LEADERSHIP
From L to R: Rev. Luke Shuraku Stuard, Ven. Moogoo Seong Hui Bark, Rev. Debra Rodgers, Ven. Seungchun Nam (Acariya, Abbot Korea Sah Buddhist Temple), Ven Hong Yen Tran, Rev. Michael Tran, Nick Hisoire MD, Rev Dr. Victor Gabriel
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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Venerable Dr. Moogoo Seong Hui Bark, President & CEO
In 1998, Ven. Moogoo, Seong Hui Bark, entered monastic life and became a Jogye Order Venerable (nun) in South Korea in 1999. She practiced for four years in Unmun Temple alongside over 240 Venerables. She obtained a Bachelors degree in Buddhist Studies and a Mastes degree in Buddhist Counseling from Dongguk University in Korea. Ven. Moogoo holds three recognized counseling certifications in Korea.
Upon coming to the United States, Venerable Moogoo graduated with a Master of Divinity in Buddhist Chaplaincy degree from the University of the West and went on to graduate with a DBMin (Doctor of Buddhist Ministry) degree at the same institution. Venerable Moogoo completed CPE at Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles. She serves a President of the Board and CEO of Bodhiyana Buddhist Chaplain Fellowship.
Ven. Moogoo is currently employed as a full-time staff chaplain at PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital. She also teaches psychology to students at Dongguk Universits College of Oriental Medicine and provides care to hospice patients at Elim Hospice. In addition to her hospital work, she guides meditation and Dharma teachings at various Korean temples in the Los Angeles area, including Prajna Gate Buddhist Temple, Korea Sah Temple, Tahl Mah Sah Buddhist Temple, as well as Vietnamese temples. She also leads temple stays and meditation programs.
Rev. Michael Tran, COO
Reverend Chi Chen (Michael) Tran is an ordained Buddhist minister who has been practicing Buddhism for over 30 years, and has been providing compassionate, devoted spiritual care for over 10 years. He received a Bachelor of Arts in East Asian Cultures from the University of California, Irvine, and a Master of Divinity in Buddhist Chaplaincy from the University of the West. Rev. Tran completed Clinical Pastoral Education at USC Arcadia Hospital.
Rev. Tran is ordained by the International Order of Buddhist Ministers and works in several settings counseling patients and families concerning their spiritual and emotional needs. He is also experienced in managing and operating all aspects of a religious nonprofit organization.
He serves as a board member of the Bodhiyana Buddhist Chaplain Fellowship. Rev. Tran is committed to providing quality spiritual care to all people, regardless of their background or beliefs. His is passionate about using his skills and experience to help others find peace and healing.
Dr. Victor Gabriel, CFO
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Dr. Victor Gabriel, a distinguished scholar and practitioner, holds a Ph.D. in Religion, Psychology, and Gender Studies from the University of the West. Currently serving as the Chair in the Buddhist Chaplaincy department at the University of the West, he brings over a decade of full-time faculty experience, significantly contributing to the academic leadership within the department. Beyond academia, Dr. Gabriel has held various counseling roles at institutions such as the Vajrapani Institute for Wisdom Culture and the Singapore Armed Forces Counseling Center. His commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in his exploration of feminist and queer theory, challenging traditional perspectives within Buddhist scriptures.
Dr. Gabriel's impactful contributions extend to the academic realm, with notable publications such as "Threefold Higher Trainings and Theological Understanding" in the Journal for the Society of Buddhist Christian Studies (2023/4), "The Ecology of the Bodhisattva" featured in "Refuge in the Storm" (2023), and "Leading and Facilitating Spiritual Reflection" published in "Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care in the 21st Century" (2022). Additionally, his insightful article "A Buddhist Religious Location: Applying a View from Buddhist Tantras for Navigating Religious Difference in Spiritual Care and Counseling" was published in 2019.
Beyond his academic and counseling roles, Dr. Gabriel actively contributes to the field of chaplaincy. He not only serves as the Chair of the Buddhist Chaplaincy department but also as an advisory board member of the Bodhiyana Buddhist Chaplain Fellowship, showcasing his dedication to advancing Buddhist chaplaincy, fostering inclusivity, and contributing to the broader national conversation on chaplaincy.
