Meditation for Inner Peace and Self Mastery is a non for profit organization founded by people who are dedicated to the service and upliftment of humanity. The founding Board members are professionals in their fields; but volunteer their time to help and guide the organization. The founding members and others who volunteer their time and lend financial support are what make it possible for us to continue our mission.
Pandit Jerome Smith – Spiritual Director
Jerome Smith has been a student of the Himalayan Tradition for many years. His studies include 2 ½ years of intensive training in India. He is an ordained Pandit in the Himalayan Tradition and in this capacity he teaches and guides other students of the tradition. Jerome has lectured and taught for many organizations, corporations and educational institutions. He has been on the staff of Integrative Medicine Programs where he uses the ancient teachings of Yoga and Meditation to help patients deal with stress and gain a positive perspective on health. Jerome is a registered teacher with Yoga Alliance at the 500 hour, E-RYT level.
Joan Anundson-Ahr – President
Joan resides in Evanston, Illinois with her husband, Tracy. She has been combining the practice of yoga within the Himalayan Tradition with raising a family and working as a medical assistant to an orthopedic spine surgeon. Joan attended yoga teacher training courses at the Evanston Himalayan Institute center and received her 200 hour teaching certification from the Palatine Illinois Himalayan Yoga and Meditation Center. She is listed with Yoga Alliance and is currently pursuing a 500 hour teaching certification. The practice of yoga was her rehabilitation while recovering from a back injury and spine surgery. Joan brings her experience and gratitude for the teachings from the Himalayan Tradition into the asana and meditation classes she teaches.
Cynthia Latimer, RYT - Treasurer
Cynthia Latimer graduated from National Louis University in 1999 with a double major in Psychology and Social Science. After graduation she moved to Seattle and spent a number of months traveling the world. Cynthia returned to Chicago where her family lives and began working for the Himalayan Institute Midwest Center. During this time in Chicago she began her long journey with teachings of the Tradition. In 2003 she furthered her education with the Institute’s Teacher Training program in Pennsylvania. Since then she has continued to see the world and has had the fortune to study with numerous master yoga teachers. Cynthia is also on the teaching staff of Meditation for Inner Peace.
Marilyn Gaunt – Secretary
I became a student of the Himalayan tradition in yoga and meditation in 2004 while residing in Indianapolis, In. After 25 years in a successful career in the custom jewelry business, I decided to leave the business world and immerse myself in yoga, meditation and the pursuit of a deeper spiritual experience of life. I have lived at the Himalayan Institute in Honesdale, Pa. for the last three and a half years. Here I lived a life of Karma yoga while becoming 200 and 500hr certified through the Institute and teaching several classes weekly. For my 500 hr project I chose to work with very young children in a day care teaching yoga and relaxation. I had the wonderful experience of participating in workshops with teachers from all over the US from Shiva Rea to Gary Kraftsow.
I have recently moved to Asheville to pursue my passion in the healing arts and to continue learning and teaching through yoga and meditation.
Karen Koffler, MD
Karen Koffler (Medical Director – Canyon Ranch, Miami) is a major proponent of Integrative Medicine, and a consultant to the American Medical Association on this field.
Prior to joining Canyon Ranch, Dr. Koffler was Director of Integrative Medicine at Evanston Northwestern Healthcare.
Dr. Koffler studied for two years at the Fellowhip on Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona Health Sciences Center under Dr. Andrew Weil.
Karen has practiced meditation and yoga for many years and is a student of the Himalayan Tradition.
Earon S. Davis, JD, MPH, LCMT
Earon Davis is a student of the Himalayan Tradition and a member of the Himalayan Institute. With backgrounds in law, public health, environment, writing and natural healing, Earon has experience as a board member and advisor for several nonprofit organizations. He is currently a bodyworker and integrative medicine specialist. Earon feels especially blessed with his three adult sons and a wonderful partner. He was drawn to the Himalayan Tradition because of its resonance with all religions, the wise and unassuming nature of its teachings, and the wonderful communities it inevitably attracts and supports.
