About Marta Dabis

Marta Dabis is a Sōtō Zen Teacher, board-certified chaplain, and pioneering educator who bridges ancient contemplative wisdom with modern healthcare and academic research. 

As founding Lead Priest and now Teacher of JissoJi Zen Ann Arbor –  an officially recognized Branching Streams affiliate of the San Francisco Zen Center – she has created a thriving spiritual community that integrates traditional Zen practice with contemporary accessibility, offering both in-person and online meditation sessions.

A recognized leader in the emerging field of research-informed chaplaincy, Marta was selected as one of only eight fellows nationwide for the prestigious Templeton Foundation’s Transforming Chaplaincy program (2017-2019). Her work has contributed to establishing evidence-based practice as a core competency for chaplains, helping bridge the gap between spiritual care and healthcare teams through scholarly research and clinical innovation.

Marta Dabis in her Sōtō Zen Priest Robes

Marta Dabis in her Sōtō Zen Priest Robes

With experience across major medical centers, including Yale New Haven Hospital, Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, and University of California San Francisco Medical Center, Marta brings both clinical expertise and contemplative insight to her work. Her unique integration of Buddhist chaplaincy training with rigorous academic research has positioned her as a thought leader in spiritual care in healthcare.

As an innovative bioethics educator at Yale University’s prestigious S. Nuland Summer Bioethics Institute, Marta developed a “Relational Bioethics” seminar series using popular media to make complex ethical concepts accessible and engaging. Her pedagogical approach has influenced international bioethics education, reaching students from over 20 countries.

Marta Dabis sitting with her Sangha, JissoJi Zen Ann Arbor

Marta Dabis sitting with her Sangha, JissoJi Zen Ann Arbor

Marta is currently managing chronic fatigue with the wisdom and adaptability that characterize her approach to life’s challenges and continues her commitment to teaching and spiritual guidance. She remains passionate about creating transformative learning experiences that build practical wisdom rather than mere information consumption.

Background & Experience

Spiritual Leadership & Community Building

  • Founder, Lead Priest, JissoJi Zen Ann Arbor (2016-present) — Official Branching Streams affiliate of San Francisco Zen Center
  • Residential training at San Francisco Zen Center, including intensive Zen practice periods at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center and Green Gulch Farm Green Dragon Temple
  • Buddhist Chaplaincy Course, Sati Center for Buddhist Studies (300+ hours)

Academic Research in Professional Chaplaincy

  • Templeton Transforming Chaplaincy Research Fellow, University of Michigan School of Public Health (2017-2019) – an initiative of Rush University Medical Center and Brandeis University
  • Researcher in disaster chaplaincy interventions and applied pastoral theology
  • Professional Development Intensive presenter, Association of Professional Chaplains Annual Conference (2016, 2017)

Healthcare Ministry & Clinical Experience

  • University of California San Francisco Medical Center (2012) clinical training at UCSF Medical Center and Benioff Children’s Hospital
  • Saint Joseph Mercy Health System (2012-2013, 2015-2018) clinical training and professional chaplain
  • Yale New Haven Hospital (2013-2014) Chaplain resident
  • Over 200 volunteer hours at San Francisco’s Zen Hospice Project

Academic Innovation & Teaching

  • Guest Instructor, Yale University’s prestigious S. Nuland Summer Bioethics Institute (2015-2016)
  • Developer of Innovative Relational Bioethics pedagogy using popular media
  • Research Assistant, The Jewish Theological Seminary, conducting grounded theory research
  • Visiting Scholar, The Hastings Center
Marta Dabis with her Yale Bioethics Cohort

Marta Dabis with her Yale Bioethics Cohort

Business & Consulting Background

  • Founding Partner, Inspiring Conversations LLC (2005-present)
  • Former Senior Management Consultant at Accenture (1996-2001)
  • Board Member, NAWBO Greater Detroit Chapter (2006-2008)

Published Work & Research

Peer-Reviewed Publications

  • “Examination of Spiritual Needs in Hurricane Sandy Disaster Recovery Through Clinical Pastoral Education Verbatims” — Grounded theory research addressing gaps in disaster spiritual care
  • “A Theology of Faith in Pastoral Care” (2016) — Sati Center for Buddhist Studies publication exploring Buddhist concepts of faith in chaplaincy practice

Conference Presentations

  • “Professional Development Intensive for Chaplains in Clinical Practice,” Association of Professional Chaplains Conference (2016)
  • “Relational Ethics” presentation, Yale Interdisciplinary Center for Bioethics (2015)

Recognition & Fellowships

  • Templeton Transforming Chaplaincy Fellow (Cohort 2, 2017-2019) — Highly competitive fellowship with full tuition, yearly stipend, and research funding
  • Founding member of the research-literate chaplaincy movement, contributing to establishing evidence-based practice standards nationwide
  • Yale bioethics educator at the internationally recognized S. Nuland Summer Bioethics Institute

Education

  • Master of Divinity (in progress), The Jewish Theological Seminary — Integrating Jewish wisdom with interfaith spiritual care competencies
  • Bioethics/Medical Ethics, Yale University — Comprehensive training in narrative ethics, research ethics, and end-of-life care
  • Buddhist Chaplaincy Certificate, Sati Center for Buddhist Studies — 300+ hour program in contemplative pastoral care
  • MBA, International Business & HR Management, Oakland University
  • MS, Economics, Computer Science, Mathematics, University of Szeged, Hungary
  • BS, Computer Science, Mathematics, University of Szeged, Hungary

Languages & Certifications

  • Languages: Hungarian (Native), English (Professional Proficiency), Japanese (Learning)
  • Professional Certifications: Board Certified Chaplain (BCC), Association of Professional Chaplains

Media Features