Teachers and Practice Leaders
The following individuals at AZC are authorized to offer dharma talks, zazen instruction, and occasional classes. Those in practice leadership positions (e.g. the Ino, Tenzo, Head Doan, etc.) are resources for answering questions about the forms of practice, modeling how to take care of the temple, or where to turn for guidance.
Developing a relationship with a teacher through private practice meetings is an essential part of Zen training. These are formal meetings at the temple in which an engaged practitioner can bring questions about the dharma and their own practice, and benefit from the experienced guidance, encouragement, and presence of a teacher. Our Guiding Teacher, Visiting Teachers and Practice Leaders are available to meet. It is recomomended that you regularly practice zazen and attend dharma talks for a period of months before requesting a meeting. Practice Leaders at AZC have studied Zen for many years, sat innumerable hours of zazen, and have served as Shuso (Head Student) for a Practice Period, where they began to offer talks and learn how to support the practice of others. The Guiding Teacher is a fully-ordained Soto Zen priest with authorization to lead the community and empower others to guide practice. (For further information, see this page.)
AZC Guiding Teacher – Rev. Choro Antonaccio
Rev. Choro Carla Antonaccio began formal Zen practice at Chapel Hill Zen Center in 1999. She received lay precepts from her teacher, Rev. Josho Patricia Phelan, in 2001 and priest ordination in 2010. She was Shuso in Chapel Hill in 2016. Rev. Choro has practiced at the three temples of San Francisco Zen Center including practice periods at Tassajara and Green Gulch Farm. In Chapel Hill she served for multiple years in the positions of Tenzo, Work Leader, and Ino and also served as member at large and then president of the board of directors. After leaving a career in academia in 2018, Choro moved to Austin to practice with the sangha at AZC in 2020, serving as Tanto (Head of Practice). In 2021, she received dharma transmission from Rev. Konjin Gaelyn Godwin, Abbot of Houston Zen Center, and became Guiding Teaching of AZC in 2022. She is a full member of the Soto Zen Buddhist Association and also of the American Zen Teachers Association. She may be reached to arrange dokusan (practice guidance with a transmitted teacher) at choro@austinzencenter.org
AZC Lay Entrusted Teacher – Pat Yingst
ShiOn Pat Yingst began practicing Zen meditation in 1988 and has been a member of Austin Zen Center since its inception. She received Lay Entrustment from Rev. Doshin Mako Voelkel in March 2022.
Pat has served on the AZC Board of Directors, worked for several years as the AZC bookkeeper, taught Buddhist meditation for many years in Central Texas prisons and was one of the two founding editors of Just This – originally the AZC journal. She oversees the Saturday morning zazen instruction program and offers zazen instruction herself, and teaches classes on a regular basis. Pat may be reached to arrange practice discussion at pat@austinzencenter.org.
Chris Azbill – Practice Leader
Anzan Keido Chris Azbill Chris Azbill has been practicing at AZC for ten years. He has been a long term resident and received the precepts in Jukai from former Head Teacher Mako Voelkel in 2020. He has served as Work Leader and Ino and is currently member at large on the AZC Board of Directors. Chris was Shuso (Head Student) for the 2024 Fall Practice Period at the invitation of Guiding Teacher Rev. Choro Antonaccio. Chris may be reached to arrange practice discussion at chris@austinzencenter.org.
Staff
AZC Director – Stephanie Sorn
Stephanie Sorn has been a member of the Austin Zen Center since early 2023 and assumed the role of Director in late 2024. She also owns a small massage therapy business and teaches group fitness classes at a variety of studios around Austin. Stephanie is honored to be a part of the leadership team at AZC and feels lucky to be in community with such a rich and engaged sangha. She can be reached at stephanie@austinzencenter.org
Practice Roles
Ino – Elliot Persico
The Ino holds primary responsibility for formal Zendo practice, working closely with the Guiding Teacher. Elliot manages the doanryo roster, helps train new doans and existing doans in new positions, and holds responsibility for organizing our many ceremonies. He also facilitates AZC’s affiliated group, Queer Dharma.
Elliot began practice at AZC in summer of 2017 and received the precepts from Rev. Dōshin Mako Voelkel in January of 2023.