Profile
Which degree(s) did you earn at Lancaster Theological Seminary?
Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry
Did you pursue any secondary degrees? If so, which institution did you attend, and which degree(s) did you earn?
I have a certificate in chaplaincy management from the Spiritual Care Association and a certificate in spiritual direction from the Diocese of Harrisburg. I am currently pursuing a certification in healthcare ethics.
What is your job title and name of your employer?
I am Lead Chaplain for UPMC Central Pennsylvania Region and Chaplain for UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Central Pennsylvania Region. I am also an Ethics Consultant for UPMC Central Pennsylvania, as well as an Institutional Review Board member for our institution. I also work closely with integrated medicine, providing spiritual direction for many of our patients.
How did your Seminary experience prepare you for your career?
My Seminary experience did so much for me! I started at LTS two months before laying the groundwork for our outpatient spiritual care program at Hillman. What my Seminary experience did for me was make me confident in my growth as leader and program developer. It helped to open my eyes to a diverse number of beliefs and helped me to better articulate (and even defend) my own belief system as a Roman Catholic woman. I grew into my pastoral authority at LTS and see my ministry and practice as an invaluable asset to the church and the community. LTS provided the necessary skills to give major presentations at System Leadership, Nurse Residency, and other educational offerings to our staff, physicians, residents, critical care fellows, and community. It set me up to be an expert in my field. Additionally, my Seminary experience made me fearless in my work, in the Church, and in the world as I continue to grow in agape love for all of God’s children. I could speak about this all day.
Share a memorable moment from when you were a student.
I remember the day my brother died. It was the first day of the new semester, and I could not get to South Carolina (he was on vacation) where my brother was actively dying as I would not make it in time. For some ridiculous reason, I went to class. (Pastoral authority was less developed at that time.) I cannot remember how it happened, but I ran into Dr. Julia O’Brien. Julia provided spiritual care that was beyond comforting in my desolation. I’ll never forget it.
Anything else that made your Seminary experience special?
I can say so much about my professors, especially how Dr. Greg Carey and Dr. Lee Barrett seemed to accept (and fine tune) my Roman Catholic beliefs. Anne Thayer taught me objectivity through her teaching, CVR process, and guidance, which is especially helpful as Ethics Consultant and IRB Member/Reviewer. I could mention every professor who helped me along the way. Thank you all!
