Bart van Melik is the CMC guiding teacher. He has taught meditation classes and workshops since 2009, in the New York City area and in residential retreats worldwide. He offers meditation programs to diverse populations including incarcerated youth, homeless youth and families, veterans with PTSD and corporate workers. He has practiced many styles of meditation. Trained by Joseph Goldstein and Carol Wilson, who introduced him to the power of a relaxed awareness that allows us to meet life with kindness – especially in times of difficulty. Gregory Kramer taught him Insight Dialogue – a fully engaged relational meditation practice. From his wife Chantal and son Lou he continues to learn about unconditional love, patience and playing. He is a co-author of Still, in the City: Creating Peace of Mind in the Midst of Urban Chaos. His meditation instructions can be heard on the Meditation Studio App and on Dharma Seed. Originally from Holland, Bart is a graduate of the Spirit Rock/IMS Teacher Training, and the Community Dharma Leaders Program. He holds an M.A. in Psychology of Culture and Religion from Nijmegen University in The Netherlands. Bart is also fully matriculated as an Insight Dialogue Teacher.