Kelli Schonher started practicing insight meditation in Thailand in 1991, while earning Bachelor degrees in South East Asian studies and Economics. The study and application of economic theory was the focus of her earlier career. She earned a Master’s degree from University of Washington (1995), then taught economic theory in Russia, and subsequently worked as a consultant and assets manager for UCLA.
In 2012, she shifted her primary focus to Buddhist practices. Since then, she has been exploring ways to combine nature and mindfulness into a healthy lifestyle. In 2017 she graduated from Awake in the Wild’s teacher training program; in 2018 she completed a Professional Mindfulness Teacher Training; and in 2020 she will complete Spirit Rock’s Advanced Practitioner Program.