Melanie “Mel” Huitse Cherng (she, her) was born and raised in a family that practices Pure Land Buddhism, and as a young adult she practiced meditation in the Chan tradition. She began exploring Vipassana meditation in 2010 at both IMS and Cambridge Insight Meditation Center,  where she has been a People of Color affinity group leader and is currently a leader of the 35 & Under sangha. A licensed acupuncturist and herbalist, dancer, and qigong practitioner, she is interested in exploring different ways to hold open, spacious practice spaces that provide rest, transformation, and healing for her communities.