Reverend Taiso Hannya
Byran Bartow

Taiso has studied and practiced Buddhism, T'ai Chi, and other eastern arts since the 1970's. He has practiced Zen with Hollow Bones and several midwest groups. Taiso received Jukai in the Hollow Bones Rinzai Order with Jun Po Kelly, Roshi in 2005 and received Hollow Bones Priest Ordination on Mother’s Day, 2007. Taiso received Inka, dharma transmission on December 3, 2011.  He currently serves as head priest of Zen River Sangha and Secretary of Friends of Zen.

He earned a BS Ed degree in Human Services and a Master of Public Administration degree. Since recovering from addiction in the 1970's, Taiso actualizes the mission of easing suffering and service through support of this journey. His recent professional experience involves leadership of treatment programs at the nexus of the mental health and criminal justice fields. He has also taught courses in social science, technology, and research methods. Among varied interests, he is a father, sailor, scholar, and patron of the arts.
 

Reverend Manju Usra
Bill Frackelton

Manju Usra Bill Frackelton began practicing Zen in the Rinzai tradition with Jun Po Kando Denis Kelly, Roshi, in 1993.  He took lay practitioner vows with Jun Po in 1998 and was ordained as a lay priest in the Hollow Bones Order in 2003.  He helped establish and continues to support a local Hollow Bones practice community in Northeastern Wisconsin.  Manju is a retired social worker and active prison work volunteer.

Reverend Reishin Dai Nei
Denise Leong

Reishin Dai Nei Denise Leong has been a member of the Zen River Sangha in Wisconsin since 2005, took jukai vows in 2007, and was ordained as a priest in December, 2010.

Her journey on this path has been incredible and exquisite. After having her heart broken open through the Mondo process, she embraces a life filled with excitement & opportunity, joy, compassion, equanimity, and loving kindness.  To her sangha, she sends eternal gratitude for their love and support throughout these years.

Reishin spent thirty-five years as a teacher in middle school, high school, and college;  she currently works as an IT director for a public school system.  She lives a quiet life in rural Wisconsin with her husband and fondly remembers her Zen Master mother who challenged her daily with the same koan:  "What time is it?"

Now.