Courtney began meditation through yoga practice starting in her twenties and is a trained yoga teacher. In 2019, Courtney began her teaching apprenticeship with Sensei ZhiSin Pollyann James. In 2022, she was installed as a teacher receiving the name Gessho meaning moonlight. This name was given to her to represent being a light in the darkness. Courtney specializes in grief and trauma working as a licensed professional counselor. In November 2022, she will graduate from a 2-year Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program with Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach. Courtney is also a student of Sensei Edward Sangetsu Sullivan, a Soto Zen Priest at Red Rose Sangha. In her free time, Courtney enjoys time with her 2 adult children, road biking with friends and being in nature! Courtney gives back to the community with donation based and/or free teachings of mindfulness classes and mental health talks. In addition, she has organized charity events that assist children of single parent families at the YMCA to honor her deceased husband, Gary Michak. She also distributes and posts signs to “Be Kind” as an effort to promote more compassion, generosity and light in our world.