Priests & Teachers @ One River Zen
One River Zen has a trained and dedicated team of ordained Priests & Teachers devoted to supporting you on your practice-journey.
All of us need the care of an extended family as we embark on our spiritual journey. One River Zen has assembled a interdisciplinary team of practitioners to train, encourage, and uplift your practice.
Rev. Michael Kōgen Shikan Brunner, Sensei
Sensei Michael is Teacher at One River Zen.
Sensei has been practicing and studying Zen since 2008. His formal training began in 2009 when he began his formal studies. He had a profound experience early in koan study and has been driven ever since to work with students to help find their way home so they can open to and appreciate their lives.
Sensei Michael trains students one-on-one in the time honored traditions of the lineage in a way that makes the teachings accessible and integrative. Learn more about becoming a Zen Student and begin your journey with Sensei.
Rev. Vanessa Jinsen Roddam, Kyōkan
Kyōkan Vanessa is a Priest ordained by Sensei Michael in the Soto Zen Buddhist tradition and co-founder of One River Zen. She has been practicing yoga and meditation since 2007. What began as curiosity became a passion as she discovered the mental, spiritual, and physical transformation that the practice made in her own life.
Her practice has been enriched over the last 15+ years through studying yoga in the United States, South Korea, India, and Spain. These experiences informed her core belief that yoga transcends any language or cultural barriers and is accessible to everyone. At One River Zen, Kyōkan teaches a style of yoga that primarily focuses on using physical practice (asana) and breathwork (pranayama) to aid students in their Zen meditation practice.
She received her 200-hour yoga teaching certification Spring of 2023 in Barcelona.