Ekta Hattangady 

(she/they) is a social worker, private practice psychotherapist and mindfulness trainer and coach. They have 16+ years of experience of working in the non-profit space in clinical and program roles across India, the US and Canada. Ekta is passionate about liberation—from worldly systems, internal barriers, and any other oppressive components that keep us captive. Their personal journey spans 10+ years, with Buddhist philosophy, specifically equanimity, insight and compassion practices being at the core. They are currently working on a Dhamma book. At True North Insight, Ekta hopes to be involved in the fundraising and strategic planning committees. Find Ekta on instagram: @journeywithcompassion.

Michelle Nicholls 

is a social worker-therapist living in Toronto. She began exploring secular mindfulness meditation in 2005, as a pathway to spirituality, and to find steadiness in her work-life balance. For the past seven years, Michelle has attended the POC retreats at IMS, which continues to support her in deepening her own practice. Michelle holds Level A and B certificates in Applied Mindfulness Meditation from U of T. Her therapeutic work involves radical acceptance, and compassionate mindfulness-based approaches to counselling individuals and groups.She is truly grateful for the teachings of DaRa Williams, Gina Sharpe, Larry Yang, JoAnna Harper and Joseph Goldstein. Michelle hopes to carry on their vision of inclusion and diversity in the Sangha, through acts of service that will support and sustain the meditation practices for marginalized community members.

Coral Short

Coral Short is a first generation white settler who was raised in British Columbia on Sq’ewá:lxw Land by their hippy parents. Since graduating from True North Insight’s Mentorship program, they have started to organize Somatic and Buddhist gatherings, both in-person and online, bringing together a diverse array of communities. As a co-founder of Queer Sangha, Coral's steadfast warmth creates a weekly sanctuary where LGBTQ2S+ identities are celebrated and supported. Find out more about Coral’s offerings here or feel free to follow them on instagram @coralshort

Inspired by a deep love for the natural world, Coral creates open air eco-somatic experiences, guiding participants on immersive journeys through the stunning forests surrounding Tiohtià:ke/Montréal. Grounded in a profound commitment to embodiment, connection, and our precious Earth, Coral believes in transformation through mindful presence. They embrace the ongoing struggle for individual and collective liberation, fostering heart-softening spaces of joy for all who wish to join.

Josephine Tcheng

is based in Tkaronto / Toronto and works as a community educator within higher education. They have been practicing for just over a decade, growing up with references to the Buddha's teachings. They are interested in supporting the work of the TNI board as a small gesture towards supporting our Sangha more broadly. Josephine holds deep gratitude and heartfelt respect for the teachers: particularly Venerable Bhante Buddharakkhita, Bonnie Duran, Gina Sharpe, and Larry Yang, along with fellow Sangha members, who have generously held space for them alongside many beings, in our collective practice.