La Sarmiento

La Sarmiento has been practicing Vipassana meditation and has been a member of IMCW since 1998. La's practice and approach to the Dharma has been influenced greatly by the teachings of Tara Brach, Pema Chodron, Charlotte Joko Beck, Larry Yang, Eric Kolvig, Michele McDonald, Cheri Maples, Joe Weston, and Ruth King.

Since 2005, La has been the guiding teacher/leader of the IMCW Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ) Sangha and the IMCW People of Color Sangha. She integrates the Kalyana Mitta process and the concepts of Respectful Confrontation and Non-violent Communication into her gatherings to create a sacred space for group wisdom to arise. 

La is a senior retreat/event manager committed to bringing diverse teachers and programs to IMCW and to making the Dharma accessible to all. Currently in the Community Dharma Leader Program IV through the Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, CA, La teaches and manages retreats for teenagers through Inward Bound Mindfulness Education, and produces workshops for Joe Weston in Respectful Confrontation. 

La has been a body/energyworker in private practice since 1992 and teaches mindfulness-based Reiki classes with her life partner Wendy Taylor in Adams Morgan, DC.

Contact La here.