Ordained in 2013 by Susan Tokudo Jion Postal, a student of Darlene Cohen, Chikudo Catherine Spaeth has built her path through deep commitment to practice and service. After serving as Susan Postal’s resident attendant, she returned to Tassajara following Susan’s passing and became a student of Ryushin Paul Haller. Since arriving there in 2014, her primary focus has been the Tassajara Practice Period, where she has continued to study and grow within the community.
Her experience includes serving as Work Leader, Tenzo, Ino, Shuso, and Shika, reflecting a broad range of responsibilities and leadership within the practice setting. She has also led courses and workshops both online and in person, sharing her experience in ways that support learning and connection. Outside of her teaching and practice life, she is a loving mother to her son and his wife, and a proud grandmother of three.