Walking the Path Together: Spirituality and Children

Tuesday, April 15. 5:00pm - 6:30pm. Olympic Room.

Description 

Panelists representing a number of  faith traditions will explore ways of nurturing spirituality and compassion in children. Our time together will include a vibrant interactive discussion with the audience and opportunities for hands-on experience with centering and meditation, movement, and using language appropriate for talking with children about Spirit.

Presenter Bios

Susan Usha Dermond 

Susan Usha Dermond is an Ananda minister, an educator, and the author of "Calm and Compassionate Children: A Handbook."  The last 22 years of her career have been in alternative schools.  Ms. Dermond is the founder and director of the Portland Living Wisdom School--a non-profit elementary school that emphasizes nonsectarian spiritual principals and practical skills for living--and is a cofounder of its sister school in Seattle.  She regularly gives seminars for parents and teachers all along the West Coast, and teaches yoga and meditation.

Reverend Lisa Domke

Reverend Lisa Domke is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and is involved with a number of faith-based and community action groups dedicated to pursuing justice, promoting human rights, and protecting the environment. Reverend Domke serves on the board of the Church Council of Greater Seattle and has been part of the Seeds of Compassion InterSpirituality Committee.  For the past two years, she has been in dialogue with Christian leaders around the country while exploring the development of a New Christian faith community in the Seattle area.  Reverend Domke currently is working on a book called "Spiritual Parenting for Questioning Christians." She has been married to David Domke for 17 years and is the proud mother of two amazing boys.

Kristen Jawad

iKristen Jawad a parent, cultural worker and an educator who serves as a member of the Executive Committee of IMAN (Ithna-asheri Muslim Association of the Northwest). Ms. Jawad is a native of Oregon state. She has been an active contributing member at IMAN since moving to the Seattle area in 1999 and also participates with several non-profit organizations. She is passionate about supporting the unique needs of youth and families. Her focus is on creating life-serving activities that nurture emotional, creative and interpersonal growth. She is currently pursuing a M.Ed and homeschooling her two sons.

Her Eminance Dagmo Jamyang Sakya

Dagmola was born in Kham in Eastern Tibet. As the niece of the renowned Sakya master Deshung Rinpoche, Dagmola received spiritual training beginning at an early age.  At fifteen, she became the Sakya Dagmo (Holy Mother) of the Sakya Khon lineage when she married His Holiness Jigdal Dagchen Sakya.  With her husband and uncle she helped establish Seattle's Sakya Monastery of Tibetan Buddhism, where she teaches and serves as Tibetan Cultural Advisor. She has also founded five Dharma Centers and taught extensively all over the world.

Rabbi Daniel Weiner

Rabbi Weiner has been Senior Rabbi of Temple De Hirsch Sinai since July, 2001. He is deeply committed to developing positive interfaith partnerships, and is a respected speaker and leader in the Seattle religious community.  Rabbi Weiner has a passion for politics, philosophy, history, and music.  He is the proud husband of Cynthia, and father of two children.

Monica Wilson (Moderator) 

Monica Wilson is the Outreach Coordinator on the board at Sakya Monastery of Tibetan Buddhism. She is also the Director of the Dharma School at the monastery.  She has a lifelong interest in spirituality and developing greater understanding between all people, thus she appreciates the importance of nurturing compassion in children.  Her background in metaphysics and the intuitive arts is an invaluable aid to this vision.