“Householders and homeless alike, each a support for the other, both accomplish the true Dhamma— the unsurpassed security from bondage.”
— Iti 107
Friends of Clear Mountain
“Friends of Clear Mountain” is a non-profit organization created to steward funds donated to help create and sustain Clear Mountain Monastery, a Theravada Buddhist monastery in the greater Seattle area. As the monastic community (the ‘Sangha’) are prohibited by their vows from using or having legal control over money, Friends of Clear Mountain receives and holds monetary donations given to support Clear Mountain Monastery—paying bills and providing necessary requisites for the monastics. In consultation with the monastics, we ensure that financial transactions are carried out legally and fairly. Friends of Clear Mountain is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. We welcome inquiries from the community about the organization, our finances, the requisites for the monastics, and the role of stewards. You may email steward@friendsofclearmountain.org with any questions. Sadhu!
Board of Directors
Kim Tull-Esterbrook, President
Kim has been practicing yoga and meditation for over twenty years. A native of the midwest, she has found a deep love for the beauty of the pacific northwest, which she has called home for the past 19 years. As a small business owner, she teaches yoga and mindfulness. She is beyond thrilled to have found the Clear Mountain community and feels incredibly honored to serve the Sangha and deepen her connection to the Dhamma.
Steve Wilhelm, Vice President
Steve Wilhelm has been meditating since 1968, and engaged in Buddhist practice since 1987. He has studied and practiced in the Tibetan and Vipassana traditions, including extended retreats in both, although his practice is now primarily Vipassana. Steve has facilitated Eastside Insight Meditation in Kirkland, Washington, since 2000. He retired in mid-2016 from a 34-year career as a journalist, and currently edits Northwest Dharma News and is editing a fifth dharma book. Steve also serves on the boards of Tibetan Nuns Project and Northlake Unitarian Universalist Church. He lives in Kirkland with his wife Ellen.
Dave Arterburn, Secretary
Dave began practicing meditation in 2009 with the Seattle Insight Meditation Society. His introduction to Clear Mountain in 2022, and the clear and dynamic teachings of the monastics, revitalized his practice. Dave is committed to helping establish a Thai Forest monastery in Seattle. As an internal medicine physician and researcher, he has also contributed to developing mindfulness-based programs for healthy behavior change. Dave is grateful for this opportunity to be of service to the Sangha. He lives in Seattle with his wife, Kristen
Katie McKenna, Treasurer
Katie first discovered Buddhism in her early 20s after reading books about Tibetan monks and spiritual journeys to the East. After finding Clear Mountain in 2021, she balanced her life in Seattle with spending months living and practicing at monasteries and meditation retreats across the US and Europe. She has a deep faith in the Dhamma and is grateful for the incredible opportunity to serve and practice with the Sangha here in her own backyard. Previously, Katie was an operations and project management director and is currently studying at Seattle University to become a therapist.