Our Program Leaders offer a variety of specialties 
within the individual and family, school/university
and peace & justice/change settings.   
We look forward to creating a program tailored 
to your needs and interests.  Click here to see our current offerings. 

"In spite of all similarities, 
every living situation has,
like a newborn child,
a new face,
that has never been before and will never come again.
It demands nothing of what is past.
It demands presence, responsibility;
​it demands you." 
​- Martin Buber

Alexander Gilman

PictureAlexander Gilman
School/University Programs; Awakened Activism Programs
& Administration
     Alexander Gilman is a transpersonal coach and trainer working at the intersection of the existential and mystical. 
Alexander is trained in continental philosophy, nonviolent communication, and contemplative spirituality. He is a 2011 graduate of Boston College's Honors Program.
     Alexander's past work with Unity Tables, Inc. and Ceres, Inc., along with his skills as a freelance writer and editor, allow him to serve Undefended Heart both in the program and administrative side of our work. In addition to his work with Undefended Heart, he is a trainer and facilitator in the Mankind Project and a Certified Psychosynthesis Coach.
PictureMary B. Wells
Mary B. Wells, LCSW
Health; Individual & Family Programs
     For the past 4 years, Mary has focused exclusively on treatments and processes that reduce or eliminate persistent pain.  She was trained by Howard Shubiner, MD in his "Unlearn Your Pain" approach and has attended training with Jon Kabat-Zinn and Saki Santorelli, in their Mind-Body Medicine Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction program.  Mary has extensive specialized training in enhancing Neuroplasticity and Brain Regulation;  in Understanding and Managing Chronic Pain;  and in delivering solutions for the Neurobiology of Depression and Anxiety.  READ MORE
"Between stimulus 
and response 
there is a space. 
In that space is our power to choose our response. 
In our response lies our growth and our freedom."
- Viktor Frankl
"All of your scholarship, all your study of Shakespeare and Wordsworth would be in vain if at the same time you did not build your character and attain mastery over your thoughts and your actions."
-Mahatma Gandhi
 PictureTara Ann Smith
Tara Smith
School/University Programs
     Tara is a rising junior at Duke University. She has a rich background in meditation and contemplative practice, attending her first retreat at age 6.  

​Tara recently completed Phase One of the Koru Mindfulness Teacher Certification,  READ MORE