I lived for three years in this space, painting, choreographing in the few square feet I had, and especially looking at the beautiful blue light reflected on the white walls early in the morning, when all was quiet and images and ideas could reveal themselves before the start of another busy day. Having that quiet time is one of the richest resources I know for continuing to develop as a human being, helping others, and feeding my creativity.

I have a strong commitment to diversity and equality both in my practice and in my personal life. My long-term goal is to provide integrated mind-body services to both the general public and to specific populations, particularly seniors, Asian Americans, trauma survivors, and young women. I am interested in developing and piloting projects such as positive self-image and health workshops for young people, stress reduction for caregivers, and preventive movement training for performing artists.

I have also been an artist for many years. My career as an artist has been diverse; it includes an undergraduate degree in sculpture from the University of Texas, a writing fellowship studying with Natalie Goldberg, ongoing percussion and dance studies, and forays into poetry, painting, and choreography. I have been a dancer for 23 years and still perform. I am a certified Shambhala Art teacher for levels I-III, a Buddhist-based set of teachings which open up the creative process through meditation and enlightened intention.

My aspiration, both for my life and work, is that those who enter my world will find something to take away that will enrich their lives, in however small a way.

Gerard Villanueva has played various styles of percussion in groups from Austin and San Antonio for 20 years. He is a core member of Sambaxe and Danse Adje, and has performed with numerous other groups and artists, such as the Mundi Ensemble and William Cepeda. He wishes more people would drum. "There are only two kinds of people in the world: drummers, and people who aren't aware they are drummers."

Rita Ricardo began singing at age 13 in the Dominican Republic. In Austin, she's a part of Sambaxe, a local drums+voices group that plays Afro-Brazilian music, and has played with Mundi Ensemble and Cerronato.

Rachel Pervin has been studying the drums for over 13 years. She has been a core member of the Danse Adje Afro-Haitian drum ensemble for more than 10 years. She was a central performer with Glosso Babel, a spoken-word world beat jazz project.