Rio Ellett (they/them) has been practicing meditation since their teens, studying with the sanghas of Thich Nhat Hanh, Spirit Rock Meditation Center, and Insight Meditation Society during years of intensive retreat practice. They began teaching meditation to young adults and environmental activists in 2013, and have since facilitated several sitting groups in Europe, including LGBTQIA+ sanghas. In 2014, they were ordained into Thich Nhat Hanh’s Order of Interbeing. They’ve been a MMTCP Mentor since 2021.
Influenced by their own experiences of disability (cystic fibrosis), trauma, and queerness, Rio is passionate about making dharma teachings accessible and welcoming to those with non-normative experiences, as well as creating safe(r) spaces. Their teaching style emphasizes easefulness, acceptance, and simplicity, as well as the practice of sangha and community building. They have roots in New Zealand and Germany and will offer groups in English and German.
Rio is a parent since 2022 and is finding parenthood to be the most challenging and transformative practice as of yet. They love tending their garden, traveling, being in the forest, and not taking themselves too seriously.