Faculty/Staff

Donald McCown

Donald McCown, PhD, MAMS, MSS, LSW is an Associate Professor of health, director of the minor in contemplative studies, and director of the center for contemplative studies at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. He holds a Master of Applied Meditation Studies degree from the Won Institute of Graduate Studies, a Master of Social Service from Bryn Mawr College, and a PhD in Social Science from Tilburg University. He trained as an MBSR teacher through the Center for Mindfulness at University of Massachusetts and at Thomas Jefferson University. His primary research interests include the pedagogy of mindfulness in clinical applications and higher education, applications of complementary and integrative medicine in the community, and the contemplative dimensions of the health humanities. He is author of The Ethical Space of Mindfulness in Clinical Practice, primary author of Teaching Mindfulness: A Practical Guide for Clinicians and Educators, New World Mindfulness: From the Founding Fathers, Emerson, and Thoreau to your Personal Practice, and primary editor of Resources for Teaching Mindfulness: An International Handbook.

Sarah Philip

Sarah Philip is a Junior majoring in Health Sciences with a concentration in Sports Medicine. She is an Ambassador for the College of Health Sciences and assist the Center for Contemplative studies in any way she can. Sarah has also worked at the LARC for two years as a tutor for Anatomy and Physiology as well as a Peer Tutor Coordinator. Outside of work and school, she enjoys lifting, music, and visiting friends and family.

Lynsey Ems

Lynsey Ems is a Senior majoring in Public Health. She is our Student Intern here at the Center for Contemplative Studies for the Spring 2022 semester. Lynsey is a member of Zeta Tau Alpha at WCU and has held many leadership positions within her organization. After she graduates in May, she is attending Drexel University’s Accelerated Nursing Program. Outside of school, she enjoys going to the beach, exercising, playing with her dogs, meditating, baking, and spending time with family and friends.

Amelia Gilch

Amelia Gilch is a College of Health Sciences Ambassador from Millstone, NJ. She helps to coordinate events via RAMconnect and she also work as a collaborator for the projects performed within the Center for Contemplative Studies. She is currently a junior in the 3+2 program to get her master's in athletic training. Outside of school she enjoys meditating, doing yoga and going to the gym.

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