Venerable Soma Bhikkhuni

Venerable Soma is ordained as a Theravadan Monk and has resided at Heartwood Refuge since 2019. During this time she has been the assistant to Venerable Pannavati, Abbot and the coordinator of Treasure Human Life, developing educational programs for Dalit children in India, migrant camp for children and other service programs. Prior to taking and receiving vows Venerable Soma received  Buddhist Chaplaincy training from Upaya Zen Center. As a lay practitioner she received her clinical Masters of Social Work practicing with families and children as well as 25 years in public education working in comprehensive high schools, K-8 schools and developing alternative programs for children
preK- 12 and adjunct professor in Education at Lewis and Clark College.