Teresa (Maria) Abdala Basila spends her days between Santa Monica, California, and Mexico City, where she migrated from to the US 20 years ago. She is of Lebanese descent. She holds an MBA and a BS in geography. As an entrepreneur, she successfully led a multi-million-dollar company in Mexico and Latin America, introducing mindfulness training to executives and employees. Tere first studied Buddhism in the Tibetan tradition, and later vipassana at InsightLA, where she’s a senior teacher. She was recently authorized as a retreat teacher by Spirit Rock Meditation Center.
Tere’s mentoring style is intuitive, trusting in each student’s own inner nature. She tries to reflect back her students’ innate qualities. She loves spontaneity, and has a good sense of humor. As a Lebanese AND Mexican, her warmth builds closeness with students. Besides Dharma and family, Tere enjoys caring for a healthy life, playing tennis, painting as a visual artist, going on hikes, seeing friends, traveling, going on retreats and trips, and always learning. She is excited to accompany new students on their paths to becoming teachers.