Founders

As ordained Buddhists, we have all made a special commitment to work for the benefit of others, helping in all ways possible. While working for the benefit of others, we also work toward personal transformation so that we may be of greater benefit in the future.

To us, the path of meditation and healing is a journey forward to a new destination. Clarity and humor are necessary elements of the journey -- we bring these together in a safe and joyful environment.

Colin Arndt (Jugney) has been practicing Tibetan meditation since 2001 and yoga since 2000. He met his spiritual teacher, Domo Geshe Rinpoche, shortly after beginning to study Buddhism. For the past 5 years, he has lead meditation groups and retreats, and oriented many people to the world of meditation.

Colin holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology at Sonoma State University in northern California, focusing on transpersonal counseling, ecopsychology and the psychology of yoga. He continues to deepen his understanding of yoga, meditation and creating a balanced relationship with the natural world.

Lisa Antoniotti (Pema) has been practicing meditation since 1995 and yoga since 1998. She began a tranformational meditation practice in 2001, and her personal practice has been in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition since that time. In 2003, Lisa began teaching on the dynamics that support meditation and mindful daily life. Lisa is also an Alignment Yoga 200-hour teacher and plans to teach meditation for yoga practitioners as well as yoga for meditators.

Lisa holds a bachelor's degree in Business Management from Cardinal Stritch University. She is currently enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in the Masters of Education program, focusing on Adult Education and Human Services. She serves as the Director of Design and Development for a global management consulting firm.

Cricket Fausek (Wangmo) has been practicing meditation since 2004. Cricket received permission to begin teaching meditation principles in 2007 and is a teacher trainee in the White Conch Dharma Center Teacher Training program.

Cricket completed a bachelor's degree in Nursing at University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. She is currently working as a Registered Nurse with an emphasis on integrative medicine.

Sarah Buchler (Gema) began studying Buddhist concepts in 1997 when a good friend lent her some Dharma texts and insisted she read them. Though she incorporated some of these ideas into her spiritual practice, it wasn’t until she met her teacher, Domo Geshe Rinpoche, in October of 2006, that Sarah began to study and practice Tibetan Buddhism more seriously.

Sarah holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Movement Sciences – Health and Fitness Management (Kinesiology with a business administration minor) as well as a certificate in nutrition from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. She is currently living and training at the hermitage of her lama in Neillsville, Wisconsin, though she visits Joyful Path often.

She says, “Being able to help to establish Joyful Path has been a privilege, a truly gratifying and unique experience. Knowing how many will benefit from the teachings, meditation practices, healing services, and close community for many years to come continues to make each day of effort meaningful. This place is truly magical.”