Eduardo Barrios, Shim Bo Sunim 심보스님, President – In addition to serving as Abbot and Spiritual Director of WLHZ, Ven. Shim Bo Sunim (Eduardo Barrios) practices right livelihood as a graphic design professional. He offers clients nearly 30 years of experience in crafting and executing principled branding campaigns, corporate identity, print collateral and display. He serves as a trusted, strategic communications partner — listening carefully and working collaboratively — to help small-business owners and non-profit organizations develop the promotional communications they need to fulfill their missions.

 

Heidi Bartlett, Yeon Jak 연작, Treasurer – Heidi has been a student of Buddhism for over 20 years. As an avid animal lover, she appreciates that the teachings include all sentient beings. After spending time in her second career as a Veterinary Technician, Heidi has recently returned to her first career in banking, working in the financial technology field. She enjoys reading, the outdoors, traveling, volunteering with her favorite animal rescue and sharing life with her husband, Donnie, and their family — a Pit Bull mix named Addy, and two rescue cats. Her path has led her to White Lotus Haven Zen of Connecticut and she is dedicated to actualizing the path for the benefit of all beings.

Ira Morrison, Yeon Heul 연흘, Secretary – Ira, a professional freelance writer and communication consultant, has known Shim Bo Sunim for many years through business association and shared communication experiences. Ira writes and develops content and communication strategies for a variety of private organizations and businesses, universities and non-profits. Two years ago he approached the Abbot for background information on an article on meditation and mindfulness for a local client, and a year later, during a period of significant personal transition, asked to study with Shim Bo. He now is an active member of the WLHZ sangha.

 

Jennifer Laing, Yeon On 연온, Prajna Advisor – Jen was drawn to seek the understanding of the 4 Noble Truths after experiencing great loss back in 2013. She has an affinity for Vipassana meditation retreats and is committed to studying the Dharma, exemplifying the qualities of wisdom, compassion and ethical conduct in her engagement with life. She has been learning under the mentorship of Shim Bo Sunim since 2017. Jen is a Kripalu-certified Ayurvedic Health Councillor, has a passion for life and enjoys sharing her experiences of learning and wisdom that have come from spending many years exploring the planet and living outdoors in the natural world. Jen work for Rolls-Royce North America overseeing the Business Jet Fleet in New England.

 

WLHZ Advisory Council:

The Reverend Thomas Carr
Spiritual Director and Co-founder of Connecticut Interreligious Eco-Justice Network (IREJN)

Brigitte DiBenedetto
Webmaster and owner of iGRAFIX creative solutions, web design & development

Damian Wasserbauer, Esq.
Attorney, Wasserbauer Law, domestic and international legal services

Charles Joseph III
Consultant to non-profit organizations and creatives