Special Guests and Events
December 1st … Fazia Deen, J.D., Guest Speaker
Fazia Deen, mother of three children, was born and raised in Latin America, Guyana, where she attended Roman Catholic School. Completed high school in Canada. Undergraduate study at Indiana University. Practiced law for 11 years in Indiana after receiving her Juris Doctorate from Thomas Cooley Law School of Western Michigan University. She dealt with divorce, amicable separation, custody cases; Juvenile and CHINS advocacy, represented and appealed challenging Immigration cases. In addition, managed an urgent health care clinic, while she was the Corporate Wellness Director for one of the largest wellness centers in Indiana. Currently, serving the public as the Deputy Outreach Director at Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center in Falls Church, Virginia, she specializes in interfaith community outreach, civic engagement; and her advocacy for equity, justice and fairness, led to her mentoring and life-coaching women and teens in the surrounding communities.
October 27th … Dan Ooko, Guest Speaker from Kenya
Dan Ooko, an avid student of Science of Mind which he studied with Rev Connie Phelps at the Center for Spiritual Living Kenya. Through those studies he has been able to embrace the relationship of Science of Mind and African Spirituality.
Dan w
as born and grew up in Kenya – experiencing poverty and lack first hand in the slums in Nairobi and poor rural areas in western Kenya. His dream, as far back as he can remember, was to be part of the transformation in his own community so it made sense that he was drawn to charity work. He didn’t want any other children to experience the need that he had, so he helped found a number of charities and community initiatives to fulfill his dream of being part of the solution to the ills in the world. In 2004, together with three of his young friends, he founded Furaha Community Foundation which is still providing quality education for hundreds of poor children in Huruma slums of Nairobi. Later, in Kisumu, a rural village in Western Kenya, he founded Cecilia’s Family Village (Cecilia’s Children organization) which focuses on wholistic empowerment of orphans and vulnerable children through education and strengthening the rural family units.
Dan uses his innate people-skills to build relationships that reach across apparent boundaries of discrimination based on prejudice wherever it may be occurring. Passionately committed to serving humankind, Dan believes “he exists because others are.” He knows without question, “we’re all ONE”!
October 13th … Rev Cynthia James, Guest Performer and Speaker
Cynthia James is a transformational specialist and one of today’s brightest and best loved inspirational leaders and teachers guiding thousands of people to make changes at a deep level for lasting healing in their lives. Whether coaching, speaking or teaching Cynthia invites participants into INQUIRY, INTROSPECTION AND INTEGRATION. Her newest program, Advanced Awareness Coaching offers depth, focus and results for high level business leaders.
Ms. James has completed two Master’s Degree programs; one in Consciousness Studies from the Holmes Institute where she was awarded the honor of distinguished alumni, and the other in Spiritual Psychology from the University of Santa Monica. Cynthia has uniquely combined the creative arts with innovative therapeutic techniques to bring powerful personal growth and expansion to individuals of all ages, cultures, and lifestyles, including facilitating the message of her bestselling and award-winning books, “What Will Set You Free”, Revealing Your Extraordinary Essence” and #1 Amazon bestseller, “I Choose Me: The Art of Being A Phenomenally Successful Woman at Home and at Work.”
Cynthia’s life was transformed as she transcended her childhood of violence and PTSD. Ms. James is personally committed to utilizing creative expression as a vital and effective healing modality. Her messages, music and meditation products have supported individuals and groups around the world.
To learn more about Cynthia, go to: www.Cynthiajames.net
May 12th – Chao Tian … Performing on the Chinese Dulcimer
A leading performer on the Chinese dulcimer, board member of Beijing Association of China Traditional Music, leader of “Always Folk” ensemble, and a member of the prestigious Artist in Residence program at Strathmore Music Center, Chao Tian has established a career as a soloist, educator, advocate, and composer in both traditional Chinese music and other genres. As a lecturer at Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU) and a former member of the world renowned Twelve Girls Band, she worked many years in the discipline of musical and cultural exchange.
