Kim holds a Ph.D. in Leadership and Change from Antioch University and a M.Ed. from Boston University in Counseling Psychology.  She is an ordained Buddhist Chaplain and has been a lifelong activist for social change and human rights.

Kim was introduced to contemplative practices as a young person managing health challenges. One crisis culminated in the direct experience of awe during a choice moment to remain on this planet. The awe-inspired space between ordinary and sacred remains at the center of Kim’s life, orienting progress along her path of inner sustainability and reminding her of Laughing Buddha’s guidance to not hold anything too seriously.

Her unique lens of irreverent reverence combines laughter, humility and a love of learning into an interdisciplinary approach that creates a safe space to take an inward gaze. Whether in the zendo, classroom, or places of pain (concentration camps of Poland – lynching sites in USA – hospital wards), Kim’s work in the world is to explore pathways toward joy, peace and freedom.

She is founder and Executive Director of The Dignity Foundation, through which she combines her community-based chaplaincy mindset with executive leadership skillsets. Her offerings include bearing witness retreats, spiritual care and contemplative practice for death & dying, inner sustainability workshops, transformational coaching for those seeking to lead from the inside out. She has begun to capture lessons from our messily lived lives in an essay book entitled Coffee Bean Sutras.

She has professionally served in leadership roles ranging from directing a Sustainable Innovation MBA, overseeing People & Culture departments, chairing Graduate Mindfulness studies and Transpersonal Psychology studies, designing The Academy of Contemplative and Ethical Leadership for Mind & Life Institute, establishing The Institute of Contemplative Studies at Burlington College, and directing a Community-Based Mental Health program. Kim is a Diversity Mindset All-star, 2025.