Brief Backgrounder

I began meditating in the mid-1990s. At the time, I was involved in a stressful tech career and was also studying classical piano. My drivenness about both pursuits set the stage for a health disaster. The chronic physical pain and depression that resulted forced me to reconsider just about everything. Taking up meditation was part of that process. Now, 30 years later, it has grown into a way of life that touches everything I do.

In 2004, I was ordained into the Triratna Buddhist Order. I founded and now co-lead the Boston Triratna Buddhist Community and teach at Aryaloka Buddhist Center.

Coaching came as a natural part of teaching meditation. I received my training from the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC) in 2008 and have been coaching individual clients ever since.

I took on MBSR teacher training in 2011 when mindfulness began to gain acceptance in the mainstream and scientific communities. My training is with the Center for Mindfulness at the UMass Medical Center. I’ve now taught over 40 cycles of MBSR classes in the Boston area, and continue to offer them 2-3 times a year.

Prior to all this, I worked for 16 years in software product management, most notably at Lotus Development/IBM and several startups. I also worked briefly in the not-for-profit world in classical music administration.

A Full Retelling

I am honored to have been featured in an interview with Hélène T. Stelian in her blog Next Act for Women. Here is the full retelling of my story: Becoming a Buddhist Minister and Mindfulness Coach at 47: Sunada’s Story

Qualifications