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The Gaia House service community

Click here to find out about joining our residential service community.
Click here to check for current vacancies in our non-residential team.

Residential service community members

Our current residential service community members are:

Ed, Frank, David, Luce, Alix and Nicola.

Non residential service community members

Anshin Devin Ashwood – Director

“My early life was a struggle but I had the good luck to come into contact with Buddhist teachers at a festival in my 20s. After establishing a regular meditation practice, I first came to Gaia House in 2000 and have enjoyed returning regularly for renewal and inspiration since.  I began working and developing projects in human rights and environmental organisations before extending into therapeutic, educational, Buddhist and secular mindfulness settings, including teaching in prisons and addiction treatment services. I now live with my wife and children a short cycle ride away in Ogwell. The name ‘Anshin’ was given to me in a Soto Zen ordination ceremony in 2023.”

Owen BarnettOwen Barnett – Finance Manager
“After two spells as Kitchen Coordinator in 2009-11 and 2013-14 I’ve now made the transition to the non-residential staff team where I help with the running of the Finance Department. Having lived at Gaia House for three years as a coordinator and spent many months on retreat in the Hermitage, coming to work here each day still feels like going home.”
Tracy Kewell – Finance Assistant
“I joined Gaia House in 2010 after seeking work to supplement my employment at the local primary school. Having previously worked in a monastic environment, I was intrigued to find out more about the workings of Gaia House. The staff were very welcoming and it has been a pleasure getting to know the team. I live in Newton Abbot with my family and appreciate ‘to the full’ the peace and quiet Gaia House offers. In my spare time you might find me at the theatre or on the stage as I have a passion for amateur dramatics.”
Richard Rendle – Maintenance Manager
“I was called into Gaia House in 2006 to fix a leaking tap and I am still here! I started helping with the general maintenance of the house and advising on building projects and recently took more responsibilities as Maintenance Manager. Since working here I have developed an interest in meditation and Buddhism, which I really feel has really benefited me and my family.”
Laura Bridgman – Staff Support Teacher
“I first came across the Buddha’s teaching at 14, through seeing a documentary on Tibetan Buddhism that struck a deep chord, and then voraciously read any books on Dharma I could get hold of. In my late teens I joined the Cambridge Buddhist Society and through meeting Theravada monks there, I eventually ordained as a Buddhist nun in 1995 in that tradition, practising in monasteries in the UK as well as Myanmar. In 2015 I disrobed, and I currently follow the Diamond Heart (Ridhwan) spiritual path alongside my Vipassana practice.”
Rachel DaviesRachel Davies – Project Developer
“I first worked at Gaia House as a Volunteer Coordinator in reception between 2005 and 2006, and came back as Retreat Manager at the start of August 2008. I left to have my daughter after 5 and a half years of service in this role. Now I have returned from maternity leave I am working on developing Outreach opportunities, a very exciting prospect. It is a joy to work with such a committed team of staff, Coordinators and volunteers in the service of something so precious. I live nearby and look forward to the possibility of doing another retreat at some point when my daughter is old enough!”
Laura Ruiz – Operations Lead & Retreat Manager

Andrew Bellamy – Online Events Coordinator
“After being interested in Buddhism for well over a decade and dabbling with meditation, I came to Gaia House to sit my first retreat in 2016. The retreat was a turning point in my practice, and I left with a sense of excitement and gratitude to have discovered such a delightful place where the dharma was clearly flourishing. I made a commitment to return regularly and to nurture a daily practice. I couldn’t be happier that this path ultimately led to me working for Gaia House where I develop and deliver the Online Programme. I also teach yoga and live with my young family in Falmouth, Cornwall.”
Hannah SeyfertHannah Seyfert – Development Manager
“I moved down to Devon from London in 2012 and when I spotted the Communications Manager job advert it felt like a calling. I joined in May 2015 and feel blessed to be part of the Gaia House community. It’s a privilege to be able to contribute my skills and experience to what feels like an incredibly meaningful endeavour, and to work and practise alongside such a warm, open and dedicated group of people.”
Elena de Paz – Communications Manager
“In 2012 I came on a retreat at Gaia House for the first time and two years later I found myself drawn to apply to be a residential coordinator. Since then I have kept coming back to offer service in different shapes and forms. It’s always been a joy to work with others that share similar values and to know our work supports those that want to deepen their understanding of the Buddha’s teachings. I am now taking care of the communications again (I did so for a year in 2018) and I look forward to seeing what this new chapter brings.”
Faith BurchFaith Burch – Dharma Talks Administrator
“After finishing a term as volunteer Kitchen Coordinator in 2002 I decided to settle near Totnes in Devon, and since then I have relished living in a small, lively, creative, friendly community with a strong sangha so close to Dartmoor and the sea. Then in 2006 I was offered the role of running Gaia House Dharma Talks which I have enjoyed doing ever since. The benefits of coming to Gaia House on retreat over the years for me have been huge, and I feel fortunate to be part of the warm and committed team who continue to offer that to others.”
Richard ReidRichard Reid – Kitchen Manager
“I first came to Gaia House on a three month work retreat in 2005 and immediately fell in love. I began as Kitchen Coordinator in 2006, Maintenance Coordinator in 2008 and then settled in the area to start a family. My current role is to manage the Kitchen department and oversee the Work Retreat Programme. It feels like a real privilege to serve at Gaia House and support such a valuable offering to the world. I also serve as a trustee for Freely Given Retreats, a small organisation running week long silent retreats on a donation basis.”
Melanie Stephens – IT Support Officer
“My IT background varies from administrative roles, teaching IT in adult education and working as a technician. Working at Gaia House I have found a wonderful supportive staff team and a work place which strives to ensure that their daily duties and needs reflect consideration to the environment and ethical issues, which I really value. I enjoy meeting the many people who visit Gaia House and join us online and working within a warm, friendly community”.
Alan LewisAlan Lewis – Freelance IT support
“I spent 17 years as a Buddhist monk in England, Thailand and Sri Lanka. I began developing my computer skills in monasteries to assist with administration. I’ve been running a successful IT Support business since 2001, providing PC-based IT Support to self-employed people and small businesses in the South Devon area of the UK. My web-sites include Calm IT Zen Moments, and the Gaia House website which I built and manage along with my wife, Vanessa.
I also occasionally teach at Gaia House and local meditation groups.”

Carlo Douglas – Administration and Household supervisor

Camilla Armstrong Administration / Reception Support
Andy Turner – Cook
Liam Thomas – Gardener and Volunteer Co-ordinator
“I joined the Gaia House team in the Autumn of 2022 after seeking out a consciously mindful and peaceful work environment in which to offer my food growing and horticulture experience. I’m very much enjoying the challenge of returning the walled garden to a space of abundance for people to enjoy both visually, and with their taste buds! I feel so blessed by the opportunity to host and have the regular support of retreatants in the gardens”

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