Compassion in Action® Fellows

Lama Tsomo is an American lama, author, and co-founder of the Namchak Foundation and Namchak Retreat Ranch. Known for her grounded and accessible approach, she brings decades of deep study and practice to her teaching, shaped by extensive spiritual retreats in the United States and abroad. Under the guidance of Tulku Sangak Rinpoche, the international holder of the Namchak lineage, she...

Justin Kirkwood is a Tibetan translator and teacher whose path into Buddhist study began in his home state of Indiana. Drawn by a deep interest in Tibetan language and practice, he made a life-changing move to India with a one-way ticket and fully immersed himself in the culture and daily rhythm of Tibetan life. By living alongside Tibetans and making every...

After nine years in a monastic university program devoted to the major subjects of Buddhism, Jetsunma Jamyang Yeshe Palmo deepened her path with another nine years in closed retreat. This rare combination of rigorous study and intensive contemplative practice is what led Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche to bestow upon her the respected title of Jetsunma. As a teacher, she brings both scholarly...

Edomyas Solomon is a co-founder and member of the Enlivened Cooperative, an eco-social, for-impact organization creating meaningful and innovative learning experiences. For the past five years, he has also been an active contributor to the Ecoversities Alliance, a network of learners and communities reclaiming diverse knowledge systems, relationships, and imaginations to shape new approaches to higher education. His background spans both...

Rachel Ashley has been part of Namchak since 2017, first contributing through the Community Advisory Board and now serving as Program and Curriculum Specialist. Her background in education spans more than 15 years, with experience teaching elementary, high school, and college-aged students in English, Language Arts, dance, movement, mindfulness, and meditation. That broad foundation continues to shape the way she...

Emily Ballentine has been part of the Namchak community since 2018, bringing both dedication and a deep personal commitment to the path. Over the years, she has contributed in meaningful ways, including serving on the Community Advisory Board and helping develop the Compassion in Action® Network and Fellows Program. In her current role as Community Engagement and Programming Specialist, she...

Jessica Larson (she/her) is the Director of Education and Programming at the Namchak Foundation, where she helps bring Tibetan Buddhist teachings and practices into welcoming, accessible spaces. Her work is rooted in a deep commitment to community, and she is passionate about sharing wisdom in ways that feel engaging, practical, and grounded in real-life connection. As a devoted practitioner, Jessica draws...