Originally from Serbia, I have spent my life traveling the globe earning various certifications and collecting precious life experience. I have a BA in Psychology from the University of Novi Sad, Serbia, and my MA in Communications from the University of Hawaii, Honolulu. I have studied conflict resolution and mediation, yoga and meditation, as well as Ayurvedic counseling. In 2013 I met my Buddhist teacher, and since then I have been a mindfulness and meditation enthusiast, and a lifelong student of Tibetan Buddhism. Additionally, I am trained in Mindfulness Based Addiction Recovery (MBAR), a program developed by Valerie Mason-John (Vimalasara), one of the leaders in the area of mindfulness and recovery. I have dedicated my life to self-exploration, and I love sharing my experiences and insights with others.

After working in retreat centers in Thailand, Portugal and Bali (Indonesia), Big Bear Retreat Center seems like a great next step and a like-minded community. I love spending time in nature with my dog Mala, reading and writing, and living a simple lifestyle.