Rev. Angélica Barrera-Ng, MDiv
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Completed her Buddhist Chaplaincy master’s degree at the University of the West, in May of 2023. As well as completing two units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) in 2022, first unit at PIH-Good Samaritan Hospital, and the second at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Rev. Angélica has been accepted to serve as a Hospital Resident Chaplain for the 2024-2025 CPE Residency program at the San Diego Veterans Affairs (SDVA). Her spiritual background includes being raised with a Catholic faith while growing up in Mexico. In May of 2013, Chaplain Angélica officially joined Hsi Fang Temple as a Buddhist practitioner when taking Triple Gem Refuge under the Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Buddhist order. Since then, she has participated in various FGS short- and long-term retreats; attended trainings and events; lead and co-lead Buddhism and meditation classes; and has collaborated in both the planning and facilitation of some of the FGS North America Dharma Teachers’ training retreats held between 2018-2023. She continues to serve Hsi Fang Temple as a temple volunteer, Dharma teacher, and leading meditation. Reverend Angélica became a lay ordained clergy (Buddhist Minister) under the Bodhiyana Buddhist Chaplain Fellowship (BBCF) in May, 2023.
Dr. Nicholas Hisoire
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Nicholas Hisoire, MD, MS, is a dedicated medical professional and a devoted lay Buddhist minister practicing in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, known as ngakpa. His journey reflects a commitment to both academic excellence and spiritual growth.
During his undergraduate studies at California State University Los Angeles, Nicholas distinguished himself academically, earning cum laude honors and memberships in prestigious societies like Golden Key, Phi Kappa Phi, and Tri-Beta. His Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology laid the foundation for his multifaceted career. Continuing his educational pursuit, Nicholas excelled as a post-baccalaureate and masters student in applied life science at Keck
Graduate Institute, consistently earning a place on the Deans list. His academic achievements were complemented by a diverse range of part-time and volunteer roles, including positions as a managing/assignment editor, behavioral interventionist specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for children on the autism spectrum, and a tutor in Mathematics and English for students of all ages.
His passion for healthcare extended beyond the classroom through over 500 hours of volunteer service as a clinical care extender at Queen of the Valley Hospital in West Covina. This hands-on experience further fueled his aspiration to make a difference in mental health care. Completing his medical education at St. George’s University, Nicholas now aims to become a psychiatrist, driven by a profound desire to alleviate the mental suffering prevalent in todays world.
Nicholas journey into Tibetan Buddhism has been transformative, shaping his personal, emotional, spiritual, and physical growth. Together with his partner, Dr. Victor Gabriel, he co-leads monthly practice sessions at their house temple. His interests include Buddhist symbology, mythos, and logos which inspire him to explore the transformative power of symbols in elevating
ordinary states to extraordinary ones. While he readily acknowledges he is not a scholar or master in Buddhism, Nicholas guides and counsels students under the supervision of a recognized teacher, offering insights into meditation and navigating the complexities of everyday life with wisdom and compassion.
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Venerable Le Ngo (Hong Yen Tran)
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Venerable Le Ngo (Hong Yen Tran) is a seasoned Buddhist nun with nearly two decades of ordination in the Linji tradition. She is devoted to offering mental health and spiritual support to underserved communities. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, Long Island, and a Master of Divinity in Buddhist Chaplaincy, along with a Master of Arts in Psychology and Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of the West, Ven. Le Ngo brings a diverse educational background to her compassionate work.
Having completed her initial unit of CPE training at Cedar Sinai Hospital, Ven. Le Ngo is currently working towards licensure in Marriage and Family Therapy. As the abbess of Phuoc Tuong Temple in Mesa, AZ, she provides valuable dharma education to both English and Vietnamese laity. Furthermore, she serves as an instructor in the Mindcraft Program at Dai Bi Temple in Garden Grove, where she imparts meditation and mindfulness teachings to Buddhist youths.
Ven. Le Ngo also plays a pivotal role in offering spiritual guidance to communities in California and Arizona. Her commitment to the cause extends to her position as an Advisory Board Member of the Bodhiyana Buddhist Chaplain Fellowship. With a focus on delivering high-quality mental and spiritual care, she utilizes her extensive skills and experiences to empower others with strategies for self-healing and the pursuit of happiness.
Rev. Debra Rodgers
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Reverend Debra Rodgers is a retired Registered Nurse, an ordained Buddhist minister, and a Contemplative Spiritual Care Counselor. She received a Bachelor of Nursing degree from California State Channel Islands and a Master of Divinity in Buddhist Chaplaincy degree from University of the West. She completed five units of Clinical Pastoral Education, including a year-long CPE Residency at Gundersen Hospital in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Rev. Debra is a lay ordained member of the Order of Interbeing in Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village Buddhist tradition.
Rev. Debra’s work experience includes over 20 years in Oncology, Palliative Care and Hospice. One of the things that has been most rewarding for Debra was serving in the Los Angeles County Jails for three years as a volunteer Buddhist Chaplain. Her passion now is to support other people’s spiritual practice and personal growth, and to support Buddhist Chaplains in their professional development. Debra founded and co-facilitates two Sanghas (meditation and
mindfulness practice groups) in the Plum Village tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh, and she serves as a board member of the Bodhiyana Buddhist Chaplain Fellowship.
