Dzogchen Foundation · VIA Institute
Human Flourishing Through Wisdom, Compassion, and Science
Bridging contemplative wisdom, neuroscience, nature, and human connection to help individuals and communities thrive.
Our Mission
Where Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Science
The Dzogchen Foundation — VIA Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the science and practice of human flourishing. We integrate contemplative traditions, neuroscience, and community wellness into programs that create lasting transformation.
Founded by Dr. Sophia Wu and rooted in the teachings of Ado Lama, we serve individuals, families, and communities seeking deeper wellbeing, purpose, and connection.
Our StoryNeuroscience-Based
Evidence-based programs grounded in neuroplasticity research and behavioral regulation science.
Nature-Rooted
Shenandoah Valley experiences integrating forest bathing, nature immersion, and seasonal living.
Wisdom Traditions
Dzogchen teachings and contemplative practices from Tibet's most profound lineages.
Community Impact
Outreach programs for healthy aging, youth development, and underserved populations.
Our Team
Leadership & Professional Support
Meet the team supporting the Dzogchen Foundation and VIA Institute through spiritual guidance, neuroscience, clinical wellness, nutrition, acupuncture, meditation, and mind-body practice.
Ado Lama
President
Tibetan Dzogchen Buddhist teacher dedicated to Buddhist practice, meditation, inter-faith culture, mental health, and education.
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Ado Lama is a Tibetan Dzogchen Buddhist who was officially ordained in 1975 at Larung Gar Academy, one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in the world. He studied for more than 15 years under Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche and continued to follow his teachings.
In his twenties, he practiced Buddhism in India for five years and was recognized as Rinpoche during his training. In 2000, he practiced in Taiwan for six years and was guided by Ven. Master Chin Kung in Pure Land Buddhist practice.
Since 2008, Ado Lama has served Buddhist societies in Washington D.C., Virginia, New York, and Pennsylvania. He has participated in lectures and programs related to Buddhism, meditation, mental health, and inter-faith education, including events connected with universities and cultural organizations.
Today, he is dedicated to education in underserved countries, mental health research, Buddhist service, and the promotion of inter-faith culture.
Sophia Wu, M.D.
Secretary & Treasurer / Director of Complementary Health Center
Neurologist, neuroscientist, certified meditation trainer, and director of complementary health programs focused on love-based meditation and wellness.
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Sophia Wu, M.D. is a neurologist and neuroscientist leading consciousness-related research and complementary health programs connected with Pureland Dzogchen Buddhism Foundation in Virginia.
She trained at Cleveland Clinic, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, and Kessler Foundation, and previously participated in NIH-funded research focused on the mechanisms of dementia.
Dr. Wu applies love, forgiveness, and gratitude-based approaches to support patients with chronic health conditions. She is a certified meditation trainer and therapist with over a decade of experience teaching and practicing love-based meditation.
Her interests include chronic pain, anxiety, depression, dysautonomia, dementia, consciousness research, meditation therapy, and inter-faith service centered on love and healing.
Robert Ley
Vice President
Vice President supporting the foundation’s leadership, mission, and organizational development.
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Robert Ley serves as Vice President, supporting the foundation’s leadership, mission, and organizational development.
Additional biography details can be added later after the client provides the approved full description.
Guang Yue, Ph.D.
Vice President
Neuroscience and neurorehabilitation researcher focused on motor control, neuroimaging, neuromuscular physiology, and biomechanics.
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Guang Yue, Ph.D. received his doctorate in motor control and sensorimotor neuroscience from the University of Iowa and completed postdoctoral training in neurophysiology at the University of Arizona.
He serves as Director of the Center for Mobility and Rehabilitation Engineering Research at Kessler Foundation. He previously served as Director of the Neural Control Laboratory and Director of Rehabilitation Research at Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute for many years.
