Martine Taikai Palmiter has practiced Zen since 2000, and studied with her root teacher Rose Mary Myoan Dougherty for 17 years. Rose Mary confimed her as Dharma Holder in 2017, and prior to her passing in 2019, asked Sensei Bob Ertman to conduct a Transmission Ceremony. Martine is an authorized transmitted Teacher of zen in the White Plum lineage and Soto tradition, and also a Preceptor.

She founded Joyful Mind Zendo in 2023 and founded The Tea Ladies Women’s Sangha in 2017.

She is a former Human Resources manager for the Federal Government, former massage therapist and child hood educator. She is a grandmother, gardener, cyclist, yogi, cook, and community volunteer. She is committed to social justice, well-being, authenticity, and sharing the wisdom of joy and the Zen path. She lives in Rockville with her partner Vic.

She is a member the Lay Zen Teachers Association and White Plum Asanga,. She also teaches with Morning Star Zendo.

You can reach her directly at SenseiMartine@joyfulmindzendo.org

Bill Dietrich, Sensei is a dharma heir of Sensei Rose Mary Myoan Dougherty transmitted in 2015, and authorized to teach and transmit the Dharma in the White Plum Asanga. He teaches with Joyful Mind Zendo as well as in his practice of interfaith spiritual direction and in serving people at end of life and in supporting caregivers who serve in such settings.

He currently serves as a board member and treasurer of the White Plum Asanga, and as a trustee for the Ariel Investment Trust, a registered investment company (mutual fund). He is a member of Bethesda Friends Meeting (Quakers). He was a leader for many years at Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation. Bill lives with his wife Anne in Rehoboth Beach, DE and enjoys gardening, beachcombing, and exploring nature and the mystery that is life. He spends his days in loving support of Anne in her journey with Parkinson’s.

You can reach him at information@joyfulmindzendo.org

Jan Jinkai is a fully transmitted Teacher authorized to teach Zen in May 2024.

Jan has been practicing Zen for 20 years and lives now in Key West, Florida. She teaches online with Joyful Mind Zen.

Jan received Jukai on May 2023. She teaches online on Tuesdays and co-leads the women's sangha The Tea Ladies. She is also an author, writer, arts and animal lover.

She is the author of Short Leash: A Memoir of Dog Walking and Deliverance, and teaches the art and craft of creative nonfiction for The International Women's Writing Guild.

You can reach her at information@joyfulmindzendo.org