Hi, I’m Zeynep!
I’m a certified mindfulness meditation teacher and coach to support you in finding everyday well-being — even in the midst of big life transitions, far from home.
I know what it’s like to rebuild your life in a new country. To navigate unfamiliar systems. To speak a language (or few!) that’s not your own. To hold joy and grief in multiple time zones, across cultures. My work is rooted in personal experience and deep professional training.
I offer a grounded, multicultural, and trauma-sensitive space for you to reconnect with yourself and move forward, gently and wisely.
My Experience and Training
I am a seasoned meditation practitioner of 13 years and an instructor for 6. I have been teaching meditation courses and groups for the general public, coaching clients 1:1, and conducting weekly meditation sessions at various workplaces since 2019. My teachings and coaching have reached hundreds of people across Europe, with very high (9.8/10) satisfaction ratings.
I obtained my teaching certification from the prestigious two-year Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program under Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield, in collaboration with the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley, graduating in 2021. In March 2024, I furthered my expertise by completing the advanced Mindfulness Mentor Training program under the same renowned teachers. I receive ongoing mentorship from Oren Jay Sofer, Alison Cohen, and Tara Brach.
My Teachers
My Approach
My Story
I was born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey, and received an American education from the age of 9. My first love was dancing (Zeynep at age 3: “I want to go to a serious ballet school!”), and I always loved both the sciences and the humanities. My university years reflected this: I studied Engineering and Psychology at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, and danced as much as I could. After graduation, I fell into the tech start-up world and worked as a Product Manager and Head of Product in various companies for 14 years.
As this path was unfolding, I had several moments of “awakening”: The first was when my father died of a sudden heart attack just before my senior year at university. I was 21. My childhood had been marked by ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and a long history of generational trauma in my family, so this loss sent me into a deep grief and depression that lasted for 6 years...
Photo Gallery
Beautiful lavender fields and beaches in the South of France - crazy that this is my home!
Marseille, my city, where I swim almost every day!
One of the most grounding things in my life: moving my body in nature. Hiking and biking are favorites. And loving whatever animals come my way!
My partner, daughter, and two cats. ❤️
Istanbul, my home town - the most magical place on Earth.
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