Our Staff

Jay Gibson – Vice President
jgibson@sef.org
Jay was appointed as Vice President of the Foundation in November 2014. Since 2001, Jay has been serving as a Shinnyo-en spiritual teacher and guide. He became an ordained Dharma teacher in 2007, and currently serves as Temple Manager of the Shinnyo-en LA Temple in Orange County, California. Jay is no stranger to the Foundation, having served on its Board of Directors from 2004-2007. He has also been a strong ally in the Foundation’s work, promoting Family Service Events in Southern California and Nevada, and presenting at the National Service-Learning Conference in 2014. Jay will continue in his role as Temple Manager while assuming responsibilities at the Foundation.

Ineko Tsuchida Ph.D. – Program Director
itsuchida@sef.org
Ineko joined the Foundation in October 2007. As Program Director, she oversees the Foundation’s grantmaking and programs. In partnership with grantees and other associates of the Foundation, she promotes the actualization of the Foundation’s Infinite Paths to Peace initiative. Ineko also serves as liaison to leading academic institutions in peace education, conflict analysis and resolution, and community engagement as she directs the Foundation’s Shinnyo Fellowship Program. Ineko has a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education from San Francisco State University. She also holds a Master’s and a Doctoral Degree in Educational Psychology from UC Berkeley. Working at Shinnyo-en Foundation builds on Ineko’s lifelong passion to improve the lives of children and their families.

Rene Encarnacion – Administration Director
rencarnacion@sef.org
Rene joined the Foundation in June 2014, with a background in operations and finance in both private industry (international banking, telecommunications, media) and in non-profit social enterprise. He serves in faith-based ministry and enjoys outdoor sports. He has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of the Philippines and an MBA from Harvard.

Francis Bencik – Grants Manager
fbencik@sef.org
Francis joined the Foundation in July 2019. In her role as the Grants Manager, Francis provides overall management of Shinnyo-en Foundation’s portfolio of grants including identifying and evaluating prospective grantees and working with the Program Director to monitor, evaluate and oversee the grantees’ progress. Francis comes to the Foundation with 10 years of experience in the non-profit sector including managing direct service, social enterprise, and humanitarian response programs/projects. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Social Action from Palo Alto University and a Master’s degree in Human Rights from the European Inter-University Center for Human Rights.