James Sinclair, M.D. is a Medical Oncologist and Hospice Medical Director who has practiced medicine in San Diego for 30 years. He is also medical director at the Stevens Division of the Scripps Cancer Center in La Jolla. Through his work in Oncology and Hospice Jim has become interested in the benefits of spirituality in health care and mindfulness in particular. He is a founding member of the Encinitas Mindfulness Community and has participated in many of the retreats organized by the EMC. A week long retreat in silence and solitude at Questhaven has been a major step in his transformation to an internal journey from the “busi”ness of his life. Jim wishes to share his experience with other healthcare providers, patients, families and members of his community. The end of life experience is something he witnesses every day and as he prepares for his own end of life experience he wishes to be present to the sacred experience of end of life for all.

Greg McBain is a long-time resident of Encinitas who was introduced to mindfulness training over 20 years ago through MBSR. More recently (10 years ago) he became involved with the 2nd Street Sangha, our original founding organization, and knew he had finally found a home to practice mindfulness in earnest. An engineer by training, this journey into mindfulness has been inspiring and transforming. His personal vision is to help others to have the opportunity to practice mindfulness and to have the benefits of the many teachings that are offered through EMC. His hobbies and pastimes include hiking, gardening, restoring an old 1950 Ford truck, playing guitar, and travel with his wife Maureen.

As a registered dietitian nutritionist with 30 years’ experience in health, weight management and wellness, Lisa always had a passion for both the art (or rather, heart) and science of lifestyle change. However, the 8-week MBSR program opened the door to a path of learning that truly transformed her life personally and professionally. Lisa’s mindfulness practice is an integral part of her worldview. It has become a compass to guide her actions and decisions, as well as a gift in being able to join a community of individuals who share a deeply held aspiration to bring benefit to others. Her heartfelt wish would be to see that community grow and strengthen in this aspiration.

Cary Joel has been a registered nurse for 37 years and is now practicing as a Nurse Practitioner in the field of Palliative Medicine. Cary’s mindfulness practice helps her mental posture of acceptance toward all experiences.

Lynn Stine began her professional life in science and spent many years working in biotechnology. In retirement, her mindfulness practice has become a central thread in how she relates to herself, others, and the world around her.

She has been part of the Community of Mindful Living since 1993. Her practice expresses itself not only in meditation, but also through creative work in the arts and in acts of service, including facilitating the Sangha’s relationship with Fill A Belly, serving neighbors experiencing food instability.

Over time, her practice has become a quiet companion she returns to in both comfort and difficulty, teaching her to soften, listen more deeply, and meet life with greater patience and care. She treasures practicing in community and is continually inspired by the sincerity and generosity of others on the path. Her intention is simply to show up, contribute where she can, and help support a space where mindfulness can be lived, not just studied.

Kelly McCormick is a Public Health Educator with San Dieguito Alliance for Drug Free Youth. Kelly previously worked as a broadcast journalist before settling in Southern California with her husband and two children. Kelly has a passion for animal rescue, particularly German Shepherds and cats. As a wise man once said, "I have met many Zen Masters in my life. Most of them were cats." Kelly began her Mindfulness practice with Diana's 8-week MBSR class and immediately felt at home with the practice and the open-hearted welcome offered by the Encinitas Mindfulness Community.

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