The image features a logo design with a vibrant sunburst pattern in the background. The sunburst consists of alternating rays of deep blue, red, and yellow, emanating from a circular yellow center. In the center, there is a stylized black outline of a lotus flower with a hand, symbolizing peace or spirituality. Below the sunburst, the acronym "SEBRC" is prominently displayed in bold black letters, followed by the full name "Southeastern Buddhist Retreat Center"

Board of Directors

David Bole
SPIRITUAL ADVISOR & PRESIDENT EMERITUS

David Bole, Ph.D., A.P (Lama Losang)

Director of the Traditional Acupuncture Center, a holistic health care facility offering a multi-dimensional approach to health and healing.

He earned his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Psychology from the University of Florida and completed two additional postdoctoral degrees in acupuncture from the College of Traditional Chinese Acupuncture in Oxford, England. Dr. Bole has studied acupuncture, herbal medicine, meditation and Tai Chi Chuan in the U.S., Europe, China, and Japan. In addition, he is a fully ordained monk (Gelong) and completed the traditional three year and three month retreat in the Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. He studied meditation under the direction of the renowned retreat master Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche.

He teaches Asian medicine, meditation, Buddhist philosophy, stress management, and Tai Chi Chuan. As a Westerner trained in these ancient arts, he is able to bridge the gap between Eastern and Western philosophical approaches to health and healing. He teaches classes and workshops around the country designed to enhance awareness and health to students of all ages.

President

Kathryn A. Taubert (Pema Kadro)

Kathryn’s experience in profit and not-for-profit sectors provides expertise in planning, organizing and developing start-up operations in a variety of settings. With a Certification from Indiana University’s Graduate School of Business, Health Agency Executive Development program, she was employed and/or served as a volunteer on state and national Boards of Directors for national health agencies and employed in the insurance industry as a training and management education executive specializing in organization development. Having been involved in several “start-up” operations in both sectors, and as a self-described “chronic volunteer,” Taubert’s experience lends itself well to SEBRC efforts.

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Vice President

Dr. K.A. Shakoor, DAOM (Karma Minjur Tarpa)

Dr. Shakoor’s more than 60 years mind-body exercise and medication training is the basis of his efforts up-lift underprivileged communities. Presently in Gainesville FL private practice (MAAHAAH-ROOH), Dr. Shakoor helps clients achieve self-empowerment and self-actualization through East Asian modalities, including Medical Qi Gong, Reiki, mindfulness, meditation, visualization, affirmations and other mind-body systems. With B.A.s in Philosophy and Psychology and a Clinical Doctorate in Oriental Medicine, Dr. Shakoor’s education and experience lends itself well to his desire to empower individuals for
the benefit the world at large.

Treasurer

J. Carlo Diaz, B.A, A.A, A.S.

J. Carlo Diaz is a Professional Engineer with over 20 years of experience in roadway design, construction, and maintenance. His career at the Florida Department of Transportation highlights his expertise in project management, contract negotiation, and leadership. He is a diplomatic and strategic administrator, skilled in resolving conflicts and ensuring compliance on multimillion-dollar projects. A critical thinker with a focus on risk mitigation, J. Carlo is also an effective communicator who is fluent in Spanish and proficient in a wide range of engineering software.

J. Carlo Diaz
Billy Thomas
Director

Billy Thomas, B.A, M.A, Ed.D.

Dr. Billy Thomas is a retired Dean of Social and Behavioral Sciences from Florida State College at Jacksonville. He is an avid motorcyclist, hiker and kayaker. Most importantly father to Matthew, Amelia, Teddy and “Mister Billy” to Dylan. He has an Ed.D in Educational Innovation from the University of South Florida, M.A in Christian Education from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Post-graduate hours in Educational Psychology Counseling from the University of North Florida, B.A in Religion from Stetson University and an A.A from Florida Junior College (currently FSCJ). He has been a Kama Kagyu practitioner and student of Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, Bardor Tulku Rinpoche and Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche since 1997. With the permission of Bardor Tulku Rinpoche has been teaching and leading meditation for more than 20 years. More than 10 years ago Billy established Amelia Island Karma Kagyu Study Group at the behest of Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche and began leading Chenrezig practice following instructions from Rinpoche. Although having received many teachings and empowerments, Billy’s primary practice is Chenrezig and the 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva.

 

Secretary

Piper Call

Piper Call is presently employed at the University of Florida as the Dean’s Executive Assistant in the College of the Arts. She is a UF alumnus 1993, BA History.
Piper is a fifth generation Floridian who grew up on the Gulf of Mexico with a father who was a shrimper and a mother who was a Weeki Wachee mermaid.
She enjoys percussive dance from many traditions and is a member of the Cross Creek Cloggers.
Piper currently serves as a charter member of the Southeastern Buddhist Retreat Center (SEBRC) Board of Directors.

Piper Call
Daniel Schexnaydre
Director

Daniel Schexnaydre

Daniel Schexnaydre (they/them) is a dedicated professional with a diverse background in service industry work, activism, and community outreach.
With extensive experience in management and customer service, they have honed their skills in conflict resolution, team building, and communication.
Additionally, they have been a passionate advocate for social justice and environmental causes, working to promote awareness and drive positive change in their community.
Currently, they serve as a board member at Gainesville Karma Thegsum Chöling (KTC) and as a non-board charter member at the Southeastern Buddhist Retreat Center, where they work to foster a sense of community, authentic spiritual learning and healing.

Chris Armentano
Chair, Development Committee (Non-Board)

Chris Armentano

Chris Armentano is a highly accomplished professional in problem gambling services and mental health. He co-founded and served as Executive Director of the Association of Problem Gambling Service Administrators (APGSA) and dedicated 16 years as Director of Problem Gambling Services for the State of Connecticut. His significant contributions have been widely recognized with numerous honors, including the “Thomas Cummings Award” and “Herman Goldman Foundation Award” for his lifetime work, as well as a Special Media Award for his co-produced documentary, “One Last Bet.” A prolific writer and producer, Chris has authored publications and co-produced “One Last Bet” and the radio series “Black History Matters.” He’s also a co-founder of Futbol Friends International, Inc., which supports youth soccer globally. Outside his professional life, Chris enjoys lifelong learning, carpentry, creative writing, oil painting, fitness, and supporting charitable causes.