His research covers sensorimotor neuroscience, neurorehabilitation, neuroimaging, neuromuscular physiology, and biomechanics. His work has been supported by federal and state funding agencies, including NIH, NIDILRR, DoD, VA, and the New Jersey Commission on Brain Injury Research.
Natalie Gagia
Clinical Nutritionist Manager
Clinical nutrition leader with experience in wellness programs, dietitian staff management, patient nutrition, and medical nutrition therapy.
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Natalie Gagia is a clinical nutritionist with experience managing clinical nutrition operations and dietitian staff. Her credentials include RD, RDN, CSGN, and training in adult weight management.
Her work includes staff and patient wellness programs, malnutrition quality improvement, research presentations, hospital administration support, staff mentoring, staffing assessment, and efficiency improvement.
She collaborates with healthcare providers, oversees nutrition staff, provides medical nutrition therapy, creates educational materials, and supports nutrition education. She also speaks Serbian fluently, helping her communicate with diverse communities.
Soha Sahel, Ph.D.
Neuroimaging Engineer
Researcher focused on neural networks, motor learning, motor control, neuroplasticity, imaging, electrophysiology, and behavioral assessment.
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Soha Sahel, Ph.D. focuses on neural networks involved in motor learning and motor control, as well as neuroplasticity in individuals with motor and cognitive deficits.
Her work uses a multidisciplinary approach combining structural and functional imaging, electrophysiology, behavioral assessment, and advanced signal processing and analysis.
She investigates cognitive-motor interactions and neuromodulation methods designed to promote neuroplasticity. Her work has received multiple research awards and grant support.
Shanmin Yuan, M.D.
Oriental Medicine & Acupuncturist
Traditional Chinese medicine practitioner experienced in TCM diagnosis, acupuncture, tumors, complex diseases, and clinical research.
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Dr. Shanmin Yuan has extensive clinical and research experience in the standardization of traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis and treatment, including work related to tumors and difficult conditions.
He has served on professional committees connected with Chinese medicine diagnosis, integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine, and emergency medicine organizations.
He has participated in national and Shanghai-level research projects, received science and technology awards, published papers, and contributed to SCI/EI-indexed research. He is skilled in differentiating deficiency and excess, Yin and Yang, and applying TCM methods in clinical practice.
Elizabeth Hou, M.S.
Doctor of Oriental Medicine & Licensed Acupuncturist
Doctor of Oriental Medicine and Licensed Acupuncturist specializing in acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Daoist healing practices, and holistic wellness.
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Dr. Hou is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine and Licensed Acupuncturist specializing in acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Daoist healing practices.
With extensive training in holistic health and mind-body wellness, Dr. Hou integrates acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary therapy, and Daoist principles to support physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Areas of focus include pain management, stress reduction, digestive health, women’s health, healthy aging, and preventive medicine.
Through a personalized and compassionate approach, Dr. Hou helps patients restore balance, enhance vitality, and cultivate long-term wellness.
Master ChangYuan
Tai Chi & Martial Arts Instructor
Martial arts and Chen-style Tai Chi practitioner integrating faith, Tai Chi, Confucian values, and community service.
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Master ChangYuan is from Shandong Province, China. At age twelve, he left his hometown to study martial arts at the Shaolin Temple, later studying under Master Shi Guo Song.
After an accidental injury, he began learning Chen-style Tai Chi and later became a disciple of Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei, a 19th-generation Chen family master and 11th-generation direct-line successor of Chen Family Taijiquan.
Master ChangYuan deeply respects his teachers and the traditions of martial arts and daily-life etiquette. He continues to serve the community and combines faith, Tai Chi, and Confucian wisdom in his teaching philosophy.
Click “View Full Bio” under each team member to read the full description.
The V.I.A. Institute
VIA — Neurobehavioral Regulation. A structured model for transforming stress, trauma, and disconnection into stability, resilience, and thriving. Our three-stage framework guides individuals from surviving to flourishing.