Her musical journey began at the age of 5 and at age 12 she gained entrance to the Affiliated Middle School of China Conservatory with a major in dulcimer. Later she was recommended for immediate admission to China Conservatory, where she obtained the Master Degree of Arts in Musical Performance in 2010. As an ambassador of art and culture, she had performed in over 30 different countries and regions across the globe and she has collaborated with numerous acclaimed musicians in many unprecedented projects that explore connections between the musical worlds of China and the others.
May 26th – “This Is Lea” … Lea Morris – her Original Music and Message
While she often draws comparisons to other female phenoms like Tracy Chapman, Joni Mitchell and Ani DiFranco, LEA’s sound seamlessly blends gospel, jazz, country and R&B into her own style – SoulFolk.
LEA’s father played trumpet in the funk band Black Heat. Her mother dreamed of opera while performing in the Jones Family Gospel Singers. LEA was singing in the Baptist church as soon she could speak. When
she discovered the acoustic guitar as a teenager, she began teaching herself to play by writing songs. LEA’s final year in high school in Germany at a classical conservatory, where she sang with the jazz ensemble Black & White and co-wrote with the British pop trio Indigo Wild.
She has shared the stage with luminaries including Odetta, Mavis Staples, Dar Williams and Anthony Hamilton, LEA performs at a far ranging array of venues, including arts centers, universities, festivals, and places of worship. She is consistently acknowledged by the
Washington Area Music Association* as one of the region’s best vocalists, songwriters and recording artists. She is a graduate of the prestigious Artist-in-Residence program at The Music Center at Strathmore in Bethesda, MD and a beloved children’s music performer among DC families.
March 24th – Imam Naeem Baig
Former President of Islamic Circle of North America, ICNA, a grass-roots Muslim American organizations with over 40 chapters. He is Director of Interfaith Alliances.
Mr. Baig serves as the co-chair of the ‘National Muslim-Christian Initiative’. He also serves as the Muslim Coordinator for the ‘Catholic-Muslim Mid-Atlantic Dialogue’, which takes place every year between Catholic Bishops and Muslim Leadership in America.
Mr. Baig is serving as the National Moderator for ‘Religions for Peace USA’. He is member of the board of ‘Interfaith Workers Justice”.
February 24th – Rev Dr Raymont Anderson
We are so grateful that Rev. Dr. Raymont Anderson, Spir
itual Leader of Center for Spiritual Living Greater Baltimore, is able to include us in his very full schedule. Using his completely engaging manner, he shares his wisdom with his audiences. He is the out-picturing of his lifelong passion for self development, personal transformation, transmutation, and transfiguration. He lives his bliss as a teacher, minister, speaker, mentor, father, grandfather, and more. He is a brilliant workshop facilitator focusing on spirituality, metaphysics, and mysticism.
February 17th – Dianne Stewart Hamlin
Dianne is Professional Practitioner, licensed by both Centers for Spiritual Living and Agape International Spiritual Center. She is also an attorney serving the greater Washington, DC, metro area. She brings vibrancy, clarity and power to her informative, uplifting messages. Truly a transformative force in the universe, Dianne will challenge you to a greater appreciation of yourself!
February 10th – Rev Michele Synegal
Rev. 
Michele, currently serving as Chair of Centers for Spiritual Living’s Diversity Commission, is the originator of World Day of Service. For the past two years her focus ministry has supported centers in the Mid-Atlantic region as speaker, facilitator and teacher.
She is the former Senior Minister of Spiritual Empowerment Center in Baltimore, which she led for more than ten years. She was ordained in 2009 and was licensed as a practitioner in 1997. She holds a master’s degree in Consciousness Studies from the Holmes Institute and bachelor’s degree from the University of San Francisco. Her first published book is Inspiration in Small Doses; a compilation of short stories and essays designed to uplift and inspire the readers to live up to their divine potential.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
December 30th – Our Burning Bowl and White Stone Ceremonies
This, the last Sunday of 2018, we will surrender in a Burning Bowl Ceremony, all that no longer serves us, and lean into and embrace, with a White Stone Ceremony, how we choose to be. These two ceremonies in combin
ation, empower us to genuinely change our thinking and reveal the life that Spirit is calling us to express. Start now imaging how you would have your life be if it were not constrained by what you believe to be your obstacles. Learn that they are simply hurdles and that you have the ability to leap right over them! Join us for a truly transformative morning!
