Staff Profiles
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - Zachary Perlman
An initiate of several ancient wisdom traditions including: Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Mystical Christianity, Perlman's interest in comparative religion began in earnest as a young man, but his professional background also includes website design, audio/video editing, digital publishing, and multimedia product development. As a lover of wisdom and as someone who truly enjoys participating in the global interfaith community, Perlman also feels very honored to serve on the Southern California Committee for a Parliament of the World's Religions. EMAIL: zachperlman@ monkswithoutborders.org
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR - Ryan Duggan
Ryan Duggan is journalist, father, Christian Mystic, radio news reporter, free thinker, union booster, proponent of Liberation Theology, a lifetime seeker, defender of the poor, a novice oral historian, raconteur, a fan of baseball, old-time radio and American roots music, a champion of the underdog, arch-liberal, an IWW member, an advocate of speaking truth to power, and an vocal opponent of anyone who feels superior based on class, race, sex or privilege. He believes in community, harmony, servant leadership, living simply and justly in solidarity with the poor and marginalized, in being a good neighbor, in celebrating life, drinking good coffee, ordinary decency, making injustice visible, feeding people without bureaucratic, religious or social restrictions, protecting the powerless, practicing radical compassion and nonviolence, and always working toward reconciliation. Ryan also believes that every human being is a sacred multiplicity of miracles, infused with the Divine Essence, an emanation of God; that our actions are the working musculature of Heaven and that the very ground we walk on is Holy. EMAIL: ryanduggan@ monkswithoutborders.org
OUTREACH DIRECTOR - Seth Kinzie
Prior to becoming outreaching director at MWB, Seth was founder and director of the Zen Buddhist Sangha at Lewis & Clark College, where he studied Religion and meditation as a method to discovering the Divine immediacy of the present moment. Ever since taking over a high school group committed to playing dodgeball as an instrument to promote world peace, Seth became dedicated towards creative pacifism. And in large part, it was attending the 2004 Parliament of World Religions Convention in Barcelona which opened his eyes to the beauty of interfaith work. Now living in Portland Oregon, Seth is enjoying his days while taking care of mentally disabled adults, playing piano in the instrumental music group: Plum Sutra, and spending his time with wonderful soul travelers. EMAIL: outreach@monkswithoutborders.org
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER - Saul Sheridan
In addition to his role with Monks Without Borders, Saul is an aspiring math teacher, former world traveler, and constant searcher of knowledge. After earning a degree in Management Science from UC San Diego, Saul traveled the globe and fell in love with the religions and cultures of people from all over the world. After returning to the US, Saul earned a Master's degree in International Political Economy, with a goal of working for an international nonprofit. Now an integral part of Monks Without Borders, Saul is enthusiastic about being a part of such an exciting organization. EMAIL: saulsheridan@ monkswithoutborders.org
EXECUIVE SECRETARY- Andrew Roberts
Andrew Roberts has served in a variety of fields including data processing, bartending, roller-coaster operation, spiritual ministry, and has even served as political operative. (But that last one was only for a day.) Currently he helps manage the training department of the largest mental-health NGA in Los Angeles County. In his spare time he enjoys reading, long boarding, camping, and jazz. EMAIL: andrewroberts@ monkswithoutborders.org
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR - Simon Anaya
Simon Anaya is a visual communicator / multimedia developer based in Southern California. A long time contributor to the art community, he dedicates the majority of his time to finessing and fusing the art of 3D animation, interactive motion graphics, photography, video, light, and sound. Creating compelling and engaging communication campaigns, web experiences, interactive edutainment, art exhibits, and large scale LED and projected video installations. Fascinated with culture, philosophy and language, he’s frequently found in deep thought, pondering the essence of life & our true identity in the cosmos. When not in his studio, you can find him practicing kundalini yoga, making and recording music with friends, or wandering the peak of the local snow covered mountains. EMAIL: simonanaya@ monkswithoutborders.org