Born in Texas and raised in sunny California, Lisa Kogan graduated from National University with honors with a degree in Criminal Justice. She has been married for the past 15 years to her best friend, Gene. Together they have two happy dogs. Lisa enjoys playing softball, traveling, hiking, and spending time with friends.
Lisa has been a special education teacher for the past 14 years. She currently spends her days as a special education teacher at Fred Finch Youth and Family Services working with young people who have intellectual and emotional disabilities. She loves her job and making a difference in young people’s lives.
Lisa has been a dedicated volunteer with LightBridge Hospice since 2006. She has been providing companionship, Healing Touch, Aromatherapy, and serving as an 11th Hour volunteer for those in the final moments of life. In addition, she has been instrumental in creating end of life wishes for her hospice patient, such as putting on a Buddhist wedding, finding long-last family members for one hospice friend and creating a garden for another before they passed away.
As advocate for the homeless, Lisa strongly believes that everyone deserves a safe place to sleep. During the past 10 years, Lisa has been providing food for the homeless community in downtown San Diego with several organizations. Six years ago, Lisa set out to build shelters for people experiencing homelessness. She joined the nonprofit, Amikas, and they are currently in the process of building shelters for our cities most vulnerable: homeless women and children.
Lisa has been a volunteer with the Palbar Ling Center for the past 2 years. Through PLC, Lisa teaches English to children living at a temple in Bangladesh. Additionally, she participates in the PLC’s feeding and clothing redistribution program, offering food and clothing to those in need in various cities in California, including Skid Row, which contains one of the largest populations of homeless people in the U.S. Currently, Lisa is serving on PLC’s Board of Directors as assistant secretary.
In 2009, Lisa discovered Buddhism and the basic principles and teachings resonated with her. Since 2011, Lisa has been leading a children’s sangha at The Dharma Bum Temple teaching meditation, mindfulness, compassion, and peacefulness through stories and art.
Lisa has been awarded The Presidential Volunteer Award by President Obama, Volunteer of the Year at LightBridge Hospice, and Employee of the Year with Fred Finch Youth and Family Services.
Lisa is passionate about helping those in need and has made this her lifelong mission.