Ven. Ani Cheryl / Chö Dechen, born in the USA, pursued a career as a scientist in plant sciences and ecosystems, which later allowed her to travel to Sweden as a visiting scientist. After falling ill and suddenly being liberated from her profession, she resumed a spiritual quest that had begun in her childhood. Twelve years later she discovered Tibetan Buddhism and finally “Lama Sherab”. Aware that she was no longer young and still had much to learn, she became a nun in 2008.