Linda Somlai - Master Teacher (Compassion Dragon)
Linda is one of the original founders of the Original Root Zen Center.
She has lead innovative Women’s Retreats that focus, not only on the role of women in Buddhism, but how to connect with such contemplative creative practices as art and gardening. Linda uses, as well as teaches, how to combine an everyday life (gardening and art) with a contemplative meditation practice. She is a studio artist who is also married and enjoys life with two sons, two daughters-in-law, five grandchildren, and two cats.

Tony Somlai - Master Teacher (Fearless Mountain)
Tony is one of the original founders of the Original Root Zen Center.
You can often see his writings about how practice and life are not separate in our Root and Branch newsletter. He joyfully shares the same two sons, two daughters-in-law, five grandchildren, and two cats with Linda Somlai. When Tony is not writing he likes to write some more. He is a professor and specializes in the development of behavioral interventions to prevent HIV/AIDS.

Sue Jaimes - Elder - Senior Reverend Teacher (Wisdom Guide)
Sue has spent her life helping others with her organizational skills, fund-raising abilities, and mentoring. She is a licensed social worker in private practice and specializes in working with mental health and aging issues. Sue is also the divorced mother of two adult children, and has one grandchild. Sue speaks fluent Spanish and uses her skills to help migrant farmers seeking employment. Her years of living in Mexico City has helped develop the culinary skills that we have come to expect at many of our retreats. Sue is also a writer and her articles can be appreciated in our newsletter, the Root and Branch.

Holly Johnson - Abbot - Senior Reverend Teacher (Eternal Star)
Holly is Abbot of ORZC. She is a freelance writer and teaching editor for the Root and Branch newsletter, where you can find her articles and poetry. She is also on the staff of Dragon Mountain Press, the press of the Original Root Zen Center. Holly, whose Buddhist name is Eternal Star, is the founder of Compassion Fest, an autumn interfaith festival. Holly enjoys cooking vegetarian meals for others and drawing. She is married to Michael Johnson, a Peacekeeper Teacher at ORZC. They have one daughter.