we create spaces
for community
Zen Casa has created to have a space for people to connect to their authentic selves without fear, judgement, or shame. Encouraged by our elders, we sought to bring universal spiritual tools into contemporary city life. Throughout the years Zen Casa has instilled principles of self-care with individuals, groups, and corporations. Whether through movement, stillness, discussions, or a combination of it all, we have been inspired to help others develop their own loving practice that is reflective of their uniqueness. In fostering such a community of oneness, we aim to share with an open heart and mind, piece by piece with the world.
Francisco Ramos
Reverend and Founder of Zen Casa
Chris Etscheid
Co-Founder and Retreats Director
Anthony Ocasio
Sound Bath Facilitator
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Reverend and Founder of Zen Casa
As owner of Zen Casa, Francisco brings his grounding wisdom and expansive practice to each of his students. A graduate from the University of Connecticut, Francisco studied humanities, religions, and social sciences. After college Francisco embarked on a 2 year spiritual journey that expanded the continental United States and eventually settled in Los Angeles. Francisco began hosting regular meditation and share circles, creating a wellness community in West Hollywood. Seeking to expand his awareness of mind and body, Francisco became a 500 hr certified yoga instructor under Warrior Yoga Teacher Training. He continues to routinely take workshops and classes for continued education.
While teaching yoga, Francisco noticed students were in need of spiritual awareness and sought healing from pain or trauma. In need of the skill sets to be of service, Francisco enrolled in the practitioner program of Inspire Spiritual Community. This two year training program provided the tools necessary to be a licensed spiritual counselor. His work helps others to heal from past trauma, shift perceptions on their life stories, and develop a pathway to connect to the Divine within themselves.
Francisco continued this spiritual commitment and was ordained through the Inspire Spiritual Community. This concluded a three and a half year training studying spiritual thought and universal principles.
As a reverend, Francisco continues to hold space for spiritual healing within the community and for individuals. He continues to regularly give talks on spiritual principles and provide sermons at Inspire. -
Co-Founder and Retreats Director
Chris has been actively tapped into various wellness communities and artistic social groups for over a decade. Originally from Chicago, his passions have connected him to developmental organizations and companies spanning nutritional wellness, fitness training, holistic medicine, mental health, and music therapy. He holds a Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies, eCornell. As co-founder of Zen Casa, Chris integrates his event planning and facilitation background to Zen Casa's retreat weekends.
Outside of Zen Casa, Chris has a corporate career in synch music licensing, is a vocal artist with Raise Singers, is a featured performer with the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles, and founding member of the vocal group Kings Road A Cappella. Chris is a community-driven activist, advocating anti-bullying messages in schools across the greater Los Angeles area as co-developer of the outreach program The Alive Music Project, promoting initiatives of local artist collective Queer Moment, and volunteering for other non-profit groups and causes whenever possible.
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Soundbath Facilitator
Anthony has been a Taiji practitioner for over ten years. Having always had a fascination with eastern arts, he began to pursue the practice while attending college. After having an initial introduction to the art through school, he searched until he found his now master, Master Kin Lam. Through Kin he began training in Yang style Taiji. Taiji is referred to as a soft or internal style of Kung Fu. After much practice, the interest of a hard / external style of Kung Fu peaked his interest. Through Kin he was introduced to his second master, Master Manuel Marquez, through which he began training in traditional Shaolin and Seven Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu. Over the years of training, he was fortunate enough to meet his third master, Master Qichen Guo. Master Guo is a master of the rare Chen style taiji. Currently Anthony remains under the tutelage of all three masters. Anthony leads the retreat sound baths incorporating the use of crystal bowls, gongs, and several other instruments.
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What People Are Saying
“'These guys deliver an incredible experience. A magical enlightening moment, returning joy and hope which will propel me forward to a new journey”
— Anonymous
“We all have things we are dealing with and sometimes sharing them with people who don't know you- who have no biases for you can be enlightening.”
— Anonymous