Our multidisciplinary team has undergone years of rigorous training from a foundation of philosophy, systems thinking, leadership mastery, and contemplative practices.
We embody a regimen of study and practice to deepen our ontological inquiry into the nature of being.
Through deep listening and generative language, we develop distinctions and practices to serve our clients.
Tony Zampella, MSOL
Founder • Contemplative Learning Officer • Researcher • Consultant • Wisdom Coach and Mentor
As an activist in the 80s and 90s during the AIDS epidemic, I experienced the intersection of communication, action, and leadership. Ideas open possibility. Actions move ideas. Wisdom sustains principles.
As founder of the Bhavana Learning Group, I am committed to bringing wisdom to leadership. I’ve discovered how seemingly basic concepts of Listening and Learning are fundamental to expanding human capacity.
As a wisdom coach, teacher, and mentor, my work deepens awareness to develop learning and unlearning processes for cultivating deep listening and contemplative practice. My research supports organizations with learning programs and designs to awaken a culture of leadership and commitment.
Much of my work integrates Buddhist psychology and practices with Western learning methods and models.
Contact TONY at tony@bhavanalg.com
Brendalyn King, M.Ed., PCC
Founding Partner • Leadership Coach • Outreach Director •
Community Engagement • Teacher
As co-founder of a charter school in Brooklyn, I discovered the impact of leadership on cultivating a learning organization for students and staff, parents, and the community.
As an ontological coach specializing in leadership development, I bring this commitment to leadership to my clients, colleagues, and life.
As a founding member of Bhavana Learning Group, I work with high-achieving professionals to expand their listening and leadership. Clients expand their responsibility to experience greater influence and presence while discovering new balance in their lives.
I also facilitate workshops that combine generative communication with contemplative practices to support teams and organizations in developing a culture of accountability as the foundation of a learning organization.
Contact BRENDALYN at brendalyn@bhavanalg.com
Neil Ruiz
Founding Partner • Chief Practice Officer •
Mindfulness Teacher • Client Services • Media Manager
As an operations officer and leader in the U. S. Army, I experienced the impact listening and leading had on individual performance. A commitment to Listening allows us to tap into our own authentic “genius.” I bring this commitment into my life, and to my work.
My training in the art and practice of mindfulness supports individuals and groups, and am pleased to work with beginners to establish a daily mindfulness practice. I also lead our firm’s weekly Practice Field to support clients in developing a contemplative practice.
Much of my commitment also involves managing our client experience as members of our learning community at Bhavana Learning Group. I am also fluent in Spanish, which I offer to support our client services.
Contact NEIL at neil@bhavanalg.com
Heather Wood, CPHR
Specialist, Executive Assessment Products & Services • Practice Guide • Alumni Co-chair
As a 20-year veteran of HR consulting, I understand the value and impact of quality assessment tools on professional development.
My work with Bhavana Learning Group is dedicated to offering assessment products and tools to enhance adult learning, leadership, and executive development. Our customized assessment tools serve coaches, leaders, educators, executives, and their teams and cultures.
To deepen our firm’s contemplative learning, I study and practice Buddhist Psychology and serve as a Practice Guide to facilitate meditation practice for our client community.
Contact HEATHER at heather@bhavanalg.com
Vanessa Schuler, MA
Practice Guide
Vanessa Schuler is a Practice Guide for the weekly Practice Field at Bhavana Learning Group.
Professionally, Vanessa works for the Washington State Health Care Authority. She has undergraduate and graduate degrees in music and acting. A trained Yoga teacher, Vanessa is also an ordained Interfaith minister and has been a student of Tibetan Buddhism for more than two decades.
Amal Saymeh, MBA, PCC
Alumni Co-chair
Amal Saymeh is Alumni Co-Chair at Bhavana Learning Group.
Professionally, Amal is an executive coach focusing on conscious living and holds several coaching credentials, PCC, PCC Markers, BCC, and CPCC. With a BS in chemistry and MBA in strategy and leadership, she has more than 20 years experience in change management. Amal is Palestinian and speaks fluent Arabic.
Vanessa Schuler, MA
Practice Guide
Vanessa Schuler is a Practice Guide for the weekly Practice Field at Bhavana Learning Group.
Professionally, Vanessa works for the Washington State Health Care Authority. She has undergraduate and graduate degrees in music and acting. A trained Yoga teacher, Vanessa is also an ordained Interfaith minister and has been a student of Tibetan Buddhism for more than two decades.
Amal Saymeh, MBA, PCC
Alumni Co-chair
Amal Saymeh is Alumni Co-Chair at Bhavana Learning Group.
Professionally, Amal is an executive coach focusing on conscious living and holds several coaching credentials, PCC, PCC Markers, BCC, and CPCC. With a BS in chemistry and MBA in strategy and leadership, she has more than 20 years experience in change management. Amal is Palestinian and speaks fluent Arabic.
