About us
For over 20 years, Ryan has been on a healing and transformation journey spanning many ancient traditions including Buddhism, Christianity, Taoism and Lakota. Ultimately, he found all the traditions lead back to the same place, one's own heart. Ryan teaches in a universal way, bridging the worlds of philosophy, psychology and religion. He emphasizes experience over book knowledge.
"People often complicate spirituality. It's simply coming to know your own Spirit on the deepest level." ~ Ryan
Ryan, Co-founder and teacher of Heart School
Lidia, co-founder and community organizer of Heart School
Lidia has practiced meditation and mindfulness for over 10 years, including in some of the most spiritually empowering places on planet Earth. She has studied the acient Buddhist and Hindu teachings and holds a Yoga Instructor certification.
"I've experienced transformation -- subtle, ongoing and profound. I'm not the same person I was last month, last week, or even yesterday. I can feel it in my body and in my choices. It's as though meditation has tuned me into the quiet music of change, a song that plays beneath the surface of everyday life." ~ Lidia
Testimonials
Whether you’re joining us for the first time or returning as a friend, you’ll find a supportive space to learn, practice, and belong.
I felt a deep calm and connection I didn’t know was possible.
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Lawrence L.
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Heart School helped me trust myself—and my joy—again.
Julie L.
The community is so welcoming. I felt at home.
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Erika M.
Some of Ryan's students prefer to call him "Chitananda", which translates from Sanskrit to "Bliss Consciousness". Ryan received this sacred name from his Buddhist meditation teacher many years ago. Ryan says the name accurately describes how he feels every time he meditates these days.
Only two months ago, I was completely broken—heart, mind, body, and soul. I felt detached from myself, almost observing my own pain from the outside, in disbelief that I had allowed life to bring me to such a low place. In that moment of surrender, I called out to God to save me—emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. What followed was nothing short of divine intervention.
Among the angels in human form was Ryan. With an open heart and a genuine intention to heal. I began meeting with him weekly. Though my mind often wandered during meditation, I remained committed. Over time, the practice addressed my spiraling thoughts, helping me reclaim control over my focus and emotions.
Ryan is truly a human encyclopedia of wisdom. His teachings have empowered me to consciously choose how I perceive and respond to life. Through this process, I am releasing self-doubt, rebuilding confidence, learning self-love, and surrendering control and ego.
Meditation under Ryan’s guidance has been unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. The practice has become a daily rhythm that fuels my productivity, focus, peace, and overall well-being.
Victoria, Hotel Executive & Startup Founder