Dear Friends,
Have you ever walked into a place for the first time and just felt at home?
That’s how it was for me when I first came to the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies. From my earliest days spent on retreat, to conversations with the staff and board, to walking the campus and sensing the quiet refuge of the land, I felt something rare and precious: a place to grow and a place of belonging.
I feel incredibly fortunate to be joining BCBS as Executive Director. It’s such a gift—to be part of a community so deeply rooted in the Dharma, and to help steward this beautiful space of study, practice, and spiritual friendship.
I want to offer my deep thanks to Rick Henning, whose leadership over the past nine years has guided BCBS through meaningful growth and change. I’m grateful for the strong foundation he leaves behind—and for the warm welcome he’s offered during this transition.
For more than 25 years, I’ve practiced mostly in the Insight tradition. I’ve spent longer working in nonprofit leadership—supporting staff, building systems, growing financial sustainability, and guiding organizations through transition and change. This new role weaves together two threads of my life in a way that feels both natural and deeply meaningful.
I’m looking forward to getting to know each of you. Over these first few months, I’ll be listening closely: to the wisdom of those who’ve shaped BCBS, to the hopes and needs of our community, and to what this moment is asking of us. My goal is to support our staff, teachers, and all of you in making BCBS a sustainable home for Dharma, heartfelt connection, and transformation.
I’d love to hear from each of you about your hopes and aspirations for BCBS. Please reach out to me at melissag@buddhistinquiry.org or stop by and say hi the next time you are on campus.
Melissa Gopnik
Executive Director
Barre Center for Buddhist Studies
P.S. When Melissa isn’t working, you’ll likely find her adventuring with her husband and daughter—whether it’s hiking, tandem biking, enjoying ice cream, or traveling (like their recent trip to Finland). Scroll down for a few snapshots from her life outside of BCBS
