Tim first encountered Zen in a university course at the University of Illinois in 1988, where—despite being a mathematics major—he earned his only A. The notion enlightenment captured his spirit, and from there on Zen continued to shape his curiosity about life’s deeper mysteries. Over time, Tim wove these insights into his career as a math professor, inspiring students to discover self-knowledge, confidence, and a quiet center amid the chaos of modern life. In the spring of 2019, his practice took a significant turn when he connected with Z on Instagram, posed a question, and received such a thoughtful reply that he knew he had found his mentor.

With nearly four decades of personal practice, Tim approaches Zen with a playful spirit. He believes in tapping into a full spectrum of emotions—from joy and laughter to bittersweet tenderness and tears—to access the mind where they all take shape. By creating a space where he and his students can be safely vulnerable together, he aims to foster open hearts and stillness, guiding others to explore the textures of life with compassion and deep curiosity.