Patricia Young, Ph.D., Director

Patricia has been practicing the Transcendental Meditation technique since 1971, and teaching the technique since 1975. She received an A.B. degree in Sociology and Design from University of California, Berkeley; an M.A. in Folklore and Mythology with a minor in Filmmaking from UCLA; and a Ph.D. in Folkloristics with a minor in Educational Technology from Indiana University. Patricia enjoys hiking, is an avid reader and has been a member of the Los Angeles Rotary for 21 years. She is currently Director of the Los Angeles Transcendental Meditation program. 

“When TM creates a positive change in a person’s life, it touches me like nothing else, and I feel I’ve made a real difference.”  

David Pohlman, Ph.D., Co-Director

David has been practicing the Transcendental Meditation technique since 1991, and became a certified teacher of the TM technique in 2008.  He received a B.A. in Philosophy from Miami University in 1994 and earned a Ph.D. in Vedic Science in 2004 from Maharishi University of Management, where he was also on faculty for five years. David enjoys body boarding in the Pacific and writing stories. He is based in Beverly Hills.

“I feel that teaching TM is the highest thing I could ever do for another human being. It is such a simple process that transforms every area of life. It’s an immense privilege and humble honor to be part of the tradition of TM teachers.”

Penny Hintz

Penny has been practicing the Transcendental Meditation technique since the early 1970s. She earned a BA in Education from the University of Idaho in 1973, and became a teacher of the TM technique in 1974. She has worked with David Lynch for many years, teaching meditation to Mr. Lynch’s friends and associates, and also works with the David Lynch Foundation. Penny began teaching in the LA area in 1984. She enjoys photography, skiing, and traveling the world.

“I love seeing the positive changes in all the people I teach. I cannot imagine a more fulfilling and worthwhile profession.”

Puki Freeberg

Puki has been practicing the Transcendental Meditation technique since 1993. She received a B.A. in Communications and Media from Maharishi University of Management in 2009, and in the same year completed her training as a teacher of the TM program. She has taught the TM technique on college campuses in the Midwest and is currently working with the David Lynch Foundation in the LA area, teaching the TM technique to students and staff at a shelter and school for at-risk children. She enjoys cycling, hiking, traveling, “spontaneous adventures” and “making delicious raw food meals” for her friends. She also writes for the official TM.org Blog about her experiences teaching with the David Lynch Foundation.

“There is nothing more fulfilling to me than seeing someone light up from within and become more of who they truly are after learning the TM technique. People feel happier and less stressed, and report having more energy and creativity. It’s a joy to play a role in the personal transformation and growth of every person who learns this technique.”

Erin Skipper

Erin is Director of Community & Student Outreach for the David Lynch Foundation. She has been practicing the Transcendental Meditation technique since 1982, and became a teacher of the TM technique in 2005. She was Director of the Seattle TM Program from 2005–2010 and is now teaching the TM technique in the greater Los Angeles area. She received a BA in Consciousness-Based Health Care from Maharishi University of Management, with a minor in Vedic Science. She enjoys photography, swimming and hiking, and DJs her own radio show, called “Eden’s Hour.” Erin is based in North Hollywood.

“I love teaching meditation and can’t imagine anything that could be as satisfying. When we teach someone how to meditate, we give them the key to unlock their hidden potential. Knowing that they will grow in the inner peace and satisfaction of experiencing the Self for the rest of their life is very heartwarming.”