TEAM
Thomas McConkie, Founder
Over the last 25 years, Thomas has studied broadly across the traditions: from Hindu mantra meditation, Zen and Theravada in the Buddhist Wisdom stream, to the school of Integral Philosophy, as well as contemplative Christianity. In 2017 he founded Lower Lights School of Wisdom, a nonprofit organization and community dedicated to reimagining faith and human transformation in the 21st century.
In 2012 he began training in a unique style of transformative learning that draws significantly from the field of developmental psychology. He is a certified researcher and debriefer in the STAGES model of human development and uses his extensive expertise to guide his students on a unique path that fully integrates classical awakening with adult development.
He is an author, public speaker, developmental coach and meditation teacher. Currently, he is working on his third book in the context of graduate studies at Harvard University: a detailed guide to waking up and growing up in the tradition of Integral Polarity Practice (IPP). Thomas was initially authorized to teach meditation under Shinzen Young in 2011 and is now the only master teacher of IPP under the guidance of John Kesler. His hope and vision is to train the next generation of contemplatives, embodying a deep sense of place in their local traditions with a heart open to Wisdom and Beauty, wherever they may find it.
“Thomas McConkie is a unique practitioner with a unique calling. Thoroughly steeped for over two decades in the Buddhadharma, he has a depth of experience that shines through his teachings. But in addition to that, he has done what few meditators do: he has taken his practice right back to the heart of his Christian upbringing. The results have been remarkable: a new wave of contemplatives with a sensibility and desire to realize the territory that no single tradition can claim for its own.”
- Shinzen Young
Gloria Pak, Creative director
Originally a native of Los Angeles, Gloria arrived in Utah to earn her BFA in graphic design from Brigham Young University. With her love for aesthetics, Gloria brings an intention to use art as a way to amplify and foreground the inherent beauty in all of life.
Additionally, over the last ten years she has been a practitioner of contemplation and continues to plumb the depths of Wisdom.
She partners with Thomas in holding the vision of a flourishing, contemplative community.
Cristina Mclennan, Communications
Born and raised in California, Cristina now finds home in Salt Lake City, Utah. She has a love for the outdoors, and a passionate belief in the power of inclusive community. Since discovering the Lower Lights Sangha in 2018, Cristina has been excited to create and contribute space for personal and community development alongside the organization. As a midwife, Cristina carries the vision of cycles and birth laced throughout life, and hopes to intentionally offer her contribution in the ecosystem of humanity. She also has an educational background in midwifery, recreational therapy, and non-profit work, and is currently serving the community as a midwife and doula, in addition to her time with Lower Lights.
Board of Directors
John Kesler
John Kesler is the founder of The IPP Institute where he shares integral polarity practice, a practice grounded in mindfulness which works with the most fundamental polarities. He is a social activist who leads a non-profit called the Salt Lake/Global Civil Network which does integrally informed social and political transformation work locally and networks globally. John is a practicing commercial transactional attorney.
Terri O'Fallon, PHD
A specialist in transformative learning and change in human systems and in distance learning, Terri has over 25 years of experience working with many different kinds of human systems, including business, community, educational and political. Her specialty is the design and implementation of the core developmental trajectory and span of human systems.
Michelle Larson
Michelle is a Marriage and Family Therapy Associate who brings an integrative, holistic approach to mental health and relationship support. With specialized training in mindfulness, somatic therapy, and group facilitation, she helps clients connect deeply with their inner lives, heal relational patterns, and cultivate healthier ways of being. Her approach is enriched by ongoing studies in meditation, adult development, and Integral Polarity Practice (IPP).
Michelle is also a co-founder of Uplift Kids, a company dedicated to creating resources that blend modern science with ancient wisdom to support families in building strong relationships and fostering personal growth. Alongside her family, she has developed Scholls Valley Lodge, a gathering space designed to host individual and group retreats for transformative work.