Venerable Soma took novice and higher ordination as a Theravaden monk and has resided at Heartwood Refuge since 2018. During this time she has been the assistant to Venerable Pannavati, Abbot and the coordinator of Treasure Human Life, the service component of Heartwood Refuge. Prior to taking vows, Venerable Soma ordained as a Buddhist Chaplain at Upaya Zen Center. As a lay practitioner she received her clinical Masters of Social Work practicing with families and children as well as worked 25 years in public education in various roles in education as well as adjunct professor in Education at Lewis and Clark College.