Sokaku Kathie Fischer began her Zen practice in 1971 at the Berkeley Zen Center under Sojun Mel Weitsman, starting a lifelong path of disciplined study and service. In 1980, she was ordained as a Zen priest at San Francisco Zen Center by Zentatsu Richard Baker and remained in residential practice there for another 15 years. While building a 28-year career as a school teacher in Mill Valley, she continued to deepen her understanding of Dharma, receiving Dharma transmission from Sojun Weitsman in 2011. After retiring from teaching science to adolescents, she devoted her attention fully to studying and sharing Dharma. Her background brings together decades of contemplative training, education, and compassionate guidance. Kathie lives with her husband Norman and is the mother of adult twin sons and grandmother of three children.