Ellen Richter began her zen practice with Kobun Chino Roshi 40 years ago in Santa Cruz. Later she resided at the Zen Center of Los Angeles for two years where she was lay ordained by Maezumi Roshi and studied with Joko Beck. After a three-year stay in Japan, Ellen returned to Santa Cruz to raise her son, David, and to continue working as an early childhood educator. In 2013 she was ordained as a priest by Angie Boissevain.
Ellen Richter