Leadership

Southeastern Buddhist retreat Center Leadership

StarlitePhi Leadership

The Southeastern Buddhist Retreat Center leadership is tasked with offering a sanctuary for spiritual growth and self‑discovery. We aim to support individuals on their journey toward mindfulness, peace, and enlightenment, and are dedicated to providing a nurturing environment where individuals can explore the teachings of Buddhism, deepen their meditation practice, and cultivate a compassionate way of living.

Our Role in the Community

Our leadership team is made up of community members who bring not only professional expertise but also a heartfelt commitment to service. Each member of the Board of Directors is actively engaged in the Gainesville community, contributing their skills, time, and presence to support programs that reflect our shared values of mindfulness, compassion, and ethical living. Their involvement strengthens the connection between StarlitePhi and the wider community we serve.

A Shared Commitment to Meditation & Mind‑Body Practice

Every board member is also a dedicated practitioner of meditation and mind‑body arts. This shared foundation in contemplative practice guides how we lead, make decisions, and uphold the long‑term vision of the retreat center. Together, our leadership embodies the principles we teach—ensuring that StarlitePhi remains a welcoming, community‑centered Buddhist retreat center rooted in wisdom, kindness, and authentic practice.

Board of Directors

Community‑Rooted Leadership

Our board members are deeply woven into the fabric of Gainesville and the surrounding region. They are educators, organizers, healers, and community advocates who bring their lived experience into their leadership roles. Their service reflects a genuine commitment to supporting others and promoting the values that define StarlitePhi.

Guiding the Vision of the Retreat Center

The Board of Directors helps shape the retreat center’s long‑term direction with clarity, care, and intention. Their leadership ensures that StarlitePhi remains aligned with its mission, responsive to community needs, and grounded in the principles of mindfulness, compassion, and ethical living.

President

Dr. K.A. Shakoor (Karma Minjur Tarpa)

D.A.O.M.

Kali Blount

Interim Vice-President

Kali Blount

B.A., M.S.W.

Laurie Reisman

Secretary

Lauri Reisman

L.C.S.W.

J. Carlo Diaz, PE

Treasurer/IT Director

J. Carlo Diaz

B.A, P.E.

Billy Thomas

Chair, Moderator

Billy Thomas

B.A, M.A, Ed.D.

Rodney Scyphers

Director

Rodney Schyphers

M.S.N, A.R.N.P-C

Jamie Swick

Director

Jamie Swick

Chris Armentano

Chair, Development

Chris Armentano

B.A., M.S.W.

President Emeritus

Kathryn A. Taubert (Karma Pema Kadro)

President Emeritus

David Bole
(Lama Losang)

Ph.D., A.P.

Our Mission in Action

StarlitePhi’s leadership embodies our mission through daily practice, thoughtful decision‑making, and a shared dedication to creating a sanctuary for spiritual growth. Their work ensures that the retreat center remains a place where individuals can explore Buddhist teachings, deepen meditation practice, and cultivate a compassionate way of living.

Upholding Buddhist Values

Our leadership team strives to model the values at the heart of Buddhist practice—kindness, generosity, mindfulness, and integrity. These principles guide how we serve the community, support our programs, and steward the retreat center’s future.

Supporting a Sanctuary for Practice

Through their guidance and commitment, the Board of Directors helps maintain StarlitePhi as a peaceful, supportive environment for meditation, learning, and inner development. Their leadership ensures that the retreat center remains a welcoming refuge where individuals can experience spiritual growth and self‑discovery.

 

The main objective of creating the StarlitePhi is to teach Dharma and benefit many beings now and in the future. It is with this motivation, imbued with loving kindness and compassion, that we undertake this endeavor. With your support and the blessing of our lineage masters, we will bring this dream to fruition.

 

Lama Losang
Spiritual Advisor & President Emeritus, StarlitePhi

Our Non-Profit Documentation

Explore the foundational documents that guide our work. We believe in transparency and providing easy access to information that outlines our structure, governance, and commitment to ethical practices.

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