Support @ One River Zen
One River Zen has a trained and dedicated team devoted to supporting you on your practice-journey
Every journey requires the support of a nurturing community. At One River Zen, we understand the importance of having an extended family to guide and uplift you along your spiritual quest. Our interdisciplinary team of seasoned practitioners is here to provide the care, training, and encouragement you need to flourish on your practice journey. Meet the compassionate guides dedicated to nurturing your growth and awakening at One River Zen:
Michael Brunner, Abbot and Guiding Teacher
Meet Sensei Michael Brunner, founder of One River Zen and teacher in the lineage of Dainin Katagiri Roshi through Diane Martin, Roshi. Sensei's journey into Zen began in 2008, igniting a deep passion that led to formal training starting in 2009. His commitment to Zen was sparked by a profound experience early in koan study, propelling him to dedicate his life to guiding others on their path to awakening.
Alongside his wife and co-founder Vanessa, Michael brings over fifteen years of Zen practice and study to One River Zen. Prior to embracing Zen vocationally, Michael enjoyed a successful career as a senior sales and marketing executive while navigating the joys and challenges of fatherhood. His diverse experiences have granted him insights into finding balance amidst the demands of work, family, and spiritual growth.
Sensei Michael's approach to teaching is rooted in making the ancient wisdom of Zen accessible and applicable to modern life. He understands the struggles we all face on the path to self-discovery and is committed to helping students find their way home, enabling them to embrace and celebrate every aspect of their lives.
Ready to embark on your own journey of self-discovery? Consider becoming a Zen Student and beginning your path to awakening today. Join our community of seekers and discover the depths of Zen practice under Michael's guidance.
Vanessa Roddam, Co-Founder and Teacher
Introducing Vanessa, the co-founder of One River Zen. Vanessa's journey into the realms of yoga and meditation began in 2007, driven by a curiosity that swiftly blossomed into a passion. Through dedicated practice, she witnessed the transformative power of yoga, not just on a physical level, but also on mental and spiritual planes, deeply shaping her life's trajectory. She is also a Zen Priest and Dharma Holder.
In addition to her spiritual pursuits, Vanessa boasts a distinguished career in consumer insights, serving as an executive within the wine industry. She intimately understands the delicate balance required to nurture a vibrant spiritual practice amidst the bustling demands of motherhood, career, teaching, and her role as a Zen Priest.
Over the past 15+ years, Vanessa's yoga journey has taken her across continents, enriching her practice through immersive experiences in the United States, South Korea, India, and Spain. These global encounters have instilled in her a fundamental belief that yoga and meditation transcend cultural and linguistic boundaries, offering a universal path accessible to all.
At One River Zen, Vanessa, known as Hōshi, shares her expertise through a unique style of yoga that seamlessly integrates physical practice (asana) and breathwork (pranayama) to support students in their Zen meditation journey. Her dedication to yoga culminated in her attainment of a 200-hour yoga teaching certification in Spring 2023, earned in the vibrant city of Barcelona.
Embark on your own journey of self-discovery alongside Vanessa and the One River Zen community. Experience the synthesis of yoga and Zen meditation under her compassionate guidance.
Seth Myers, Mindfulness Teacher
Meet Seth, a devoted practitioner and integral member of the One River Zen community. Seth embarked on his meditation and mindfulness journey in 2004, laying the foundation for a profound spiritual odyssey that led him to the doors of One River Zen in 2022, where he embraced his role as a Zen Student with open arms.
Beyond his spiritual pursuits, Seth serves as a Lieutenant in the Inverness Fire Protection District, demonstrating unwavering dedication to public service. As a loving father and husband, Seth understands the delicate balance required to navigate the complexities of family life alongside his professional and spiritual commitments.
Seth's journey at One River Zen extends beyond studenthood as he undergoes training to become a Zen Buddhist Priest, embodying a deep commitment to his spiritual path. His passion lies in bridging the gap between meditation and mindfulness practices and the demands of everyday life, offering invaluable guidance to fellow practitioners seeking integration and balance.
At One River Zen, Seth plays a pivotal role in teaching the Entering the Way curriculum, sharing his insights and expertise to empower others on their own journey of self-discovery and awakening. Through his guidance and unwavering dedication, Seth inspires others to embrace the transformative power of meditation and mindfulness in their daily lives.