Bhikshuni Thubten Semkye was Sravasti Abbey's first lay resident, moving there in the spring of 2004 to help Bhikshuni Thubten Chodron, the founder with the gardens and land management as well as coordinating volunteers. She became the Abbey's third nun in 2007 and received bhikshuni ordination in Taiwan in 2010.
Venerable Semkye draws on her extensive experience in landscaping and horticulture to manage the Abbey's forests and gardens. She facilitates the "Offering Service" with the many guests who visit the Abbey in which they volunteer with construction, gardening, and forest stewardship,
Along with the other fully ordained bhikshunis at the Abbey, Venerable Semkye leads meditation classes, retreats and shares the Buddha’s teachings by livestream videos on U-Tube. She also participates with the Abbey community in Interfaith dialogue, Prison Outreach, Sustainable Forest Stewardship and local organizations that support at risk youths.