Grounding the nervous system. Creating safety through somatic practices, breathwork, and mindful movement — the foundation of all lasting change.
Restoring cognitive and emotional capacity. Evidence-based attention training, emotional regulation, and compassion cultivation reshape neural pathways.
Realizing purpose and connection. Wisdom dialogues, community service, and leadership cultivation enable genuine human flourishing.
All Programs
Six Pathways to Flourishing
VIA Mind
Contemplative Practice
Meditation, attention training, and emotional regulation drawn from Dzogchen and evidence-based mindfulness traditions.
VIA Body
Somatic Regulation
Breathwork, Tai Chi, and somatic practices that restore nervous system balance and deepen body awareness.
VIA Nature
Nature Immersion
Forest bathing, mindful walking, and Shenandoah immersion experiences reconnecting humans with the natural world.
VIA Nourishment
Mindful Living
Mindful nutrition, tea ceremony, and seasonal living practices that align body, mind, and the rhythms of nature.
VIA Wisdom
Leadership & Purpose
Wisdom dialogues, leadership cultivation, and compassion training for those called to serve and lead with clarity.
VIA Compassion
Community Wellbeing
Service programs, Walk for Peace, and community wellbeing initiatives cultivating compassion as a way of life.
Shenandoah & Beyond
Retreats for Deep Renewal
VIA Immersion Retreat
A transformative multi-day experience weaving VIA practices with the restorative power of the Shenandoah Valley's forests, rivers, and mountains. Limited enrollment. Profoundly life-changing.
Inquire Now →Weekend Retreats
Friday–Sunday immersions in meditation, somatic practice, and nature connection.
Learn More →Executive Renewal
Bespoke renewal experiences for leaders and executive teams seeking clarity and resilience.
Longevity Retreats
Programs designed for vitality, purpose, and connection in the second half of life.
"The greatest gift you can offer the world is your own wholeness."
— Dzogchen Foundation
Academic Credibility
Grounded in Research
Led by Dr. Sophia Wu, our scientific approach integrates neuroplasticity research, outcome measurement, and peer-reviewed findings to ensure every program delivers measurable, lasting change.
Neuroplasticity
Outcome Measures
Publications
Collaborations
Videos
Featured Video
Visit our video section for teachings, wellness content, and future media updates from the Tru Health Now YouTube channel.
Featured Video
Visit the Tru Health Now YouTube channel for retreat videos, teaching clips, wellness content, and future media updates.
▶ VISIT YOUTUBE CHANNEL @truHealthNowPictures
Picture Gallery
Browse our approved photo gallery featuring retreat moments, meditation activities, wellness experiences, and community images.
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
Explore our latest meditation gatherings, retreats, and special offerings. The flyers below highlight current events and can be updated anytime as new programs are announced.
Free Meditation
Join the weekly free meditation session every Thursday from 6:30–7:00 AM EST on Zoom. Open to all and accessible from anywhere in the world.
The Four Immeasurables
A 2-day meditation retreat focused on equanimity, compassion, loving-kindness, and sympathetic joy — timeless wisdom for modern life.
3-Day Retreat
An immersive meditation and summer solstice wellness retreat featuring meditation, nourishment, alignment, and community connection.
Support Our Mission
Make a Donation
Thank you for supporting the Dzogchen Foundation and VIA Institute. You may donate through Zelle or Venmo using the QR codes below.
Zelle Donation
Please use the updated Zelle QR code below to support the foundation.
Sophia Wu (Dzogchen Foundation)
216-633-1853
Venmo Donation
You may also donate through Venmo using the QR code below.
Scan the QR code below
Donation Support
If you have any questions about donations, retreats, or programs, please contact us directly.
pdb.care@gmail.com
Connect With Us
Begin Your Journey
We'd Love to Hear From You
Whether you're seeking a retreat, interested in research collaboration, or want to support our mission — reach out. Every journey begins with a single step.








