Ministerial Team
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Rev. Candice Shibata
Rev. Candice Shibata grew up in Stockton and attended the Buddhist Church of Stockton as a youth and young adult. She began her collegiate studies at San Joaquin Delta College and later transferred to California State University, Sacramento where she majored in psychology. After graduation, she was a case manager for children with special needs. In 2009, she obtained her first Master of Arts degree in counseling psychology from the University of San Francisco. Following graduate school, she interned as a therapist at two elementary schools from 2009-2010.
In September 2012, she received Tokudo ordination in Kyoto and served as the minister’s assistant in Stockton. She graduated with a master’s degree in Buddhist studies from the Institute of Buddhist Studies and Graduate Theological Union in May 2015. One month later, she returned to Japan to complete her Kyoshi certification.
Rev. Shibata’s ministerial assignments include the Berkeley Buddhist Temple and the Buddhist Church of Florin before her appointment at the Buddhist Church of Stockton on July 1, 2020.
Resident Minister
Certified Minister's Assistants
MeiMei Pablo
After leaving the church I grew up in, I went many years without having any kind of spiritual life or guidance. I discovered the Buddhist Church of Stockton at a time in my life when I needed some gentle direction to help me get through some rough times in
my life.
Becoming aware of the Buddha’s compassion touched something deep in my soul. I didn’t need to be perfect to be accepted or loved and the Buddha’s compassion is always there for me, just as I am now. Learning the Dharma gave me the tools I needed to cope. The Sangha gave me a support team who are there for me in both
happy and difficult times.
Being able to serve the Sangha as a minister’s assistant is one of my greatest joys. I continue to learn and seek education so that I can serve my Sangha to the best of my
ability.
Kay Freeman
Kikuko “Kay” Freeman was born and raised in Japan in a Jodo Shinshu Buddhist family. She moved to the United States with her family in 1970. She has served as a Certified Minister’s Assistant at the Buddhist Church of Stockton since 2025.
Kay enjoys contributing to the temple community, volunteering with the temple beautification team, participating in the SBWA (Stockton Buddhist Women’s Association), and sharing her creativity through Japanese Kimekomi doll making class, which she has taught for the past 10 years.
Most importantly, she hopes to share the Dharma she cherishes with the temple Sangha.