Charlie Byron, lived and worked in Boston as an analyst and manager at a financial information firm. He started practicing meditation in 1992 and over time became a student of Shambhala, then a Buddhist. In 2000 he began teaching programs in Boston, initially Shambhala Training and later Buddhist programs and introductory talks. Later, he moved with his husband to Vermont and began teaching at Karmệ Chöling, including at their longer residential programs. In recent times, Charlie has pursued interests including daily compassion practice for Ukraine, Buddhist and secular book groups, travel, helping start a community-supported cafe, gardening, and continued Shambhala teaching.