist nun and a close disciple of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche. She is the main teacher at Dharmachakra Kadampa Buddhist Center and Menlha Kadampa Meditation Center. Gen Chogyop has been studying and teaching Kadampa Buddhism for more than 20 years at various Kadampa Centers in NJ, PA, and CA. She is known for her warm heart, practical teachings, and sincere practice of Dharma. Chogyop provides an inspiring example of a modern Buddhist practitioner. By emphasizing the Bodhisattva’s way of life, she encourages all the students at the center to bring their practice of Buddha’s teachings into their daily lives, bringing joy to as many people as possible.

Chris Gharbi

Chris Gharbi has found great peace and happiness through meditation. He inspires others through his example, his teaching and his dedicated service to the community. He works tirelessly for his students so that they may be able to achieve results in their own practice of meditation. His joyful perseverance and strength of practice inspires those around him.

Arjun Gurung

Arjun integrates Buddhist meditation into his daily life to manage stress, embrace joy, and help others. As a professional, husband, and father of two young adults, he applies Dharma in all aspects of his life. This experience allows him to guide students in incorporating meditation into their own lives. A modern-day practitioner, Arjun exemplifies how to apply Dharma to the common challenges we all face.

Frank Hall

Frank Hall inspires others through his steadfast dedication to meditation practice and spiritual community. Frank brings warmth, insight and respect for tradition to his classes. He is a welcoming teacher who encourages students to challenge their preconceptions. He helps students to develop a regular meditation practice and gain insight into the profound aspects of Buddhism.

Lew Holzberg

Lew has spent 50 years practicing meditation, with the last 20 focused on Buddhist techniques. As a former NYC taxi driver, he was constantly surrounded by stress—both his own and that of his passengers. Through Buddhist meditation, he learned to dissolve anxiety from within and bring calm to those around him. Sharing these teachings became his passion, helping countless people—including family, friends, and passengers—find peace amid chaos. Using breathing meditation and visualization, Lew empowers others to reduce stress and improve their well-being.

Patty Kowalchuk

Patty has been meditating for over 15 years. A mother of three adult children and a grandmother of two, she loves the youthful energy of children and delights in spending time with them. As a longtime member and EPC of Menlha Kadampa Meditation Center, Patty has led both adult meditation classes and introduced kids to dharma. Through her study of dharma, she finds deeper meaning in daily life and hopes to help her students do the same.

Gina Plaitakis

Gina has studied meditation and Kadampa Buddhism for over 18 years, completing numerous in-depth and silent retreats. She excels at transforming relationships and daily challenges through dharma and mindfulness. As a dedicated mother, wife, and art and ESL teacher, Gina passionately guides students of all ages in applying dharma to their lives to overcome inner obstacles.

Niko Plaitakis

Niko brings quick wisdom, creativity and laughter to the practice of meditation. His teachings apply meditation to everyday situations as found in the family, the workplace and even the daily commute. He draws upon his experience using meditation as a businessman and a creative professional, a husband and a father to guide students toward their highest potential.