Max Kaehn has been practicing Zen at Bamboo in the Wind since 2010. He writes software by day and tabletop roleplaying games by night, and his cats are regulars on the sangha’s online meetings.

Draupadi Green began practicing at Bamboo in the Wind in 2013. She enjoys yoga, drawing, and watercolor painting.

Don Clark has been active in religious studies before the start of the millennium. He began Zen practice as a student of Reverend Val in 2002 and with continued guidance of Reverend Val has embraced studies in Ch’an and Zen in the West. Don volunteers at other non-profits as a STEM mentor and program facilitator supporting minority youth as well as a board member.

Cindy has been practicing zazen (Zen meditation) since 2015 and recently received her lay ordination from Reverend Val Szymanski in 2024.    Cindy's day job as a data analytics manager for Santa Clara County's Public Hospital and Clinics blends well with a Buddhist perspective.  She also volunteers in the diversity equity and inclusion space at the county as well as with youth and adults in the Scouting America organization. 

Rev. Allison Yusho (“Bright Courage”) Draper, MDiv, BCC joins the Board as Guiding Teacher (interim), assisting with the sangha’s transition after founding teacher Rev. Val’s retirement “Stepping Down” in December 2024.

Rev. Allison has been formally practicing Soto Zen Buddhism for over 20 years, primarily in the Suzuki Roshi lineage. Rev. Allison holds a Master’s in Divinity (Shogaku Zen Institute, 2017) and is a Board Certified Chaplain (BCC) through the Association of Professional Chaplains. She is also an advanced-practice board certified chaplain in palliative care and hospice.