Kadampa Center was founded by Don Brown, a heart student of Lama Yeshe. At the advice of Lama Yeshe, Don took on the role of a teacher. Don has served the center ever since in various roles that include the first Center Director, Spiritual Program Coordinator, Discovering Buddhism facilitator, and board member.
Stephanie "Steep" Smith first attended the Kadampa Center in 1997. She hosted Geshe Gelek in the top floor of her home from 1999, when he first arrived in NC, until 2008. In her professional life, she was trained as a clinical social worker and works as a family mediator.
Robbie Watkins first studied with Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Kopan Monastery in 1980. He became a member of Kadampa Center in 1993. After serving as Spiritual Program Director, he became Director of the Center in 1998. He is involved in leading Discovering Buddhism. During his spare time, he works as a family physician in Cary.
