Sarah Beasley
Dharma Education Coordinator and Teacher
Sarah steps into this role in the fall of 2023. An educator for three decades, Sarah has taught all ages and developed curricula for multiple schools. She is also a freelance writer and published author. She has spent the last five years working with graduate students, realizing her passion is with school-aged students. She has a longtime love of collaborating with and training other teachers. Sarah is passionate about inclusive curricula and school practices, and focused on Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion for her master’s thesis. Sarah has three decades of meditation training and experience and is indebted to her lineage teachers for their patience, kindness, and generosity.
My background is rooted in both education and Buddhism. I am a Certified Waldorf grades teacher, receiving my training at Steiner College in Fair Oaks, CA. I have taught in Texas, New Mexico, California, Colorado, and my home state of Massachusetts, in progressive, Waldorf, and other independent arts-based programs. My personal values as an educator, administrator, and auntie are to model integrity, dignity, and a love of learning.
The world of visual arts inspired me from a young age. Drawn to the alchemy of bronze casting and welding, I trained as a sculptor, later venturing into printmaking and photography. I had two very influential art teachers in high school and college, and their positive influence made me want to be a teacher as well as an artist. I earned a BA in Studio Art from Smith College and an MA in Educational Leadership from UNC in Colorado.
Buddhism entered my life as a teenager when I first explored Shin Pureland (Japanese) with Rev. Dr. Taitetsu Unno, and later delved deeply into Vajrayana (Tibetan yogic) practices with Dudjom Tersar teachers, including Lama Tharchin Rinpoche, Thinley Norbu Rinpoche, and his son Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche. As a dharma instructor and counselor, I facilitate individuals and lead groups in exploring Buddhist and Western approaches toward meditation and death & dying practices, incorporating expressive arts and somatic modalities. I love facilitating others’ cultivation of inner reflection, creative expression, healing, community connection, and awareness practices. Two keys for surviving and thriving are patience and a sense of humor!
I have been a Nyingma lineage practitioner since 2000, as well as a curriculum designer, teacher, writer, editor, and artist. I find synergy through my work as a writer. I write a monthly feature column called “Creativity and Contemplation” for Buddhistdoor Global online journal. I have published my work through Shambhala Publications and Sounds True.
With a lifelong passion for wilderness, I have summited Mt. Kenya and Mt. Baker, among other peaks—but am just as happy resting in the grass by my local creek. When I’m not cultivating the fine art of doing nothing, I love visiting local farm stands and cooking fresh foods!