An intimate meditation center
O-An Zendo is an intimate meditation center surrounded by 140 acres of woodland in central Pennsylvania. Everything from the window walls to the live-edge interior wood trim is designed to reflect and harmonize with the surrounding natural landscape.
We offer a quiet, secluded atmosphere for meditation practice, providing service on Sundays, monthly full-day sittings, extended retreats, and workshops.
Although grounded in Soto Zen Buddhism, O-An welcomes all those interested in meditation, regardless of background and/or style of practice. Newcomers are invited to contact us for a personal introduction to Zen meditation practice.
O-An is a member of the Julian Woods Community, a School of Living Land Trust, located 20 miles north of State College, PA.
We offer a quiet, secluded atmosphere for meditation practice, providing service on Sundays, monthly full-day sittings, extended retreats, and workshops.
Although grounded in Soto Zen Buddhism, O-An welcomes all those interested in meditation, regardless of background and/or style of practice. Newcomers are invited to contact us for a personal introduction to Zen meditation practice.
O-An is a member of the Julian Woods Community, a School of Living Land Trust, located 20 miles north of State College, PA.
EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS
As a non-profit entity, O-An is governed by a Board of Directors. Our Executive Board consists of three members who hold quarterly meetings to attend to the business of O-An. Brief bios and contact information for each board member is listed below.
Serving on the Board of Directors offers members the opportunity to contribute time and talent to the Zendo. If you are interested in serving in this capacity, please contact us. We encourage all members to share in the opportunity and responsibility of assuring that O-An is able to continue to offer the teachings for generations.
The document below covers the State of the Zendo Board Meeting, 2023
State of the Zendo, 2023
As a non-profit entity, O-An is governed by a Board of Directors. Our Executive Board consists of three members who hold quarterly meetings to attend to the business of O-An. Brief bios and contact information for each board member is listed below.
Serving on the Board of Directors offers members the opportunity to contribute time and talent to the Zendo. If you are interested in serving in this capacity, please contact us. We encourage all members to share in the opportunity and responsibility of assuring that O-An is able to continue to offer the teachings for generations.
The document below covers the State of the Zendo Board Meeting, 2023
State of the Zendo, 2023
Sherri Hankal, President
Sherri is retired from an engineering career and now enjoys fishing and golf. She has explored Buddhism for many years and found a home at O-An Zendo. "Zen Buddhism has changed the arc of my life. Specifically, the practice of Soto Zen helps me envision a relationship to the world free of duality. I am fortunate to serve on the O-An Board of Directors and to whip up the occasional meal for oryoki." hankaltech@gmail.com
Sherri is retired from an engineering career and now enjoys fishing and golf. She has explored Buddhism for many years and found a home at O-An Zendo. "Zen Buddhism has changed the arc of my life. Specifically, the practice of Soto Zen helps me envision a relationship to the world free of duality. I am fortunate to serve on the O-An Board of Directors and to whip up the occasional meal for oryoki." hankaltech@gmail.com
Brad Kozlek, Vice President
Brad Kozlek joined the O-An Board in November 2023. His exploration of Buddhism led him to O-An where he regularly takes part in events such as Sunday Service and Book Study. As Vice President, he aims to support the ongoing presence of O-An as a source of community, wisdom, and peace. Brad has worked in the field of Educational Technology for over 25 years. He and his wife live in Halfmoon Township with their son and daughter. Brad's email is bkozlek@gmail.com
Brad Kozlek joined the O-An Board in November 2023. His exploration of Buddhism led him to O-An where he regularly takes part in events such as Sunday Service and Book Study. As Vice President, he aims to support the ongoing presence of O-An as a source of community, wisdom, and peace. Brad has worked in the field of Educational Technology for over 25 years. He and his wife live in Halfmoon Township with their son and daughter. Brad's email is bkozlek@gmail.com
Andrea Young, Secretary/Treasurer
Andrea Young has served as O-An Board President since January 2020. She lives in Altoona, Pennsylvania and is mother to three daughters, Alaina, Leah, and Halee. She began practicing meditation in 2010 and is a Registered Yoga Teacher. Andrea works for the Department of Veterans Affairs as a communications specialist. She can be reached by email at andrea.renee.penney@gmail.com
Andrea Young has served as O-An Board President since January 2020. She lives in Altoona, Pennsylvania and is mother to three daughters, Alaina, Leah, and Halee. She began practicing meditation in 2010 and is a Registered Yoga Teacher. Andrea works for the Department of Veterans Affairs as a communications specialist. She can be reached by email at andrea.renee.penney@gmail.com
Michele Chernega, Membership Coordinator
Michele appreciates a close involvement with O-An Zendo’s supportive community. After decades of trying, she now maintains a regular meditation practice. Michele serves the Zendo in various ways and enjoys Sunday Service and especially O-An's retreats. Michele has a son and daughter. She works at WPSU and does volunteer work at Centre Bike. Michele’s email is dharmabum1@gmail.com
Michele appreciates a close involvement with O-An Zendo’s supportive community. After decades of trying, she now maintains a regular meditation practice. Michele serves the Zendo in various ways and enjoys Sunday Service and especially O-An's retreats. Michele has a son and daughter. She works at WPSU and does volunteer work at Centre Bike. Michele’s email is dharmabum1@gmail.com
Domenica Genovese, Communications Coordinator
Domenica has served on the board since July 2020. She has a life-long interest in zen study and meditation. O-An has brought a renewed focus to her practice. Domenica recently retired from a marketing design firm that she co-founded in 1989. She continues design work for the Mary Louis Academy in New York and for several non-profits such as The Care Network in Pennsylvania. Her email is domenica@gcfonline.com
Domenica has served on the board since July 2020. She has a life-long interest in zen study and meditation. O-An has brought a renewed focus to her practice. Domenica recently retired from a marketing design firm that she co-founded in 1989. She continues design work for the Mary Louis Academy in New York and for several non-profits such as The Care Network in Pennsylvania. Her email is domenica@gcfonline.com
Taishin Michael Augustin, Honorary Board Member
Taishin Michael Augustin joined O-An in 2021. He was selected by the Board of Directors in Fall 2022 to apprentice with Meido Barbara Anderson, Roshi, to become O-An's next Guiding Teacher. An academic by training, Taishin brings more than ten years of philosophical study and Zen practice to the sangha. He serves as an Honorary Board Member, and is reachable at taishin@oanzendo.org.
Taishin Michael Augustin joined O-An in 2021. He was selected by the Board of Directors in Fall 2022 to apprentice with Meido Barbara Anderson, Roshi, to become O-An's next Guiding Teacher. An academic by training, Taishin brings more than ten years of philosophical study and Zen practice to the sangha. He serves as an Honorary Board Member, and is reachable at taishin@oanzendo.org.