About Us

Duke Nguyen

A devoted follower of Thay for more than two decades, Duke brings to Blooming Lotus extensive experience in managing small and medium-sized businesses: he had managed many companies simultaneously in various sectors such as telecom and computing distribution, Real Estate Financing and Brokerage. Duke has frequently come to Deer Park Monastery and Plum Village to practice. He supports Thay and Monastic Sanghas in all possible ways within his abilities.

Duncan Berry

A long-time devotee of Thay’s loving kindness teachings, Duncan contributes his expertise and prior experience in owning and operating a global apparel design and manufacturing business to Blooming Lotus. Having been in the field for 20 years, he brings with him a wealth of industry contacts which facilitate Blooming Lotus’ first phase of organic T-shirt sourcing. He will also lend his expertise in areas such as design, supplier relations, and quality control.

Frank Chimienti

A devoted follower of Thay for several years, Frank, a graduate of UCLA school of law who has operated his own law firm in Los Angeles since 2008, lends extensive legal support and business insight to the team.  Frank's legal expertise is in corporate law, real estate and contracts so his direction will be of great value to Blooming Lotus. Frank takes great joy in spending time with his family at Deer Park and also took part in Thay's tour of Thailand in 2010.

Ron Forsters

Also a long-time followers of Thay and has received the14 Mindfulness Training, Ron is very dedicated to Thay’s loving kindness practice.  He brings to Blooming Lotus his expertise in project management and marketing.  Ron has over 20 years of experience in consumer marketing with Hewlett-Packard.  He is also an active volunteer in several community organizations focused on environmental protection of threatened habitats.

Richard Trinh

Richard Trinh had met Thay more than 20 years ago and has been his follower since. He has prior experience in managing small to large-sized business, from gift shop to supermarket. His expertise from retail to wholesale will help to contribute greatly to Blooming Lotus. He practiced at a local sangha and also at Deer Park.

Monglan Ho

Monglan Ho has been a dedicated disciple of Thay for more than 20 years. She has devoted herself for the continuation of Thay's teachings and for the application of Buddhism in everyday life. She has experience in managing small-sized business, organizing retreats and mindfulness days. She comes to Deer Park to practice and support the monastic sangha and also participates at a local sangha.