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
Rev. Michael Tran, CEO
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
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.
Dr. Nicholas Hisoire
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.