November 18th – Bianca Humady Rey
Bianca Humady Rey, chair of the Capital Trans Pride, is an active member of Equality Virginia, a statewide, non-partisan education, outreach, and advocacy 
organization seeking equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Virginians (LGBT). EV believes that we are stronger together than alone. Together we will create a Virginia that a safe, welcoming, and equal place for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals and their families to live, work and play.
Bianca was born in the Philippines. She now lives in Springfield, Virginia and works as a project coordinator. In her spare time, Bianca enjoys hiking, dancing, yoga, singing, and spending time with her family
October 28th – Bob Sima and Shannon
CSL Metro is excited to welcome Bob Sima (pronounced sEYE-ma) back for another enlightening and powe
rful performance. He has been called “Eckhart Tolle with a guitar” and is a guide, awakener, and musical mystic. Through the medium of melody and message, he leads listeners to an expanded consciousness, deeper sense of connection, and inner peace and purpose. For more about Bob, click www.bobsima.com
October 14th – Dr Gurpal Singh Bhuller
Dr. Gurpal Bhuller is a retired Orthopedic Surgeon who lives in Vienna, VA. He grew up in Malaysia to parents who had migrated there from India. After finishing studies in New Zealand, Dr. 
Bhuller completed his training in Omaha, Nebraska and then moved to Virginia in 1982. He retired from clinical practice in 2015, and now helps to raise his 4 grandchildren who live close by.
Dr. Bhuller is active in the Sikh Community of the DC Metro Area. He is also involved in several local charitable organizations, including Operation Walk and SevaTruck (a food truck for those in need). He has set up an Eye Bank in Punjab, India and has been organizing Eye Camps for rural communities there. Dr. Bhuller has lectured on of Sikhism and is the author of “The Enquiring Guru” (2006).
September 23rd – Rev Dr Raymont Anderson
We are so grateful that Rev. Dr. Raymont Anderson, recently appointed the Spiritual Leader of CSL Baltimore, is able to include us in his very full schedule. Using his completely engaging manner, he shares his wisdom with his audiences. He is the out-picturing of his lifelong passion for self development, personal transformation, transmutation, and transfiguration. He lives his bliss as a teacher, minister, speaker, mentor, father, grandfather, and more. He is a brilliant workshop facilitator focusing on spirituality, metaphysics, and mysticism.
September 9th – Claudia Carawan
We are blessed that Claudia Carawan, award-winning singer/songwriter, inspirational speaker and performer, will be providing our music and message. Her totally tingling induces goose-bumps. Her powerful message is made even more memorable by her transformative music that is vibrant, energetic and positively soulful. To learn more about Claudia, go to: www.claudiacarawan.com
September 16th – Rev Michele Synegal
Rev. Michele, currently serving as Chair of Centers for Spiritual Living’s Diversity Commission, is the originator of World Day of Service. For the past two years her focus ministry has supported centers in the Mid-Atlantic region as speaker, facilitator and teacher.
She is the former Senior Minister of Spiritual Empowerment Center in Baltimore, which she led for more than ten years. She was ordained in 2009 and was licensed as a practitioner in 1997. She holds a master’s degree in Consciousness Studies from the Holmes Institute and bachelor’s degree from the University of San Francisco. Her first published book is Inspiration in Small Doses; a compilation of short stories and essays designed to uplift and inspire the readers to live up to their divine potential.
August 5th – Rev Dr Kenn Gordon
We are h
onored to have Rev. Dr. Kenn Gordon, Spiritual Leader of Centers for Spiritual Living worldwide. Dr. Kenn is world renowned for his extraordinary vision and leadership. Greatly appreciated for his humor, wit and principle, he travels more than 150 da
ys a year making presentations around the world. He is a catalyst for evolution and change in every area of human development. A firm believer in shared and servant leadership, he gives graciously and selflessly of himself.
Dr Kenn and his amazing wife, Rev Dr Deb Gordon, co-founders and Spiritual Leaders of the Center for Spiritual Living Kelowna, will be our Retreat Masters at the Annual Spiritual Living Retreat in Potomac, Maryland, August 3-4th.